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Wednesday 1 February 2012

Sri Hari-Vayu Stuthi (Telugu Script)



Friday 20 January 2012

Maagha Maasam - 2012 (Calendar of Key events)

Lunar Month: Maagha Maasam
Solar Month: Makara-Kumbha Maasam
Ruthu: Sisira



Shannavathi Days (For Pithru tharpana)

25.01.2012
Vyatheepaatha Yoga
30.01.2012
Manvaadi
04.02.2012
Vaidruthi Yoga
13.02.2012
Kumbha Sankramana, Poorvedyu
14.02.2012
Ashtaka
15.02.2012
Anvashtaka
19.02.2012
Vyatheepaatha Yoga
21.02.2012
Bahula Amaavaasya – Darsha, Yugaadi (Dwapara)

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu

Thursday 19 January 2012

Symbolism & Significance of Zero (Shuunya)


Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

It was India who first gave zero the status of a number and it was Hindu mathematicians who first conceived of zero as a number. Zero signifies something very different from simply nothing. Zero has the power to build any number (eg.10, 100, 1000 etc.) at the same time it has the ability to destroy another number – zero times of anything is zero.  Zero stands for vacuum, void, nothing. The discovery of zero and the place value system were inventions unique to the Indian civilization. It was India that gave to the world the value of Zero which was represented by the words like Shoonya in the earliest Sanskrit texts. In mathematical language Shoonya means nothing, its value is nil, however spiritually it symbolizes the ultimate being the Parabrahma. Shuunya is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning zero, nothingness. Shuunya is a symbol that represents absence and it indicates the presence of nothing. Absence lies at the beginning and also at the end of existence.
  
In Indian classical dance we find a mudra (symbolism) known as Shoonya mudra. It is said that this mudra is ideal for ailments of the ear, nose and throat. In the science of Yoga there is a yogic prakriya known as Soonya meditation which is considered to be one of the important practices for those who want to reach a higher level of meditative state. In Hindu lunar calendar we find a reference to the word Soonya in the context of Soonya masam and Soonya thithi. Shuunyata described as the Buddhist doctrine of emptiness was refuted by Sri Madhvacharya founder of Dvaita philosophy. According to Pythagoras, Zero (Shuunya) is the perfect form which contains all and from which all is created. 

Shuunya is a Sanskrit word. Su means blissful, auspicious, delightful, good etc. Universe is called Soonya and is regulated by the all pervading supreme Lord SriManNarayana (Niyamaka). Zero is considered as a revelation of Divinity. It represents the cosmic egg. Lord Vishnu is known as Hiranyagarbhah from whose vitality emerged that famous golden egg which is the one from which creation takes place. He is the cause of the universe, directly responsible for creation of everything in the universe. There cannot be any other cause other than Lord Vishnu for the creation of the universe. He manifests himself first before the creation of the universe.

Shuunya is one of the several thousands of names of Lord Vishnu. In Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram, sloka # 79 we find a reference to the word Soonya (Viirahaa vishhamah suunyo ghritaasiir achalaschalah). One, who is without any attributes, appears as Shuunya (emptiness).  He is the One who is a big zero as far as the defects are concerned. He is the only one in the Universe who is totally devoid of any defects of any kind. He is the one who annihilates everything during Maha Pralaya (great deluge). Even during Maha Pralaya when nothing exists still He exists and He is real eternal and primordial.

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu

  

Tuesday 10 January 2012

Significance & Symbolism of Numbers – Hindu perspective


Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vasudevaya!
  Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

Usage of numbers is prevailing in the world since time immemorial and has become an integral and eternal part of the day to day life in the world economy and civilization. Pythagoras the famous mathematician and philosopher believed that all things are numbers and number is within of all things. Numbers rule the universe. Number is the ruler of forms and ideas. In the words of Bertrand Russell, numbers are eternal and not in time. Number is the explanation of the world and understanding of numbers is   essential to the knowledge.

Plato called the study of number symbolism "the highest level of knowledge". Pythagoras believed numbers had souls, as well as magical powers. He divided the numbers into two groups odd and even, male and female, light and dark etc. St. Augustine of Hippo wrote that, "Numbers are the universal language offered by the deity to humans as confirmation of the truth." Similar to Pythagoras, he too believed that everything had numerical relationships and it was up to the mind to seek and investigate the secrets of these relationships or have them revealed by divine grace.

Starting from a home-maker right up to head of the nation and starting from a kinder garden learner right up to a research scholar everybody keeps battling with these numbers in day to day life. There is nothing one can do that does not involve application of numbers. Without numbers there is no standardization set in any field.  Perhaps there may not be any field which does not use the numbers or any day in human life which passes through without the usage of numbers. Astrology is closely associated with numbers and astrological calculations and predictions are based on numbers. Science of Numerology is exclusively based on the study of numbers and its vibrations. It believes that numbers presage the events to unfold in our lives and they are the framework within which we live.

Hindu perspective

Although the significance of numbers is not recognized or appreciated one cannot deny the great truth behind numbers. Even though lot of research has taken place, the origin and history of numbers is still a mystery. It is strongly believed that India is the cradle of numbers from where it has spread to Arab and Europe. In the words of;

Albert Einstein, "We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made." It was India that gave to the world the value of Zero which was represented by the words like Shoonya in the earliest Sanskrit texts.

Lancelot Hogben, There has been no more revolutionary contribution than the one which the Hindus made when they invented ZERO."

Will Durant, American Historian, "It is true that even across the Himalayan barrier India has sent to the west, such gifts as grammar and logic, philosophy and fables, hypnotism and chess, and above all numerals and the decimal system."

In the words of Pierre Simon Laplace a French mathematician, the ingenious method of expressing every possible number using a set of ten symbols (each symbol having a place value and an absolute value) emerged in India.

The discovery of zero and the place value system were inventions unique to the Indian civilization. Above quotes are some of the testimonials of Indian (Hindu) contribution to the world in terms of significance of numbers.

Though the numbers we use in India are Hindu-Arabic numbers, it is strongly believed that these numbers are in existence since Vedic days and have originated from Brahmi numerals. These Brahmi numerals are said to have come from Indus-Valley civilization. In Hindu philosophy numbers are not mere quantitative indicators, but are of greater value and significance. They are used in the practice of religious ceremonies, to bring in spiritual discipline and are also used as symbols of divinity, their energies and their qualities. In every concept of Sanatana Dharma otherwise known as Hindu dharma we find involvement and usage of numbers. Whether it is Vedas or Upanishads or Puranas or religious rituals and practices, Hindu almanac etc., all are associated with numbers. Even composition of manthras is based on numbers, for example sacred Gayathri manthra comprises of 24 syllables.

In Hindu scriptures (Puranas) we find several numerical descriptions like distances, durations, numbers of universal element, etc. from the perception of Hindu cosmology. They also explain how these numbers were used during ancient times as guiding factors to understand the Hindu cosmology from a numerical perspective. Kaala-Ganana, reckoning of time since creation (Kalpa, Manvanthara and Yuga) is based on numbers only. We also find association of numbers with some of the key concepts of Hinduism.  Hindus have always regarded numbers as highly sacred and symbols of certain cosmic powers with latent secrets associated with spirituality.

Each number according to ancient tradition has its own significance. One lifetime may not be adequate to study the significance of entire numbers available in scriptures. Through this post I am only trying to make an attempt to emphasize the significance and symbolism of some of the numbers from the perspective of Hinduism. 

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu

To be continued......... 

Friday 6 January 2012

Uttarayana - 2012 (Makara Sankramana)


Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

Generally, Makara Sankranthi (Makara Sankramana) occurs on 14th day of January every year that also marks the beginning of Uttarayana. Sometimes due to an imbalance between lunar and solar calendars it also occurs on 15th January. Research in Astronomy found that, 1500 years back Makara Sankranthi used to fall on 22nd December.  This is said to be due to a concept called Precession or Ayanachalan that makes the seasons slide backwards with respect to the stars at the rate of one Indian star in about 950 years. Accordingly it is said that 14th January no longer represents the beginning of Uttarayana. In India we find two different dates being followed for the onset of Uttarayana, one on 22nd December as per the North Indian calendar and the other on 14th January as per the South Indian calendar. www.vigyanprasar.gov.in/dream/march2006/English.pdf

What is to be done during Uttarayana Parvakala?
Uttarayana is a parvakala highly sacred time that marks the beginning of Sun’s northward journey. During any Parvakala sacred bath, prayer, japa, penace, and charity are prescribed. When it is Uttarayana they will be still more significant and meritorious. Those who are eligible should also give Thila Tharpana to their forefathers. This day one should desist from sensual pleasures, should not apply oil to the body/head, and should take only vegetarian food.
 
Shat Thila karma
On the day of Uttarayana Parvakala (Makara Sankramana) one should use Thil (Sesame) seeds in six ways viz…Thila Snana, Thila Deepa, Thila Homa, Thila tarpana, Thila Dana and Thila Bhakshana. Worshipping Lord SriManNarayana and Sun God is highly meritorious during this time. Parayana of Vishnu Sahasranama sthothram, Aaditya Hridayam, Purusha Sooktham, Sri Rama Raksha Sthothram and Gayathri Japa, are useful prayers suggested at this time.

As per Masa dharma of Pushya Masam donating clothes (Vasthra Dana) to a Brahmin on this day is sacred and meritorious. Donating Pumpkin (Kushmanda Dana) on this day is also meritorious. Performing Sri Sathyanarayana Vratham on any Sankramana (Sun transit) day is meritorious and when it is Makara Sankramana associated with Uttarayana Parvakala it will be highly meritorious.
http://bhargavasarma.blogspot.com/2011/12/om-gam-ganapathaye-namaha-om-sri.html

Uttarayana -2012 Schedule

As per the Almanac followed in South India, Uttarayana Parvakala (Makara Sankramana) transit of Sun into Makara Raasi (Capricorn) is taking place this year on 15th January 2012 (early hours of Sunday) at 05.53 hrs. Hence, Parva-Punya kala for performing sacred rites will be from Sunrise up to Sunset on this day 15.01.2012

For more information on
Concept & Significance of Uttarayana Parvakala
Makara Sankranthi (Makara Sankramana) festival – Customs and traditions
You may like to read from the following link…..

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu


Monday 2 January 2012

2012 - upcoming celestial key events


Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

Ø Lunar year Ugaadi going to be Nandana-Naama Samvatsara

Ø Four eclipses occurring during 2012
v Two lunar and two solar
·       20.05.2012 – Annular Solar Eclipse
·       04.06.2012 – Partial Lunar Eclipse
·       13.11.2012 – Total Solar Eclipse
·       28.11.2012 – Partial Lunar Eclipse

Ø August month going to have two full moon days

Ø Lunar month Bhaadrapada masam going to be intercalary month – Adhika masam

Ø Jupiter (Guru) transit into Vrushabha (Taurus) Raasi during May’2012

Ø Pushkara of Narmada River

Ø Going to be a Leap Year – 29 days in February

Stay tuned for more information on related topics 












Saturday 31 December 2011

Blog Year - 2011 (a review)


During the year ended 2011, I could publish only 70 posts taking the total number to 217, and the page views has crossed 1.50 lakhs. December month has accounted for highest number of page views 17000. More than the number of posts, it is topic selection, its usefulness to the viewers and how effectively and timely I am able to communicate, that is more important. Courtesy Baraha, I could add some of the posts in regional languages Telugu & Kannada especially the one on Yagnopaveetha Dhaarana Vidhi as per Madhva sampradaya and also some of the divine stothras & slokas.

As I move on to the fourth year of my blogging experience, it is time to have a feedback for a qualitative improvement of the blog in the areas of topic selection, adequacy of information, quality of contents, presentation of articles, usefulness of information, layout & display and replies to comments. I request all viewers, followers and well wishers to give their esteemed views and suggestions for improvement of the blog.

It is observed that there are some blogs with similar name that may lead to confusion to the viewers during search. Not to get mixed up please note that, I use all small letters without any space in between, spelled as bhargavasarma and it is a single word. For ready reference, my

Ø  Mail:       bhagavanknl@gmail.com

I take this opportunity to thank all the viewers, followers and well wishers of my blog for their continued patronage. Finally I would like to thank my better-half, but for whose unstinted support this progress would not have been possible.

Wishing you all  

A very happy & prosperous

New Year – 2012

bhargavasarma


Annexure

Link to some of the favorite posts published (for ready reference)

Tuesday 20 December 2011

Sri Sathyanarayana Vratham (Glory-Significance-Intricacies)

Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!
Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

                            

India the birth place of Hinduism is rich in spirituality, religious cultures, faiths, austerities, customs and traditions that we don’t find any where else in the world. In the words of Mark Twain “India is the cradle of human race, the birth place of human speech, the mother of history, the grand mother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Bharatha Khanda (Indian sub-continent) is known as Karma Bhoomi which is unique with its significance for Vedic and religious culture and heritage. It is believed and said that one has to take birth in human form in this sub continent to attain the ultimate salvation through austerities that pleases the Almighty God. 

Hinduism strongly believes in Puranas and Vedic principles which are the guiding force behind performance of various austerities and rituals. Vrathas and austerities are an eternal and integral part of Hindu culture and tradition since yore. Vratha means a niyama or a restriction and they play a significant role in the spiritual development of an individual when they are properly observed. As long as one performs a sacred and pious act with full faith and devotion, it would definitely yield positive results and would bring pleasing rewards. They generate positive energy, help in acquiring control over wandering mind and bring discipline in life for self uplift. At the end of the day one should try to understand the concept, significance and intricacies of these Vrathas that motivates a person to follow and observe these austerities with full faith and devotion.
 
One such Vratha which is unique and highly rewarding is Sri Sathyanarayana Vratha which is widely performed throughout the country and even abroad by Hindus. It is so popular that we may not find any family or an individual who have not performed or heard of this vratha. This vratha is performed in adoration of Lord Sathyanarayana. Before we comprehend the niceties of this meritorious vratha let us try to understand as to who is this Lord Sathyanarayana?

Sathyanarayana is none other than Sri Maha Vishnu the primordial supreme Lord SriManNarayana. Sathya + Narayana = Sathyanarayana. Sathya is one of the several thousands of names associated with Lord Vishnu. We find a reference to the word Sathya more than once in sloka # 12,23,31,56,80 and 93 of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram. Sathya means truth. Lord Sri ManNarayana is the truth and is eternal. His concepts and creations are truth. His avatharas (incarnations) are truth. He is an embodiment of truth and Sathya is his costume. He is Sathya-dharma-parayana, the custodian of truth, virtue and justice. He always protects his true devotees. He is a personification of Dharma and his avatharas are always for protecting Sathya and dharma. He is the ultimate reality for his devotees. He is also known as Sathyanarayana. Verily He is a true God, not an illusion.

Narayana is a highly popular name by which Lord Sri Maha Vishnu is called.  He is the all pervading Supreme Lord. Several Vedic scripts like Purusha Sooktham, Narayana Upanishad, Narayana Sooktham and several puranas eulogize Lord Sri ManNarayana, his qualities, merits, magnificence and his supremacy. Nara + Yana = Narayana.  Nara is generally referred to mankind and Yana means the conveyance. Narayana means the conveyance or the sole vehicle for the human beings to depend upon for their ultimate journey of salvation.  Aayana also means the direction and Narayana is the one who shows direction to the mankind towards the ultimate reality. The word Naara is also associated with another meaning for water. Narayana also means the one whose abode is water.

Famous Ashtaakshari (eight lettered) manthra Om! Namo! Naaraayanaaya dedicated to Lord SriManNarayana is a Kyvalya (salvation) manthra without reciting of which even the Gayathri manthra becomes ineffective which we perform during Sandhyavandana. We find merits of reciting Narayana manthra in Srimad Bhagavatham 6th canto, in the episode of Ajaamilopakhyanam. In Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram we find reference to the word Narayana in sloka # 26 and sloka # 108. Narayana Upanishad describes Him as Eko! Narayana. There is only one Narayana, the supreme Lord; the Aadipurusha and there is no one superior to him and is second to none. He is unblemished and free from all sins. He is the Omkara (Pranavam) and is the core element of life. He is Paramaatma. He is Lord Sathyanarayana.

Having understood the concept and significance of Lord Sathyanarayana, let us try to understand the intricacies of Sri Sathyanarayana Vratham and its merits. Sathyanarayana is an extremely benevolent form of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu who is depicted similar to Vishnu. He is portrayed as chaturbhuja (four arms) holding Conch, Disc, Mace and Lotus in four hands, wearing a garland (Vanamala) with a sparkling appearance. Sathyanarayana is a household name among Hindu families. His worship is in the form of a vratha popularly known as Sathyanarayana Vratham.

Who first initiated for this Vratha

According to the story behind, it was Lord SriManNarayana himself in the guise of an old Brahmin who first directed a poor Brahmin living in Kaasi Kshethra to perform this sacred Vratha. Later through a dialogue between Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and Sage Narada it percolated down and from Pouranic prophet Sage Sootha it got unfolded into the world.
 
Uniqueness

Generally any vratha is performed targeting only the presiding Deity of that particular Vratha. Of course Lord Ganapathi will be worshiped invariably before commencement of any Vratha or Pooja. But uniqueness of Sathyanarayana Vratham is that, it is the only ritual where we find the Presiding Deity Lord Sri Sathyanarayana is worshiped along with Lord Ganesha and also Navagrahas. In some sampradaya we find even Ashta Dikkhpaalakas are also worshipped on the same platform. It only shows the supremacy of Lord Sathyanarayana who is none other than Lord Sri Hari who is worshipped along with protocols. During this vratha Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi is also worshipped. Another uniqueness we find in this Vratha is that it is the only vratha which is performed by one and all irrespective of affiliations and is open for people of all Varnas.
 
When-Where & Why?

Generally Vrathas are observed or performed only once in a year on the said day or thithi (Eg. Vinayaka Vratha, Anantha Vratha, Mangala Gouri etc).  Whereas, to perform Sri Sathyanarayana Vratham there is, no need for looking at the thithi, vaara and nakshathra.  It can be performed on any day as per one’s sankalpa. However, preferred days as per the Vratha Katha are Pournami (full moon day), Sankramana (Sun’s transit day), Ekaadasi.  

Preferred lunar months are Vaisakha masam, Karthika masam & Maagha masam. Apart from this, we find people generally perform Sathyanarayana Vratham on specific occasions like marriage, Gruha-pravesam etc. There is no restriction on the number of times that it can be performed. We find people performing this Vratha every month and at certain places it is even performed every day. It can be performed either in the day or in the evening. When it is performed in the evening we find people observes fasting till completion of the Pooja.  When it is on Ekaadasi day it is generally performed in the evening, fasting should be observed and we find people keep vigil throughout night, break the fast on the next day (Dwaadasi) morning after repeating the pooja.

Sathyanarayana Vratham can be performed at home, temples/mutts, offices, shops and establishments. Performing this vratha on the banks of sacred rivers or pilgrim centers (theertha kshetras) will be highly auspicious and meritorious. Sacred Naimisharanya the cradle of all Pouranic discourses and scripts is the most ideal place among the Theertha Kshetras to perform Sathyanarayana Vratham. It can be performed individually or collectively.

This meritorious Vratha is performed for various purposes and fulfillment of various desires in mind. Some of the purposes for which this ritual is generally performed are, for begetting progeny, facing obstacles in life, suffering from grief, ill-health, suffering from poverty, debts, success in ventures, prosperity and abundance in life, on the occasion of marriage, Gruha pravesam etc. However, it should not be performed during the period of Asoucha, on the day of Pithru/Mathru thithi, on the eclipse days.

Significance of Vratha Katha

Any vratha or ritual would be incomplete without reading its legend behind (Vratha-Katha) especially the one like Sri Sathyanarayana Vratham which should not be missed out. The story of Sri Sathyanarayana Vratham is originated from the Reva-Khanda of Skandha Purana, one of the Ashtadasa Maha-Puranas composed by Sage Sri Veda Vyasa. It was first narrated by Sage Sootha at the sacred Naimisharanya on the backdrop of Sage Narada getting a direction from Lord Sri ManNarayana for his (Narada’s) query on the suffering of humanity. Sri Sathyanarayana Vratha katha forms an integral part of this sacred vratham.  Great popularity behind this Vratham springs from the stories and legends behind and also from the experiences of devotees who performed it that stands as a testimony to the glory and significance of this sacred vratham.

The story consists of five chapters.  First chapter is almost like a dialogue between Sage Narada and Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. It narrates about when, where and why to perform this ritual, its merits and significance. Second chapter narrates about who fist performed viz. a poor Brahmin and a poor wood-cutter and their experiences. Third and fourth chapters narrate about the Mahatmya of Lord Sathyanarayana, glory of His worship, implications of ignoring him and also his benevolence. Fifth chapter indicates significance of Prasada (offering to the Lord) and implications of ignoring it.

Merits of the Vratham

Sri Sathyanarayana Vratham is considered as highly meritorious and result oriented especially in Kaliyuga that acts as remedy for various natal as well as mundane sufferings. Even witnessing the vratha, listening to the sacred story, taking Prasada (offering to God) is as meritorious as performing the Vratham itself.  It is a Kaamyaka Vratha the one that bestows and fulfills the desires of devotees be it materialistic or spiritual (Gnana, Bhakti & Vyragya)

Significance of Prasadam

A special mention has to be made about Sathyanarayana Swamy Prasadam. Another significance of this Vratha is its Prasada (offering to God) which is known as Saphaala Bhaksha. Saphaala means equal parts and Bhaksha means the eatable. Saphaala Bhaksha means Naivedya (offering to God) prepared with ingredients mixed in equal proportions. The ingredients for the preparation of Prasada are Wheat Soji, Bananas, Cow Milk, Sugar (jaggery) and Cow Ghee. Merits of Sri Sathyanarayana Swamy prasadam is such that it should be taken by one and all irrespective of affiliations.

Temples of Lord Sathyanarayana

We find temples of Lord Sathyanarayana across the country. Prominent among them is the one at Annavaram in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh about 45 km from Kakinada.  Annavaram Lord Sri Sathyanarayana Swamy is believed to have manifested on the top of Rathnagiri hills on the banks of Pampa River. Rarity of this temple is the Presiding Deity, Lord Sri Sathyanarayana Swamy appears with moustaches holding Dhanur-Baana (bow and arrows) in a standing posture along with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Shiva on a common platform. Here the Lord is known by the name Veera Venkata Sathyanarayana Swamy. Annavaram is believed to be the place that grants its devotees their desired boons. Annavaram is well connected by Rail located on the Vijayawada – Vizag line of Southern Railway and by road on the Chennai-Calcutta national highway. Nearest airport is Vizag about 3 hours distance from Annavaram. The temple is situated at a distance of 3 km from Annavaram Railway Station. All trains and buses passing this route stop at Annavaram.

Annexure

Pooja items required

    Turmeric powder(Haldi)
Kunkuma powder
Sandalwood powder
Areca-nuts(supari)
Akshata (rice grains mixed with Kunkuma)
Coconuts
Wooden platform (preferably square)
Mango leaves
Two new cloth pieces
Kalasha pot (silver/copper/brass)
Photo & small idol (pratima) of Sri Sathyanarayana Swamy
Ingredients for Panchamrutha

Ingredients for Prasadam
Dry fruits
Flowers
Betel leaves
Thulasi
Fruits,
Yagnopaveetham(janeu)
Water
Oil/ghee lamps
Cotton wicks
Akhanda Deepa
Camphor
Incense sticks
Aarati plate
Ghanta(bell)
Nava Dhaanya (for Navagrahas)

Ingredients for Panchamrutha
Cow milk, curd, honey,
sugar & ghee
Ingredients for Prasadam

Wheat Soji, sugar/jaggery, bananas, cow milk and cow ghee

Sri Sathyanarayana Pooja - Checklist

While performing Sri Sathyanarayana Swamy vratham following sequence is generally followed. It may vary as per one’s sampradaya and changes may be made in sequence, addition or deletion wherever applicable. Details of this schedule are nowadays available from the market in the form of books or CD/Cassettes. Just for ready reference the process flow is being provided in the form of a checklist.

Guru Vandana
Vigneshwara Prarthana
Aachamanam
Praanayaamam
Sankalpam
Kalasha Pooja
Ganapathi Pooja
Navagraha Pooja
Ashta Dikkhpaalaka Pooja (as per sampradaya)
Sathyanarayana Pooja
Prana Prathishta
Dhyanam (Prayer)
Aavaahanam
Aasanam
Arghyam
Paadhyam
Aachamanam
Madhuparkam
Snanam (Panchamrutha)
Suddhodaka Snanam
Vasthram
Yagnopaveetham
Chandana
Akshatha Samarpana
Pushpa Pooja (with
flowers)
Athah-Anga Pooja
Ashtottara Satha Nama Pooja
Dhoopam
Deepam
Naivedyam
Thamboolam
Mangala Neerajanam
Manthra Pushpam
Pradakshina – Namaskara
Arghyam
Vaayana Daanam
Prayer
Sathyanarayana Vratha Katha
Conclusion (Samarpana)
Uttara (Punah) Pooja
Udhwaasanam


               Ashta Dighpalakas
East
Poorva
Indra
South-East
Aagneya
Agni
South
Dakshina
Yama
South-West
Nyruthi
Nirruthi
West
Paschima
Varuna
North-West
Vaayuvya
Vayu
North
Uttara
Kubera
North-East
Eesaanya
Eesaana
   
    Navagrahas
Surya
Sukra
Chandra
Shani
Kuja
Rahu
Budha
Kethu
Guru


Vanamaali gadee shaarngii shankhii chakrii cha nandakii
SrimanNaaraayano vishnur-vaasudevo-abhirakshathu


Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu