SARASWATHI PUJAOctober 1st, 2017 Sunday 10:30AM

PROGRAMInvocation Slokas Little Balavikas

Masters of Ceremony R1 & R2

Steps of the Puja R3

Meaning of Ya Kundendu R4

Ya Kundendu All Kids

Meaning of Devi Sthuthi R5

Devi Sthuthi All Kids

Puja All Kids

Meaning of Rajopacharas R6

Songs during Puja:

Vara Veena All Kids

Importance of Saraswathi Beeja Mantra R7

Meaning of Mahishasura Mardini Stotram R8, R9, R10

Mahishasura Mardini Stotram All Kids

Stories:

Story of Mahishasura R11, R12

Story on Saraswathi R13, R14, R15

Sri Ramakrishna’s Prayer Every One Including Parents

Meaning of Mantrapushpam R16, R17

Mantra Pushpam All Students

Deva Gayathris All Students

Meaning of Aarthi R18

Meaning of Prathashikna Namaskaram R19

Sarawathi Aarathi All

Saraswathi Ma Ki Jai1

Thank you all for joining us today

Invocation Slokas by Little Balavikas

Shuklaambara Dharam VishnumShashi Varnam Chatur BhujamPrasanna Vadanam DhyaayetSarva Vighna Upashaanthaye

Saraswathi NamastubhyamVarade Kaamaroopini

Vidyaarambham KarishyaamiSiddhir Bhavatu Mey Sada

Saraswati Puja dialogue

R1: Good Morning! My name is R1.

R2: Namaste! I am R2. Welcome to Saraswati Puja, sponsored by the

Balavikas of Fairfax.

R1: We are glad to see all of you here today, and we welcome all children

to join us. All interested children, please come forward and collect a

plate from one of the volunteers.

But before we begin, RR2, can you tell us why we do Saraswati Puja?

R2: Sure, R1. Saraswati is the Goddess of knowledge. During Dusserah,

that is the first ten days of the Hindu month of Ashwij, traditionally

Devi, or Goddess is worshipped in her various forms. For example in

Bengal, Orissa and Eastern India it is celebrated as Durga Puja. In the

South Goddess Saraswati is worshipped. Actually in many parts of

India, during this period people worship the tools of their trade. For

example, they decorate railway engines, machine tools in workshops

etc. and worship them. As students, our tools are books, so we worship

Goddess Saraswati in the form of books, praying Her to guide our

education in this school year.

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R1: Oh, that makes sense. We all could use Saraswati’s blessings this year,

especially as students. But R2, what is puja? I mean, what do we do

when we do puja?

R2: Why don’t we ask R3 to explain that for us?

(R3 explanation)

Steps of the Puja

1.When we do puja we are treating God as a guest coming to our house. Whenever we invite guests, there are several things we do to make them feel welcome and at home.

First, we think of our guest before inviting. This is called Dhyanam. Then we invite our guest. That’s called Avahanam. Then once she comes, we offer her a seat: Asanam. Once seated, we offer something to drink, give good food to eat. We do the same thing to Goddess when we do puja. In fact there are sixteen different services we offer to the Goddess to make Her feel welcome. This is called Shodashopachara Puja. That is what we will do for Goddess Saraswathi today.

While we perform this outer ritual, it is important for us to concentrate on the inner ritual as well. We are in fact inviting Saraswathi into our most important home, our heart. As students, Saraswathi is a very important guest for us and hence we should keep our hearts clean and pure from evil thoughts, and focus our concentration on this puja.

2.Also, just like we pay full attention when an important guest comes to our house, we have to fully concentrate on the Puja, and so during the Puja there must be complete silence and concentration on the puja. We request all people in the audience to participate in the puja mentally, that is perform Manasika Puja with us and observe complete silence.

R1: It’s always important to understand what you are doing when you do

puja. Otherwise it seems useless, doesn’t it?

R2: Yes, it seems useless to do anything that you don’t understand.

R1: That’s for sure. (pause) What now, R2?

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R2: Hmm….why don’t we sing a few Saraswati slokas? We have many

friends that know Saraswati slokas, don’t we? Before we begin, R4

has the meaning for Ya Kundendu. R4?

(Meaning of Ya Kundendu by R4)

Meaning of Ya Kundendu…:

Oh Goddess Sarasvathi, who is fair as a garland of morning dew, who is dressed in white and whose hands are adorned by veena, who is seated on a white lotus, to whom Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara pray, we pray asking you that you please remove all ignorance from us.

Slokas by all children

Ya Kundendu

Ya Kundendu Tushaara Haara DhavalaaYa Shubhra Vastraavrita

Ya Veena Vara Danda ManditakaraYa Shveta Padmaasana

Ya Brahma Achyutaha Shankara PrabrithibhihDevai Sadaa Poojitha

Saa Maam Paatu Sarasvathi BhagavatiNishyesha Jyaadyaapaha

Dehi Dehi Sarada

Dehi Dehi Sarada Gyanam Dehi Sarvada

Prema Roopini Sarada Bhakti Dehi Sarvada

Dehi Dehi Sarada Gyanam dehi Sarvada

Mukti Roopini Sarada Moksham Dehi Sarvada

Dehi Dehi Sarada Gyanam Dehi Sarvada

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R1: We will sing Devi Sthuthi next. This is a profound sloka that says

why we should pray to our mothers every morning. R5 has the

meaning for this sloka. R5?

(Meaning of Devi Sthuthi by R5)

Meaning of Devi Stuthi

In this prayer, we consider all aspects of Mother. Mother is praised as Vishnu Maya and is worshipped in various other forms such as intelligence, energy etc. Mother is also praised for her patience, forgiving aspect, modesty and several such wonderful features. We should think of this sloka every morning and worship our mother before beginning the day’s activities.

Devi Sthuthi by all children

DEVI STUTHI

1. Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Vishnu Maayethi SabditaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

2. Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Buddhi Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

3. Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Shakthi Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

4. Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Kshaanthi Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

5. Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Lajjaa Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

6. Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Shaanthi Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

7. Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Shradhaa Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

8. Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Kaanthi Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

9. Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Lakshmi Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

10. Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Dayaa Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

11. Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Matru Roopena SamsthitaNamastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

R1: That was wonderful, wasn’t it R2.

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R2: Yes R1, that was wonderful. Now shall we request Srinivasan uncle to

conduct the puja.

(Puja by Srinivasan uncle and he invites R1 to continue)

R1: Next, we will be doing Rajopacharas. R6 has the explanation of what we do during

Rajopacharas. R6?

(Meaning of Rajopacharas by R6 )

Rajopacharas

Next we are going to offer Rajopacharas to Goddess Saraswathi. We will treat Goddess Saraswathi as a queen. We will take her in a procession carrying Her on horses, elephants and chariots. We will hold an umbrella over Her. We will fan her. Then we will sing Her glories and dance in Her honor. While we offer these services here on the stage, each one of you participate by imagining you are personally offering these services to the Goddess.

Song: Vara Veena

VARAVEENA

Varaveena Mrudu Paani Vanaruha Lochana Raani

Suruchira Bambhara Veni Suranuta Kalyaani

Nirupama Shubha Guna Lola Niratishaya Prada Sheela

Varadaapriya Ranganaayaki Vaanchita Phala Daayaki

Saraseejasana Janani Jaya Jaya Jaya

R1: Next, we will be chanting the Saraswathi Beeja Mantra. R7 has the significance of this mantra. R7?

Saraswathi Beeja Mantra

Sri Saraswathi is the goddess for Knowledge, Speech & Intelligence. By reciting the mantra of Sri Saraswathi the devotee is getting all the three. He will be able to control the entire world by his knowledge. Students would excel in their studies. Their knowledge would become unlimited. Lot of scholars have tested this mantra and found very

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productive. In the test students also have got lot of imporvements in their studies. Let all of us repeat the below mantra 12 times now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB0rJTWaac8

Om Hreem Aim Hreem Saraswathyai Namaha ||

OM HREEMIM OM HREEMAIMR2: One of the famous slokas written by Adi Sankara is Mahishasura Mardini Storam. R8, R9 and R10 and have the meaning for this stotram. R8?(Meaning of Mahishasura Mardini Stotram by R8, R9, R10)

Meaning of Mahishasura Mardini Stotram

1. Sri Mahishasura Mardini Stotram is like a beautiful garland of sound flowers strung together by the devotee and offered to Jagan Mata, the Divine Mother who guides all souls on the path of truth and light and protects the entire universe. This stotram was written by Sri Adi Sankaracharya who was an incarnation of Lord Siva himself. Sri Sankaracharya wrote this beautiful song by condensing a famous Devi scripture, the Devi Mahatmyam. It is not just the story which has been condensed; all the powerful energies of the Sanskrit sounds in the Chandi have also been concentrated in this stotram.

2.It says "O Mother, you are the essence of the sacred sound of Omkara, which has been resounding throughout the universe since before the beginning of time. You are Adi Parasakti, the original supreme power, which, bursting with energy, manifested this entire Creation. This universe with its many millions of spiral galaxies containing billions of suns and moons is truly your form only. You are the divine light that pervades all space and dwells in the inner recesses of every soul, without exception."

3.Essentially it assures that Goddess in her aspect as mother protects us while, like any

mother, ferociously destroys any evil that might hurt us. This includes destruction of evil

tendencies and vicious thoughts within us.

Song: Mahishasura Mardini Stotram

Mahishasura Mardini Stotram

Ayi giri nandini, nandhitha medhini, Viswa vinodhini nandanuthe ||Girivara vindhya sirodhi nivasini, Vishnu Vilasini Jishnu nuthe ||Bhagawathi hey sithi kanda kudumbini, Bhoori kudumbini bhoori kruthe ||Jaya Jaya Mahishasura mardini, Ramya kapardini, shaila Suthe || 1

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Suravara varshini, durdara darshini, Durmukhamarshani, harsha rathe ||Tribhuvana poshini, Sankara thoshini, Kilbisha moshini, ghosha rathe ||Danuja niroshini, Dithisutha roshini, Durmatha soshini, Sindhu suthe ||Jaya Jaya Mahishasura mardini , Ramya kapardini, shaila Suthe || 2

Ayi Jagadambha Madambha , Kadambha, Vana priya vasini, Hasarathe||Shikhari siromani, thunga Himalaya, Srunga nijalaya, madhyagathe||Madhu Madure, Madhukaitabha banjini, Kaitabha banjini, rasa rathe||Jaya Jaya Mahishasura mardini , Ramya kapardini, shaila Suthe || 3

Ayi satha kanda, vikanditha runda, Vithunditha shunda, Gajathipathe||Ripu Gaja ganda , Vidhaarana chanda, Paraakrama shunda, mrugathipathe||Nija bhuja danda nipaathitha khanda, Vipaathitha munda, bhatathipathe||Jaya Jaya Mahishasura mardini , Ramya kapardini, shaila Suthe|| 4

Ayi rana durmathaShathru vadhothitha, Durdhara nirjjara, shakthi bruthe||Chathura vicharadureena maha shiva, Duthatkrutha pramadhipathe||Duritha Dureeha, dhurasaya durmathi, Dhanava dhutha kruithaanthamathe||Jaya Jaya Mahishasura mardini , Ramya kapardini, shaila Suthe|| 5

Ayi saranagatha vairi vadhuvara, Veera varaa bhaya dhayakare||Tribhuvana masthaka soola virodhi, Sirodhi krithamala shoolakare||Dhumi Dhumi Dhaamara dundubinadha mahaa Mukharikruthatigmakare||Jaya Jaya Mahishasura mardini , Ramya kapardini, shaila Suthe|| 6

Ayi nija huum kruthimathra niraakrutha, Dhoomra vilochana Dhoomra sathe||Samara vishoshitha sonitha bheeja, Samudhbhava sonitha bheejalathe||Shiva shiva shumbha nishumbhamaha hava, Tarpitha bhootha pisacha rathe||Jaya Jaya Mahishasura mardini , Ramya kapardini, shaila Suthe|| 7

Dhanu ranushanga rana kshana sanga, Parisphuradanga natath katake||Kanaka pishanga brushathka nishanga, Rasadbhata shrunga hatavatuke||Kritha chaturanga bala kshithirangakadath , Bahuranga ratadh Bhatuke||Jaya Jaya Mahishasura mardini , Ramya kapardini, shaila Suthe|| 8

jaya jaya japyajaye jayashabda parastutitatatpara vishvanute ||Bhana Bhana Bhinjimi bhimkrita noopura sinjita mohita bhoota pate ||natita nataardhanatiinatanaayaka naatitanaatyasugaanarate ||jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 9

ayi sumanah sumanah sumanah sumanah sumanoharakaantiyute ||shrita rajanii rajanii rajanii rajanii rajaniikaravakravrute ||sunayanavibhra marabhra marabhra marabhra marabhra maraadhipate||jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 10

sahitamahaahava mallamatallika mallitarallaka mallarate ||

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virachitavallika pallikamallika shrillikabhillika vargavrute ||sita kruta phullisamullasitaakruNtallaja pallavasallalite ||jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 11

aviralagaNda galanmadamedura mattamatangajaraajapate ||tribhuvana bhooshaNa bhootakalaanidhi roopapayonidhiraajasute ||ayi sudatiijanalaalasamaanasa mohanamanmatharaajasute ||jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 12

kamaladalaamalakomala kaantikalaakalitaamala bhaalatale ||sakalavilaasakalaanilayakrama kelichalatkala hamsakule ||alikulasankula kuvalayamaNdala maulimiladbakulaalikule ||jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 13

karamuraliirava viijita koojita lajjita kokila manjumate ||militapulinda manoharagunjita ranjitashailanikunjagate ||nijaguNabhoota mahaashabariigaNa sadguNasambhruta kelitale ||jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 14

katitatapiitadukoolavichitra mayookhatiraskrita chandraruche||praNatasuraasura maulimaNisphuradamshulasannakha chandraruche||jitakanakaachala maulipadorjita nirbharakunjara kumbhakuche ||jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 15

vijitasahasra karaikasahasra karaikasahasra karaikanute ||krutasurataaraka sangarataaraka sangarataaraka soonusute ||surathasamaadhi samaanasamaadhi samaadhi samaadhi sujaatarate ||jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 16

padakamalam karuNaanilaye varivasyati yonudinam sashive ||ayi kamale kamalaanilaye kamalaanilayah sakatham na bhavet ||tava padameva param padamityanushiilayato mama kim na shive ||jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 17

kanakalasatkala sindhujalairanusinchinute guNarangabhuvam ||bhajati sa kim na sachikuchakumbha tatiiparirambha sukhaanubhavam ||tava charaNam sharaNam karavaaNi nataamaravaaNi nivaasisivam ||jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 18

tava vimalendukulam vadanendum alam sakalam nanu koolayate ||kimu puruhoota puriindumukhiisumukhiibhirasau vimukhiikriyate ||mama tu matam sivanaamadhane bhavatii kripayaa kimuta kriyate ||jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 19

ayi mayi diinadayaalutayaa krupayaiva tvayaa bhavitavyamume ||ayi jagato jananii krupayaasi yathaasi tathanumitaasitare ||

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yaduchitamatra bhavatyurariikrutaadurutaapa mapaakrurute ||jaya jaya he mahishaasuramardhini ramyakapardini shailasute || 20

R1: Stories are always fun part of any puja and it is important that we hear these stories.

R11 and R12 have a story on Mahishasura. R11?

(Story by R11 and R12)

Story of Mahishasura

1. The legend of Mahishasura Mardini appears in Markandeya Purana. Mahishasura was the son of a demon called Rambha and a she buffalo. He was born with the head of a buffalo and human body. He acquired many powers through intense penance. He won a boon that any man or god cannot kill him. Proud of these powers he caused havoc on earth and heaven. He drove the gods from the heaven. Upon prayers by gods for protection, Brahma, Vishnu and Siva combined their powers and created Durga. Then they bestowed her with special powers and weapons. Mahishasura fell in love with Durga and asked to marry her. She said that she would consider that if he fights her and wins. A severe fight followed. Durga assumed the terrifying form of Chamundi and pinned Mahishasura down with her foot and pierced his neck with her spear and she cut his head off with her sword.

2. It is believed that Mahishasura or Mahisha was the king of the area near modern Mysore. Hence Mysore got its name – Mahisha’s uru (city). There is a temple dedicated to Durga in the form of Chamundi in Mysore. At the entrance to that temple is a statue of Mahishasura.

R2: Next will be a story connected with Saraswathi Puja. We’ll invite R13, R14 and R15

to tell us the Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi story. R13?

(Story by R13, R14, R15)

Saraswati Puja Story

1. Once there was a king called Suketu. His wife’s name was Suvedi. They were very popular as they treated their subjects as their own children and were always just and kind.

Unfortunately, some other king invaded their kingdom and defeated Suketu in a war. Suketu started running away. Suvedi who saw that decided that it is best if she followed her husband rather than stay back at the palace and remain exposed to molestation by the enemies. After walking for a long

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time, Suketu was very tired. They rested under a tree. Suvedi started crying. Just then, Angirasa muni who was passing by stopped and inquired why Suvedi was crying. Suvedi explained what happened to them. Angirasa muni invited them to stay at his Ashram. There Suvedi started worshipping at a temple dedicated to Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati.

2. Due to the grace of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, eventually they had a boy. The boy was named Surya Pratap. Under Angirasa Muni’s direction, Surya Pratap learned all the sastras, and imbibed knowledge granted by Saraswati, aquired enormous strength and valor granted by Durga and became a well-accomplished warrior. He challenged his father’s enemies and won back the kingdom thus bringing prosperity back to his parents due to the grace of Goddess Lakshmi. They all returned back to the kingdom and Suketu resumed his reign as a just and popular king again.

3. Ever since, it became a tradition to worship Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati during Sarat Navaratri, which we also call Dusserah. In Eastern and Southern India traditionally people worship the tools of their trade during this period. It is called Ayudha Puja. Since books are the tools of students we worship books on Vijaya Dasami day, culminating the observance of Sarat Navarathri.

As explained earlier, Dusserah is celebrated in the North of India as the celebration of Sri Rama’s victory over the evil demon Ravana. It is also believed that the Mahabharata war ended on this day in the victory of the righteous Pandavas over the selfish and deceitful Kauravas.

R1: Next, let’s all of us including parents recite Sri Ramakrishna’s prayer

to Kali for Divine Love.

Sri Ramakrishna’s Prayer to Kali for Divine Love

O Mother, I throw myself on Thy mercy; I take shelter at Thy Hallowed Feet. I do not want bodily comforts; I do not crave name and fame; I do not seek the eight occult powers. Be gracious and grant that I may have pure love for Thee, a love unsmitten by desire, untainted by any selfish ends—a love craved by the devotee for the sake of love alone. And grant me the favor, O Mother, that I may not be deluded by Thy world-bewitching maya, that I may never be attached to the world, to ‘woman and gold’, conjured up by Thy inscrutable maya! O Mother, there is no one but Thee whom I may call my own. Mother, I do not know how to worship; I am without austerity; I have

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neither devotion nor knowledge. Be gracious, Mother, and out of Thy infinite mercy grant me love for Thy Lotus Feet.

--The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, p.731.

R2: Now we shall recite Mantra Pushpam. But before we do that, R16 and

R17 can you tell us the meaning of Mantra Pushpam?

(R16, R17 tell the meaning of Mantra Pushpam)

Meaning of Mantra Pushpam

1.Mantra Pushpam is the offering of sacred flowers to God. Today we will chant four parts

of Mantra Pushpam – Sri Suktam, Medha Suktam, Mantra Pushpam and Deva Gayatris.

Sri Suktam is a beautiful Vedic hymn in honor of the Divine Mother Lakshmi. The

essential message of the Sri Suktam is that Mother's true form is the beautiful, cosmic

golden light of divine consciousness that shines in the hearts of all creatures. The Sri

Suktam assumes specific significance because of Lakshmi’s presence on Lord Vishnu’s

chest, at the Heart. Lakshmi is the embodiment of Love, from which devotion to God or

Bhakti flows from. It is through Love/Bhakti or Lakshmi that the soul is able to reach

God or Vishnu.

2.Medha Suktam is a Vedic Hymn in praise of Goddess Saraswati. It essentially says “Oh

Goddess, please grant us knowledge and wisdom to use that knowledge appropriately.

Without your grace, we will be wasting time in idle gossip. Instead please let us focus on

acquiring knowledge that can bring material prosperity, but more importantly spiritual

accomplishment in understanding the true nature of God.”

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Mantra Pushpam or offering of a sacred flower means: When we offer this flower, oh

Lord, we are offering you the entire universe. This flower has originated from water just

as every other element has including the sun, moon, wind, fire and even the concept of

time. So by offering you this flower, oh Lord, we are offering you the entire universe.

Please accept this offering.

The last part Deva Gayathris mean that we recognize all forms of God are present here

even though we worshipped God in the form of Saraswathi today.

Everyone sings Mantrapushpam and Aarati

Sri Suktam

Sri Gurubyo Namaha || Harihi Om||

hiranya varnam harinim suvarna rajata srajam |candram hiranmayim laksmim jatavedo ma avaha ||

tam ma avaha jatavedo laksmim anapagaminim |yasyam hiranyam vindeyam gam asvam purusan aham ||

asvapurvam ratha madhyam hastinada-prabodhinim |sriyam devim upahvaye srir ma devir jusatam ||

kam sosmitam hiranya prakaram ardram jvalantim trptam tarpayantim |padme sthitam padmavarnam tam iho pahvaye sriyam ||

candram prabhasam yasasa jvalantim sriyam loke devajustam udaram |tam padminimim saranam aham prapadye alaksmir me nasyatam tvam vrne ||

aditya varne tapaso dhijato vanaspatis tava vrkso tha bilvah |tasya phalani tapasa nudantu maya ntarayas ca bahya alaksmih ||

upaitu mam deva sakhah kirtis ca manina saha |pradur bhuto smi rastre smin kirtim rddhim dadatu me ||

ksut pipasa malam jyestham a laksmim nasayamy aham |abutim asamrddhim ca sarvam nirnuda me grhat ||

gandhadvaram duradharsam nityapustam karisinim |isvarigum sarva bhutanam tam iho pahvaye sriyam ||

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manasah kamam akutim vacas satyam asimahi |pasunam rupam annasya mayi sris srayatam yasah ||

kardamena praja bhuta mayi sambhava kardama |sriyam vasaya me kule mataram padma malinim ||

apas srjantu snigdhani ciklita vasa me grhe |nica devim mataram sriyam vasaye me kule ||

ardram yah karinim yastim suvarnam hemamalinim |suryam hiranmayim laksmim jatavedo ma avaha ||

ardram puskarinim pustim pingalam padma malinim |candram hiranmayim laksmim jatavedo ma avaha ||

tam ma avaha jatavedo lakshmim anapagaminim |yasyam hiranyam prabutam gava dasyo svan vindeyam purushan aham ||

padma priye padmini padma haste padma laye padma dala yataksi |visva priye visnu mano nukule tvat pada padmam mayi sannidhastva ||

Om mahadevyai ca vidmahe visnu patnyai ca dhimahi |tan no laksmih pracodayat ||

Om Santih Santih Santih ||

Medha Suktam

Om Medha Devi Jushhamaa Naa Na Aagaa Vishvaachi Bhadraa Sumanas Yamaanaa

Tvayaa Jushhtaa Nudamaanaa Duruktaan Brahad Vadema Vidathe Suviiraaha

Tvayaa Jushhta Rishhir Bhavati Devi Tvayaa Brahmaa Aagatshrii Ruta Tvayaa

Tvayaa Jushhta Schitram Vindate Vasu Saano Jushhasva Dravino Na Medhe

Medhaam Ma Indro Dadaatu Medhaam Devi Sarasvati

Medhaam Me Ashvinaa Vu Bhaavaadhattaam Pushhka Rasrajaa

Apsara Suchayaa Medhaa Gandhar Veshhu Cha Yanmanaha

Devim Medhaa Sarasvati Saamaam Medhaa Surabhir Jushhataam Svaahaa

Aamaam Medhaa Surabhirr Vishvaruupaa Hiran Yavarnaa Jagatii Jagamyaa

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Uurja Svatii Paya Saa Pinva Maanaa Saamaam Medhaa Supratiikaa Jushhantaam

Mayi Medhaam Mayi Prajaam Mayya Agnis tejo Dadhaatu Mayi Medhaam Mayi Prajaam Mayi Indra Indri Yam Dadhaatu Mayi Medhaam Mayi Prajaam Mayi Suuryo Bhraajo Dadhaatu

Om Hamsa Hamsaya Vidmahe Parama Hamsaya DeemahiThano Hamsa PrachothayathuOm Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthihi

MANTRA PUSHPAM

Yo Pam Pushpam Veda, Pushpavan, Prajavan, Pashuman Bhavati.Chandra mava Apam Pushpam, Pushpavan, Prajavan, Pashuman Bhavati

Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati.

Agnirva Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati Yognerayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan BhavatiApova Agne rayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati

Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati.

Vayurva Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan BhavatiYo Vayorayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan BhavatiApovai Vayorayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati Ya Evam Veda…

Asovay Tapanapaa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan BhavatiYo Mushyatapata Ayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan BhavatiApova a Mushyatapata Ayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati

Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati.

Chandramava Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan BhavatiYas Chandramasa Ayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan BhavatiApovai Chandramasa Ayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati

Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati.

Nakshatraniva Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati

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Yo Nakshatrana Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan BhavatiApovai Nakshatrana Mayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati

Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati.

Parjanyova Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan BhavatiYah Parjanyasyayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan BhavatiApovai Parjanyasyayatanam, Ayatanavan Bhavati

Ya Evam Veda, Yo Pa Mayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan Bhavati.

Samvatsarova Apa Mayatanam, Ayatanavan BhavatiYah Samvatsara Syayatanam Veda, Ayatanavan BhavatiApovai Samvatsara Syayatanam, Ayatanavan BhavatiYa Evam Veda, Yopsunavam Prathishtitam Veda, Prathye Vashishtathi.

Deva Gaayatris

1. Purushasya vidhma sahas raakshasya mahaadevasya deemahi |Thanno Rudhra: prachodhayadh ||

2. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey mahaadevaaya deemahi |Thanno Rudhra: prachodhayadh ||

3. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey Vakra thundaaya deemahi |Thanno Dhandhi: prachodhayadh ||

4. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey Chakra tundaaya deemahi |Thanno Nandi: prachodhayadh ||

5. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey Mahaa seynaaya deemahi |Thanna: Shanmukha: prachodhayadh ||

6. Thathpurushaaya vidhmahey Suvarna pakshaaya deemahi |Thanno Garuda: prachodhayadh ||

7. Vedhathmanaaya vidhmahey Hiranya garbhaya deemahi |Thanno Brahma prachodhayadh ||

8. Naaraayanaaya vidhmahey Vaasu devaya deemahi |Thanno Vishnu: prachodhayadh ||

9. Vajranakhaya vidhmahey Thiksna dhagushtraya deemahi |Thanno Naara simha: prachodhayadh ||

10. Bhaaskaraaya vidhmahey Mahad dyutikaraaya deemahi | Thanno Aaditya: prachodhayadh ||

11. Vaish vaanaraya vidhmahey Laalilaya deemahi |16

Thanno Agni: prachodhayadh ||

12. Katyayanaya vidhmahey kanyakumari dheemahi |Thanno Durgi: prachothayathu ||

13. Maha Devyai cha vidhmahey Vishnu pathnai cha dheemahi | Thanno Lakshmi prachothayathu ||

14.Vakdevyaicha vidmahey Brahmah Pathneecha Deemahey |Thanno Vanee Prachodayath ||

15. Thath purushaya vidhmahey Paramahamsaya deemahi | Thanno Ramakrishna prachothayathu ||

R1: We will now conclude with Aarthi and all of us will sing Saraswathi Aarathi. Before we sing the aarathi, R18 will explain the significance of Aarathi. R18?

R18: Mangala aarathi is one the sixteen steps of a puja. Aarti is often performed by lighting camphor. Camphor when lit burns out completely without leaving a trace of it. Camphor represents ego. When lit by the fire of knowledge, our ego should burn completely just like camphor. Just like camphor emits a pleasant smell while it sacrifices itself, we should sacrifice ourselves to serve society, in the process spread the perfume of love and happiness to all.

R2: After completing the aarathi, we will all do prathashikna namaskaram. R19 has the significance of this. R19?

R19: At the end of the puja, it is a custom to do pradakshinam around ourselves three times & this is called Atma Pradakshinam. We recognize the divinity in everything surrounding us including ourself. Then we do the saasthanga namaskaram. We bow to the supreme divinity within us and everything and everyone around us. Namaskaram is essentially the bowing down of the ego.

MA DURGA AARTI

Jai Ambe Gauri, Mayya Jai Shyama GauriTumko Nish-Din Dhyavat, Tumko Nish-Din Dhyavat Hari Brahma Shivri [1] Mayya Jai Ambe GauriJai Ambe Gauri, Mayya Jai Shyama GauriTumko Nish-Din Dhyavat, Tumko Nish-Din Dhyavat Hari Brahma Shivri [1] Mayya Jai Ambe GauriMaang Sindoor Virajat, Tiko Mrig-Mad Ko Mayya Tiko Mrig-Mad KoUjjwal Se Dou Naina, Ujjwal Se Dou Naina Chandra Vadan Niko [2] Mayya Jai Ambe GauriKanak Samaan Kalewar, Raktaambar Raaje Mayya Raktaambar RaajeRakt Pushp Gal-Mala, Rakt Pushp Gal-Mala Kanthan Par Saaje [3] Mayya Jai Ambe GauriKehri Vahan Rajat, Kharag Khapar Dhaari Mayya Kharag Khapar Dhaari Sur Nar Muni Jan Sevat, Sur Nar Muni Jan Sevat Tinke Dukh Haari [4] Mayya Jai Ambe Gauri

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Kanan Kundal Shobhit , Naas-Agre Moti Mayya Naas-Agre MotiKotik Chandra Divakar, Kotik Chandra Divakar Sum Rajat Jyoti [5] Mayya Jai Ambe GauriShumbh Ni-Shumbh Vidare, Mahisha Sur Ghati Mayya Mahisha Sur GhatiDhumra-Vilochan Naina, Dhumra-Vilochan Naina Nish-Din Mad Mati [6] Mayya Jai Ambe GauriChandh Mundh Sangh-Haare, Shonit Beej Hare Mayya Shonit Beej HareMadhu Kaitabh Dou Maare, Madhu Kaitabh Dou Maare Sur Bhe Heen Kare [7] Mayya Jai Ambe Gauri Brahmani Rudrani, Tum Kamla Rani Mayya Tum Kamla RaniAagam Nigam Bakhani, Aagam Nigam Bakhani Tum Shiv Patrani [8] Mayya Jai Ambe GauriChon-Sath Yogini Gavat, Nritya Karat Bhairon Mayya Nritya Karat BhaironBaajat Taal Mridanga, Baajat Taal Mridanga Aur Baajat Damaroo [9] Mayya Jai Ambe GauriTum Hi Jag Ki Maata, Tum Hi Ho Bharta Mayya Tum Hi Ho BhartaBhakto Ki Dukh Harata, Bhakto Ki Dukh Harata Sukh Sampati Karata [10] Mayya Jai Ambe GauriBhuja Chaar Ati Shobhit, Var Mudra Dhaari Mayya Var Mudra DhaariMan Vaanchit Phal Pavat, Man Vaanchit Phal Pavat Sevat Nar Naari [11] Mayya Jai Ambe GauriKanchan Thaal Virajat, Agar Kapoor Baati Mayya Agar Kapoor BaatiShri Maal-Ketu Me Rajat, Shri Maal-Ketu Me Rajat Kotik Ratan Jyoti [12] Mayya Jai Ambe GauriShri Ambe-Ji-Ki Aarti, Jo Koi Nar Gaave Mayya Jo Koi Nar GaaveKahat Shivanand Swami, Kahat Shivanand Swami Sukh Sampati Paave [13] Mayya Jai Ambe Gauri

Meaning: Glory to you, O divine Mother Gauri, glory to you, O Parvati, who are so rich in maiden grace , the object of daily meditation by Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. O Ambe! On your forehead is a mark of vermilion along with a mark of musk . Your twin eyes are bright and your face beautiful as the moon. Your body with a tinge of gold is beautifully dressed in red attire; on your throat there is a wreath of red blossoms like a beautiful necklace. Your vehicle, the lion, is, O Mother in keeping with your majestic form; you hold a sword and a skull in your hands, and on you attend the gods, hermits, men and your devotees, whose grief you drive away. You are adorned with rings on your ears and with pearl on the tip of your nose, your radiance looks as beautiful as that of myriad of moons and suns. O slayer of the demon Mahish, you tore apart the bodies of Shumbha, Nishumbha and Dhuumravilochana. Your eyes reflected a frenzy of wrath everyday and night. You are the beloved companion of Brahma, Rudra and Vishnu. The Vedas and the Shastras describe you as the queen companion of Shiva Sixty-four Yoginis chorus your glory and glorify you, while Shiva dances in tune to the accompaniment of the sound of tambour and drum . You are mother of the universe, the almighty, its sustainer, reliever of your devotees' hardships and bestower of prosperity and happiness The four arms you have adorned your person, while the hand raised in benediction reveals your compassionate aspect. Those among men and women who wait on you and worship you have all their wishes fulfilled. In a golden platter are beautifully laid aloe and camphor, both of which have lighted; and the radiance of your forehead is reflecting the splendour of gems.

Saraswati Aarti

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Om Jai Sarasvati mata, Jai he Sarasvati mataSadgun vaibhav shalini, Sadgun vaibhav shalinitribhuvan vikhyata, Jai he Sarasvati mataJai Sarasvati mata, Jai he Sarasvati mataSadgun vaibhav shalini, Sadgun vaibhav shalinitribhuvan vikhyata, Jai he Sarasvati mataChandravadani padmasini dyuti mangalakareMaiya dyuti mangalakareSohe shub hansa savare, Sohe shub hansa savareatul tejdhari Jai he Sarasvati mataBean kar men vina, daen kar mala,Maiya daen kar malaShish mukut mani sohe, Shish mukut mani sohegal motiyan mala,Jai he Sarasvati mataDevi sharan jo ae, unka uddhar kiya,Maiya unka uddhar kiyaPaithi Manthra dasi, Paithi Manthra dasiRavan sanhar kiya,Jai he Sarasvati mataVidhya gyan pradayini, gyan prakash bharojag men gyan prakash bharo,Moh aur agyan timir ka, Moh aur agyan timir kajay se nash karoJai he Sarasvati mataDhup dip phal meva, man svikar karo,Man svikar karoGyanchakshu de mata, Gyanchakshu de matajag nistar karo,Jai he Sarasvati mataMa Sarasvati ki arti jo koi jan gaveMaiya jo koi jan gaveHitkari sukhkari, Hitkari sukhkarigyan bhakti paveJai he Sarasvati mataMa Sarasvati ki arti jo koi jan gaveMaiya jo koi jan gaveHitkari sukhkari, Hitkari sukhkarigyan bhakti paveJai he Sarasvati mata

Jaya Jagadeesha Hare Aarati

Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare Swaami Jaya Jagadeesha hareBhakta jano Ke Sankat Daasa Jano Ke SankatKshann Mai Door Kare Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Jo Dhyaave Phal Paave Dukha Vinse Man KaSwaami Dukha Vinse Man KaSukh Sampati Ghar Aave Sukh Sampati Ghar AaveKashta, Mite Tan Ka Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

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Maatapitaa Tum Mere Sharana Kahoon Mein KiskeeSwaami Sharana Kahoo Mein KiskeeTum Bina Aur Na Dooja Prabhu Bina Aur Na DoojaAasha Karoon Mein Jiskee Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Tum Poorana Paramaatma Tum AntarayaamiSwaami Tum AntarayaamiPara Brahma Parameshwara Para Brahma ParameshwaraTum Sab Ke Swaami Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Tum Karunaa Ke Saagar Tum Paalan KartaSwaami Tum Paalan KartaMein Sevaka Tum Swaami Mein Sevaka Tum SwaamiKripaa Karo Bharataa Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Tum Ho Eka Agochar Sab Ke Praana PatiSwaami Sab Ke Praana PatiKisa Vidhi Miloon Dayaamai Kisa vidhi Miloon KripaamaiTum Ko Mein Kumati Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Deena Bandhu Dukha Harataa Tum Takuru MereSwaami Tum Rakshak MereApne Hastha Badaao Apne Charana LagaavoDwaara Padaa Mein Tere Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Vishaya Vikaara Mittaao Paapa Haro DevaaSwaami Kashta Haro DevaaShraddhaa Bhakti Badaao Shraddhaa Prem BadaaoSantan Kee Sevaa Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Tan Man Dhan Sab Kuch Hai TeraaSwaami Sab Kuch Hai TeraaTeraa Tujh Ko Arpan Teraa Tujh Ko ArpanKyaa Laage Meraa Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare Swaami Jaya Jagadeesha HareBhakta Jano Ke Sankat Daasa Jano Ke SankatKshann Mai Door Kare Orn Jaya Jagadeesha Hare

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