Rituals as learning tools - MURALI A RAGHAVAN,

 

The man who sells a television set does not tell you the intricate scientific principles that make it work.

He simply places a remote in our hands with an instruction booklet. Reading it, even a lay person who has no knowledge of science is able to tame the images, sound, brightness and color, and switch channels by pressing buttons.

Many of us are not aware of how a mobile telephone functions but we are conversant with basic rituals like dialing a number, scrolling, typing a message – thereby helping us to communicate, send and receive messages.

Pure science abounds in theories, concepts, abstraction and perhaps even speculation. It is technology that reaches science to our doorstep. Technology is the external face, the outward expression of science.

Identical to the above is the relation between spirituality and religion. Religions are outward expressions of spirituality. They have evolved over time and each religion has its own constituency of followers.

Like science, the goal of spirituality is to help efface our problems and improve the quality of our lives. The difference exists in time dimension and vision. While science broadly deals with problems one by one and that which are external in nature, spirituality seeks to strike at the root of all problems that is embedded in our ignorance of the true purpose of life and inability to recognise the true Self.

While applying science to our lives we perform various rituals without questioning how it works because the 'how' has already been taken care of by those who formalised it. The rituals go hand-in-hand whenever technology-based appliances are in use. A religion, too, prescribes rituals which are to be viewed in the light of the above. A religion adapts spirituality and enlists some easy steps for consumption and benefit of people.

If you are inclined to study and learn about science – understand theories and formulae and how things work – and you have the commitment, drive and a sense of urgency and adventure to explore and discover truths, then, you could similarly pursue spirituality, to plumb the depths of metaphysics.

It is irrational to reject or run down any ritual only because we have not understood it. Every ritual has been evolved with a great deal of thought and experience, in order to enhance physical and mental well being that will contribute towards spiritual uplift.

Taking three sips of water called achamanam was intended to boost one's immunity. Touching various parts of body as part of prayer rituals was done to activate, in the process, nerve endings at these places. The various mudras expressed during chanting of mantras or dance is based on the principle of acupressure.

The sitting posture advocated in most kinds of yoga helps keep the spine erect to facilitate free flow of energy. Offering fruits, leaves and flowers during puja symbolizes purity, for the plant kingdom is one of the few life forms that procreates without sexual exchange as we understand it. In this manner, religious rituals mostly do have an underlying meaning and significance that might have been forgotten over time, leaving us with form but bereft of the essence.

All the same, getting struck in rituals life-long is like building new bridges every day and not crossing them.

Religious rituals are usually purification exercises designed to propel one towards refinement. They are not meant to add to the already swollen repertoire of our desires. Once true knowledge is gained, rituals can be abandoned as they would have served their purpose. While science aims to enhance the comfort of human life, spirituality teaches us how to be comfortable with what we have. That is the difference.

A caller ID option for your thoughts - MATA AMRITANANDAMAYI

 

The tide is shifting. Society is no longer about unity; it's about individual isolation. The mantra seems to be: "Everything only for me." As this selfish attitude becomes more firmly established, we find that our happiness is slowly slipping through our fingers.

Unity is the law of Nature. Without give-and-take there is no life. When the sun shines, rivers flow, birds sing, and trees bear fruit, they do so without expecting our acknowledgement or praise. Everything in Nature gives as much as possible. Our tendency to swim against the natural flow fills our minds with tension, sorrow and fear. Hence there is the rich-poor divide and so much conflict and suffering.

Earlier, there was no ownership of land. The indigenous American people and others like them in other parts of the world believed: "The earth does not belong to us; we belong to the earth." They didn't understand how land could be measured, divided, bought and sold. Then how has it come to be that we are now willing to kill each other over even the smallest of property disputes? How come children don't flinch when they take their parents to court over inheritance matters?

Scientists and governments are promoting cutting edge research that would enable greater exploration of the universe – we want to be able to travel to Mars and beyond. We've succeeded in reaching the Moon, and many such efforts have led to exciting discoveries in the universe. Regardless, just as we are reaching for the stars, we should also strive to bring ourselves back to Earth.

We rush about, with packed schedules and back-to-back appointments. There's so much to do and so little time. But if we lose our peace of mind and happiness as a result, what is the point? It is not enough to be on the fast track; we also have to go in the proper direction. Otherwise the whole trip is a waste of time. Because of our obsession with speed, many precious opportunities are passing us by without our being aware of it.

There are two important days in our life. The first is the day we are born. The second is the day we realise why we are born. But for many people, this second day never comes. They live mechanically from the day they are born until the day they die. We will only be able to appreciate the beauty and magnitude of life when we realise its true purpose.

Worrying has become nature to us. Once a thought enters our mind, it quickly establishes a dictatorship. Soon, we lose our freedom to think in a discriminating manner with the result the mind becomes a slave. When a virus infects a computer, we are unable to access information in our folders or files. Such is the condition of our mind, infected with unwanted thoughts.

To enjoy freedom, to be more aware, we need to liberate the mind from needless thoughts. Most of our phones have a caller identity option. With this, we can see either the name or the number of the person calling us. We can accept the calls we want and ignore the calls we don't. Similarly, when we develop awareness, we gain the ability to accept and nourish healthy thoughts and reject bad ones. Through awareness, we can even develop the ability to witness all the various functions of our mind and, ultimately, realize our true Self.

Sow the seed of His icon and reap His mercy

Eventually, we have found what the purpose of our life is. Happiness is a form in which the soul is soaked with peacefulness. Now, the question is, how to realize this goal. We are not saints, yogis, or scholars. We are mere ordinary people. Is it possible for us to achieve this goal?

Now, I want to share an inspiring, beautiful abhang of Sri Gnaneshwar maharaj.

Mavuli Gnaneshwar says,.
“I have sown a seed of desire in my heart, thinking it would grow as a small plant. Nevertheless, instead of growing as a small tree, it grows taller and taller and even touches the sky. It thrives with branches. It starts budding also. Though I pluck the buds and throw away the flowers, I am unable to control its growth. What can I do? Is there any solution for me to reach the lotus feet of Lord?” Gneshwar maharaj says, “Do not worry. You told the truth. Therefore, you deserve to conquer God. Why are you throwing the flowers away? Instead, gather all, make a garland, and offer it to Sri Vittal.”

This is the essence of this abhang. This is about our thoughts. We are unable to control our thoughts. Instead of trying to drive away our thoughts, start thinks about Lord. Ponder on Him. Sow the seed of His icon and reap His mercy by adorning Him with His thoughts.

Jagadhguru Adishankara Bhagavadhpadha in his Shiva manasa pooja says,

आत्मा त्वम् गिरिजा मतिः सहचराः प्राणाः शरीरं गृहं
पूजा ते विश्हयोपभोगरचना निद्रा समाधिस्थितिः .
सज्ञ्चारः पदयोः प्रदक्षिनविधिः स्तोत्राणि सर्वा गिरो
यद्यत्कर्म करोम् i तत्तदखिलं शम्भो तवाराधनम् .ह् .. 4

”You are my self; Paarvatii is my reason. My five praanaas are your attendants, my body is your house, and all the pleasures of my senses are objects to use for your worship. My sleep is your state of samaadhii. Wherever I walk I am walking around you, everything I say is in praise of you, and everything I do is in devotion to you, o benevolent lord!”
If we think in this manner, is it possible for us to do sin? From this, if we lead a life in accordance with God’s will, then what else we need to please Him. Chanting His name is enough.

Vijayadasami

 

Vijayadasami, or Durgadasami, also known as Dasara or Dussehra, is celebrated on Ashwayuja Shukla Dasami. Vijayadasami 2010 date is October 17, 2010. It is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil. On this day, Mother Goddess Shakti demolished bufello demon Mahishasura.
And, Lord Sri Rama killed demon king Ravanasura and returned to his kingdon Ayodhya where his people celebrated the festival of success (Vijayadashami). On the day of Vijaya Dashami, Ravanasura, who is also called Dashakanta was killed, to commemorate his defeat this festival is also called as ‘Dussehra’ / Dasara / Dassara.
‘Ravanasura Vadha’ – a tradition of blasting the idol of Ravana is performed on Vijaya Dashami in some places in India.
Simollanghan, Shami Puja, and Ayudha pooja are main rituals in North India during Vijayadasami. In Kerala and some places of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Vidyarambham or Saraswati Pooja is the main ritual of the day.

Saraswathi Pooja -

Saraswati Puja is undoubtedly the most popular festival in the eastern region. Saraswati is the goddess of learning, arts and crafts. According to her different specialities she is known by different names like Bakdevi, Biraj, Sarada, Brahmi, Satarupa, Mahasweta, Sarbasukia, Prithudar, Bagiswari and, ofcourse, Saraswati.
This festival is held in the month of Magh (January-February). It is a festival celebrated by the youth, particularly students who invoke the blessings of the goddess for success in learning, arts and crafts. Throughout Bengal Saraswati Puja is celebrated in schools, colleges, clubs as well as homes.
Among all the Hindu deities, Saraswati stands out as the most controversial. Her origin is shrouded in mystery. Starting from the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads to the popular ancient mythology, Saraswati appears through a veil of mystery.
According to the Matsya Purana, Saraswati evolved from the mouth of Brahma. Such was her beauty and grace that Brahma pursued her. As she fled in different directions a head appeared and so Brahma is attributed with five heads, she was the most unique creation of Brahma. Saraswati is our equivalent of the classical Goddess Minerva and also the Teutonic Goddess Fira. The moon and the lotus associated with Saraswati are both symbols of eternal womanhood.
Some of the many mythological stories connected with Saraswati have interesting sociological interpretations. The gods and the demons by mutual agreement decided to churn the ocean for the Arnrit or the elixir of life. Mainak mountain was used as the churning rod and Basuki as the churning rope. when Lakshmi appeared with the Arnrit kunbha both wanted the elixir. Saraswati with her exquisite beauty lured away the asuras. As the Gods were drinking the Arnrit, Rahu and Ketu, two asuras saw them and slipped in with the Gods. As they drank the Arnrit which would make them immortal like the gods, Vishnu detected them. He immediately cut off their heads. The two enraged asuras, swallowed the sun and moon but could not retain them as their throats were cut. This led to the origin of the solar and lunar eclipse. Saraswati, who was instrumental in helping the Gods to be immortal, was established in the heavens as the Goddess Saraswati.
The Gods and the Gandharvas both wanted the Soma Ras. It was again Saraswati who with her beauty and grace lured and so exhausted the Gandharvas that they could not acquire the Soma Ras which naturally went to the gods.
The Aryans fought with the non-Aryan Comi tribes (tribal dominance among the Aryans) like Nished, Sabar and Pulindar on the banks of the river Saraswati. At the request of Vishnu, Saraswati disappeared underground and again reappeared in far off Rajasthan. The tribals were thus deprived of the life-saving water. They were forced to abandon the area. In both cases we see the importance of the river Saraswati in Aryan life and how Saraswati was used to deprive the weak of water, without which life is impossible. Saraswati is known as Prithudhar (subjugator of the Aryans).
Vashishtha and Vishwamitra, the two sages, were both violently opposed to each other. Vishwamitra ordered the river Saraswati to wash away Vashishtha along with all he possessed. Saraswati refused to comply with his command. To punish Saraswati, he turned the water of the river into blood. At the behest of Shiva, the two sages became amicable and once again there was pure water in the river Saraswati.
In some areas she is believed to be the daughter of the Sun or Surya Kanya. In Western India, Saraswati is seen with the lion or peacock. She is married to Kartikeya. This is really the sun cult.
In Eastern India, particularly Bengal, Saraswati has been absorbed into the Bengali culture. She has been given the mantle of daughter of Parvati and is treated as a daughter. Vishnu had three wives-Saraswati, Ganga and Lakshmi. He was tired of Saraswati because of her superior knowledge and to gave her away to Brahma. Ganga was too frivolous and so was given to Shiva. Lakshmi quiet and sedate, remained his wife. These were the three Sris.
History tells us that the Aryans came to India through the. Khyber pass and settled in Punjab, Haryana and North Rajasthan. Saraswati is one of the seven holy rivers flowing through modern Punjab, Haryana and North Rajasthan.
In the North West along the banks of the river Saraswati. They were a pastoral people and the river was their means of communication as well as source of life.
Hence Saraswati was highly venerated and is associated with the fertility cult.
The mythological background of Saraswati shows the importance of the river Saraswati in the life of the Aryans settled along her river banks. Sociologically the River Saraswati was an important factor in ancient civilization. She is therefore a part of the fertility cult.
The Aryans who lived along the banks of the river were pastoral and rural.
All early development took place on the river bank. Consequently Saraswati came to be venerated as a symbol of knowledge.
It is evident that the upper strata of society used their superior knowledge and expertise to deprive the ignorant lower half of society.
The other name of Saraswati is Prithudhara. It has an important sociological aspect. The Comi tribes were subdued by being deprived of the most essential requirement, water. This story influenced Tagore to write Muktadhara (a play) where Bibhuti the engineer uses his superior knowledge to deprive the ignorant farmers by constructing a dam to divert the river water and satisfy the king.
The story of Kalidas has been built around Saraswati. There was a proud and learned princess who rejected all suitors who could not match her knowledge. The pundits in anger planned to marry her off to a fool. They saw a man cutting the branch on which he was sitting and decided he was the ideal fool for the princess. Kalidas was presented to the princess as a man of wisdom who only spoke in signs. The pundits answered all the princess's questions by interpreting Kalidas's signs. The two were married but on the wedding night the princess realized she had been duped. She kicked Kalidas out of her bed. He in sorrow and shame went to commit suicide. The Goddess Saraswati appeared and asked him to take a dip in the river. As he emerged from the river Kalidas was transformed. He began to recite verses in praise of the Goddess. Unfortunately for him he began to praise her beauty not from her feet upwards but from her breasts downwards. Saraswati in anger cursed Kalidas for his audacity. He would die in an ignonimous place.
This festival is celebrated all over Bengal with great fervour and gaiety.

Durgashtami – Importance of Durga Ashtami

Durgashtami, or Durga Ashtami, is the eight day of the Navaratri and Durga Puja celebrations. Durgastami is also known as Mahashtami and is one of the important days of Durga Puja and afasting is undertaken by many people. Weapons of Goddess Durga are worshipped on the day and it is known Astra Puja. In 2010, the date of Durga Ashtami is October 15. The day is also known as Virashtami as there are displays using arms or martial arts. It is one of the most important day for Goddess Worship in Hindu religion.

There is also a belief in some regions that Goddess Kali appeared from the forehead of Durga on this day to annihilate Chanda and Munda and Rakthabija. During the Durga Puja rituals on Mahashtami day the 64 Yoginis and Ashtanayikas – the eight consorts – of Durga are also worshipped.

The eight consorts of Durga, also known as Eight Shaktis, are interpreted differently in different regions of India. But ultimately all the eight goddesses are incarnations of Shakti with different aims. Sometimes they are also an attempt to give form to a particular aspect of Shakti.

The Ashtanayikas that are worshipped during Durga Puja are Brahmani, Maheswari, Kameswari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasinghi, Indrani and Chamunda.

Numerous minor deities including many attendants and guards of Durga are worshipped on the day.

A fast is observed by staunch Durga devotees on Durga Ashtami. Both men and women observe the fast. Shakti temples conduct special pujas on the day and are visited by millions of devotees.

Durgashtami day ends with Sandhi puja, which overlaps into the next day which is the Mahanavami day.

Lead life like lotus leaf

We need a boat to cross a river The boat carries us and helps us to reach the other bank of the river.Hence, the purpose of this boat is helping others to cross a river. For this purpose, this boat should sail on a river.So,it needs water to serve its purpose.Without water,it can't sail.But at the same time,if the same water get into the boat,then there is a big loss.Yes,the boat itself sinks into the water
The water which is essential for the boat to sail itself becomes its destiny.Hence,as long as the boat keeps its contact with the water in a suface level,it survives.If it goes further,then it will sink.
Here,the boat is nothing but mere embodiment of our lives only. Yes...we are the boat and the the river is this materialistic world (சம்சார சாகரம் ) only.We have to live in this world.But should not sink into it.Lead a life like water on lotus leaf. Like river,this world also have unexpected twists & turns We should be very careful while sailing.There may be a lot of dangerous species .In our life, the five senses are the most dangerous species.We should not allow these senses to take hold of our life.We should lead a life according to Lord.He will see the rest for us
.In Bhagavathgeetah HE says
योगक्षेमं तथाम्याहं  ie i'll take care of my bhakthas Hence, no  need for us to ask Him.HE knows everything and HE will give what is good for us.

Navaratri significance

Awaken the Shakti within You!

The Goddess, who is the invisible divine feminine, lives both in the human male and the female. Within the human body, the Goddess' energy is called Shakti. She is the power of economy, beauty, luxury, joy, physical strength, power, fertility, and creativity.

The 9 Nights of the Goddesses -- the Legend

The great legend of Navratri dates back to the story of Mahishasura, the mighty demon, who worshipped Lord Shiva and obtained invincible powers. Soon, he started killing the innocent lives on the earth and set out to win the seven lokas, and acquired the swarglok. Even the three mighty Gods of the Hindu Trinity - Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva were unable to defeat him. Therefore, all the Gods, including the Hindu Trinity, united their supreme powers and created a divine being called Shakti or Durga, the Warrior Goddess.
On these unique 9 nights, connect to the Goddess energy and get empowered with Shakti.

It's Time to Get Blessed -- Navratri

The Goddess, who is the invisible divine feminine, lives both in the human male and the female. Within the human body, the Goddess' energy is called the power (Shakti); she is the power of economy, beauty, luxury, joy, physical strength, fertility, and what not!

The Trinity Goddesses Package

Availing the right time to take charge on your life comes with ease on these special 9 nights. Appease the Trinity Goddesses one by one at once! AstroVed offers the "Featured Shakti Power Package" which can bestow your life with the tri-fold energy of Shakti.

How To Celebrate Navaratri with Golu

Navratri - the nine sacred nights, is a festival celebrated, with great fervor both religiously and socially, all over India to commemorate the victory of the good over the evil. The celebrations spread over nine auspicious nights. According to Hindu belief,  ‘The Embodiment of Divine Power' (Para-Shakti), has three important manifestations: Maha- Saraswati (Goddess Of Knowledge) (Satwic), Maha-Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity) (Rajasic) and Mahakali or Durga (Warrior Goddess) (Tamasic). During the Navaratri, the Goddess "Para-Shakti" is struggling to overcome the forces of vice, wickedness and egoism and on Vijaya Dashami (Dasara, the tenth Day commemorating victory), she conquers and destroys all evil forces (i.e. bringing to an end the atrocities of Asuras like Mahishasuran, Shumban, Nishumban, Madhukaidapan, Thumralochanan and Rakthabheejan). Para-Shakti is all-pervasive, omnipotent, infinite as well as all-knowing.

Step 1

Navaratri - Devoted to Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati.  The Navaratri has been divided into three components. The first three days are dedicated to the worship of Durga, the next three days to the worship of Lakshmi and the last three days to the worship of Saraswati. On the occasion of Navaratri, we invoke three kinds of potential energies--Ichchaa Shakti (will power), Kriyaa Shakti (the power of action) and Jnana Shakti (the power of discrimination) from Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswat.  On the tenth day (Vijaya Dasami), we offer the valedictory worship to mark the victory of good over evil by Durga. It is a festival of thanksgiving. Gratitude is divine. Ingratitude is demonic.

Step 2

Vasant and Sarat Navaratris.  In North India, people celebrate two Navaratris - Vasant and Sarat. Vasant Navaratri falls during April-May (Hindu Calendar month Caitra) and Sarat falls during September-October (Hindu Calendar month Ashwin). The ninth day of Caitra is doubly auspicious and is celebrated as the birthday and marriage day of Lord Rama (Rama Navami). In South India, Sarat Navaratri is celebrated with the dates falling in Shukla Paksha, a day after the new moon in Puratasi month (Tamil Calendar), which is September-October month in the Western calendar.

Step 3

Golu and its philosophy.  In Tamil, Nadu Navarathri is celebrated by setting up ‘Golu' in a corner of every home (i.e. a gallery of handcrafted dolls representing major deities, scenes from everyday life, thematic doll sets representing mythological events or even modern day happenings and so on). In Tamil, Golu means a sovereign sitting in his royal durbar. The underlying belief in arranging these Navratri dolls on the tier is to depict that Goddess Durga or Mahishasuramardini is sitting in her Golu, prior to the slaying of the demon Mahishasura.

Step 4

Kalasa Puja.  The housewives commence golu with "Kalasam puja."   Instead of icon or photo we represent the goddesses in the form of kalasam. What is Kalasam? The Hindu house holds will always represent God or Goddesses in kalasam. For Kalasam, they will choose brass or silver pot and fill the brass or silver pot with water. After this, they will place a coconut amidst mango leaves on top of the pot.

Through the Kalasa puja mantra, they will invoke the power of goddess Durga or Parashakthi to come reside in kalsam or pot. It is called 'Avahanam.'  After this puja it is believed that goddess Durga will be reigning our households for the entire nine days.  She is the prime deity of Navaratri. So they attach more importance to this Kalasam and do kalasa puja.

After this puja, the Kalasam is kept in the golu i.e. first and foremost place and will remain fresh for the whole of nine days. During these nine days, the pot or Kalasam is decorated with new clothes, flower and sandal paste. Daily prayer, invocation songs, offerings, etc. will be performed with devotion. Once the festival is over, we will perform some rituals and remove kalasam and pour water in a well or pond. After this, everything comes to normalcy.

Our Mantra is powerful and invokes the goddess to reside in the pot full of water. For those who feel it difficult to understand 'Kalasa puja', it is a simple ritual to represent goddess PARA SHAKTHI in a pot or kalasam.

Step 5

Number of tiers and steps in arrangements.  Golu means display. Goddess is present in our home during these nine days. The house holds organising 'GOLU' will prepare the display furniture either in metal or in wood. The furniture or golu stand will have nine steps or tiers. The furniture or golu stand is readily available in the market. The slanting steps are like our door steps or staircase steps. Imagine a furniture is designed to display dolls in graded steps or tiers.

The furniture or golu stand has 9 tiers or steps. It is significant that the Navaratri Golu is set up with the arrangement of dolls on an odd number of steps (usually 3,5,7,9). The counting of the first step begins from top and proceeds to the bottom most step. The top most is step one, the next one is step two and the step nine is the bottommost one.

Maximum number of tiers in which dolls are arranged are 9 depending on time and space constraints. The golus show different themes in different homes - from the elaborate, extravagant ones to the simple, traditional and artistic ones. Year after year the women folk enthusiastically organize these dolls as per their tastes. Yet there are beliefs and conventions in arranging dolls in respective steps:

Tiers 1-3: You are expected to arrange Kalasam on the first tier or step. The first tier or step begins on top of the display furniture (golu stand). Goddess Durga or Mahishasuramardini, Maha Lakshmi, Maha Saraswati, Siva, Vishnu, Brahma and all other gods and goddesses occupy tier one to three. You may keep Dasavatharam set.

Tiers 4-6: Counting from top to bottom. You are expected to organize the next three steps to saints like Azhwars, Nayanmars, Guru Raghavendra, Sai Baba, and the like and you may even locate men and women of importance, i.e. national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Ramakrishna Paramahamsar, Swami Vivekananda etc.

Tier 7: Counting from top to bottom. You are free to organize sets of dolls on themes like family, marriage, festivals like Deepavali, Rama Navami, Krishna Jayanthi, etc.

Tier 8: Counting from top to bottom. You may organize sets of dolls according to your imagination and creativity. You may arrange various businesses and crafts, say for example your Chettiar dolls sitting in his business shop surrounded by grocery items like rice, pulses kept in bags or other utensils.

Tier 9: Bottom-most tier. You have the liberty to arrange the traditional wooden dolls called (Marapachi) - covered and decorated with glittering dresses. So also you may keep dolls of fish, tortoise, reptiles, birds, lion, tiger, cow, bulls, etc.

Step 6

Nine days rituals.  You may invite your friends and relatives to view your golu. Every day you are supposed to offer sweet pongal, sweets, sundal (boiled dhall with spices), etc., as naivedhyam and distribute among friends and relatives. Every day, you may dress up your children with fancy dresses depicting Lord Krishna, Devi Lakshmi or Devi Saraswati and so on. You may offer clothes, coconut, fruits, sweets, small mirror, kumkum, turmeric, comb, beetle leaves with supari to married woman folks (Sumangalis).

Conclusion.  On the 10th night after the ceremonial art and prayers, the dolls are put to ‘sleep.' You may pack up the dolls and preserve them for the next year golu.

The Purpose of Life

Human-being is considered to be the finest creature of God.

மானிடராய்ப் பிறத்தல் அரிதினும் அரிது.

எண்ணரிய பிறவிதனில் மானிடப் பிறவி தான் 

            அரிதினும் அரிது காண்

இப்பிறவி தப்பினால் எப்பிறவி வாய்க்குமோ 

            யாது வருமோ அறிகிலோம்

Mankind is considered as the supreme  creature among the creations of God.Why it so ? What is the reason for this supremacy ?
Because, we, the human -being, has the sixth sense (பகுத்தறிவு ); We only can distinguish between Good & Bad. We can analyze the pros & cons of an action.In spite of being created as a supreme creature, if we still continue to live like other creature, what is the use of our life?
Animals also search  for their livelihood : build homes (nest,den etc) ; look after their young ones. If we too do the same things, what is the purpose of our life?It does not mean that you should leave all . The main purpose of our life is remembering God. While doing your  duties,you should not forget the Supreme Lord.
Saints & Yogis consider this materialistic world as Maya. Maya means illusion.God only creates this world also.Why HE creates an illusion world? HE wants us to understand the Maya (illusion) with the help of Maya (world) itself. I'd written about this in my last post, You can conquer MAYA with the help of Maya itself -.
Here is another example.
If we want to solve a maths problem, we used to assume the variable whose value to be found as x.For example, to find interest for Principal (P),rate of interest (R) & no of years (N).In this problem, we already know P,N,R & we have to find Interest.Now.we assume Interest as x and applying the formula
                                  x = PNR/100
we calculate the answer. After getting the value,is there any significance for x? x helps us to reach the solution. Thats all. 
similarly,Maya ( world) helps us to understand the nature of illusion. After knowing this we should get rid off this illusion and start thinking of God & pray .
 
 

Yatra - Ashta Vinayaka Temples of Maharashtra – Video Flv -177 MB

Ashtavinayaka Temples refer to the Eight Shrines of Lord Ganesha situated in Maharashtra state of India. It is believed that every Hindu should visit the Ashtavinayak Temples once in a life time.

Ashtavinayaka literally means "eight Ganeshas" in Sanskrit. These temples have great significance as it has the Swayambhu (self-originated) idol of Lord Ganesha Lord Ganesh is known by different names in these 8 temples. The various names of Lord Ganesh are Moreshwar, Mahaganpati, Chintamani, Girijatmak, Vighneshwar, Siddhivinayak, Ballaleshwar and Varad Vinayak. These Temples are situated at Morgaon, Ranjangaon, Theur, Lenyadri, Ojhar, Siddhatek, Pali and Mahad.

SHREE MAYURESHWAR TEMPLE, MORGAON
Shri Moreshwar or Mayureshwar Temple is situated along the Karha River in the Morgaon village in the Baramati Taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra. This region is also known as the Bhuswananda. Moregaon Village is said to have received its name as once upon a time the shape of this place was like a peacock and there was an abundance of peacock birds in this region. Literally Moregoan means ‘Village of Peacocks’ and is a combination of two words (more which means Peacock and goan which means village). As per the legend Lord Ganesh riding a peacock in the form of Mayureshwara slew the demon Sindhu in response to pleas from the Gods.

SHREE SIDDHI VINAYAKA TEMPLE, SIDDHATEK
Shri Siddhivinayak Temple at Siddhatek is one of the renowned Ashta Vinayaka Temples in Maharashtra and is situated off the Pune-Solapur highway at a distance of about 200 km east of Pune. According to the Legend it is believed that it was on the Siddhtek Mountain that Lord Vishnu invoked Lord Ganesha during his battle with the demons Madhu and Kaitabha and acquired Siddhi from him. This is also said to be the place where Sage Bhrushandi and Vyas had performed penances and attained Siddhi. This GaneshTemple is on hill top facing north and built by the Peshwas. This temple is located on the banks of Bhima River in a remote little village called to anyone visiting this plaSiddhatek in Karjat Taluka in Ahmadnagar District. The greenery and beauty of this area does not go unnoticed

SHREE BALLALESHWAR TEMPLE, PALI
The Ballaleshwar Temple of Pali is the third Ashta Vinayak Temple to be visited while during an Ashta Vinayak Temple Yatra. This Templeis situated in the Sudhagad Taluka in Raigad District and approximately 110 kms from Pune. This is the only temple of Lord Ganesh which is famous by the name of the Ganesh devotee. The Ganesh idol of Pali is known as Ballal Vinayaka and is associated with the legend of a young lad Ballal's devotion to Lord Ganesh. This Temple is situated between the historical Sanrasgad Fort on one side and River Amba flowing on the other side. There are two lakes in front of the temple. The original Temple was a wooden temple which was renovated in 1760 to a new stone temple. One specialty of this temple is that during sunrise the rays of the sun fall directly on the Ganesh Idol.

SHREE VARADA VINAYAKA TEMPLE, MAHAD
Shri Varada Vinayak Temple is the fourth GaneshaTemple to be visited during the Ashta Vinayaka Temples Pilgrimage according to Shastras.This temple is located three kilometers off the Pune-Mumbai highway near Khopoli in Mahad village of Raigarh District in Maharashtra. Varadvinayak literally means ‘the bestower of boons’. It is believed that Lord Ganesh as Varad Vinayak fulfills all the desires of his sincere devotees and also grants them boons. The idol of this Temple Varada Vinayak is a swayambu (self originated) and was found in the adjoining lake in an immersed position in 1690 AD. This Temple is said to be built in 1725AD by Subhedar Ramji Mahadev. The Varadvinayak shrine is associated with the legend of Prince Rukmangada, Indra and Sage Grutsamad. The temple premises are on one side of a beautiful pond.

SHREE CHINTAMANI VINAYAKA TEMPLE, THEUR
Shri Chintamani Vinayak Temple of Theur (Theyoor) in Pune District of Maharashtra is the 5thGaneshTemple to be visited during the Ashta Vinayaka Pilgrimage. In this shrine Lord Ganesh as Chintamani brings peace of mind and drives away all the perplexities. According to the Legend it is at this spot Lord Ganesha is believed to have restored the precious Chintamani jewel from the greedy Prince Guna who stole it from Sage Kapila. However the sage refused to take the gem back and began to call Lord Ganesh as Chintaamani Vinayaka. Since the incident took place under a Kadamba tree this place also came to be known as Kadambanagar. Another legend regarding this place is associated with Lord Brahma.It is said that once Lord Brahma was feeling restless and called upon Vinayaka to ease his mind. As Lord Brahma’s worries (Chinta) were removed by the Ganesha at this place Lord Ganesh came to be known here as Chintamani Vinayak.

SHREE GIRIJATMAJ VINAYAKA TEMPLE, LENYADRI
Shri Girijatmaj Vinayaka Temple of Lenyadri in Maharashtra is the sixth Ganesh Temple to be visited on the Ashta Vinayaka Mandir Pilgrimage. ‘Girijatmaj’ literally means Ganesha the son of Girija (Goddess Parvati). According to the Legend Goddess Parvati who had a strong desire to have Vinayaka as her son performed penance for 12 years in the caves of Lenyadri to fulfill her wish. Pleased by her dedication Lord Ganesha blessed her and on the day of Bhadrapada Shudh Chaturthi when Parvati was worshiping an idol of Lord Ganesha it came alive and told her that her wish has been granted. This Temple is situated at the Lenyadri Mountain in a Buddhist Cave which is around 95 Kms from Pune. Lenyadri is in North of the Pune City on the banks of River Kukdi. The beauty and pollution free environment of this area does not go unnoticed to anyone visiting the Shrine. There is an entrance fee of Rs 5 for visiting this Temple.

SHREE VIGNESHWARA TEMPLE, OZAR
Shri Vigneshwara Temple of Ozar is the 7thTemple to be visited during the Ashta Vinayaka Temple Pilgrimage. This AshtaVinayakaTemple is in the banks of Kukadi River which is in Junnar District and around 85 kms from Pune. The Deity of this shrine is known as Vigneshwara which means ‘remover of all obstacles’. It is believed that after visiting this place God takes away all your problems. As per the Legend a demon by name Vignasura was troubling the Sages. Responding to the prayers of the Sages Lord Ganesh fought with the Demon Vignasura who surrendered to Ganesha and agreed to stop his misdeeds. In connection with the surrender of Vignasura the Sages installed an image of Vigneshwara at Ozar on Ganesh Chaturti day and offered worship.

SHREE MAHAGANAPATI TEMPLE, RANJANGOAN
Shri Mahaganapati Temple of Ranjangoan is the eight and last GaneshTemple to be visited during the Ashta Vinayaka Temple Pilgrimage. According to the Legend it is said that it is at this place Lord Shiva invoked Ganesha before fighting the Demon Tripurasura. Therefore the Ganesha idol of this Temple is also known as Tripurarivade Mahaganpati. The Mahaganapati Temple is east facing and has a huge and beautiful entrance gate. The Idols of Jay and Vijay are present near the gateway. The temple is constructed in such a manner that the rays of the sun fall directly on the idol.

Here is the link

http://www.mediafire.com/?gweyod2jmgj

Please find below rare pictures of Lord Sri Vinayaka at these temples.

http://www.mediafire.com/?jybmzrta61zy1
Thanks to original uploaders.

Malayapaksham begins today.

 

Malayapaksham begins today. Shraddh or Shradh offered during Pitru Paksh (dark fortnight or Krishna Paksha) in the month of Ashwin (September – October) is of great importance in Hindu religion. Shraddh is the ceremonies and rituals performed for the departed souls of dead ancestors. It is believed that the souls will attain peace by the Shraddh rituals performed during the fortnight. In 2010, the Shraddh Pitru Paksh begins on September 24 and ends with Mahalaya Pitru Paksha on October 7. (You can get Pitru Paksha fortnight 2010 date details in this latest article).

According to Hindu mythology, the Shraddh performed on Ashwin Pitru Paksha reaches the ancestors immediately and their souls will rest in peace. Hindu Puranas are full of details about Shraddh, especially Agni Purana, Garuda Purana and Matysa Purana. It is Yama, the god of death in Hindu mythology, who explained the importance of Shraddh performed on Pitru Paksha.

According to Matysa Pura, Agni, Vasus and Rudras act as intermediaries during Pitru Paksha Shraddh and take the rituals and food offered to ancestors. The ancestors bless those performing the ritual. In some places, the last day of the Shraddh is of great importance. The ritual is usually conducted near temples or on river banks.

The Shraddh or rituals performed during this period benefits all the dead ancestors. It is believed by Hindus that all the sinful acts committed by the dead will be cleansed by the shraddh. Those departed souls who do not receive Shraddh are said to wander aimlessly on Earth.

Pitru Paksha Shraddh is also offered by people to ancestors whose death dates they have forgotten. To relatives who had no children and who met with violent death like accidents or murder. Those people who failed to perform the annual shraddh (performed on the death date) also offer Shraddh during Pitru Paksha.

The customs and rituals performed during Pitru Paksha Shraddh vary regionally. Some people fast on the day. Some people observe specific customs like abstaining from non-vegetarian food during the fortnight and some do not cut their hair or shave.

The rituals are usually performed under the guidance of a learned person or priest.

Namaskar

I came across a beautiful explanation given by a Swamiji on Namaskar to a foreign audience. I thought I should share…

It simply means:

I honor the place in you
In which the entire Universe dwells
That place of Love and Light
And of Truth and of Peace
When you are in that place in you
And I am in that place in me
We are One.
 

Uma Maheshwara Vratam, - September 23,2010

 

Uma Maheshwara Vratam, also known as Uma Maheshvara Vrata, is dedicated to Shiva and Parvati and is observed on the 14^th day or the full moon day in the Bhadrapad month as per traditional Kannada calendar. In the Tamil Calendar, it is observed in the Puratassi month. In 2010, Uma Maheshvara Vratam as per Kannada calendar is on September 23.

How to perform pooja ?

A murti of Uma and Maheshwara (Shiva and Parvati) made of metal is worshipped on the day. The devotee observes a fast during the day and eats only after sunset on the day.

It is believed that the desires of the devotee will be fulfilled, if he observes the Uma Maheshwara Vratam.

Earlier, the Vrata was observed for 12 years on the full moon day in the Bhadrapad month. On the final year the metal murti of Uma and Maheshwara was donated to a Shiva temple.

Today as per Tamil calendar, Uma Maheshwara Vratam is observed in Puratassi month. The Vrata can be observed on the Ashtami (eight day during waxing phase of moon), or Chaturdasi (14^th day during waxing phase of moon) or Ammavasi (no moon day) or Pournima (full moon day). 

Legend :

Information about Uma maheswara Vratham is available in "Siva Rahasyam" . Once Durvasa Maharshi presented a vilvam mala gifted by Lord Siva to him, to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu indifferently threw the mala on Garuda. Durvasa Maharshi got annoyed and cursed Lord Vishnu. The Maharshi said that Lord Vishnu is  too proud since he has Maha lakshmi as his wife and that is why he threw the vilva mala. He cursed that Lord Vishnu will lose Maha Lakshmi and Garuda . Accordingly both Mahalakshmi and Garuda  disappered in the pal kadal.
   Lord Vishnu under distress was roaming about in the forest and on his way met Gauthama Maharshi. Realising Lord Vishnu's distress Gauthama Maharshi suggested this Vratham as  pariharam. Accordingly Lord Vishnu conducted the vratham and  got back Mahalakshmi and Garuda.
  Who ever does this Vratham is believed to receive all desired benefits. This Vratham is  observed on full moon day in Purattasi / Thulam month ( September- Ocotber) Whole day fasting is undertaken and completed with Uma-Maheswara Puja

Anandha Padmanabha Vrath: 2010

Anandha Padmanabha Vrath:
The fourteenth day in the bright fortnight of the month of bhaadrapada is known as anantana vrata Lord Visnu is believed to haved to have appeared on this day as Padmanabha lying on the couch of Ananta (the thousand-hooded serpent).
How to perform Pooja?
The Lord Ananta Padmanaabha is invoked in a pot filled with water and decorated with coconut and flowers.  Special puuja is celebrated with fourteen varieties of dishes.An icon of Ananta the great serpent, and manifestation of Visnu, has to be prepared in durva grass, kept on a jar and worshipped. A thread dyed in saffron or turmeric-technically called 'doraka'-with 14 knots (symbolizing the fourteen worlds created by God) is to be offered to Ananta with a mantra and then worn. Women should wear it on the left wrist and men on the right. It may also be worn round the neck.
Legend :
In times of yore, Yudhisthira, the eldest son of the Pandava brothers, is said to have observe this vrata for 14 years on the advice of Sri Krsna, to overcome all his diffculties and get back his kingdom. 'O Vasudeva! Save people sunk in the great and endless ocean of samsara and make them apply themselves to the contemplaction of the form of Ananta. Salutation to Thee that hast numerous forms!' Anyone doing the same, is assured of living in the abode of Visnu.
Naivedyam :
The naivedyam for Ananta Padma Nabha Vratam is mix Jaggery with Atta (Wheat Flour) and fry it in oil. Make 28 sweats (Appalu).14 sweats are for giving to a Brahmin as vayana danam after naivedya and remaining 14 sweats for you. In the bygone days, sages like Agastya, kings like Janaka, Sagara, Dilipa, Harischandra have done this vrita. You to do this vrita and all your troubles will be over. Listening to this the exiled king Dharmaraja also performed this vrita. 
One who hears this story or narrates it will be rid of all woes and difficulties and will acquire all kinds of wealth.
Hope the following links will help you.

• Sri Anantha Padmanabha Vratha Part 1 A - Vedabrahma Sri Ganapati Shastry
• Sri Anantha Padmanabha Vratha Part 1 B - Vedabrahma Sri Ganapati Shastry
• Sri Anantha Padmanabha Vratha Part 2 A - Vedabrahma Sri Ganapati Shastry
• Sri Anantha Padmanabha Vratha Part 2 B - Vedabrahma Sri Ganapati Shastry

Anantha Vrath Story

With faith and devotion, Susheela performed the puja with those gathered there, distributed half of the fried wheat flour to brahmanas, wore the red thread and with the thoughts of Ananta Padmanabha accompnied her husband to his ashram. Because of the power of anantavrata, Kaundinya's ashram acquired beauty and wealth. All his relatives were eagerly waiting to do the Anantavrata. Susheela had acquired an aura of brilliance.
One day Kundinya sees the red thread on Susheela's hand and asks for an explanation; In spite of her telling him the truth, in a fit of anger and jealousy, Kaundinya forcibly removes the thread and throws in the fire. Sushila picks up the half burnt thread and immerses it in milk. His behaviour proved very dear to Kaundinya; pretty soon all his wealth was lost; his relatives desert him; his cattle died and he now knows that this was on account of his rudeness to Ananta Padmanabha swami in the form of red thread.
Kaundinya leaves his house in search of Anantha padmanabha. Like ademented person enters the jungle and asks a mango tree full of mangoes, have you seen Ananta Padmanabha swami ? He goes further and asks a cow along with its calf the same question. A little further he meets a bullock to who he poses this question. His travel brings him near two lakes which were overflowing to whom he puts the same question. The next in line were a donkey and an elephant who could not answer his question. By now he was tired and heartbroken. He falls down there. Lord in His infinite compassion comes there in the form an old brahman, revives him and takes him to a palace where he shows him his four armed form along with Mahalakshmi. Kaundinya praises the Lord in many stotras. The Lord please gives him three boons viz., Removal of poverty, ability to follow dharma, mukti saubhagya.
Now Kaundinya asks the Lord about the strange sights he saw on the way to Him. The Lord explains. The man who was full of knowledge but did not teach his disciples and was useless became the mango tree. Although wealthy one who never ate himsef and did not give to others as became this cow. The king who gave non productive lands as gifts is born now as a bullock. The two lakes which overflow are dharma and adharma. One who neglected his ancestors' dharma has become an elephant. The donkey reperesents the person who condemned others and lived through unrighteous metheds. Do this vrita for 14 years and I shall grant you a permanat place in the heavens.
Kaundinya returned home and did the puja with shraddha and bhakti. He lived a life of wealth and happiness. In the bygone days, sages like Agastya, kings like Janaka, Sagara, Dilipa, Harischandra have done this vrita. You to do this vrita and all your troubles will be over. Listening to this the exiled king Dharmaraja also performed this vrita. One who hears this story or narrates it will be rid of all woes and difficulties and will acquire all kinds of wealth.

Vamana Jayanthi 2010

 

Vamana Jayanthi is the first appearance day of Lord Vamana, the fifth and the dwarf avatar of Lord Vishnu. This is the first complete human incarnation of Sri Maha Vishnu. Vamana Jayanthi 2010 date is September 19. It is observed on Shukla paksha Dwadashi (12^th day in bright half) of Bhadrapad month
The main purpose of Vamanavatara was to restrain the demon king Maha Bali and to restore the rule of Gods on the earth. That is the main reason why Vamana sent Bali to Pathala loka. 
Lord Vamana is the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the first avatar of Treta Yuga. Vamana is the first ever avatar of Lord Vishnu who appears in a complete human form. He is in the form of dwarf
Brahmin.
 Vamana was born to Aditi and Kashyapa. Vaman is the younger brother of Lord Indra. According to Bhagavata, Lord Vishnu was taken the avatar of Vaman to protect Indras rule over the heavens, which was disturbed by King Mahabali. King Mahabali was so generous and so much devoted to Lord Vishnu but he was a demon. To restore Indras powers on the heavens, King Mahabali should not rule the Earth. For that purpose, Vishnu incarnated as Vaman and went to Mahabali to beg three steps of land to live in.
King Mahabali agreed to give Vamana, a dwarf brahmin, to give three steps of land. Shukracharya, Mahabalis Guru, warned him that the dwarf brahmin is Vishnu and not an innocent brahmachari. But Bali ignored his warning and went ahead to donate three steps of land. Then, Lord Vaman, the Supreme God Vishnu, grows so huge to cover the heaven and the earth in two simple steps. King Bali was unable to stand by his words, offers his head for the third step. Then Vamana puts his third foot on Bali and provides him immortality as a reward for his great benevolence
Vamana Jayanti is celebrated with utmost devotion in Vaishnavite Temples.

Garuda Vahanam

 

Garuda , the bird is assumed as the body of Vedas and since Lord rides upon it; the Lord is said to be the ultimate reality. It is a magnificent chariot with the garuda holding the feet of the Lord. It is the greatest vahana of the Lord.  Lord Venkateshwara is also called as Garudadhvaja because of a emblem of garuda on his banner.
According to Hindu texts, Garuda the king of Birds is the embodiment of Vedas (Vedatma vihageswara). Garuda is also known as periya thiruvadi meaning First Devotee. Hence, Lord Srinivasa selects Garuda as his Vahanam
Garuda BhagavAn is Veda Moorthy .His nakshathramis SvAthi , which is the same as for Lord Narasimhan.Garudan incarnated as PeriyAzhwAr at SrI VilliputthUrand became the Father-in-Law of Lord RanganAthanand had the privelege of having his daughter and son-in-law live at his home in SrI VilliputthUr,
which is known today as NaacchiyAr ThirumALigai.
Oh Magnificently luminous Lord !in whatever quarter You may be residing ,be it East, west, north or south , Your BhakthAsinvoke You to hasten to their sides to protect them and give them comfort. Oh PraNata-arTi-haraPrabhO! Oh Magnanimous One! May Thou readily come without delay -when You are invoked- to them ,who vigorously follow You .
When such invocations are made by dear bhakthAs likeGajEndran , our Lord is carried on the back of Garudan in great haste for Bhaktha SamrakshaNam.
In Vishnu Temples,Purattasi Saturdays are very auspicious. Garuda vahana procession is very important.Today is 1st saturday and The dharshan of Lord Venkateswara on Garuda Vahanam is very auspicious and fulfill our all desires.

Kamalamba Navavaranam

The Kamalamba Navavarana Kritis by Shri Muthuswami Dikshitar (1776-1836) are some of the most famous pieces of music in the Carnatic system of Indian classical music. They are treasures which embody not only the technical brilliance of the composer but also offer a peep into the advaitic school of Hindu philosophy and elements of Tantric rituals. They are very elaborate compositions which may be well compared with major symphonies in the Western system.
These songs are set in praise of the Goddess Kamalamba who is enshrined in Tiruvarur in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu in South India. The Goddess is the reference to the Divine Mother of the universe, or the Supreme Consciousness. The lyrics and the descriptive details are loaded with the mystical symbolism of the Vedantic (advaita) tradition and the chakras of the human system are closely linked to the evolutionary aspects described in the compsitions that reflect the scholarly reach, musical depth and mystical significance of the composer.
Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar was a great Devi Upasaka and was well versed in all aspects of Sri Vidya Upasana. Out of his devotion to Sri Kamalamba, (one of the 64 Sakti Peethams in India), the celebrated deity at the famous Tyagaraja Temple in Tiruvarur and his compassion for all bhaktas, Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar composed the Kamalamba Navavarana kritis, expounding in each of the nine kritis, the details of the each avarana of the Sri Chakra, including the devatas and the yoginis. Singing these kritis with devotion, sraddha and understanding would be the easy way to Sri Vidya Upasana.
Musically, they are par excellence and the majestic sweep of well known ragas (melodic forms) like Todi, Kalyani, Kambhoji, Sankarabharanam, Sahana, Anandabhairavi and Bhairavi are offset against haunting melodies in lesser known ragas like Punnagavarali, Ghanta and Ahiri.
Dikshitar uses several talas (time measures) although Rupakam (3 beats) seems to be his favourite. Ata talam (14 beats) and Misra Jampa (10 beats) in the Kambhoji and Bhairavi pieces are rarely used because of the technical difficulty in executing these. An added element is the use of different case endings (which Dikshitar uses in his other group krities, like the Abhayamba and Nilotpalamba set). The Dhyana (invocatory) kriti in Todi is in the vocative case, followed by the Anandabhairavi in the nominative, Kalyani in the accusative, Sankarabharanam in the instrumental, Kambhoji in the dative, Bhairavi in the ablative and so on. The ninth avarana kriti in Ahiri has all the cases; interestingly the raga itself has all the 22 Sruti (notes) in the octave. It is believed that such a fusion of all melodic and temporal elements in the same kriti is a musical way of expressing the advaitic ideal of "aham Brahmasmi" or complete union with the Absolute. Indeed the Ahiri composition is very unusual musically especially the pallavi which has a repeating and distinctive prose sections, are seamlessly put together.
The set concludes with a short and sweet mangalam (auspicious conclusion) in Sri ragam set in Khanda Ekam (5 beat talam). The entire set consists therefore of the dhyanam (invocation), the nine avaranas, and the mangalam (conclusion), a total of 11 pieces.

Kritis

The 11 kritis are as follows:

1. Kamalambike - Todi - Rupakam
2. Kamalamba Samrakshathu - Anandabhairavi - Misra Chapu
3. Kamalambaam Bhajare - Kalyani - Adi
4. Sri Kamalambikayam - Shankarabharanam - Rupakam
5. Kamalambikayai - Kambhoji - (Khanda) Ata
6. Sri Kamalamba param - Bhairavi - Misra Jampa
7. Kamalambikayaastava - Punnagavarali - Rupakam
8. Sri Kamalambikayam - Sahana - Tisra Triputa
9. Sri Kamalambike - Ghanta - Adi
10. Sri Kamalamba Jayati - Ahiri - Rupakam
11. Sri Kamalambike - Sri - Kanda Ekam. 

It is a custum to sing Navavarnam during Navaratri. It is equivalent to performing Navavarna Pooja. Let us see each kriti separately. 

Navaratri Pooja

How to perform Navaratri Pooja?
The nine-day festival of Navaratri is dedicated to the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga.In South India, Goddess Durga is worshipped during the first three days.
Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during the next three days
Goddess Saraswathi is worshipped during the last three days.
The main event during Navrathri in South India is the display of dolls and idols – Kolu and the placing of Kalash, which represents Goddess.Navratri puja might seem a huge complicated event for many. You can always perform a simple puja by worshipping the Goddess on nine days by lighting a lamp and offering a fruit as prasadam. Rituals are not important but devotion is important.
Step by step method on how to perform Navratri Puja.
Getting Ready
Get the house cleaned and ready. You are inviting Goddess into the home. Usually this is done on the Amavasi day, a day before the beginning of Navratri.Mango leaf festoons are installed on doors, windows and in puja room. Fresh Kolams are drawn.If you are keeping Kolu, get all the Kolu dolls ready. Repair broken pieces and use natural colors to paint them.Decide upon the Bommai Kolu Theme.Plan early about the pooja prasadam (neivedya) and also about the gifts that you plan to give to women guests.
Requirements for Navratri Puja
If you are keeping Kolu dolls, purchase new dolls at least a couple of new ones. The most important doll needed is the Marapachi dolls (Male and Female pair of dolls).
A pot for Kalasha or Kumbha (brass pot)
Sweets
Ingredients of the Prasadam to be prepared (this depends on what neivediya you are preparing)
Betel leaves
Betel nuts
Bananas
Coconut
Usual fruits
Usual pooja items like lamp, incense, agarbathis etc.
Lotus flower for Goddess Saraswathi and Goddess Lakshmi. Jasmine for Durga. Avoid wild flowers.
If you are giving gifts to women invited for Navratri Pooja, then the bag should contain betel leaves, betel nuts, a pair of round turmeric roots, a coconut, fruits, sweets, flowers, a small gift. You can also include cosmetics like eye kohl, kumkuma, bangles etc.
A day before Navratri Puja
Navaratri Puja begins on the Bhadrapada Amavasi day or Puratasi Amavasai day, a day before Navratri begins. All arrangements are done on this day.In the evening, Kalasha or Purna Kumbha is prepared. This is an invitation to Goddess to enter your home.Kalasha is a coconut circled by mango leaves on a pot and is an important accompaniment in various rituals in Hindu religion. A kalasha when filled with water, rice or other grains is known as "Purnakumbha".The pot for the Kalasha can be made of clay, brass or copper. Nowadays various designer types of pots are used as Kalasha.Mango leaves are arranged in the mouth of the pot. A coconut – outer green covering removed – is placed over the mouth of the pot. The neck of the pot is tied with a white, yellow or red colored thread or cloth. Depending on their artistic skill, some people draw various designs using natural products.
Purna Kumba or Kalash is kept on a kolam in such a place that there is space behind to keep the Bommai Kolu. You can attach a face of Goddess to the Purna Kumbha and decorate the Kumbha with jewelry, turmeric, sandal paste, flowers etc.Those who do not keep Kolu, keep the Kalash in the Pooja room.
Betel leaves, Betel nuts, a coconut is placed in front of the Kalasha. Cooked rice or boiled and sweetened milk is kept as prasadam or neivedya in front of the Kalasha.This Kalasha is to be kept for next nine days – it symbolizes Goddess.A lamp is lit every evening and morning for nine days.Normal puja is performed.
Arranging the Bommai Kolu
Next you can start arranging the Kolu dolls. Some people keep Lord Ganesha on the first step. Others opt for the Marapachi dolls. How to arrange dolls can be found here in this articlehttp://vittalsangh.blogspot.com/2010/09/bommai-kolu-arrangement-of-dolls-during.html
Navratri Puja Begins
Women perform all the pujas during Navratri.
You have already installed the Goddess in the form of Purna Kumbha. Light a lamp morning and evening on all nine days.Elaborate pujas are conducted in the evening.Other women are invited on any one of the evening.The first three days is dedicated to Goddess Durga.The next three days is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.The final three days is dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi.Fresh kolams are done on all nine days.
Shlokas that are recited on nine days include Durga Ashtotaram, Devi Mahatmiyam, Shyamala Dhandakam, Lakshmi Sahasranama, Lakshmi Ashototaram, Lalitha Sahasranama, Saraswathi Stotram, Saraswathi Ashototaram.Slokas are recited while performing the puja.
Sweets and neivedya prepared are shared with neighbors, relatives and friends.A kannika (young girl) is invited and she is given lunch and new clothes on the first day.Some people do the Kannika Pooja it on all nine days.The lamp is diffused after the puja daily.The puja concludes on the ninth day evening.
Navavarnam Krithis
For the devotees familiar with Muthu Swamy Deekshadar's Krithi or ShyamaSastrigal ,Kamakshi Navavarnam,Swathi Tirunal's Navavarnam they may sing Navavarana Kirthana daily.
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