Varalakshmi Vratam: Celebrating the Glory of Indian Womanhood

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Varalakshmi

Vratam:

Compiled by

Tumuluru Prabha

Dr. T Gowri

Celebrating the Glory of Indian

Womanhood



© Tumuluru Krishna Murty

‘Anasuya’

C-66 Durgabai Deshmukh Colony

Ahobil Mutt Road

Hyderabad 500007

Ph: +91 (40) 2742 7083/ 8904

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Desaraju Sri Sai Lakshmi





Picture courtesy: Desaraju Sri Sai Lakshmi



Table of Contents

Varalakshmi Vratam ..................................................................................... 9

History ......................................................................................................... 9

Story ........................................................................................................... 10

Significance ............................................................................................... 11

How to perform Varalakshmi Puja ............................................................ 12 Vratas Are Givers of Boons ....................................................................... 15

Mother’s Love Defies All Description .................................................. 16

Women Are Endowed With More Powers ............................................ 17

Stories of Nobility and Virtue ..................................................................... 19

The Story of Anasuya and Sumati .............................................................. 19

The Power of Chastity ............................................................................... 20

Story of Draupadi ...................................................................................... 21

Some Noble and Virtuous Mothers ............................................................ 24

Story of a Noble Son and a Noble Mother ............................................ 26

Great Merit Lies In Fulfilling Your Mother’s Wishes........................... 27

Sacred Desires Of Swami’s Mother ...................................................... 29

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu And His Noble Mother .................................... 30

Glory of Womanhood .................................................................................. 33

High status of women in ancient India ...................................................... 36

Women's role in home and society ........................................................ 37

Women are heirs of our ancient culture................................................. 38

God makes no distinctions .................................................................... 41

Women should be encouraged to play their roles .................................. 41

Develop Self-Confidence, Maintain Self-Respect ...................................... 45



8

Women Deserve Greater Honour and Better Treatment ............................ 46

Emulate Ideal Parents of Yore ................................................................... 48

Fill Your Heart With Love ..................................................................... 50 God Is Present In The Entire Creation ................................................... 51

Do Not Indulge In Vain Gossip ............................................................. 52

Destructive Power Of Anger .................................................................. 53

God Always Does Only Good ............................................................... 53

Some Stotrams for Lakshmi Puja ............................................................... 55

Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali ............................................................ 55

Sri Suktam .................................................................................................. 59

Mahalakshmi Ashtakam ............................................................................. 63

Ashta Lakshmi Stotram ............................................................................... 65

Sri Lakshmi Saharsanama Stothram .......................................................... 67

Thousand and eight names ..................................................................... 69

Bibliography .................................................................................................. 87



9

Varalakshmi Vratam

Varalakshmi Vratam is a festival to propitiate the goddess

Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity.

Varalakshmi is one who grants boons (Varam). It is an important

puja performed by many women in the states of Andhra Pradesh,

and Karnataka. The Hindu festival going by the name 'Vara

Lakshmi Vrata' is celebrated on the Second Friday or the Friday

before full moon day - Poornima in the month of Shravana, also

called Sawan in Hindi, which corresponds to the English months

of July – August.

Varalakshmi Vratam is performed by married woman for the

well-being of all the family members, especially husband, to get

progeny etc. It is believed that worshiping Goddess Varalakshmi

on this day is equivalent to worshiping Ashtalaksmi – the eight

goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace,

Pleasure, and Strength.

History

In the kingdom of Magadha of yore, there lived a Brahmin

woman called Charumathi in a town named Kundina. The

prosperous town was the home of Charumathi and her husband.

Impressed by her devotion to her family, Goddess Mahalakshmi



Varalakshmi Vratam: Celebrating the Glory of Indian Womanhood

10

appeared in her dream and asked her to worship Varalakshmi

(Vara = boon, Lakshmi = goddess of wealth) and seek to fulfil

her wishes. Varalakshmi is yet another form of Lord Vishnu'sconsort, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The prayer/worship

was prescribed to be offered on the Friday of Shravana month

proceeding the night of full moon.

When Charumathi explained her dream to her family, she found

them encouraging her to perform the puja. Many other women of

the village joined her in performing the puja in a traditional way

and offered many sweet dishes to the Goddess Varalakshmi. They

prayed with deep devotion:

"Padmaasane Padmakare sarva lokaika poojithe

Narayana priyadevi supreethaa bhava sarvada"

On this occasion women worship Goddess Lakshmi with utmost

devotion offering sweets and flowers, usually a kalash

(representing the deity) will be decorated with a saree, flowers

and gold jewellery with offerings placed in front.

Story

On one occasion, Parvathi and Parameshwara were engaged ina game of chess. Parvathi was winning game after game, but

Parameshwara is said to have claimed the victory at each

games, wantonly, to her intense chagrin. So Parvathi wanted to

have an umpire and one Chitranemi, a creation of

Parameshwara, was chosen. As an underling of Parameshwara,

he sided with him most unjustly. This provoked Parvathi's anger



Varalakshmi Vratam

11

and she cursed Chitranemi that he should become a leper for

discharging his duty in most unfair manner.

When Chitranemi begged Parvathi's forgiveness and

Parameshwara added his entreaties to it, she is said to have

relented and modified the curse by adding that he would be

cured of his leprosy by observing the Varalakshmi Vrata. By

doing this Chitranemi was, it is said, rid of the loathsome

disease.

The history of the origin Of the Varalakshmi Vrata is rather

interesting. Lakshmi is said to have visited a pious woman by

name Sarmadi, living in the city of Kuntinapura in Magadha

(Bihar), in one of her dreams and expressed her satisfaction at

her devotion to her children. When she woke up from her sleep,

she took a bath and worshiped Lakshmi to ensure her blessings.

When the other ladies heard of her dream and her worship of

Lakshmi, they too began to worship her, and the custom is then

said to have spread everywhere throughout the land in course of

time.

Significance

Eight forces or energies are recognised and they are known as Sri (Wealth), Bhu (Earth), Sarasvati (learning), Priti (love), Kirti

(Fame), Santi (Peace), Tushti(Pleasure) and Pushti(Strength).

Each one of these forces is called a Lakshmi and all the eight

forces are called the Ashtalaksmi or the eight Lakshmis of the

Hindus. Vishnu is also called Ashtalaksmi Padhi which is

equivalent to saying that he is the asylum for the eight Lakshmis

or forces. In fact, Vishnu representing the preservative aspect of




12

the universe, radiates these forces from him. These forces are

personified and worshiped as Lakshmis, since abstract force is

beyond the comprehension of the ordinary people. As health,wealth and prosperity depend upon the rhythmic play of these

forces, the worship of Lakshmi is said to be to obtain these three.

Only a woman can sympathies with women. Lakshmi is a woman.

So she will more readily sympathies with women. Hence this

festival is observed largely by women, invoking the blessings of

Lakshmi on them, their husbands and their children. - From

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

How to perform Varalakshmi Puja

Varalakshmi Puja or Varalakshmi Vratam is an important ritual

observed by married women in South India and Maharashtra for

the prosperity and welfare of their families. Varalakshmi Puja

falls on a Friday in the month of August and the preparations for

the puja begin on Thursday. All the necessary items needed for

the puja are collected by Thursday evening.

People wake up early in the morning on Friday and take a bath.

Traditionally speaking the waking up time for the puja is the

brahma muhurtham. Then the designated puja area and house iscleaned well and a beautiful ‘kolam’ or rangoli is drawn on the

intended place of puja.

Next is the preparation of the ‘kalasham or kalash.’ A bronze or

silver pot is selected and is cleaned thoroughly and a swastika

symbol is drawn and is smeared with sandalwood paste. The

kalasham pot is filled with raw rice or water, coins, a single



Varalakshmi Vratam

13

whole lime, five different kinds of leaves, and beetle nut. The

items used to fill the kalasham vary from region to region and

includes turmeric, comb, mirror, small black bangles and black beads.

The kalasham up to the neck is sometimes covered with a cloth

and mango leaves are placed on the mouth of the kalasham.

Finally, a coconut smeared with turmeric is used to close the

mouth of the kalasham. To this coconut, an image of Goddess

Lakshmi is fixed or the image of Lakshmi is drawn using

turmeric powder. Now the kalasham symbolically represents

Goddess Lakshmi.

In some areas, women place a mirror behind the kalasham.

Today, there are also specially made Varalakshmi pots available

in the market.

The kalasham is usually placed on a bed of rice. First Lord

Ganesha is worshipped. Then begins the Varalakshmi Puja. The

puja consists of singing slokas dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi

like the Lakshmi Sahasranamam. Arati is performed to the

kalasham. Different types of sweets are offered. Some people

offer pongal. In some areas women tie yellow thread on their hands.

The woman who is observing the Varalakshmi Puja abstains

from eating certain kind of food and this varies from region to

region. In some regions, women fast till the puja period.




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Thamboolam – betel leaf, areca nut and slaked lime – is offered

to women in the locality and in the evening an arati is offered.

The next day, that is on Saturday, after taking a bath the

kalasham is dismantled and the water in the kalasham is

sprinkled in the house. If rice is used then it is mixed with rice in

the house.

There are no hard and fast rules in performing the Varalakshmi

Puja and you can be flexible on the puja items. Even a simple

prayer will please Goddess Lakshmi. – From http://www.hindu-

blog.com/2007/08/how-to-perform-varalakshmi-puja.html

This land of Bharat has given birth to many noble

women like Savitri,

Who brought her dead husband back to life;

Chandramati, who extinguished wild fire

with the power of truth;

Sita, who proved her chastity by coming out of

blazing fire unscathed;

and Damayanthi, who reduced an evil-minded

hunter to ashes with the power of her chastity. It is because of such women of character that Bharat

has attained the reputation of being the land of

plenty, prosperity and opulence.

Among the Vratas (sacred vows) of Bharat,

the Varalakshmi Vrata has supreme significance.

(Telugu Poem)

(SSS Vol.33, p. 169)



Varalakshmi Vratam

15

Vratas Are Givers of Boons

Legend has it that Parvathi once asked Easwara if there was any

way to ensure auspiciousness, prosperity and well-being of thewomen. She desired that every woman should lead a long, happy

and healthy life with her husband, children, grandchildren,

friends and relatives. Easwara was pleased with Parvathi’s prayer

and told her about the Varalakshmi vrata, which would confer all

a woman may ask for.

Easwara revealed the sacred Varalakshmi vrata to Parvathi, so

that the future generations might perform this vrata and derive

the benefits therefrom. The benefits that this vrata confers has

been enumerated here. When a woman performs the Varalakshmi

vrata, she gets the blessings that she may live long with plenty

and prosperity as sumangali (a woman whose husband is alive)

with her children and grandchildren. Varalakshmi protects seven past generations and seven future generations. Noble women like

Savitri and Anasuya enjoyed peace and prosperity by performing

this sacred vrata. The purpose of Varalakshmi vrata is to atone

your sins, develop sacredness and ultimately lead you to divinity.

The particular vrata is a boon for all women. Women always

strive hard for the welfare of their family. They always aspire for

samata, samagrata, samaikyata and sowbhratrutwa (equality,integrity, unity and fraternity). Their speech is truthful, their

hearts are full of peace and their actions are righteous.

Women, being the recipients of eight forms of wealth, confer

prosperity and auspiciousness on the family, society and the

world at large.




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Mother’s Love Defies All Description

The culture of Bharat considers the word matha (mother) as most

sacred. In times of suffering, one naturally calls out ‘amma’(mother), not ‘appa’ (father). The word amma is most soothing

and gentle. It bestows immense strength. The first word that a

child utters is amma or ma. That is why the culture of Bharat has

accorded highest place to the mother ahead of father, teacher and

God. None loves you as much as your mother does. Mother’s

love defies all description. Varalakshmi is extolled as Lokamatha

(Divine Mother of the world). All are her children. That is why

the Vedas address human beings as Amrutasya Putrah (sons of

immortality).

When you lose the love and affection of your mother, your life

will lose its direction like a rudderless boat. Mother is the source

of all your strength. So, respect your mother and obey her command. If your mother is happy with you, the whole world

will be happy with you. If the mother is not pleased with you,

you will become cheap in the eyes of the world. Do not be proud

of your youth, beauty and physical power. Realise that very soon

you will have to pass through old age. If you neglect your parents

now, your children will neglect you.

You might have heard the story of Savitri, who, with the power

of her character, overcame many obstacles to bring her dead

husband back to life. Even in this Age of Kali, it is the prayer of

wives that protects their husbands in times of danger. Many

women in the past performed Varalakshmi vrata with devotion

and sincerity and became the recipients of the grace of goddess

Lakshmi (consort of Vishnu and goddess of wealth).



Varalakshmi Vratam

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Sita came out of blazing fire unscathed when she was asked by

Rama to undergo agni pareeksha (the test of fire) to prove her

chastity as Ravana had held her captive for ten months in Lanka.Though Rama, being omniscient, had no doubt regarding Sita’s

chastity, he did so only in order to dispel doubts from the minds

of people. Evil-minded people are like crows; they are full of

doubts and pre-conceived notions. But will the cuckoo stop

singing just because the crows are cawing? Likewise, the women

of nobility and character are least perturbed by the criticism of

the evil-minded people. They do not give scope for any doubts.

Their pure heart is their witness and their sacred feelings are their

dharma. They follow their conscience and adhere to truth and

righteousness. This is the teaching of the culture of Bharat:

Sathyam Vada, Dharmam Chara (speak the truth and follow

righteousness).

Worship of Varalakshmi confers wealth, prosperity and bliss. But

due to the effect of modern age, people do not adhere to such

sacred practices. That is why their houses lack purity and

sacredness. In Bharat, there is a pr overb: “You can judge a

housewife by looking at the house.” In those days, housewife was

considered to be grihalakshmi (goddess of the home) who kept

her house sacred and unpolluted. It reflected her own purity.

Women Are Endowed With More Powers

Varalakshmi vrata is performed by women. But men should not

discourage them from performing this sacred vrata. They should

provide all the necessary support. Its performance is beneficial

not only to women, but also to men as women pray for the well-

being and long life of their husbands. Men should not behave in




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an arrogant way towards women thinking themselves to be more

strong and powerful.

Truly speaking, women are more powerful than men. The

scriptures declare that men have only three powers, whereas

women have five. Women are ready to sacrifice even their life

for the sake of their husbands. Savitri was ready to give up her

life for the sake of her husband. But do we find such spirit of

sacrifice in men? If one’s wife dies, he is ready to marry again.

But women are not like that. They are the repositories of the five

virtues of respect, dignity, sacrifice, contentment and prosperity.

On the other hand, men are prone to evils of anger, stubbornness

and foolishness. Women are the embodiment of virtue and

nobility.

Names of the Divine couples like Lakshmi Narayana, Radha

Krishna and Parvathi Parameshwara indicate that women are

given place of priority over men. Prakrithi symbolizes feminine

aspect of God. Prakriti and Purusha are inseparable. As the

women are the embodiments of Lakshmi (goddess of wealth), the

world will attain prosperity only when they are respected.

Therefore, men must treat women with respect, so that they will

be respected in turn. You can see it yourself, where there arewomen of character, there you find all prosperity. You all know

that many countries suffered destruction during the two world

wars. It is entirely due to the presence of virtuous women that

Bharat remained safe and secure. Bharat owes its greatness and

glory to its women. So respect women and make them happy.

(SSS Vol.33)



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Stories of Nobility andVirtue

Since time immemorial, the sacred land of Bharat has been

enjoying peace and prosperity because of men and women of

character. Bharat has always accorded an exalted position to the

mother. (SSS Vol.33)

The Story of Anasuya and Sumati

You all know the story of Anasuya (wife of sage Atri). She was

put to test by God Himself. The Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and

Maheswara went to her in disguise and begged, Bhavati

Bhiksham Dehi (mother, give us alms). When she was about to

serve them food, they said that they would accept it only if she

served them without wearing any clothes.

Immediately, she transformed them into three infants and fed

them as per their wish. She could transform even Brahma,Vishnu and Maheswara into small babies and play with them

only because of her purity of heart and the power of chastity.

Ultimately, Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvathi, the wives of the

Trinity, begged her that their husbands may be returned to them.

Anasuya, being one of compassion, yielded to their request. The

Trinity blessed sage Atri and Anasuya, saying that they would be




20

born to them in the form of Dattatreya. The name Dattatreya

signifies one who is adopted by sage Atri.

Sumati was also a woman of chastity. She was pure-hearted and

totally selfless. One day, a sage cursed her husband that he would

die immediately after sunrise on the next day. She prayed to God

with all sincerity and purity. It is only prayer that can atone

man’s sins and save him from curse. Sumati prayed, “If my

thoughts are pure and truthful, let there not be sunrise at all.” As

a result, there was no sunrise and the entire world was engulfed

in darkness. That is the power of women of chastity. All the gods

and sages approached Sumati and prayed, “Mother, is it proper

on your part to plunge the entire world into darkness for the sake

of your husband?” Sumati replied, “Without my husband, the

world has no value for me.”

Only when the gods and sages assured her of the safety of her

husband, did she allow the sun to rise. Thus, since ancient times,

women of Bharat led an ideal life and proved to the world the

power of chastity. Not only in the bygone ages, even in this Age

of Kali, there are many women who are leading exemplary lives.

(SSS Vol.33)

The Power of Chastity

Who is Savitri? People generally remember her as the wife of

Sathyavantha. She was a chaste woman who took a firm resolve

to bring her dead husband back to life. She relentlessly pursued

her resolve with Lord Yama. Lord Yama offered to grant any

request put forward by her, but she refused. Her firm reply was,



Stories of Nobility and Virtue

21

“I do not want anything. Give me my husband back with life.”

Unable to withstand her pressure, Lord Yama acceded to her

request and brought her husband back to life. For six days,Sathyavantha’s dead body was lying. At last, he came back to life

as a result of the boon granted by Lord Yama to Savitri. Thus,

Savitri proved herself to be a great woman of chastity who

brought her dead husband back to life with her noble qualities.

Thus, women possess great power of persuasion. Their power

can work wonders; even bring the dead back to life. Can you find

parallels to Savitri in any other country? Only in Bharat do such

wonders take place, since it is a land of chaste women. (SSS

Vol.41)

Story of Draupadi

Our ancients performed these vratas with sacred feelings. But

today people have lost faith in such sacred practices. They have

faith in things which are transient and ephemeral. First of all,

man should transform his heart. He should have the firm faith

that God is hridayavasi (indweller of the heart). Deho Devalaya

Prokto, Jeevo Deva Sanathana (body is the temple and the

indweler is God). Respect and revere all bodies as temples of

God. Then the world will be free from all conflicts. Today, asselfishness and self-interest are on the rise, the world is gripped

in troubles and turmoil. In order to get rid of conflicts man

should cultivate moral values, undertake righteous actions and

love everybody.

Human life is a combination of morality, spirituality and

righteousness. Today, the whole world is centred around money.




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I often tell you, money comes and goes, but morality comes and

grows. Money is like a passing cloud. No doubt money is

required for your livelihood in this world. But it is not the be - alland end - all of life. Earlier people believed Dharma Moolam

Idam Jagat (dharma forms the basis of the world). Now people

consider Dhana Moolam Idam Jagat (wealth forms the basis of

the world).

Understand that dharma alone will confer peace and bliss on you.

Dharma alone will protect you. During the course of the

Kurukshetra War, Bhishma was the commander-in-chief of the

Kaurava army. One day, Duryodhana and Dussasana confronted

him and said, “O grandsire, you seem to be very inactive these

days. As a result, our enemies are growing from strength to

strength. It is time that you shed your slackness and show your

prowess.” Provoked in this manner by Duryodhana and

Dussasana, Bhishma declared that he would kill all the Pandavas

before sunset, the next day. Draupadi, who had five husbands,

could be called a pathivrata (one of chastity). Who are the five

husbands? They do not represent physical bodies. Here five

husbands symbolize five elements and five life principles.

Draupadi fell at Krishna’s feet and prayed that He should protect

the Pandavas. Krishna said, “Follow My command, I shallcertainly protect your husbands.” Draupadi said, “Krishna, who

can I follow other than You? You are our everything.” It was

night-time. As the war was over for the day, all were taking rest

in their respective tents.

Bhishma was feeling very depressed. “I have vowed that I would

kill the Pandavas tomorrow. But how am I to kill them who are




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noble and virtuous and whom I have brought up with my own

hands all these years? It is the food of the Kauravas that has

spoiled my head (mind).” Thinking thus, Bhishma was pacing upand down in his tent. Krishna sensed Bhishma’s predicament. He

always planned according to time, place and situation. His was

the master-plan. He told Draupadi to follow him.

Since there was no electricity in those days, there were only oil

lamps burning in each tent. After walking a certain distance,

Krishna asked her to put off her sandals as they were making

noise. Draupadi implicitly obeyed Krishna’s command. Krishna

immediately wrapped her sandals in his shawl and carried them

with him. Once they reached Bhishma’s tent, He told Draupadi to

hurry up and fall at Bhishma’s feet at once. Draupadi did

accordingly. Hearing the jingling sound of bangles, Bhishma

thought it was a married woman and as was his wont, he blessed

her saying, Deergha Sumangali Bhava (may you and your

husband live long). After uttering this blessing, Bhishma noticed

to his great surprise that it was Draupadi whose husbands he had

vowed to kill the following day. In the meantime, Krishna

entered the scene.

Bhishma realized that it was Krishna’s master -plan. He extolledKrishna saying, “O Lord, none can describe Your Leelas (divine

play). They are most wonderful and most sacred in all the three

worlds.” Krishna told Bhishma that he had come to Draupadi’s

rescue as she was highly virtuous. What was the secret of

Draupadi’s greatness? Draupadi was always contented with what

she had.




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She was always obedient to her husbands and would always find

time to serve them. There is no woman greater than Draupadi.

(Telugu Poem)

Today people are conferred various titles like Padmashri, Padma

Vibhushan, etc. But the titles conferred on women such as

Grihalakshmi, Illalu, Dharmapatni, Ardhangini, etc., are very

high and sacred. How can women with such exalted titles to their

credit be inferior to men? But, unfortunately, today due to the

effect of Kali Age, men look down upon women and treat them

as mere servants. This is a big mistake. The more you respect

women, the more you will be respected. (SSS Vol.33, pp. 178-

181), 11-08-2000,

Some Noble and Virtuous Mothers

Aryamba was born in Kerala. She was a paragon of virtues. She

spent all her time in the contemplation of God and in undertaking

noble deeds. As a result, Sankaracharya was born to her.

Sankaracharya could become Jagadguru (world teacher) because

of his mother’s virtuous thoughts. Noble souls like Vivekananda

and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa could attain exalted positions in

their lives only due to the sacred feelings of their mothers.

Putlibai, the mother of Mahatma Gandhi, spent her life in the

contemplation of God. She used to observe a vow wherein she

would not partake of food unless she heard the singing of cuckoo.

One day it so happened that the song of cuckoo was not heard.

Gandhi, who was a small boy then, could not bear to see his




25

mother fasting for a long time. He went behind the house and

mimicked the singing of cuckoo.

Putlibai felt very sad as she knew that her son was uttering a lie.

She cried, “O God! What sin have I committed that I gave birth

to a son who speaks untruth?” Realising that he had caused

immense grief to his mother by uttering a lie, Gandhi took a vow

that he would never indulge in falsehood thenceforth. So, it is

imperative that the mother gives training in moral values to her

children right from their childhood. She should not overlook the

mistakes of her children. She should punish her children

whenever they stray away from the right path and reward them

for their good deeds. It is because of the feelings of the mother

that the children become good or bad.

Gandhi’s mother was a strict disciplinarian and pure-hearted. As

the saying goes, “Yatha Raja, Thatha Praja” (as the king, so the

subjects), she had a maidservant named Rambha, who used to

look after the children with love and care. One day, Gandhi came

running to her and told that he was haunted by fear. Rambha told

him, “My dear one, where is the need to fear when all-protecting

Ramachandra is with us always. Recite the Name of Rama

whenever you are fear-stricken.” From then onwards, Gandhichanted the Name of Rama till his last breath. Can we find such

noble-hearted women today? It is because of such women that

the children take to the path of righteousness. (SSS Vol.33), 19-

11-2000




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Story of a Noble Son and a Noble Mother

Here is a small example. After the war for the liberation of

Rangoon, a mother and her son somehow managed to reachChennai, having lost their near and dear ones. They had no

shelter over their head nor any food to eat. The mother would go

begging for alms from house to house, give most of it to her son

and partake of whatever little was left. When she would not get

enough, she would give the entire food to her son and herself

would go without food. She was put to many difficulties, but she

bore everything for the sake of the well-being of her son.

Consequently, she became weak day by day. One day the son,

unable to see her suffering, told her, “Mother, it is not proper on

your part to feed me and starve yourself. From today, you take

rest and I will fetch food for both of us.” But the mother said she

could not bear the sight of her son begging for alms. However, on

a certain day, the mother was too weak even to walk. So, the sonwent to beg food. He stood in front of the house of an officer and

cried,” O sir, I am hungry, I am hungry.” The officer, who was

relaxing in an easy chair in the verandah, brought food on a leaf

and told him to sit and partake of it. But the boy said that he

would take it home. The officer said, “I don’t think you are really

hungry, otherwise why should you take it home.”

When the officer was uttering these harsh words, the boy felt

giddy and fell down. He was trying to say something, but could

not say it loudly as he was very weak. The officer went close to

the boy and tried to hear what he was saying.” Sir, I would like to

give it to my mother first, only then I will eat. First, to my

mother, to my mother…,” and he breathed his last.




27

Can we find such noble sons today? We cannot find such

mothers and sons today. It is not merely the effect of Kali age,

but also the result of modern education system. Today’seducation is meant only for earning a living. The educated do not

think of the welfare of society and the country at large. (SSS

Vol.33), 19-11-2000

Great Merit Lies In Fulfilling Your Mother’s Wishes

You all know the story of Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar. He wasliving with his mother in a village near Kolkata. They were very

poor. She used to feed her son with whatever she could earn

everyday and did not care much about herself. Her son’s well

being was uppermost in her mind. She wanted him to lead a

peaceful and sacred life. Being a hard working student,

Vidyasagar used to study under street lights. He completed his

postgraduation and took up a job. Initially, his salary was very

less, just enough for his mother and himself. Gradually, he

attained good position. Once a fair was held in the village.

Vidyasagar’s mother went to the fair wearing an old sari as she

had no other good sari to wear. Seeing this, Vidyasagar felt very

sad. That very evening, he bought a good sari for her. Onceduring the course of their conversation, Vidyasagar asked his

mother if she had any desires. She said, “Son, the people of our

village are facing hardship due to lack of drinking water. I feel

pained to see them trekking long distances to fetch water. I will

be happy if you can get a well dug in our village.” Vidyasagar

immediately got a well dug and fulfilled his mother’s desire. Her

joy knew no bounds. She said, “Son, water sustains life. You




28

have quenched the thirst of the villagers. I am extremely happy

that I have given birth to a noble son like you.”

On some other day, Vidyasagar asked his mother if she had any

more desires. She said, “Son, the children of our village are going

to the neighbouring village to attend school. I am pained to see

children walking such a long distance everyday. So, please

construct a small school in our village”. Accordingly, Vidyasagar

established a school in the village, giving immense joy to his

mother. She said, “Son, you have set an ideal not merely to our

village but to the entire nation. Your life is sanctified.”

After a few days, one evening, when Vidyasagar returned home

from office, he found his mother in a pensive mood. On being

asked for the reason, she said, “Son you have provided water to

the village and also established a school for children. But, it is the

lack of medical facilities in our village that is troubling my mind.

Please build a small hospital here.”

As per her wish, he constructed a small hospital which had one

doctor and one nurse. His mother was overjoyed at this. The

reason for My telling you all this is to emphasise that the feelings

of mothers are noble.

Each one has to resolve to fulfil the sacred disires of his mother.

One should never act in such a way as to cause pain to one’s

mother.




29

Sacred Desires Of Swami’s Mother

Like the mother of Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, Swami’s mother

had also some sacred desires. One day, while I was having Myfood upstairs, Griham Ammayi (mother of Swami’s physical

body) came to Me. I asked, “Amma, what is the reason for your

coming here?” She said, “You finish your food fir st, then I will

tell You.” After I finished My food, she said, “Swami, ours is a

very small village. Here people are put to a lot of suffering due to

the absence of medical facilities. They have to run to

Bukkapatnam even for a small problem.” Then I assured her that

I would build a hospital in the village. As promised, I got a small

hospital built immediately.

On some other day, she again came upstairs and said, “Swami

please don’t think otherwise, I have one more desire”. I asked her

not to have too many desires. She said, “Swami, You arefulfilling the desires of thousands of people who are coming to

You.

Why can’t You fulfil my one desire?” Then I said, “Tell Me your

desire”. She said, “Swami, the wells of our village have dried up.

Please get a well dug in our village.” As per her wish, I got a well

dug in our Mandir itself. All the people of the village used to takewater from this well. She said she was extremely happy but

added that she had one more desire. She said, “Swami, the

children of our village are going to Bukkapatnam for their

studies. Poor children, they don’t have the strength even to walk

such a long distance. Please construct a school here”. I fulfilled

her that desire also. She felt very happy and said that she had no

more desires left. Just as a small seed becomes a huge tree, the




30

small school I established then has become a big university now.

At that time, I constructed a small hospital. But now here is a big

Super Speciality Hospital. The small well that I got dug here inthe village has assumed gigantic proportions of a water project

for the entire district. If the feelings of the mother are sacred, so

too will be the feelings of the children.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu And His Noble Mother

If the thoughts are sacred, they will certainly fructify. One neednot think that one does not have enough money or resources. If

you resolve to do something good, you are bound to succeed. The

power of noble thoughts will give you the necessary strength.

Once Chaitanya Mahaprabhu went to a temple along with his

mother Sachi Devi. He prayed, “O Lord, You are the master of

the world. You are the master of the body, life and soul. You can

grant any wish that I ask for. But I don’t have any worldly

desires. I do have one desire. You are the embodiment of love.

Love is our life. So, please grant me the strength to love You. I

don’t want anything else.” Chaitanya Mahaprabhu developed

such noble thoughts because of the noble feelings of his mother

Sachi Devi. She always taught him that all the needs of a person

were automatically taken care of once he became the recipient of God’s grace.

Chaitanya used to go round the streets singing the glory of

Krishna. Good and bad, auspiciousness and inauspiciousness co-

exist. Where there is light, there is bound to be its shadow.

Likewise, good people are bound to face difficulties. But those

difficulties will enhance the goodness in them.




31

Pleasure and pain, good and bad co-exist, None can separate

them. You cannot find pleasure or pain, Good or bad to the

exclusion of the other. Pleasure results when difficulties fructify.(Telugu Poem)

Once when Chaitanya was singing the glory of Krishna in the

streets, some evil-minded people snatched away the cymbals

from his hands. But he was least perturbed. He continued to sing

the glory of Krishna with firm faith and devotion. Seeing

Chaitanya, the children would get inspired and they too would

join him in singing the divine name. Chaintanya used to make

children sit around him and impart sacred teachings to them.

Chaitanya became a noble soul because of the noble feelings of

his mother. So, the mother should have pure thoughts and good

conduct. Only then will she be blessed with ideal children. (SSS

Vol.33, pp. 288-294), 19-11-2000

Chandramathi was a woman of sterling character. She always

followed her husband, Harishchandra. When they were passing

through difficulties, she infused courage in him saying, “Oh king,

you are highly intelligent and educated. You should never give

scope to weakness and waver from your chosen path. We are

swimming in the ocean of truth. We should not give up our resolve till we reach the shores.” In this manner, women of those

days would encourage their husbands to follow the path of truth.

Women of Bharat always upheld our sacred culture. Sita did not

shed tears even in extremely trying circumstances. Though she

was surrounded by demons, she was never afraid of them. She

spent her time in the contemplation of her husband, Lord Rama,

and thus set an ideal. The same can be said of Damayan-ti. She




32

was one of virtues. With her strong determination, she helped her

husband regain his kingdom. In this manner, women of those

days earned a name for themselves with their sterling character and ideal motherhood. Today’s women should make them role

models. (SSS Vol.35, 2003)

“ In this sacred land of Bharat patience is our

treasure. Among all the vows, adherence to truth

is the greatest penance. Sweetest of all feelings in

our land is the love of the mother.”

- Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba



33

Glory of Womanhood

This Bharat is the land of sanctity and chastity, which has given

birth to such great women of exceptional character, who lent

glory to Bharat as a nation of heroic women.

From ancient times, the presiding deity of Gayathri mantra,

Gayathri Devi, has been worshipped as the Mother of the Vedas,

which are held as the most ancient and authoritative scriptures of

wisdom. Gayathri mantra originated in this holy land. The glory

of this mantra has spread all over the world. The people of Bharat have worshipped Gayathri in several ways and have

redeemed their lives. Gayathri has been worshipped in four

forms: (1) Sathyavathi, (2) Angavath,i (3) Anyavathi, and (4)

Nidhanavathi. All the four are equally sacred, and elicit limitless

grace of the Divine.

The first one, Sathyavathi, signifies the existence of Atma inevery being, just as butter is present in every drop of milk. It

proclaims, “Ekatma sarvabhutantaratma (One Atma is present in

all beings).” There is one Sath (truth), which is spoken of in

many ways by the wise.

The second one is Angavathi, which signifies the five elements

present in all beings and also the five senses of hearing,




34

touch, vision, taste, and smell. There is nothing in this world that

is not composed of the five elements. This Angavathi is pancha

bhuta swarupa (the embodiment of the five basic elements).

The third one, Anyavathi, refers to the attributes of the different

forms of the Divine. For example, Lord Siva is associated with

trident, three eyes, etc. Vishnu is always described as having

conch, discus, mace, and so on. We call him

Sankhachakragadapani.

Ganapathi is identified by his elephant face and big belly. He is

first to be worshipped in all rituals. Saraswathi is described as

one with veena in hand, through which she is teaching the Divine

sound principle as Nadabrahma. Thus Anyavathi signifies the

different constituents of the forms of the Divine.

Nidhanavathi, the fourth, teaches the nine types of worship,

namely, sravanam (hearing), keerthanam (singing the glory of

God), smaranam (thinking of the names of God), pada sevanam

(service), vandanam (prostration), archanam (worship), dasyam

(servitude), sakhyam (friendship), and atmanivedanam

(surrender).

The world is symbolised by these four forms of Gayathri. That is

why it is described as Nature (Prakriti), a female form (Sthri).

We refer to our native country as motherland. The importance

attached to women in Bharat Bharat (India) has always accorded

a high place to women as the upholders of all social virtues. The

very fact that in mentioning the names of the divine couples like

Vishnu and Lakshmi, Siva and Parvathi, the name of the consort



Glory of Womanhood

35

is given the first place, as in Lakshmi Narayana, Uma

Maheswara, shows what importance Bharatiyas (people of

Bharat) attached to women.

People generally speak of women as the weaker sex. At last, now

Bharatiyas recognize that women cannot be considered as weak.

The woman in charge of the home plays the main role in

bringing good name and fame to the home. Not only in respect of

individual homes but also in the good name of the country and

the world the woman plays the main role.

From ancient times, woman has been accorded a high place in

the society. The scriptures have ascribed seven virtues to women

as a class: sathya (truth), prema (love), dharma (righteousness),

santhi (peace), sahana (tolerance), ananda (bliss), svanubhuti

(spirituality).

The woman at home has been held in high esteem as

Grihalakshmi, the goddess of prosperity of the home. When her

husband faces difficulties, the wife readily shares the burden and

is prepared to do anything, to undergo any suffering or even

sacrifice her life for the welfare of her husband and the family. It

is the woman of the home who is behind the good reputation of the home. The woman is the embodiment of sacrifice.

Though the male counterpart may also do sacrifice, it will be

with a selfish tinge, while the woman's sacrifice is absolutely

selfless. Therefore, we should be proud of our women.




36

High status of women in ancient India

If Bharatiya culture and morality have survived despite long

periods of foreign rule, it is to no small measure due to thecourage and fortitude of the nation's women. As the earlier

speaker, Dr. Geetha Reddy, has pointed out, women shine as

soldiers with the weapons of sathya and dharma. They will not

normally tell lies. There may be occasions when a few of them

may do so unknowingly. But, by and large, they as a class

uphold truth and righteous conduct. They follow the Vedic

injunction, Sathyam vada, dharmam chara (speak the truth and

practice righteousness).

Once, King Janaka conducted a discussion regarding the most

suitable person who should confer honour on him as a scholar.

Even though there were great sages and highly learned scholars

like Yajnavalkya in the assembly, he decided that Gargi was thefittest person from whom he should receive it.

This is an example to prove how women have been held in high

esteem from ancient times by ordinary citizens and kings too.

While women were held in high esteem in ancient times, in later

years there was a decline in their status, and even ascetics denied

proper recognition to them.

For instance, when sage Mathanga wanted to admit the great

woman devotee Sabari into his ashram, many of his disciples

who were renunciants raised objection. But the noble Mathanga

recognized the extraordinary merit of Sabari's chastity, sincere

devotion, and dedication toward pursuit of liberation and

admitted her to his ashram. She finally proved to the world how



Glory of Womanhood

37

devoted she was to Rama and how she got liberated after

worshipping Him true to the teachings of sage Mathanga.

Women's role in home and society

Because of the evil influence of modern education, people

consider women as toys and tend to treat them as puppets. The

women have very auspicious and noble qualities. But men

consider them as cooks to be confined to the kitchen and the four

walls of the house. What they forget is that women not only

manage the affairs of the family but also look after the health andwell-being of all the members of the household.

The Government has now started conferring the honorific titles

of Padmashri, Padmabhushan, etc,. on its chosen citizens. But

women have had more respectable and valuable titles of

Grihalakshmi (the goddess of prosperity of the home),

Dharmapathni (devoted wife), Ardhangi (the better half), etc.

They had these titles because of their good qualities and spirit of

sacrifice.

Questions are raised like who will look after the home if women

go to offices and who will teach her children if the mother goes

to school to teach other children, and so on. Some say thatthough the woman goes to work to solve the financial problem,

bigger problems may have to be confronted by her going to

work. But, in the modern world, it is necessary for the women to

share the burden of maintaining the family with their husbands,

so the women should also pursue studies as much as possible and

take up suitable jobs to share the burden of the family. It would




38

smack of selfishness if the males prevent them from going to

work for which they have acquired the requisite qualifications.

Women can control the whole world by themselves by virtue of

their inherent qualities of love and spirit of sacrifice (prema

bhava and thyaga bhava). Anger is alien to women, and it is

more rampant in men. Though there may be instances when a

woman may give vent to anger, such occasions are few and far

between while in men the reverse in the case.

Savitri fought with the God of Death (Yama) and succeeded in

getting her husband back to life. Can you find any instance in the

scriptures or history where a husband was prepared to do

sacrifice for his wife? If the wife is dead, he is ready to have a

second marriage. Such unfair things are happening in the world

in respect of women. That is why it was decided to celebrate not

only 19 November but the 19th of every month as Mahila Day.

Women are heirs of our ancient culture

Women devotees in the Sai Movement are participating in large

numbers enthusiastically in service activities such as helping the

women of weaker sections to learn some useful trades liketailoring, etc., so that they can earn some money for the family

and also spend their time usefully. If such activities are taken up

all over the country, the country will prosper. This sacred work is

typical of the culture of our ancient country.



Glory of Womanhood

39

Women are the heirs of our ancient culture. Culture means

refinement. Women are the torch-bearers of refinement and they

are toiling for the emancipation of the nation.

Geetha Reddy spoke about the exploits of great women in the

battlefield like Rani of Jhansi, who fought a terrific battle and

gave up her life rather than surrendering to the foe when she was

overpowered. She lived up to the teachings of the Vedas that

only through sacrifice can one attain liberation. Even in this Kali

Age, there may be some exceptional cases where women may

not be following sathya and dharma. But mostly they live up to

these ideals.

However, they are not encouraged to show their ability. Even in

the family, they have to face obstacles and confrontations If

women are given due recognition and encouragement, they will

shine with brilliance in all fields and will serve the house,

country, and the entire world gloriously, contributing to the

welfare of the entire humanity.

Women show dedication and sincereity in work. No doubt, there

may be a few who may not be having good qualities

characteristic of a woman. But in any class of society, this isinescapable. Take, for example, the orange fruit. In order to

enjoy the juice you have to peel out the bitter portions of the

outer skin and seeds. Even so, the fruit of human life has much

bitter portions as outer skin. You have to remove this and weed

out the seeds of bad qualities, so that you can taste the sweet

juice inside.




40

If man follows the example of the woman to imbibe sacred and

sacrificial qualities, the world will definitely improve. They say

“Udhyogam purusha lakshanam (a man is known by his job)”, asthough only males can do jobs. It is a misnomer.

Women are also doing all types of jobs equal to men. In fact,

women work more sincerely and with dedication. Recently,

Swami questioned a director of the Indian Telephone Industries

when he came to see Swami about the percentage of women

employed in the industry. He said 99% of the employees were

women and added that women did ten times better work than

men. They don't stop or step out until the allotted work is

completed. They have the work culture better than men.

Nowhere in any sacred text is it stated that women should only

cook and not do work like men. As a matter of fact, even man

has to learn cooking and house-keeping to help his wife in times

of need. Awareness is life. Awareness means total knowledge

and not partial knowledge.

This enthusiasm is full in women. Even men should make effort

to learn everything. Women have hidden power immanent in

them. You have to encourage them to exhibit their talents. Anarmy commander, who makes all sepoys in the army shiver

before him, shivers before his wife when she confronts him after

he reaches home. Similarly, the principal of an institution, before

whom the students may shiver with fear, may himself feel shiver

going down his spine when confronted by his wife for an

explanation why he came late.



Glory of Womanhood

41

God makes no distinctions

Generally, the term Purusha is taken to mean only males, basing

on physical form. It is not true. Purusha represents the Atma or Chaitanya in all, which is in the body from top to toe.

Purusharthas (prime goals of life) are four, namely, dharma,

artha, kama, and moksha (right conduct, wealth, desire, and

liberation). This does not apply only to males. It is common to

both males and females.

Actually, women follow the fundamental Dharma truly, while

men act selfishly. One who realizes divinity is Purusha.

Swadharma means Atmadharma, not the dharma pertaining to

the body. This is explained in the Bhagavad Gita. This was the

ideal followed by the ancients.

Artha does not merely mean wealth or money. It means wealth of wisdom. Both men and women have the right to experience non-

duality, which is real wisdom. Kama is the desire not for worldly

objects but for God. Moksha (liberation) is the fourth objective

of life. Desire for moksha is common to all, whether men or

women. Moksha is moha kshaya or shedding of bodily

attachment. Without following the senses or mind, if you follow

conscience, you can progress toward moksha.

Women should be encouraged to play their roles

In order to teach the subtleties of the scriptural texts, and

encourage women to play their role in society, 19th is fixed as

Mahila Day. Dharma can be made to occupy its position in

society and restored to its pristine glory only by women. But men

also have equal right and they should participate in this mighty




42

and sacred effort so that the country will prosper. Even if men

don’t actively participate, they should at least let the women do

the work without interference.

Krishna said in the Gita, “Ananyaschinthayantho maam ye janah

paryupasathe (whoever worships me: to the exclusion of all

others),” “thesham: nithyabhiyukthanam yogakshemam

vahamyaham (I look after the welfare of such unwavering

devotees).”

This is an assurance to one and all with no distinctions of any

kind. Everyone should cultivate a similar sense of universality.

The Divine is omnipresent. Differences based on caste, creed,

sex, or nationality have to be given up. God has no distinctions.

You should also practice this principle of equality. God is

everywhere. You cannot restrict Him to your narrow limits as

though He is confined only to the form contained in your small

picture frame. It is a folly to think so. He has thousands of forms

and names. When you are doing Sahasranama archana

(worshipping the thousand names of the Lord) you mention each

of the thousand names and offer a flower. All are offered to only

that one picture and not to thousands of pictures. All may refer to

one God only. You may say Allah, Jesus, Rama or Krishna andso on. But all refer to only one God. If you say the form you

worship is the only God, you are limiting the Infinite to a narrow

finite entity.

Give up all religious differences. There is only one religion, that

of love, There is only one caste, that of humanity. There is only

one language, that of the heart. I spoke earlier of the four parts of



Glory of Womanhood

43

Gayathri and five elements. All are divine. They have no caste or

creed or any such difference. If you realize the unity, you get

purity and divinity. You are forgetting this and breed feelings of enmity and community.

God has no such distinction of community, nationality or sex. In

ancient times, they did not have such differences. Do not give

room for any such feelings. God is one and everyone in this

world has equal right to enjoy His Grace. (SSS Vol.31), 19 April

1998



Radha’s Ultimate Merger

When Krishna lifted the Govardhana mountain, it was a matter of

celebration. The unmarried Gopikas performed Varalakshmi Vratam.Even now ladies perform Varalakshmi Vratam. Radha was a great

devotee. But those

who did not believe in the divinity of Krishna subjected her to a lot of

hardships. Even in those days there were atheists. Atheists, theists,

theistic-atheists and atheistic-theists are present in every age. The atheists

put Radha in a house and locked it from outside. They felt Radha’s

family reputation was being tarnished because of her going after Krishna.And to stop her from doing so, she was locked up in the room. She

started crying and praying.

Krishna heard her prayers, opened the doors and released her. He chided

those people saying, “Is this the way you treat a devotee? It is allright if

you have no devotion to Me. But it is a great sin to harass a devotee.”

Krishna took Radha with Him. Radha then prayed to Krishna to play asong on His divine flute.

“Sing a song Oh Krishna! with each word

dripping with honey and talk to Me to My heart’s

content. Take the essence of the Vedas, let it flow

through your divine flute and transform it into a

melodious song. Sing a song Oh Krishna …”

(Telugu Song)

Listening to His melodious music, Radha breathed her last. From that

day, Krishna never touched His flute again. Krishna performed several

leelas. He was verily God in human form. None could comprehend or

describe His divine nature. It was infinite and unfathomable. You do not

find anything other than Divine love flowing from Him.

- Bha awan Sri Sath a Sai Baba



45

Develop Self-Confidence,

Maintain Self-Respect

From time immemorial, women of India, by their adherence toideals have bestowed joy on this land and so occupy an exalted

position, which is higher than that of men. Women embody the

aspect of Mother Nature and the ancient sages found solutions to

problems in life by recognising this truth. What is the cause for

misery, conflict and suffering in the world today? It is the

absence of purity in the hearts of men and women. The

behaviour of men and women is responsible for the rise or fall of

a nation. The country would not lack in anything, if there were

men and women with pure hearts. But today hearts are

completely polluted.

Here is a piece of pure white paper. But what is written on one

side makes it appear dirty. So too is the case with a man’s heart;dirty feelings pollute it. Newspaper of today becomes a waste

paper tomorrow. The paper by itself does not have any smell.

The same paper when used to pack jasmine flowers smells of

them; it will smell of ‘Pakodas’ or even of dry fish if it is used to

pack them. When the heart is purified, it shines with compassion.

Bad feelings and bad thoughts pollute the heart of man.




46

Women Deserve Greater Honour and Better Treatment

Ever since ancient times, women have maintained their hearts

pure. Savitri was one such great woman of India. She broughther husband back to life by winning over the Lord of Death.

There are many such cases of women who have revived their

husbands from death; but history does not speak of a single man

reviving his wife from death! Women of such exalted character

have set great ideals of womanhood in Bharat. Today’s society is

polluted because there is no encouragement for women to

cultivate such high ideals. In modern times the ways of life are

so perverted that only evil thoughts, evil feelings and evil

behaviour rule the roost. In this situation Sri Sathya Sai Seva

Organisations are encouraging women through opportunities in

the wings like Mahila Vibhag, to develop good ideals of

character and propagate them to the world at large. Only if the

women come up in society, the whole world will turn sacred.

The Organisations of women have achieved many great things,

but men do not recognise their good work. Women are capable

of ruling the nations and even the whole world if they make up

their minds. Men should not consider women as mere slaves.

Today our country is on the downslide because we take our

women very lightly.

There is nothing in this world that women cannot achieve.

Recognising the nature of such women we must encourage them

and give them equal opportunities in society. No such

encouragement is being given today. Men do not tolerate women

joining together for a good cause in an Organisation. Because of



Develop Self-confidence, Maintain Self-respect

47

their own selfish interest, men are unable to recognise the good

that women can do to the society. Generally the women are

selfless. Their hearts are full of compassion and love. They takea lot of pains to bring up children on the right path, a task that is

almost impossible for men. Mother plays a very important role in

shaping the character of the child. The contemporary education is

largely responsible for the gradual deterioration of children’s

behaviour. In olden days mothers initiated their children into

studies by chanting sacred words like OM NAMAH SIVAYA or

OM NAMO NARAYANAYA. Thus at a very early age, these

sacred words got imprinted in the hearts of children.

But today’s parents initiate their children into education, not by

chanting holy or sacred names of God, but by rhymes like ‘Baa

Baa Black Sheep’ Nowadays children are being taught all types

of wrong terminology.

In earlier days, children used to welcome guests in their homes

with humility and reverence, whereas these qualities are missing

nowadays. Today’s children aspire for wealth, power and

friendship but not for character. What is the use of wealth, power

and friendship bereft of character? Money comes and goes but

one must teach them morality and righteousness.

Earlier, children were taught such sacred values. Today parents

want their children to pursue higher studies and become great,

whereas earlier, parents preferred their children to be good rather

than becoming great. Since those parents wanted their children to

be good, Bharat stood as an ideal to all nations of the world.




48

Emulate Ideal Parents of Yore

Nowadays students are not being taught good qualities. Instead,

when they come home, mother immediately puts on thetelevision and the father too joins the son to watch the television.

Earlier, the moment children returned home, parents took them

to the Puja room and revised whatever was taught to them by

teachers in the class. Nowadays parents want their children to

pursue higher studies so that they may get rich fathers-in-law. In

those days parents never wanted a rich father-in-law but wanted

a virtuous wife for their son. This is the reason why those days

were prosperous and peaceful. What is the reason for chaos in

the world today? As there are no ideal parents today at home,

there are no ideal children also. The first school is the home

itself. If the home is good, when such children enter society, they

will learn good qualities there also.

Today’s students must recognise that whatever knowledge,

wisdom or good qualities they have learnt, were taught by the

society. So they have to ask themselves as to what they are doing

for the society after receiving so many benefits from it. Students

receive lot of benefits from the society but they don’t contribute

anything good in return. Thus, men are becoming ungrateful. We

must be grateful to those who help us.

What is the use of all education if we cannot show gratitude and

respect to our benefactors? All the education thus becomes

useless. First and foremost we must learn to respect the society

because we are born, brought up and remain a part of the society

till we die. Those days mothers used to teach their children that

they could lead an ideal life only when they respected society.




49

Take for example the episode of Abhimanyu. He prostrated

before his mother and sought her permission to go to the

battlefield. Initially his mother hesitated to permit him and said,“The great warrior Drona has devised a difficult strategy in

today’s battle – Padmavyuha (Lotus Formation). Bhishma has

joined hands with Drona. Your father and uncle are not here.

Your wife is pregnant. We do not know what can happen on the

battlefield. Therefore I advise that you may not go to war now!”

He replied, “Mother, this is not what you should teach me; you

should encourage me to pounce into the battlefield like a lion and

destroy the Kauravas. Instead, you are discouraging me. Is it

right on your part to do so? I pray that you grant your blessings

to me to be victorious in the war.” Subhadra immediately

realised her duty in that situation and blessed him, “My dear son,

may you have a long life, may you earn a good name for the

family, may you earn the blessings of your uncle and father; may

the Lord be by your side and protect you on the battlefield!”

It was obligatory for the son to earn good reputation for the

family. But in these modern times parents do not impart such

good teachings to their children. Parents distribute sweets as

soon as the child is born and celebrate the child’s birthday. Butin ancient times parents would celebrate the son’s birthday only

on the day he brought good name to the family.

“Father does not feel the joy of begetting a son merely because

the child is born. Only when people praise his son for his good

deeds and achievements does the father feel joyful!” Thus, we

find a gulf of difference between the cultures of those days and




50

of today. Since time immemorial, it is the mothers who brought

up the children. The lap of the mother is the child’s first school.

That is why even the Vedas say, “May mother be your god, mayfather be your god, may teacher be your god.” Thus, first honour

is always given to the mother. Let us take for example the names

of deities, Sita Rama, Radha Krishna and Parvathi Paramesha;

the feminine aspect of God comes first. It is the mother who

shapes the child’s life. Even when she punishes the child for any

of its mistakes, she does it with love, to lead it on to the right

path. Today we need such mothers. (SSS Vol.34) , 19.11.2001

Fill Your Heart With Love

Today, the food you eat, the water you drink and the air you

inhale are all polluted. Man himself has become highly polluted

as he has filled his mind with negative feelings, which are

nothing but worldly desires. No doubt, one can have desires, but

they should be under certain limits. The letters that you write will

appear blue when the pen is filled with blue ink and red when it

is filled with red ink. Likewise, all that you see, hear and say will

become negative when your heart is filled with negative feelings.

So, first of all fill your heart with love. Then all that you see,

hear, say and do will be suffused with love. Sarvam Prema

Mayam Jagat (the whole world is permeated with love). So, youwill find love everywhere. Yad Bhavam Tad Bhavati (as is the

feeling, so is the result). Today human heart has become a den of

evil qualities like anger, hatred, greed, jealousy, pomp and show.

Love alone can drive away these negative qualities. Desire,

anger, greed, jealousy, etc., arise out of body attachment and

improper food habits. So, one has to put a check over body

attachment and control desires.




51

It is said, less luggage more comfort make travel a pleasure. In

order to have a comfortable journey of life, reduce the luggage of

desires. One can have body attachment to some extent becausethe journey of life is undertaken with the help of the body. When

one is living with family and friends, it is not possible to give up

body attachment altogether.But one should lead a sacred life with

the noble feelings of Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu (may the

entire world be happy!).

All the powers that you find in the external world are present in

man. The human body itself is a generator of electricity. The

human mind can be compared to television and the heart to a

radio. When a particular programme is broadcast on Delhi Radio

Station, you are able to hear it at the same time by tuning your

radio to the appropriate frequency. Today we have radios, but in

those days, people considered their hearts as radios. So, make

your hearts pure and sacred. All that you see in the external

world can be visualized on the screen of your mind. So, the mind

itself is a television. All the powers are latent in man. All that

you see outside is nothing but the reflection and resound. When

you criticize or abuse someone, it means you are seeing the

reflection of your own bad feelings in him. Good and bad arise

from within, they are not outside.

God Is Present In The Entire Creation

You can see your reflection in the mirror only when its rear is

coated with a chemical. Your heart can be compared to a mirror.

It should be coated with the chemical of love. Only then can you

see your true self in it. Vedanta declares, Raso Vai Saha (He is

sweetness Itself). Here is an example: When sugar and water are




52

mixed, it becomes syrup. The sugar and water become

inseparable. Just as sugar is present in every drop of the syrup,

God is present in the entire creation. Easwara revealed the secretof Varalakshmi vrata to Parvathi in order to bestow peace and

prosperity on all women. Performance of this vrata is easy,

though it has a potency of giving great boons.

You are all very fortunate to have performed it in a sacred place

sanctified by the presence of Divinity. These practices have the

desired effect if you do them in the prescribed manner with

purity of heart. Betel leaf alone cannot make a pan. It has to be

mixed with an appropriate quantity of betel nut and lime before it

becomes a pan. Betel leaf is green in colour, betel nut is brown

and lime is white. When mixed together in appropriate

proportion, they form red colour. Lime adds taste to the pan, but

when used in excess, it will burn the tongue. That is why it is

said, Na Sreyo Niyamam Vina (no good accrues without the

observance of rules).

Do Not Indulge In Vain Gossip

The normal temperature of the body is 98.4° F. Fever sets in

when the temperature crosses this limit. Likewise, the normal blood pressure of man is 120/80. When it shoots up to, say,

150/90, it becomes harmful. Likewise, everything should be

under certain limit. Your speech and actions should also be

within certain limits. Act as per your capacity. Before

undertaking any activity, enquire, where, when and how it has to

be done. If you do not adhere to such discipline, you will be

inviting trouble.




53

All the spiritual practices will yield good results only when they

are performed with purity of heart and steady mind. If you have

the grace of God, there is nothing that you cannot accomplish inthis world. When God can bring the dead back to life, can there

be anything impossible for Him? He can change sky into earth

and earth into sky, but you should pray with purity of heart to

attain His grace. Do not indulge in vain gossip. How can you

expect God to fulfil your wishes if you talk ill of others?

Destructive Power Of AngerYou should see to it that women do not shed tears. Otherwise, the

family will face hardships. A thorn can be removed from the

foot, but a harsh word, which has wounded the heart, cannot be

taken back. So, never use harsh words. Talk sweetly and softly.

The husband has the right to point out the mistakes of his wife,

but he has no right to use harsh words and hurt her feelings. You

cannot always oblige, but you can speak always obligingly. The

family will attain peace and prosperity once you observe these

principles. Usually, the element of anger is more in men than in

women. If you get angry once, the energy gained by you from the

food consumed over three months will be destroyed. Not merely

that, it also boils your blood which will take nearly three months

to cool down. Such being the case, imagine what would be your fate if you lose your temper time and again.

God Always Does Only Good

The story of Jarasandha bears ample testimony to this. Many a

time, Krishna challenged him for a battle. However, when

Jarasandha would come with fierce anger, Krishna would run

away from the battlefield. Seeing this happen time and again,Krishna was asked the reason for His strange behaviour. Then




54

Krishna replied, “Don’t be under the mistaken notion that I am

running away from the battlefield out of fear. I can kill him in no

time, but this is not the right time to kill him. By arousing hisanger time and again, I am draining out all his strength.”

Gradually, Jarasandha lost all his strength and ultimately met his

doom. Krishna never considered it an insult to run away from the

battlefield because he was acting according to his own master-

plan. He adopted this method of conquering his enemy to teach

an important lesson. All the plans of God are meant only for the

welfare of others. He does not do anything for himself. God

always does only good, which may appear to be bad to some

people. Mistake lies in their vision, not in God’s creation.

Whatever God does, it is always meant to help you and develop

your sacredness. (SSS Vol.33), 11-08-2000



55

Some Stotrams for Lakshmi

Puja

Lakshmi Ashtottara ShatanamavaliOm Prakrityai Namah

Om Vikrityai Namah

Om Vidyaayai Namah

Om Sarvabhuuta hitapradaayai Namah

Om Shraddhaayai Namah

Om Vibhuutyai Namah

Om Surabhyai Namah

Om Paramaatmikaayai Namah

Om Vaache Namah

Om Padmaalayaayai Namah

Om Padmaayai Namah

Om Shuchaye NamahOm Svaahaayai Namah

Om Svadhaayai Namah

Om Sudhaayai Namah

Om Dhanyaayai Namah

Om Hiranmayyai Namah

Om Laxmyai Namah

Om Nityapushhtaayai Namah




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Om Vibhaavaryai Namah

Om Adityai NamahOm Ditye Namah

Om Diipaayai Namah

Om Vasudhaayai Namah

Om Vasudhaarinyai Namah

Om Kamalaayai Namah

Om Kaantaayai Namah

Om Kaamaaxyai Namah

Om Krodhasambhavaayai Namah

Om Anugrahapradaayai Namah

Om Buddhaye Namah

Om Anaghaayai Namah

Om Harivallabhaayai Namah

Om Ashokaayai Namah

Om Amritaayai Namah

Om Diiptaayai Namah

Om Lokashokavinaashinyai Namah

Om Dharmanilayaayai Namah

Om Karunaayai Namah

Om Lokamaatre Namah

Om Padmapriyaayai Namah

Om Padmahastaayai Namah

Om Padmaaxyai Namah

Om Padmasundaryai Namah

Om Padmodbhavaayai Namah

Om Padmamukhyai Namah




57

Om Padmanaabhapriyaayai Namah

Om Ramaayai Namah

Om Padmamaalaadharaayai NamahOm Devyai Namah

Om Padminyai Namah

Om Padmagandhinyai Namah

Om Punyagandhaayai Namah

Om Suprasannaayai Namah

Om Prasaadaabhimukhyai Namah

Om Prabhaayai Namah

Om Chandravadanaayai Namah

Om Chandraayai Namah

Om Chandrasahodaryai Namah

Om Chaturbhujaayai Namah

Om Chandraruupaayai Namah

Om Indiraayai Namah

Om Indushiitalaayai Namah

Om Aahlaadajananyai Namah

Om Pushhtayai Namah

Om Shivaayai Namah

Om Shivakaryai NamahOm Satyai Namah

Om Vimalaayai Namah

Om Vishvajananyai Namah

Om Tushhtayai Namah

Om Daaridryanaashinyai Namah

Om Priitipushhkarinyai Namah




58

Om Shaantaayai Namah

Om Shuklamaalyaam baraayai Namah

Om Shriyai NamahOm Bhaaskaryai Namah

Om Bilvanilayaayai Namah

Om Varaarohaayai Namah

Om Yashasvinyai Namah

Om Vasundharaayai Namah

Om Udaaraa.Ngaayai Namah

Om Harinyai Namah

Om Hemamaalinyai Namah

Om Dhanadhaanyakarye Namah

Om Siddhaye Namah

Om Strainasaumyaayai Namah

Om Shubhapradaaye Namah

Om Nripavesh magataanandaayai Namah

Om Varalaxmyai Namah

Om Vasupradaayai Namah

Om Shubhaayai Namah

Om Hiranyapraakaaraayai Namah

Om Samudratanayaayai Namah

Om Jayaayai NamahOm Ma.Ngalaa Devyai Namah

Om Vishhnu vaxas sthala sthitaayai Namah

Om Vishhnupatnyai Namah

Om Prasannaaxyai Namah

Om Naaraayana samaa shritaayai Namah

Om Daaridryadhv.Nsinyai Namah




59

Om Devyai Namah

Om Sarvo padrava Vaarinyai Namah

Om Navadurgaayai NamahOm Mahaakaalyai Namah

Om Brahmaa vishhnu shivaat mikaayai Namah

Om Trikaala gyaana sampannaayai Namah

Om Bhuvaneshvaryai Namah

Sri Suktam

Hiranya varnam harinim suvarna rajata srajam

Chandram hiranmayim lakshmim jatavedo ma avaha (1)

Tam ma avaha jatavedo lakshmim anapa gaminim

Yasyam hiranyam vindeyam gam asvam purushan aham||(2)

Ashwa purvam ratha madhyam hasti nada prabodhiním

Shriyam deví mupahvaye shrír ma devír jushatam| (3)

Kam soo smitam hiranya prakaram ardram jvalantím triptam

tarpayantím

Padme sthitam Padma varnam tami hopa hvaye shriyam||(4)

Chandram prabhasam yashasa jvalantím shriyam loke deva

justam udaram

Tam padminim ím sarana maham prapadye’ alakshmír me

nasyatam tvam vrne| (5)

Aditya varne tapaso dhijato vanaspati stava vriksho’ tha bilvah




60

Tasya phalani tapsa nudantu maya antarayas cha bahya

alakshmíh||(6)

Upaitu mam deva sakah kírtis cha manina saha

Pradur bhuto’ smi rashtre’ smin kírti mriddhim dadatu me (7)

Kshutpi pasaa malam jyestham alakshmím nashayamy aham

Abhutim asamriddhim cha sarvan nirnuda me grihat||(8)

Gandha dvaram dura dharşham nitya pushtam karíshiním

Ishvarígm sarva bhutanam tami hopa hvaye shriyam| (9)

Manasah kamam akutím vacah satya mashí mahi

Pashunagm rupa mannasya mayi sríh shrayatam yashah||(10)

Karda mena praja bhuta mayi sambhava kardama

Sriyam vasaya me kule mataram Padma maliním| (11)

Apah srijantu snigdhani chiklíta vasa me grihe Nicha devím mataram shriyam vasaya me kule||(12)

Ardam pushkariním pushtim pingalam padma maliním

Chandram hiran mayím lakshmím jata vedo ma avaha| (13)

Ardhram yah kariním yashtim suvarnam hema maliním

Suryam hiran mayím lakshmím jata vedo ma avaha||(14)

Tam aavaha jatevedo lakshmím anapa gaminím

Yasyam Hiranyam prabhutam gavo dasyo svan vindeyam

purusha naham||(15)

Ya suchi prayatho bhoothwa juhu yaada jyaman vaham

Suktam pancha dasascha cha srikaama ssathatham japeth (16)




61

Ananda, Kardamas chaiva Chikleedha ithi vishrutha,

Rishayasthe bhayam prokthawa swayam sree devi devatha. (17)

Padma nane padma ooru, padamakshi padama sambhave,

Twam maam bhajaswa padamakshi yena sowkhyam

labhamyaham (18)

Aswa dhayee cha go dhayee dhana dayee maha dhane,

Dhanam me jusathaam devi sarva kaamartha siddhaye. (19)

Puthra, pouthra, dhanam dhanyam hasthya swaadi gave radham,

Prajaa naam bhavasi mathaa ayushmantham karothu maam

Chandraa bham lakshmeem eesaanaam soorya bham sriyam

easwareem,

Chandra sooryagni sarvaa bham Sri Mahalakshmir upasmahe.

(21)

Dhanam agnir, dhanam vayur dhanam sooryor dhanam vasuhu,

Dhanam indro brahaspathir varunam dhanam asnuthe (22)

Vaina theya somam, pibha somam, pibhathu vruthraha,

Somam dhanasya somino mahyam dadathu sominaha. (23)

Na krodho na cha matsaryam na lobho naa shubha mathihi,

Bhavanthi krutha punyanam bakthaanam Sri Suktham japethSada (24)

Varshanthu the vibhavari dhivo abhrasya vidhuyutha,

Rohanthu sarva bheejanyava brahma dweesho jahi. (25)

Padma priye, padmini, Padma hasthe, padmalaye, Padma dalaaya

thakshi




62

Viswa priye Vishnu manonu koole twat pada padmam mayi

sannidathswa (26)

Ya sa Padma sanastha Vipula kati thati padma pathraya thakshi,

Gambheera vartha nabhi sthana bhara namitha shubra vasthro

ttareeya, (27)

Lakshmeer divyai gajendrai mani gana kkachithai snapitha hema

kumbhai,

Nithyam sa padma hastha mama vasathu gruhe sarva mangalya

yuktha. (28)

Lakshmeem ksheera samudra raja thanayam, Sri ranga

dhaameswareem,

Dasee bhootha samastha deva vanithaam, Lokaika deepaan

kuraam,

Sriman manda kataksha labdha, Vibhava brahmendra ganga

dharaam,

Twaam trilokya kutumbinim sarasijaam, Vande mukunda priyaam. (29)

Siddha Lakshmi moksha Lakshmir jayalakshmi saraswathi,

Sri lakshmir vara Lakshmi cha prasanna bhava sarvada. (30)

Varankushou pasama bheethi mudraam, Karai vahantheem,

Kamala sanasthaam,

Balar ka koti prathi bhaam trinethraam, Bajeha madyam jagadeeswareem thaam. (31)

Sarva Manggala Maanggalye Shive Sarva Artha Saadhike |

Sharannye Try Ambake Devi Naaraayanni Namostu Te ||

Naaraayanni Namostu Te || Naaraayanni Namostu Te ||31||




63

Sarasija Nilaye Saroja Haste Dhavalatara Amshuka Gandha

Maalya Shobhe |

Bhagavati Hari Vallabhe Manojnye Tri Bhuvana Bhuuti Kari

Prasiida Mahyam ||32||

Vissnnu Patniim Kssamaam Deviim Maadhaviim Maadhava

Priyaam |

Vissnnoh Priya Sakhiim Deviim Namaamy Acyuta Vallabhaam

||33||

Mahaalakssmii Ca Vidmahe Vissnnu Patnii Ca Dhiimahi |

Tan[t] No Lakssmiih Pracodayaat ||34||

Shrii Varcasyam Aayussyam Aarogyamaa Vidhaat Pavamaanam

Mahiyate |

Dhanam Dhaanyam Pashum Bahu Putra Laabham

Shatasamvatsaram Diirgham Aayuh ||35||

Rnna Roga [A]adi Daaridrya Paapa Kssud Apamrtyavah |

Bhaya Shoka Manastaapaa Nashyantu Mama Sarvadaa ||36||

Om maha devyai cha vidmahe, Vishnu patnaiya cha dhímahi

Tanno Lakshmíh prachodayat|| (33)

Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih.

.

Mahalakshmi Ashtakam

Namstestu mahamaye shripithe surapujite

Sankhachakra gada haste mahalakshmi namostute.. 1




64

Namaste garuda rudhe dolasura bhayankari

Sarva papahare devi mahalakshmi namostute..2

Sarvajne sarva varade sarvadushtabhayankari

Sarva dukha hare devi mahalakshmi namostute ..3

Sidhi budhi prade Devi bhukti mukti pradayini

Mantramurte sada devi mahalakshmi namostute ..4

Adyantarahite devi adishakti maheswari

Yogagye yogasambhute mahalakshmi namostute ..5

Stula Sukshma maharoudre mahashakti mahodare Maha

papahare devi mahalakshmi namostute ..6

Padmasana sthite devi parabhrahma swarupini

Paramesi janmata rmahalakshmi namostute ..7

Swetambara dhare devi nanalamkara bhushite

Janthsthite janmata rmahalakshmi ramostute ..8

Mahalakshmyashtakam stotram yah pathet baktimannarahSarvasidhi mavapnoti rajyam prapnoti sarvada ..9

Ekakale pathennityam mahapapa vinashanam Dwikalam yah

pathennityam dhanadhanya samanvitah ..10

Trikalam yah pathennityam mahasatru vinashanam

mahalakshmibhavennityam prasanna varada subha ..11




65

Ashta Lakshmi Stotram

Adhi Lakshmi (The Primeval Lakshmi)Sumanasa Vandhitha , Madhavi

Chandra Sahodhari Hemamaye,

Munigana Manditha , Moksha Pradhayini

Manjula Bhashini , Veda Nuthe,

Pankaja Vasini Deva Supoojitha

Sadguna Varshani , Santhiyuthe,

Jaya Jaya Hey Madhusoodhana Kamini

Adhilakshmi Sada Palaya Maam.

Dhanya Lakshmi - Lakshmi of Grains

Ayio Kali Kalmasha Nasini, Kamini,

Vaidhika Roopini, Veda Maye,

Ksheera Samudhbhava Mangala Roopini,Manthra Nivasini, Manthranuthe,

Mangala Dhayini, Ambuja Vasini,

Deva Ganarchitha Padayuthe,

Jaya Jaya He Madhusoodhana Kamini

Dhanyalakshmi Sada Palaya Maam.

Dairya Lakshmi -Lakshmi Of Courage

Jaya Vara Varnani, Vaishnavi,

Bhargavi, Manthra Swaroopini, Manthra Maye,

Suragana Poojitha Seegra Phala Pradha ,

Jnana Vikasini, Sasthranuthe,

Bhava Bhaya Harini, Papa Vimochini,

Sadu Janarchitha Pada Yuthe,





66

Dairyalakshmi Sada Palaya Maam.

Gaja Lakshmi - Lakshmi of ElephantsJaya Jaya Durgathi Nasini Kamini,

Sarva Phala Pradha Sastra Maye,

Rathha Gaja Thuraga Padathi Samavrutha,

Parijana Manditha Lokanuthe,

Harihara Brahma Supoojitha Sevitha ,

Thapa Nivarini Pada Yuthe,


Gajalakshmi Sada Palaya Maam.

Santhana Lakshmi - Lakshmi Of Progeny

Ayi Kagha Vahini, Mohini, Chakrini,

Raga Vivrdhni , Jnanamaye,

Gunagana Varidhi , Loka Hithaishini ,

Swara Saptha Bhooshitha Gana Nuthe,

Sakala Surasura Deva Muneeswara ,

Manhava Vandhitha Padayuthe,


Santhanaalakshmi Sada Palaya Maam.

Vijayalakshmi - Lakshmi of VictoryJaya Kamalasini , Sadgathi Dayini,

Jnana Vikasini Ganamaye,

Anudina Marchitha Kumkuma Dhoosara

Bhooshitha Vaasitha Vadhyanuthe,

Kanakadhara Sthuthi Vaibhava

Vanditha Shankara Desika Manyapathe,





67

Vijayalakshmi Sada Palaya Maam

Vidhya Lakshmi -Lakshmi of KnowledgePranatha Sureswari , Bharathi , Bhargavi

Shoka Vinasini, Rathna Maye,

Mani Maya Bhooshitha Karma Vibhooshana,

Santhi Samavrutha Hasyamukhe,

Nava Nidhi Dhayini Kalimala Harini,

Kamitha Phalapradha Hasthayuthe,


Vidhyalakshmi Sada Palaya Maam.

Dhana Lakshmi (Lakshmi Of Wealth)

Dhimidhimi Dhindhimi Dhindhimi Dhindhimi,

Dundubhi Nada Supoornamaye,

Ghumaghuma Ghumaghuma Ghumaghuma,

Sankha Ninadha Suvadhyanoothe,

Veda Puranethihasa Supoojitha,

Vaidhika Marga Pradarsayuthe,


Danalakshmi Sada Palaya Maam.

Sri Lakshmi Saharsanama Stothram

Hari Om

Namnaam saashta sahasram cha broohi Gargya, Mahamathe,

Mahalakshmyaa Maha devyaaha bhukthi mukthyartha sidhaye




68

Gargya uvacha

Sanathkumara massenam dwadasahithya sannibham,

Apruchan Yogino bhkthyaa yogi nama artha sidhaye.

Sarva loukeeka karmebhyo vimukthaanaam hithaaya vai,

Bhukthi mukthi pradhamjaya manu broohi dhayanidhe.

Sanathkumara Bhagawan , Sarvagno asi viseshatha,

Asthikya sidhaye nrunaam kshipram dharmartha sadhanam.

Yadhyanthi manava sarve dhana bhaavena kevalam,

Sidhyanthi dhanino anyasya naiva Dharmatha Kamana.

Daridhrya dwamsini nama kena vidhyaa prakeerthithaa,

Kena vaa Brhama vidhyapi kena mruthyu vinasyathi.

Sarvaasaam saara bhoothai saa vidhyaanaam kerrthithaa,

Prathyaksha sidhidhira Brahman, Thamachakshwa Dhayanidhe.

Sanathkumara Uvacha

Sadhu prushtam Maha Bhagaa, sarva loka hithyashanaaha,

Brahma Vishnu Mahadeva, mahendradhi mahathmabhihi,

Samproktham kadhayamyadhya Lakshmi nama sahasrakam.

Yathyocharana manthrena daridryoth muchyathe naraha.

Kim punastha japajjapi sarveshta arthanavapnuyath.

Nyasa

Asya Sri Lakshmi divya sahasra nama sthotra maha manthrasya




69

Ananda kardhama chikleethendraa sthaadhayo Mahathmano

maharshaya ,

Anushtup chanda, Vishnu maya Shakthihi, Maha Lakshmi Paraadevathaa,

Dhyanam

Padma nabha priyam devim Padmakshim Padma vasinim,

Padma vakraam, Padma hasthaam Vande Padmaa maharnisam.

Poornendu Bindu vadanam, rathnabharana bhooshithaam,

Varada bhaya hasthaadyam dyaayeth chandra sahodharim.

Ichar roopaam bhagwathaha sachidananda roopinim,

Sarvagnaam sarva jananim Vishnu vaksha sthalaa layam,

Dayalu manisam dhyayeth suka sidha swaroopinim.

yathopadesham Moola mantram japitwa

Yath kramam deveya samshya

That sambhavi mudraya

Sree Lakshmi sahasranama stotram japet

Thousand and eight names

Hari om

Nithyagatha Anantha nithya Nandini Jana ranjini

Nithya Prakasini Chaiva Swaprakasa swaroopini ||1||

Maha Lakshmir Maha kalim Maha kanya Saraswathi

Bhoga vaibhava sandhathri Bhakthaa anugraha karini ||2||




70

Easa vaasya Maha maya Maha devi Maheswari

Hrul lekha Paramaa Shakthi Mathruka bheeja roopini ||3||

Nithayananda Nithyabhodha Naadini Jana modini

Sathya prat yayani Chaiva Swaprakash atmaroopini ||4||

Tripura Bhairavi Vidhyaa Hamsaa Vagheswari Shivaa

Vagdevi cha Maha rathri Kalarathri Trilochana ||5||

Bhadrakali Karali cha Mahakali Thilothama

Kali Karala vakrantha Kamakshi Kamadha Shubhaa ||6||

Chandika Chanda roopesa Chaamunda Chakradharini

Trilokya janani Devi Trilokya vijayoothama ||7||

Sidhalakshmir Kriyalakshmir Moksha Lakshmir Prasadini

Uma Bhagwathi Durgaa Chaandri Dakshayani Shikaa ||8||

Prathyangira Dharaa Velaa Lokamatha Haripriya

Parvathi Paramaa Devi Brahma vidhyaa pradhayini ||9||

Aroopa Bahu roopa Cha Viroopaa Viswaroopini

Pancha bhoothathmikaa Vani Pancha bhoothathmika Paraa |10||

Kaalika Panjikaa Vaagmi Havi Prathyaksha devatha

Deva mata Suresana Veda garbha Ambika Dhruthihi |11||

Sankhya Jaathi Kriya Shakthihi Prakruthi Mohini Mahi

Yagna Vidya Mahaa vidhya Guhya Vidhya Vibhavari ||12||




71

Jyothishmati Maha mata Sarva mantra phala pradha

Daridhrya dwamsini Devi Hrudhya grandhi beedhini ||13||

Sahasr adhithya sangasa Chandrika Chandra roopini

Gayathri Soma sambhoothi Savithri Prana vathmika ||14||

Saankari Vaishnavi Braahmi Sarva deva namaskrutha

Sevyaa durga Kubherakshi Karaveera nivaasini ||15||

Jayaa Cha Vijayaa chaiva Jayanthi chaaparajitha

Kubhjika Kaalika Sasthri Veenaa pusthaka dharini ||16||

Sarvagna shakthi Sri Shakthihi Brahma Vishnu Shivathmika

Idaa pingalika madhyaa mrunaali thanthu roopini ||17||

Yajneesani Pradhaa Deeskhaa Dakshinaa Sarva Mohini

Ashtanga yogini Devi Nirbheeja dhyana gocharaa ||18||

Sarva theertha sthithaa Shuddha Sarva parvatha vasini

Veda Sashthra Prabha Devi Kshadan gadhi pada krama |19||

Shivaa Dhathri Shubhaa nandha Yagnakarma swaroopini

Vrathini Menaka Devi Brahmaani Brahmacharini ||20||

Ekaashara para Tharaa Bhavabanda Vinaasini

Viswam bhaara Dharaadhaara Niradhara Adhik swaraa ||21||

Raakaa Kuhoor Amavasya Poornima Anumathi Dhruthi

Siniivaali Shivaa Vasyaa Vaiswadevi Pisangilaa ||22||




72

Pippalaa cha Visalakshi Rakshogni Vrushti kaarini

Dushta vidhraa vini Devi Sarvopadrava nasini ||23||

Saaradhaa Sarasandhaana Sarva Sasthra swaroopini

Yudha madhya sthithaa Devi Sarva Bhootha prabhanjani |24||

Ayuddha Yudharoopa Cha Santhaa Santhi swaroopini

Ganga Saraswathi Veni Yamuna Narmadha pagaa ||25||

Samudhra vasanaa vasaa BrahmaAnda srenimekhala

Panchavakthra Dasa bhujaa Shuddha sphatika sannibha ||26||

Rakthaa Krushnaa Sitha Peetha Sarva varnaa Nireeswari

Kaalikaa Chakrikaa Devi Sathyaa tu Batukaa Sthithaa ||27||

Tharuni Vaaruni Naree Jyeshtaa Devi Sureswari

Viswambara Dharaa Karthree Galar gala Vibhanjini ||28||

Sandhyaa Rathri Divaa Jyothsnaa Kalaa Kashtaa Nimeshikaa

Urvee Kathyayani Shubra Samsaraa navathaarini ||29||

Kapilaa Keelikaa Asoka Mallika Navamalika

Devika Nandika Shantha Bhanjika Bhaya bhanjika ||30||

Koushiki Vaidhiki Devi Souri Roopadhika Athibhaa

Digvasthra Nava vasthra Cha Kanyaka Kamalodh bhava ||31||

Sree Soumya lakshanaa theetha durgaa Soothra prabodhika

Sradha Medha Kruthi Pragnaa Dhaarana Kanthi revacha ||32||




73

Sruthir, Smruthir, druthir Dhanya Bhoothi Ishteer Maneeshini

Virakthir Vyapini Mayaa Sarva maya prabhanjani ||33||

Maahendri Manthrini Simhi Iindra jala swaroopini

Avastha traya nirmuktha Guna traya vivarjitha ||34||

Eeshanya thraya nirmuktha Sarva roga vivarjitha

Yogi dhyan antha gamya cha Yoga dhyana parayana ||35||

Thrayee Shikhaa viseshakgna Vedantha Jnana roopini

Bharathi Kamala Bhasha Padmaa Padmavathi Kruthihi ||36||

Gowthami Gomathi Gowri Ishaanaa Hamsavahini

Narayani Prabha dhara Jahnavi Shankarathmaja ||37||

Chithra ghanta Sunanda Sri Manavi Manu sambhava

Sthambhini Kshobhini Maari Bhraamini Shatru marini ||38||

Mohini Dweshini Veera Aghoraa Rudra roopini

Rudra Ekadasini Punyaa Kalyani Labhakarini ||39||

Devadurga Maha doota Swapna durgaAshta bhairavi

Surya chadragni roopa cha Graha nakshatra roopini ||40||

Bindu nadha kala thetha Bindu nadha kalatmika

Dasa vayu jayaakaraa Kalaa Shoda sha samyutha ||41||

Kaasyapi Kamala Devi Nadha Chakra nivaasini

Mrudaa dhaara Sthiraa Guhya Devikaa Chakra roopini ||42||




74

Avidhyaa Saarvaree Bhunjaa Jambaa sura nibarhini

Sri kaayaa Srikalaa Shubraa Karma nirmoola karini ||43||

Aadhilakshmir Gunaa dharaa Pancha brahmaathmika Paraa

Sruthir Brahma mukhaa vasaa Sarva sampathi roopini ||44||

Mrutha sanjeevini Maithree Kaamini Kamavarjitha

Nirvaana margadhaa devi Hamsini Kasikaa Kshama ||45||

Saparya Guni ni Bhinna Nirgunaa khandithaa Shubha

Swamini Vedini Shakya Shaambhari Chakra Dharini ||46||

Dandini Mundini Vyagri Shikiny Soma sam hathihi

Chinthamani Chidaa nandhaa Pancha banaa prabodhini ||47||

Bana sreni Sahasthrakshi Sahasra bhujja Padukaa

Sandhya vallee Tri sandhyakhya Bramaanda mani bhooshana |

Vasavi daaruni sena Kulika Manthra ranjani

Jita prana swaroopa cha Kantaa Kamya vara pradha ||49||

Mantra Braahmana Vidhyartha Nadha roopa Havishmathi

Aathar vani Sruthihi Soonyaa Kalpana varjithaa Sati ||50||

Sathaa Jathi Pramaa meyaa Pramithi Pranadhaa Gathihi

Avarnaa Pancha varnaa cha Sarvadhaa Bhuvaneswari ||51||

Trilokya mohini Vidhyaa Sarva bharthree Ksharaa ksharaa

Hiranyavarnaa Harini Sarvopadrava naasini ||52||




75

Kaivalya padavi Rekha Soorya mandala sam sthithaa

Soma Mandala Madhyastha Vahni mandala sam sthithaa |53||

Vayu mandala madhyastha Vyoma mandala sam sthithaa

Chakrikaa Chakra madhyastha Chakra marga pravarthini ||54||

Kokilaa kula chakreesa Pakshati Pankthi paavani

Sarva sidhantha margastha Shad varnaa Varavarjitha ||55||

Sara rudhra haraa Hanthri Sarva samhara karini

Purushaa Pourushee Thushtihi Sarva thanthra prasoothikaa ||56

Ardha nareeswari Devi Sarva Vidhyaa pradahyani

Bharga viya jhushi vidhyaa Sarvo upanishadhaa sthithaa |57||

Vyomakesa Akhila praana Pancha kosa vilakshanaa

Pancha kosathmika Prath yak Panch Brahmathmika Shivaa ||58

Jaga jjara janitri cha Pancha karma prasoothika

Vagdevya bharana kaara Sarva kamya sthitha Sthithi ||59||

Ashtaa dasa chatur Sashti peetikaa Vidhyaya uthaa

Kaalikaa karshanna Shyamaa Yakshini Kinnareswari ||60||

Kethaki Mallika Asoka Vaarahi Dharani Dhruvaa

Naarasimhi Mahograsaya Bhakthaa naamarthi naasini ||61||

Anthar balaa Sthiraa Lakshmihi Jaraa marana nasini

Sri Ranjitha Maha kaaya Soma suryagni lochana ||62||




76

Adhithir Deva matha cha Ashta putri ashta yogini

Ashta Prakruthi Ashta aashta vibhraja dwikruthaa kritihi |63||

Durbhiksha dwamsini Devi Sithaa Sathya cha Rukmini

Kshyatijaa Bhargavi Devi Devayoni Thapaswini ||64||

Sakambari Mahasonaa Garudopari samsthithaa

Simhaga Vyagraga Devi Vayuga cha Mahadriga ||65||

Akaara dhik shakaa raantha Sarva vidhyadhi devatha

Mantra vyakhyana nipuna Jyothi sasthraika lochana ||66||

Idaa pingalika madhyaa su shumnaa grandhi bedini

Kala chakraa srayopetha Kaalachakra swaroopini |67||

Vaisaaradhi Mathi sreshta Varishtaa Sarva dheepika

Vai nayaki Varaaroha Sroni velaa Bahir balihi ||68||

Jammini Jrumbhini Jumba Karini Ganakarika

Sharini Chakrikaa nanthaa Sarva vyadhi chikith saki ||69||

Devaki Deva sankaasa Vaaridhi Karunaakaara

Sarvaree Sarva Sampanna Sarva papa prabhanjini ||70||

Eka maatra Dwimathra cha Trimaatra cha tata paraArdha mathraa Paraa Sookshmaa Sookshmaardha paraaparaa71

Eka veeraa Viseshaakhyaa Shashtee Devi Manaswini

Naiskarmya Nishkalaa loka Jnana karmadhikaa Gunaa 72

Sabandhwa nanda sandhohaa Vyomaakaaraa Aniroopithaa

Gadhya padhya thmikaa Vani Sarvaa lankaara samyuktha 73




77

Sadhu bandha pada nyasa Sarvoka Ghatikaa valihi

Shadkarma Karkashaa karaa Sarva karma vivarjitha

Aadithya varnaa chaaparnaa Kamini Vara roopini

Brahmaani Brahma Santhana Vedavagi Easwari Shivaa 75

Puraana nyaya meemamsaa dharma Sasthraa gama sruthaa

Sadhyo veda vathi Sarvaa Hamsee Vidhyadhi devatha 76

Visweswari Jagadhatri Viswa nirmana karini

Vaidheeki Veda roopa cha Kaalika Kala roopini 77

Narayani Mahadevi Sarva Thathwa pravarthini

Hiranya varna roopa Cha Hiranya pada sambhava 78

Kaivalya padavi Punyaa Kaivalya Jnana lakshithaa

Brahma sampathi roopa cha Brahma sampathi karini 79

Vaaruni Vaarunaaradhyaa Sarva karma pravarthini

Yekaa kshara para yukthaa Sarva daridrya bhanjani 80

Paasan kusaan vithaa Divyaa Veena vyaa khyaksha suthra bruth

Eka moorthi Thrayee murthi Madhu kaidabha bhanjini 81

Saankhyaa Sankhyavathi Jwaala Jwalanthi Kama roopini

Jaagranthi Sarva Sampathi Sushupthaa Sweshta dhayini 82

Kaapalini Maha damshtraa Bhrukuti kutilaa nana

Sarvaa vaasa Suvaasaa cha Bruhatya this cha Shakkari 92




78

Chandhogana prathistha cha Kalmaashi Karunaatmikaa

Chakshush mathi Maha ghooshaa Gadga charma dharaaanihi

Shilpa vaichitrya vidhyothaa Sarvathoo Bhadra vasini

Achinthya lakhshanaa kara Suthra bhaashya nibhandhanaa

Sarva vedartha Sampathihi Sarva sasthraatha mathrukaa

Aakaradhi kshakarantha sarva varna krutha sthala

Sarva Lakshmihi Sadananda Saara Vidhyaa Sadashivaa

Sarvagnaa Sarva Shakthis cha Kechari roopa goo chrithaa

Annimaadi gunoo pethaa Paraa Kaashtaa Paraa Gathihi

Hamsa yuktha vimaan asthaa Hamsaa rooda Sashi prabhaa

Bhavaani Vaasanaa shakthihi Aakruthis thaa Khilaa khilaa

Thantra hethur Vichitraangi Vyoma gangaa vinodhini

Varshaa cha Vaarshikaa chaiva Rig Yajur Sama roopini

Maha Nadhi Nadhi punyaa ganyaa punya guna kriyaa

Samadhi gata labhyaar thaa Srotha vya Swapriyaa grunaa

Naama akshara paraa Devi Upasarga nakhaan chita

Nipaa tooru dwayee Jangaa Mathrukaa Manthra roopini

Aaseenaa cha Shayanaa cha Thish tanthi Dhava naadhikaa

Lakshya Lakshana yogaadyaa Thaad roopya ganana kruthi

Saika roopa Naika roopaa chenchu roopa Tada kruthi




79

Samaastha dwi dhaakaara Vibhakthi vachanathmikaa

Swaahakaraa Swadhakara sri prat yardhaanga nandhini

Gambheera Gahanaa Guhyaa Yoni lingardha dharini

Sesha Vasuki samsevyaa Cha palaa Vara varninee

Kaarunya kaara Sampathi Keela krun Manthra keelikaa

Shakthi bheejathmikaa Sarva manthreshtaa Aksheya kaamanaa

Aagneyi Parthivaa Aapyaa Vaaya vya Vyoma kethanaa

Sathya jnanathmikaa Nandaa Braahmee Brahma Sanaathani

Avidhyaa Vasanaa Mayaa Prakruthihi Sarva Mohini

Shakthir Dhaaranaa shakthis cha Chida chi shakthi yogini

Vak tra aruna Mahaa maya Mareechir Mada mardhini

Viraat Swaha Swadha Shudhaa Niroopasti Su bhakthigaa

Nirupitha dwayi vidhyaa Nithyaa Nithya swaroopini

Vairaja maarga sanchaaraa Sarva sath patha darsini

Jaalandhari Mrudaani cha Bhavaani Bhava bhanjaniTrikaalika Jnana thanthu Trikala Jnana dhayini

Nadaa teetaa smruthihi Pragnaa Dhathri roopa Tripushkaraa

Paraajitaa Vidhaanagnaa Visheshitha gunathmikaa

Hiranyakesini Hema brhama suthra vichakshanaa

Asan khyeya paraar dhanta swara vyanjana vaikharee




80

Madhu jihwa Madhumati Madhu masoo dayaa Madhuhu

Madhavi cha Mahaabhaagaa Megha Gambheera niswanaa

Brhama Vishnu Mahesaadhi jnatha vyarthaa viseshagaa

Naabhou vahni shikhaa kaaraa Lalate Chandra sannibhaa

Broo madhye bhaskaraa kaaraa Sarva taara kruthir hrudhi

Kruthi kaadi bharan yantha naksh threstha chitho dayaa

Graha vidhyathmika Jyothir Jyothir vinmathi Jeevikaa

Brahmaanda garbhini Balaa Saptaa varana devathaa

Vairaajottama samraajyaa Kumaara kusalodayaa

Bagalaa Bramarambaa cha Shiva Doothi Shivathmikaa

Meru vindhyaadhi samsthaanaa Kasmeera pura vasini

Yoga nidhra Maha nidhra Vinidhraa Raakshaa sritaa

Suvarnada Maha Gangaa Panchaakhyaa Pancha samhathi

Suprajaathaa Suveerya cha Suposhaa Supatihi Shivaa

Sugruha Raktha bheejaantaa Hata kandarpa jeevika

Samudhra vyoma madhyasthaa Sama Bindhu samaasrayaa

Soubhagya rasa jeevathuhu Saara saara viveka druhu

Trivalyadhi supushtaangaa Bharathi Bharatha sritaa

Naada Brahma mayi Vidhyaa Jnana brahma mayee paraa

Brhama naadhi Niruk this cha Brahma kaivalya sadhanaa




81

Kaali keya Mahodaara veerya Vikrama roopini

Vadavaagni shikhaa vakraa Maha kavala tharpanaa

Maha bhoothaa Maha darpaa Maha saaraa Maha krathu

Pancha Bhootha maha grasa Pancha bhoothadhi devathaa

Sarva pramaana Sampathi Sarva roga prati kriyaa

Brhamand anthar bahir vyaapta Vishnu Vaksho vibhooshini

Shaankari Vidhi Vaktrasthaa Prava raa Vara hethuki

Hema mala Shikhaa maala Trishikhaa Pancha lochanaa

Sarvaa gama sadaachara maryaadhaa Yathu bhanjani

Punya sloka prabhan dhadyaa Sarvantharyami roopini

Saama gana samaaradhya Srothra karna rasayana

Jeeva lokaika jeevatur Bhadro dhara vilokanaa

Thadith koti lasad kanthi Tharuni Hari sundari

Meena nethraa cha sendraakshi Visalakshi Sumangalaa

Sarva mangala sampanna Sakshath mangala devatha

Deha hrud deepikaa Deepthihi Jihwa papa pranasini

Ardha chandro llasad damshtra Yajna vati vilasini

Maha Durgaa Mahoth saha Maha deva balodhaya

Daki needyaa Shaki needyaa Saaki needyaa Samastha jutth

Nirankushaa Naaki vandhyaa Shadaa dhaaraadhi devatha




82

Bhuvana jnani nisreni Bhuvanaa kaara vallari

Shasvathi Shasvathaa kaaraa Lokaa anugraha karini

Saarasi Maanasi Hamsi Hamsa loka pradhayini

Chin mudhraa lan krutha karaa Koti Surya sama Prabha

Sukha prani siro rekhaa Nada dhrushta pradhayini

Sarva saankarya doshagni Grahoo padrava nasini

Kshudra janthu bhayagni cha Visha rogaadhi bhanjani

Sadhaa Saanthaa Sadhaa Shuddhaa Gruha chidra nivarini

Kali dosha prasamani Kolahala pura sthithaa

Gouri Laakshaniki Mukhyaa Jagnyaa kruthi varjithaa

Mayaa Vidhyaa Moola bhoothaa Vaasavi Vishnu chethanaa

Vaadini Vasu Roopaa cha Vasu ratna paricchadha

Chandasi Chadra hrudhaya Mantra swacchanda bhairavi

Vana maala Vaijayanthi Pancha divyaa yudhathmikaa

Pethaambara mayee Chanchat Kausthubhaa Hari kamini

Nityaa Satyaa Ramaa Raama Ramani Mruthyubhanjini

Jyeshtaa Kaashtaa Dhanisht aanthaa Saraangi Nirguna priya

Maithreyaa Mitra Vindaa cha Seshya sesha kaalasaya

Vaaraanasi vaasa labhya chaarya varta jana stuta

Jagad uthpati samsthaana samhaara trya kaaranam




83

Twam amba Vishnu sarvaswam , namasthe sthu maheswari

Namasthe sarva lokaanaam janayai Punya murthaye

Sidha Lakshmi Maha Kali, Mahalakshmir Namosthuthe,

Sadhyo jataadhi panchaagni roopa panchaka panchakam

Yanthra lakshmir bhavat yaadir adhyaa dhyethe namo namaha,

Srush tyadhi kaaranaa kara vitate dosha varjithe.

Jagan lakshmir jagan mathaha Vishnu pathni Namosthuthe,

Nava koti maha Shakthihi samupaasya padambhuje

Kanath souvarna ratnaadyaa Sarva bharana bhooshithe

Anantaa nithya mahishi Prapancheswara nayaki

Athyut chrita padaan tasthe Parama vyoma naayaki

Naaka prushta gathaaraadhye Vishnu loka vilasini

Vaikunta Raja mahishi Sri Ranga nagaraa srithe

Ranga Nayaki Bhooputhri Krushne Varada vallabhe

Koti Brhamadhi samsevye Koti Rudhradhi keerthithe

Maatu lunga mayam Khetham Souvarna cha shakam tata

Padma dwayam , Poornakumbham , Keeram cha, Varadhabhaye

Paasa mam ku Shanko cha chakram Shoolam Krupanikaam

Dhanur baanow Chaaksha malaam Chinmudhram ati Bibrathi

Ashtaadasa bhuje Lakshmihi Mahaasthaa dasa peetage




84

Bhoomi neeladhi samsevye Swami chithaanu varthini

Padme Padmalaye Padmi Poorna kumbhaabhi shechite

Indire Indhiraabhakshi Ksheera sagara Kanyake

Bhargavi twam swatanthre cha Vasee Krutha jagat pathihi

Mangalam mangalaa naam twam Devathaa naam cha devathaa

Twam Utha moo thama naam cha Twam Sreya parmaa mrutham

Dhan dhaanyaabhi vrudhischa saarva bhouma sukhochaya

Aandho likaadi Soubhagyam Mathe bhaadi mahodhaya

Puthra pouthrabhi vridhischa Vidhya Bhoga baladhikam

Ayur arogya sampathir ashataiswaryam twamewa hi

Pada mewa Vibhoothis cha Sookshmath sookshma tharaa

Gathihi

Sadaya paanga sandatha brahmendradhi pada sthithi

Avyaa hata Mahabhagyaam twa mewaa kshobhya vikramaaha

Saman vayas cha Vedaa naam avirodha twa me wahi

Nis reyasa pada prapthi saadhanam phala meva ChaSri Manthra raja Rajni cha Srividhyaa Kshema karini

Sreem Bheeja japa santhushtaa Iym, hreem Sreem Bheeja palika

Prappathi marga sulabhaa Vishnu pradhama kinkali

Kleem kaaratha savithri cha Soumangalyadhi devatha

Sri Shoda sakshari vidhyaa Sri Yanthra pura vasini




85

Sarva mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha sadhake,

Saranye trayambake Devi Narayani namosthuthe

Puna punar namosthesthu sasthangam mayutham punaha

Sanathkumara Uvacha

Evam sthuthaa Mahalakshmir, Brahma Rudhradhibhir surai,

Namadhbirrathrair dheenaicha nisSwathvair Bhoga varjithai,

Jyeshtaa Jyeshtaischa ni srekai samsara swa parayanai,

Vishnu pathni dadhou theshaam darasanam drushti darpanam

Sarath poornendu kotyabha davala panga veekshanai,

Sarvaan Sathwa samavishtaan Chakre hrushta varam dhadhou.

Sri Maha Lakshmir Uvacha:-

Naam naam saastha sahasram may pramadhaa dwapi ya sakruth,

Keerthaye that kule sathyam vasaamya chandra tarakam.

Kim punar niyamaa japthuhu aneyka charanasya cha,

Mathru vath sanuka paham poshakee syam aharnisam

Mannama smraathaam loke durlabham nasthi chinthitham,

Math prasadena sarvepi swadweshtaa arthamavapnuyath.

Luptha Vaishnava dharmasya mad vrut theshwaa keerthinaha,

Bhakthi prappathi heenasya vandhyo naamanaam japapi may.Thasmad avasyam thair doshai viheena papa varjithaha,

Japeeth sashtha sahasram may naam naam prathyaham

aadharaath.

Sakshadalakshmi puthropi durbhaghyo apya also apivaa,

Aprayathnaapi Moodopi vikala pathithopi cha

Avasyam prapnuyath bhagyam math prasadena kevalam,

Spruheya machiraa devaa varadhanaya japinaaha.




86

Sanathkumara Uvacha

Ithyukthwaa andhardhadhe Lakshmi Vaishnavi Bhagawat kala

Ishtaapoortha c cha sukrutham bhagadeyam cha chinthitham,Thadedath pravadhamyadhya Lakshmi nama sahasrakam,

Yoginaa padath Kshipram chinthitratha navapyasatha.

Gargya Uvacha

Sanath kumaro Yogeendra ithyukthwaa cha daya nighi,

Anugrahya yayou kshipram thaaamsha dwadasa yogina

Thasmas yedath sahasrayam cha gopyam japyam prayathnatha,

Ashtam yam cha Chathurdasyam navam yam , brugu vasare.

Poourna masyam mamaayaam cha parva kale viseshatha,

Japeth vaa nithya karyeshu sarvaan kamaan navaapnuyath

Ithi Sri Skanda purane Sanath kumara samithaayaam Sri

Lakshmi sahasra nama sthothram sampoornam.



87

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Sathya Sai Speaks: Discourses Of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

(Vol. 1). (n.d.). Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur District, Andhra

Pradesh, India: Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust.


(Vol. 14). (n.d.). Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur District,

Andhra Pradesh , India: Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications

Trust.

Sathya Sai Speaks: Discourses Of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba (2nd

ed., Vol. 6). (n.d.). Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh, India:

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(Vol. 27). (1994). Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh, India:

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Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India:

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Delivered during 2001 (First Edition ed., Vol. 34). (2001).

Prasanthi Nilayam,, Andhra Pradesh, India: Sri Sathya Sai

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Delivered During 2001 (First Edition ed.). (2003). Prasanthi

Nilayam, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India: Sri

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Delivered During 2005 (Vol. 38). (n.d.). Prasanthi Nilayam,

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Delivered During 2009 (First Edition ed., Vol. 42). (July

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