MaharashtraWeb Prayerbook

Prayer Book from Maharashtraweb.com

Gayatri Mantra

Earth, Sky, Heaven,
we meditate on the lovely splendor of the Divine Sun.
May he inspire our minds.
_____________________

" Om BhuBhurva Swaha
Tatsaviturvarenyam
Bhargo Devasya Deemahi
Dhiyo yo na prachodhyath "


The Scribe Everlasting
Pushpadanta's Siva Mahimna

May the Mighty Meru - Sovereign of Mountains - provide the pigment,
Let the basin of the Seven Oceans be the inkstand,
Let the branch of Kalpaka, lordliest of Heaven's trees, serve as pen,
Let the Earth, with her limitless expanse, offer herself as parchment,
With these as writing gear,
Let the Goddess of Knowlegde herself play the Scribe - Write on and on,
for aeons upon aeons - Still, Spirit Eternal!
The Volume of Thy Glories Infinite, will mock her racing hand,
With the lure of an ever receding 'Finis'

AnirvaniyaMahatmyamiShravashya :
Asitagiri Sama Syaat Kajjalam
Sindhupaatram Suratruvar Shaakha Lekhinee
Patram Oorva Yadapi Likhati Gruhostva Shaarada
Sarva Kaalam Tadhapi TavGunaanan Paaram Na Yaati


Ganeshashrotram

Himagiri Tanayaapatya Hemaachalachaap Samudhit Teja
Kimapi Mahatma Maadhya Smartavya Vidnatimir Harnaay
Vande Gajendravadana Vaamankaaruda Vallabashlistham
Kumkum Paraag Shona Kuvalayini Jaar Korkaapeedam
Vignaandakaar Mitra Shankaraputra Sarojadalanetram
Sindhooraarunagaatra Sindhooravaktran Namaamyahoraatram


Slokas from Vishnu Sahasra Naamam

Shaantaakaara Bhujagashayana Padmanaabha Suresha |
Vishvaadhaara Gaganasadrusha Meghavarna Shubhaangam ||
Lakshmeekaanta Kamalanayana Yogihruddayaanagamya |
Vande Vishnu Bhavabhayahara Sarvaloukeikanaatham ||
Meghashyaama Peetakousheyavaasa |
Sreevatsaanda Koustubhoddhaasitaangam ||
Punyopeta Pundarikaayataaksha |
Vishnu Vande Sarvaloukekanaatham ||

Kshirodantatpradeshe Shuchimanivilastaseikate Mouktikaanaa |
Shubhreirabhreiradabhreirooparivirachittemrukta Piyooshavarshe |
Raanandi Na Puneeyaadarinalina Gadhaashadaka Paanimrukunda ||

Sreeraama Raama Raameti Rame Raame Manorame |
Sahasranaama Tatulya Raamanaama Varaaanane ||
Raamanaama Varaanana Aum Nama Iti ||

Ananyaashchintayanto Maa Ye Janaa Paryupaaste |
Teshaa Nityaabhiyuktaanaan Yogakshemam Vahaamyaham ||
Paritraanaaya Sadhoonaan Vinaashaaya Cha Dhuskrutaam |
Dharmasanstaapanaathaarya Sambhavaami Yuge Yuge ||

Sarva Mangala Maangalye Shive Sarvaartha Saadhike |
Sharanye Trayambake Gauri Naaraayani Namoustute ||
Sharanaagata Dheenartha Paritraana Paraayane |
Sarvasyaarti Hare Devi Naaraayani Namoustute ||

Book: Vishnu and his Incarnations

Book: Thousand names of Vishnu: A selection with commentary

Book: The Constant Companion

Book: Hymns for the Drowning: Poems for Vishnu by Nammalvar



Shree Shyaamalaa Dandakam |
Maanikyaveenaam Upalaalayantee |
Madaalasaa Majjula Vaagvilaasaam ||
Maahendra Neeladyuti Komalaangee |
Maatanda Kanyaa Manasaa Smaraami ||

Chaturbhuje Chandrakalaavatamshe |
Kuchonante Kukdumaraaga Shoney ||
Pundrekshu Paashaakudasha Pushpabaane |
Haste Namaste Jagadekamaata ||

Maataa Marakatashyaama |
Maatandee Madashaalini ||
Kuryaatkataaksha Kalyaani |
Kadamba Vanvaasini ||

Jai Maatanga Tanaye |
Jai Neelotphaladhyute ||
Jai Sangheeta Rasike |
Jai Leelaa Sukhapriye ||


Shree Annapoornaashtakam |


Nityaanandakaree Varaabhayakaree Saundaryaratnaakaree |
Nirdhootaakhilaghora Paapanikaree Pratyakshamaaheswaree ||
Praaleyaachala Vanshapaavanakaree Kaasheepuraadeeshwaree |
Bhikshaan Deyhi Krupaavalambanakaree Maataannapoorneshwaree ||

Naanaaratnavichitra Bhooshanakaree Hemaambaraadambaree |
Muktaahaara Vidambamaana Vilasad Shtojakumbhaantaree ||
Kaashmeeraa Guruvaasitaa Ruchikaree Kaasheepuraadeeshwaree |
Bhikshaan Deyhi Krupaavalambhanakaree Maatannapoorneshwaree ||

Yogaanandakaree Ripukshayakaree Dharmeikanishtaakaaree |
Chandraakaarnala Bhaasamaanalaharee Treilokyarakshaakaree ||
Sarveishravyakaree Tapapfalakaree Kaasheepuraadeeshwaree |
Bhikshaam Deyhi Krupaavalambanakaree Mataannapoorneshwaree ||

Kailaashaachal Kandaraalayakaree Gaureehayumaashaadkaree |
Kaumaaree Nigamaarthagocharakaree Hyodakaarabeejaaksharee ||
Mokshadwaarakawaatapaatanakaree Kaasheepuraadeeeshwaree |
Bhikshaam Deyhi Krupaavalambanakaaree Maataannapoorneshwaree ||

Drushyaadrushya Vibhutivaahanakaree Brahmaandabhaandodaree |
Leelaanaatakasootra Khelanakaree Vigyaanadeepadkuree ||
Shree Vishveshamana Prasaadanakaree Kasheepuraadheeshwaree |
Bhikshaam Deyhi Krupaavalambanakaree Maataannapoorneshwaree ||

Aadeekshaanta Varnanakaree Shambostribhaavaakaree |
Kashmeeraa Tripureshwaree Trinayanee Vishveshwaree Sharvaree ||
Swargadwaar Kavaatapaatanakaree Kasheepuradeeshwaree |
Bhikshaan Deyhi Krupaavalambanakaree Maataannapoorneshwaree ||

Urvee Sarvajaneshwaree Jayakaree Maataa Krupaasaagaree |
Veneineela Samaan Kuntaladhari Nityaannadaaneshwaree ||
Saakshaanmekshakaree Sadaa Shubakaree Kaasheepuraadeeshwaree |
Bhikshaan Deyhi Krupaavalambanakaree Maatannapoorneshwaree ||

Devi Sarvavichitra Ratnarachitaa Daakshaayanee Sundaree |
Vaamaa Swaadupayodaraa Priyakaree Saubaghyamaaheshwaree ||
Bhaktaabeeshtakaree Sadaa Shubakaree Kasheepuraadeeshwaree |
Bhikshaan Deyhi Krupavalambanakaree Maataannapoorneshwaree ||

Chandraakaarnala Koti Koti Sadhrushee Chandranshu Bhimbaadaree |
Chandraakaaragni Samaan Kuptaladharee Chandraakarvaneshwaree ||
Maala Pushtaka Paashasaadkhushadharee Kaashee Puraadeeshwaree |
Bhikshaan Deyhi Krupavalambanakaree Maataannapoorneshwaree ||

Kshatratraanakaree Mahaabhayakaree Maataa Krupaasaagaree |
Sarvaanandakaree Sadaa Shivakaree Vishveshwarashreedharee ||
Dakshakrandakaree Niraamayakaree Kasheepuraadheeshwaree |
Bhikshaan Deyhi Krupavalambanakaree Maataannapoorneshwaree ||

Annapoorna Sadaa Poorne Shadkarapraana Vallabhe |
Gyaanavairagya Siddhayarta Bhikshan Dehi Cha Paarvatee ||
Maataa Cha Paarvatee Devee Pitaa Devo Maheshwara |
Baandavaa Shivabhaktaakscha Swadesho Bhuvanatrayam ||



Shree Rama

Rama Rama Namoustute |
Jaya Ramachandra Namoustute ||
Ramachandra Namoustute |
Jaya Raaghavaaya Namoustute ||
Deva Deva Namoustute |
Jaya Devaraaja Namoustute ||
Vaasudeva Namoustute |
Jaya Varadaraaja Namoustute ||

Shree Venkatesha Suprabhatam |(Audio)

Kaushalya Suphrajaa Raama Poorva Sandhya Pravartate |
Uttishta Narashaardula Kartavyam Deyvamaadnhikam ||

Oh Rama, Kausalya's auspicious child!
Twilight is appearing in the East.
O best of men!(ie, Purusottama) Wake up, the divine, daily rituals have to be performed


Uttishta Uttishta Govinda Uttishta GarudaDhwaja |
Uttista Kamalaakaanta Treilokyam Mangalam Kuroo ||

Govinda, wake up!
Garudadwaja(ie, one who has Garuda on the banner), wake up!
Kamalakanta!(the husband of Kamala) (rising) render the three worlds auspicious.


Maatam Samastajagatam Madhukeitabhaare |
Vakshovihaarini Manoharadivyamoorthe ||
Shree Swaamini Ksritajana Priyadaanasheele |
Shree Venkatesha Dayite Tava Suprabhaatam ||

May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee, O Lakshmi;
the Mother of the worlds,
the everdweller on the chest of Vishnu(the enemy of the demons, Madhu and Kaitaba),
of attractive and divine form, the Mistress,
and of the nature of granting the desired objects of those seeking refuge.


Tava Suprabhatam Aravindalochane |
Bhavatu Prasanna Mukha Chandramandale ||
Vidhi Shankar-endra Vanitabhiracchite |
Vrusha Shailanaatha Dayite Dayaanidhe ||

May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee, O Lakshmi;
(the beloved of the Lord of Vrsachala),
of eyes like the Lotus (petals),
(Lakshmi) of a bright face like (the orbit of) the Moon,
(Lakshmi) worshipped by the wives of Brahma, Sankara and Indra (Vani, Girija and Pulomaja)
and (Lakshmi) who is a treasure of compassion.


Atryadi Saptarishaya Samupaasya Sandhyam|
Aakasha SindhuKamalaani Manoharaani||
Aadaaya Paadayugam Achayutta Prapannaa|
Seshaadri Shekara Vibho Tava Suprabhatam||

Having worshipped the morning dawn,
(having said the morning prayer, the sandhyavandana),
the seven sages like Atri,
bringing the beautiful lotuses from the Divine Ganges,
have arrived to worship at Thy feet.
Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


PancchaananAbjabhava Shanmukha Vaasavaadhyaam|
Treivikrama Aadicharitam VibudhaaStuvanti||
Bhaashaapati Patati Vaasara Shuddimaarat|
Seshadri Shekara Vibho Tava Suprabhatam||

The gods Ishwara(the five-faced), Brahma(the Lotus born), Subramanya(the six faced),
Indra and others are praising deeds of your incarnations as the Traivikramavatara.
Nearby is Brhaspati reading out the planetary position(panchangam) of the day.
Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Eershat Prapulla Saraseerooha Narrikela|
Pooraadruma Aadi Sumanohara Paalikaanam||
Aavati Mandam Anilassaha Divyagandhe|
Seshadri Shekara Vibho Tava Suprabhatam||

The breeze,
carrying the wonderful fragrance of the partly opened Lotuses,
and the beautiful ears of the trees like the Areca and the Coconut,
is gently blowing.
Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Unmeelya Netrayugam Uttama Pancharastha|
Paatra Avashista Kadaleephala Paayasaani||
Bukhtva Saleelamatha Kelishukaan Pathanti|
Seshadri Shekara Vibho Tava Suprabhatam||

The parrots,
kept for pleasure in the foremost cages,
opening their eyes,
are graciously singing
after eating the remains of the plantain fruits and the payasam in the vessels.
Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Tantri PrakarshaMadhuraSwanayaa Viphanchyaa|
Gaayati Anantacharita Tava Naaradopi||
Bhaasha Samagrama Askruta Pharasaara Ramya|
Seshadri Shekara Vibho Tava Suprabhatam||

(The sage) Narada,
with (his) Vina of sweet music produced by the tight grip of the strings,
is singing in praise of Thy endless deeds,
expressed in fine language by beautifully waving the hand often.
Lord Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Bruddhavali Cha Makaranda Rasa Anuviddha|
Jakadaarageeta Ninadei Saha Sevanaaya||
Niryaati Upaanta Sarasee Kamala Udrebhya|
Seshadri Shekara Vibho Tava Suprabhatam||

The swarms of bees making humming sounds
while sucking honey,
are emerging from the interiors of the lotuses of the adjoining pools
in order to serve Thee.
Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Yoshaaganena Varathandi Vimatyamaanem|
Ghosaalayeshu Dadhimanthana Teevragoshaam||
Roshaatkali Viddhate Kakubascha Kumbham|
Seshadri Shekara Vibho Tava Suprabhatam||

While the women-folk in the hamlet of cowherds churn the fine curds,
the high sounds emanating from the pots and their echoes,make the appearance
as if the pots and the (eight) directions are engaged in quarrels.
Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Padmoshamitra Shatapatra Gataalivargaam|
Hartum Shriyam Kulavayasya Nijaadka Lakshmya||
Bheree Ninaadamiva Vibhrati Teevranaada|
Seshadri Shekara Vibho Tava Suprabhatam||

The swarms of bees in the lotuses
which are the friends of the Sun,
are making violent sounds
as if producing the kettle-drum sound,
with a view to robbing(surpassing)
the splendour of the the blue lotuses
with their bodily lustre.
Lord of Seshachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Sreeman Nabheestavaradaakhila Lokabhando|
Sree Sreenivaasa Jagadeka Dayeika Sindho||
Sree DevataGruha Bhujaantara Divyamoorte|
Sree Venkataachalapate Tava Suprabhatam||

One with Lakshmi!
Giver of the desired objects (boons)!
The matchless ocean of Compassion!
Relative (friend) of all the Worlds!
Abode of Sri (Lakshmi)!
One having a form charming
on account of the chest,
which is the abode of Sri (Lakshmi)!
Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Sree Swami Pushkarini Kaadaplava Nirmalaanka|
Shreyodhathirno Harvirincha Sananda Naathaa||
Dwaare Vasanti Varavetra Hatottmaangaa|
Sree Venkataachalapate Tava Suprabhatam||

Brahma, Maheshwara, the sage Sanandana and others,
aspiring well-being and having bathed in the Sri-Swami-pushkarini,
and (thus) sanctified their bodies,
are waiting at the entrance receiving cane strokes on their heads.
Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Sree Seshashaila Garudaachala Venkataadri|
Naarayanaadri Vishabhaadri Vrushaadri Mukhyaam||
Aankhaam Twadeeya Vasateranisha Vadhanti|
Sree Venkataachalapate Tava Suprabhatam||

Lord of Venkatachala!
Thy abode is called by several names,
as SriSeshasaila,
Garudachala,
Vrshabhadri,
Venkatadri,
Narayanadri,
and Vrshadri.
May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Sevaaparaam Shivasuresha Krushaanu Dharma|
Rakshodambhunatha Pawamaana Dhanaadhinaathaam||
Baddhanjali Pravilasannijha Seershadeshaa|
Sree Venkataachalapate Tava Suprabhatam||

Siva, Indra, Agni, Yama, Nairuti, Varuna, Vayu and Kubera,
with folded hands on their heads,
are desirous of offering services to Thee.
Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Ghaatishu Te Vihagaraaja Mrugaadhiraaja|
Naagadhiraja Gajaraaja Hayaadiraajaa||
Swaswaadhikaara Mahimaadhikamarthayante|
Sree Venkataachalapate Tava Suprabhatam||

Thy conveyances - The Lord of Birds(Garuda),
Lord of Animals(Lion),
Lord of Serpents(AdiSesha),
Lord of Elephants(Airabata),
Lord of Horses(Uccaissravas), - are begging (Thee to grant them) their
respective authority, power (to server Thee better) in Your amusement strolls.
Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Sooryendu Bhouma Bhudhavaakpati Kaavyasouri|
Swabhaarnuketu Divishatparishatpradhaanaam||
Twadwaasadaasa Charmaavadhi Daasadaasaam|
Sree Venkataachalapate Tava Suprabhatam||

The main deities of the Assembly of Gods - the (nine planets);
Sun , Moon, Mars (Angaraka), Mercury(Budha), Jupiter(Brhaspati), Venus(Sukra),
Saturn(Sani), Rahu and Ketu - remain (happy) to be the servants of
the last grade of servants of the servants of
Thy servant -(They remain most obedient to Thee.)
Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Twatpaada Dhooli Bharitaspuritottamaangaa|
Swargopavarganipeksha Nijaanta Ranghaa||
Kalpaagamaa Kulanayaan Kulantaam Labhante|
Sree Venkataachalapate Tava Suprabhatam||

Lord of Venkatachala!
(Thy servants or devotees), with their heads rendered lustrous (sanctified)
by the dust of Thy feet,
do not desire (being in Thy presence),
even the Heaven and Liberation
and are worried that another Kalpa will start.(when there will be no such glory to Venkatachala)
May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Twatgopuraagra Shikaraani Nireekshamaanaam|
Swargopavarga Padavee Paramaan Shrayantam||
Martryaa Manushyabhuvane Matimaashrayante|
Sree Venkataachalapate Tava Suprabhatam||

Seeing the crest of Thy temple tower,
the mortals,
while attaining the exalted paths of Heaven and Liberation,
like to live in the mortal world.
(as it gives them the opportunity of worshipping Thee)
Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Sree Bhoominaayaka Dayaadi Gunaamrutaabde|
Devaadhideva Jagadeka Sharanyamoorthe||
Sreemannanta Garudadibhirarchi Tadagre|
Sree Venkataachalapate Tava Suprabhatam||

Lord of SriDevi and Bhudevi!
The ocean of nectar and compassion and other virtues!
The chief of Gods!
The sole refuge of the Universe!
The possessor of Sri(wealth)!
One whose feet are worshipped by Anantha and Garuda!
Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Sree Padmanabha Purushottama Vasudeva|
Veikuntha Madhava Janaardhana Chakrapaane||
Sree Vatasachinha Sharanaagata Parijaata|
Sree Venkataachalapate Tava Suprabhatam||

Padmanatha!
Purusottama!
Vasudeva!
Vaikunta!
Madhava!
Janardhana!
Chakrapani!
Bearer of the mole Srivatsa!
Celestial Tree (parijata)! to those who seek refuge!
Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Kandarpadaparhara Sundara Divyamoorthe|
Kaantaakuchaamburuha Kudmala Lokadrushte||
Kalyaananirmala Gunaakara Divyakeerte|
Sree Venkataachalapate Tava Suprabhatam||

Bearer of the charming and divine form,
surpassing the pride of the Cupid(Manmatha)!
One, whose sight is fondly centered on
the lotus bud-like breasts of His beloved!
The abode of ausipicious and pure virtues!
The possessor of Divine fame!
Lord of Venkatachala!May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Meenakrute Kamatha Kola Narasimha Varnin|
Swaamin Parashwatha Tapodhana Ramachandra||
Sheshasaraama Yadunandana Kalkiroopa|
Sree Venkataachalapate Tava Suprabhatam||

Lord of (ten) incarnations of
Matsya(Fish),
Kamata(Tortoise),
Kola(Divine Boar),
Narasimha(Man-Lion),
Tri-vikrama(Dwarf),
Parasurama,
Rama,
Balarama,
Krishna and
Kalki!
Lord of Venkatachala!May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Eailaalavadhna Ghanasaara Sughandhiteertha|
Divya Viyatsariti Hemagateshu Poornam||
Dhrutvaadnya Veidikashikaamanyam Prahastaam|
Tisthanti Venkatapate Tava Suprabhatam||

The Brahmins,
well-versed in the Vedas,
are now joyfully waiting(for worshipping you),
carrying the golden pots filled with
the waters of the divine Ganges(AkasaGanga),
which (waters) are rendered fragrant by (mixing of)
the cardamons, cloves and camphor.
Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Bhaasvaanudeti Vikachaani Saroruhaani|
Sampoorayanti Ninadeim Kukubho Vihagnam||
Sree Vaishnavassatatamathirta Mangalaaste|
Ghaamaashrayanti Tava Venkata Suprabhatam||

The sun is rising, the lotuses have blossomed.
The birds are filling the directions with their noises.
The SriVaishnavas, always imploring auspiciousness are waiting at Thy abode.
Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Brahmadayassura Vaarassamarshayaste|
Santassanandana Mukhastava Yogivaryaam||
Ghamaantike Tave Hi Mangalavastuhastaam|
Sree Venkataachalapate Tava Suprabhatam||

The chief of Gods like Brahma,
the great sages and the good Yogins as Sanandana
are (waiting) at Thy abode,
holding auspicious things in their hands.
Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Lakshminivaasa Nirvadyagunaika Sindho|
Sansaarasaagara Samuktharaneika Seto||
Vedaantaveda Nijaveibhava Bhaktak Bhogya|
Sree Venkataachalapate Tava Suprabhatam||

Abode of Lakshmi!
Ocean of faultless(and auspicious) virtues!
Bridge to cross the ocean of transmigration(samsara)!
One whose glory is known through the Upanishads!
One enjoyed by the devotees!
Lord of Venkatachala! May it be an auspicious dawn to Thee!


Ittham Vrushaachalapateriha Suprabhatam|
Ye Maanavaam Pratidinam Patitum Pravuttam||
Teshaan Prabhaatasamaye Smrutiragnabhaajan|
Pragnaan Paraarthasulabhaan Paramaan Prasoote||

To these men,
who recite(with devotion)
this Suprabhata of Lord Venkatesa daily,
early in the morning,
the memory of Venkatesa
grants the Supreme intellect
which provides Liberation easily.


Shree Venkatesha Stotram

Kamalaa Kuchachoochuka Kunkumato|
Niyataaruni Taatula Neelatano||
Kamalaayata Lochana Lokapate|
Vijayi Bhava Venkatashailapate||

Lord of Venkatachala!
One, whose matchless blue body
is ever rendered red,by the saffron
on the teats of the breasts of Kamala(Sridevi)!
One, whose eyes are broad
like the petals of the lotus!
Lord of the Universe!
Victory to Thee, Lord of Venkatachala!

Sataturmukha Shanmukha Panchamukha|
Pramukhakhila Deivata Moulimane||
Sharanaagata Vatsala Saaranidhe|
Paripaalaya Maa Vrushashailapate||

The crest jewel of all Gods
like Brahma, Kumaraswami and Maheshwara!
The compassionate
to those seeking protection!
Protect me, O God of Vrsasaila!

Ativelatayaa Tava Durvishahem|
Anuvelakrutei Raparaadhashatem||
Bharita Twarita Vrushasheilapate|
Paraya Krupaya Paripaari Hare||

Lord of Vrsasaila!
May Thou (O Hari)! with extreme mercy,
protect me,
who always committed various unendurable sins.

Adivenkatashaila Mudaaramate|
Janataabhi Mutadhi Kadaanarataat||
Paradevatayaa Gatitaannigamei|
Kamalaadayitaanna Para Kalaye||

I do not consider supreme anyone
other than the Lord of Kamala(Sridevi),
who is liberal-minded
(and dwells) on Venkatachala,
who is intent on granting
much more than what is desired by the devotees,
and who is described by the Vedas
as the Supreme God.

Kalavenukaavashagho Vadhoo|
Shatakoti Vrutaatsmara Kotisamaat||
Prativallavikaabhimataatsukhadaat|
Vasudeva Sutaan Paran Kalaye||

I do not understand anyone other than Krishna,
who is surrounded by innumerable cowherdesses (gopikas),
enchanted by the sweet music of (His) Flute,
who is equal (in Beauty) to myriads of Cupids (Manmathas),
who gives joy and who is dear to each Gopika.

Abhiramagunaakara Daasharate|
Jagadeka Danurdhara Dheeramate||
Raghunaayaka Rama Ramesha Vibho|
Varado Bhava Deva Dayajaladhe||

Source of enchanting virtues!
Rama!
The matcheless archer of the Universe!
The steady-minded!
The best of the Raghu race!
Ramesa!
The all-pervading!
The ocean of compassion!
O Lord!
Grant us boons!

Avanitanaya Kamaneeyakaram|
Rajaneekara Charumukhamburuham||
Rajaneechara Raajatamomihiran|
Mahaneeyamaham Raghuraamamaye||

I seek refuge of Raghurama
whose hand is desired by Sita (or does what Sita likes),
whos has a beautiful face like the Moon,
who is (like) the Sun (to put an end to) the darkness(Ravana-the king of Demons),
and who is exalted.

Sumukham Suhudam Sulabham Sukhadam|
Swanujam Cha Sukayamamodhasharam||
Apahaaya Raghudhvaha Manyamaham|
Na Kathanchan Kanchana Jaatu Bhaje||

At no time, and in no way,
do I worship anyone barring Rama
(who has elevated) the Raghu race,
who has a handsome face,
is good-hearted,
easily attainable,
has good brothers,
has a beautiful body
and whose arrows are unfailing.

Vinaa Venkatesha Na Natho Na Natha|
Sadaa Venkatesham Swaraami Swaraami||
Hare Venkatesha Praseeda Praseeda|
Priyam Venkatesha Prayaccha Prayaccha||

There is no saviour
other than Venkatesa,
I forever pray to
(or remember) Venkatatesa.
O Hari, Venkatesa!
Be pleased, grant (us) favours!

Aham Doorataste Padambhojayugma|
Pranaamecchayangatya Sevaan Karomi||
Sakrutsevayaa Nityasevaaphalan Twam|
Prayaccha Prayaccha Prabho Venkatesha||

O Lord!
Having come from afar,
with a desire to salute Thy lotus-like feet),
I am serving Thee, Venkatesha!
(please) give me,
for this occasional worship,
the reward given to the regular (daily) worship.

Agyaaninaa Mayaa Doshaa|
Na Seshaan Vihitaanan Hare||
Kshamasva Twam Kshamasva Twam|
Sheshashaila Shikhamane||

O Hari!
The crest jewel of Seshasaila!
Pardon me for all the sins committed by me, an ignorant.

Shree Venkatesha Prapatti

Earshaanan Jagatosya Venkatapatevishnom Param Preyasi |
Tavdakshasthala Nityavaasarasikaan Tatyaanti Sanvardhineem ||
Padmaalakshatapaani Pallatayugaan Padmaasanastaan Triyam |
Vaatsalyaadi Gunojjwalaan Bhagavateen Vande Jaganmaataram ||

I salute Goddess Lakshmi,
who is the Mistress(queen) of the Universe,
who is the most beloved of Vishnu,
the Lord of Venkatachala,
who is fond of ever dwelling in His(Vishnu's) chest,
who is the promoter of forgiveness,
who has sprout-like hands decorated with Lotuses,
who is seated on the Lotus,
(or seated in the posture of a Lotus, Padmasana),
who shines with virtues as mercy
and who is the mother of the Universe!


Sreemana Krupaajalanidhe Shritasarvaloka |
Sarvagna Shattaka Natvatsala Sarvasheshin ||
Swaamin Shusheela Shulabhaashrita Paarijaata |
Shree Venkatesha Sharanau Saranam Prapadhye ||

One possessed of Sri(wealth)!
Ocean of Compassion!
Creator of the whole Universe!
The Omniscient!
The Almighty!
Affectionate to those that bow(to Thee)!
The Principal(of the animate and inanimate world)!
Lord! easily attainable by persons of good conduct!
The Divine Tree(parijata) to those who seek refuge!
Venkatesa! I resort to Thy feet.


Aanoopuraapirta Sujaata Sughandhi Pushpa |
Saurabhya Saurabhakarou Samasanniveshou ||
Saumyou Sadaanu Bhavaneipi Navaanubhaavyo |
Shree Venkatesha Saranau Saranam Prapadhye ||

I seek refuge of Venkatesa's feet
which add fragrance to the smell of the sweet-smelling flowers
offered (decorated) upto the anklets,
which are well-placed and handsome,
and which are enjoyable anew,
even though they are ever-enjoyed.


Sadgovikaasi Samudittvara Saandraraaga |
Saurabhya Nirbhara Sarorooha Saamyavaartaam ||
Samyakshu Saahasapadeshu Vilekhayantou |
Shree Venkatesha Sharanau Saranam Prapadhye ||

I seek refuge of Venkatesa's feet
which induce us to ascribe to the hurriedly placed beautiful feet
the equality of lotuses,
which have just blossomed
and have well-emanating fragrance
and dense redness
(feet remind us their similarity with the lotuses),
and (state), as it were,
that comparing Lord's feet with the lotuses
is a bold (hasty) step.
(It means the feet of the Lord are superior several times to the Lotuses and comparing them is a hasty action.)


Rekhaamaya Dwaja Sudhaakala Shaatapatra |
Vjaraakrushaamburuha Kalpakashtachakrei ||
Bhavyeiralankrutatalou Para Tatva Chinhei |
Shree Venkatesha Sharanau Saranam Prapadhye ||

I seek refuge of Sri Venkatesa's feet
whose soles bear the marks of the Supreme spirit
like the Banner,
Pot of Ambrosia,
Umbrella,
Thunderbolt,
Grass,
Lotus,
Divine Tree(Kalpaka Vrksha),
Conch,
and the Disc, which are in the form of auspicious lines.


Tamrodaradguti Paraajita Padmaraagou |
Baaharyamarhobhirabhi Bhoota Mahendraneelou ||
Udhyanna Khanshubhirudasta Shashagda Bhaasou |
Shree Venkatesha Sharanau Saranam Prapadhye ||

I seek refuge of Sri Venkatesa's feet
whose reddish soles have surpassed
the lustre of the Rubies(padmaraga stones),
or red lotuses,
whose exteriors have excelled
the brilliance of the Sapphires(indranila stones)
and whose nails of the toes
have out-beaten the Moonlight.


Sapremabheeti Kamalaakara Pallavaabyaam |
Sanvaahaneipi Sapadi Kalmamaadadaanau ||
Kaantaavavaangmna Sagochara Saukumaaryo |
Shree Venkatesha Saranau Sharanam Prapadhye ||

I seek refuge of Sri Venkatesa's feet
which, though massaged with love and apprehension
by the sprout-like hands of Lakshmi,
are at once experiencing fatigue,
which are very charming,
and the tenderness of which
is not within the scope of speech or mind.


Lakshmeemaheeta Danuroopa Nijaanubhaava |
Neelaadi DivyaMahishee Kara Pallavaanaam ||
Aarunyasankramanata Kila Saandraraagou |
Shree Venkatesha Saranau Sharanam Prapadhye ||

I seek refuge of Sri Venkatesa's feet,
which have become extremely red
in account of union with red-ness of
the sprout-like hands of Divine Queens
like Sridevi,
Bhudevi,
and also Niladevi,
who has greatness like that of Sridevi and Bhudevi.


Nityaanamadhvidhi Shivadikireetakoti |
Pratyupradeepta Navaratna Maham Prarohem ||
Neeraajanaavidhi Mudharamupaadadaanou |
Shree Venkatesha Saranau Sharanam Prapadhye ||

I seek refuge of Sri Venkatesa's feet,
which receive as it were,
the grand nirajana (arati)
by the multitude of lustres
of effulgent nine gems
(studded) on the edge of the crowns
of Brahma, Siva and others,
who bow their heads daily.


Vishnom Pade Parama Ityudhitaprashansau |
Yau madhva Utsa Iti Bhogyatayaampyupaatou ||
Bhooyastatheti Tava Paanithaktapradhisto |

Venkatesa!
I seek refuge in Thy feet
which are extolled (in the Rg Veda)
as "Visnoh parame pade" (in the most exalted abode of Vishnu),
which are, (again) extalled therein
as "madhva utsa" (meaning the fountain the honey)
as extremely enjoyable
and which are indicated as such by
the show of the palm of Thy hand.


Paarthaaya Tatsavdasha Saarathinaa Twayeiva |
You Darshito Swacharanou Sharana Vrajeti ||
Bhooyokpi Mahamya Tou Karadarshitou Te |
Shree Venkatesha Saranau Sharanam Prapadhye ||

Venkatesa!
I seek refuge of Thy feet
which were shown to Arjuna by Thee(Krishna),
the worthy charioteer of Arjuna,
as 'seek their refuge',
and which are now again, here, (on Venkatadri),
pointed out to me ('as seek their refuge')
by Thy hand.


Manamoorgna Kaaliyaphane Vikataataveeshu |
Shree Venkatadri Shikare Shirasi Shrutinaama ||
Chittayekpyananyamanasaan Samamaahitou te |
Shree Venkatesha Saranau Sharanam Prapadhye ||

Venkatesa!
I seek refuge of Thy feet
which are placed alike
on my (this sinner's) head,
on the hood of the serpent Kaliya,
in the thick forests,
on the peak of the Venkatachala,
in the Upanishads,
and in the hearts of the sages
who meditate on God only.
(It means the Lord exists everywhere.)


Amalanhrushya Davaneethala Keerna Pushpou |
Shree Venkatadri Shikaraabharanaayamaanou ||
Aanandhitaakhila Manonyanou Taveyto |
Shree Venkatesha Saranau Sharanam Prapadhye ||

Venkatesa!
I seek refuge of Thy feet
around which the scattered flowers
remain unwithered and blossoming,
(The feet) which are as ornament
to the Venkatachala
and (The feet) by which
the hearts and eyes of all persons are delighted.


Prayaap Prapannajanataa Prathamaavaghaahyou |
Maatrup Stanaaviva Shishouramrutaayamaanou ||
Praaptou Paraspuratulaamatulaantarou te |
Shree Venkatesha Saranau Sharanam Prapadhye ||

Venkatesa!
I seek refuge of Thy feet
which are to be seen at first
by the people that salute (them),
which are nectar-like
as the mother's breasts are to the baby,
which can be compared to each other,
and which are incomparable to anything else.


Satvottareyssatata Senya Padaambhujena |
Sansaarataara Kadayaardradraganjalena ||
Soumyopayantrumuninaa Mama Darshitou Te |
Shree Venkatesha Saranau Sharanam Prapadhye ||

Venkatesa!
I seek refuge of Thy feet
which were shown to me by the sage Manavata,
the sage whose feet are always worshipped
by the Sattvic people (men of Sattva guna)
and whose mild, merciful glances
enable (men) to cross the ocean of tranmigration. (samsara)


Shreesha Shriyaa Ghatikyaa Twadupaayabhaave |
Praapye Twayi Swayamupetayaa Sphurantya ||
Nityaashritaaya Nirvadyagunaaya Tubhyan |
Syaan Kikkaro Vrushagirisha Na Jaatu Mahyam ||

Srinivasa!
When Thou art a means (upaya) to the devotees
for the attainment of the Supreme Abode (Liberation);
Lakshmi brings about this.
When Thou becometh the object of attainment (prapya),
Lakshmi too appears to be so,
resorting to Thee always,
Thou art of pure, faultless qualities.
I become servant to Thee and not to myself at any time.

Shree Venkatesha Mangalasaasanam

Shriya Kaantaaya Kalyaananidhaye Nidhayekthirnaam |
Shree Venkatanivaasaaya Shreenivaasaaya Mangalam ||

May the auspiciousness be to Srinivasa,
who is the Lord of Lakshmi,
(who) is a treasure-trove of supplicants
and (who) dwells on the Venkatachala!


Lakshmi Savibramaalooka Subhruvibhama Chaksushe |
Chaksushe Sarvalokaanaan Venkateshaaya Mangalam ||

May auspiciousness be to Sri Venkatesa,
whose eyes, charming with beautiful eyebrows,
gaze at Lakshmi with flurry,
and who is the eye of all of the worlds.


Shree Venkataadri Shrungaagra Mangalaa Bharanaangraye |
Mangalaanaan Nivasaaya Shreenivasaaya Mangalam ||

May auspiciousness be to Sri Srinivasa,
whose feet are an auspicious ornament
to the crest of Venkatachala
and who is an abode of auspiciousness.


Sarvaavaya Soundarya Sampadaa Sarvachatasaam |
Sadaa Sammohanaayaastu Venkateshaaya Mangalam ||

May auspiciousness be to Sri Venkatesa
whose wealth of bodily charm
causes stupor to all living beings.


Nityaaya Nirvadyaaya Satyananda Chidaatmane |
Sarvaantaraatmane SrimadVenkateshaaya Mangalam ||

May auspiciousness be to Sri Venkatesa,
who is eternal, blemishless,
of the form of sat (existence), cit (consciousness) and ananda (bliss)
and is the inner soul of all.


Swatassarvavide Sarvashaktaye Sarvaseshiney |
Shulhabhaaya Shusheelaaya Venkateshaaya Mangalam ||

May auspiciousness be to Sri Venkatesa,
who is self-omniscient,
omnipotent,
principal of all,
easily attainable
and of good nature (character).


Parasmay Brahmane Poornakaamaaya Parmaatmane |
Aakaala Paratatvaaya Venkateshaaya Mangalam ||

May auspiciousness be to Sri Venkatesa,
who is the Supreme Brahman,
whose desires are fulfilled,
and who is the Supreme Soul.


Aakaala Tatva Mashraantamaatmaanaamanupashyantaa |
Atruptamrutaroopaaya Venkateshaaya Mangalam ||

May auspiciousness be to Sri Venkatesa,
whose ever-charming form is nectar-like
to the living beings that gaze upon Him incessantly
as long as time lasts.


Praayan Swacharanou Punshaan Sharanyatvena Paaninaa |
Krupayan Dishate Shree Venkateshaaya Mangalam ||

May auspiciousness be to Sri Venkatesa,
who, with His (right) hand (Varadahasta),
shows His feet,
as refuge to all human beings.


Dayaamruta Taranginyaastarangeriva Sheetaleyn |
Apaangey Sinchite Vishwan Venkateshaaya Mangalam ||

May auspiciousness be to Sri Venkatesa,
who moistens the Universe with glances,
cool like the waves of the river
of nectar of compassion.


Sragbhooshaambara Hetenaam Sushamaahavamoortaye |
Sarvaartishamanaayaastu Venkateshaaya Mangalam ||

May auspiciousness be to Sri Venkatesa,
whose form lends splendour
to the garlands,
ornaments,
garments,
and weapons (which He bears)
and (whose form) subdues all afflictions.


Shree Vaikunta Vistaaya Swaami Pushkarineetate |
Ramaya Ramamaanaaya Venkateshaaya Mangalam ||

May auspiciousness be to Sri Venkatesa,
who, giving up all attachment to Sri Vaikunta,
sports gracefully with Lakshmi,
on the banks of Swami Pushkarini.


Shree Matsundara Jaamaatru Munimaanasa Vaasine |
Sarvaloka Nivaasaaya Shreenivaasaaya Mangalam ||

May auspiciousness be to Sri Srinivasa,
who dwells in the heart of the sage Manavala
and all the worlds.


Mangalasaasana Pareymardaachaarya Purogameyn |
Sarveccha Poorveyraachaaryeyr Satkrutaayaastu Mangalam ||

May auspiciousness be to Sri Venkatesa,
who has been worshipped by my teachers
and their early teachers,
and all those devoted to reciting this Mangalasaasana.

Shree Ganesha Pancharatnam
I prostrate before Lord Vinayaka,
who holds modaka in his hand with great joy,
who bestows salvation,
who wears the moon as a crown on his head,
who is the sole leader of those who have no leaders,
who destroyed the elephant demon named Gajasura,
and who quickly destroyed the sins of those who bow down to him.


I resort to that Lord continuously,
who is frightening to those who are not his devotees,
who shines like the rising sun,
to whom all the Gods and demons bow,
who removes the great distress of his devotees,
and who is the Best among the best.


I bow to the shining Ganapati
who brings happiness to all the worlds,
who destroyed the demon Gajasura,
who has a big belly,
beautiful elephant-face,
who is immortal,
who gives mercy, forgiveness and happiness
to those who bow to Him,
and who bestows fame and a well-disposed mind.


I worship the ancient elephant-god
who destroys the pains of the poor,
who is the abode of 'Om',
who is the first son of Lord Shiva (destroyer of the triple cities),
who destroys the pride of the enemies of the gods,
who is frightening to look at during the time of the world's destruction,
who is fierce like the elephant in rut, a
nd who wears Dhananjaya and other serpents as his ornaments.


I constantly reflect upon that single-tusked god only,
whose lustrous tusk is very beautiful,
who is the son of Lord Shiva, the god of death,
who tears asunder all obstacles, a
nd who dwells forever in the heart of Yogis.


He, who recites every morning, with devotion,
these five gems about Lord Ganapati,
and who remembers in his heart the great-Ganesha,
will soon be endowed
with a healthy life,
free of all blemishes,
will obtain learning,
good sons,
longevity,
spiritual and material prosperity.
Book: The Broken Tusk: Stories of Lord Ganesha



Panchaksharastotram

Nagendrahaaraaya Trilochanaaya |
Bhasmandaraagaaya Maheshwaraaya ||
Nityaaya Shuddaaya Dighambaraaya |
Tasmey Nakaaraaya NamashShivaaya ||

Salutations to the ashes-clad, three eyed Lord,
embodied as the first letter 'na',
who is pure, nude and eternal,
and whose garland is the Lord of Serpents.

Mandaakinee Salila Chandana Charchitaaya |
Nandeeshwar Pramatha Naatha Maheswaraaya ||
Mandaarmukhya Bahu Pushpa Supoojitaaya |
Tasmey Makaara Mahitaaya NamashShivaaya ||

I bow to Him,
embodied as Makara,
who is adorned with innumberable divine flowers
as Mandara and the like,
who is the Sovereign King of the Pramatha Ganas,
and whose body is annointed with
the holy waters of the celestial Ganga.

Shivaaya Gauri Vajanaabdavrunda |
Sooryaaya Dakshaadwara Naashakaaya ||
Shree Neelakantaaya Vishadwajaaya |
Tasmey Shikaaraaya NamashShivaaya ||

To the blue-necked Lord
embodied as the letter 'Si',
the destroyer of Daksha's sacrifice
and the resplendent sun of Gowri's lotus face,
whose banner bears the emblem of a bull,
may our salutations be!

Vasistha Kumbhoddwa Gautamaarya |
Muneendra Devaarchita Shekaraaaya ||
Chandrarkaveyshvaanara Lochanaaya |
Tasmey Vakaaraaya NamashShivaaya ||

I prostrate before the God of gods,
embodied as 'Vakara' ,
whose eyes are sun, moon and the fire,
and whom the gods
and the great sages like Vashista, Agastya and Gautama,
ever pray and worship.

Yakshaswaroopaaya Jataadharaaya |
Pinaakahastaaya Sanaatanaaya ||
Divyaaya Devaaya Digambaraaya |
Tasmey Yakaraaya NamashShivaaya ||

Prostrations to the ancient, naked God,
embodied as the letter 'Ya',
the Yaksha incarnate,
whose hairs are long and matted,
and who holds Pinaka in his hands.

Panchaksharaminda Punyam ya Patechchiva Sannidhou |
Shivalokamavaanpoti Shivena Saha Modate ||

Whoever repeats this prayer,
composed with the five holy letters,
before Lord Shiva,
attains that supreme abode of His
and enjoys there with Him in eternal bliss.

Baja Govindam

Baja Govindam Baja Govindam |
Govindam Baja Moodamate ||
Samprapte Sannihite Kaale |
Na Hi Na Hi Rakshati Dukrunkarane |

Worship Govinda, worship Govinda,
O foolish one! Worship Govinda.
The rules of grammar profit nothing,
once the hour of death draws nigh.

Mooda Jaheehi DhanaagamaTrushnaam |
Kuru Sanduddhima Manasi Vitrushnaam ||
Yallabhase Nija Karmopaattam |
Vittakam Tena Vinodaaya Chittam ||

Renounce, o fool,
your ceaseless thirst
For hoarding gold and precious gems;
Content yourself with what may come
through deeds performed in earlier lives.
Devote your mind to righteousness and
let dispassion be your law.

Naaristanabharanaabheedesham Drushtaa |
Maa Gaa Mohaavesham ||
Eitanmaannasava Saadivikaaram |
Manasi Vichintya Vaaraan Vaaram ||

Lust at the sight of a woman's body
springs from ignorance, springs from error;
Inwardly reason, over and over,
bodies are flesh, blood and fat.


Uncertain is the life of man
As rain-drops on a lotus leaf;
The whole of human kind,
is prey to grief and ego and diseases.


While a man supports his family,
see what loving care they show!
nearing the time of dissolution
But when his aging body falters,
none, not even his nearest kin,
will think to ask him how he fares.


While man's soul remains in his body,
Fondly his family wish him well;
But when the life-breath leaves its dwelling,
Even his wife will flee in fear.


Lost in play is the carefree stripling,
Lost is his sweet-heart's charms, the youth;
The old man broods upon his sorrows
None, there is, alas, whose spirit
yearns to be lost in the Parabrahman.


Who is your wife?
And who is your child?
Strange indeed is this mortal world!
Who are you?
And who is your own?
Brother, ponder on these things.


Good association breeds detachment;
Detachment leads to freedom from delusion;
Undeluded, one contacts changeless Reality,
Contact with Reality, bestows Liberation while alive.


Youth being fled, what good is passion?
Water gone, what use a lake?
Where to be found our friends and kinsmen?
Once the money's all exhausted,
Where is the world? When Truth is known?


Boast not of youth or friends or wealth,
Swifter than eyes can wink,
by Time, each one of these,
is stolen away,
Abjure the illusion of the world,
And join yourself to Timeless Truth.


Sunrise and sunset,
daylight and darkness;
Winter and springtime,
come and go,
Even the course of Time is playful,
But man's vain hope, alas! goes onward,
Timelessly onward, evermore.


Dreaming of wife, dreaming of wealth,
Why do you roam restless as the wind?
Is there none to take you in charge?
Know then, my friend, in all the three worlds,
The company of the good is the only boat
That can take you across the samsara sea.


Many are those whose locks are matted,
Many whose heads are closely shaved,
Many who pluck out all their hair,
Some of them wearing robes of ochre,
Some of them clad in other colors;
All these things for their stomach's sake,
Seeing Truth revealed before them,
Still the deluded see it not.


Feeble has grown the old man's body,
Toothless his gums and bald his head.
But there he goes upon his crutches,
Clinging firmly to fruitless hope!


Seeking for warmth, the penniless beggar,
closely crouches before his fire,
Or sits with only the sun to warm him,
nightly he lays him down to slumber,
Curling up to keep out the cold,
Hungrily eats his beggar's portion,
Out of the bowl his hands provide him,
Takes up his dwelling under a tree,
Still in his heart, a helpless prisoner,
Bound with the chains of empty hope.


Though for the sake of his salvation,
Man may go on a pilgrimage to Ganga Sagara,
Keep his vows and give to the poor,
Failing the Knowledge of the Highest,
Nothing of this assures him freedom,
Even in the span of a hundred lives.


Make a temple or tree, your home,
Clothe yourself in the skin of a deer,
And use the bare earth for your bed,
Avoiding gifts and sense delights,
Could any fail to be content,
Blest with dispassion such as these?


Plunge in Yoga or in enjoyment,
Mix with all or stand severely apart,
For the heart that delights ever in Brahman,
It is bliss, bliss, bliss, bliss without end.


Let a man but read from the Gita,
Drink of the Ganges but a drop,
Worship but once the Lord Almigthy,
And he will set at rest forever,
All his fear of the King of Death.


Birth unceasing! Death unceasing!
Ever to pass through a mother's womb!
Hard to cross is the world's wide ocean,
Lord, redeem me through Thy mercy.


Rags cast off along the highway,
Serve as a garment for the monk;
Freed from vice and freed from virtue,
Onward he wonders, in his sight,
nor I, nor you, nor the world exists.


Who am I? And who are you?
What is the place from which I come?
Who is my mother? Who my sire?
Pondering thus, perceive them all
As fancies only, without substance,
Give up the world as an idle dream.


Vishnu alone it is who dwells,
In you, in me, in everything;
Empty of meaning is your wrath,
And the impatience you reveal,
Seeing yourself in every one,
Have done with all diversity.


Be not attached to friend or foe,
To son, or kinsmen, peace or war,
If you aspire to Vishnu's realm
Look upon all things equally.


Give up the curse of lust and wrath,
Give up delusion, give up greed,
Remember who you really are,
Fools are they that are blind to self,
Cast into hell, they suffer there.


Everyday recite from the Gita,
Chant the thousand names of Vishnu,
Cherishing him within your heart,
Take delight to be with the holy,
Give your riches away to the poor.


He who yields to lust or pleasure,
Leaves his frame a prey to disease,
Yet, though death is the final ending,
None foreswears to sinfulness.


Remember, riches bring in grief,
Truly no joy abides in them;
A rich man even fears his son,
Thus is the position everywhere.


Control the self, restrain the breath,
Sift out the transient from the true,
Repeat the holy name of God,
And still the restless mind within,
To this, the universal rule,
Apply yourself, with heart and soul.


Cherish your Guru's lotus feet,
And free yourself without delay,
From the enslavement of this world,
Curb your senses, and your mind,
And see the Lord within your heart.
Book: The Bhagwad Gita - Eknath Easwaran

Book: The Bhagavad Gita - Krishna's Counsel in Time of War - Barbara Stoler Miller

Book: Bhagavad Gita and it's Message - Sri Aurobindo(Editor)

Book: Bhagavad Gita as It is: A. Bhaktivedan Prabhupada



Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 2
For the soul,
there is neither birth nor death at any time.
He has not come into being,
does not come into being,
and will not come into being.
He is unborn, eternal, ever existing and primeval.
He is not slain when the body is slain.

As a person puts on new garments, giving up the old ones,
the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up the old and useless ones.

The soul can never be cut into pieces by any weapon,
nor burnt by fire,
nor moistened by water,
nor withered by the wind.

The individual soul is unbreakable and insoluble,
and can be neither burnt nor dried.
He is ever-lasting,
present everywhere,
unchangeable,
immovable
and eternally the same.

It is said that the soul is invisible,
inconceivable,
and immutable.
Knowing this, you should not grieve for the body.

One who has taken his birth is sure to die,
and after death,
one is sure to take birth again.
Therefore, in the unavoidable discharge of your duty
you should not lament.

All created beings are unmanifested in their beginning,
manifest in their interim state
and unmanifest again when annihilated.
So what need is there for lamentation?

O, descendent of Bharata,
he who dwells in the body can never be slain.
Therefore you need not grieve for any living being.

If, however,
you do not perform your religious duty of fighting,
then you will certainly incur sins for neglecting your duties
and Thus lose your reputation as a fighter.

Do thou fight for the sake of fighting,
without considering happiness or distress,
loss or gain,
victory or defeat,
and by so doing,
you shall never incur sin.

Thus far I have described
this knowledge to you through analytical study.
Now, listen as I explain it
in terms of working without fruitive results.
O, son of Prtha, when you act in such knowledge,
you can free yourself
from the bondage of works.

In this endeavour
there is no loss or diminution,
and a little advancement on this path
can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.

The Vedas deal mainly with
the subject of the three modes of material nature.
O Arjuna, become transcendental to these three modes.
Be free from all dualities
and from all anxieties for gain and safety,
and be established in the self.

You have the right to perform your prescribed duty,
but you are not entitled to the fruits of action.
Never consider yourself
the cause of the results of your activities,
and never be attached to not doing your duty.

Perform your duty equipoised,
O Arjuna, abandoning all attachment to success or failure.
Such equanimity is called Yoga.

A man engaged in devotional activities
rids himself of both good and bad actions
even in this life.
Therefore strive for yoga,
which is the art of all work.

By thus engaging in devotional service,
to the Lord,
great sages or devotees free themselves
from the results of work in the material world.
In this way, they become free
from the cycle of birth and death,
and obtain the state beyond all miseries.

When your intelligence
has passed out of the dense forest of delusion,
you shall become indifferent
to all that has been heard
and all that is to be heard.

When your mind is no longer disturbed
by the flowery language of the Vedas,
and when it remains fixed
in the trance of self-realization,
then you will have attained
the divine consciousness.

O Krishna!
What are the symptoms of one
whose consciousness is thus merged in transcendence?
How does he speak,
and what is his language?
How does he sit,
and how does he walk?

O Partha!
When a man gives up
all varieties of desire for sense gratification,
which arise from mental concoction,
and when his mind thus purified
finds satisfaction in the Self alone,
then he is said to be
in pure transcendental consciousness.

One who is not disturbed in mind
even amidst the three-fold miseries,
or elated when there is happiness,
and who is free from attachment, fear and anger,
is called a sage of steady mind.

In the material world,
one who is unaffected
by whatever good or evil he may obtain;
neither praising it nor despising it,
is firmly fixed in perfect knowledge.

One who is able to withdraw his senses from sense objects,
as the tortoise draws his limb within the shell,
is firmly fixed in perfect consciousness.

The embodied soul
may be restricted from sense enjoyment,
though all the taste for sense delights remains.
But, ceasing such engagements
by experiencing a higher taste,
he is fixed in consciousness.

The senses are so strong and impetuous,
O Arjuna, that they forcibly carry away the mind,
even of a man of discrimination,
who is endeavouring to control them.

One who restrains his senses,
keeping them under full control,
and fixes his consciousness upon Me,
is know as a man of steady intelligence.

After contemplating the object of the senses,
a person develops attachment for them,
and from such attachment lust develops,
and from lust anger arises.

From anger complete delusion arises,
and from delusion,
bewilderment of memory.
When memory is bewildered,
intelligence is lost,
and when intelligence is lost,
one falls down again in the material pool.

But a person free from all attachment and aversion,
and able to control his senses
through regulative principles of freedom,
can obtain the complete mercy of the Lord.

For one, thus satisfied,
the three-fold miseries of material existence,
exist no longer;
in such satisfied consciousness,
one's intelligence is soon well-established.

One who is not connected with the Supreme,
can have neither transcendental intelligence
nor a steady mind,
without which there is no possibilty of peace.
And how can there be happiness without peace?

As a boat on the water
is swept away by a strong wind,
even one of the roaming senses
on which the mind focuses
can carry away a man's intelligence.

Therefore, O Mighty Armed One,
whose senses are restrained from their objects,
is certainly of steady intelligence.

What is night for all beings,
is the time of awakening for the self controlled;
and the time of awakening of all beings
is night for the introspective sage.

A person who is not disturbed
by the incessant flow of desires_
that enter, like rivers into the ocean,
which is ever being filled but is always still_
can alone achieve peace,
and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.

A person who has given up
all desire for sense gratification,
who lives free from desires;
who has given up all sense of proprietorship,
and is devoid of false ego
He alone can attain real peace.

That is the way
of the spiritual and godly life,
after attaining which
a man is not bewildered.
If one is thus situated
even in the hour of death,
one can enter into the Kingdom of God.
Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 12 - Devotional Sevice

Which is considered to be more perfect,
those who are always properly engaged in your devotional service,
or those who worship the impersonal Brahman,
the Unmanifested?

Those who fix their minds on My personal form,
and are always engaged in worshipping Me
with great transcendental faith,
are considered by Me to be the most perfect.

But those who fully worship the Unmanifested,
that which lies beyond the perception of the senses,
the all-pervading, inconceivable, unchanging, fixed and immovable-
the impersonal conception of the Absolute Truth-
by controlling the various senses
and being equally disposed to everyone,
such persons, engaged in the welfare of all, at last achieve Me.

For those whose minds are attached to the Unmanifested,
impersonal feature of the Supreme,
advancement is very troublesome.
To make progress in that discipline
is always difficult for those who are embodied.

But those who worship Me,
giving up all their activities unto Me,
and being devoted to Me,
without deviation,
are engaged in devotional service
and are always meditating upon Me.

Having fixed their minds upon Me,
O Son of Prtha,
for them I am the swift deliverer
from the ocean of birth and death.

Just fix your mind upon Me,
the Supreme Lord,
and engage all your intelligence in Me,
Thus you will live in Me always,
without a doubt.

My dear Arjuna,
O winner of wealth,
if you cannot fix your mind upon Me without deviation,
then follow the regulative principles of bhakti-yoga.
In this way, develop a desire to attain me.

If you cannot practice the regulations of Bhakti yoga,
then just try to work for Me,
because, by working for Me,
you will come to the perfect stage.

If however, you are not able to work
in this consciousness of Me,
then try to act giving up all results of your work
and try to be self-situated.

If you cannot take to this practice,
then engage yourself in the cultivation of knowledge.
Better than knowledge, however,
is meditation,
and better than meditation
is renunciation of the fruits of action,
for by means of such renunciation
one can attain peace of mind.

One who is not envious
but is a kind friend to all living entitites,
who does not think himself a proprieter
and is free from false ego,
who is equal in both happiness and distress,
is forgiving.

One who is always satisfied,
self-controlled,
and engaged in devotional service,
with determination,
his mind and intelligence,
fixed on Me,
such a devotee of Mine
is very dear to Me.

He, for whom no one is put into difficulty
and who is not disturbed by anyone,
who is equipoised in happiness and distress,
fear and anxiety,
is very dear to Me.

My devotee who is not dependent
on the ordinary course of activities,
who is pure, expert, without cares,
free from all pains,
and not striving for some result,
is very dear to Me.

One who neither rejoices nor grieves,
who neither laments nor desires,
and who renounces both auspicious and inauspicious things ,
such a devotee
is very dear to Me.

One who is equal to friends and enemies,
who is equipoised in honour and dishonour,
heat and cold,
happiness and distress,
he is free from all association.

One who is equipoised in fame and infamy,
who is always free from contamination of association,
always silent and satisfied with anything,
who doesn't care for any residence,
who is fixed in knowledge
and who is engaged in devotional service,
such a person
is very dear to Me.

Those who follow
this unperishable path of devotional service,
and who completely engage themselves with faith,
making Me the Supreme goal,
are very dear to Me.
Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 15 - The Yoga of the Supreme Person
It is said that there is an imperishable banyan tree,
that has its roots upwards and its branches down,
and whose leaves are the Vedic hyms.
One who knows this tree
is the knower of the Vedas.


The branches of this tree
extend down-ward and up-ward
nourished by the three modes of material nature.
The twigs are the objects of the senses.
This tree also has roots going down,
and these are bound
to the fruitive actions of human society.


The real form of this tree
cannot be perceived in this world.
No one can understand where it ends,
where it begins,
or where its foundation is.
But with determination
one must cut down this strongly rooted tree,
with the weapon of detachment.


Thereafter, one must seek that place
from which having gone,
one never returns,
and there surrender to that Supreme Lord
from whom everything began,
and from whom everything has extended
since time immemorial.


Those who are free from false prestige,
illusion and false association,
who understand the eternal,
who are done with the material lust,
who are freed from the dualities of happiness,
and distress, and who unbewildered,
know how to surrender unto the Supreme Lord,
attain to that eternal kingdom.


That Supreme Abode of mine
is not illuminated by the sun or moon,
nor by fire and electricity,
Those who reach it
never return to the material world.


The living entities in this conditioned world
are My eternal fragmental parts,
Due to conditioned life,
they are struggling very hard
with the six senses,
which include the mind.


The living entity in the material world
carries his different conceptions of life
from one body to another,
as the air carries aromas.
Thus he takes one kind of body
and again quits it to take another.


The living entity,
thus taking another gross body,
obtains a certain type
of ear, eye, tongue, nose and sense of touch,
which are grouped about the mind.
He thus enjoys a particular set of sense objects.


The foolish cannot understand
how a living entity can quit his body,
nor can they understand
what sort of body he enjoys
under the spell of the modes of nature.
But one can see all this.


The endeavouring transcendentalists,
who are situated in self-realization,
can see all this clearly.
But those whose minds
are not developed
and who are not situated
in self-realization cannot see what is taking place,
though they may try to.


The splendour of the sun,
which dissipates the darkness of this whole world,
comes from Me.
And the splendour of the moon
and the splendour of the fire
are also from Me.


I enter into each planet
and by My energy
they stay in orbit.
I become the moon
and thereby supply the juice of life
to all vegetables.


I am the fire of digestion
in the bodies of all living entities,
and I join with the air of life,
outgoing and incoming
to digest
the four kinds of food-stuffs.


I am seated in everyone's heart,
and from Me come remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness.
By all the Vedas, I am to be known,
Indeed I am the compiler of the Vedanta,
and I am the knower of the Vedas.


There are two classes of being,
the fallible and the infallible.
In the material world
every living entity is fallible,
and in the spiritual world
every living being is called infallible.


Besides these two,
there is the greatest living personality,
the Supreme Soul,
the imperishable Lord Himself,
who has entered the three worlds
and is maintaining them.


Because I am transcendental,
beyond the fallible and the infallible,
and because I am the greatest,
I am celebrated both in this world,
and in the Vedas
as that Supreme Person.


Whoever knows Me
as the Supreme Lord,
without doubting,
is the knower of everything.
He therefore engages himself
in full devotional service to Me,
O son of Bharata.


This is the most confidential part
of the Vedic scriptures,
O sinless One,
and it is disclosed now by Me.
Whoever understands this
will become wise,
and his endeavours
will know perfection.
Footprints
by Margaret Fishback Powers
One night I had a dream.
I was walking along the beach with the Lord,
and across the skies flashed scenes from my life.
In each scene I noticed
two sets of "footprints" in the sand.
One was mine,
and one was the Lord's.
When the last scene of my life appeared before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand,
and to my surprise,
I noticed that many times along the path of my life
there was only one set of footprints.
I noticed that it was at
the very lowest and saddest of times in my life.
I asked the Lord about it;
"Lord, You said that once I decided to follow You,
You would walk with me all the way,
but I notice that
during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why
You left my side
when I needed You most".
The Lord said,
"My precious child,
I never left you during your time of trial.
Where you see only one set of footprints,
I was carrying you".
Prayer of St. Francis of Assissi
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

The oath and prayer of Maimonides
Jewish physician of the 12th Century

Thy eternal Providence has appointed me
to watch over the life and health of Thy creatures.
May the love for my art actuate me at all times;
may neither avarice, nor miserliness,
nor the thirst for glory, nor a great reputation engage my mind;
for the enemies of Truth and Philanthrophy
could easily deceive me,
and make me forgetful
of my lofty aim of doing good to Thy children.
May I never see in the patient
anything but a fellow creature in pain,
Grant me strength, time and opportunity,
always to correct what I have acquired,
always to extend its domain,
for knowledge is immense,
and the spirit of man can extend infinitely,
to enrich itself daily,
with new requirements.
Today he can discover his errors of yesterday,
and tomorrow he may obtain a new light
on what he thinks himself sure of today.
O God, Thou hast appointed me
to watch over the life and death of Thy creatures;
here I am ready for my vocation.