Swamiji talks about chanting the 300 names of Lalita as greater and fruitful than Her 1000 names.Does this mean the thousand names are not as powerful as the 3oo names? Or has Swamiji made it easier for those who dont have time to chant 1000 names?

Swamiji says: No, verse 103 specifically states that the recitation of the 300 names is 10 million times more fruitful than the 1,000 names.And if we recite them both, we receive 110% of the fruits of sadhana.

I have seen the video on Satyanarayan vrat ( http://www.shreemaa.org/drupal/node/721) but it doesnt give the instruction on how to perform the puja. Is it possible to get the instruction on how to perform the Satyanarayan puja?

Swamiji says: The actual puja is the vow to speak and act in truth.The Vishnu puja in the beginning of the book is sufficient to ratify that sankalpa.Then read the Vrat, the story of other people who observed the vow.

Following Maa's request to do daily recitation of Indra mantra for rain, it has been raining well in Georgia, USA. What is the best way to thank Indra to show him how grateful we are.

Swamiji says: Continue to recite the mantra at least one mala each day.

Which day should a person start the recitation of durga mantra - full moon or new moon?

Swamiji says:
Today. You will catch up to the lunar cycle, so don't worry about it.

In the Kali Yantra worship, what are the prefixes and suffixes to be used for the deities of the Bhupuras, of the Eight Petals, of the Nine Corners, and the Hexagon corners ?
Reference - The deities of the Bhupuras are: Bhairavi, Mahabhairavi; Simhabhairavi, Dhumrabhairavi,Bhimabhairavi, Unmattabhairavi; Vashikaranabhairavi, Mohanabhairavi.

Swamiji says:
For the Kali Yantra it will be:
Om Hrim Shrim Krim (in the dative case) Bhairavyai namah, etc.

Question:
In the Skanda Puranas , Lord Siva speaking to Skanda states, "In this mortal world, if anyone does not worship Shalagram Sila, I do not at all accept any of their worship and obeisances." Will Lord Shiva only accept my obeisance or all other worship of him only if I worship the Shalagram? Has all my previous worship been for nought because I did not worship the Shalagram. I am confused and perturbed about this.

Swamiji says:
NO, that is not the meaning.

The Shalagram is the symbol of Lord Vishnu. The shloka means that those who honor Shiva, but not Vishnu, are not pure devotees in Shiva's perception. There is only One God. Those who discriminate as to what this One God is called are not devotees of the One God.

Question:
I'm about halfway through performing the 16-week Santoshi Mata fast,and now am starting to get a little worried about how I will be able to get the udyapan performed to conclude the fast. I am supposed to feed eight boys with kheer and gram curry and be sure that none of them eats any sour food for the entire day.
I don't personally have any boys to invite/feed, and have no one among my family or friends who would understand or partake of this kind of thing. Does Swamiji have any suggestion on how to perform this udyapan? Is it possible to have this done at a temple in the US or India, or is there an alternative ceremony that I could do that doesn't involve feeding Brahmin boys (since I don't know any)?
Swamiji says:
Yes, you can perform this udyapan at a local temple. Call the priest and ask how he or she can help you organize the puja and what would be appropriate in their tradition.
If you choose, we could help organize the puja here.

Question:
I have a question about Santoshi Maa. Im confused as to whether she is a Devi conceived by the popular bollywood movie of the same title, or if there are historical references to Santoshi Maa before the movie. From what I had read, I had understood that the former was the correct assertion.
Swamiji says:
Santoshi Maa was a Goddess long before there were movies. The movie is a depiction of some of the main stories of her katha.

Question:
I was watching a program on Santoshi Maa and it was mentioned if one kept a fast for 8 continuous Saturdays, Santoshi Maa has never failed to give her devotees the desires of her heart. Could you please give me more information.
Swamiji says:
That is written in Her Katha, the story of Santoshi Maa. However, I don't think that it would be enforceable in a court of law. The devotee requires the right motivation, the right concentration, the right planning and execution. But it is written.

I consider myself a devotee of Maa Kali and feel compelled to get tattoo a verse of Kali close to my heart. Is this ok?

Swamiji says: There is nothing in scripture prohibiting such an inscription, but it is not necessarily the best way to remember Her. There are many other things that we can do to demonstrate our love for Her.

~~OM~~

Advanced Shiva Puja: Bahya Matrka Nyasa

1. In the Advanced Shiva Puja when one is doing the bahya matrika nyasa "backwards", should all the actions be in reverse, i.e., om ksam namah.....throat to sternum? Also, when "R. 1.4 base" is indicated, is this the Tattva Mudra?

   Yes, they are done in reverse in both the bahya nyasa and in the matrika nyasa in the chakras. Both are done forwards and in reverse. R.1.4 base is also known as tattva mudra.

   Shiva Tandava Stotram

2. Could you please let us know the significance of the Shiva Tandava Stotram?

   I love Shiva Tandava more because the chanda depicts exactly what the words are saying, than because of the description they convey. Sometimes that happens in poetry, that the way things are being described are more entrancing than the description they convey.

Shiva Lingam

3. Shiv Puran says that praying to Shiv Lingam destroy all the sins. Does it destroy all the sins commited in the previous birth also?

   If we pray with sincerity then certainly all the past karmas are destroyed. But the effects of Prarabdha Karma must be experienced. Those are the actions which were commenced in the past, the fruits of which will be coming to us in the future. Shankaracharya described the arrow which has left the bow. We cannot change the course of the arrow or have any effect upon the arrow until it lands. Only then can we determine the next course of action.

4. Can I worship and use two lingams at the same time?

   You can worship more than one lingam, and you can use our puja books with any lingam.

5. I would like to know how you place the Shiva linga when you are facing it during puja, which way should the yoni point-straight in front or left or right?

   North.

6. Which direction does the Yoni in a Shiva Lingam face? In which direction are we supposed to sit, east? What is the significance of sitting (or not) directly in front of the yoni?

   The Yoni of a Shiva Lingam points to the North. We would face north. We could optionally face east too. In any case we would not sit directly in front of the Yoni as that means we are facing South and really looking at Shiva's back. Also, if you sit facing the Yoni, if it is a large Yoni, you will not be able to reach to the top of Shiva.

7. I read that Shiva Puja is always and only done to the lingam, never to the murti. Is that so?

   We can worship anything that allows us to focus our minds on divinity. The whole idea is to become focused on one thing. When we enter Samadhi, the object that brought us there is no longer important.

8. What is the definitive list of Jyotirlingams?

   1. Somanaatham
   2. Srisailam
   3. Mahaakaalam
   4. Omkaaranaatham
   5. Kedaarnaatham
   6. Bhimashankaram
   7. Visveshvaram
   8. Tryambakam
   9. Vaidhyanaatham
   10. Naageshvaram
   11. Raameshvaram
   12. Ghushmeshvaram

9. We have mixed feelings locally on whether Tulsi leaves can be offered to Shiv Lingam just like Bilva leaves. Please advice whether Tulsi can or cannot be offered to Shiv Lingams and if possible any reference to any Shashtras?

   Yes they can. Please see the story of Karnaghanta, the man with bells in his ears. I know it is in Shiva Purana, but I do not have a citation.

10. Can you please explain to us the significance of a Parthiv Lingam?

    It means a natural lingam which is made by the worshipper.

11. What is the difference between a Narmadeshwar Shiva Lingam and "ordinary" Shiva Lingam?

    Narmadeshwar Shiva Lingams come from the Narmada River. They are sculpted completely smooth by the flow from the current of the river waters. Other lingams are sculpted by different means: some by tools, some are unsculpted or natural.

Nandi

12. I have a Shiv-Lingam with Nandi. Do I offer abhishek to both?

    Yes. You can use Om Namah Shivaya as you offer to Shiva and Om Nandishwaraya as you offer to Nandi.

Yantra for Siva Puja

13. I am doing the Advanced Shiva Puja. Can I draw the yantra in sand? With water the lines get all broken up, there is no adhesion.

    Yes, you can use sand. There are many different ways to draw the yantra. If you place a bed of wet sand, you can use a knife or other sharp instrument to draw the yantra in the sand. Then you can color the lines with colored sand. Or you can use a clean surface and draw the yantra with colored sand.

Who does Lord Shiva meditate on?

14. Who does Lord Shiva meditate on (as described in the Shiva Dhyanam)?

    Often He meditates on Chandi. Sometimes He meditates upon Vishnu.

Bam Bam Bhole

15. What does "BAM BAM BHOLE" mean?

    The first letter of the first word of the Ramayan is Ba, The last letter of the last word is Ma. Between Ba and Ma is the entire Ramayan, the praise of Shiva's favorite deity, Vishnu in the form of Ram.

    Bhole means simple. Shiva's life is simple. It consists of the praise of Ram.

Om Namah Shivai

16. When would we chant Om Namah Shivai instead of Om Namah Shivaya?

    It is just a different version of pronunciation from a different region of India. The meaning is the same.

Adapting the Advanced Siva Fire Sacrifice to another Deity

17. How do you adapt the Advanced Siva Fire sacrifice for another deity?

    You would substitute the bija mantras, gayatri, stotras for the appropriate deity where applicable.

Combining Shiva Puja and Rudri

18. I do the Beginner Siva Puja every morning and occasionally do the Rudri as well. When I do them together I do the Siva Puja in its entirety first (from Kushandika to Pranamah), and then the Rudri in its entirety (from Kushandika to Pranamah) again. Not a problem, but I know that you do not have to do the Kushandika twice, Arati twice etc. So my question is - how best to combine the two?

    I would complete the Puja up until the Arati and then chant the Rudri from chapter one through the end of the book. The Rudri also has the Arati and Pranam at the end so you are covered there.

Shiva Puja beginner offerings

19. I'm doing Shiva Puja beginners and I want some information about this: foot bath, milk bath, yogurt bath, ghee bath, honey bath, sugar bath, five nectars bath, sandal paste, cloth, rudraksa, red powder, drinking water. Are these a mental offering?

    No, pour a small quantity of each milk bath, yogurt bath, ghee bath, honey bath, sugar bath into a small bowl with each mantra. Then stir until mixed into a smooth blend with five nectars bath mantra. Place the cloth and rudraksha next to the flower in the center of your puja. Then apply the red powder to that flower in the center. Offer food or a piece of fruit and drinking water beside the flower. Then meditate upon Shiva accepting your offerings. Share the prasad at the end of your worship.

Establishing Divine Fire in Advanced Shiva Puja

20. Swamiji, on page 241 in my copy of Shiva Puja and Advanced Yajna, there is a mantra which says, "ityaadyagne shadangebhyo namahah." You translated it, "In this way establish the Divine Fire in the six centers of the body." What is the practice associated with this mantra? How is the establishment conducted?

    Anga nyasa with Ram bija

Mudras

21. In the Shiva Puja and Advanced Yajna different sets of mudras are given for establishment in the body and establishment in the fire. Why are there two separate sets of mudras? Are they universally used in this way, one set for internal installation, the other for external? Are they, as sets for their respective purposes, unique to this use, or are they used in other situations?

    They are also used for establishment upon a yantra.

Awakening the Kundalini

22. I have seen you mention awakening the kundalini in various puja books such as Shiva and Cosmic puja books. From what I have read kundalini yoga is a system in itself is it not? Is it any different from your instructions in the puja books on awakening kundalini using bija mantras? When meditating how do you concentrate on the third eye, is it by closing your eyes and trying to look into the mind in that region?

    Kundalini is the name given to the energy within a sadhak. All yoga is Kundalini yoga. To meditate with concentration on the third eye, look into the mind through the third eye, or look at creation through the third eye.

Color of Shiva

23. What color is Shiva when he is not with Kali? Is he white like in the Shiva puja dhyana shlokas, or blue like in the cover of the puja, and every painting I have ever seen?

    White with a blue throat.

Shiva Pranam

24. What does "hetave" mean as in "karana traya hetave"?

    For the purpose of or with the motivation of offering you the fullness of my soul.

Our bookstore carries Beginner Shiva Puja and Advanced Shiva Puja books. You can obtain the CD of Swamiji chanting the Shiva Puja at Our Music page

~~OM~~

Navagraha Puja in Cosmic Puja

1. Where do the Navagraha mantras in the Cosmic Puja book come from?

   The Navagraha mantras came from Purohit Darpan in Sanskrit.

Number of malas recommended for each planet

2. I am very curious about the specific numbers of malas recommended for each of the planets. Is there some special aspect to the specific number of malas? And why, if you are doing the recitation at the Fire, do you need fewer malas?

   These are mathematical formulas that have come from scripture. The standard formula is 100,000 per syllable, but then there are deviations according to special circumstances as per the scripture. The fire is so intense and has the capacity to captivate our attention in such a way so as to exclude other thoughts. Therefore, the fire offerings are generally 10% of the amount of japa.

Listening to Navagraha Mantras

3. My husband and I have been listening to the Navagraha CD each day (as a meditation) and I wanted to know of the appropriateness of this practice and can this be a long term practice.

   Absolutely, it is a wonderful practice to let Shree Maa chant the mantras with you. Listen to the mantras inside, as she recites aloud. All our love and blessings.

Hand Positions when chanting malas for different planets

4. When chanting the mantras for the nine planets how do the three specific hand positions (mudras) conduct energy differently? Also it looks as though the mala is being worked with middle finger(which i have heard represents anger). Is that acceptable?

   When your hands are up, they are ready to receive. When your hands are down, they are ready to give. At the side position, we are satisfied with the current circumstance.

   Except in grade school I never knew of anger as being an attribute of the middle finger. The middle finger is the mound of Brihaspati, which is the conveyor of knowledge, and I know of no prohibition to use that finger in counting mantras. As many as there are sadhus, so many are the ways, but this is not an issue in scripture.

5. I wonder if Swamiji could tell me what the purpose of holding the mala in the different positions . Is it something that could be applied to other mantras, like Gayatri, Kali, Siva, Chandi, etc?

   The different mudras conduct different energies. These are specified by scripture for these mantras specifically. Therefore, I would not recommend using this system for other mantras without a reference.

Rahu and Ketu

6. Why are the North and South Nodes of the Moon (Rahu and Ketu) important?

   When Rahu tried to drink the nectar of immortality served by Mohini, Vishnu severed his head by means of his discus. Rahu became the head and Ketu became the body. They moved in opposite directions, Rahu to the North and Ketu to the South, and became fixed at the two poles. Each has a power of attraction. Together they pull us in opposite directions, thus creating conflict and confusion in the minds of aspiring sadhus.

   Even though they were not divine ones, they drank the nectar of immortality and they have the strength of the Gods. So we propitiate them as we do all the divine beings of strength in order to make them beneficent.

7. Can you please let us know which days of the week are auspicious/designated for Rahu and Ketu?

   Rahu and Ketu can be worshipped on any day.

Earth and Navagrahas

8. Why is the Earth not a part of the Navagrahas?

   The Navagraha are the forces which influence the Earth. Therefore, She is a deity in Her own right, distinguished from the others.

Need for separate malas for each planet

9. When doing japa of the mantras for the nine planets, do we need a separate mala for each planet?

   We place the emphasis on devotion, not on things. It has been my personal experience that when I learned the mantra, all the things I needed magically appeared. Therefore, spend your time doing the practices instead of searching for the "proper" things with which to do the practices. I saw a lot of sadhus wandering in the bazaars, who never had sufficient time to do their practices because they were so busy looking for things.

Shani Puja

10. Is there ever a reason to worship Shani (Saturn) directly, especially via a full puja?

    Yes, often. Shani not only restricts, he also maintains discipline. Many people who are lacking discipline can pray to Shani for the removal of the obstacles.

Astrology's role in determining life path and sadhana

11. How does one use astrology/charts to determine life path / sadhana?

    Watch and hear Swamiji's answer by clicking on this icon: .