Devi Mandir

Temple of Divine Mother


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Asana

Topics covered in this Question and Answer session with Swamiji:

  • Sitting with a straight spine
  • Swastika Asana and Siddhasana
  • Proper asana
  • Sadhana on a bed
  • Different kinds of asanas
  • Performing sadhana on a bed

Hinduism

Converting to Hinduism Question: What is the process for conversion to Hinduism? Swamiji Says: Eliminate all conflict from your life, always engage in truthful and pure behavior; love wisdom, respect all teachers, and regularly practice some form of devotional meditation. Hinduism as a Global Culture Question: What part are you and Shree Maa playing in […]

How to Recognize a True Sadhu

There are many people in this world who claim to be sadhus and saints. In this dark time, how are we to recognize the true teachers from the fakes? When a disciple of Shree Ramakrishna asked, “How can one recognize a true sadhu?” Shree Ramakrishna said, “They are real if they know that God resides […]

Navagraha Sankalpa to Heal the Earth Mother

Shree Maa asks if you like to help to pray for Earth Mother to please pray to planets with us. Take a sankalpa to pray to one or more or all the planets with japa and homa as per your capacity and the following system. You can do it in one asana, in one day […]

Shiva Worship Questions

Advanced Shiva Puja: Bahya Matrka Nyasa Question: 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? Swamiji Says: Yes, they are done in reverse in both the bahya nyasa and in the matrika nyasa in the chakras. […]

Shakti Pithas

~~OM~~ When Sati, the wife of Shiva, sacrificed herself at the Yajna performed by her father Daksha, a very distraught Shiva started dancing with her body. He was dancing the dance of destruction. And the gods said, “Oh, we are doomed! Shiva is dancing the dance of destruction. How are we ever going to to […]

Das Mahavidyas Presentation

Here you will find the bija and gayatri mantras for each of the Das Mahavidyas, the ten forms of Mother Kali.The mantras are given in Devanagari, Roman transliteration, and English translation. To find out more about the Das Mahavidyas – their stories and their worship – visit our Ways to Worship Das Mahavidyas page. To […]

Navagraha Worship Questions

The Navagraha Puja which is included in the Cosmic Puja is a powerful way to propitiate the planetary influences in our lives….

Navagraha 1 – Surya (Sun) Mantra

Surya (Sanskrit: सुर्य, surya) is the Source of life in our Solar System, and likewise represents the life force of the individual’s ‘Soul System.’

Surya is the King of the Kingdom of 9 gates and he is considered to be the Paramatma, or Universal Self. He is the Light of Wisdom, and the power, confidence and sense of identity in an individual’s birth chart. He rides a chariot pulled by seven horses, representing all the sevens…

This post includes Shree Maa singing the mantra of the Surya, the Sun. Surya represents the Light of Wisdom, the Dispeller of Ignorance.

Navagraha 2 – Soma (Moon) Mantra

Soma (Sanskrit: सोम, soma) also known as Chandra, is the Moon. Chandra symbolizes the Light of Devotion, as it nurtures life with the ebb and flow of its soothing cool rays.

The Moon reflects the Sun’s light according to the lunar phases, reminding the Earth that, on Purnima (the full Moon) the mind is fully reflecting the light of the soul and on Amavasya (the new Moon) the Earth is blocking the light from reaching the mind.

This post includes Shree Maa singing the mantra of the Soma, the Moon. Soma represents the Light of Devotion.

This post includes Shree Maa singing the mantra of Soma, the Light of Devotion.

Navagraha 3 – Mangal (Mars) Mantra

Mangal (Sanskrit: मङ्गल, maṅgala) or Mars, is the Bearer of Welfare and is the planet of action through exploration and protection.

Mars’ characteristics include discrimination, determination and will power. Although the Sun is the source of universal power, Mangal is the executive branch acting on behalf of that power, which is why he is the bearer of welfare. His exploratory nature leads him on journeys and missions, often alone. As the General of the Army of the Gods, Mangal protects from inimical invasions.

This post includes Shree Maa singing the mantra of Mangala, the Bearer of Welfare.

Navagraha 4 – Budha (Mercury) Mantra

Mercury (Sanskrit: बुध, budha) is the planet of communication, organization, and mental dexterity.

As the Emblem of Intelligence, Mercury informs the Sun of current events and offers advice regarding strategy and alliance.

He is the closest planet to the Sun, and the fastest moving, which is indicative of his role as messenger.

This post includes Shree Maa singing the mantra of Budha, the Emblem of Intelligence.

Durga Worship Questions

~~OM~~ Dhyanam to Durga In the Dhyanam to Durga, the twelfth sloka, Chanda appears to be translated both as passion and as fear, as in “The Terrible Slayer of Passion” and “She Who Tears Apart Fear,” respectively. How are these descriptions related? Swamiji says: Passion, fear, desire – these are all inseparably connected. Whatever we […]

Navagraha 5 – Brihaspati (Jupiter) Mantra

Brihaspati (Sanskrit: बृहस्पति, bṛhaspati) is the “spati” of the “bṛha” or “Spirit of the Vast” which alludes to his ever-expansive nature, and his unending inspiration and optimism.

As the Guru of the Gods, Brihaspati teaches the religion, philosophy and morals of cohesion and unity. Brihaspati is the preceptor of God made law and man made law. The Gods seek council from him when forces of division usurp their domain.

This post includes Shree Maa singing the mantra of Brihaspati, the Spirit of the Vast.

Navagraha 6 – Shukra (Venus) Mantra

Shukra (Sanskrit: शुक्र, śukra) is the Guru of the Asuras, also known as the forces of duality.

He teaches the art of indulging in the senses. Shukra‘s influence on the world is very strong, arguably the strongest of all the planets. He is associated with tasty food, beautiful art and music, pleasant and polite people, and all sensual pleasures.

This post includes Shree Maa singing the mantra of Shukra, the Emblem of Love and Attachment.