Devi Mandir

Temple of Divine Mother

Chandi Class Transcripts and Notes

The following transcripts and notes from Swamiji’s Chandi Path classes contain extremely valuable information. Just a fore note, their Sanskrit vocabulary and general content will be best suited for advanced practitioners who are familiar with the story and the practice of the Chandi Path. Transcripts of Swamiji’s classes on Chandi Path Introduction and Table of […]

Story of Vindhya

  ~~OM~~ Vindhya is the name of a mountain range which indicates knowledge, which begets humility. Because remember, Vindhya, he had a very interesting story, he did tremendous tapasya. He said to Shiva, “I want to be taller than Mount Meru.” And Shiva said, “What would you want that for?” And he said, “Well I’m […]

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.

Navagraha 7 – Shani (Saturn) Mantra

Shani (Sanskrit: शनि, śani) is the Lord of discipline and control. He shows us the truth, and keeps us honest.

As the slowest moving planet, Saturn’s tedious eye keeps track of every action that is performed. He admits no shortcuts and no easy ways out of difficult situations. With Saturn’s blessing the limitations of the mind and body are confronted and renovated by persistency and patience. In order for spiritual growth to occur, the body and mind must be prepared.

This post includes Shree Maa singing the mantra of Shani, the Emblem of Control.

Navagraha 8 – Rahu (The North Node) Mantra

Rahu (Sanskrit: रहु, rahu) is “He Who Commands Direction” and he is the North Node of the Moon.

Rahu is the North Node of the Moon and is responsible for eclipses. As the Moon pertains to the mind, Rahu commands the direction of the mind’s outward projection. This symbolically signifies the occult power wielded by Rahu. Even the luminaries are subject to the clandestine influence of Rahu.

This post includes Shree Maa singing the mantra of Rahu, The North Node of the Moon