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Devi Mandir

Temple of Divine Mother

  • देवी मंदिर हिंदी में
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Stories of the Nine Durgas

There are nine forms of Durga, which describe different aspects of the Goddess. This is a description of the nine forms of Durga: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraganta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaraatri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidaatri.…read more
 

India Blog Nov 2008 (from 24th Nov to End)

11/24 We woke up very early Monday morning and took the train from Delhi to Haridwar. Swami Ram Kripaluji met us at the train station and whisked us off to […]

Duties of a Human Being

Shree Maa wishes to share with you, from the depth of Her wisdom, the duties of a human being: Truth Compassion Purifying austerities Purity Renunciation of Desires Appropriate contemplations Control […]

தமிழ் தொடக்க சிவ பூஜை (Beginner Shiva Puja Tamil)

A Tamil transliteration of Swamiji’s Beginner Shiva Puja was lovingly prepared by devotees around the world and is now available for free download here:

Vow of Peace from Shree Maa

This is a vow of peace and a beautiful prayer from our Beloved Mother, Shree Maa:

Oh Divine Mother! Make us all the ideal of Perfection.

Oh Divine Mother! We pray to you to make us one family on earth and for unity on earth so that we can be instruments of your peace.…read more
 

India Blog Nov 2008 (from 15th Nov to 22nd Nov)

11/15 Most of us left Benares and headed to Kolkata after receiving so many blessings. For many, the trip to Benares had fulfilled the desires of a lifetime, whether it […]

India Tour: November 2008

~~OM~~

  • Invitation to Banaras
  • India Travel Planner
  • Suggested Packing List for India Tour
  • Invitation to India Tour
  • India Tour Blog – Part 1
  • India Tour Blog – Part 2
  • India Tour Blog – Part 3
  • Highlights of India Tour
  • India Tour Pictures
  • India Tour Press Coverage

India Tour, Press Coverage: 2

Foreign Devotees Sing a Beautiful Recitation of the Sundar Kanda

Varanasi

Coming from California, USA, Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati along with disciples from many countries sang a beautiful recitation of the Sundar Kanda at the Sankat Mochan Mandir on Monday evening. Along with about 40 disciples from many countries and about two dozen Indian disciples from Banaras, they arrived at the Sankat Mochan Mandir at 4:30 in the evening.

After performing worship, they all assembled in one area of the temple. Then as one voice, they all sang the Sundar Kanda with great rhythm and speed. Seeing so many foreigners reciting with so much devotion, the local people who came to the temple for evening prayers were greatly surprised.

Playing harmonium was Trilochan, on tablas was Rajan, on dholak Vinay Bhushan, playing the cymbals was the Respected Ramya, and on the bells was Srini Baba. After completing the recitation, they joined the arati in the Ram Mandir and in the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir. The foreign devotees distributed prasad with their own hands. Coming from many various countries were Dharmesh, Mahananda, Manohar, Srimati Rukmani, Susri Parvati, Kamala, Nanda and others joined devotees Amitabh and Jolly Agrawal to perform the recitation.

India Tour, Press Coverage: 1

~~OM~~

The Maha Yajna of Shree Maa and of Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Varanasi

Coming from California, USA, Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati performed a Maha Yajna of the Shiva Sahasranam for Universal peace and the welfare of all mankind at the Lalita Ghat on the bank of the Ganga. Also present in this great religious undertaking many people from various countries were reciting the mantras with beautiful tones and correct pronunciation.

Along with both Indian and foreign devotees, Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati arrived at the ghat on the bank of the river at 5:00 AM. After cleaning the area of the yajna, they erected a howan kunda. After inviting and worshipping the Gods, Swami Satyananda Saraswatiji enkindled the homa fire. After that about forty devotees who came from California, were joined by devotees from Australia, Switzerland, England, Indonesia, and many other countries, and at least two dozen Indian disciples, all offered oblations into the fire while reciting the Thousand Names of Shiva.

Desiring the welfare of all mankind, Shree Maa offered one thousand eight bilva leaves into the fire. Witnessing the clear intonation and proper pronunciation of the the Sanskrit mantras by foreigners, a large crowd of Banaras citizens gathered. In this same way foreign tourists gathered and many people were able to receive the blessings of Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

Local resident Amitabh Agrawal said that on 10 November at 4:30 PM Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati will be leading the recitation of the Sundara Kanda at the Sankat Mochan Mandir, and at 6:00 AM on 12 November, they will be leading the Chandi Path Homa in the Annapurna Mandir.

எங்கள் பக்கங்கள் தமிழ்

எங்கள் குறிக்கோள்கள் எங்கள் குறிக்கோள் நாம் என்ன செய்கின்றோம் – ௧ நாம் என்ன செய்கின்றோம் – ௨ குரு யார் A Tamil transliteration of Swamiji’s Beginner Shiva Puja was lovingly prepared by devotees around the […]

India Blog Nov 2008 (from 3rd Nov to 14th Nov )

3rd Nov 2008 We came out from the airport at about 3:00 AM. Many dear friends and devotees were waiting to welcome us. We touched the ground and bowed to […]

Shree Maa at the new Bridge!


Photo of the week – Oct 17 – Oct 23 2007
(Picture taken October 2008)

This new bridge was completed with love by several devotees who donated time and funds to beautify Mother’s path to the temple!
Jaaaaaaaaaai Maa!

Suggested Packing List for India Tour

~~OM~~

  • Security Lock with a combination or key
  • Small flashlight w/long-life batteries & same batteries for other electrical equipment.
  • Small cloth or other ID-Bag to contain Passport, Credit Card, & Cash to be worn under your clothes while out in public places.
  • Mosquito Repellant, Folding Umbrella, and Sunglasses. Mosq. net get in India.
  • Your own effective medicines for common cold, headache/pain, nausea, digestive aid, menstrual cramps, diarrhea, etc.
  • ATM/Visa Card with international symbol for cash-rupees from Indian “State” banks
  • Small day/backpack or closeable shoulder bag for shopping/or carrying your puja books around. Please note that cameras and mobile phones are usually not allowed to be carried into important temples.
  • Bring comfortable, but not expensive walking shoes or sandals with some tread which you will leave outside of the crowded public temples.
  • Pack light-weight, loose-fitting clothes which can be worn in layers, and which are appropriate for Hindu temples. Weather will be like Autumn Season in the USA with warm, sunny days, but cool in the mornings and evenings. A sweater or thin woolen shawl/chadhur is sufficient for the coolness. For women: sarees, two-piece Punjabi dress outfits, or long skirts with modest blouses are OK. For men: Punjabi-style pants & shirt, kurtas, lungies are most comfortable.
  • Pack for minimum use of electronic gadgets, and plan for backup options as 1-2 power-cuts per day, lasting 1/2-1 hour are normal in both Varanasi and Kolkata.
  • Some people find that carrying Nutrition/Protein Bars and moistened towelette come in handy while traveling here.
  • If you’re traveling and sleeping in slim-budget accommodations, bring your own bedsheets. 1st, 2ND A/C, and 3rd A/C Class trains provide sheets etc.
  • Some shopping time for clothes and other items is available in the schedule.
  • Keep your luggage within the required weight-limits of the Airline, and pack your carry-on bag or laptop bag with the bare- minimum amount of items, to REDUCE the amount of your time in the Security-Check and Customs lines.
  • Pack the puja books indicated on website: Chandi Path, Sundar Kand, Annapurna Sahashranam, Shiva Puja & Advanced Yagnya, Kali Puja, & Rudrashtadhyayi.

Article by Shree Maa in Hinduism Today

There are no “Alien Hindus”

Shree Maa, Hinduism Today

April 1990, Vol 12, Number 4

In spite of Hinduism’s persistent attempt to teach and demonstrate the realization that all existence is pervaded by One Supreme Divinity, and that “I” am, at the least, a part of that Oneness, even still, the selfishness of egotism makes men create divisions which expand their individual authority. Now a new concept of “alien Hindu” has evolved, a concept which can only serve to further divide men. Religious experience has nothing to do with race or geography. It is the essence of awareness, the unifying attitudes and values which go beyond experience.

Hinduism does not mean being Indian. Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Jews all live in India. It has nothing to do with the color of one’s skin, nor the origin of one’s birth. Charvaka was as much a Hindu as was Ramanuja or Shankara. Every spectrum of thought and opinion has been accommodated with respect under the bannerhead of Hinduism. According to the Tantra Sara, “Who abhors violence and division in every form, who always practices harmonious behavior, who is a lover of Wisdom, who respects all teachers of Wisdom, who practices one-pointed meditation, such a one may be said to be a Hindu.”

Devi Mandir is located in a suburn of cosmopolitan San Francisco bay Area, where we serve Hindus from around the world. They come in all colors from many countries both East and West, speaking many languages, and yet they all have one thing in common: when they enter into the temple, they leave all thoughts of divisions and become simply children of God, children of the Divine Mother and the divine Father, members of the family creation.

No child is alien to the Mother. Every child, fair or dark, wise or foolish, talented or unskilled, belongs equally to the Mother. Anyone who would support an ideology of division or discrimination because of color or race is actually acting with disregard to the basic principle of our religious creed.”

Now many Hindus are battling racial discrimination in their adopted homes around the world. How foolish it would be for us to the practice the same in reverse, by excluding our own allies, who even go farther than we might imagine in trying to make their lives conform to our religious heritage.

Hinduism is becoming a moving force around the world. Is it prudent to create divisions within by discrimination between the faith of those who were born into the religion and those who have accepted its principles because they understand it from a thorough study? By acknowledging the validity of our religious teachings and their practical applications in life, people are really working for world peace and enlightenment. Shall we discriminate against them because they are practicing what we preach?

Rather, true Hindus will bow down with respect to the wise of every generation who demonstrate the principles of faith, devotion and surrender, the real fruits of religious inspiration. We will demonstrate the wealth of our heritage by joyously sharing with all who so desire, and we will overcome discrimination by our mutual respect and openness, as well as using the talents and skills which we individually possess.

In the name of dharma, manifesting the ideal of perfection, the solutions we seek are universal. In the name of ahimsa, the battles we fight are within. In the name of God, let us realize the ultimate harmony and peace in the universe.

I send you all blessings of wisdom, peace and joy!

Vallejo Hindus Celebrate Area’s First Temple

Vallejo Hindus Celebrate Area’s First Temple

By a Staff Reporter

from India-West, December 1, 2000, B18

VALLEJO, Calif. – People of all faiths celebrated Durga Mata Murti Sthapna at Solano County’s only Hindu temple here Nov. 26. The festival was one of the first held at the temple’s new location, a renovated church at 1268 Taylor Ave.

The celebration began early, when Swami Satyananda, of the Devi Mandir in Napa, and Shree Maa performed a temple puja and havan at 8:30 in the morning.

More and more devotees and community members flocked to the temple throughout the day, to partake in such highlights as a satsang, the decoration of Durga Mata, and bhajans performed by Mamta Puri, Kamlesh Kundra, and Arvind Nischal.

Nischal, one of the temple’s founders, told India-West that the event drew TV news reporters from KRON channel four, and was also attended by a representative from the consulate general of India, and Vallejo’s Vice-Mayor Ray Pete and his wife.

In his speech, Pete commended the Vallejo Indian community for creating the new temple, and jokingly asked, “What took you so long?”

By the end of the day, Nischal said, nearly 400 people had come through the doors.

“It was really great,” he said. “Now we’re very excited for future programs.” Nischal added that the temple plans to hold children’s classes and yoga classes, as well as special programs and jagrans on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Swami Satyananda from the Napa temple will also perform special programs from time to time.

“Everyone is welcome to plan community events like Diwali or Dussehra here,” Nischal said. “People should continue to participate. We need their views.”

The temple’s other founders include Shiv Kumar, Jaginder Bawa, and Chamkaur Giri.

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