Maruthamalai Muruga

Lord Muruga, - Utchavamoorthy, Maruthamalai

The ancient past of the temple can be traced to the period of Sage Kachyapar's PERUR PURANAM. The origin of the temple is rooted in legendary antiquity and dates back to the age of Surapadama, the demon destroyed by Lord Subramanya referred to in SKANDAPURNAM. Evidance of existence of this temple has been found in the inscriptions of Thirumuruganathaswami Temple, Thirumurganpoondi to 12th century A.D. 

According to Perurpuranam, unable to bear the agony and anguish of Soorapadama, the scourge of the gods aided by his mighty brothers, Singamukha and Tharaka, the gods approached Lord Siva and sought His succour. Lord Siva comforted the Gods that Lord Muruga would come to their rescue, root out and destroy Surapadama and his aides. The gods should hurry to the Marudhamalai Hills and await the arrival of Lord Muruga, their Saviour! Perupuranam also alludes to a king called Kusathvajan, who, it is said, was blessed with a male issue, only after worshipping Marudhamalai Muruga. 

Temple Entrance - Maruthamalai

The Divine Cow Kamadhenu(Komatha) is reported to have grazed in the pastures of the hills of Marudhamalai. 

Main Shrine - Maruthamalai

In the temple premises, we can find Aathimoolasthanam, Edumban temple, Kuthirai Kulampadigal, abodes of Siddhas  - Pambatti Siddhar and Pancha Vrutcham( 5 entangled divine trees).

Raja gopuram at dusk

Aathimoolasthanam

As we approach the hill top present is the prime shrine were Lord Subramanya with his two consorts, Valli and Teyvannai, enshrined in the form of linga .The first pooja is performed for these deities.

Edumaban temple 

In the shrine of Idumba the image of the deity is carved on a huge round rock in the posture of carrying a Kaavadi. Married couples having no issues worship the deity and offer toy cradles with the firm faith of being blessed with progeny by the Grace of god.

Pancha Virutcham

Under the cluster of trees entangled with one another. is an Idol of Lord Ganesha - Heramba Ganapathy. The breeze wafting along the foliage has an unfailing cure for all diseases of the people. A host of saints, invisible to the common man's eyes, are supposed to dwell here doing meditation. An aged Irula tribesman, 80 years old identified the entangled trees as Korakattai, Ichi, Banyan, Vakkanai and Ottu maram and added there was one tree in the group, Peepal in the days of yore, and it is extinct now. The tribalman also said that this tree existed in the same manner even during his childhood. This is a unique phenomenon which has attracted botanists apart from devotees.

Kuthirai Kulambadiagal

Continuing our ascent, we find a beautiful mandapam, enshrining what is called 'Kudirai Kulambu' (hoof marks of the horse). It is believed that the horse of Lord Muruga caused the marks, as he marched against the Demon Surapadma or the horse on which Lord Muruga rode and chased the robbers referred to earlier might have imprinted by them.

Pambatti Siddhar cave

The Pambatti Siddhar Cave is another shrine drawing our attention. It is located on the slopes towards the east and can be approached by a narrow path, protected by a stone hedge or parapet. One can notice a natural image of a snake on the rock. There is an underground passage from the cave to the primal shrine through which the Pambati Siddhar wended his way everyday to worship Lord Subramanya in the Company of his consorts .Pambatti Siddhar used this cave as his abode for meditation on Lord Muruga and attained salvation here. A snake comes to the cave everyday and feeds itself on the fruit and milk kept for it. Devotees offer milk and fruit for the snake.

Golden Chariot of Lord Muruga 

Golden chariot or car festival happens mostly in the evenings of Kiruthigai especially on Aadi Kiruthigai. The clippings here portrays the grandiose appearance of God of Youth smiling in the golden car wishing good luck to all his sincere devotees.

Lord Muruga - Magnificant look in Golden Chariot

Where is Maruthamalai?

Maruthamalai is a small hill in Coimabatore 15KM away from Gandhipuram  - the center of Coimbatore. Perurpuranam lists the three neighbouring hills, vellingiri, Nili and Marudhamalai as the very manifestations of Lord Siva, Parvathi and Subramanya respectively and the three hills taken together as the very symbol of Somaskanda.

Buses from Gandhipuram to Maruthamalai -  1,  1-B,  1-D,  I-E,  S-12,  S-13,  S-15,  S-16,  S-26,  46,  70,  70-A,  70-B,  76,  92

Note:

Siddhas are mystic philosophers who exercise their mental faculties to the utmost and attain godhead by means of meditation and reflection. They are endowed with incredible powers of the mind by which they perform great miracles and astound the common world. Siddhas can set at rest all their senses and awaken their spirit alone. Thus they are bodily asleep and spiritually awake. In this blessed mood they enter into a personal communion with god. 

It is believed that there were 18 Siddha’s. One of the 18 siddha’s used to animate dead snakes and dance with him, so he was popularly known as Pambatti Siddhar. Pambatti Siddhar greatly revered in the Kongu region, he is credited with having lived in the company of snakes and made them dance to his tunes. Once, in the course of his wanderings, he chanced to meet one, Sattai Muni Siddhar, a contemporary and counterpart who initiated him into the art of entering into trances - the Jeeva Samadhi Nilai. 

Once he transmigrated into the dead body of a king and performed great miracles. He composed songs of enlightenment. 'Siddharudam' is a work, attributed to his prophetic genius. Lord Muruga took joy in teasing and tantalizing the Siddha with his spiritual pranks. Once as an enormous boulder came down, rolling gaining momentum, the siddha tried to halt it, arrested its movement and averted a great havoc.

32 forms of Ganapathi

Lord Shree Ganesh is worshiped as god of knowledge and the remover of obstacles. The beginning of any auspicious performance for blessings and auspiciousness starts with prayers to Lord Ganesh or Ganapathi or Vinayaka. A unique combination of his elephant like head and a quick moving tiny mouse vehicle represents tremendous wisdom, intelligence, and presence of mind. As by Agamic scriptures, Lord Ganesha is recognized and worshiped in 32 distinct forms while each form representing a cause.From Atharvana vedhas and Ganapathi sahasrnamam, it is known that there are 32 forms of Lord Ganesha. Simply uttering the names of Ganesha forms itself is considered to be equal to doing archana in the temple.

32 forms of Lord Ganesha

1. Bala Ganapathi
2. Tharuna Ganapathi
3. Bakthi Ganapathi
4. Veera Ganapathi
5. Sakthi Ganapathi
6. Dvija Ganapathi
7. Siddhi Ganapathi
8. Uchishta Ganapathi
9. Vigna Ganapathi
10. Kshipra Ganapathi
11. Heramba Ganapathi
12. Lakshmi Ganapathi
13. Maha Ganapathi
14. Vijaya Ganapathi
15. Nrutha Ganapathi
16. Oorthuva Ganapathi
17. Ekatshara Ganapathi
18. Vara Ganapathi
19. Treyakshara Ganapathi
20. Sipraprasadha Ganapathi
21. Harithra Ganapathi
22. Ekathantha Ganapathi
23. Shrusti Ganapathi
24. Uthanda Ganapathi
25. Runamosana Ganapathi
26. Thundi Ganapathi
27. Duvimuga Ganapathi
28. Mummuga Ganapathi
29. Singa Ganapathi
30. Yoga Ganapathi
31. Durga Ganapathi
32. Sankatahara Ganapathi

Note:

Dear readers, if you happen to have a better image of 32 forms of Lord Ganesha please forward to hinduspirit @ chamsamalini@gmail.com so as to publish in this website. Thanks a lot.

Navagraha stotram

Navagrahas

Aarogyam prathathu no dinakara:

Chandro yalo nirmalam 

Boothim boomisootha: soothaamsuthanaya:

Pragnyam gururgouvravam

kaanya: komalavaakvilaasamathulam

Mantho mutham sarvatha

Raahoor baahubalam virothasamanam

Kethu: kulasyonnathim

Meaning:

Please bless us with good health by sun god - Lord Surya; fame by moon god- Lord Chandra; prosperous by Lord Angaraha; good knowledge by lord Budha; good status by Lord Guru; good speech by Lord Sukira; happiness by Lord Sani; courage and overcoming enemy by Lord Raagu; and generation growth by Lord Kethu

Procedure:

Chanting this navagraha blessed sthotra for nine times a day will relieve us from any sort of graha doshas and also we will be blessed with complete mercy of Navagrahas.

Sri Rama Namavali

Jeyajeya rama rama ragurama

seetharama sree ragurama  

(jeyajeya...)

pasupathy ranjana bavana rama

paba vimosana thaaraga rama

ramarama ramarama ramarama ramaram

rama rama thaaragam satha bajore

satha bajore satha jabore

(ramarama...)

rama rama rama jeya kothandarama

rama rama rama jeya kalyanarama

rama rama rama jeya pattabirama

(ramarama...)

ramachandra raguveeraa ramachandra ranadheera

ramachandra ragurama ramachandra parandama

ramachandra ragunatha ramachandra jagannatha

ramachandra mamapantho ramachandra dayasintho

(ramachandra...)

bajamanaram bajamanaram

panduranga sreeranga bajamanaram

bajamana govinda bajamana anandha

bajamana mukunda bajamanaram

bajamana madhavabajamana yadhava

bajamana kesava bajamanaram

bajamana raguvara bajamana yathuvara

bajamana murahara bajamanaram

(bajamanaram...)

aathma rama anandha ramana

achchuda kesava hari narayana

(2 times)

bavabaya harana vanthitha charana

ragukula booshana raajiva lochana

aadhi naraya anandha sayana

sachidhananda sreesathya narayana

madhava murali manohara jeya

narayana sreethara haro jeya

(aathmarama...)

Sri Sai Sachcharira - Chapter -8

Shirdi Sai Baba - Suprabatha Darshan at Singapore

Installation of Paduka under Neem Tree, Wrestling Bout with Mohiddin, turning water into Oil, Pseudo-Guru Jauhar Ali

Installation of Paduka under Neem Tree

A devotee of Akkalkot Maharaj Bhai Krishnaji Alibagkar used to worship his picture daily. Once he decided to have 'darshan' and do worship of the 'paduka' of Maharaj's by going to Akkalkot (District - Sholapur). But before that Akkalkot Maharaj told him in a dream that now-a-days I am in Shirdi, you do my worship by going there. So Bhai by changing his programme went to Shirdi and worshipped Sri Sai Baba. He stayed at Shirdi for six months happily and as a mark of his dream he got 'paduka' made. He installed 'paduka' in Shaka year 1934 on an auspicious day of Shrvana month. Dada Kekkar and Upasani Maharaj completed the installation ceremony by observing proper rites. One Dixit priest was appointed for doing worship and the management was assigned to a devotee Meru Nayak.

The retired Mamalatdar of Thane Shri B.V.Dev was a great devotee of Sri Sai Baba. He enquired about this matter from Sagun Meru Nayak and Govind Kamalakar Dikshit. The full details of 'paduka' are published in Sri Sai Leela Part II number 1 page 25, which is like this - In 1912 a devotess, Ramarao Kodhare of Mumbai came to Shirdi for'darshan' of Baba. His compounder and another friend of his Bhai Krishnaji Alibagkar also came with him. The compounder and Bhai became great friends of Sagun Meru Nayak and G. K. Dikshit, while exchanging views on some matters, an idea occured to them why notto install 'paduka' in the historic memory of first advent of Sri Sai Baba in Shirdi and his living under 'Neem' tree?

When exchange of views began to take place about making of'paduka' then Bhai's friend, the compounder said that if his master Kothare comes to know about it he would get very beautiful 'paduka' made. Everyone accepted his suggestion and Doctor Kothare was informed about it. He arriving at Shirdi, prepared blue-print of 'paduka' and he consulted Upasani Maharaj about it in the temple of Kadova. Upasani Maharaj made some modifications and drew lotus flower etc., and composed the following sloka, which is a symbol of the importance of Neem tree and yogic powers of Baba:

Sai Paduka under Neem Tree, Shirdi

Sada nimbvrakshaysya mooladhivasat,

Sudhastravirham tiktampya priyam tam,

Tarum kalpavarkshy adhikam sadhyantam,

Namamiswaram sadgurum sainathan.

The idea of Upasani Maharaj appealed to everyone and it was acted upon. 'Paduka' were got prepared in Mumbai and were sent to Shirdi through the compounder. According to Baba's command it's installation was done on the full - moon day of the Shravana month. In the morning of this day at 11 o'clock U.K. Dikshit brought them placing on his head from the temple of Kandova to Dwarakamai with great festivity. Touching the 'paduka' Baba said: These are the Lotus feet of the Lord. Install them under the Neem tree. Only one day before this, a Parasi devotee Pashta Sheth of Mumbai sent Rs. 25 by money order. Baba gave the money for the installation of 'paduka'. In the installation ceremony a total of Rs. 100/- were spentand Rs. 75 were collected by donations. For the first five yers Kodhare kept on sending Rs. 2/- monthly for lighting the lamp. He also sent steel - grill to be fixed around the 'paduka', Sagun Meru Nayak met the expenditure (Rs. 7.50 paise) on cartage of steel-grill from the station and for expenses on fixing the roof - top on it. Now-a-days Jarvashi (Nana Pujari) does the worship and Sagun Meru Nayak offers 'naivedhya' and lights the evening lamp.

Bhai Krishnaji was a disciple of Akkalkot Maharaj before. While going to Akkalkot in Shaka year 1834 on the auspicious occassion of 'paduka' installation he had come to Shirdi and after having 'darshan' when he asked for permission to go to Akkalkot, then Baba began to say thus: "O! what is there in Akkalkot? Why do you go there invain? Maharaj of that place is here itself(pointing to himself)". Hearing this Bhai gave up the idea of going to Akkalkot. After installation of 'paduka' he often visited Shirdi, Shri B.V.Dev at the end has written that Hemadpant did not know the details of these matters otherwise he would not have missed writing them in hi Sri Sai Sachcharitra.

Wrestling Bout with Mohiddin Tamboli

A wrestler named Mohiddin Tamboli used to live in Shirdi. Baba had an argument with him on same matter. As a result of which both had a wrestling bout and Baba was defeated. After this the life of Baba underwent sudden change. Now he dropped his long robe, tied a long cloth on his wait as undergarment and covered his head with a piece of cloth. He used to sit and sleep on a tattered mat. Thus he appeared to be very contented by wearing old and torn garments. He used to utter "Poverty is princely of the first order, higher than all riches. God is the brother of the poor."

Sai Baba neither kept company of people, nor did he hold conversation with them. Whenever someone asked him question then only he gave a brief reply. During the day time he sat under the tree. Sometimes he kept sitting under the shade of "Babul' tree.On the bank of a drain at the curvature of the village and in the evening would go for a stall anywhere around. In Neemgao he used to go often to the reidence of Baba Saheb Dengale. Baba loved him greatly. His younger brother named Nana Saheb had no progeny inspite of his marrying twice. Baba Saheb sent Nana Saheb to Shirdi to have 'darshan' of Baba. After sometime by the grace of Baba NanaSaheb got a son. From this time onwards a large number of people began to come to Shirdi for 'darshan' of Baba annd his glory spread far and wide. His fame reached Ahmadnagar also. Then began coming to Shirdi Nana Saheb Chandorkar, Kesav Chidambaram and several other devotees. The whole day Baba remained surrounded by his devotees and at night he slept in the deplted mosque.

At this point in time all that he had his belongings were a smoke - pipe, tobacco, one mug a long robe, apiece of cloth to put around his head, and a stick, which he always kept with himself.

He used to tie a piece of white cloth around his head in a manner that it fell on his back by the left side from the ear so as to appear as if it were a bunch of hair. He never put on shoes or chappals in his feet. He would put on a waist-cloth and in order to protect himself from cold kept on sitting in front of burning fire facing the south. He used to put wood in fire himself and burnt in it all his ego, desires and attachments to senses. He would always utter aloud 'Allah-Malik'. The mosque which he occupied was as big as equal to two small rooms and it was here only that all devotees used to have his 'darshan'. Some alterations were made only after 1912. The old mosque was renovated and a floor was added inside. Beside shifting to mosque, baba lived for a long time in 'Takia'. He used to dance and sing enchantingly Bhajans (devotional songs)by putting on anklets on his ankles and get immersed in ecstasy.

Turning Water into Oil

Baba had great love for lighting lamps. He would get oil in the evening by begging for it from shopkeepers and decorate the mosque by lining with burning lamps. This practice continued for sometime without any hindrances. Now the shopkeepers got fed up with it and unitedly they decided that now on wards no one would give oil. As usual when Baba reached to them for begging oil everywhere he got a refusal. But without complaining to anyone Baba returned to the mosque and put the dry wigs in the lamps. The shopkeepers were watching him with great curiosity to see what Baba does now. Baba took up the mug which had a few drops of oil, put some water into it and he gulped the oil mixed water. After sometimes, he poured it out in the mug and put the same oil or water in the lamps. When the curious shopkeepers saw the lamps lighting during the whole night as before they fell repentant for their wrong doing and they asked Baba to forgive them. Baba pardoned them and cautioned them for good behavior in the future.

Pseudo-Guru Jauharali

After five years of wrestling bout with Mohiddin there came a faqir Jauhar Ali along with his disciples to Rahata. He began to live in a house opposite to Birbhadra temple.The faqir was learned and he had learnt, versus of Holy Quran by heart. He had sweet voice, many faithful villagers began to come to him and he got due respect. He decided to build a Idgah in front of Birbhadra temple by the people. Some quarrel took place on account of this, because of which leaving Rahata Jauhar Ali came to Shirdi and began to live with Baba in the mosque. He had won over the people by his sweet talk. He began even to call Baba to be one of his disciples. Baba raised no objections and accepted being called his disciple. Baba never disrespected him and kept on doing his duties to him as a disciple whole-heartedly, and served him in various ways. Both of them used to come to Shirdi, but they mainly stayed in Rahata.

The devotees of Sri Sai Baba did not like his staying in Rahata. So all of them together went to Rahata for bringing Baba back from there. They met Baba near the Idgah and told him the reason of their coming. Baba explained those people to return to Shirdi before the coming of faqir.The conversation was still going on when the faqir arrived. he got flared up by seeing the people to take away his disciple like that. After some arguments the matter was settled and the situation took a sudden turn. Atleast it was decided that let the faqir and his disciple stay in Shirdi. So they returned to Shirdi and began to live there.

After sometime Devidas put the Guru to test and found certain faultsin hi. Twelve years before Baba had arrived in Shirdi along with the marriage party of the son of brother-in-law of Chand Patil, Devidas had come probably at the age of 10-12 years, to Shirdiand lived in Hanuman temple. Devidas was well-built, handsome and of sharp intellect. He was the veritable symbol of sacrifice and learning. Many people took him to be their Guru (Preceptor). People brought Jauhar Ali to hi. Jauhar Ali was badly defeated in the debate and he ran away to Vaijapur leaving Shirdi. After several years he came to Shirdi and worshipped the Lotus feet of Sri Sai Baba. His illusion that he was guru and Sri Sai Baba his disciple had vanished.

Om Sai | Om Sai | Om Sai

Significance of Mahashivaratri

Mahashivaratri  is the day dedicated to Lord shiva and also is referred as the great night of Shiva. It falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of Phalguna (February- March). This festival is purely religious in nature and universally observed by all Hindus. On this day devotees sing bhajans in honor of Shiva, recite Sanskrit shlokas (verses) from scriptures, offer prayers in the morning and evening, and some observe fasting throughout the day. People visit nearby temples of Shiva and offer prayers in large crowds. The prayers and worship continue late into the night when the devotees offer coconut, Bilva leaves, fruits, and specially prepared sacred food to Shiva and his divine consort Parvati. Offering Bilva leaves to Shiva on Shivaratri is considered very auspicious by his devotees. One who have Linga at home also undergo prayers and do abishek to Linga with fruits, milk, curd, rose water, and flowers chanting the panchakshara mantra of Lord Shiva with all serenity.

Mahakaleswar Jyotirlin, Madhya Pradesh

There are sevaral legends in Hindu mythology attributed to mahashivarathiri. 

Ocean Churning:

One very popular story traces the origin of this festival to the churning of the Ocean of Milk by devas (gods) and asuras (demons). It is said that when both gods and demons were churning the Ocean of Milk to obtain amrita (water of immortal life), they came across many unusual substances, including the deadly poison Kalakuta. As soon as they touched the poison, it exploded into poisonous fumes that threatened to envelope the entire universe by darkness. When the destruction of the universe seemed inevitable, the gods ran for assistance from Brahma and Vishnu, but neither was able to help. At last they ran to Lord Shiva, who raised his trident and condensed the fumes. 

Lord Shiva swallowing the poison

In order to save the creation, Shiva swallowed the poison without spilling a single drop. The poison left a dark blue mark on Shiva's throat. The gods praised and worshipped Shiva for saving the universe.Every month witnesses a day with Sivarathiri thithi. But Maha Sivaratri happens once a year and is celebrated in reverence to Lord Shiva. Sivarathiri literally means the night of Lord Shiva. This day, is celebrated on the moonless night of the month of Phalguna (Maasi in tamil), which is the fourteenth day in the krishnapaksha or dark half. Owing to a special planetary conjunction, spiritual practices done on this day are considered to be especially auspicious and beneficial. It is believed that in one of the Puranas(legends), Lord Shiva himself tells Parvati Devi that this day is very dear to him, and that those who perform the prescribed austerities on this day will be freed from all sins.

Somathaswamy Jothirlin, Somnath

One of the story behind Sivarathiri from Garuda Purana:

There was once a hunter from Varanasi named Suswara who lived with his wife and child in a small hut. Theirs was a hand-to-mouth existence. Suswara would go to the forest and hunt whatever game came his way, and thus feed his family. One particular day,The day before the new moon, while roaming through forests in search of animals, he saw a deer, but before his arrow flew he noticed the deer's family and their sadness at its impending death. So he let it live. He had still not caught anything when he was overtaken by nightfall.He was a little worried as the forest was infested with dangerous animals. He did not like the idea of spending the night there. Soon it became very dark. Unable to find his way back, Suswara took shelter on a tree to be safe from the wild animals.

Suswara was unable to get even a wink of sleep. He kept vigil throughout the night. To pass away the time he engaged himself in plucking the leaves of the tree and dropping them down onto the ground. The next day he returned home and bought some food for himself and his family. The moment he was about to break his fast a stranger came to him, begging for food. He served the food first to stranger and then had his own.

Unknown to Suswara, there was a Shivalinga at the foot of the tree; and moreover the tree he had taken shelter was Vilva or Bilva tree. By dropping the sacred bilva leaves, Suswara was making a sacred offering to the Shivalinga. That night happened to be Shivaratri. So the hunter had unknowingly kept a night-long vigil and worshipped Shiva.

How to worship Shivarathiri?

As by Shiva Purana, the Maha shivaratri worship or prayer should incorporate six items: 

1. offering bilva leaves to the deity after giving it a ceremonial bath, which represents purification of the soul; 
2. applying vermilion paste on the linga after bathing it, which represents virtue; 
3. offering food, which is conducive to longevity and the gratification of desires; 
4. lighting incense, which yields wealth; 
5. lighting an oil lamp, which signifies the attainment of knowledge; 
6. and offering betel leaves, which marks satisfaction with worldly pleasures. These six items form an indispensable part of the Maha shivaratri worship, be it a simple ceremony at home or grand temple worship.

Also look at:

1. Significance of Bilva leaves and Bilvastakam
2. What to chant on Sivarathiri?

Om Namasivaya ~~~ Om Namasivaya ~~~ Om Namasivaya ~~~ Om Namasivaya ~~~ Om Namasivaya 

Significance of Bilva leaves

Bilva leaves

According to Shiva Purana, the great epic on Lord Shiva, the Bilva tree is the manifest form of Lord Shiva himself, while all the great tirthas (pilgrimage places) are said to reside at its base. One who worships the Shiva Linga while sitting under the Bilva tree attains the highest bliss of oneness with Lord Shiva. The trifoliate leaves symbolize the tridentthat Shiva holds in his right hand.

The Scientific Name of Bilva tree is – Aegle Mermelos. Its fruits which have surplus health benefits is referred as Golden Apple or Stone Apple in English.

Just like Tulsi plant is sacred to Lord Krishna and Durva grass is sacred to Lord Ganesha, Bilva tree is sacred to Lord Shiva. Since the Bilva leaf has such significance in the worship of Lord Shiva, it is common to find Bilva trees cultivated in the vicinity of Shiva temples. Bilva leaves are also auspicious to Goddess Lakshmi who is considered as the sister of Lord Shiva.

When a Bilva leaf is offered to Lord Shiva,the most terrible karma(sin) is destroyed.The unbelievable merits one receives on offering a single Bilva leaf to Lord Shiva are described in the 9 verses of the sacred hymn known as Bilvashtakam.

Tridalam trigunakaram trinetram cha triyayudham

Trijanmapapasamharam ekabilvam shivarpanam     .. 1

Trishakhaih bilvapatraishcha hyachchidraih komalaih shubhaih .

Tavavapujam karishhyami ekabilvam shivarpanam    .. 2

Koti kanya maha danam tila parvata kotayah

Kanchanam sheela danena ekabilvam shivarpanam    .. 3

Kashikshetranivasam cha kalabhairavadarshanam

Prayagamadhavam druishtva ekabilvam shivarpanamh    ..  4

Induvare vratam sthitwa niraharo maheshwara

Naktam haoushyami devecha eka bilvam shivarpanam    .. 5

Ramalinga pratistha cha vaivahika krutam tatha

tatakadi cha santanam eka bilvam shivarpanam     .. 6

Akhanda bilva patram cha ayutam shiva poojanam

Krutam nama sahasrena eka bilvam shivarpanam    .. 7

Umaya sahadevesha nandi vahana meva cha

Bhasma lepana sarvangam eka bilvam shivarpanam     .. .8

alagrameshu vipranam tatakam dasha koopayo

Yagyakoti saharacha eka bilvam shivarpanam     .. 9

Dantikoti sahasreshu ashwamedha shatakratau

Kotikanya mahadanam ekabilvam shivarpanam    .. 10

Bilvanam darshanam punyam sparshanam papa nashanam

Aghora papa samharam eka bilvam shivarpanam    .. 11

Sahasra veda patheshu brahma sthapana muchyate

Aneka vrata kotinam eka bilvam shivarpanam     .. 12

Annadana sahasreshu sahasropanayanam tatha

Aneka janma papani eka bilvam shivarpanam     .. 13

Phalastuti 

Bilvashhtakamidam punyam yah patheth shivasannidhau.

Shivalokamavapnoti eka bilvam shivarpanam    .. 14

Tulsi - The Garden deity

Tulsi plant is venerated by all Hindus, throughout the length and breadth of the world mainly in India, and Nepal. Its botanical name is Ocimum Sanctum, also commonly known as Basil in English. Other names of Tulsi are derived mostly from its qualities as Sulabhaa - easily available, Bahumanjiri - with many flowering stalks, soolaghni - destroyer of troubles, Vishnupriya - beloved of Lord Vishnu, surasa - full of good juices, sap , as also Gauri and Devadandoobhi.

Krishna Tulsi

Commonly, Tulsi is of two types - the Krishna Tulsi - dark leaved and the Shwera tulsi light leaved. This is sometimes also known as Ram Tulsi. Occasionally one may have come across Tulsi which grows in the wild. This is known as Vana Tulsi.

While doing a prayer ceremony, the leaves and its flowers are given the foremost importance. It is believed that at the tip of the Tulsi leaf, Lord Brahma - Prajapathi - The lord of creation resides and Shri Krishna - Vishnu - Lord of Saviour resides in the middle and Lord Shiva - Lord of destroyer of evils resides in the base. Its body is the Rig Veda, Yajurveda is its neck and Atharvaveda is its prana - life force. Because of its sanctity, the Tulsi plant is associated with mankind, our ancestors and the devas. A Tulsi leaf is always placed in the mouth of a dead body before it is taken for cremation, thus ensuring the smooth onward journey of the departed soul. Almost every Hindu household therefore, has a Tulsi plant and the special pot in which it is planted is called Tulsi vrindavan.

Tulsi vrindavan decorated with kolam or patterns with rice flour

Apart from its religious significance, Tulsi is a grat purifier of atmosphere and possess so many medicinal befits which we will be soon discussing in our Health link at http://healthbenefits-fruitsvegetables.blogspot.sg/.

The Tulsi festival is celebrated every year from the 12th day of the bright fortnight to the full moon day in the month of Karthik or Kaarthikai. This is about 10 days after Bhaiyya Dooj -  the last day of Deepavali Celebrations. 

Tulsi given the feminine form

Every women in the family are cultured to go round the Tulsi vrindavan daily morning after the daily routines as a manner of saying pranams or respects and also garlanding her with cotton tied with turmeric and kumkum to make buds as shown in figure above. Ekadesi coming in the month of Vaikasi - probably in October is very auspicious to Tulsi and on that day make the Tulsi pooja so as to get all the desires fulfilled.

 Jai Tulsi Ma

January 2013