Thursday Vrat

THURSDAY VRAT :
Note: * We worship Lord Vishnu this day
· Eat food only once , the food should include Bengal gram(chana dal) and no salt
· The yellow colour is significant - wear yellow clothes, offer yellow flowers.
· Banana is worshipped on this day.
Story related to this vrat:

Once there was a very benevolent god fearing King who was known for his generosity , no one ever returned empty handed from his court. He used to worship and perform vrat on Thursdays. His wife however, was just his opposite and used to resent his giving donations and performing pujas and vrats.
Once the King left for the forests for hunting leaving behind his Queen with her maids.
Lord Vishnu, in disguise of a Monk (Sadhu) approached the queen and asked for alms( donation , bhiksha). The Queen , true to her character told Him that she was fed up of all the wealth she possessed as this was not giving her happiness, and wished that the wealth be taken away from her. The Lord was surprised because it is believed that children and money bring happiness and everyone aspires to have them. He advised her that if she possessed surplus wealth , she should utilize it to feed the poor, donate to Brahmins, construct wells and Dharamshalas( resting places for monks and devoted people), develop gardens etc. However the Queen would have none of it and was adamant that her wish be fulfilled. The Monk finally told her that Lord would fulfill her desires -- to make her wish come true, she should cover the house with cowdung, wash her hair, ask the King to shave, eat and drink etc. for seven Thursdays.
The Queen followed his instructions and after three Thursdays only all her wealth was finished and she was left to lead a life of penury, hunger and misery. The King too decided to leave the town in search for some work. He took up the job of a woodcutter and could barely manage two meals.
In dire straits, the maids advised the Queen to approach her wealthy sister for help. A maid was sent to the sister but she could not meet her as she was busy listening to the story of Thursday vrat . The sister did not want to get interrupted and therefore did not acknowledge her presence. However she visited the Queen later and seeing her condition advised her to perform the Thursday vrat and worship the Lord .
When Thursday came, the Queen somehow managed to arrange for the puja and offerings and prayed to Lord Vishnu. This went on for some weeks and finally the God bestowed all her wealth once again. Having fulfilled her desires for wealth, the Queen started to feel lazy in performing vrats on Thursdays but her maids cautioned her that she should not forget that the Lord was gracious in returning her wealth and she should ever remain grateful to Him.
The Queen realised her mistake and made it a ritual to perform vrats on Thursadays.

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The meaning of fast

The word fasting means to move near( to the Supreme) and by implication to overcome helplessness. A calamity has always been an occasion for prayer, we normally pray for a positive reason like asking for a boon, other reasons include appeasement of an anger deity.
It is believed that no prayer can be complete unless it is accompanied by an offering.

MANGALVAR KI KAHANI

Mangalvar ki Kahani - II

Tuesday is devoted to Lora Hanuman. The devotees listen to this story before breaking their fast in the afternoon. The wrestlers do not massage their bodies on this day to avoid hairfalllng. Some wrestlers observe Tuesday as a rest day.

Once there was an old lady. She used to observe Tuesday fast. She enjoyed all sorts of prosperity. Her daughter-in-law used to give her four loaves on every Tuesday. She used to go to the Hanuman Temple and offered two loaves there. The remaining two she ate herself and felt satisfied.

Once the daughter-in-law asked her children to follow their grandmother and to keep a watch over her activities. Her grandsons noticed that their grandmother offered two loaves to Lord Hanuman and broke her fast with the remaining two. They reported the matter to their mother. Their mother thought that the old lady was wasting two loaves and decided to cook two loaves only.

On the next Tuesday, the daughter-in-law gave her only two loaves. The old lady went to the Hanuman temple arid offered one loaf to Hanuman and broke her fast with the remaining one. Her grandsons noticed her and reported the matter to their mother.Their mother thought that the old lady was wasting one loaf and decided to give her one loaf only.

The old lady accepted one loaf on the coming Tuesday and went to the Hanuman temple. She offered half a loaf to lord Hanuman and broke her fast with the other half. Her grandson noticed it and reported again to their mother. Their mother thought that the old lady was wasting her food at familys expense. She decided not to give her any loaf on Tuesdays.

The old lady went to the Hanuman temple empty-handed. She had nothing to offer. Lord Hanuman appeared before her as a young boy and said, O, old ma, what ails you? The old lady related the whole story to the young boy. The young boy said, Why dont you erect a cottage of yours behind this temple? Take me as your son. I shall arrange food for you. What is the use of living with a family which does not care for its elders!The old lady agreed and started living in the cottage. Everyday the young boy would bring a mug full of milk and a lump of crushed bread mixed with sugar and butter (churma) for her. Her life was now very happy and peaceful. The old ladys daughter-in-law became poorer and poorer day-after-day. Unwanted quarrels broke out in the house due to poverty. They had little to eat. One day she said to her children, Go to your grandmother and observe what she does.

The children went to their grandmother. The old lady welcomed them. She shared milk and Churma with them and asked them to visit her everyday. The children went back to their house and related the whole thing to their mother. She was surprised to know that the old lady was hale and hearty instead of growing weak. She realised her mistake and asked her husband to bring her back.

Her husband said, Why should I go? You are responsible for our sufferings. You make quarrels in the family everyday. You forced her to leave this house. You were jealous of her even for meager meals. This house lost its prosperity the moment she left us. You have no regards for your elders and their noble deeds.

The lady said, Let all of us go to her. We shall convince her that she should come back. Her husband agreed and they went to the old lady. The young boy was sitting with her and serving her food. The old ladys daughter-in-law fell at the feet of her mother-in-law and begged pardon of her for her misdeeds. The old lady said to the young boy; Should I accompany them as they have realised their mistake? The young boy said, Yes, you may. If you face any difficulty, you may come back. The old lady returned to her family. She observed Tuesday fasts and her daughter-in-law never objected to her giving half of her food to Lord Hanuman. Prosperity again visited their house and they lived a happy life.

Yoga: Surya Namaskar - "Salute to the Sun"

SATYANARAYAN AARTI

Shri Satyanarayanjiki Aarti – Jai Lakshmi Ramana
Om Jai Lakshmi Ramana, Swami Jai Lashmi Ramana |
Satyanarayan Swami, Satyanarayan Swami, Jan Patak Harana || Jai Lakshmi Ramana
Ratan Ja Rat Singhasan, Adhbut Chabee Rajey, Swami Adhbut Chabee Rajey |
Narad Kahat Niranjan, Narad Kahat Niranjan, Ghanta dhun bhajey ||
Jai Lakshmi Ramana …..1
Pragat Bhaye Kali Karan, DwijKo Daras Diya Swami Dwij Ko Daras Diya |
Budha Brahman Bankey, Budha Brahman Bankey, Kanchan Mahal Kiya ||
Jai Lakshmi Ramana …..2
Durbal Bhil Kathier, Jan Par Kripa Karey Swami Jan Par Kripa Karey |
Chandra Choor Ik Raja, Chandra ChoorIk Raja, Jinaki Vipat Hare ||
Jai Lakshmi Ramana......3
Vaishya Manorath Payo, Shradha Uj Dini Swami Shradha Uj Dini |
So Fal Bhogyo Prabhuji, So Fal Bhogyo Prabhuji, Fer Ustati Kini ||
Jai Lakshmi Ramana.......4
Bhav Bhakti Ke Karan, Chhin Chhin Roop Dharya Swami Chhin Chhin Roop Dharya |
Sharda Dharan Kini, Sharda Dharan Kini, Tin Ka Karj Sarya ||
Jai Lakshmi Ramana.......5
Gwal Bal Sang Raja, Ban Mein Bhagti Karey Swami Ban Mein Bhagti Karey |
Man Vanchit Fal Dino, Man Vanchit Fal Dino, Deen Dayal Harey ||
Jai Lakshmi Ramana.......6
Charhat Prasad Sawayo, Kadali Fal Mewa Swami Kadali Fal Mewa |
Doop Deep Tulsi Se, Doop Deep Tulsi Se, Raje Sat Deva ||
Jai Lakshmi Ramana........7
Shri Satya Narayan Ji Ki Aarti jo koi gaa~vey Swami jo koi ga~vey |
Kahat Shivanand Swami, Kahat Shivanand Swami Man Vanchhit Fal Pave ||
Jai Lakshmi Ramana........8
Om Jai Lakshmi Ramana, Swami Jai Lashmi Ramana |
Satyanarayan Swami, Satyanarayan Swami, Jan Patak Harana || Jai Lakshmi Ramana

SATYANARAYAN AND THE RECIPE OF SHIRA PRASAD

The Satyanarayana Puja is usually done on the Purnima day of every month (the day of the full moon) or a Sankranti. It is also done on special occasions and during times of achievements as an offering of gratitude to the Lord. These occasions include marriage, graduation, new job, and the purchase of a new home to name a few. The puja starts by a prayer to Lord Ganesha, to remove all obstacles that may occur as a result of incorrectly performing the puja. This is done by chanting all the names of Lord Ganesha and offering prasad (a food offering, usually consisting of one of Lord Ganesha's favorite foods - modak, a sugar and coconut mixture, or ladu) and the showering of flower petals.

Recipe for making Shira:

Quantity: 7-8 Plates Shira.

Material: 2 Vati Rava (Sooji), 1¾ Vati Sugar, ½ Vati Ghee, Badam (Almonds), Manuka (Resins), Charoli, Keshar (Saffron), Banana

Procedure:

1. Roast Rava in a utensil in ghee to make it well done i.e. color changes to brownish.
2. Add same amount of water as Rava if it is fine,.
3. Add water 1½ times the quantity of Rava, if Rava is coarse.
4. Heat & stir well till the water evaporates.
5. Add sugar & heat again.
6. Add Almond pieces, small circular pieces of banana, saffron, elaychi powder etc…
7. Control the heat & stir well to ensure that the lumps are not formed; shira is not too thick nor too thin like paste.

 

SATYANARAYAN 18TH FEB.-KATHA CHAPTER 5

Om Sai Ram~~~

Chapter 5~~~


Sutji said, "Oh people, listen further to another story."


A king named Tungdhwaj was famous for his generosity to his subjects. But he had to suffer a lot, due to the disrespect he had shown to the prayer of Lord Satyanarayanji & his prasad, which he did not accept when it was offered to him.


One day, when hunting in a forest, he sat down under a tree. There he saw a few villagers doing the prayer of Lord Satyanarayanji. The King saw all this but due to his false ego, niether did he join them nor bowed down to the idol of the Lord. When the villagers gave him the prasad, he did not accept it & went away from there.


When the King reached his Kingdom, he saw that everything was destroyed & all his 100 sons were lying dead on the floor. The King realised that this had happened all due to his false ego. So thinking, he started walking towards the place where the villagers were doing their prayers. There, with them, he did the prayers of Lord Satyanarayanji & had the prasad & the charna-amrit (ie. milk, sugar, curds, tulsi leaves & honey mixed together) & put it in all his son's mouths. By doing this, all his sons became alright. He got back all his wealth & comforts of life & finally in the end, after he died, he went to heaven.


Anybody who keeps this fast with full faith & recite the prayers of Lord Satyanarayanji; all his wishes will be fulfilled. With the grace of the Lord, he will get eternity; the wealthless will receive wealth; & will go to heaven & finally will come out of the circle of birth & death.
The names of the persons who kept this fast & took re-birth are as follows :--The Brahmin took birth as Sudama & in his entire life he served the Lord Krishna & attained moksha. King Ulkamuk took birth as King Dashrath, & in that life he became the father of Lard Rama & attained eternity. The merchant took birth as King Morad, who cut his son in half & offered to the Lord & got moksha. King Tunghdwaj took birth as Kewat, who took Lord Rama across the river, served him & got moksha.


In this way, whoever does Lord Satyanarayan's prayer will be free from all sorrows & will ultimately reach heaven & get moksha.


This chapter of Lord Satyanarayanji is over. All chant (say) Lord Satyanarayanji ki Jai~

SATYANARAYAN 18TH FEB.-KATHA CHAPTER 4

Om Sai Ram~~~

Chapter 4~~~


Sutji said, "The merchant prayed first & then gave some wealth to the Brahmin before starting his journey home-wards. When they went little further, Lord Satyanarayanji wanted to test them. He took the disguise of an old man & went upto the merchant & asked him, "What is in your boat, give me little from there." In his ego & pride, the merchant replied, "Oh Old man, we have nothing in our boat except hay & leaves." On hearing such harsh words of the merchant, the Lord said, "Your words will be true". So saying, he went from there & sat on the bank of the river.


When the Lord went away, the boat started to rise higher in the water. The merchant was surprised at this. When he went to check in the boat, he saw that his boat was filled with leaves & hay only. Seeing this he fainted. When he came to his senses, he was very much worried. He said "How could this happen?" At this, his son-in-law told him, "Do not cry over this. All has happened because you spoke harshly to the old man & lied to him. Still, nothing is lost. You could go back to him & ask for forgiveness & he will set everything right.


The merchant, after hearing the words of his son-in-law went in search of the old man. He bowed down before him & with respect said, "Oh Lord, please forgive me for the false harsh words that I have spoken to you." So saying, he bowed down with tears of sorrow in his eyes. When the Lord, saw the merchant in his state of sorrowness & crying for forgiveness, he said, "Do not cry. Listen to me. Oh foolish person, due to your false promise, you have seen all this sorrow & suffering." On hearing the Lord say this, the merchant said, "Oh Lord, Nobody can recognize your maya. Not even the Gods or Brahmins know your ways & forms. I promise that I will pray to you", so saying he asked for forgiveness. He said, "Please forgive me, & let my boat be filled with wealth once again, like before."On hearing the merchant's words filled with bhakti, the Lord was happy & he fulfilled his wish. When the merchant mounted his boat & saw it full with wealth again, he thanked the Lord & said, "With Lord Satyanarayanji's grace, my wish is fulfilled. When I reach home, I will do his prayer & fast", so saying he left home-wards.


When the merchant saw that his home-town Ratanpur is nearing, he sent a messenger in advance, to his house to inform his wife & daughter of his home-coming. The messenger, on reaching the merchant's house, bowed down to the merchant's wife & gave them the most awaited news that the merchant & his son-in-law have reached Ratanpur.


Leelawati had just finished doing her Satyanarayan Puja. She told her daughter to finish doing the prayer & then come & receive her husband & her father. Kalawati finished doing her quickly & without taking the prasad left to meet her husband. The Lord got angry at her behaviour, so he drowned her husband with the boat. When Kalawati did not see her husband; she was shocked & she fainted on the floor.


On seeing his daughter in this state of affairs & the sudden disappearance of the boat, the merchant was shocked. He prayed to Lord Satyanarayanji, asked him for forgiveness & prayed to the Lord to take them out of this difficulty. The Lord then made an annoucement, "Oh merchant, your daughter, in a hurry to meet her husband has left my prasad; hence you cannot see her husband. Now, when she goes back & takes the prasad with due respect & then returns; only then she will see her husband." On hearing the voice, Kalawati ran home, ate the prasad & came back & met her husband. When the merchant saw this, he was very happy.


The merchant then did Lord Satyanarayanji's prayers & fast with his family every month. Finally, he had all the pleasures of life & after death, he went to heaven.


This chapter of Lord Satyanarayanji is over. All chant (say) Lord Satyanarayanji ki Jai~~~

Jai Sai Ram~~~

SATYANARAYAN 18TH FEB.-KATHA CHAPTER 3

Om Sai Ram~~~

Chapter 3~~~


Sadhuraj Narad said, "Oh Dear People!, Now let me tell you another story. There was a king named Ulkamuk. He was very wise. He would go daily to the temple & give donations to the Brahmins. His wife was a pious & beautiful lady. At the banks of Madhushala river, one day, when they were doing Lord Shri Satyanarayanji's prayer, a wealthy business-man was passing from there. He anchored his boat, & went up to the king & asked him, "Oh King, what are you doing with so much bhakti? I wish to know- please tell me all about it."


The king replied, "Oh merchant! , I am praying to the great Almigthy, the boon-giver Lord Satyanarayanji for a son. The merchant on hearing this, requested the king to tell him all about the fast & prayer as he was childless too. The king told him the full details of the prayer & fast. After hearing all the details, he decided in his mind to keep this fast. The merchant then left home-wards. On reaching home, he told his wife Leelawati all about the fast & prayer & said, "We will do this fast when we get a child."


One day, with the grace of Lord Satyanarayanji his wife became pregnant. In ten months time, she gave birth to a beautiful daughter. They named her Kalawati. Days passed by; one day, Leelawati slowly & sweetly reminded her husband about the prayer & fast & requested him to fulfil his promise. The merchant told his wife that during the time of Kalawati's wedding it would be easy to observe the same; for at the moment he was busy in his business; so saying he left for his business trip to various villages.


Kalawati grew up to be a beautiful girl. When the merchant saw that his daughter was of marriageable age; he called the match-maker & requested him to search an equal match for his daughter. Hearing the merchant's request, the match-maker reached Kanchan Nagar. From there, he brought the proposal of a young handsome boy.


The merchant liked the proposal, for the boy had all good qualities too. He then spoke to the boy's parents & fixed his daughter's marriage. The marriage was done with all the religious ceremonies & rituals. Unfortunately, the merchant forgot all about his promise to do Lord Satyanarayanji's prayer & fast. The Lord got angry at the false promise made by the merchant.The merchant liked the proposal, for the boy had all good qualities too. He then spoke to the boy's parents & fixed his daughter's marriage. The marriage was done with all the religious ceremonies & rituals. Unfortunately, the merchant forgot all about his promise to do Lord Satyanarayanji's prayer & fast. The Lord got angry at the false promise made by the merchant.


The merchant, after a few days, left for his business trip with his son-in-law. They anchored their boat in a beautiful village, named Ratanpur. In those days, King Chandraketu used to rule the village. The Lord was angry with the merchant for the false promise made by him, & so he wanted to teach him a lesson.


One day, the thieves robbed the wealth of the king & they went & stayed where the merchant was staying. Seeing the guards following them, they left all the loot over there (where the merchant was staying), & hid themselves. When the guards reached the merchant's place, they saw all the king's wealth. Thinking them to be robbers, they hand-cuffed the merchant & his son-in-law & took them to the king & told him that they wer responsible for the theft. The king, without questioning or listening to them ordered to put them in a dark cell. Due to Lord Satyanarayanji's maya, nobody heard them. Even their wealth was confiscated by the king.At the merchant's house, the thieves robbed all their wealth & his wife & daughter had to beg for their daily bread. One day, begging for food, Kalawati reached a Brahmin's house where at that time Lord Satyanarayanji's puja was going on. After listening to the prayer & taking the prasad, she left for home. By that time, it had become dark.


Leelawati was worried. She asked her daughter Kalawati, why are you so late? To which Kalawati told her mother, "Oh Mother, today in a Brahmin's house, I heard a prayer. By doing this prayer & fast, all your wishes get fulfilled." On hearing this, Leelawati started doing all the preparations for the prayer of Lord Satyanarayanji. She did the fast & prayer & asked the Lord for forgiveness & prayed that her husband & her son-in-law should return home safely.


Lord Satyanarayanji was pleased with the prayer & the fast. One day, he told King Chandraketu in his dream, "Oh King, Yoy must release the merchant & his son-in-law from the dark cell, tomorrow morning. Give them their wealth & set them free. If you do not do so, your kingdom will be destroyed." In the morning, the king called the court people & told them about the dream.


The court people after hearing about the dream, came to the conclusion to free the merchant & his son-in-law.They asked the guards to bring the prisoners from the dark cell. King Chandraketu gave them good clothes, all their wealth & plus some more & set them free. The king told them that due to their wrong-doings, they had to undergo this suffering, but now there was nothing to fear & they could go back home. They bowed down to the king & left home-wards.


This chapter of Lord Satyanarayanji is over. All chant (say) Shri Satyanarayanji ki Jai~~~

Jai Sai Ram~~~ tana:
Om Sai Ram~~~

SATYANARAYAN 18TH FEB.-KATHA CHAPTER 2

Om Sai Ram~~~

Chapter 2~~~


The Lord said "Oh Narad! Now I will tell you about the first person who did this fast. In a place named Sunder Kashipur, there used to live a very innocent brahmin. In hunger & thirst; he used to roam for his daily bread. When the loving Lord saw the Brahmin in sorrow & begging daily; he took disguise of an old Brahmin & asked him, "Oh Dear!, why are you so sad. Please tell me all about your difficulties. Is there any way I could help you out?"


The Brahmin told the Lord, "I am a poor Brahmin & I roam daily for bread. Do you know if there is any way to come out of all this sorrow?"


The Old Brahmin (ie. the Lord ) said "Lord Satyanarayanji grants all the wishes of all the people. Dear Brahmin, that is why if you pray to him & keep his fast you will overcome all your sorrow & get moksha."


After telling him all the details of the prayer & the fast; the old Brahmin ie. the Lord disappeared.


The brahmin could not sleep that night. He kept thinking of the fast & the prayer which the Lord had asked him to do. In the morning, he woke up with the thought that anyhow he must do the prayer & went out for his biksha. On that day the Brahmin got a lot of money from which he bought all the necessary things for the prayer; called his family & did Lord Satyanarayanji's prayer. By doing so, the Brahmin overcame all his sorrows & became rich. From that time onwards, he used to do the prayers every month without fail.
In this way, whoever does Lord Satyanarayanji's prayer will get moksha. Anyone on earth who does this prayer will be relieved from all sorrows.When narad noticed that the people on earth were eager to know about the other people who kept this fast; he narrated another story.


The same Brahmin now a rich person used to do the prayer every month without fail with his family. Once he was doing his prayer, a wood-cutter passed from there. After keeping the bundle of wood outside the brahmin's house, he went in for some water. The thirsty wood-cutter saw the brahmin doing his prayers. He bowed down to the Brahmin & asked him, "Oh Brahmin, what are you doing, please tell me all about it." The Brahmin replied, "To grant all the wishes of human-beings, this fast & prayer is useful. I have acquired all the wealth & fame by doing this prayer of Lord Satyanarayanji." After hearing about the prayer & drinking the water, the wood-cutter felt happy, he ate the prasad & left for his house.


Thinking of Lord Satyanarayanji in his mind, he said "Whatever today, I get from selling the wood, I will also do this prayer." So thinking, he kept the bundle of wood on his head & left home-wards. On the way home he went roaming in Sunder Nagar for selling the wood. On that day, he got four times more money than usual, for the wood. Feeling happy, he went & bought all the things necessary for the prayers (ie. ripe bananas, sugar, ghee, wheat flour, etc) & proceeded home-wards. On reaching his house & after cleaning it, he called his family & did the prayer with due respect.

The reward of the fast was that, he became rich & had all the pleasures of life on this earth & in the end of his life he went to heaven.


This chapter of Lord Satyanarayan Swami is over. All chant(say) Shri Satyanarayanji ki Jai~~~

Jai Sai Ram~~~

SATYANARAYAN 18TH FEB.-KATHA CHAPTER 1

Om Sai Ram~~~

Story of Shri Satyanarayan Ji~~~



Chapter 1~~~


Once upon a time while travelling the three worlds, Yogiraj Narad Muni reached Mrityulok(Planet Earth), he saw the human beings suffering immensely. He visited the abode of Lord Vishnu, who alone can relieve the mankind from the sufferings.


There he met the Almighty Lord Vishnu with four arms having Shankha, Chakra, Gadha & Padma, wearing Tulsi Mala (garland) in his neck. He started to pray & requested "Oh Lord!!! You are the supreme power, nothing can touch you, not even wind or mind can get you, your power is limitless, you know everything, you help your devotees to overcome their sufferings & sorrows." Hearing all the pleadings of Sadhu Narad Muni, the Almighty Supreme Lord Vishnu, knowing everything asked Narad Muni "Oh Narad! Why have you come to me & what do you want from me, tell me, I want to hear the same from you."


Yogiraj Narad Muni replied, Oh Lord! I just went to Mrityulok, where I saw all kinds of human beings suffering in sorrow due to their previous karma. Oh Lord! the Almighty, is there no way that their suffering becomes less or is it possible that they get complete moksha (relief) from their sufferings. If so, please let us know. The Lord, at once replied "Oh Narad! you have asked a very good question for the benefit of all human kind."


To free man-kind from all sufferings, & to ultimately reach Heaven , there is one virt (fast),& today I will tell you all about it. Anyone who does Shri Satyanarayan's Virt & Puja (prayer) in the right way; will get all the pleasures on earth & will reach his goal.Yogiraj NaradMuni then asked, "Oh Lord!, has anyone kept this fast before? This virt is done on which day & how exactly is it done? Please do let us know all the details."


Whosoever does Bhagwan Shri Satyanarayanji's Katha with Brahmin & with his family with full rites will be relieved of his sufferings & sorrows, will be bestowed with increase in wealth & wisdom; will be blessed with children; get overall victory & increased devotion.


For this prayer, one requires riped bananas, ghee, milk & choori (made with wheat flour, ghee & sugar). After the prayers, all present must have the prasad & then take their meals together, & then sing, praise, & chant mantras of Lord Satyanarayan. By doing this, their wishes will be fulfilled. This virt in kalyug gives the boon (reward) very quickly.


This chapter of Shri Satyanarayan Swami is over. All chant (say) Shri Satyanarayanji Ki Jai.

Jai Sai Ram~~~

SRI SATYA SAI BABA ANECDOTES

HUNDRED RUPEES

For Bhagavan Baba, quality is always more important than quantity; and to stress it, He often says: "One ounce of cow's milk is much better than a barrel of donkey's milk!" There is an incident that graphically illustrates the point:

During the period the Super Speciality Hospital in Puttaparthi was under construction, Bhagavan was quite busy and could not spend as much time with His students as He normally did. In the afternoons, after Darshan and a few Interviews, He would be closeted with doctors.

One day, after giving Darshan and receiving letters from the public as well as students, He adjourned as usual to the Interview room. Suddenly He came out holding a letter in His hand. Waving the letter He went towards the students and asked, "Which of you wrote this?" Hesitantly, one boy got up. Swami asked, "You wrote this?" Meekly the boy nodded his head, fearing the worst. Swami then turned towards the elders in the veranda and said, "This boy is a student here. He is very keen to contribute to the Hospital Project. In this letter, he says that he is not a doctor and therefore cannot contribute service. He is not a rich man and therefore cannot make a donation. He is only a mere student. Yet, he is keen to do his bit. So, what does he do? He saves his pocket money, collects hundred rupees and gives it Swami." So saying, Baba pulled out a hundred rupee currency note from the envelope in His hand and displayed it to the devotees there. Bhagavan then slowly added. "For Swami, these hundred rupees represent pure Love emanating from the heart. They are therefore far more valuable than a big donation made perfunctorily." God always cares only for quality and not quantity.

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GAYATRI MANTRA ONE OF THE PRAYERS SUNG BY SAI BABA

Om Bhur Bhuvah Suvah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat

Meaning

We contemplate the glory of Light illuminating
the three worlds: gross, subtle, and causal.
I am that vivifying power, love, radiant illumination,
and divine grace of universal initelligence.
We pray for the divine light to illumine our minds.
 

PRAYER OF SAI BABA AND THE MEANING.

Asatho Maa Sad Gamaya
Thamaso Maa Jyothir Gamaya
Mrithyor Maa Amritham Gamaya 

 

Lead me from untruth to truth;

O Lord, lead me from the false, deluding earthly joys and pleasures to the Eternal Truth of Bliss (Ananda) of the Divine within.

Lead me from darkness to light;

O Lord, lead me from the darkness of ignorance binding me to this perishable body into the Eternal Light of the Soul Divine within.

Lead me from death to immortality.

O Lord, lead me from death to the Eternal Life, Divine, of oneness with you, within and all around forever and make me immortal.

ASH WEDNESDAY

The Christian season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday.The date of Ash Wednesday varies each year according to the date of Easter. It is always six-and-a-half weeks before Easter. The earliest possible date of Ash Wednesday is 4 February and the latest possible is the 10th of march.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is a Christian festival. It marks the beginning of six and a half weeks of repentance, fasting and abstinence in preparation for the most important Christian festival of Easter.
When is Ash Wednesday?
   In 2011 it falls on the 9th March
Why is it called Ash Wednesday?
Ashes are something that are left when something is burned.
For Christians, ashes are a symbol of being sorry for things they have done wrong and want to get rid of forever. It is also a reminder to them that we all come from ashes, and to ashes we all will return.

Why are ashes marked on the forehead? For Christians, the marking on the forehead with ash marks the commitment to Jesus Christ and God. They wanted to show God that they were sorry for the wrong things they had done in the past year.
Using a mark on the forehead as a sign of commitment is also used in many Middle Eastern cultures where a round, coloured circle is marked on the forehead.
What happens on Ash Wednesday today
Many Christians will attend a religious service where the ashes are blessed by the church leader, and placed on their forehead..

What are the ashes made from? In churches the priest first burns the palm
that have been kept from last year's Palm Sunday and then mixes the ashes of these crosses with holy water (which has been blessed) to make a greyish paste. When people go to church on Ash Wednesday, the priest dips his thumb in the paste and uses it to make the sign of the cross on each person's forehead. 

 

TODAY SARASWATI PUJA IN INDIA FOR STUDENTS.

Saraswati Puja is celebrated all over India by Hindus. Saraswati is the goddess for Education, Arts and Crafts. This festival is held in the month of Magh (January-February). It is a festival celebrated by the youth, particularly students who invoke the blessings of the goddess for success in learning, arts and crafts. Saraswati Pooja is celebrated as Basant Punjami OR Vasanat Punjami in many states of India. Bakdevi, Biraj, Sarada, Brahmi, Satarupa, Mahasweta, Sarbasukia, Prithudar, Bagiswari are some of the names of the Goddess Saraswati.Amongst all the Hindu deities, Saraswati stands out as the most controversial. Such was her beauty and grace that Brahma pursued her. As she fled in different directions a head appeared and so Brahma is attributed with five heads, she was the most unique creation of Brahma.

Methods for Saraswati Puja to worship Goddess Saraswati

The idol is decorated in white, representing purity. The place where the idol is kept for the Pooja is decorated with floral designs or Rangolois and the design of a fish is considered auspicious. Although different states of India follow different methods to follow, following is the method of worship commonly followed by majority of the Indian people:

Family members bathe early and dress in yellow attire and assemble in front of the Goddess. A flat low stool made of wood is covered with yellow cloth and the idol is placed on it, facing East direction. Then, the face of the idol remains covered till the priest begins chanting the mantras at the commencement of the puja. A green coconut is placed on an earthen pot with a red checked cotton cloth called Gamcha. The actual puja flowers are used but the most significant is the Palash or flame of the forest and marigold flowers. In the southern part of the country, Lotus and other fragrant flowers like jasmine are offered.
Books of the students are placed before the Goddess.Main puja offerings are fruits and sweets like puffed rice ,jaggery and yoghourt.The earthen pot is tied with a string which will be only untied by the priest before immersion day.Havan is performed using special wood ,ghee,joss sticks and incense.ABSENCE OF BURNT SMELL MEANS THE SUCCESS OF THE PUJA.A diya is kept lit with the prasad.Aarti is performed by the person morning and evening and the lit lamp is passed around to the devotees for blessing.THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE PUJA IS THAT NOBODY TOUCHES THE BOOKS ON THAT DAY.
Vegetarian food is to be eaten that day.Young kids are asked to write for the first time the alphabets by the priest.THE FIRST STEP TAKEN FOR THE ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE.

THE PLAN OF THE LORD.

SO BEAUTIFUL I HAD TO PUT IT UP HERE.THANX MOTI!

Once there was a sweeper in a well known temple and he was very sincere and devoted. Every time he saw thousands of devotees coming to take darshan of the Lord, he thought that the Lord is standing all the time and giving darshan and He must be feeling very tired.
So one day very innocently he asked the Lord whether he can take the place of the Lord for a day so that the Lord can have some relief and rest. The Deity of Temple replied, "I do not mind taking a break. I will transform you like Myself, but you must do one thing. You must just stand here like Me, smile at everyone and just give benedictions. Do not interfere with anything and do not say anything. Remember you are the deity and you just have faith that I have a master plan for everything." The sweeper agreed to this.
The next day the sweeper took the position of the deity and a rich man came and prayed to the Lord. He offered a nice donation and prayed that his business should be prosperous.While going, the rich man inadvertently left his wallet full of money right there. Now the sweeper in the form of deity could not call him and so he decided to control himself and keep quiet.

Just then a poor man came and he put one coin in the Hundi and said that it was all he could afford and he prayed to the Lord that he should continue to be engaged in the Lord's service. He also said that his family was in dire need of some basic needs but he left it to the good hands of the Lord to give some solution. When he opened his eyes, he saw the wallet left by the rich man. The poor man thanked the Lord for His kindness and took the wallet very innocently. The sweeper in the form of the Deity 
could not say anything and he had to just keep smiling.
At that point a sailor walked in. He prayed for his safe journey as he was going on a long trip. Just then the rich man came with the police and said that somebody has stolen his wallet and seeing the sailor there, he asked the police to arrest him thinking that he might have taken it. Now the sweeper in the form of Deity wanted to say that the sailor is not the thief but he could not say so and he became greatly frustrated. The sailor looked at the Lord and asked why he, an innocent person, is being punished. The rich man looked at the Lord and thanked Him for finding the thief. The sweeper in the deity form could no more tolerate and he thought that even if the real Lord had been here, he would have definitely interfered and hence he started speaking and said that the sailor is not the thief but it was the poor man who took away the wallet. The rich man was very thankful as also the sailor.

In the night, the real Lord came and He asked the sweeper how the day was. The sweeper said, "I thought it would be easy, but now I know that Your days are not easy, but I did one good thing." Then he explained the whole episode to the Lord. The Lord became very upset on hearing this whereas the sweeper thought the Lord would appreciate him for the good deed done.

The Lord asked, "Why did you not just stick to the plan? You had no faith in Me. Do you think that I do not understand the hearts of all those who come here? All the donation which the rich man gave was all stolen money and it is only a fraction of what he really has and he wants Me to reciprocate unlimitedly. The single coin offered by the poor man was the last coin he was having and he gave it to Me out of faith. The sailor might not have done anything wrong, but if the sailor were to go in the ship that night he was about to die because of bad weather and instead if he is arrested he would be in the jail and he would have been saved form a greater calamity. The wallet should go to the poor man because he will use it in My service. I was going to reduce the rich man's karma also by doing this and save the sailor also. But you cancelled everything because you thought you know My plan and you made your own plans."
God has plans and justice for everyone so just be patient!

WORSHIP OF SHIVLING AT HOME

OM NAMAH SHIVAYA  are repeated to create a mood for worship.Sit in front of the lingam and blow conch or ring bells.First the panchamrit abhishek which is the liberation of the five holy liquids over the lingam.This can be milk,honey,yoghourt,ghee,holy water and if you want rosewater.Just 5 liquids.While pouring the liquid 'om namah shivaya' is uttered.Some utter the lord's name 108 times or even 1008 times.After the panchamrit abhishek,the lingam is cleaned with holy water or normal water.Lingam is smeared with sandalwood paste and decked with flowers.Water and sandalwood paste is used to cool the lingam as Lord Shiva is always in an inflammable state.A pot on top of the lingam is also placed so that water keeps dropping on the lingam.Sweets and fruits are offered,and camphor and incense is lit and aarti is conducted.The ringing of bells and blowing of the concha indicates the end of the puja.Fruits,sweets and coconut is distributed as prasad.

WHT IS THE HINDU GOD SHIVA IS WORSHIPPED IN THE FORM OF LINGA

The most popular form of worshipping Lord Shiva is in the Linga form known as Shivling of Shivaling.The Linga symbol is an attempt to give form to the formless referred to as the Supreme Being or Brahman in the hindu religion.When a Linga is installed on a Yoni,it represents the union of Shiva and Shakti-the beginning of creation.Linga means symbol or sign.

FASTING ON A SUNDAY

In the church, Fast Sunday is a Sunday (usually the first Sunday of every month) set aside for fasting.On Fast Sunday, members of the church are encouraged to fast for two consecutive meals; most members of the church choose to skip the first two meals on Sunday, though some skip the last meal on Saturday and the first meal on Sunday. Members are also encouraged to give the money  which will be used by the church to help the needy.
A ccording to HINDU BLOG.Ravivar, or Sunday, is dedicated to Lord Surya or Suryanarayana. Upvaas or fasting on the day is dedicated to the Sun God. Red is the color of the day.

Those people who undertake fast on the day only eat food once that too before sunset. Salt, oil and fried food items are avoided.

 Red color flowers are offered while praying and red color sandalwood paste is applied as tilak on forehead.

MORE ABOUT SHANI

Shani is represented as a deity carrying bow and arrows and riding a vulture. Some devotees worship a black iron idol of Sani. Some worship the Peepal Tree and tie thread around its bark. Black colored items like sesame oil and black clothes are also donated on the day.

SATURDAY SHANI PUJA

Shani Pooja - Worship Of Saturn
Shani Puja or worship of Saturn mitigates the hardships one will have to face during bad times. Shani Puja is also recommended to people who have Saade Sati of Shani in their horoscope. One is advised to recite the following Shani Mantra facing the west, to minimize the evil influence of afflicted Saturn.

"Aum Aing Hring Shring Shung Shanaishcharaye Namah: Aum"
One can observe fasts on Saturdays and can take Khichri (made of rice and black urad daal), after the sunset. Saturn bestows all benefits to the devotees who pray sincerely to him.
Significance of ShaniShani (Saturn) is an indicator of longevity, misery, sorrow, old age and death, discipline, restriction, responsibility, delays, ambition, leadership and authority, humility, integrity, wisdom born of experience. Saturn is regarded as a planet of darkness which rules over the dark side of human nature, such as the conscience (awareness of right and wrong). Saturn is regarded to be both a giver as well as destroyer. A person who sincerely prays to Shani is blessed not only with removal of the problems and worries, but a life that one desires.

Why Fast?

Fasting in Hinduism indicates the denial of the physical needs of the body for the sake of spiritual gainsAccording to the scriptures, fasting helps create an attunement with the Absolute by establishing a harmonious relationship between the body and the soul.
Hindus believe it is not easy to unceasingly pursue the path of spirituality in one's daily life.However, fasting is not only a part of worship, but a great instrument for self-discipline too. It is a training of the mind and the body to endure and harden up against all hardships, to persevere under difficulties and not give up. According to Hindu philosophy, food means gratification of the senses and to starve the senses is to elevate them to contemplation "When the stomach is full, the intellect begins to sleep. Wisdom becomes mute and the parts of the body restrain from acts of righteousness."SO WHY NOT FAST?????

Shukravar Vrat or Upvaas: Friday Dedicated to Santhoshi Ma

One of the most important Vrat or Upvaas (fast) on this day is dedicated to Santhoshi Matha (an incarnation of Shakti). The fasting is also known as ‘Solah Shukravar Vrats because a devotee fasts for 16 consecutive Fridays. White color  is given importance on Friday.

Devotees wear white colored dress on this day. The fasting on Shukravar begins at sunrise and ends with sunset. The person fasting only partakes in the evening meal. White colored food like kheer or milk is the most preferred.

The christians observe GOOD FRIDAY with prayers and fasts too.“Good Friday is of great significance to the Christian community because it signifies the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The day also reminds us, therefore, of the importance of giving alms and practising charity to help the less fortunate.

Fast on Thursdays

Thursday, which is Brihaspatiwar or Vrihaspativar, is dedicated to Vishnu and Brihaspati, the Guru of Devas.  Thurdsay is also popularly known as Gurubar or GuruvarA fast is observed on the day and food is consumed only once. In some areas, people make it a point to visit Hanuman Temple on ThursdaysThere are numerous stories associated with the reason for observing Upvaas, or fast, on Brihaspativar. Many of the stories vary from region to region.
 Almost all stories suggest that those who perform pujas and Vrats on Thursdays will be blessed with wealth and a happy life. In some stories, Lord Vishnu appears in the guise of a Sadhu to test the devotees on Thursdays. In other stories, it is Brihaspati. Those devotees fasting on the day wears yellow clothes and offers yellow colored fruits and flowers to Vishnu and Brihaspati. Food is only consumed once and includes Chana Dal (Bengal Gram) and ghee. Basically, yellow colored food is eaten on the day.