Is Goddess MahaLakshmi the same as Goddess Lakshmi?

No. Let us not confuse ourselves with the similar sounding names.

What is Mahalakshmi Ashtakam?

Mahalakshmi Ashtakam is a prayer devoted to the Universal Mother, MahaLakshmi.

Why is it called Ashtakam?

Ashta means eight in sanskrit. So one would think that this should have eight couplets. Instead, it has 11. The beauty of this prayer lies in the fact that the first 8 sanskrit couplets explain the beauty, countenance and the outstanding qualities of Mother MahaLakshmi. The last 3 sanskrit couplets explain the benefits of praying to The Divine Mother.

The first 8 couplets are as if the author of this prayer is looking at Mother MahaLakshmi and is addressing Her, fascinated by Her very presence; praising Her Divine looks and qualities.

The last 3 couplets are as if then the author turns to other devotees and conveys the innumerable benefits they will get by praying to The Divine Mother.

What are the origins of Mahalakshmi Ashtakam?

Mahalakshmi Ashtakam is dateless – being recited by hindus since thousands of years; probably coming into existence in the Vedic times when worshipping the Higher Power in the form of Divine Mother was quite prevalent.

It is recorded in Padma Purana ( pronounced as Puræn पुराण). Lord Indra, the king of gods, is said to have recited it in order to get the grace of The Divine Mother. There is an interesting mythological story behind it.

Interestingly enough, Lord Indra has other prayers too, to his attribution, which he sang in praise of Goddess Lakshmi, consort of Lord Vishnu. They are recorded in Vishnu Purana as Lakshmi Stuti and Sri Suktam.

Is Goddess MahaLakshmi the same as Goddess Lakshmi?

No. Let us not confuse ourselves with the similar sounding names.

When we refer to Goddess Lakshmi, we refer to the consort of Lord Vishnu. She is the Goddess of wealth, prosperity, abundance and goodness. Her nature is motherly – of benevolence and grace. But at the same time, without Her husband Lord Vishnu, She is said to be temperamental and impulsive. Therefore, one prays to Her along with Her husband Lord Vishnu, who keeps Her grounded and stable. She is described as wearing red clothes symbolising grandeur.

Goddess MahaLakshmi, on the other hand, is the feminine personification of The Highest Power who created this entire universe; ‘The Energy’ from which everything emanated. Also, referred to as – Shri or Shakti in sanskrit and hindi. She is described as wearing white clothes symbolising purity.

Vedic literature tells us ( as do Bible, Guru Granth Sahib and so many other religious books) that in the beginning there was just ‘One’, whom we call God – The Ultimate & Only. Suddenly, ‘The One’ had a strong longing to expand and be ‘Many’. As soon as He desired this, His Energy jumped out of Him in a feminine form and gave shape to the seed of His desire; thus giving the creation a material shape. The first to get created were the three Higher Gods – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Next, the lower gods – Indra (the king of gods), Surya ( the sun god), Varun (the water god), Chandra ( the moon god) and so forth. Thereafter, earth and all the galaxies, the planets and their inhabitants came into being.

Considering that it was God’s Energy that gave birth to the universe, pervading each and every living as well as non-living things, this Highest & Ultimate Energy was looked upon and prayed to, as a mother.

When a person dies, what goes out of the body?

You may answer – the soul.

But what was keeping the soul in the body earlier and who asked the soul to leave the body?

It is The Shri; The Shakti; The Power; The Energy of God that had manifested itself into the being that leaves the body.

That Power & Energy of God is MahaLakshmi – Infinite, Timeless, Boundless, Bountiful, Benevolent, Abundant, Kind and having the ability to fulfil all our desires. This Power has the capability to even free us from the eternal cycle of birth, death and rebirth which we call Nirvana or Ultimate Liberation.

And that is The Ultimate Energy that thousands and thousands of years ago, our ancestors called Mother MahaLakshmi.

I am giving below, MahaLakshmi Ashtakam, with lyrics in Sanskrit and meanings in English. In case I have made some mistake, please forgive me and do write back to me so that I may make the required correction.

MAHALAKSHMI ASHTAKAM

नमस्तेऽस्तु महामाये श्रीपीठे सुरपूजिते ।

शङ्खचक्रगदाहस्ते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥१॥

Namastestu | Mahaa-Maaye| Shrii-Piitthe | Sura-Puujite |

Shankha-Chakra-Gada-Haste|  Mahalakshmi | Namostute ||1||

Meaning:

Humble Namaskars to You O Mahamaya (the Primal Cause & hence the Creation of Illusion); Who resides in Sri Pitha (Her own sacred spiritual Resting place) and is Worshipped by the gods,

Who is decorated with Shankha (Conch), Chakra ( the circular weapon/disc that cuts through everything) and Gada (Mace) in Her Hands; Humble Namaskars  to You, O Goddess  Mahalakshmi.

नमस्ते गरुडारूढे कोलासुरभयंकरि ।

सर्वपापहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥२॥

Namaste | Garudda |aaruuddhe Kola |asura-Bhayangkari |

Sarva-Paapa-Hare| Devi| Mahalakshmi| Namostute ||2||

Meaning:

Humble Namaskars to You Who is seated on the Garuda (the legendary bird), and Who is dreaded by Kolasura (the demon),

O Respected Goddess Who Removes All Sins ; Humble Namaskars to You, O Goddess Mahalakshmi.

सर्वज्ञे सर्ववरदे सर्वदुष्टभयंकरि ।

सर्वदुःखहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥३॥

Sarvagye |  Sarva-Varade | Sarva-Dushta-Bhayangkari |

Sarv-Dukh-Hare| Devi |Mahalakshmi Namostute ||3||

Meaning:

You Who is All-Knowing (Knowing even our Innermost Thoughts, feelings and emotions), and Who Gives All Boons; Who is feared by all the wicked (Tendencies) (remover of our sinful characteristics),

Who Removes All Sorrows , Humble Namaskars to You, O Goddess Mahalakshmi.

सिद्धिबुद्धिप्रदे देवि भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदायिनि ।

मन्त्रमूर्ते सदा देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥४॥

Siddhi-Buddhi-Prade| Devi| Bhukti-Mukti-Pradaayini |

Mantra-Muurte| Sadaa |Devi| Mahalakshmi | Namostute ||4||

Meaning:

O Goddess Who bestows exceptional ability and Intelligence; Who bestows both worldly prosperity as well as final liberation (freeing us from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth),

O Goddess Who Always resides as the subtle form of Mantra (Cosmic Sound); Humble Namaskars to You, O Goddess Mahalakshmi.

आद्यन्तरहिते देवि आद्यशक्तिमहेश्वरि ।

योगजे योगसम्भूते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥५॥

Aadya-anta-Rahite | Devi | Aadya-Shakti-Maheshvari |

Yogaje | Yoga-Sambhuute | Mahalakshmi | Namostute ||5||

Meaning:

O Goddess Who is without beginning (Aadi) and without end (Anta), and Who is the Great Goddess representing the Primal Power/ Shakti.

Who is Born of Yoga ( Ultimate Consciousness) and Who is always united with Yoga(She & The Ultimate Consciousness are one and the same); Humble Namaskars to You, O Goddess Mahalakshmi.

स्थूलसूक्ष्ममहारौद्रे महाशक्तिमहोदरे ।

महापापहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥६॥

Sthuula-Suukssma-Mahaaroudre | Mahaa-Shakti-Mahodare |

Mahaa-Paapa-Hare | Devi | Mahalakshmi | Namostute ||6||

Meaning:

Whose Power is present behind both apparent and Subtle Forms as well as behind the Most Fearful Form of Rudrani (which she undertakes to fight the evil forces);Who is the Great Womb of Mahashakti (The Ultimate Power from where every manifestation of Power arises),

O Goddess, Who is the Remover of even the greatest of sins, and Who Removes Great Sins from our Lives (thus cleansing us) Humble Namaskars to You, O Goddess Mahalakshmi.

पद्मासनस्थिते देवि परब्रह्मस्वरूपिणि ।

परमेशि जगन्मातर्महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥७॥

Padma-asana-Sthite | Devi | Para-Brahma-Svaroopini |

Parameshi | Jagan-Maatar-Mahalakshmi | Namostute ||7||

Meaning:

O Goddess Who is Seated on a Lotus (Lotus of Kundalini) (with a Gracious & Peaceful Face); And Who is abiding as the Supreme Brahm (behind the entire Universe),

Who is the Supreme Goddess and the Mother of the Universe; Humble Namaskars to You, O Goddess Mahalakshmi.

श्वेताम्बरधरे देवि नानालङ्कारभूषिते ।

जगत्स्थिते जगन्मातर्महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते ॥८॥

Shveta-ambara-Dhare | Devi | Naana-alangkaara-Bhooshite |

Jagat-sthite| Jagan-Maatar-Mahalakshmi | Namostute ||8||

Meaning:

O Goddess Who Adorns  White Garments (representing our Inner Purity); Who is Adorned with Various Ornaments (representing our Inner Beauty),

Who resides within the Universe as the Mother of the Universe (bestowing us with Her love and care); Humble Namaskars to You, O Goddess Mahalakshmi.

महालक्ष्म्यष्टकं स्तोत्रं यः पठेद्भक्तिमान्नरः ।

सर्वसिद्धिमवाप्नोति राज्यं प्राप्नोति सर्वदा ॥९॥

Mahalakshmya-Ashttakam |Stotram |Yah |Patthed-Bhaktimaan-Narah |

Sarva-Siddhim-vaapnoti | Raajyam |Praapnoti | Sarvadaa ||9||

Meaning:

He who recites this Mahalakshmi Ashtakam Stotram with Devotion 

Will attain all Accomplishments and Prosperity (both Inner and Outer), always (when we surrender to Her, allowing Her to direct our energy).

एककाले पठेन्नित्यं महापापविनाशनम् ।

द्विकालं यः पठेन्नित्यं धनधान्यसमन्वितः ॥१०॥

Eka-Kaale| Patthen-Nityam |Mahaa-Paapa-Vinaashanam |

Dvi-Kaalam |Yah Patthen-Nityam |Dhan-Dhaanya-Samanvitah ||10||

Meaning:

Reciting this once every day (as per me – the first benefit) will Destroy Great Sins ( for our inner purity to emerge),

Reciting this twice every day ( the second benefit) will bestow wealth and foodgrains (abundance).

त्रिकालं यः पठेन्नित्यं महाशत्रुविनाशनम् ।

महालक्ष्मिर्भवेन्नित्यं प्रसन्ना वरदा शुभा ॥११॥

Tri-Kaalam | Yah| Patthen-Nityam Mahaa-Shatru-Vinaashanam |

Mahalakshmir-Bhaven-Nityam| Prasannaa| Varadaa | Shubhaa ||11||

Meaning:

Reciting this Thrice Everyday ( the third benefit) will destroy mighty enemies (including our powerful subtle Inner Enemies which form the final hindrance from progressing towards Liberation),

Finally we behold Goddess Mahalakshmi in Her Eternal Gracious Form; In Her Eternal Boon-giving Grace and Auspicious Presence (within us).

May Devi MahaLakshmi bestow her blessings on all Her devotees.

The post MAHALAKSHMI ASHTAKAM – Q & A, BENEFITS, LYRICS & MEANINGS IN ENGLISH appeared first on Wise Ganesha.

Q: What is Ganesha Pancharatnam?

A: It is an extremely powerful and at the same time melodious devotional hymn composed by Shri Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD. It is meant to be sung daily with devotion, early in the morning. By doing so, the worshiper will be blessed with a good life (as explained in the last para of the prayer).This stotra is highly popular in the south Indian states and enjoys a revered status in the field of Art; namely amongst classical singers, Bharatnatyam dancers as well as Ganesha devotees. This stotra is considered magical and highly potent in granting the wish of the devotee. In this blog post, I have translated the stotra from sanskrit to english along with transliteration of the lengthy sanskrit words into short english ones for better understanding.

Did you know?

Q: When was Ganesha Pancharatnam written?

A: Sri Adi Shankaracharya composed it in the 8th century AD.

Q: In which ancient Hindu scripture is this prayer recorded?

A: Ganesha Pancharatnam is recorded as a Stotra in Mudgala Purana, an ancient Hindu scripture. The sanskrit words are tough for the layman to pronounce but with practise and continuous repetition, soon it becomes evident, how melodious the arrangement of the words is! One cannot help but notice the beauty of the words and their amazing placement. The words are pleasingly smooth and musical to the ear. The first five paras are in praise of Lord Ganesha and the last para expounds the virtue of singing this stotra everyday, thereby pleasing the Lord. The word ‘Pancharatnam’ means five jewels and rightly so. By the very nature of their poetic, mellifluous elements, the words of this hymn are nothing short of gems.

Sri Ganesha

मुदाकरात्तमोदकं सदा विमुक्तिसाधकं


कलाधरावतंसकं विलासिलोकरक्षकम् ।


अनायकैकनायकं विनाशितेभदैत्यकं


नताशुभाशुनाशकं नमामि तं विनायकम् ॥१॥

Mudaa-Karaatta-Modakam | Sadaa | Vimukti-Saadhakam

Kalaa-Dhara-Avatamsakam | Vilaasi-Loka-Rakshakam

Anaayakai[a-E]ka-Naayakam | Vinaashitebha-Daityakam

Nata-Ashubha-Ashu-Naashakam | Namaami | Tam |Vinaayakam ||1||

Meaning:

1.1: (Ganesha) Who holds the divine joy in His hand as modaka (a sweetmeat) and who always strives to accomplish the liberation of His devotees towards that ultimate joy,

1.2: Who holds the digit of the moon as His ornament and with a joyful spirit protects the world,

1.3: Who is without any master but is Himself the only master for His devotees, and protects them by destroying the (inner) demons,

1.4: To those who surrender to Him, He destroys the inauspicious tendencies quickly; I salute Sri Vinayaka and surrender to Him.

नतेतरातिभीकरं नवोदितार्कभास्वरं


नमत्सुरारिनिर्जरं नताधिकापदुद्धरम् ।


सुरेश्वरं निधीश्वरं गजेश्वरं गणेश्वरं


महेश्वरं तमाश्रये परात्परं निरन्तरम् ॥२॥

Nate[a-I]tara-Ati-Bhiikaram | Navo[a-U]dita-Arka-Bhaasvaram

Namat-Sura-Ari-Nir-Jaram | Nata-Adhika-Apad-Uddharam |

Sure[a-Ii]shvaram | Nidhi-[I]ishvaram | Gaje[a-Ii]shvaram | Ganne[a-Ii]shvaram

Mahe[a-Ii]shvaram | Tama-Ashraye | Paraatparam | Nir-Antaram ||2||

Meaning:

2.1: To those who do not bow down to God out of arrogance, He takes a frightening form; His benign form is like a newly-risen sun,

2.2: (Ganesha) Who is always fresh without any decay, and is saluted reverentially by the devas and the devoted persons; Who releases those who surrender to Him from distressing crises,

2.3: Who is the God of the devas (Sureshvara), Who is the God of prosperity (Nidhishvara), Who is the God with an elephant face (Gajeshvara) and Who is the God of the ganas (celestial attendants) (Ganeshvara),

2.4: Who is the Great God (Maheshvara); To His refuge, Who is superior than the best, I continually place myself in devotional surrender.

समस्तलोकशंकरं निरस्तदैत्यकुञ्जरं


दरेतरोदरं वरं वरेभवक्त्रमक्षरम् ।


कृपाकरं क्षमाकरं मुदाकरं यशस्करं


मनस्करं नमस्कृतां नमस्करोमि भास्वरम् ॥३॥

Samasta-Loka-Shamkaram | Nirasta-Daitya-Kun.jaram

Dare[a-I]taro[a-U]daram | Varam | Varebha-Vaktram-Aksharam |

Krpaa-Karam | Kshamaa-Karam | Mudaa-Karam | Yashas-Karam

Manas-Karam | Namas-Krtaam | Namas-Karomi | Bhaasvaram ||3||

Meaning:

3.1: (Ganesha) Who is the auspicious power behind all the worlds and who removes the mighty (inner) demons,

3.2: Whose huge body signifies prosperity and boon-giving and whose most excellent face reflects His imperishable nature.

3.3: Who showers grace (Kripakara), who showers forgiveness (Kshamakara), who showers joy (Mudakara) and who showers glory (Yashaskara) to His Devotees,

3.4: Who bestows intelligence and wisdom (Manaskara) to those who salute Him with reverence; I salute His shining form.

अकिंचनार्तिमार्जनं चिरन्तनोक्तिभाजनं


पुरारिपूर्वनन्दनं सुरारिगर्वचर्वणम् ।


प्रपञ्चनाशभीषणं धनंजयादिभूषणम्


कपोलदानवारणं भजे पुराणवारणम् ॥४॥

Akinchana-[A]arti-Maarjanam | Chirantano[a-U]kti-Bhaajanam

Pura-Ari-Puurva-Nandanam | Sura-Ari-Garva-Charvannam |

Prapan.cha-Naasha-Bhiishannam | Dhananjaya-[A]adi-Bhuushannam

Kapola-Daana-Vaarannam | Bhaje | Puraanna-Vaarannam ||4||

Meaning:

4.1:(Ganesha) Who wipes out the sufferings of the needy who take His refuge; Who is the receptacle of the words of praises of the ancients,

4.2: Who is the former son (the first son; second being Kartikeya) of the enemy of Tripurasuras (i.e. Lord Shiva who killed the demon king, Tripurasur), and Who chews down the pride and arrogance of the enemies of the devas (who signify exceptional inner qualities),

4.3: Who wields terrible power to destroy the delusion of the five elements constituting the world (from the mind of His devotees); Who Himself is adorned with the powers (behind the five elements) like Fire etc,

4.4: From Whose cheeks flow down the juice of grace; Salutations to Him Whose praise similarly flows down like juice from the Puranas.

नितान्तकान्तदन्तकान्तिमन्तकान्तकात्मजं


अचिन्त्यरूपमन्तहीनमन्तरायकृन्तनम् ।


हृदन्तरे निरन्तरं वसन्तमेव योगिनां


तमेकदन्तमेव तं विचिन्तयामि सन्ततम् ॥५॥

Nitaanta-Kaanta-Danta-Kaantim-Antaka-Antaka-[A]atmajam

Achintya-Ruupam-Anta-Hiinam-Antaraaya-Krntanam |

Hrd-Antare | Nirantaram | Vasantam-Eva | Yoginaam

Tam-Eka-Dantam-Eva | Tam | Vichintayaami | Santatam ||5||

Meaning:

5.1: (Ganesha) Whose beautiful form of Ekadanta (one tooth) is very much dear to His devotees, and Who is the son of the One (referring to Lord Shiva) Who put an end to (i.e. restrained) Antaka (i.e. Yama, god of death).

5.2: Whose essential form is inconceivable and without any limit, and which cuts through the obstacles of His devotees,

5.3: Who continually abides in the cave of the heart of the yogis.

5.4: I continually reflect upon Him, the Ekadanta (another name of Sri Vinayaka).

महागणेशपञ्चरत्नमादरेण योऽन्वहं


प्रजल्पति प्रभातके हृदि स्मरन् गणेश्वरम् ।


अरोगतामदोषतां सुसाहितीं सुपुत्रतां


समाहितायुरष्टभूतिमभ्युपैति सोऽचिरात् ॥६॥

Mahaa-Gannesha-Pan.cha-Ratnam-Aadarenna | Yo[ah-A]nvaham

Prajalpati | Prabhaatake | Hrdi | Smaran | Ganne[a-Ii]shvaram |

Arogataam-Adoshataam | Su-Saahitiim | Su-Putrataam

Samaahita-Ayur-Ashtta-Bhuutim-Abhy-Upai[a-E]ti | So[ah-A]chiraat ||6||

Meaning:

6.1:Those who Read the Great Ganesha Pancharatnam (five Jewels in praise of Sri Ganesha) with devotion

6.2: And utter this in the early morning contemplating on Sri Ganeshvara in their hearts

6.3: Will get free from diseases and vices, will get good spouses and good sons

6.4: And with it he/she will get long life and the eight powers soon.

____________________________________________________________

References:

1. Sri Adi Shankaracharya bibliography. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adi_Shankara_bibliography

2. Ganesha Panchratnam
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha_pancharatnam

The post Ganesha Pancharatnam – Benefits, Lyrics & Meanings in English appeared first on Wise Ganesha.