Swaraswati Pujo.....

dearest chumki, thanks a lot for posting a description of

how 'saraswati puja' (or pujo in bengali) is celebrated in native

bengal.

 

i really liked it because it came straight from your heart and i

could feel the 'love' emanating from your post.

 

well, in south india, where i come from 'saraswati puja' is

celebrated iduring 'navratri (in the month of october) - let me also

share with you how we celebrate this puja in our home in india.

 

during this navratri (nine days) festival,the hindus worship goddess

durga on the 7th day, lakshmi on the 8th day and saraswathi on the

ninth day and celberate the 10th day as a day of celebration.

(vijayadasami)

 

i remember the beautiful way in which my mother used to perform this

saraswathi(godess of learning) pooja. she used to request all of us (

five kids) to bring all our books and place it at the altar where

there will be a beautiful picture of godess saraswathi (painting by

the famous kerala painter ravi verma) wearing a pure white saree

sitting on a lotus with her two hands holding the instrument "veena "

(a stringed instrument) and the other two hands holding a flower

(lotus) and a conch. i remember i always used to bring my calculus

book and place it on the altar because i was weak in that subject and

my firm belief was i will be able to master that subject with the

goddess's blessings. my sister would place her harmonium at the altar

as she was learning music and i would place my dancing BELLS

salangai as they are called) as i was learning classical dancing.my y

youngest brother would place all his books (this meant he does not

have to study thenm at least for a day or two)and his cricket bat! my

other brother would place his 'sanskrit' book as he hated that

subject and his 'flute' and my oldest brother would keep all his art

supplies (like paints and brushes) !

 

my mother would then decorate the whole altar beautifully with

flowers and cover the books etc with a silk white cloth (to denote

purity)-she will offer prayers and prasadam(food offering) to the

goddess-for a whole day we will not read or write etc. then she would

sing this hymn in honor of Saraswathi-

 

Saraswathi namasthubhayam

 

varade kamarupini

 

vidyaarambham karishiyami

 

sidyartham bhavatu sada.

 

which means "i offer my prayers to goddess saraswathi who is full of

love. we are beginning our learning with your blessings."

 

next day, my mother would take out all the books etc and ask us to

write 'om' on all the books !

 

this is the day all auspicious things are done-like starting a new

school, or learning an art form etc. also since my dad was an editor

(journalist) this was one day he had to take complete rest from

reading or writing !

 

well, that was during my india days!

 

having now taken permanent residence in the united states, we do

celebrate the saraswati puja in a community setting in a temple and

not so much in private homes!

 

thanx once again chumki!

 

love

 

p.s. folks saraswati puja is also celebrated as vasant panchami (the

advent of spring) - i will try to post a more elaborate version of

this festival soon.

dear members, since our beloved member chumki has already set the

tone for the upcoming 'saraswati puja' and has put us in this

exalated mood, let us start chanting the 108 names of sree saraswati,

the goddess of learning!

 

Om Saraswat-yai namaha

Prostrations to Saraswati

 

Om Mahaa-maayaa-yai namaha

Great Maaya

 

Om vara-pradaa-yai namaha

Giver of Boons

 

Om Sri-pradaa-yai namaha

Giver of Wealth

 

Om Padma-nilayaa-yai namaha

Standing on Lotus

 

Om Padmaa-ksha-ai namaha

Having Lotus Eyes

 

Om Padma-vakthraa-yai namaha

Having Lotus Face

 

Om Shiva-anujaa-yai namaha

Younger Sister of Shiva

 

Om Pustaka-hastaa-yai namaha

Holder of Book in Hand

 

Om Gnaana-mudraa-yai namaha

Sign of Knowledge

 

Om Ramaa-yai namaha

Of the Form of Ramaa

 

Om Kaama-rupin-yai namaha

Of the Form of Desires

 

Om Mahaa-vidyaa-yai namaha

Of the form of all knowledge

 

Om Mahaa-paataka-naashn-yai namaha

Remover of Great Obstacles

 

Om Maha-ashryaa-yai namaha

Giver of Refuge

 

Om Maalin-yai namaha

Of the Form of garland

 

Om Mahaa-bhogaa-yai namaha

Provider of all enjoyment

 

Om Mahaa-bhujaa-yai namaha

Having wide shoulder

 

Om Mahaa-bhaagyaa-yai nanaha

Of the form of fortune

 

Om Mahothsa-haa-yai namaha

Of the form of excitement

 

Om Divya-angaa-yai namaha

Having Divine Body

 

Om Saavitr-ai namaha

Wife of Brahma

 

Om Surasaa-yai namaha

 

Om Dev-yai namaha

Of the form of Devi

 

Om Divya-alankaara-bhushitaa-yai namaha

Divinely Decorated

 

Om Vaag-dev-yai namaha

Goddess of Speech

 

Om Vasudhaa-yai

Of the Form of Earth

 

Om Theevraa-yai namaha

Of the Form of Severity

 

Om Mahaa-balaa-yai namaha

Having Great s trength

 

Om Mahaa-bhadraa-yai namaha

Of the form of auspiciousness

 

Om Bhogadaa-yai namaha

Giver of enjoyment

 

Om Bhaarat-yai namaha

Of the form of Bharati

 

Om Bhaamaa-yai namaha

Of the form of Bhaama

 

Om Govindaa-yai namaha

 

Om Gomat-yai namaha

Of the form of River

 

Om Jatilaa-yai namaha

Difficult to realise

 

Om Vindhya-vaasin-yai namaha

Resident of Vindhya

 

Om Chandikaa-yai namaha

Of the form of moonlight

 

Om Braahmai namaha

Of the form of Brahmi

 

Om Sowdaa-min-yai namaha

Of the form of lightening

 

Om Sudhaa-murth-ye namaha

Of the form of nectar

 

Om Subhadra-yai namaha

Of the form of auspiciousness

 

Om Sura-vandithaa-yai namaha

Bowed by Devaas

 

Om Mahaa-kaalyai namaha

Of the Form of Kaali

 

Om Mahaa-paashaa-yai namaha

Of the form of noose

 

Om Maha-akaaraa-yai namha

Of the form of great shape

 

Om Maha-ankushaa-yai namaha

Of the form of Ankusha

 

Om Peethaa-yai namaha

Of yellow color

 

Om Vimalaa-yai namaha

Without malice

 

Om Vishwaa-yai namaha

Of the form of universe

 

Om Vidyun-maalaa-yai namaha

Wearing the garland of lightening

 

Om Vaishnav-yai namaha

Of the Form of Vaishnavi

 

Om Chandrikaa-yai namaha

Of the form of moonlight

 

Om Chandralekha-vibhushi-taa-yai namaha

Wearing the crescent moon

 

Om Shaastra-rupin-yai namaha

Of the form of scriptures

 

Om Shumbhaa-sura-prama-thin-yai namah

Killer of Shumbaasura

 

Om shubha-daa-yai namaha

Giver of Auspiciousness

 

Om Sarva-atmakaa-yai namaha

Of the form of everything

 

Om Rakta-beeja-niha-ntrai namaha

Killer of Raktabeeja

 

Om Chaa-mundaa-yai namaha

Of the Form of Chamundi

 

Om Ambikaa-yai namaha

Of the Form of Ambika

 

Om Mundakaa-prahara-naa-yai namaha

Killer of Mundaka

 

Om Dhumra-lochanaa-mardhanaa-yai-namaha

Killer of Dhumralochana

 

Om Sarva-deva-stu-taa-yai namaha

Praised by all Devas

 

Om Sowmyaa-yai namaha

Having Pleasant Form

 

Om Sura-asura-namaskra-t-yai namaha

Prostrated by Devas and Demons

 

Om Kaala-raatr-yai namaha

Of the Form of Dark Night

 

Om vaag-dev-yai namaha

Goddess of Speech

 

Om Varaa-ro-haa-yai namaha

 

Om Sura-pujitaa-yai namaha

Worshipped by Devas

 

Om suvaa-sin-yai namaha

Of the form of suvaasini (married woman)

 

Om Sunaa-saa-yai namaha

Having beautiful nose

 

Om vinidra-yai namaha

Always awake

 

Om Padma-lochanaa-yai namaha

Having Lotus like Eyes

 

Om Vidyaa-rupaa-yai namaha

Of the Form of Wisdom

 

Om Vishaa-laa-ksh-yai namaha

Having Wide Eyes

 

Om Brahma-jaa-yaa-yai namaha

Born of Brahma

 

Om Mahaa-balaa-yai namaha

Having Great strength

 

Om Trayee-murta-ye namaha

Trinity of Goddesses(Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati)

 

Om tri-kaala-gnaa-na-yai namaha

Knower of everything

 

Om Tri-gunaa-yai namaha

Representing three gunas (Satva, rajas, Tamas)

 

Om Chitra-gandhaa-yai namaha

Of many odours

 

Om Chitra-maalyaa-yai namaha

Of the form of diversified garland

 

Om Vibhu-shi-taa-yai namaha

Decorated/adorned

 

Om Kaantaa-yai namaha

A lovely woman

 

Om Kaama-pradaa-yai namaha

Giver of Desires

 

Om Nandyaa-yai namaha

Being delighted

 

Om Rupa-sowbhaagya-daa-yin-yai namaha

Giver of Beauty and Wealth

 

Om Shvetaa-sanaa-yai namaha

Seated on a White Seat

 

Om Raktha-madhyaa-yai namaha

 

Om Neela-janghaa-yai namahs

having blue ankles

 

Om Nira-njanaa-yai namaha

Unstained

 

Om Chatu-raanana-saamraa-jyaa-yai namaha

Consort of Brahma

 

Om Chatur-varga-Phala-daa-yai nama

Giver of Four Fruits of Action

 

Om Vaaraah-yai namaha

Of the form of pig

 

Om Vaari-jaa-sa-naa-yai namaha

Seated on Lotus

 

Om Chitra-ambha-raa-yai namaha

Wearing multi-colored clothes

 

Om Hamsa-vaahanaa-yai namaha

Having a Swan for a Vehicle

 

Om Paraa-yai Namaha

Of the form of Paraa vidya

 

Om Nila Bhujaa-yai Namaha

Having long arms

 

Om Vandhyaa-yai Namaha

One who is respected

 

Om Vidhyaa-dhara Supujithaa-yai namaha

Worshipped by seekers of Knowledge

 

Om Maha Phalaa-yai Namaha

Of the form of fruits of action

 

Om Brahma Gnaa-nai-ka Sadhanaa-yai namaha

Accepting the challenge of realizing Brahman

 

Om Vindhyaa-chala Viraajithaa-yai Namaha

Glowing in the Vindhyachala

 

Om Brahma-vishnu-shivaat-mi-kaa-yai namaha

Of the Form of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva

 

Om Sri Saraswat-yai namaha

Prostrations to Saraswati

Thank you for this lovely text. Could you tell me what the

translation of "Om Raktha-madhyaa-yai namaha" is? Also: "Om Surasaa-

yai namaha" and "Om Varaa-ro-haa-yai namaha"

 

I really appreciate having these things here. There is so much

material to learn!

 

, "adi_shakthi16" <adi_shakthi16>

wrote:

> dear members, since our beloved member chumki has already set the

> tone for the upcoming 'saraswati puja' and has put us in this

> exalated mood, let us start chanting the 108 names of sree

saraswati,

> the goddess of learning!

>

> Om Saraswat-yai namaha

> Prostrations to Saraswati

>

> Om Mahaa-maayaa-yai namaha

> Great Maaya

>

> Om vara-pradaa-yai namaha

> Giver of Boons

>

> Om Sri-pradaa-yai namaha

> Giver of Wealth

>

> Om Padma-nilayaa-yai namaha

> Standing on Lotus

>

> Om Padmaa-ksha-ai namaha

> Having Lotus Eyes

>

> Om Padma-vakthraa-yai namaha

> Having Lotus Face

>

> Om Shiva-anujaa-yai namaha

> Younger Sister of Shiva

>

> Om Pustaka-hastaa-yai namaha

> Holder of Book in Hand

>

> Om Gnaana-mudraa-yai namaha

> Sign of Knowledge

>

> Om Ramaa-yai namaha

> Of the Form of Ramaa

>

> Om Kaama-rupin-yai namaha

> Of the Form of Desires

>

> Om Mahaa-vidyaa-yai namaha

> Of the form of all knowledge

>

> Om Mahaa-paataka-naashn-yai namaha

> Remover of Great Obstacles

>

> Om Maha-ashryaa-yai namaha

> Giver of Refuge

>

> Om Maalin-yai namaha

> Of the Form of garland

>

> Om Mahaa-bhogaa-yai namaha

> Provider of all enjoyment

>

> Om Mahaa-bhujaa-yai namaha

> Having wide shoulder

>

> Om Mahaa-bhaagyaa-yai nanaha

> Of the form of fortune

>

> Om Mahothsa-haa-yai namaha

> Of the form of excitement

>

> Om Divya-angaa-yai namaha

> Having Divine Body

>

> Om Saavitr-ai namaha

> Wife of Brahma

>

> Om Surasaa-yai namaha

>

> Om Dev-yai namaha

> Of the form of Devi

>

> Om Divya-alankaara-bhushitaa-yai namaha

> Divinely Decorated

>

> Om Vaag-dev-yai namaha

> Goddess of Speech

>

> Om Vasudhaa-yai

> Of the Form of Earth

>

> Om Theevraa-yai namaha

> Of the Form of Severity

>

> Om Mahaa-balaa-yai namaha

> Having Great s trength

>

> Om Mahaa-bhadraa-yai namaha

> Of the form of auspiciousness

>

> Om Bhogadaa-yai namaha

> Giver of enjoyment

>

> Om Bhaarat-yai namaha

> Of the form of Bharati

>

> Om Bhaamaa-yai namaha

> Of the form of Bhaama

>

> Om Govindaa-yai namaha

>

> Om Gomat-yai namaha

> Of the form of River

>

> Om Jatilaa-yai namaha

> Difficult to realise

>

> Om Vindhya-vaasin-yai namaha

> Resident of Vindhya

>

> Om Chandikaa-yai namaha

> Of the form of moonlight

>

> Om Braahmai namaha

> Of the form of Brahmi

>

> Om Sowdaa-min-yai namaha

> Of the form of lightening

>

> Om Sudhaa-murth-ye namaha

> Of the form of nectar

>

> Om Subhadra-yai namaha

> Of the form of auspiciousness

>

> Om Sura-vandithaa-yai namaha

> Bowed by Devaas

>

> Om Mahaa-kaalyai namaha

> Of the Form of Kaali

>

> Om Mahaa-paashaa-yai namaha

> Of the form of noose

>

> Om Maha-akaaraa-yai namha

> Of the form of great shape

>

> Om Maha-ankushaa-yai namaha

> Of the form of Ankusha

>

> Om Peethaa-yai namaha

> Of yellow color

>

> Om Vimalaa-yai namaha

> Without malice

>

> Om Vishwaa-yai namaha

> Of the form of universe

>

> Om Vidyun-maalaa-yai namaha

> Wearing the garland of lightening

>

> Om Vaishnav-yai namaha

> Of the Form of Vaishnavi

>

> Om Chandrikaa-yai namaha

> Of the form of moonlight

>

> Om Chandralekha-vibhushi-taa-yai namaha

> Wearing the crescent moon

>

> Om Shaastra-rupin-yai namaha

> Of the form of scriptures

>

> Om Shumbhaa-sura-prama-thin-yai namah

> Killer of Shumbaasura

>

> Om shubha-daa-yai namaha

> Giver of Auspiciousness

>

> Om Sarva-atmakaa-yai namaha

> Of the form of everything

>

> Om Rakta-beeja-niha-ntrai namaha

> Killer of Raktabeeja

>

> Om Chaa-mundaa-yai namaha

> Of the Form of Chamundi

>

> Om Ambikaa-yai namaha

> Of the Form of Ambika

>

> Om Mundakaa-prahara-naa-yai namaha

> Killer of Mundaka

>

> Om Dhumra-lochanaa-mardhanaa-yai-namaha

> Killer of Dhumralochana

>

> Om Sarva-deva-stu-taa-yai namaha

> Praised by all Devas

>

> Om Sowmyaa-yai namaha

> Having Pleasant Form

>

> Om Sura-asura-namaskra-t-yai namaha

> Prostrated by Devas and Demons

>

> Om Kaala-raatr-yai namaha

> Of the Form of Dark Night

>

> Om vaag-dev-yai namaha

> Goddess of Speech

>

> Om Varaa-ro-haa-yai namaha

>

> Om Sura-pujitaa-yai namaha

> Worshipped by Devas

>

> Om suvaa-sin-yai namaha

> Of the form of suvaasini (married woman)

>

> Om Sunaa-saa-yai namaha

> Having beautiful nose

>

> Om vinidra-yai namaha

> Always awake

>

> Om Padma-lochanaa-yai namaha

> Having Lotus like Eyes

>

> Om Vidyaa-rupaa-yai namaha

> Of the Form of Wisdom

>

> Om Vishaa-laa-ksh-yai namaha

> Having Wide Eyes

>

> Om Brahma-jaa-yaa-yai namaha

> Born of Brahma

>

> Om Mahaa-balaa-yai namaha

> Having Great strength

>

> Om Trayee-murta-ye namaha

> Trinity of Goddesses(Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati)

>

> Om tri-kaala-gnaa-na-yai namaha

> Knower of everything

>

> Om Tri-gunaa-yai namaha

> Representing three gunas (Satva, rajas, Tamas)

>

> Om Chitra-gandhaa-yai namaha

> Of many odours

>

> Om Chitra-maalyaa-yai namaha

> Of the form of diversified garland

>

> Om Vibhu-shi-taa-yai namaha

> Decorated/adorned

>

> Om Kaantaa-yai namaha

> A lovely woman

>

> Om Kaama-pradaa-yai namaha

> Giver of Desires

>

> Om Nandyaa-yai namaha

> Being delighted

>

> Om Rupa-sowbhaagya-daa-yin-yai namaha

> Giver of Beauty and Wealth

>

> Om Shvetaa-sanaa-yai namaha

> Seated on a White Seat

>

> Om Raktha-madhyaa-yai namaha

>

> Om Neela-janghaa-yai namahs

> having blue ankles

>

> Om Nira-njanaa-yai namaha

> Unstained

>

> Om Chatu-raanana-saamraa-jyaa-yai namaha

> Consort of Brahma

>

> Om Chatur-varga-Phala-daa-yai nama

> Giver of Four Fruits of Action

>

> Om Vaaraah-yai namaha

> Of the form of pig

>

> Om Vaari-jaa-sa-naa-yai namaha

> Seated on Lotus

>

> Om Chitra-ambha-raa-yai namaha

> Wearing multi-colored clothes

>

> Om Hamsa-vaahanaa-yai namaha

> Having a Swan for a Vehicle

>

> Om Paraa-yai Namaha

> Of the form of Paraa vidya

>

> Om Nila Bhujaa-yai Namaha

> Having long arms

>

> Om Vandhyaa-yai Namaha

> One who is respected

>

> Om Vidhyaa-dhara Supujithaa-yai namaha

> Worshipped by seekers of Knowledge

>

> Om Maha Phalaa-yai Namaha

> Of the form of fruits of action

>

> Om Brahma Gnaa-nai-ka Sadhanaa-yai namaha

> Accepting the challenge of realizing Brahman

>

> Om Vindhyaa-chala Viraajithaa-yai Namaha

> Glowing in the Vindhyachala

>

> Om Brahma-vishnu-shivaat-mi-kaa-yai namaha

> Of the Form of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva

>

> Om Sri Saraswat-yai namaha

> Prostrations to Saraswati

HI PRAINBOW! my pleasure, dear one!

 

yes, there is so much to learn and so little time!

 

om raktha-madahyaa -yai

means

 

one whose middle is full of 'blood' - do not know the esoteric

meaning!

 

om surasaayai namaha

means

 

mother of serpents (may refer to kundalini energy)

 

and om varaa-ro-haa-yai namaha ...

 

i do not know this but whe i find out i will let u know1 sorry1

 

love