Category: Sanatan Dharma

  • Rashi vs Zodiac Signs: Similarities, Differences and When to Use What

    It is common to get confused between rashi and zodiac sign. Although both appear the same and even share similar names, they are quite different. Rashi is decided as per the moon sign on your birth chart, whereas Zodiac signs are decided as per your birth date. Furthermore, the determination of Rashi is dependent on a lunar calendar, whereas the Zodiac sign is determined by a solar calendar.

    In this article, we will clarify how Rashi and Zodiac Signs are determined, what their similarities are, what their differences are, and why you should not follow a mix-up of both.

    How is a Rashi Determined for a Person?

    Rashi emerges from the Jyotish Shastra, an ancient Hindu philosophy that posits planetary alignments can influence a person’s mind and life. At birth, each individual’s chart is prepared according to the planetary alignment of the sun, five planets, and three moons, as well as the alignment of the star constellations (nakshatra).

    The following are the Solar System bodies that are present on the Birth Chart, often referred to as the Lagna or Kundali.

    • Sun (Surya)
    • Mercury (Budh)
    • Venus (Shukra)
    • Moon (Chandarama)
    • Mars (Mangal)
    • Jupiter (Brihaspati)
    • Saturn (Shani)
    • Rahu (probaly Phobos or Deimos)
    • Ketu (probaly Phobos or Deimos)
    Kundali Chart with House Numbers and Importance
    Kundali Chart with House Numbers and the Importance of these Houses in Life

    The chart is unique to individuals born on different dates and can vary even if they are born a few hours apart on the same dates. It is rare that any individual

    How is a Zodiac Sign determined for a person?

    A Zodiac sign is a birth sign according to the day on which a person is born. It originates from Greek and Roman philosophies and follows the same principle as Rashi (i.e., planetary alignments influence life).

    They are used to predict daily, weekly, monthly, and sometimes yearly astrological forecasts for a person. It should be noted that in Indian Astrology (Jyotisha Shastra), there is no concept of short-term predictions; rather, Jyotisha Shastra is used to determine the Dasha (bad and good phases of life).

    Below is the list of Zodiac Signs and their corresponding dates.

    • Aries (Ram): March 21–April 19.
    • Taurus (Bull): April 20–May 20.
    • Gemini (Twins): May 21–June 21.
    • Cancer (Crab): June 22–July 22.
    • Leo (Lion): July 23–August 22.
    • Virgo (Virgin): August 23–September 22.
    • Libra (Scale/Balance): September 23–October 23.
    • Scorpio (Scorpion): October 24–November 21
    • Sagittarius (Archer): November 22–December 21
    • Capricorn (Goat): December 22–January 19
    • Aquarius (Water Bearer): January 20–February 18
    • Pisces (Fish): February 19–March 20
    Zodiac Signs with Symbols
    Zodiac Signs with Symbols

    Rashi vs Zodiac Sign

    Please note that Rashifal is used to denote the impact of various astrological conditions on your life and should be used with the same meaning in this section.

    Differences

    • Rashifal in Jyotisha is decided as per the position of planets in your 1st House of the Kundali, while Zodiac signs are based on birth date as per the Solar calendar.
    • Rashifal operates on longer timeframes, such as months, years, and decades, while Zodiac works on shorter timeframes like days and weeks.
    • Rashifal is an Indian Vedic concept, while Zodiac is a Western (Greco-Roman) concept.
    • Rashifal prescribes the usage of mantras, pujas, and offerings to calm negative energies (cosmic energies in your life), whereas Zodiac prescribes wearing stones and crystals.
    • Rashifal does not seek to predict things that will happen in your life, which the Zodiac does.
    • Rashifal discusses Dashas that will impact your life, such as Shani Sadhe Saati (7.5 years of karmic churn in your life), which is not mentioned in the Zodiac.

    Suggested Reading: Shree Shani Deva Mantra

    Similarities

    • Both validate the impact of astrological conditions on a person’s life.
    • Both advice offerings aim to mitigate the negative effects of a specific planetary body.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is my Rashi/Zodiac Sign? I’m confused.

    If you seek daily astrological predictions, use your Zodiac Sign as per the Solar Calendar and not the Rashi (which uses the Lunar Calendar).

    However, if you seek long term solutions, then use Rashi mentioned in your birth chart.

    Are Rashis and Zodiac Signs the same?

    Nope, a person can have a different Zodiac Sign and Rashi. For example, a person born on a certain date has a Scorpio (Vrishchik) Zodiac Sign but Dhanu (Sagittarius) Rashi.

  • Shri Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam, Powerful Bhajan With Lyrics

    Shri Kaal Bhairav is a fierce deity and is a form of Bhagwaan Shiva. He took birth from Shiva’s matted hair (जटा). Worshipping Shri Kaal Bhairav can help you get rid of your troubles but only by reinveting yourself. The deity will prevent undue harm to your and your family.

    If you can, you must visit the principle temple of Shri Kaal Bhairav in Kashi (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh).

    Ashtakam in Devanagari (Sanskrit, Hindi)

    The bhajan praises Shri Kaal Bhairava, his attributes, powers, and his abilities. It also asks for the end of one’s bad habits, bad behaviours and asks for good blessings from the deity.

    देवराजसेव्यमानपावनांघ्रिपङ्कजं व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् ।
    नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगंबरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ १॥

    भानुकोटिभास्वरं भवाब्धितारकं परं नीलकण्ठमीप्सितार्थदायकं त्रिलोचनम् ।
    कालकालमंबुजाक्षमक्षशूलमक्षरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ २॥

    शूलटंकपाशदण्डपाणिमादिकारणं श्यामकायमादिदेवमक्षरं निरामयम् ।
    भीमविक्रमं प्रभुं विचित्रताण्डवप्रियं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ३॥

    भुक्तिमुक्तिदायकं प्रशस्तचारुविग्रहं भक्तवत्सलं स्थितं समस्तलोकविग्रहम् ।
    विनिक्वणन्मनोज्ञहेमकिङ्किणीलसत्कटिं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥ ४॥

    धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशनं कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मधायकं विभुम् ।
    स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाशशोभितांगमण्डलं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ५॥

    रत्नपादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकं नित्यमद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरंजनम् ।
    मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षणं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ६॥

    अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसंततिं दृष्टिपात्तनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनम् ।
    अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकाधरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ७॥

    भूतसंघनायकं विशालकीर्तिदायकं काशिवासलोकपुण्यपापशोधकं विभुम् ।
    नीतिमार्गकोविदं पुरातनं जगत्पतिं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ८॥

    ॥ फल श्रुति॥

    कालभैरवाष्टकं पठंति ये मनोहरं ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधनं विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनम् ।
    शोकमोहदैन्यलोभकोपतापनाशनं प्रयान्ति कालभैरवांघ्रिसन्निधिं नरा ध्रुवम् ॥

    ॥इति कालभैरवाष्टकम् संपूर्णम् ॥

    Meaning

    Stanza 1

    देवराजसेव्यमानपावनांघ्रिपङ्कजं व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् ।

    The Kaal Bhairava is worshipped (served) by Devaraj (Indra). He has a snake as his janeyu and moon on the head. He is extremely compassionate.

    नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगंबरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ १॥

    He is worshipped by Narada, and other Yogis including Digambar Sadhu. He is the lord of Kashipura (Varanasi) and we sing his bhajan.

    Stanza 2

    भानुकोटिभास्वरं भवाब्धितारकं परं नीलकण्ठमीप्सितार्थदायकं त्रिलोचनम् ।

    He has the brilliance of one koti suns (100,00,000 or 1 crore). He rescues us from the ocean of our lives (where every human seems to be lost). He is Neealkantha because he drank poison (Bhagwan Shiva drank poison from Samudra Manthan to save the world), He blesses us with prosperities, the lord with Three Eyes (Triloachanam).

    कालकालमंबुजाक्षमक्षशूलमक्षरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ २॥

    He is the kaal of kaal (death), he has lotus eyes. His trishul supports the three worlds (Swarga, Prithvi, Naraka). We worship the supreme lord of Kashi, Shri Kaal Bhairav.

    Stanza 3

    शूलटंकपाशदण्डपाणिमादिकारणं श्यामकायमादिदेवमक्षरं निरामयम् ।

    He has trishul, he has a battle axe (pasha), a noose, and a club is his hands. It is he who was at the beginning of the universe. The dark bodied, the elder god (aadi deva), he is imperishable(maksharam), and is beyond any bodily suffering (niramayam).

    भीमविक्रमं प्रभुं विचित्रताण्डवप्रियं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ३॥

    The lord is the owner of very strong powers (bhima vikrama), and he loves the special (vichitra) tandava. We sing the bhajan of Kashi Nath Shri Kaal Bhairav.

    Stanza 4

    भुक्तिमुक्तिदायकं प्रशस्तचारुविग्रहं भक्तवत्सलं स्थितं समस्तलोकविग्रहम् ।

    He gives us prosperity, and also liberates us from this world. He has an auspicious and pleasant body (vigraha). He is very kind to his devotees, and he stands firmly with people from all lokas (samasta loka vigramham).

    विनिक्वणन्मनोज्ञहेमकिङ्किणीलसत्कटिं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥ ४॥

    He has shiny golden bells (nishk or nik) around his waist which produce pleasing sounds (kin kini). We worship the Shri Kaal Bhairav, who is lord of Kashi.

    Stanza 5

    धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशनं कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मधायकं विभुम् ।

    He is the keeper of the bridge of Dharma, and is the destroyer of the adharma path. He frees us from our Karma and is the giver of joy (susharma). He is adorned by golden serpents on his body.

    स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाशशोभितांगमण्डलं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ५॥

    He is adorned by golden serpents on his body. The supreme lord of Kashi, for whom we are singing the bhajan.

    Stanza 6

    रत्नपादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकं नित्यमद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरंजनम् ।

    His feet is adorned by sandals (paduka) which is studded with gems (ratna). He is eternal, unqiue, and the ishta devata (favourite god). He is stainless and pure.

    मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षणं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ६॥

    He is the destroyer of death (akala mrityu), eliminates the fear of death from our hearts, and his formidable fangs (similar to a snake) gives us moksha. We sing the bhajan of Lord of Kashi, Shri Kaal Bhairav.

    Stanza 7

    अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसंततिं दृष्टिपात्तनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनम् ।

    His formidable laughter shatters the shell of delusion from our mind. His mere glance destroys the net of bad karma (sins) of our lives.

    अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकाधरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ७॥

    His is the giver of 8 siddhis. His necklace is made of skulls (from cremation grounds). He is the lord of Kashi and we sing his bhajan.

    Stanza 8

    भूतसंघनायकं विशालकीर्तिदायकं काशिवासलोकपुण्यपापशोधकं विभुम् ।

    He is the leader of all bhutas. His is the giver of very grand deeds. He frees the people of Kashi from all kinds of karma (good or bad).

    नीतिमार्गकोविदं पुरातनं जगत्पतिं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ८॥

    He is the shower of the good path (niti marg) in which he is highly skilled. He is the ancient lord of the world. We sing the bhajan of Shri Kaal Bhairav, the lord of Kashi.

    Fala Shruti

    कालभैरवाष्टकं पठंति ये मनोहरं ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधनं विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनम् ।

    शोकमोहदैन्यलोभकोपतापनाशनं प्रयान्ति कालभैरवांघ्रिसन्निधिं नरा ध्रुवम् ॥

    Whoever reads this Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam with happiness, his thoughts will be free and his good karma will increase several folds. The bhakta’s sorrow, greed, anger, and evil thoughts will be destroyed. After death, he will be at the feet of Shri Kaal Bhairav.

    Further Reading: Shree Shani Deva Mantra


  • Shree Shani Deva Mantra

    Shanidev has been classified as one of the primarly planet deities in Sanatan. He is the son of Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhaya Devi.

    Siblings of Shanidev include the lord of death, Yam, and the holy river Yamuna. The wife consort of Shani Dev is Damini, daughter of Gandharva King Chitrarath.

    Beej Mantra

    The beej mantra is a shortened mantra (like a seed, and hence the name) of a main mantra and is often used for doing jaap (chanting).

    ॐ प्रां प्रीं प्रौं सः शनैश्चराय नमः

    Full Mantra

    Below is the Dhyana Mantra or Meditation mantra for Shani Dev.

    Sanskrit

    ॐ नीलांजन समाभासं रविपुत्रं यमग्रजम |

    छायामार्तंड संभूतं तम नमामि शनैश्चरम ||

    Word-by-Word Meaning:

    1. ॐ (Om) – The universal sound, a sacred syllable that represents the Supreme Being.
    2. नीलांजन समाभासं (Nīlāñjana Samābhāsam)
      • नीलांजन (Nīlāñjana) – Refers to a deep blue or black-colored substance like collyrium (kajal/kohl).
      • समाभासं (Samābhāsam) – One who shines or appears like.
      • Together, it means: “One who has a complexion resembling deep blue collyrium or dark clouds.”
      • This represents Shani Dev’s dark complexion and his association with the planet Saturn.
    3. रविपुत्रं (Raviputram)
      • रवि (Ravi) – The Sun (Surya).
      • पुत्रं (Putram) – Son.
      • Together: “The son of Surya (the Sun God).”
      • Lord Shani is the son of Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhaya (his shadow wife).
    4. यमग्रजम (Yamagrajam)
      • यम (Yama) – The god of death.
      • अग्रज (Agraja) – Elder brother.
      • Together: “The elder brother of Yama (the god of death).”
      • Yama and Shani share the same father, Surya, but different mothers.
    5. छायामार्तानंद संभूतं (Chhāyāmārtānanda Sambhūtam)
      • छाया (Chhāyā) – Shadow (Shani’s mother).
      • आर्त (Ārta) – Afflicted or sorrowful.
      • आनंद (Ānanda) – Bliss or joy.
      • संभूतं (Sambhūtam) – Born from.
      • Together: “Born from Chhaya, who experiences both sorrow and joy.”
      • This signifies Shani Dev’s birth from Goddess Chhaya, the shadow of Surya’s wife, Sandhya.
    6. तम नमामि शनैश्चरम (Tam Namāmi Śanaiścaram)
      • तम (Tam) – Him (Shani Dev).
      • नमामि (Namāmi) – I bow down or offer salutations.
      • शनैश्चरम (Śanaiścaram)
        • शनैः (Śanaiḥ) – Slowly or gradually.
        • चरम (Caram) – One who moves.
        • Together: “One who moves slowly.”
        • This refers to the slow movement of Saturn in the sky, as it is the slowest-moving planet among the Navagrahas.

    Overall Meaning:

    “I bow down to Lord Shani, who shines like blue collyrium, the son of Surya, the elder brother of Yama, born from Chhaya, and who moves slowly in the celestial sphere.”

  • Asana Mantra

    This is the asana mantra that I have seen my grandfather read before performing daily puja.

    पृथिव्या, मेरु पृष्ठ ऋषिः।
    सुतलं छन्दः कूर्मो देवता।
    पृथ्वीत्वया धृता लोका देवि त्वं।
    विष्णुना धृता, त्वंच धारयामाम्।
    देवि पवित्रं कुरु सासनम्।

    Meaning of the Asana Mantra

    पृथिव्या, मेरु पृष्ठ ऋषिः।

    Oh mother Earth, and sacred Meru Mountain.

    सुतलं छन्दः कूर्मो देवता।

    One of the seven lower worlds. Borne by the Kurma Devata.

    पृथ्वीत्वया धृता लोका देवि त्वं।

    Mother Earth, by your boon, all worlds are borne.

    विष्णुना धृता, त्वंच धारयामाम्।

    Goddes Earth, you are borne by Vishnu (Varaaha Avatar), we are sustaining.

    देवि पवित्रं कुरु सासनम् |

    Oh devi Earth, please make this place holy.

  • Chandresh Pandey, Sculptor of the New Ram Lalla Idol from Jaipur

    Chandresh Pandey is a sculptor based in Jaipur chose idol of Bhagwan Ram, Mata Sita and Laxman were selected for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The idols are 51 inches in height and are made from black stone.

    The details were shared by Champat Rai, the General Secretary of Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust who also added that the idols were very attractive to behold.

    One Among 3 Sculptors for Ram Mandir

    Chandresh Pandey was chosen as one of the three main sculptors of the Ram Mandir. This news was too shared by Champat Rai.

    The first idol is of the Ram Lalla, which is being built using black stone by Chandresh.

    The other two sculptors are responsible for creating two more sets of statues one of which is the set of 3 statues in Ram Darbar and the second statue is of Bhagwan Ram in his teenage years.

  • Champat Rai, General Secy. Ram Mandir Trust (2020), Intl. VP of VHP

    Champat Rai is the General Secretary of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir Trust in 2020. Rai is also the International Vice President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

    Early Life

    Rai is a resident of Bijnor District in the Uttar Pradesh.

    He was born in 1946 to father Rameshwar Prasad Bansal.

    In early life, Champat Rai was influenced by the philosophy of RSS and had joined it since childhood.

    Champat Rai was even jailed for 18 months (starting in 1975) during emergency when several non-congress politicians, media persons, and journalists, were forcefully imprisoned for having a different point of view than the then Congress Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

    Champat Rai, General Secretary of Ram Mandir Ayodhya
    Champat Rai, General Secretary of Ram Mandir Ayodhya

    Ram Mandir Struggle

    Champat Rai was one of the main litigants of the Ram Mandir legal struggle which resulted in a verdict that led to the creation of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

    Rai on the Extreme Left Extending Ram Mandir Invite to PM Modi
    Rai on the Extreme Left Extending Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha Pujan Invite to PM Modi

    Rai was among the few people who went to extend an invite to PM Modi for the Pran Pratishtha Pujan of the Ram Mandir.

    He also clarified the issue of who was building Ram Lalla’s new idol. He shared that the idol was being built in black stone by Chandresh Pandey, a sculptor from Jaipur.

    #NOTE: A Pran Pratistha Pujan is the process of consecrating a deity in a temple. It is believed that after the puja, the deity resides in the temple as a living God and not just as an idol. It is different than Bhumi Pujan which is done before the construction of a temple, house or place of business.

  • संपूर्ण हनुमान चालीसा, हिंदी

    हनुमान चालीसा की रचना गोस्वामी तुलसीदास ने की थी और इसे भगवान हनुमान का सबसे प्रसिद्ध भजन माना जाता है। यह जीवन की समस्याओं के लिए बहुत शक्तिशाली उपाय माना जाता है |

    मैंने अपने जीवन में भी प्रतिदिन हनुमान चालीसा का जाप करने से बहुत बड़ा लाभ अनुभव किया है |

    हनुमान चालीसा के आरंभ में एक दोहा और अंत में एक दोहा है और बीच में 10 चौपाई या 40 पंक्तियाँ हैं |

    हनुमान चालीसा का पाठ कब करें

    हनुमान चालीसा को किसी भी समय पढ़ा जा सकता है|

    लेकिन यह सलाह दी जाती है कि इसे स्नान करने के बाद और हनुमान भगवान की मूर्ति या तस्वीर के सामने
    बैठ कर पढ़ा जाना चाहिए।

    दोहा – 1 & 2

    • श्री गुरु चरण सरोज रज, निज मन मुकुरु सुधारि |
    • बरनऊं रघुबर बिमल जसू, जो दायक फल चारी ||
    • बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौ पवन कुमार |
    • बल बुद्धि विद्या देहु मोहि, हरहु कलेश विकार ||
    Ram Mandir Ayodhya
    • जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर | जय कपीस तिन्हु लोक उजागर ||
    • राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा | अंजनि पुत्र पवनसुत नामा ||
    • महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी | कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी ||
    • कंचन बरन बिरज सुबेसा | कानन कुंडल कुंचित केसा ||
    • हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजे | कांधे मुख जनेऊ साजे ||
    • शंकर स्वयं केसरी नंदन | तेज प्रताप महा जग बंदन ||
    • विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर | राम काज करिबे को आतुर ||
    • प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया | राम लखन सीता मन बसिया ||

    *इसे श्री रामभद्राचार्य जी की टिप्पणियों के बाद संपादित किया गया है |

    गीता प्रेस गोरखपुर: शंकर सुवन केसरी नंदन |

    रामभद्राचार्य जी : शंकर स्वयं केसरी नंदन |

    क्योंकि शंकर के अवतार हनुमान है, शंकर के पुत्र (सुवन) नहीं |

    • सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा | बिकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा ||
    • भीम रूप धरि असुर संहारे | रामचन्द्र जी के काज संवारे ||
    • लाये संजीवन लखन जियाये | श्री रघुबीर हरषि उर लाये ||
    • रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई | तुम मम प्रिया भारती सम भाई ||
    • सहस बदन तुम्हारो जस गावें | अस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावैं ||
    • सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनिसा | नारद सारद सहित अहिसा ||
    • जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहां ते | कबी कोबिद कहि सके कहां ते ||
    • तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा | राम मिलाये राज पद दीन्हा ||
    • तुम्हारो मंत्र विभीषण माना | लंकेश्वर भय सब जग जाना ||
    • जुग सहस्त्र जोजन पर भानु | लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानु ||
    • प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं | जलधि लंबी गई अचरज नाहिं ||
    • दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते || सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते ||
    • राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे | होत ना आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे ||
    • सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना | तुम रक्षक काहू को डरना ||
    • आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै | तीनो लोक हांक ते कांपै ||
    • भूत पिशाच निकट नहीं आवै | महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै ||
    • नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा | जपत निरंतर हनुमान बीरा ||
    • संकट ते हनुमान छुड़ावै | मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै ||
    • सब पर राम राय सिरताजा*| तिन के काज सकल तुम साजा ||
    • और मनोरथ जो कोई लावे | सोई अमित जीवन फल पावै ||

    *इसे श्री रामभद्राचार्य जी की टिप्पणियों के बाद संपादित किया गया है |

    गीता प्रेस गोरखपुर: सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा|

    रामभद्राचार्य जी: सब पर राम राय सिरताजा| राम राजा थे तपस्वी नहीं, तपस्या भौतिक जीवन त्यागने के बाद की जाती है |

    • चारो जग परताप तुम्हारा | है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा ||
    • साधु संत के तुम रखवारे | असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे ||
    • अष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता | असबर दिन जानकी माता ||
    • राम रसायन तुम्हारे पासा | सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा ||

    *इसे श्री रामभद्राचार्य जी की टिप्पणियों के बाद संपादित किया गया है |

    गीता प्रेस गोरखपुर: सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा |

    रामभद्राचार्य जी: सादर हो रघुपति के दासा |

    • तुम्हारे भजन राम को पावै | जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै ||
    • अंत काल रघुबर पुर जाई | जहां जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई ||
    • और देवता चित्त न धरई | हनुमत सई सर्व सुख करई ||
    • संकट कटै मिटै सब पीरा | जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा ||
    • जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं | कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाईं ||
    • यह सत बर पाठ कर जोई | छुटहि बंदि महा सुख होई ||
    • जो यहां पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा | होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा ||
    • तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा | कीजै नाथ हृदय महं डेरा ||

    *इसे श्री रामभद्राचार्य जी की टिप्पणियों के बाद संपादित किया गया है |

    गीता प्रेस गोरखपुर: जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई |

    रामभद्राचार्य जी: यह सत बर पाठ कर जोई | जो कोई भी हनुमान चालीसा को 100 बार पढ़ता है |

    Ram Mandir Ayodhya

    दोहा – 3

    • पवन तनय संकट हरन, मंगल मूर्ति रूप |
    • राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप ||
  • Hanuman Chalisa Bhajan with Lyrics and Meaning in English

    All of us have heard or read Hanuman Chalisa but only a few understand it line by line.

    Hence, to help Bhagwan Hanuman’s devotees learn more about him, I have translated the Hanuman Chalisa in three languages, Hindi, English and Odia with the best of my knowledge of Awadhi and Hanuman Chalisa.

    I have referred Gitapress Gorakhpur for the text and Shri Ramabhadra Acharya ji for the meaning. Whenever there is a conflict, all details have been provided.

    Hanuman Chalisa with English Translation

    The chalisa contains two couplets in the beginning and two at the end. Rest(middle part) of the chalisa contains 40 lines or 20 chaupaayis.

    Initial Doha Set

    There are two Dohas in the beginning. And two at the end.

    First Doha (Couplet)

    • श्री गुरु चरण सरोज रज, निज मन मुकुरु सुधारि,
    • बरनऊं रघुबर बिमल जसू, जो दायक फल चारी |
    • Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Mana Mukuru Sudhaari,
    • Barnau Raghubar Bimal Jasu, Jo Daayaku Phal Chaari.

    After cleaning the mirror of my heart with the dust of my guru’s feet.

    Now I am explaining the glory of Raghubar(Shri Ram), which gives me 4 rewards,

    • Dharma(my duties),
    • Artha(wealth),
    • Kama(desires),
    • Moksha (enlightenment).

    Second Doha (Couplet)

    • बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके, सुमिरौ पवन कुमार,
    • बल बुद्धि विद्या देहु मोहि, हरहु कलेश विकार |
    • Buddhiheen Tanu Jaanike, Sumirau Pawan Kumaar,
    • Bal, Buddhi, VIdya Dehu Mohey Harahu Kalesh Vikaar.

    You (Hanuman) know that I am just an innocent (lack of knowledge) person. I am meditating for you, oh! Pawan Kumar.

    #NOTE: Hanuman is also called as Pawan Kumar because he was the biological son of Deva Pawan (the god of wind).

    Give me bal (strength), buddhi (wisdom) and vidya (knowledge, skill) and remove all kalesh(problems) from my life.

    The Chaupaayis(Quartets)

    Each chaupaayi is made up of four lines. There are 40 lines which can be divided into 20 chaupaayis.

    First Chaupaayi

    • जय हनुमान ज्ञान गुन सागर | जय कपीस तिन्हु लोक उजागर ||
    • राम दूत अतुलित बल धामा | अंजनि पुत्र पवनसुत नामा ||
    • महाबीर बिक्रम बजरंगी | कुमति निवार सुमति के संगी ||
    • कंचन बरन बिरज सुबेसा | कानन कुंडल कुंचित केसा ||

    Oh Hanuman, you are the ocean of wisdom and virtue, we sing to your praise. Oh, the supreme of apes, you are the light to three lokas (prithvi, pataal and swarg).

    You are the messenger of Ram and you have unending strength. Son of Anjani (mother) and Son of Pawan deva (the biological father) are your names.

    Second Chaupaayi

    • हाथ बज्र औ ध्वजा बिराजे | कांधे मुख जनेऊ साजे ||
    • शंकर स्वयं केसरी नंदन | तेज प्रताप महा जग बंदन ||
    • विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर | राम काज करिबे को आतुर ||
    • प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया | राम लखन सीता मन बसिया ||

    *इसे श्री रामभद्राचार्य जी की टिप्पणियों के बाद संपादित किया गया है |

    गीता प्रेस गोरखपुर: शंकर सुवन केसरी नंदन |

    रामभद्राचार्य जी : शंकर स्वयं केसरी नंदन |

    Hanuman is not son (suvan) of Shankar, he is Shankar himself (स्वयं ).

    • Your hand is holding vajra-like Gada and on your shoulder there is janeu of munja grass.
    • Hanuman is Shankar himself, the son of Kesari, the whole world sings to your glory and valour.
    • You are full of knowledge, virtue and clever, and you are always ready to serve prabhu Ram.
    • You are always happy to listen about the deeds of Prabhu (Ram); and Ram Lakshman and Seeta live in your heart.

    Third Chaupaayi

    • सूक्ष्म रूप धरि सियहिं दिखावा | बिकट रूप धरि लंक जरावा ||
    • भीम रूप धरि असुर संहारे | रामचन्द्र जी के काज संवारे ||
    • लाये संजीवन लखन जियाये | श्री रघुबीर हरषि उर लाये ||
    • रघुपति कीन्ही बहुत बड़ाई | तुम मम प्रिया भारत हीं सम भाई ||
    • Taking a very micro form, you were equally as ferocious as a lion. You took a very dangerous avarat when you burnt the Kingdom of Lanka.
    • You took a big avatar to slay the demons and served the needs of Sri Ram.
    • You brought Sanjeevani (medicine) which was vital for Lakshmana. This made Sri Ram (Raghubir) very happy.
    • Then Sri Ram (Raghupati) praised you and said Hanuman, you are as dear to me as my brother.

    Fourth Chaupaayi

    • सहस बदन तुम्हारो जस गावें | अस कहि श्रीपति कंठ लगावैं ||
    • सनकादिक ब्रह्मादि मुनिसा | नारद सारद सहित अहिसा ||
    • जम कुबेर दिगपाल जहां ते | कबी कोबिद कहि सके कहां ते ||
    • तुम उपकार सुग्रीवहिं कीन्हा | राम मिलाये राज पद दीन्हा ||
    • Hundreds of people sing to your glory. Sripati (Sri Ram) engulfs you in his warm embrace.
    • Sanak, Brahma and other Muni-Rishis along with Maa Saraswati, Sheshnaag and Narad Muni all praise your glory.
    • Yamraaj and Kuber who are the guardians of different frontiers are unable to do justice by singing your glory, how can ordinary poets do the justice.
    • Your help Sugreeve to become a king when you introduced him to Shree Ram..

    Fifth Chaupaayi

    • तुम्हारो मंत्र विभीषण माना | लंकेश्वर भय सब जग जाना ||
    • जुग सहस्त्र जोजन पर भानु | लील्यो ताहि मधुर फल जानु ||
    • प्रभु मुद्रिका मेलि मुख माहीं | जलधि लंबी गई अचरज नाहिं ||
    • दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते || सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हरे तेते ||
    • Even Vibheeshan believed your advice, which helped him become the King of Lanka.
    • The sun is at a distance of one thousand yugas, yet you ate it thinking it was a fruit.
    • While keeping the ring of Shree Ram in your mouth, it was no wonder that you could even cross an ocean.
    • Whatever be the difficult tasks in the world, with your grace, everything becomes easy.

    Sixth Chaupaayi

    • राम दुआरे तुम रखवारे | होत ना आज्ञा बिनु पैसारे ||
    • सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी सरना | तुम रक्षक काहू को डरना ||
    • आपन तेज सम्हारो आपै | तीनो लोक हांक ते कांपै ||
    • भूत पिशाच निकट नहीं आवै | महाबीर जब नाम सुनावै ||
    • You are like a guard to Shree Rama, no one can seek his blessings without your grace.
    • Your shelter gives every possible happiness. There is no fear when you are protecting us.
    • Only you can handle your shine. The three lokas (Earth, Sky and the Underworld), treble when you are in your full glory.
    • No ghost or pisacha can come near us, when we chant the name of of Hanuman.

    Seventh Chaupaayi

    • नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा | जपत निरंतर हनुमान बीरा ||
    • संकट ते हनुमान छुड़ावै | मन क्रम बचन ध्यान जो लावै ||
    • सब पर राम राय सिरताजा*| तिन के काज सकल तुम साजा ||
    • और मनोरथ जो कोई लावे | सोई अमित जीवन फल पावै ||

    *इसे श्री रामभद्राचार्य जी की टिप्पणियों के बाद संपादित किया गया है |

    गीता प्रेस गोरखपुर: सब पर राम तपस्वी राजा|

    रामभद्राचार्य जी: सब पर राम राय सिरताजा| Bhagwan Ram was the King of Ayodhya and not an ascetic (तपस्वी ). He was above everyone as the King and therefore it was said that Ray(king) Seer (head) Taja(place).

    • Whoever chants your name regularly, can destroy any ailment or pain.
    • Hanuman liberates them from any danger, whoever reveres Hanuman in work, speech and spirit.
    • Ram is the King above all. You have helped him do every work with great ease.
    • Whoever brings their wishes to you, gets blessed for eternal life.

    Eighth Chaupaayi

    • चारो जग परताप तुम्हारा | है परसिद्ध जगत उजियारा ||
    • साधु संत के तुम रखवारे | असुर निकंदन राम दुलारे ||
    • अष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता | असबर दिन जानकी माता ||
    • राम रसायन तुम्हारे पासा | सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा ||

    *इसे श्री रामभद्राचार्य जी की टिप्पणियों के बाद संपादित किया गया है |

    गीता प्रेस गोरखपुर: सदा रहो रघुपति के दासा ||

    रामभद्राचार्य जी: सादर हो रघुपति के दासा || Bhagwan Ram was the King of Ayodhya and not an ascetic (तपस्वी ). He was above everyone as the King and therefore it was said that Ray(king) Seer (head) Taja(place).

    • Your power has been witnessed by all the four yugas. Your glory is famous worldwide.
    • You are the protector of Sadhu and Sant. You have banished Asuras, oh dear of Ram.
    • You bless us with mastery over the eight siddhis and nine nidhis. This capability of yours was blessed by Maa Sita (Janaki).
    • You have the secret mantra of Ram. Our regards are with you, oh servant of Ram.

    Ninth Chaupaayi

    • तुम्हारे भजन राम को पावै | जनम जनम के दुख बिसरावै ||
    • अंत काल रघुबर पुर जाई | जहां जन्म हरिभक्त कहाई ||
    • और देवता चित्त न धरई | हनुमत सई सर्व सुख करई ||
    • संकट कटै मिटै सब पीरा | जो सुमिरै हनुमत बलबीरा ||
    • When we sing your bhajans it easily reaches Ram through you. Through this we are liberated from the pains of several lives.
    • At the end of their lives, people go to the birthplace of Ram (Ayodhya) where you were born.
    • Devatas need not take human avatars anymore, you are enough to solve all the problems of everyone.
    • Danger and pain ends for them who revere Hanuman.

    Tenth Chaupaayi

    • जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाईं | कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नाईं ||
    • यह सत बर पाठ कर जोई | छुटहि बन्दी महा सुख होई ||
    • जो यहां पढ़ै हनुमान चालीसा | होय सिद्धि साखी गौरीसा ||
    • तुलसीदास सदा हरि चेरा | कीजै नाथ हृदय महं डेरा ||

    *इसे श्री रामभद्राचार्य जी की टिप्पणियों के बाद संपादित किया गया है |

    गीता प्रेस गोरखपुर: जो सत बार पाठ कर कोई |

    रामभद्राचार्य जी: यह सत बर पाठ कर जोई | Whoever reads Hanuman Chalisa 100 times gets liberated from the world’s temptations.

    • We sing victory to Hanuman. Bless us, we are your disciples and you are our guru.
    • Whoever sings Hanuman Chalisa 100 times, is considered liberated and gets happiness.
    • Bhagwan Shiva (Gaurisa, Gauri’s Husband) stands testament to the fact that Hanuman Chalisa readers get enlightened.
    • Tulsidas says he is a servant of Prabhu Ram and requests Hanuman to live in his heart.

    The Final Doha Set

    • पवन तनय संकट हरन, मंगल मूर्ति रूप |
    • राम लखन सीता सहित, हृदय बसहु सुर भूप ||
    • Ohh son of Pawan Deva, liberator from dangers, the epitome of goodness.
    • With Ram, Lakshman and Sita, stay in my heart, Hanuman.

    About Bhagwan(God) Hanuman and Hanuman Chalisa

    Bhagwan Hanuman is one of the seven eternals who have been blessed to serve the world for 4 Yugas which are Satya Yug, Dwapar Yug, Treta Yuga and Kali Yug.

    He is considered a form of Bhagwan Shiv and is the son of Kesari(father) and Anjana(mother). The deva Pawan Dev (god of wind) is the biological father of Hanuman.

    In his childhood, he was known to have been very close friends with Sugriva (later king of Kishkindha) and in his adult age, he assisted Shri Ram in tracking down Mother Sita and also helped him win the war.

    The Chalisa is written in Doha-Chaupaayi form which means that there would be Doha which has two lines at the beginning and end, with all the verses in the middle written in stanzas of 4 lines called Chaupaayi.

    My Experience with Hanuman Chalisa

    I have been reading Hanuman Chalisa since I was 5 years old and learnt it from my mother who used to recite it to me since I was born.

    My experience with Hanuman Chalisa has been highly relieving and when I have some stress or fatigue. I use it as a form of meditation and it greatly helps to calm me down.

    Hanuman Chalisa also removes problems of all kinds from your lives if you read it with complete devotion.

    Since I have a very rich experience in Braj and Awadhi and grew up reading these literature since the last 20 years, I can definitely provide a much better translation.

    Hanuman Chalisa Origin

    Hanuman Chalisa was written by Goswami Tulsidas around 1575 CE. It was written in a series of 40 verses and hence the name chalisa. The word Chalisa means 40 lines.

  • The Garuda Purana in English with PDF

    Here is a PDF of the Garuda Purana available in English.

    The Garuda Purana is one of the 18 Mahapuranas in Hinduism.

    The Garuda Purana is in the form of a dialogue between Bhagwan Vishnu and his vahana Garuda and is explained in 19000 shlokas.

    Way of Life, Death and Aftermath

    It narrates the ideal way of live and tells about a model way of living our lives. The purana also mentions what happens in we do not follow these rules and regulations. It also narrates he journey of soul after death.

    Vishnu Avatars

    It also mentions the different incarnations of Bhagwan Vishnu.

    Garud Puran is one of the 3 puranas which mention Tulsi Puja.

    Cosmology

    The Garuda Purana also has a detailed text on Cosmology.

  • Who Has Started Tulsi Pujan Diwas? All details on Tulsi Pujan

    Tulsi Pujan Diwas is celebrated on 25th December and was started by Asaram Bapu in 2014 in response to the growing western influence of Christmas and New Year on Indians. The puja is aimed to revere the significance of Tulsi plant (Holy Basil) within Hinduism and Indian culture.

    It is believed that if you worship Maa Tulsi, she blesses you and your family with wealth, peace, happiness and well-being. Tulsi Puja is mentioned in Garud Puran, Padma Puran and Skanda Puran.

    How to Perform Tulsi Puja on Tulsi Pujan Diwas?

    First you need to have a Tulsi plant which has been planted in a pot or on soil. It is usually performed on Tulsi plant which is worshipped on a daily basis.

    Materials needed:

    1. Ghee Diya
    2. Agarbatti or Dhoop
    3. Aasan
    4. Water
    5. Garuda Purana Book (Free Download)

    Tulsi Pujan Procedure

    1. Light the diya.
    2. Burn the dhoop or agarbatti.
    3. Offer water to the Tulsi Plant.
    4. Chant Tulsi Stuti Mantra, Source ABP News.

      देवी त्वं निर्मिता पूर्वमर्चितासि मुनीश्वरैः
      नमो नमस्ते तुलसी पापं हर हरिप्रिये

    5. Apply Sindoor, Rice to the plant.
    6. Offer prasad of sweets, fruits or jaggery.
    Tulsi Pujan Mantra
    Tulsi Pujan Mantra

    Be Careful of:

    • Don’t pluck Tulsi leaves without bathing, after evenings or on Sundays.
    • Don’t apply sindoor on the stem or near the roots as sindoor should be applied on forehead which is the top portion of the plant. It is advised that men do not apply sindoor on Tulsi plant.

    Vaastu Tips About Tulsi Plant

    1. Best time to bring a Tulsi plant home is during any Thursday of Kartika month.
    2. A Tulsi plant should be established in the north-east corner of your home. It should never be planted in the south direction.
    3. Sindoor can be applied on Tulsi Plant as per Vastu Shastra.
    4. You can plant a Tulsi plant on the balcony or corridor.
    5. A Tulsi plant should always be planted in Earthen pot and should never be planted in plastic.
    6. You should apply yellow colour on Tulsi pot which is related to Bhagwan Vishnu as he has a name called “Pitambar”. The word pitambar means “the one who wears yellow clothes”.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why Tulsi Pujan Diwas is Celebrated?

    Tulsi Pujan Diwas is celebrated to revere the spiritual and medicinal significance of Tulsi plant in Hinduism. It is believed to give wealth, peace and material well being to the worshipper.

    Which text or Puranas mention Tulsi Puja?

    Tulsi Puja and its significance is mentioned in 3 puranas. They are:
    1. Padma Puran (Book)
    2. Garuda Puran (PDF)
    3. Skanda Puran (Book) (Free Kindle eBook)

    When Tulsi Pujan Diwas is Celebrated?

    Tulsi Pujan Diwas is celebrated on 25th of December every year.