Kumar Purnima/Sharad Purnima/ Gajanan Lakshmi Puja

 Today, is Kumar Purnima. It is the birth of Kumar(Karthikey). We Odia girls celebrate this with fasting and feasting. My memories goes back to my childhood days and the puja's I did. Normally, at around 5 years of age a girl starts doing this puja. Initially mother's help you g girls do this. 

My mother would ask me to get up very early take a head bath and wear new clothes. Then on our terrace the puja would start with a variety of fruits, khai(lia) a type of rice flakes that would be offered to Sun in early morning. Then the day goes by fasting and roaming around with friends. In the evening a bhog is prepared with Khai, banana and other fruits and jaggery. We arrange it in plate and offer to the Moon and break our fast. 

The same puja is performed in various ways in different parts of Odisha. Recently got to know that people of North Andhra that is after Vijayanagar to Srikakulam they also worship this Puja. In Jajpur they don't do this morning puja and in evening after offering to the moon they visit a pond and throw some mud into the water. Somewhat different from what people of Jagatsinghpur would do. Even though both these districts are from undivided Cuttack. I am sure other districts would have their versions. 

Well this puja is for getting a handsome husband. What peculiar thing for the modern society that we live right?? Well in some places the boys also keep this fast. Not sure for a beautiful patner or is it just in remembrance of lord Karthikey.

Anyways let me now describe my first visit to Denkanal. This place in Odisha is famous for its Gajalakshmi puja which starts from Kumar Purnima and goes upto 11 days. I remember in my engineering days most probably 2nd year of engineering we visited Denkanal during Gajalakshmi puja. 

We first went to Joranda( place of Mahima Dharma/cult). It was a sunny and humid day. My grandfather had taken this Dharma so it has a special place in our life. We visited an Ashram to which my grandfather's guru belonged. There we met a small Sanyasi aged around 7 yrs. He was so happy to see us. And he talked so much. The only thing is they speak to everyone as if we are younger to them. But, my thinking mind kept on thinking about his condition. Does he even know why he had to live away from his family in this Ashram? What about his education? What if he grows up and do not want to be a Sanyasi all his life. What happens to him??

After talking to him we found that his parents sent him here because they had difficulty in keeping a child servive after birth. So, they pledged that if a child survive he/she  will be sent to Ashram. To my thinking mind my mom answered that when this boy will be 12 to 13 yrs age these Sanyasi will ask him if he wants to continue here or would like to go back to worldly life that we normally do and if he wishes so he will be sent to his family. Great!! 

Then we visited the Sunya Mandir. I was observing people from young to old and their practices and beliefs on Mahima Dharma. In my native village many of our grandparents(their generation) followed Mahima Dharma so we have a Tungi ( small ashram like house) in our own village. Sometimes these baba's would visit our village and stay there for a day as they don't stay in a place for long time. Remaining time the room remains locked and we kids play in that compound. 

After returning from Joranda we went to one of my father's colleague's house. There was a big pond near to their house and it was all decorated with lights for Gajalakshmi puja. It came as a shock and can't forget that this colleague of my father had two wives. Both were sisters and his second wife had a son. He had remarried because first one didn't had a child. His first wife never came to meet us. She would just be busy doing house chores and the second one would meet people and enjoy life without doing any house hold work. What a miserable life his first wife had? 

This is the sacrifice a woman did for her husband. Will a husband do the same for his wife, had there been a problem with the man? Then we visited some pandals and went to my father's close friends house as he was posted in Denkanal in those days. Then we came back. 

Well during my stay in Bangalore, I learnt that my PG owner had two wives. The first wife had given him lots of properties but never had a child. Then he remarried and had two kids from his second wife who was from a poor family. His first wife went to stay in their native and would rarely visit Bangalore. This man just had houses built in the places that he got as a dowry from his first wife and he was maintaining a good life with the rental income from his properties. Look at the fate of these two first wives, they sacrificed their lives for their husbands. 

Well, now I see a lot of progressive men who do not do this. But, still this practice is still in place. What happens to women who marry men who can't have their kids? Does the family or husband support such things? 

Think about it. Our mindset needs a change. 

Sometimes it never ends!!

 Just completed movie Auro mein kahan dum tha. This movie made me remind of my own thoughts in so many ways.

Pyar karo to puri filmy style ki kabhi bhul hi na pao.. I tried to forget, to be angry , sometimes felt it was me alone in that love story. But, love is love whether it's reciprocated or not. Whether it was me alone or not. It was my love. My feelings, my vulnerabilities that I exposed to someone with trust. You wrote to me not to be in the place where you would live. As if someone said Tathastu to that till today I never visited that place. I will try not to go there but in movies I just watch the place and still imagine, how it would have felt to stand there and watch a sunset together. That bridge, those beaches are so damn beautiful. I wish I could see. 

Some lines were so touching in this movie and  lyrics were too good. After a long time watched such a good love story. Just like Tabu saying will you come to meet me if I ask you to before dieing one last time. I too wanted to ask that. May be that's the reason I wrote that last year when I was too sick. I am imperfect human being, I can't control when sick. But, thankfully I didn't write I missed you or can I see you. 

I knew that it will never end for me that's the reason never wanted to marry.  I wish I could have done that just for myself.  I would have been better that way. But, being a woman is my problem. Nobody can ever understand me other than me myself. 

Ab toh bas uparwale hi mera kuch kar sakte hai. 

What makes us not share??

 With death of Ratan tata, the same question arises multiple times in my mind. Why do we not do things when the person is alive? Many times our government wanted to give Ratan Tata a Bharat Ratna, but they did not..

What stopped us do this when he was alive? What benefit does it serve if you do this after the person is gone? News report says, Ratan Tata did not agree. Well a man who never chased appreciation or reward for his good works, will he come and say he wants it. But, does that stop us from recognising him. 

Well it's past now. But, someone like him should receive it while alive. I don't think anyone would disagree to this. 

Same goes to all our relationships with friends and people we know. We hesitate to share our feelings sometimes when they are around us and later we regret we could have done this or that. Why can't we do that immediately, whenever we felt like we should do it. 

What stops us? Is it our ego, self respect or is it a fear of rejection? Life is too short. Who knows till when we can have them in our life. So, we should reach out to people more. 

Just now saw a guru say that four things we should do in life

1- apologies when you know you made a mistake 

2- appreciate others when they are their for you

3-  share your feelings as early as can

4- seek help if you know you need it

It's easier said than done. My problem area is seeking help. 😂 Other 3 points is okay for me. Except this one. Lived so long without seeking help that I now feel awkward to even seek it. What do I do ? 

I am imperfect and I need to learn too. 

क़द्र

 कुछ लोग कुछ करते भी नहीं

 पर कोई उनसे नाराज नहीं होते

और कुछ लोग जान हथेली पर रख दे 

तब भी कोई खुश  नहीं होते 

किसिने खूब कहा था 

जिस्मे strength होती है 

उसको ही ज्यादा सहना पड़ता है ..

आज बहत दिनों बाद रोने का मन हो रहा है 

क्या में सच में कम रोती हु

 जो यह एहसास मेरे कम नहीं होते 

Shoes for the soul !!

 From today's paper, very beautiful and small story. Must read.

Shiva meets Krishna 🙏

 When lord Krishna was a 12 days old baby and was at Nanda and Yashoda's house, lord Shiva wanted to see him. So, lord Shiva came to Nanda and Yashoda's house. When he knocked the door, Yashoda came out and asked if he needed anything.

Shiva told her that he wants to see the baby Krishna. To which Yashoda says, he is too young and I can't bring him out. 

Hearing this lord Shiva turns back to return. At this point baby Krishna cries and howls suddenly . Yashoda understood that sending lord Shiva back was a mistake. She then runs behind Shiva and asks him to come back and meet little Krishna. 

Lord Shiva comes back and holds little Krishna in his arms. In this way the destroyer and the saviour meet. Lord Shiva is a great devotee of lord Vishnu and lord Vishnu is a great devotee of lord Shiva. Lord Shiva blesses little Krishna and then goes back to Kailash. 

Missing

 When you miss someone 

But can't talk

It's a worst kind of feeling 

They say,

 Maan ka ho toh achha

Aur Maan ka na ho toh aur achha

Then why do I feel like this even today 

May be my higher good is still unknown to me

Passing through each and every test so far

Sometimes feels like I never needed to do this 

I can't undo or redo anything 

But all I can do is try distracting myself 

Which sometimes seems so impossible 

Why can't I silence my mind 

Why can't I just let it stop

Oh divine forces pls do help 🙏 

Golconda and my memories!!

I was in 11th or 12th when we visited Bangalore and Hyderabad. We spent more time in Bangalore, Mysore, and a couple of days in Hyderabad. On the first day we went to Golconda Fort. 

It was fascinating to see the entrance door where if you clap that can be heard at the main building which lies 3 to 4 km from the entrance. One loud clap that vibrates takes the sound that far. In the old days, if a visitor came visiting, the doorkeeper would clap and it would be noted by someone in the main palace. 

Do we have such technology now?? Interesting isn't it?? I have a habit of thinking about the kings and queens and how their lifestyle would look like in my imagination. No matter which palace or fort I visit I would submerge myself imagining how this place would have looked then. Back then I did that. The long and high steps of this fort and the amount of walking you need to do made my feet swell when we returned. But, yes, it is a magnificent fort with a temple, mosque, and jail. 

There was a singer named Taramati who sang at a distant place known as Taramati Baradari. The wind carried the song to Golconda fort, where a prince heard it. 

Another story says two courtesans named Taramati and Premamati would dance and sing on ropes tied between Golconda and Taramati Baradari and travellers would enjoy it. As a tribute to them both of them Taramati and Premamati got a royal burial at Qutub Shahi tombs. 

Many bats live in present-day Fort and you can hear their sounds in the dark rooms and smell the foul smell that comes out of it. Nevertheless, imagining a royal lifestyle by looking at the baths(hammams) of these royal people is very interesting. 

The second time,I visited Golconda fort in 2011 when my parents visited us again and finally a third time just yesterday to show my son around. 

Back then my feet swell. It was in 2011 that I was able to cover the entire fort without feeling any discomfort. This time I felt so dizzy when I reached the top of the hill near Mahankali temple.  I felt I would fall down. Sat down for some time drank water and then continued my journey. Some of the pictures I share here for you to enjoy. 

Feel the love 💘

 Stood there on top of Golconda 

Spread my hands and looked up,

Sky was filled with clouds in shape of hearts ❤️ 

Felt the wind blowing on my face 

Caressing my tresses 

It felt like the famous Titanic pose ❤️

That we used to do in our engineering days

I wished that the music would play somehow 

I wanted to feel that lyrics again

Why do I see love everywhere ?

In the cloud, in the reflection of light in water 

When light passes through a ring placed on 

book ❤️

Or my coffee when I blow it gently 

I wish I could show that to you

Let you see that love is omnipresent ❤️

I wish those clouds cover the distance between us

And show you what I saw today ❤️

Vijaya Dashami 🙏

 Today is the glorious day of the celebrations of Mother's victory. All the gods rejoice and mankind is in exuberance of joy, for they have received the Supreme assurance that so long as they turn to Mother in their extremity and distress , there will be no lock of support and strength. Mother is a champion of those in distress and those who seek refuge at her divine feet. 

She is Maha-shakti (infinite strength) , as such we have to turn to her and no more will there be weakness in us. The supreme victory over darkness and ignorance and we will be partakers together with the mother of joy. It is a day of confidence, strength and courage for all seekers.

~Swami Chidananda

PS I LOVE YOU

 To overcome that broken stage of my life I watched this beautiful movie PS I LOVE YOU several times. Who watches romantic movie to overcome heartbreak 🤣, crazy one like me will do that.

Even today when I miss those days, I watch this movie. Though now I complete one movie in 3 to 4 days. 🤣

Some of the beautiful movies we should all watch. One such is this PS I LOVE YOU. 

I wish I could have a guide line to navigate this life like that.. it didn't but my heart answered all my questions from the other end too. And it does so even today. 

Crazy me!!

MINDSET of taking to giving!!

As I previously wrote long time back, that sometimes I feel the article in our newspaper is just apt for me. Yesterday was feeling how I can contribute to changing mindset. And this article here answered my question. 

Maa Siddhidhatri 🙏

She is worshipped on the last day of Navaratri. Siddhi means supernatural power or meditative ability, and Dhatri means giver or awarder. She is worshipped on the ninth day of Navaratri (nine nights of Navadurga); she fulfills all the divine aspirations.

Siddhidhatri is the moola roopa or primordial form of goddess Parvati. She possesses eight supernatural powers, or the siddhis, called Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakambya, Ishitva and Vashitva. Anima means reducing one's body to the size of an atom; Mahima means expanding one's body to an infinitely large size; Garima means becoming infinitely heavy; Laghima means becoming weightless; Prapti means having omnipresence; Prakambya achieving whatever one desire; Ishitva means possessing absolute lordship; and Vashitva means having the power to subjugate all.

ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः॥

Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah॥

Hreem kleem aim sidhaye namah ll

Desire

 Aeshna you are the desire of your father

Be a good human filled with love

May mother goddess bless you with health 

And may you be happy and contented 

always

Love, live and laugh 

Be yourself 

Fearless and charismatic always 💖

Sometimes I feel like asking??

Sometimes I feel like asking 

Why did you choose guilt??

Why did you let me choose grief??

But I know you will say 

Does truth have any place??

There could have been 

There are multiple ways to solve 

But you were not ready my dear

So, it's okay to be as it is

I wish you to be happy always 😍

There is no point in two people suffering 

If one is happy it's a better option always😃

They say there must be some higher good

Yes, must be somewhere hiding still 

out of my sight

Someday some miracle will reveal that

I just have to have patience to wait for that

Let god take time as per the benefit of all

I will try my best still to be a better person 

Each day that I can be

Giving up all attachments slowly and 

 steadily 💖

Letting my wisdom guide in right direction 

Trying to change my mindset as quickly as I can 

To be that curious in learning as I always used to be

I still need to focus on my health and build back my stamina 

Will I succeed or not only time can say 💗

I wish you too take care of your health 💝 

What ever the situation is you are in me ❤️

 

Maa MahaGauri 🙏

 On 8th day of Navaratri Maa MahaGauri is worshipped. She rides a bull and wears white saree. She has 4 arms. 

She had become too dark after the penance to get Shiva. She prays to Bhrama to get back her looks. Bhrama asks her to kill Shumbha and Nishumbh and then bath in Ganga. 

She is auspicious, brilliant and protects the good people while punishing those who perform evil deeds. Mother Gauri enlightens the spiritual seeker and removes the fear of death.

Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah॥

Shreem kleem hreem varadaye namah!!

Who needs a MINDSET change??

 Just saw a post by a fellow classmate saying look at a Russian woman priest blessing a Hindu in Moscow. Sanatan Dharma equals all. 

It's a good thought no doubt. But, do we allow non-hindu to enter our temple premises inside India? We don't, that is reason Jagannath comes out of his temple to bless all. What are we trying to suggest here? Our mindset is still the same... divided based on religion, caste, creed and nevertheless gender.

 But, we want to prove to our own people by looking at western people that see our Dharma is not divided, it equals all. If so then can those upper caste priests agree that let's open all our temples to western people? 

If still our mindset can't change because it is our so called tradition then there is absolutely no reason why we need to circulate such posts in social media showing and boasting that we don't differentiate?? It's our mindset (India's own mindset) that needs to rise above these posts based on political stand point and propagandas, if we can't change it. Why we are trying to justify it by showing western people? Did they lack God? No they are those people who have their own gods as per their beliefs but their MINDSET is much above us and they accept all so they could choose Hinduism. They didn't feel like their religion will come to cease if they change it. 

We should learn from them not the vice versa. 

Tassels my first trial.!!

 This two I made during my maternity leave. 

One is on my mom's saree and the other one is just a trial on my old dupatta. 

Thankyou 

Crochet and cross stitch cloth.

 This one I made to cover a corner table. I love the final outcome of it. What do you think ??

Thanks. 

Crochet baby blanket!!

 This one I made while expecting my child. In my native they ask not to make any preparation ahead of a child's arrival but I didn't listen to those advices. All I wanted was to keep myself busy with many different activities. I did this with a full time job and working in odd shifts.

When the final one was ready it made me feel good. That's how I creatively utilise my time to divert my mind and not become anxious. I feel more anxious if I just sit idle. Hence, I utilise my time in many ways so that I get no time to be anxious whole day long. Today I share this thought so that if you feel anxious the best way is to get creative and divert your focus on many activities. And it makes you feel relaxed when you have hobbies to keep you busy. 

Here is a picture of it. 

Maa Kalaratri 🙏

 On day 7th day of Navaratri Maa Kaalratri is worshipped. She is the fearest form of Maa and her appearance invokes fear. She is believed to be the destroyer of all demons, spirits and negative energies. 

She is associated with crown chakra and is said to yield the worshipper siddhis and niddhis. 

She is considered auspicious and bestow upon her worshippers fearlessness. 

Ohm Devaye Kalaratreyai Namah 🙏🙏

Mandir Wale friends!!

 Heard a spiritual guru say that remember the friends with whom you go to Mandir. They remain forever. So, true.. They remain for ever.. we might not speak always or may be we remain far away.. still I know they are just a phone call away.  

So, celebrate your friendship with your mandir friends. Loved this concept 🤩 

Zindagi ek zoo!!

 Meri zindagi ek zoo jaisi hi hai

Kahi bandar

Kahi lomdi

Kahi girgit

Kahi saap

Kahi haathi

Sab bhare pade hai 

Bade pyar se sab mujhe esse ghurte hai 

Pata nahi Kahan Kahan se noch khayenge

Har kisiki umeed mein kahan kahan se puri Karu

Aakhir hu toh mein sirf ek insaan hi hu 😆😆

Fir bhi need kuin udd jaati hai 

Jab kuch bacha hi nahi khone ko🤔🤔🤔

Chasing a snake!!

 Imagine two friends walking in woods.

One of them gets bitten by snake.

And this person instead of crying for help

goes behind the snake to find answers to 

why it bite them. 

This is what we normally do when we are 

hurt by someone.

All we need to do is focus on our healing 

than focusing on why this happened??

Saying is always easy and doing this takes 

lots of courage. 

The snake will never come back and

 apologize or give you that answer why they 

did that to you. 

If at all they give also it won't matter much 

because the hurt is done. 

So, always we need to stop thinking about 

the people who hurt and focus our energy on 

other things that can still give us happiness.

Someday if that answer has to come back it 

will come on its own. Don't chase the 

answers that you seek. Focus on yourself and 

your surroundings.  Learning this takes time. 

Keep faith and hope. 

Believer vs Aethist !!

 This article in today's paper is somewhat like my feelings today. 

Vanwas!!

 Ram's Vanwas completed in 14 yrs

Pandav's in 12 yrs

But how long an ordinary person has to suffer 

To get rid of the old karma's 

How long the person needs to wait

You are all merciful then why you don't appear 

Why you make suffering so hard

That each passing day feels like why it didn't end

Thanking you in advance that there will be miracle is what is in our hands 

And that's what we do

Thankyou thankyou and thankyou for the air that I can still breath

Thankyou for the water that I still drink 

Thankyou for the food that I can eat

Thankyou for my mind that I can still think 

Thankyou for the technology that I can still write 

Thankyou for a hope

Thankyou for my friends 

Thankyou for my family 

Thankyou for my child

Thankyou for the house that I live

Thankyou for my education 

Thankyou for almost everything 

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

What happens when love is unrequited?

 It becomes a solitary path, a constant reminder of distance and reality. Despite pain there is often a glimmer of hope that someday things will change. It's a love that feels destined yet unattainable. 

When you love deeply and they don't feel the same way, it's like carrying a heavy weight. The weight of shattered expectations and broken dreams. You feel like walking in the dark and hoping that light is there at the end of tunnel. You feel letting go of the one is better than clinging on to them when they don't reciprocate. 

A loving heart chooses to let go. A heart that has loved deeply chooses to keep good memories or completely moves on. A heart that truly loved respects the choices of their loved ones, even though grief is what it gets. 

Maa Katyani 🙏

 On sixth day Maa Katyani is worshipped. Odisha and Srikhetra( Puri Jagannath temple) is believed to be the place of Maa Katyani. 

She is the most fierce form of Maa. As per Vamana Purana she appeared when deities prayed to Vishnu to save them from Mahisasura. The anger of Vishnu, Shiva and Bhrama merged together to originate this Devi, who had long hairs, 3 eyes and 18 hands.  She rides a lion and gets the weapons from each god. She then comes to Mysore and fights with Mahisasura. Mahisasura takes up the form of a Buffalo and fights with Devi. 

Kleem Shree Trinetraye Namah!!!

Maa Ambika temple Baripada 🙏

 This temple I visited during my engineering days. It was in close proximity to the Baripada bus stand. 

There is another Ambika temple at Devkunda near Baripada. Where she is believed to be the living goddess. It's near a waterfall and a popular tourist spot. But, I have not been here. 

Devi is Primal force underlying all existence!!

 This article today is by Swami Sivananda Saraswati.. who wrote Durga Chalisa. 

Kintusgi!!

 Today morning my favourite cup's handle cracked. 

I didn't drop it, but kept it and a piece came out.

It reminded me of the Japanese art of joining broken pottery with gold and silver. 

I kept my cup and it's broken piece instead of just throwing it away.

I don't have gold and silver to make masterpieces.

But, if a glue can fix it ... I will keep it. No matter crack will be there but it will still be my favourite cup.

I wish I could fix everything just like Kintusgi and make masterpieces. 

All the old ties, all the favourite ones that I want to have, can I miraculously fix them back. That will have cracks but still it will be beautiful than not having anything. 

Can I create that masterpiece that would look miraculous and fulfill all my desires. 💕

Sanjeeth !!

 Woke up to a notification that reminded me of Sanjeeth, he was my TL in my first organization. I learnt many things from him. 

Few of his words that I can never forget I will put it here today. He said me once, Sharmistha you are a quick learner does not mean your subordinates will be. Don't expect that from them. 

He suggested me to buy a property in Bangalore as I used to live in PG. I listened to him but couldn't say anything. My family just wanted me to get married first and then do as per my husband's choice. But, he was right. I wished to tell him I am a girl not a boy. This privilege is not in my hand. Today I wish I could have done as he suggested. But that time I couldn't. 

He always used to tell me why are you laughing, if I kept smiling. Why he felt I am laughing I don't know. I always smile no matter what but yes life taught me slowly not to smile like that some people don't even take that in a good way. 

When I first approached for a leave after 6 months of my job, Sanjeeth suggested that don't take it now. And I had obeyed that taking my first leave after 1 year of my job. Whenever I used to ask him for leaves, he would say are you getting married? Why you need 10 days? I should have told him pls drop me to airport at 4 am in morning and I will take 5 days leave. But, I never said that.

I still remember when I informed him of getting chicken pox and he asked me how I am planning to go home. Do I need any help. I remember him calling me to check if I reached my PG safely the day there were several bomb blasts in Bangalore. And I stayed pretty close to the place where a lady died in that explosion. I was not aware of this and was in my cab. When I reached my PG I saw that news. 

Two times I made mistake in my work. And it was because of my excitement to go home. But, I apologized and accepted it immediately to Sanjeeth. He didn't even say a single word to me. That's why we should accept our mistakes as soon as possible. We are human beings, who are prone to making mistakes. But, still that guilt of committing that mistake remained with me for many days. Even today I wish I didn't do that. 

After a few years of joining my second organization, got a shocking news one day that Sanjeeth is no more. He had reached managerial role by then, travelled half of the world. He was very jovial and helping. He had built good network but life had other plans. He got cancer and the operation did not succeed. His parents lost a son at very young age. 

Still the notification every year reminds me of him. Good people go too early. 

Miracles from Maa Skandamata 🙏

I have a special blessing from Skandamata. On this tithi 7 yrs back I was blessed with my son. It was a Monday then and it is a Monday this time again. Mother goddess blessed me to be a mother myself. He is my miracle baby. However, I choose to name him Saket as I prayed to Krishna and dedicated his name to Krishna. My happiness had no bound.  Being a mother after a long time of my marriage. 

However, miracles happen soon it follows through hardship. Someone couldn't see my happiness and withstand my joy. In 6 days they snatched away my happiness with the harsh words and pain that my happiness just vanished. People just don't think before they open their mouth. Sometimes they are too sweet but words have no meaning and sometimes they are so harsh that the mental peace just disappears. My life turned upside down in just 6 days. Still with my courage and determination I choose to focus on my responsibility and stood back with faith. It was my father who gave me courage this time by his words, "just bringing this baby to the world is not enough, you have to show up for the responsibility that god has given." I had no choice but surrender to the circumstances. I got to see people and there true self and understood their expectations out of me is unreasonable and beyond my control. 

I am what I am, I choose to forgive and focused on moving on. Though I thought to end my pain this time, somehow gave up for a child. Life still continued, but became too messy. Everything went out of place that I alone can never put it back to where it belonged. This just went on and on.I learnt the same lesson of detachment again and again. And this time I also learnt there is nothing in my control except for keeping my goodness, kindness, forgiveness, positive thoughts and detachment from people, things and materials objects. I am slowly becoming minimalist. I just focus on my inner self. 

Now, I have nothing so there is absolutely nothing to loose anymore. With leap of faith I am still moving. Let's see where all this is taking me. I am writing this so that someone somewhere feels to show up courage and just expect it from yourself not anyone else. Also take life lightly because you never know how life can just change in span of seconds. In the time of trouble only you can turn to yourself or god for help. 

I didn't felt like sharing this here, but today feel like why I should not. This is a virtual platform and nobody knows who is me. I don't want to share it with people I know because nobody shows up for me. If I will disappear oneday, nobody would come for me. Only my family would and those few people already know me. I don't need to put it up here. 

But, then again how to motivate anyone if we do not speak for ourselves. Every one is suffering. And I believe my sufferings are mostly because I am a woman who never gets that support from where it should come.  And sometimes because I choose others over me.  Well I never planned it but it happened so the credit goes to the life that I live, to what life has been teaching me. They named me Sharmistha and life makes me stand for my namesake. 

Let this part of me just disappear and vanish.  

Maa Skandamata 🙏

 Maa Skandamata is worshipped on 5th Day of Navaratri 🙏 As the name suggests, she is mother of Skanda another name of Karthik. 

In Dravidian culture, Karthikey is worshipped with much devotion unlike in North. Karthikey is the son who spread Shaivaism around the world. His other common names are Subramanya, Murugan . 

We don't see any temples in my place dedicated to Karthikey unlike his brother Ganesha. But, in south especially in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu temples usually have him as a presiding deity. 

Skandamata is worshipped in her 4 arm image. One hand in Abhayamudra, the other holding infant Skanda and two other arms holding lotus flower. 

Maa Manasa Devi temple Haridwar!!

 I went to this temple in my 12th std.  It was either the Durga Puja vacation or Winter break we went to Delhi. We visited Delhi, Agra, Mathura, Virndavan, Jaipur and then the last stop was to Rishikesh and Haridwar.

My mom and brother stayed back in Delhi as my brother was not eager to visit these places. My father, me and my youngest brother went to Rishikesh and Haridwar. It was a overnight journey. We went to Ram Jhula, Lakhsman Jhula and enjoyed in banks of Ganga. My father took his holy deep and the water was too cold. River current was also very high. Then we went to Manasa Devi temple. It's located on a hilltop. 

You need to go by ropeway. Thankfully here the ropeway was much better than my last time at Rajgir. All three of us in one cable was good enough and enjoyable. Watching the mountains through the windows and observing the depth we reached Maa Manasa Devi temple. As the name suggests she is the Goddess known for fulfilling all wishes of her devotees. This temple is one of the Siddhpeeth located on Shivalik Hills the southern most mountain range of the mighty Himalayas. 

Here, the Devi originated from the minds lord Shiva.  She is considered the daughter of Shiva. People make wishes and offer bangles to the Devi. And in Prasad they give these bangles to women and girls. I remember the priest gave me two green bangles. I wore it even if it was too larger than the size it would fit me. I don't remember if I made any wish that day or not. 

After coming back from this place we had our lunch and headed back to bus stop. The interesting part was we took a Rickshaw and the Rickshaw puller hit some other vehicle in front of us. The force was so sudden that all of us fell down. My father and brother on left side and I fell to right side. Thankfully it was not a major accident. And luckily there was no other vehicle in high speed at that time. But, my youngest brother was too young and he had hurt his knee. He was crying. Somehow got back to bus and returned to Delhi. 

Respectability!!

 As parents the most challenging task is to accept how tiring parenting can be sometimes. We glorify having kids and the real challenge starts once you are a parent. 

And the worst thing we do is upbringing our child according to the respectability of the society that we live in. We want our kids to be able to do something that would be appreciated in the society. Then starts the mental strain because of our fixed benchmark. 

For the wellbeing of a child we have to accept our child with his or her unique abilities. This does not mean we should not encourage them to develop skills. But, removing that expectation that my child would do this, should develop that etc should be limited. 

I see many of my friends sharing their kids achievement in academics, in sports and other fields. It's good, sometimes when we as parents take it in right way. Or else it's a overburden on self.

 Anyways, by now we know the side effects of social media if we do not use it diligently.  With the society that we live in staying away from your smart phone is not possible, and in many ways we are codependent on technology to progress.  Therefore, it becomes even more challenging for us to restrict ourselves from these thoughts. 

We need to be ready to accept and encompass our child as a priority over our own respect in society. Forget society, relatives etc etc if you want to be able to love your child unconditionally, rather than dictating a specified path for them to follow through. The moment we attach expectations out of our child that love will cease to exist. We cannot change anything unless we accept to change our own mindset. As change is the only constant. 

Maa kusumanda 🙏

 Today on 4th day of Navaratri Maa Kusumanda is worshipped. The name suggests Cosmic egg. The creator of universe. She is believed to bestow health, happiness and prosperity to its devotees. 

Her abode is Anahat Chakra. 

Life lessons again

 I was afraid of being rejected

Until I learned to never reject myself

I was afraid of being abandoned

Until I learned to never abandon myself

I was afraid of the opinions of others

Until I learned that they held no more weight than my own mindset 

I was afraid of painful endings

Until I realised that there is no end

I was afraid of appearing weak

Until I realised my own strength 

I was afraid of being seen as small and unimportant

Until I discovered my true power and potential

I was afraid of being perceived as ugly

Until I learned to fully appreciate my own beauty

I was afraid of failure

Until I learned that it was an illusion

I was afraid of feeling low

Until I learned that it was the birthplace of brilliance and place where my greatest transformation occurred

I was afraid of change

Until I realised it was an inevitable part of life

I was afraid of being alone

Until I learned to fully embrace  my own company

I was afraid of my uniqueness

Until I learned that it was where my greatness lay

I was afraid of the darkness

Until I remembered that I was the light.

I was afraid of falling in love

Until I realised I am love. 

I was afraid of running late

Until I realised time does not matter

What matters is how important I am to myself?

Maa Tara Tarini Shakti Peetha!!

 Tara Tarini is yet another 51 Shakti peethas of Odisha where Maa Sati's breast fell. This is considered as the 4 Adi Shakti peethas. 

The other Adi Shakti peethas are

Vimala devi Shakti peethas Puri - where feet of Maa Sati fell

Kamakshya temple Guwahati - where Maa Sati's genital fell

Kalighat temple - where Toes of the right foot fell.

She is worshipped as two idols of goddess adorned with gold and silver.  This temple is situated in Kumari hills at banks of Rushikulya river near Berhampur. Like the Sodasha upachar in other Shakti peethas in Odisha here also she is adorned with various besha's during Durga Puja. 

Though I have never been here, would definitely try my best to visit this place once.

Durga Aarti !!

 दुर्गा आरती

 जय अम्बे गौरी मैया जय श्यामा गौरी  ।

तुमको निशिदिन ध्यावत हरि ब्रह्मा शिवरी ॥टेक॥

 मांग सिंदूर बिराजत , टीको मृगमद को ।

उज्ज्वल से दोउ नैना, चंद्रबदन नीको ॥जय॥

 कनक समान कलेवर ,रक्ताम्बर राजै।

रक्तपुष्प गल माला , कंठन पर साजै ॥जय॥

 केहरि वाहन राजत, खड्ग खप्परधारी ।

सुर-नर मुनिजन सेवत, तिनके दुःखहारी ॥जय॥

 कानन कुण्डल शोभित , नासाग्रे मोती ।

कोटिक चंद्र दिवाकर, राजत समज्योति ॥जय॥

 शुम्भ निशुम्भ बिडारे,  महिषासुर घाती ।

धूम्र विलोचन नैना , निशिदिन मदमाती ॥जय॥

चण्ड मुंड सहारे , शोणित बीज हरे I 

मधु - कइटाभ दाऊ मारे , सुर भयहीन करेl l(जय)

 ब्राह्मणी रुद्राणी तुम कमला रानी l 

आगम - निगम - बखानी , तुम शिव पटरानी  lI (जय)

 चौंसठ योगिनि मंगल गावैं ,नृत्य करत भैरू।

बाजत ताल मृदंगा ,अरू बाजत डमरू ॥जय॥

तुम ही जग की माता , तुम ही हो भरता l 

भक्तां की दुःख हारता , सुख सम्पति करता ll(जय) 

 भुजा चार अति शोभित वर - मुद्रा धरी  l

मनवांछित फल पावत, सेवत नर नारी ॥जय॥

 कंचन थाल विराजत अगर कपूर बाती ।

श्री मालकेतु में राजत ,कोटि रतन ज्योति ॥जय॥

 श्री अम्बेजी की आरती ,जो कोई नर गावै ।

कहत शिवानंद स्वामी, सुख-सम्पत्ति पावै ॥जय॥

 

Crazy me!!

 When I called myself crazy??

Someone laughed with sarcasm..

As if I am mad, trying to bully me..

The women who first started boxing

The women who competed in Hijab

The women who first discovered Radium

The women who became first doctor 

The women who first went to space 

Are they not crazy??

What do you call them??

You can belittle a woman for showing emotions 

You can belittle a woman who choose to show anger instead of tears

You can belittle a woman for choosing courage over sympathy 

You can belittle a woman who still fights back instead of succumbing to pain

You can belittle a woman for choosing forgiveness over revenge

You can belittle a woman for not needing a man to walk her through life

Because you fear to she the craziest women she is..

Yes she is crazy!! And I am proud that I am crazy!!

🤣🤣🤣

My completely opposite intuition at play!!

 I didn't listen to my intuition many a times 

I listened to my heart more ❣️

Then I learnt to listen to my wisdom 

And control my mind 

However still my intuition sometimes 

Gives me strong urge 

In year 2014 July one day I saw a very bad dream

Woke up restless felt like reaching out and 

Checking on if my intuition was right 

Thank God I listened to my wisdom

 Much later, I learnt my intuition 

was right, something had happened 

But it wasn't bad, infact it was stark opposite 

My dream about the person was right 

They were being blessed and I was watching 

Bad dream.. 😂

 my stupid intuition making fun of me 😂 😂 

Even today I sometimes sit quiet because 

I feel my intuition may not be right always.. 

Today, spoke to a tele-caller whose voice 

resembled an old friend.. sounded so low

I felt like telling why are you so low

Common cheer up... I am not going to scold you

I wish I had more time at that moment 

I would have told  explain me your Plan

 and make yourself feel comfortable 

And would have listened to that voice 

Reminding me of good old days...

❤️❤️❤️

Eternal love of Radha Rani!!

 This writing I read somewhere, got really touched by the words. Hence, sharing it...

The love between Krishna and Radha transdence the material world and enters the realm of divine, symbolising the eternal dance between the soul and the supreme. Radha's unwavering devotion and Krishna's playful, all- encompassing love reflect the cosmic interplay of union and separation, where desire is both fulfilled and unfulfilled. Their love is not bound by worldly constraints, it is the purest expression of spiritual longings. Radha represents the individual souls and Krishna represents the divine. In their love the souls yearning for infinite merges with the infinite's love for the finite, creating a timeless, divine connection. 

Radhe Radhe🙏🙏

Vimala devi Shakti peetha Puri!!

This is another important Shakti peetha, which is inside Jagannath temple Puri Odisha. She is the tantrik concert of Lord Jagannath who here is present in form of Bhairava( form of Shiva). So, here Vishnu and Shiva are same lord Jagannath, which signifies that oneness of God.

Maa Sati's feet fell here, so it is one of the 51 Shakti peethas. Here she is considered Katayini. She is Bhairavi and lord Jagannath as Bhairava.

She is considered the guardian of Jagannath temple and is worshipped before worshipping lord Jagannath. The importance of her is felt by the fact that until the Prasad offered to Lord Jagannath is not offered to Maa Vimala it is not considered as Mahaprasad. The popular belief is until it's offered to Maa Vimala the auroma or smell of Mahaprasad does not appear. 

According to Madala Panji King Yayati keshari had built this temple. 

This, during Durga Puja all the vidhi's of mata is performed here. 

Maa Chandraghanta!!

 Ohm!!

Aim Shreem Shaktaye Namah !!

Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri. Her name means "one who has a moon shaped like a bell on her forehead."

She is depicted with ten hands and her third eye remains open, signifying her readiness for the battle. She is believed to bestow courage and bravery on her devotees. 

मुफ्त में कहाँ कुछ मिलता है !!

 मुफ्त में कहाँ कुछ मिलता है 

कीमत हमको चुकानी पड़ती है,

अपने  सपने पुरे करने के खातिर

 हमें नींद भी गावनि पड़ती है 

कितनी भी कठिन क्यों न हो सफर 

हिम्मत हमको ही दिखानी पड़ती है 

कामयाबी की ऊंचाई पाने के लिए 

हमें  मेहनत से छलांग लगनी पड़ती है 

फिर भी अगर बात न बने मायुश

तुम कभी न होना , ज़िन्दगी जो लेती है

कभी न कभी वापस करती है

इस पर भरोसा करते रहना 

My Friends

 Someone wrote this... and I felt it. I am blessed to find such friends who are there to help me when I needed them, I still need and will always need them.. and I wish I could keep all of them forever. 

Somehow when I first created my email account, I kept this in my signature and it is still there. 

Thanks

 

Sharmistha
***************
Sometimes in life, we tend 2 run so fast that we don’t notice friends r running with us, we only notice them when we fall & they stop 2 pick us up
********************

Devi puja vidhi & Golu!!

 I belong to a caste where Durga is worshipped in a different way. My parental home had lekhani(instrument with which one can write on a palm leaf). In my ancestral village we have a box with a Lekhani, a small box and some palm leafs. My grandfather knew how to use it. On Dusshera this box is placed on a wooden table (piddha in Odia) and puja is done for this.

In my in-laws place they have swords. Though we are of same caste, this is a slight variations some people have swords and some have Lekhani. They place swords on the wooden table and worship it on Dusshera.  

Maa Durga is mother goddess who is worshipped in form of Saraswati, Lakshmi and Durga or Kali. I am not sure if other caste also follow this ritual in my place. 

All across India Durga Puja is celebrated in various ways. Here, in Telangana they decorate these Golu dolls. It contains so many dolls in it varing from different gods and goddesses to human and animal figurines. In this Golu image that I share you can see idols of Lord Venkateswara, maa Lakshmi to various forms of Durga, Ram, Lakhsman .. Sita in Ashok Vatika talking to Hanumanji, Ram, Sita and Lakshman going for Vanwas, lord Chaitanya singing and dancing, Krishna Radha and various other idols. It's not confined to just worshipping Mother Goddess but all the major forms of Hinduism.. i.e Vishnu, Shiva and Shakti. 

They do recite Lalita Sahasranama that is believed to be the Mantra that Parvati worshipped to appease Shiva, followed by aarti.  It's quite unique to watch this beautiful tradition that people here follow. 

I wish everyone could share what all tradition they follow in Durga Puja, it would be so interesting to know how we have so many unique ways of worshipping Maa all across India. That's why India is a land of Unity in diversity. We all do same puja but in beautiful and unique ways. 

Durga is creator, sustainer and destroyer

 From today's paper .. 

Dhruva's determination

King Uttanapada had two wives Suniti and Suruchi. Both had very different nature. Suniti was calm and simple and Suruchi was clever and proud. Both had a son each. Suniti's son was Dhruva and Suruchi's son was Uttam.

Oneday, Dhruva was playing on his father's lap. His stepmother Suruchi walked in and she removed him from his father's lap and said," You cannot sit on your father's lap, only my son has the right." Dhruva was deeply hurt and he went crying to his mother and told her. His mother consoled and said, "There is great power in devotion to God. You can find not only place in your father's lap but also in God's embrace. "

Moved by her words, Dhruva went to Jungle with determination to pray to God. While he was going to Jungle Narada Muni saw this little boy of 5 years age. He came to Dhruva and asked him what was he doing there. Dhruva told him everything. Narada Muni tried to console and take Dhruva back to his family. He said, "I will convince your father and he will do the needful. You do not need to pray here in Jungle for this simple matter. " However, Dhruva was too determined and did not move away from his wish to pray (do tapasya). Then Narada Muni told him to chant the following mantra.

Ohm Namaho Bhagvate Vasudevaya!!

And Dhruva started praying in that Jungle. For first months he ate fruits in gap of 3 days. In the second month he ate dried leafs and grass in a gap of 6 days. Then on third month he took water only in a gap of 9 days. On 4th month he took breath in a gap of 12 days. On 5th month he stood on one leg. On 6th month when he stopped breathing God appeared before him and asked for a boon.

By this time Dhruva forgot what was he praying for. So, this little boy said, "I want nothing. " God was too pleased and blessed him that his name will shine like the pole star. Since, then the Saptarshi's called the pole star as Dhruva Tara. 

Maa Bhramacharini!!

 Today, on 2nd day of Navaratri we worship maa Bhramacharini.. who is the abode of knowledge and wisdom. 

ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय ।

तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।

मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ।

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

Asato Ma Sadgamaya: From ignorance, lead me to truth

Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya: From darkness, lead me to light

Mrtyorma Amrtam Gamaya: From death, lead me to immortality

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti: Om peace peace peace 

 Mantra for Bhramacharini maa

Ohm Braam Breem Brom Bhramacharinyai Namah!!

Lovers who part ways!!

 Two soul mates whom life distances 

Are like two people standing in two banks of 

a river..

Looking at each other, wishing that their 

soul mate just swims across to meet them

They gaze at each other wishing they were

 together

 But then they look at the distance between 

them 

It's filled with their families 

They feel helpless, they feel they had wings

They could fly say hello, ask their soul mate 

how they are and return back

But both are so similar ,they are selfless 

They can't hurt others, they can't hurt each other 

What can they do... They keep walking 

parallel to each other 

Just wishing and praying at some point this

 river narrows and they could come nearer

Will it happen they don't know ??

But their heart and mind just longs it

 happens 

What harm can they do after all

Both are so selfless, both are so equal 

They just gaze they just wish their beloved 

 be okay 

Will they meet?

Will they meet before death meets them??

Will they meet at the end ??

No one knows .. just a faint hope that they meet, they keep walking..

Raja Janaka and Pundits

 This is a story by Swami Sivananda Saraswati 🙏

Some Pundits criticised Raja Janaka.

“Raja Janaka is a worldly man

How can he be a Gyani or a sage?”

Raja Janaka wanted to teach them a lesson

He called all Pundits

And gave them a very good feast

Many tasty preparations were served

All the Pundits were rejoicing.

They saw a sword hanging above their heads

The sword was tied by means of a hair.

They all trembled

They all mixed everything and ate hurriedly.

They came to the Durbar

Raja Janaka asked

“O Pundits, what all things you ate today?”

Were they all nice according to your taste?

The Pundits replied,

“Our minds were on hair only

We do not know anything

We did not relish anything”

Janaka said,

“O Pundits! Similar is the state of my mind

My mind is fixed on Brahman alone

I do not know anything of this world.”

The Pundits put down their heads in shame

They now realised the state of a Jivanmukta.

Bhakti mode on !!

 Time well spent with the puja at Hyderabad. Here, the festivities are much different than the one from my native. 

Durga Puja in Cuttack is unique for its silver and gold pandals. In Hyderabad it is the Golu dolls display and Bathukama that is flower display. So, today evening spent time listening to Lalita Sahasranama and prayed the way our Telugu people do. I will share photo of Golu tomorrow as I just have a video which I can't put it here now. 

The firsttime I took part in Bathukama goes back to year 2014. We went to Ramoji film City as my youngest brother had come to visit us. For someone like me who never dances that was an unforgettable moment when they asked all the women and girls to participate in that dance. Guess what I danced. May be after my childhood days it was first time that I took part in dance. 

Though the next time I danced goes just back in 2022, for my beloved son. I danced in his annual function. It was ofcourse my friend who pushed me or else me and dance. No way!!  Dancing on stage that too.. but, we should try such things especially for people like me who would shy away. 

Though time and circumstances sometimes don't allow me to try such fun things. But, let me just relive those beautiful days of mine as many times as I can. 

Quotes from Helen Keller!!

 1. When you are looking at the stars, you see no shadows.

2. When the outlook isn't good, try the uplook - it's always good. 

3. When you learn to set one goal, you'll know how to set all goals. 

Bottle art!

 To keep my mind occupied, I keep myself involved in so many creative things. But, I get not a single word in favour of these. Because, people don't appreciate what you like they appreciate what you can do for them. Sometimes, I feel so exhausted that my happiness has no values. Why am I doing this? They see no good in it. 

Still I force myself first. Because I matter to me. Just sharing here, because I never know this might help someone like me. Today, I am not in a position to help someone around me, so I choose to help someone virtually. Someone I may not know. I would say don't just give up, your happiness is your priority.  Just do it let not anything come in between. 

Help yourself when you see noone helping you. 

Truth seldom hides

कोसिस मेरी ख़ामोशी मेरी 

सब कुछ जेसे चीख रही 

की आखिर कब तक तू सेह लेगी

 कोई नहीं देने वाला कोई मैडल तुझे 

अगर फिर भी तू जीत गयी 

ज़िन्दगी जेसे हारने में तुली हुई है 

फिर भी में लड़ने में लगी हुई हु 

कभी खुद से कभी आपने भगवन से 

अब क्या है जो में मांगू 

खुशियां तोह आप मोह माया बोल ले गए 

अब न इंसानो से उम्मीद है 

न भरोसा है मुझे 

बस जी रही हु में 

क्यों जीना है मुझे मर मर कर 

समझ नहीं पा रही हु में 

कोई कितने दिन लड़े 

सालो साल बस मर मर क्यों जिए 

मेरी खुशियों ने क्या बिगाड़ा किसी का 

जो उस्सको आप ले चले 

लेनी थी छीन कर तोह थोड़ी देर 

और जीने देते 

खुशियां देते प्यार देते 

इस तरह न तड़पाते 

इस भाबुक मन को क्यों दिया 

जिसको संभालना है मुश्किल 

सपने दिखते हो 

हकीकत करके फिर छीन लेते हो 

आँखे तरस जाती है 

मन उदास हो जाता है 

आखिर क्यों सपने सजाते हो 

जो तक़दीर में कभी लिखा ही न हो 

आप ही की ज़िन्दगी है 

दर्द इतना भी न दो की

मरने का मन रोज़ करे 

Live those good memories a zillion times!!

 A spiritual guru said, relieve those good memories a zillion times in your head. It touched. Why not?? 

In my mind, in my memories I can do this again and again. I can remember those beautiful days, the days I felt good about and I can still write about it so that I can comeback and read and reread myself.

As long as it is what my soul seeks without hindering anything and without causing any trouble why can't I??

Those moments are gone.. but instead of focusing and trying to find all the solutions which probably is not there at all, it is better to live and relive those beautiful days if that's what makes me happy. 

My happiness matters. No matter who feels what... 

Within!!

 The demon is within 👿

The goddess is within 👸

The battle too is within ⚔️

So is the triumph of one over the other

Which one over which one??

That choice is also within.. 👸👿⚔️

Devi!!

"Ohm"

सर्वमंगल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके।

शरण्ये त्र्यंबके गौरी नारायणि नमोस्तुते॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु विष्णुमायेति शब्दिता |

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु चेतनेत्य भिधीयते।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु बुद्धि-रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु निद्रा-रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु क्षुधा-रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु छाया-रुपेण संस्थिता |

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्ति-रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु तृष्णा-रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषू क्षान्ति रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषू जाति रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषू लज्जा-रुपेण संस्थिता |

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शांति-रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु श्रद्धा-रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषू कान्ति रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु लक्ष्मी-रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु व्रती-रुपेणना संस्थिता |

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु स्मृती-रुपेण संस्थिता |

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु दया-रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु तुष्टि-रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृ-रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु भ्राँति-रूपेण संस्थिता |

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

इन्द्रियाणा मधिष्ठात्री भूतानां चाखिलेषु या |

भूतेषु सततं तस्यै व्याप्तिदेव्यै नमो नमः ||

चितिरुपेण या कृत्स्नम एतत व्याप्य स्थितः जगत

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Today, on first day of Navaratri let me concentrate on your first form Shailputri.