Bhakti Sagara - Collection of Bhajans

[ShivaFan]

Namaste

It is said the author of The Shiva Tandava Stotram is Ravana the Rakshasa Emperor of Lankapura famed in the Ramayana. It is a devotional to Lord Shiva. Below is the link to the video of this outstanding stotram (enjoy!):

http://m.youtube.com/index?&desktop_...?v=oJ8yps2Q8mw

For complete Sanskrit and English translation, see this link:
http://sanskritdocuments.org/all_sa/...eaning_sa.html

Here is one example of the lyrics:

जयत्वदभ्रविभ्रमभ्रमद्भुजङ्गमश्वस-
victorious-foot-sky-whirling-roaming-snake-breath-
- द्विनिर्गमत्क्रमस्फुरत्करालभालहव्यवाट् |
coming out-shaking-evident-dreadful-forehead-fire
धिमिद्धिमिद्धिमिध्वनन्मृदङ्गतुङ्गमङ्गल
Dhimid-dhimid-dhimid-sounding-drum-high-auspicious-
ध्वनिक्रमप्रवर्तित प्रचण्डताण्डवः शिवः ||११||
sound-series-caused-fierce-Tandava dance-Shiva

Lord Shiva, whose dance of Tandava is in tune with the series of loud
sounds of drum making Dhimid Dhimid sounds, who has the fire
on the great forehead, the fire that is spreading out because of the
breath of the snake wandering in whirling motion in the glorious sky.


इति श्रीरावण- कृतम्
thus sri-Ravana-done
शिव- ताण्डव- स्तोत्रम्
Shiva-tandava-stotra
सम्पूर्णम्
ends.

Thus ends the Shiva-Tandava Stotra written by Ravana.


Om Namah Shivaya

[ShivaFan]

Namaste

Vaidyanatha Ashtakam - Here is a song to Shiva in Remembrance of the Brave Jatayu of the Ramayana. This is a good song to listen to or sing at this time of year. I hope you enjoy (see link below). Also, it is associated with curing skin disease if in conjunction used with the wash of one of the holy rivers of India that are tirthas.

http://www.trinethram-divine.com/2012/01/sri-vaidayanathashtakam-bombay-sisters.html?m=1

But also a little background.

Jatayu, the brave old vulture in the Ramayana was the son of Aruna and the nephew of Garuda. This heroic bird gave His own life in a struggle in the sky against Ravana when Ravana was on his way to Lanka after kidnapping Sita. Though He fought valiantly, as Jatayu was at that time old and in the struggle Ravana cut off both Jatayu’s wings. Found by Rama and Lakshman on their search for Sita in this stricken state yet saving His final strength to inform Ram of the direction Ravana travelled, it was then that Ram called up what some say were the Seven Holy Rivers to perform the last rites for this Majestic Bird so as to give purity for the soul and liberation as the next journey.

Rama Himself performed the Antima samskara, and Jatayu is now known as King of Birds.

Now we are told that when Indra gives life to the “sever rivers”, this means the seven colors in the rainbow, the rainbow which is called Indradhanush. The seven horses of Surya have also been called the seven colors in vibgyor or rainbow. I mention this in relation to the relationship of the Brave Jatayu and a cure for leprosy, which I will explain in a moment.
Now we know that Jatayu told Rama that He was the son of Aruna who is the charioteer of the Sun.

When Ravana forcefully took Sita, it is said Ravana was carrying a curse on his heads, that his head(s) would split open if he lustfully touches any woman against her will. So as it is said in the Skanda Purana, Ravana had to catch Sita by the shadow of Her head-hair using a Siddhi power. At that time She fell under “vivasha” or fainting spell. Ravana took Her up in his flying chariot by raising Her along with the clod of Earth under Her and placing Her into this chariot. Remember, Sita was born from Mother Earth, so it is symbiotic that a clod of Earth was abducted with Her.

Always remember, Sita known as Janaki was never touched in lust directly by Ravana. Never. Yet Sita wanted to embrace Jatayu, as He lay as a ghost of His old image with both of His arms (wings) cut off, He no longer resembled his natural majestic form. And so Rama, who came after, found this Bird, and was taken to sadness and inquiry, upon which Jatayu explained what happened and in which direction had Ravana taken.

Then Jatayu died (left His body). Of course, Rama, who placed Jatayu’s wingless frame upon the pyre along with each wing which was recovered, was the source for the moksha or liberation of this King of Birds who died a hero’s death. Then Rama drew a mark into the Earth with the tip of His bow.

From that spot a spring of water came, and Rama Himself bathed this Bird with those waters before lighting the Holy Pyre.

It is said, you can still find that spot, where this sacred spring had come forth. You can take this adventure if you want to. Some say this spring contains the water of Seven Sacred Rivers.

To name these Rivers, I will leave that to you. But also remember, just as Ram saw and approached Jatayu who was in such a pitiful state, perhaps if we see a helpless person in such suffering then should we not also think of Jatayu and approach to try and help?

Today I am thinking, should I not always carry Ganga Jal in a small vile in my pocket? Why? Perhaps one day, it will be useful to give to someone who I may find in such a dire circumstance. The holy Rivers of India possess many things.

It is believed that Lord Angaraka (Mars) was cured of leprosy by cleansing with the waters that came from the ground where this spring had come forth from the strike of Rama’s bow. This water, which is said to contain “seven holy tirthas” (rivers) has the power to cure skin diseases and many other afflictions, even a few drops are very powerful which can be ground to a paste when mixed with sacred ash or vibhuti. Below are the lyrics to this Vaidyanatha Ashtakam which is used in conjuction with remedies used for afflictions and is associated with the sacrifice of the Brave Jatayu:

- But one last question. What was the sword in the hand of Ravana that cut off Jatayu’s wings? I can tell you it is associated with Shiva. Yet, the very song associated with Jatayu is in praise of Shiva.

Sree rama soumithri jatayu veda,
Shadanadithya kujarchithya,
Sree neelakandaya daya mayaya,
|Sree vaidyanathaya namasivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who is worshipped by Rama and Lakshmana,
Who is woshipped by Jatayu,
Who is worshipped by the Vedas,
Who is worshipped by Lord Subrahmanya,
Who is worshipped by the Sun God,
Who is worshipped by the Mars God,
Who is having a blue neck,
And who is the personification of mercy.

Ganga pravahendu jada dharaya,
Trilochanaya smara kala hanthre,
Samstha devairapi poojithaya,
Sree vaidyanathata namasivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who wears the flow of Ganges and the moon,
On his head,
Who has three eyes,
Who had killed the God of love and death,
And who is worshipped by all devas.

Bhaktha priyaya, tripuranthakaya,
Pinakine dushta haraya nithyam,
Prathyaksha leelaya manushya loke,
Sree vaidyanathaya namasivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who is the lover his devotees,
Who has destroyed the three cities,
Who holds the bow called Pinaka,
Who destroys bad people daily,
And who plays in the world of humans.

Prabhootha vadadhi samastha roga,
Pranasa karthre muni vandhthithaya,
Prabhakarennd wagni vilochanaya,
Sri vaidyanathaya nama sivaya.


I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who cures all great diseases,
Like rheumatism and arthritis,
Who is saluted by great sages,
And to whom, the sun god,
Moon and God of fire are eyes.

Vakchrothra nethrangiri viheena jantho,
Vakchrothra nethrangiri sukha pradaya,
Kushtadhi sarvonnatha roga hanthre,
Sri Vaidyanathaya nama sivaya.


I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who blesses those beings,
Who have lost their speech, hearing, sight and ability to walk,
With these abilities,
And who provides cure,
For devastating diseases like leprosy.

Vedantha vedhyaya jagan mayaya,
Yogiswara dhyeya Padambujaya,
Trimurthy roopaya sahasra namne,
Sri vaidyanathaya nama sivaya.


I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who can be known through vedantha,
Who is spread through out the universe,
Who has a lotus feet ,
That is meditated upon by great sages,
Who is of the form of the holy trinity,
And who has thousand names.

Swatheertha mrudbasma brudanga bajam,
Pisacha dukha arthi bhayapahaya,
Athma swaroopaya sareera bajaam,
Sri Vaidyanaathaya namasivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who removes all suferings,
Caused by bad spirits, sorrows and fears,
By dip in his holy tank,
By the holy ash in the temple,
And by the mud below the neem tree of the temple,
And who is the personification of soul,
Occupying human body.

Sree neelakandaya vrushaba dwajaya,
Sarakkanda basmadhya abhi shobithaya,
Suputhradarathi subagyathaya,
Sri vaidyanathaya nama sivaya.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who has a blue neck,
Who has the the bull on his flag,
Who shines by flowers, sacred ash and sandal,
Who grants good children and good wife,
And who blesses us with all good luck.

Balambikesa vaidyesa bava roga haredisa,
Japen nama thrayam nithyam maha roga nivaranam.

Those who recite this prayer,
Thrice a day with devotion,
And pray the Lord Vaidyanatha,
Who is with his consort Balambika,
And who removes the fear of birth and death,
Would get cured of all great diseases.





Om Namah Sivaya

[Sanja]

Namasté,

this is a beautiful thread!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qShEs5fOFTo

Love & blessings,

Sanja

[Viraja]

A couple of Ram songs that I enjoy:

1. Man mein Ram bhasale - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVFjFqwga-U

2. Bhajman Ram charan sukhdai - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bsht8or5hpY.

[ShivaFan]

Durga Chandra Kala Stuthi by Appayya

MANTRAS TO MITIGATE POVERTY AND FEAR

The Durga Chandra Kala Stuthi was composed by the famous Shiva Bhakta and Saint named Appayya Dikshitar also known as Deekshitulu, who lived in Kanchipuram in Tamilnadu in the mid-1500’s CE. It is said he was born in Adayapalam in the year 1554 CE or in the Kanyl month of Kali 4654, which is near Ami in the North Arcot district and had the birth or Namakarana ceremony name of Vinayaka Subramanya. He studied under Guru Rama Kavi. This famous Saiva and poet was an associate to the Vellore King or Raja named Chinnabomma Nayakan, who invited him to his capital after the death of his Pundit (Advisor to the State) named Rangaraja. He was also a teacher to many students and taught Sanskrit. When this saint was denied entrance to the temple of Varadaraja Swamy in Kanchipuram where there was a form of Vishnu. After many pleas to enter, a temple priest finally agreed that he could enter, but only if he “confesses” in public in front of the Raja of Kanchipuram the “Vishnu is superior to Shiva” because Vishnu has 10 Avatars while “Shiva has only one”.

Appaya agreed to the condition. The next day the King with others of Kanchipuram assembled to hear the “confession”. At that time the doors to the temple were still closed. It was then that the Saint said out loud to all, “Lord Vishnu is superior to Lord Shiva”, upon which the doors then were opened.

But then he revealed with a cry upon the opening of the doors, “But I am superior to Lord Vishnu as Lord Shiva has only one and Lord Vishnu has Ten, while mine are innumerable”. This actually confused many. Do you understand the meaning? It is my opinion, the Saint was referencing the many lives we have in being reborn in the cycle of birth and death. That coming or returning to this world is not necessarily a mark of superiority. Thus without actually declaring one or the other as superior, he in a humorous way mocked such comparisons based on such simple generalities of the human mind.

However, that is my humble opinion of the interpretation. I could be wrong. Some claim the Saint was Shiva Himself. Whatever the case, this same Saint authored the great Durga Chandra Kala Stuti. It is said he composed over 100 books in Sanskrit. He spent his last days in Chidambaram where is the famous Murti of Shiva Nataraja, where it is said he merged into the form at the age of over 70 years.

Below are the verses to this great Stuti to Durga Devi, which consist of 18 chaplets. It is said this contains powerful “mantras” which can:

REMOVE POVERTY AND FEAR

In the chaplets there is a line which reads, “(Shiva) who plays on the Vindhya Mountain”. The Vindhya Range is located in West-Central India which many consider the range which geographically separates North India and the Indo-Gangetic plains and South India. The Narmada River drain the Southern slopes of this Range and runs Westward to the Arabian Sea. So we ask, why did the Saint claim that Lord Shiva plays on the Vindhya Mountain? We might consider the following. Omkareshwar is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga tirthas of Lord Shiva, and is located on an island called Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada river, and this island is shaped like the AUM symbol. The very name of this temple and lingam, Omkareshwar, means the Lord of OM (AUM) Sound. Also located here is a second Jyotirlinga called Mamaleshwar (also known as Amareshwar). It is also said that this very mountain range is a Bhakta of Lord Shiva. And there are many other chronicles related to this Mountain range, including the rivalry between the Vindhya and Mount Meru. So we can see why the Saint may have revealed this mountain range as the playground of Shiva.

There is also a chaplet which reads “She (Ambika or Durga) left Her play of shutting the eyes of Lord Vishnu”. What does this mean? It is said that the two Asuras named Madhu and Kaidabha were born from the ear wax of Lord Vishnu while Vishnu was sleeping. Lord Brahma requested Devi to kill them when these Asuras started troubling Brahma. Does this verse mean that Parvati had put Vishnu to sleep? I will add this comment: Some may ask, how is it that Vishnu could fall asleep? For where is it that we know of in the Histories of the Devas and Devi, where Vishnu fell asleep? The answer is, Vishnu fell asleep and Brahma emerged on a lotus from the naval of Vishnu. Could it be that Brahma knew that She had put Vishnu into this sleep upon His creation? Could this be a poetic reference to that event of the creation of Lord Brahma? Whatever the case, each verse is found mantras of immense power.

Below is the translation of the Stuti. May it bring to you a door out from all poverty and fear.

VIDEO FROM YOUTUBE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6n3ruwyasI

Om Namah Sivaya

TRANSLATED BY P. R. RAMACHANDER:

Vedo hareeswara sthuthyam vihathreem vindhyamoodhare,
Hara praneswareem vande, hanthreem vibhutha vidhwishaam., 1
I salute the darling of Lord Shiva,
Who is being praised by the trinity,
Who plays on the Vindhya Mountain,
And who kills asuras who are the enemies of devas.
Abhyarthanena, saraseeruha sambhavasya,
Thyakthovodhitha bhagawathakshipithanaleelaam,
Visweswari vipadapagamane purastha-
Nmatha mamasthu madhu kaidabhayor nihanthri., 2
Due to the request of Him who was born out of a lotus,
She left her play of shutting the eyes of Lord Vishnu,
And killed the asuras called Madhu and Kaidaba[1],
And I request the mother who is goddess of the universe,
To come before me, and remove all my dangers.
Prang nirjareshu nihathair nija shakthi lesai,
Reki bhavadbhirudhithakhila loka gupthyai,
Sampannachasthra nikhara cha thadha yudhasthai,
Matha mamasthu mahishanthakari purasthath., 3
Rising from the power that she has entrusted with devas,
For saving the entire world is my mother,
Who is armed with several weapons which were given by several devas,
And who is the killer of Mahishasura and I request her to come before me[2].
Praleya shaila thanaya thanu kanthi sampath,
Kosadhitha kuvalaya schavi charu deha,
Narayani namadha bheepsidha kalpa valli,
Suprrethamavahathu Shumbha Nishumbha hanthri., 4
Let lot of happiness be generated by Narayani,
Who was born out of the excess of luster,
Of the body of the daughter of the mountain,
Who has a body with the luster of the blue lotus,
Who is like the kalpa climber of heaven,
And killer of asuras called Shumbha and Nishumbha[3].
Viswaswareethi mahishanthakareethi yasya,
Narayanothyapicha namabhirangithani,
Sookthani pankaja bhuvacha surarshibischa,
Drushtani pavaga mukhaischa, shivaam bhaje thaam., 5
I sing praises about the holy consort of Shiva,
Who was praised by Lord Brahma, other devas and sages,
By the sookthas containing colourful names like,
Goddess of universe, she who killed Mahisha and Narayani.
Uthpathi daithya hanana sthavanathmakani,
Samraksha kanyakhila bhootha hithaya yasya,
Sookthanyasesha nigamanthavida padanthi,
Thaam viswa mathara majasram abheeshtaveemi., 6
I praise always the goddess who is the mother of the world,
Who is being praised by learned sages by reciting sookthas,
About her birth with aim of for killing asuras and say that these,
Would save all beings on earth from dangers and cause good.
Yea vaiprachitha punaruthidha shumbha mukhyai,
Durbiksha ghora samayena cha karithasu,
Avishkrutha sthrijagatharthishu roopa bhedha,
Sthairambhika samabhirakshathu maam vipadbhya., 7
Let me be saved from all dangers by that Ambika,
Who appeared in different forms at the time of extreme famine and fear,
Caused by asuras like sons of Viprachitha,
And shumbha reborn in the world and others,
And saved the entire world.
Sooktham yadeeyam aravinda bhavadhi drushta,
Mavarthya devyanupadam Suradha Samadhi,
Dwavapyavapathura mishtamanayalabhyam,
Tham adhi deva tharuneem pranamami deveem., 8
I salute that Holy Devi who is the consort of the first God,
Who was praised again and again,
By the king Suradha and the merchant Samadhi,
By repeating the story of her coming again and again,
In this world in response to the praise of Brahma and others,
And fulfilled their desires which could not be done by others.
Mahishmathi thanubhavam cha rurum cha hanthu,
Mavishkruthairnija rasavadavathara bedhai,
Ashta dasa hatha navahatha koti sankyair,
Rambha sada samabhirakshathu maam vipadbhya., 9
Let me saved from dangers by Amba,
Who by her power was born with eighteen crores,
And nine crores of ladies equal to her,
And killed Mahisha the son of Mahishmathi and asura called Ruru[4]
Ethath charithramakhilam likhitham hi yasya,
Ssampoojitham sadana eva nivesitham vaa,
Durga cha tharayathi dustharamapyasesham,
Sreya prayachadhi cha sarvamumam bhaje Thaam., 10
I chant the names of the great Parvathi,
Who makes us cross the impossible difficulties,
If we write all her story and worship her,
Or even keep her story at our home[5].
Yath poojana sthuthi namaskruthir bhavanthi,
Preetha pithamaha ramesa hara sthrayopi,
Thesham api swa gunair dadahanth vapoomshi,
Tham easwarasya tharuneem saranam prapadhye., 11.
I submit myself to the lady of the Lord Shiva,
Whose worship or prayer or salutation,
Pleases lord Brahma, Vishnu and Lord Shiva,
And who gives her good conduct to them.
Kantharamadhya druda lagna thaya avasanna,
Magnascha varidhi jale ripumischa rudha,
Yasya prapadhya charanou vipadastharanthi,
Saa may sada asthu hrudhi sarva jagad savithri., 12
My mind should always be filled with that mother,
Who saves those people who loose their way in forest,
And those drowning in the waters of the sea,
If they salute her lotus feet.
Bhandhe vadhe mahathi mruthyu bhaye prasakthe,
Vithakshaye cha vividhe cha mahopa thape,
Yad pada poojanamiha prathikaramahu,
Saa may samastha janani saranam bhavani., 13
I see protection of that Bhavani, who is mother of all worlds,
Whose worship is believed to get rid of the fear,
Of imprisonment, murder, death, loss of property,
And also fear of the king, thieves, snake and the lion.
Bhanasura prahitha pannaga bandha moksha,
Thad bahu darpa dalanad ushaya cha yoga,
Pradhymnina druthamalamyatha yath prasada,
Sa may shivaa sakalamapya shubham kshinothu., 14
I request removal of all bad aspects by that consort of Shiva,
Who blessed the son of Pradhyumna with release,
From the ties of the serpent arrow sent by Banasura,
And destroyed the pride of Bana making his marriage with Usha possible.
Papa pulasthya thanaya punaruthidho ma,
Madhyapi harthumayamagatha ithyudeetham,
Yathsevanena bhaya mindiraya avadhootham,
Tham adhi deva tharunim saranam gathosmi., 15
Let me seek protection of the lady of Lord Parameshwara,
By whose worship Rukmani got rid of the fear,
Of her being sought in marriage by Shishupala,
Whom she thought as the son of sage Pulasthya born again.
Yaddhayanajam sukhamavapyamanantha punyai,
Sakshathamachuytha parigrahamaswa vapu,
Gopangana kila yadarchana punyamaathra,
Sa may sada bhagawathee bhavathu prasanna., 16
Always I should get the grace of that Goddess,
By whose worship for a month, the Gopis,
Were able to embrace Lord Krishna and were happy,
While by constant meditation, he can be seen only by mind’s eye.
Rathrim prapadhya ithi manthra vida prapanna,
Nudbhodhya mruthyavadhi manya phalai pralobhya,
Bhudwaja thadwimukhatham prathanan nayanthi,
Makasa madhi jananim jagatham bhaje thaam., 17
I pray that primeval mother of the world,
Who instead of waking up and offering mundane things,
Offers the eternal salvation, to those who want it,
If they seek her protection by chanting the mantra starting with “Rathrim prapadhye.”[6].
Desa kaleshu dushteshu durga chandrakala sthuthi,
Sandhyayor anusandhaya sarva papa nivrataye., 18
You can get freedom from all dangers,
By chanting this prayer to “Durga Chandra kala”.
During dusk and dawn when the place and times are corrupted.

[Necromancer]

I just can't get enough of these listened together in sequence:

*listen at own risk. lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5oGpRzlPO0 (All the powerful Bij in this Mantra/Bhajan are truly amazing and the ending is just.....wow!)

That's followed by the Mahamrityunjaja Kavach:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO71QsXb7Go

Then, I go into Devane:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjIIe48xtgY

I prefer listening to Mantras rather than Bhajans, but certain Bhajans, like those from Nepal and Karela I really enjoy....really musically complex ones.

I think I was born in wrong century. lol

Aum Namah Shivaya

[Viraja]

Although Ilayaraja is a musician and rarely a singer, his voice just sounds magical in few songs that he has sung:

1. Towards mother Mookambika: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13lntOv55_0

2. Towards Kanchi Kamakshi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ofKMrPN9iU

[smaranam]

BhAvanAnchA tU bhukelA re MurAri (a very popular MarAThi song sung to KRshNa)
composer: Shrinivas Khale
lyricist: Mangesh Padgaonkar
original singer: Lata Mangeshkar (not in the video)

You are hungry for pure Love, dearest MurAri, slayer of demon MUra.
I dedicate to You, this ektAri (one-string musical instrument) of pure innocent bhAv-full devotion.

Who else but You, becomes the [guiding] star in the dark night sky
During a storm, where i am in a boat, You become the shore
I come to Your doorstep today

Seeing the hardships of innocent servant Janabai, and her poems on You,
Tears welled in Your eyes
It is amazing how crazy You are about bhakti - devotion, O ChakradhAri - holder of Sudarshan discus

You liberated the cursed AhilyA
And KubjA became divinely illuminated just by Your touch

I am a poor beggar with no wealth, glamour or ornaments

I call You from within myself, from the bottom of my heart
I walk this difficult path in this world
You alone fully well know my state

[smaranam]

AsA kasA devAnchA deva bAi ThakaDA?
How is it that the Supreme Lord of all Universes, the Lord of all devas, is a crawler, as if limping on one leg ? [with butter in one hand - Baal KRshNa - laddoo GopAl pose]

[ShivaFan]

Namaste

Shivaji and Parvati are Waiting to Give the Greatest Blessing (in English).

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ailwehr3DPk

Om Namah Sivaya