PanchAyudham

The one important sthOthram , where all the Five

weapons of the Lord are eulogized is "PanchAyudha
SthOthram ". Baanam is not one of the Five weapons
although the Bow is. Bow without BhANam is incomplete
except as alankAram.

The order of salutations are (1) Chakram/Sudarsanam

(2) Sankham/Paanchajanyam (3) Gadhai/KoumOdhakI
(4) Sword/Nandhakam (5) Bow/Saarngam .

Beautiful descriptions and the power of these

weapons of the lord are provided in the PanchAyudha
SthOthram. The Phala sruthi section of this SthOthram
reminds us that the recitation of this SthOthram
daily removes all sorrows , sins and fears are immediately
removed and auspiciousness ensues ( samastha DhukkhAni BhayAni
sadhya: paapAni nasyanthi sukhAni santhi). Whenever one recites
these slOkams during the middle of a tractless forest ,
fearsome war, in the middle of enemies , floods, fire
and unexpected calamities of any kind causing great fear ,
such a recitation will banish all those fears and provide
protection of every sort according to the Phala Sruthi :

vanE raNE sathru-jalAgni-madhyE

yadhrucchayA-aapathsu mahAbhayEshu
idham paDan sthOthram anAkulAthmA
sukhI bhavEth tath-krutha-sarvaraksha:
--SlOkma 7 of SrI PanchAyudha SthOthram.

B. The second important sthOthram , where we find

salutations to not only these five weapons but also
to seven more weapons is SrI DhvAdasa Naama Panjara
SthOthram .Here the 12 vyUhAnthara Moorthys are
saluted and they are linked to their particular
aayudhams:

1. PurasthAth Kesava: Paathu ChakrI :( KESAVAN & CHAKRAM )

2. PascchAn-Naarayana: SankhI :( NaarAyaNan and SANKHAM)
3. MadhavOrdhvam GadhAdhara: (Maadhavan and GADHAI)
4. GOvindhO Dhanvi :(GOvindhan and SAARNGAM)
5. UttharE Halabhruth VishNu:( VishNu and Axe)
6. MusalI Madhusoodhana: ( Madhusoodhanan and Pestle)
7. Thrivikrama: Kadhga-paaNi( Thrivikraman and NANDHAKAM)
8. VaamanO VajrI ( Vaamanan and VajrAyudham)
9. SrIdhara: PaDDasAyudha: ( SrIdharan and the long Sword )
10.HrishIkEsan and Mudhgari (HrishIkEsan & Hammer or Mallet)
11.PadhmanAbhO SarvAyudha: (PadmanAbhan & All the FIVE weapons)**
12.DhAmOdhara: Paasa Hastha: ( DhAmOdharan & Noose)

** The ShOdasAyudha SthOthram dealing with Sudarshana BhagavAn

gives the list of all sixteen weapons including the above Twelve.

As Sri VaishNavAs (after SamAsrayaNam ) , we wear the twelve

PuNDrams on the upper torsos to invoke the 12 Bhagavaans
(VyUhAnthara MOorthys) with their charactrestric weapons
for our protection .

Swamy Desikan describes precisely the weapons and the hue

of these 12 Moorthys and their positions on our upper torsos:

1."Chathuscchakram namasyAmi KESAVAM Kanaka Prabham":

Swamy Desikan(SD).DhvAdasa Naama Panjaram(DNP)
describes Kesavan's hue as " JaamBhUnadha Prabha:" .
The PuNDram is to be worn on the Forehead .Direction
that the Lord faces is east.

2."NaarAyaNam ghana shyAmam chathusSANKHAM namAmyaham "(SD).

DNP describes NaarAyaNan's hue as "Neela JeemUmutha Sannibha:"
Direction is West. PuNDra SthAnam: Stomach.Second application.
AndaaL has a whole section devoted to dialog with Sankham of
the Lord and its blessed status in Her NaacchiyAr Thirumozhi.

3. "Madhavam MaNibhangAbham chinthayAmi ChathurGADHAM"(S.D)

DNP salutes:"IndhIvaradaLa-shyAmo MadhavOrdhvam GadhAdhara:"
Hue: Indhra Neelam; Direction: Urdhvam or Upper .
PuNDra SthAnam: Chest .

4. "ChandrabhAsam Chathu: SAARNGAM Govindham aham aasrayE"(S.D)

DNP salutes:" GovindhO dakshiNO paarsvE DhanvI Chandra-prabhO
MahAn".Hue: White like the rays of the Moon . Direction:South ;
PuNDra SthAnam: Front Center neck.

5. " VishNum chathurhalam VandhE Padhma Kinjalka sannibham"(S.D).

DNP salutes: " UttharE Halabhruth VishNu:Padhma-kinjalka-Sannibha:".
Hue: Golden hue of the pollens of lotus; Direction: North;
PuNDra SthAnam : Right side of Stomach.

6. "Chathur-musalam-aBhjAbham SamsrayE Madhusoodhanam"(S.D).

DNP salutes: "AagnEyaam AravindhAbhO MusalI MadhusUdhana:".
Hue: Lotus like; Direction: South east ; PuNDra SthAnam:
Right Shoulder.

7. "Agni VarNam Chathu: KhaDkam BhavayAmi Thrivikramam"(S.D).

DNP salutes: " Thrivikrama: Khadka-PaaNi NirrudhyAm
 Jvalana-prabha:" . Direction: South West .Hue: Color of Agni;
PuNDra SthAnam: Right side of the Neck.

8. " Vaamanam BhAla-SooryAbham Chathurvajram VibhAvayE"(S.D).

DNP salutes: " VaayavyAm VaamanO VajrI taruNAdhithya
dhIpthimAn "; Hue: Early morning Sun; Direction: North West;
PuNDra SthAnam: Left side of Stomach.

9. "SrIdharam PuNDarIkAbham chathush-paDDasam aasrayE" (S.D).

DNP salutes: " EisAnyAm PuNDarIkAbha: SrIdhara: PaDDasAyudha:".
Hue: White Lotus; Weapon : Long Sword ; Direction: North East;
PuNDra SthAnam: Left Shoulder.

10. "chathur-mudhgaram-abhyEmi HrishIkEsam taDithprabham"(S.D).

DNP salutes: Vidhyuth PrabhO HrishIkEsO hyavAchyAm
disi mudhgarI". Hue: Lightning; Direction: Lower (BhUmi).
PuNDra SthAnam: Left side of Neck.

11. "PanchAyudham PadhmanAbham praNamAmyarkarOchisham"(S.D).

DNP salutes:" hrudh PadhmE PadhmanAbhO mE SahasrArka-
sama-prabha: ". Hue: Thousand Suns; PuNDra SthAnam: Lumbar
region / Back of body).Direction : Manas/Heart.

12. " DhAmOdharam Chathush-pAsam IndhrakOpa nibham bhajE"(S.D).

DNP salutes: " IndhrakOpaka SankAsa: pAsa-hasthOparAjitha:,
Sa BhahyAbhyantharam dEham vyApya DhAmOdhara: STitha:".
Hue: Sooryan at AruNOdhayam; SthAnam: Inside and outside
the Body; PuNDra SthAnam: Back of the Neck.

Swamy Desikan states here that the Oordhva PuNDrams are

the Thiruvadi of Lord VaradarAjan of Kaanchi and he(Swami)
has recorded the hues , directions , sthAnams, PuNDra SthAnams
of the 12 Devathais (VyUhAnthara Moorthys) of the 12 PuNDrams
to be worn daily by SrI VaishNavaas in his SrI Sookthi
named " Panniru ThirunAmam".

KaayEna VaahcA ManasEndhriyairvaa

BudhdyAthmanA vaa prakruthE; svabhAvaath
KarOmi yadhyath sakalam Parasmai
NaarAyaNAyEthi SamarpayAmi

Swamy Desikan ThiruvadigaLE SaraNam ,

Oppiliappan Koil VaradAchAri SaThakOpan(Sadagopan).

P.S:May Swamy Desikaa's Nithya ThiruvArAdhanam

flourish forever! Please join in supporting
this Kaimkaryam for even one day or more !
PANCHAYUDHA STOTRAM

This prayer is addressed to the five weapons of Lord Vishnu viz

Holy wheel (Sudarshana),
Conch (Pancha Janya),
Mace(Gomodhakee),
Sword and
bow(Sarngam).
They are considered to be great sages in the service of Lord Vishnu.

Sphurad sahasrara Shikhadhi theevram,

Sudarshanam Bhaskara koti thulyam,
Suradvisham prana vinasi vishno,
Chakram Sadaham saranam prapadhye., 1

Vishnor mkhothonila poorithasya,

Yasya dwanir Dhanava dharpa hantha,
Tham Pancha janyam, sasi koto shubhram,
Sankham sadaham saranam Prapadhye., 2

Hiranmayim Meru samana saram,

Koumodhakeem daithya kulaika hanthrim,
Vaikunta vamagra karabhimrushtam,
Gadham sadaham saranam prapadhye., 3

Raksho uraanaam katinogra kanadach,

Chethakshara sonitha digdha dhaaraam,
Tam Nandakam nama Hare pradeeptham,
Gadgam sadaham saranam prapadhye., 4

Ya jjayani nadha sravanath suraanam,

Chethamsi nirmuktha bhayani sadhya,
Bhavanthi daithyasani bana varsha,
Sarngam sadaham, saranam prapadhye., 5

Phala Sruthi (Herald of benefits)

Imam hare Panchayudha nama,

Sthavam padeth yo anudhinam Prabathe,
Samastha dukhani bhayani sadhya,
Papani nasyanthi, sukhani santhi., 6

Vane, rane, Shathru jalagni madhye,

Yadruchaya Apadsu maha bayesu,
Idham patan stotram anakulathma,
Sukhi bhaved thath krutha sarva raksha., 7

Lakshmi stuti lyrics in worship of Goddess Lakshmi with

meanings in English

After chanting of Vishnu stuti lyrics, you may have to

chant the slokas of Goddess Lakshmi also for worshipping her. It is sometimes believed
that it is easier to get the grace of Goddess than God, just like the love of mother than
father. So, Lakshmi's worship can be doubly beneficial. First thing is, she gets pleased
more easily and grants your wishes. Second one is, that if Lakshmi gets pleased, then
Vishnu also is made to please and grant you his blessings also.

I am giving the lakshmi stuti lyrics in all three languages of Sanskrit (Hindi), Telugu and
English languages and then the full meanings of it in English text.

Hindi / Sanskrit

:
:

Telugu Language

English Text

Vande padmakaraam, prasanna vadanaam, soubhaagyadaam, bhaagyadaam,

Hastaabhyaam abhaya pradaam, maniganair naanaa vidhair bhooshitaam,
bhaktaabhista phala pradaam, Harihara, Brahmaadibhi sevitaam,
paarshve pankaj, shankh, padma, nidhibhir yuktaam, sadaa shakhti bhih || (1)

Lakshmeem, ksheera samudraraaja tanayaam, shreeranga dhaameshwareem,

Daaseebhoota samast deva vanitaam, lokaik deepaamkuraam,
Shriman manda kataaksh labdh vibhava brahmendra gangaa dharaam,
tvaam trilokya kutumbineem, sarasijaam, vande mukund priyaam || (2)

Maatar: namaami, kamale, kamalaayataakshi,

Shri Vishnu hritkamal vaasini, vishva maata,
ksheerodaje, kamal komal garbh Gouri,
Lakshmi praseed satatam namataam sharanye || (3)

Meanings and essence

Sloka (1)
Meanings of words:
vande = bowing head or folding hands in respect, padma = lotus, karaam = having
hands (like lotus) or holding a lotus in hand, prasanna = smiling, vadanaam = faced,
soubhaagya = fortune or wellness of spouse, bhaagya = prosperity, daam = giver,
hastha = hands, aabhyam = medium, abhaya = protection, pradaam = granting, mani =
glowing jewel, ganair = others, naanaa = many, vidha = varieties, bhooshitaam=
decorated, bhakta = devotee, abheest = desires, phala = results, pradaam = giver or
granting, Hari = Vishnu, Hara = Shiva, Brahma = the creator Brahma, aadibhi = and
others, sevitaam = worshipped by, paarshve = on the sides, pankaj = lotus, shankh = the
conch, padma = lotus, nidhibhir = treasures, yuktaam = possession, sadaa = always,
shakti bhih = powered.

So full essence of this first sloka is as follows:

I fold my hands or bow with my head to Goddess Lakshmi whose hands are like lotus
(holds lotus in her hands), having a cheerful face, who bestows fortunes and prosperity,
by blessings with hands, who is adored with various kinds of glowing jewels, who grants
the wishes of devotees with fruitful results, who is attended by Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma
and all others, who has on Her sides the Lotus, Conch and all treasures, and who is the
abode of all Powers.

Sloka (2)
Meanings of words:
Lakshmim = to Goddess Lakshmi, ksheer = milk, samudra = ocean, raja = king,
tanayaam = daughter, sriranga = name of a place named Sri Rangam in Tamil Nadu,
dhaameshwari = Goddess of that place, daasi bhoota = having as servants or getting the
services, samasta = all, deva = divine, vanitha = women, loka = world, eka = one or only
one, deepankuri = emerging light, Sriman = God Vishnu on whose chest Lakshmi
resides, manda = serene, kataaksh = glance, labdh = possess, vibhav = prosperity,
Brahmendra = Lord Brahma, Gangaa dharaam = one who wears Ganga (Lord Shiva),
tvaam = you, trilokya = three worlds, kutumbineem = having as abode, sarasija = born
from lotus, vande = praying with folded hands, mukund = Vishnu's another name,
priyaam = beloved.

The full meaning of this second sloka is as follows:

I offer my prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, who is daughter to the king of the ocean of milk,
whose abode is Srirangam, who is attended to by all the divine ladies, who is the
glowing light for this entire world, who resides in the chest of Vishnu and possesses the
prosperity of blessing glances from Brahma and Shiva, who resides in all the three
worlds or lokas and who is born from the lotus flower.

Sloka (3)
Meanings of words:
maata = mother, namaami = to offer reverence, kamale = lotus bodied, kamalaayata =
wide like petals of lotus, akshi = having eyes, Vishnu = God, hrit kamal = lotus like chest,
vaasini = resident, vishwa maata = world's mother, ksheera = milk, udaja = sprouted or
offspring, kamal komal = delicate like lotus, garbh = womb, Gouri = shining, glowing
bodied, Lakshmi = Goddess, praseeda = to be pleased, satatam = always for ever,
namataam = paying respect, sharanye = surrendering.

So, the meaning of this third sloka is as follows:

O Mother, I pray with respect to you, who are Lotus bodied, lotus eyed, and residing in
the lotus-like chest of Vishnu, O Mother of worlds and offspring of the milky ocean,
having glowing lotus-delicate womb, O Goddess Lakshmi, I surrender before you, please
be gracious always upon me.

So, the above are the slokas in worship of Goddess Lakshmi, which can be recited in a
melodious form also as goddess lakshmi songs
Vishnu puja performance chanting 24 names of lord
Vishnu after starting of the puja
In the previous post, I have mentioned about performing achamana or purification by
sipping water 3 times into your mouth with the bowl shaped palm while chanting the
primary three names of God.

After that ritual has been performed, you will start worshipping God Vishnu reciting the
below mentioned 24 names which are also known as "keshava namas" with flowers and
/ or akshata or akshintalu (raw rice mixed with turmeric powder that is mostly used for
performing puja and / or for blessing your youngsters at all ceremonies).

This worship is done chanting twenty four names of God Vishnu which are a part of the
vishnu sahasra namam and are treated as most important by all vaishnavites, each
name signifying some quality and attribute of God. You will be reciting each name and
offering the flower or akshata to God at each name. You can offer both the flower
and akshata interchangeably or even by mixing both in one plate. Offer a flower each for
each name or one or two grains of akshat as per your convenience.

The 24 keshava namas that are recited are as follows.

First of all, let me clear that "Om" refers to the sound which vibrates all through the
universe in the form of waves reaching God.
"namaha" or "namah" refers to the fact that "I am saluting" or bowing my head or folding
my hands before God. So these both words are used in almost all prayers.

Now, starting the names:-

1) Om Keshavaaya namaha ( one who possesses dense, black curled hair. It is also
interpreted as one who Himself is Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. K is for Brahma, A in 'e' is
for Vishnu and 'ish' in esh is for Shiva)

2) Om Naaraayanaaya namaha ( one who has his abode as water or who is the abode
for all living beings. "aayanam" means resting place and "naara" means either water or
all living things)

3) Om Maadhavaaya namaha ( one who is the husband of Lakshmi or one who took
birth in madhuv creed or family which is a sub-sect of yaadav vamsha. Here maa means
mother' (lakshmi) and 'dhava' means husband.)

4) Om Govindaaya namaha (Govinda means "cowherd' or as "the one who regained

earth again from nether world" or as "who can be realised through vedic chantings
alone".)

5) Om Vishnave namaha (One who is present in all the creatures and things of the
universe. "vishnu' means who is present all through the elements of universe. It may
also mean as 'giver' and 'protector')

6) Om Madhusoodhanaaya namaha (One who has conquered a demon named

'madhu'. Or whose form is like honey. It may also refer to as the stealer of butter / ghee
as a child, Lord Krishna. Because 'madhu' refers to 'honey' and ghee or butter also).

7) Om Trivikramaaya namaha ( One who measured all three worlds with his step, one
who covered entire universe with 3 long steps or who is spread and shines through all 3
vedas of Rig, Yajur and Saama. 'tri' means three and 'vik' means states and 'ramaaya'
makes shine)

8) Om Vaamanaaya namaha ( One who is beautiful in a dwarf form and spreads the
glowing light bestowing pleasures. 'vaaman' means handsome dwarf)

9) Om Sriidharaaya namaha ( One who is wearing Lakshmi in his heart. 'Sri' refers to
Lakshmi and 'dhar' means one bearing her and giving support)

10) Om Hrusheekeshaaya namaha (One who is controller of senses. It also refers to

one having rays of sun and moon in his hair that give joy to all beings.)

11) Om Padmanaabhaaya namaha (One who has Lotus in his navel, which is abode of
Brahma. It may also refer to his navel being beautiful as lotus. 'padma' means lotus and
'naabhi' means navel.)

12) Om Daamodaraaya namaha (One who was tied with a rope around his stomach by
Yashoda. 'udara' means stomach and 'daama' means rope or cord. "daama" can also
refer to the whole universe and so denotes 'one who has entire universe in his
stomach'.)

13) Om Sankarshnaaya namaha (One who awards the fruits of karma or fate to both
living and lifeless beings. Or one who has the dual powers of attraction and repulsion.
'Sankarshana' is also considered as a name of the great serpent, Adishesha who is a
part of God. He is also the Lord of 'Ahamkaara' or ego.)

14) Om Vaasudevaaya namaha (Vaasudeva means son of "Vasudeva". He is Sri

Krishna, the first of the four manifestations of Vishnu, others being Sankarshana,
Pradyumna and Aniruddha. These four manifestations are Lords of 4 states of soul -
chitta (sub-conscious mind), ahamkaara (ego), buddhi (intellect or knowledge), manas
(mind)). Vaasudeva is Lord of 'chitta' or subconsciousness.

15) Om Pradyumnaaya namaha (Pradyumna means one who is self glowing. He is

enriched with beauty, wealth and lovable appearance. He is the 3rd of the four
manifestations of Vishnu and is the Lord of 'Buddhi' or intellect.)

16) Om Aniruddhaaya namaha (Aniruddh means unstoppable. He possesses mighty

valor and an uncontrollable form that protect his devotees. He is the 4th manifestation
and is the Lord of 'manas' or mind)

17)Om Purushottamaaya namaha (One who is supreme being or God. 'purusha'

means person and 'uttama' means supreme. One who is beyond death and life.)

18) Om Adhokshajaaya namaha (One who does not decrease or diminish even after
continuously gets enjoyed and consumed by all beings. It also means one having eternal
knowledge not reachable through our senses.)

19) Om Naarasimhaaya namaha (One who took the form of half lion and half man to
protect Prahlad and to kill his demon father "Hiranyakashipu" 'nara' means man and
'simha' means lion.)

20) Om Achyutaaya namaha (One who does not fall or lose his powers even after
entering this material world. An infallible being. 'achyuta' means one who does not fall or
beget of something. It also means one who keeps Brahma and others infallible.)

21) Om Janaardhanaaya namaha (One who protects his devotees from enemies and
miseries. 'jana' means people, 'aardhan' means miseries or enemies creating miseries)

22) Om Upendraaya namaha (One who appeared as Indra's brother.'upendra' means

Indra's part or youngster. It is believed that 'Vamana' also resembled Indra's brother
when seeking three steps from Mahabali, the demon)

23) Om Haraye namaha (One who removes or evaporates the miseries of his devotees
and gives them eternal bliss or moksha)

24) Om Srikrishnaaya namaha (One who is the most beautiful and enchanting with his
hue resembling dark clouds. One who is in an eternal bliss with his own creations in the
form of Sri Krishna)

So, above are the 24 names of Lord Vishnu or Sri Krishna, which are popular as
Keshava namas also.
After performing puja with these names, one may recite some more hymns or slokas of
Vishnu, Sri Krishna, Goddess Lakshmi and Panchaayudha slokas, etc. if he likes to
enjoy more time spent with God or may end the worship offering dhoopa, deepa,
naivedya and mangala haarati in a simple form.
I will be dealing with all these things in my next topics, one by one.
Vishnu stuti lyrics and meaning - Prayers in praise of
Lord Vishnu in Hindi, English and Telugu languages

Vishnu stuti or vishnu stotram is the

recitation or chanting of verses in praise of Lord Vishnu or Srimannarayana God.

There are basically three most popular verses that are recited daily at homes in praise
of vishnu stuti. These slokas are recited after doing worship with the 24 names of
Keshava namas.

Hindi / Sanskrit Language

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Telugu Language

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English Text

shaantaakaaram, bhujaga shayanam, padma naabham, suresham,

vishwaakaaram, gagan sadrusham, megh varnam, subhaamgam,
laxmikaantam, kamala nayanam, yogi hrudyaan gamyam,
vande vishnum, bhav bhay haram, sarv lokaikanaatham || (1)

megh shyaamam, peeta kauseya vaasam,

srivatsaangkam, koustubhodbhaasitaangam,
punyopetam, pundarikaayataksham,
vishnum vande, sarv lokaikanaatham || (2)

sa shankh chakram, sa kireet kundalam,

sa peet vastram, sarasee ruhekshanam,
sahaar vaksha sthal shobhi kaustubham,
namaami vishnum, sirasaa chaturbhujam || (3)

Meanings in English (shantakaram bhujagashayanam lyrics meaning and others)

Sloka 1)
shantakaram = One who is peaceful in form; bhujaga shayanam = one who sleeps on a
serpent;
padma naabham = lotus naveled; suresham = chief or head of angels; vishwakaram =
universe shaped;
gagan sadrusham = sky resembled; megh varnam = cloud coloured; subhaamgam =
auspicious bodied;
laxmikaantham = one having Goddess Laxmi as his consort; kamal nayanam = lotus
eyed;
yogi hridyaangamyam= one who is not reachable or understandable even to yogis or
ascetics;
vande = to pay respect; vishnum = to God Vishnu; bhava bhaya haram = who drives
away fear;
sarva lokaikanaatham = the only lord of all world (sarva means 'all', loka means 'world'
eka means'one or only' and naatham means' lord').

So, the full meaning of this verse is as follows:

I offer my salutations to that Vishnu, who is of peaceful or serene appearance, one
who sleeps on a serpent, one who has lotus as his navel and is the lord of Devas
or angels, who is embodiment of the universe and sky shaped, whose colour is
like that of clouds, whose body is auspicious, who is having Goddess Laxmi as
his consort, whose eyes are like lotus and who is not understable even to sages,
one who removes the fears of worldly beings and who is the only lord of all lokas
or universes.

Sloka 2)
megha = cloud, shyaamam= dark colour, pita kauseyam = yellow dress, vaasam =
abode or one who resides in, srivatsa = srivatsa mark or sign, aangkam = having on the
chest, kaustubha = the jewel of kaustubha, udbhaasita = shining, angam = bodied,
punya = holi or pure, oupetam = encircled with, pundarika = lotus petal, aayata =
extension, aksham = eyed, vande = to respect or salute, sarva loka = all lokas,
ekanaatham = one Lord.

So, the full meaning of second sloka is as follows:

I offer my salutations to Vishnu, the Lord of all lords, who is cloud hued, and who
is dressed in yellow silk garments, whose chest bears the mark of srivatsa
emblem, whose body glows with kaustubha main jewel, who is embodied with
holiness, whose eyes are wide like lotus petals.

Sloka 3)
sa = with or one who is having, sankha = the conch, chakram = round ring or wheel,
kireeta = crown,
kundalam = earrings, peeta vastram = yellow golden dress, sarasi = born from lake
(Lotus), ruhekshanam = resembling eyes ( ruha = resemblance, akshanam = possessed
eyes), sa haara = with garland, vaksha sthal = chest, shobhi= adorned, kaustubham =
kaustubh mani (jewel),
namaami = saluting, Vishnum = to Vishnu, sirasaa = with my head, chaturbhujam = four
shouldered.

The full meaning of this third sloka is as follows:

I salute by bowing down my head to that four shouldered Vishnu, who holds
conch (named as panchajanya) in one hand and the holy wheel (known as
sudarshan chakra) in another hand, one who is adored with a beautiful crown and
earrings, and dressed in yellow golden-silk dhoti, one who has lotus like eyes and
is wearing garland with kaustubh mani (jewel) on his chest.

So, these are the three popular slokas recited daily during prayers for Vishnu. In the next
post, I will tell you about the Lakshmi stuthi or slokas recited addressing Goddess
Lakshmi.
 Puja of God Vishnu or Sri Lakshminarayan - how to start
puja in home?

First of all, I request viewers to bear with

me for being more preferential to Lord Vishnu or Sri Lakshminarayan in my articles, as I
am a Vaishnavite.

I will be posting about Lord Shiva also in my later posts.

So, presently, I am dealing with my vaishnava sampradayam series of performing puja at

home.

Starting Puja and puja starting mantras

First, you will render the prayers to Lord Ganesha by chanting

"shuklambaradharam" and other hymns on Ganesha. You may view my post for
these hymns at this link.

Then, chant the Guru stuti or acharya vandanam hymns, paying your
respects to the tree of teachers and saints of your creed. You can view these
hymns also on my blog at this Link.

Thereafter, you are required to purify your body and soul by sprinkling water on your
head and taking water three times into your mouth chanting some mantra and names of
God which is elaborated in full details below as a) and b) points.

a) Atma Shuddhi or Purification of soul and body

This purification is done chanting the below mentioned atma shuddhi mantra or verse.
 English Text
Om, apavitra pavitro va, sarvaavastham gato pi va,
yah smaret pundariikaaksham, sa baahyabhyantarah suchihi ||

Hindi Text
, : ,
, :

Telugu Text
, ,

: :

Meaning in English
apavitra = impure; pavitra = pure; sarvaavastham = all conditions; gato pi = passed
through, va = or;
yah = this; smaret = remembering; pundarika = butterfly or black bee found on trees and
plants ( but many people associate lotus also to this word); aksham = eyed; sa = for or
with;
baahyabhyah = along with outer, antara = inner, suchihi = (for) cleanliness or
purification.

So the essence of this is :-

Whether pure or impure, or might have passed through all other conditions of life, I am
remembering the butterfly-eyed (or lotus-eyed ) God Vishnu, for outer and inner
purification.

So, you will first recite the above mentioned atma shuddhi mantra and then
sprinkle drops of water on your head 3 times from the puja glass or rounded
tumbler using your right hand thumb saying "pundarikaakshaaya namaha" all
three times as mentioned below.

b) Achamana or taking water into mouth 3 times

Another puja starting mantra is that of performing achamanam. This procedure is as
follows.

You will be keeping pure water at puja place in a glass or tumbler that is to be used only
for puja purposes. That container should not be used for other purposes. You will be
washing it and filling fresh water daily for puja.

One separate new spoon or a spoon like thing known as uddharini is used for taking
water from it for these purposes.
Now, after completion of atma suddhi as mentioned at the above top atma suddhi
verses, you will be performing achamanam.
Three names of God are recited while taking water 3 times into your mouth.
Hold your right palm like a bowl and draw the water from the container using the
spoon with your left hand and pour it into the bowl shaped palm and drink it.
 While drinking the water, you have to take the names of God as follows in the
same sequence.
First name to be recited is "Om achyutaaya namaha" and drink the water.
( achyutaya means one who has no perish or destruction).
The second name is "Om anantaaya namaha" and drink water ( anantaaya
means one who has no beginning nor ending).
The third name is "Om Govindaaya namaha" and drink the water ( Govindaaya
means one who is the finder of cows or head of cows).

In this way, the achamanam is performed after which, you will start the puja with
flowers or turmeric mixed rice - which I am dealing in my next post.