VaraLakshmi Vratham( 24-Aug-2007 )

Download VaraLakshmi Pooja (Full) Audio File with Instructions
LORD SHIVA describes the glory of this Vrata in the Skanda Puranam. It is said that Lakshmi will enter the house of anyone who thinks of her and bless them. There are many festivals in the year dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Among them, Varalakshmi Vratham is unique . It is also called Varalakshmi Nonbu. The puja falls on the Friday before the full moon in the Tamil month of Aadi.The name Varalakshmi itself can be interpreted in two ways. In one sense, Varalakshmi is one who grants boons. In another, she is the Goddess who is invited into the home and honoured. The different types of benefits that will accrue thanks to performing the Varalakshmi puja are "dhan" (money), "dhanyam" (grains or food), "arogyam" (health), "sampath" (property), "sathsanthanam" (virtuous offspring) and "dheerga saumangalyam" (longevity of the husband).A bronze or silver kalasam (special pot) is filled with rice or water and coins, a whole lime, five types of leaves and betel leaves and betel nut. The kalasam is smeared with sandal paste and covered with a new cloth up to the neck. A coconut applied with turmeric paste is placed on top with mango leaves around. An image of the Goddess made of different materials, including cloth, is affixed to this. The kalasam is deemed to be the Goddess herself. Offerings of pongal are made and arathi is performed. The next morning, before rahu kalam, the kalasam is placed on a bed of rice. This signifies that Lakshmi has entered the house. After the installation, a puja beginning with an invocation to Lord Vinayaka begins. During the puja, the Lakshmi Sahasranamam and other slokas dedicated to Varalakshmi are chanted. Different types of sweets are offered to the Goddess. The women and girls of the house tie yellow coloured saradu or thread around their wrists. Thamboolam is given to other "sumangalis" (married women) who are invited to the house that evening. The woman who has performed the puja observes a fast on that day, eating only certain things. The following day the holy water in the kalasam is sprinkled throughout the house. If rice has been used in the place of water then it is mixed with the rice stored in the house.The legend behind the Varalakshmi puja and vratam is fascinating. It was a game of dice which caused a small tiff between Lord Shiva and Parvati as to who was the victor. An honest gana, Chitranemi, was asked to arbitrate and he decided in Shiva's favour. An angry Parvati cursed him to suffer from leprosy. When Shiva pleaded with her, she gave in and said the day women in the world observed Varalakshmi puja, Chitranemi would get deliverance. Chitranemi got relief when he observed some women performing the puja. Ever since then, this vratham has been observed.-Salonee225


I'm Giving You The Lakshmi Asthotram .The Full Pooja Details (in text) will be posted after I have it Written ;)

Here The Nama is Given according to the serial Number followed by the Nama and its meaning.The meaning is for us to understand what we are telling .The Archana is to be done only for the Nama ,The First one is done follow the Example.
Sri Lakshmi Asthotra SathaNama valli :



(While performing Archana, please add "Om" at the beginning and "Namaha:" at the end of each name.)
01
Om Prakruti Namaha:
Nature
02
Om Vikruti Namaha :
Multi Faced Nature
03
Vidya
Wisdom
04
Sarvabhootahitaprada
One Who Grants Universal Pleasures
05
Shraddha
One Who Is Worshipped
06
Vibhuti
Goddess Of Wealth
07
Surabhi
The Celestial Goddess
08
Paramatmika
The Omnipresent Goddess
09
Vachi
One Who Has Nectar Like Speech
10
Padmalaya
One Who Resides On The Lotus
11
Padma
Lotus
12
Shuchi
Goddess Of Purity
13
Swaha
Auspicious
14
Swadha
One Who Dispels Inauspiciousness
15
Sudha
Goddess Of Nectar
16
Dhanya
Personification Of Gratitude
17
Hiranmayi
One Who Has Golden Appearance
18
Lakshmi
Goddess Of Wealth And Prosperity
19
Nityapushta
One Who Gains Strenght Day After Day
20
Vibha
One Who Is Radiant Faced
21
Aditi
One Who Has Radiance Like The Sun
22
Deetya
One Who Answers Prayers
23
Deepta
Flame Like
24
Vasudha
Goddess Of Earth
25
Vasudharini
Protector Of Earth
26
Kamala
Lotus
27
Kantha
Consort Of Lord Vishnu
28
Kamakshi
Attractive Eyed Goddess
29
Kamalasambhava
One Who Emerges From The Lotus
30
Anugrahaprada
One Who Grants Good Wishes
31
Buddhi
Goddess Of Wisdom
32
Anagha
Sinless Or Pure Goddess
33
Harivallabhi
Consort Of Lord Vishnu
34
Ashoka
One Who Dispels Sorrows
35
Amrutha
Goddess Of Nectar
36
Deepa
Radiant Faced
37
Lokashokavinashini
One Who Removes Worldly Troubles
38
Dharmanilaya
One Who Establishes Eternal Law
39
Karuna
Compassionate Goddess
40
Lokamatri
Universal Mother
41
Padmapriya
Lover Of Lotus
42
Padmahasta
One Who Has Lotus Like Hands
43
Padmakshya
One Who Has Lotus Like Eyes
44
Padmasundari
Beautiful Like The Lotus
45
Padmodbhava
One Who Emerges From The Lotus
46
Padmamukhi
Lotus Faced Goddess
47
Padmanabhapriya
Beloved Of Padmanabha - Lord Vishnu
48
Ramaa
Pleaser Of Lord Vishnu
49
Padmamaladhara
One Who Wears The Lotus Garland
50
Devi
Goddess
51
Padmini
Like The Lotus
52
Padmagandhini
One Who Has Fragnance Like The Lotus
53
Punyagandha
The Divine Perfumed Goddess
54
Suprasanna
Compassionate Goddess
55
Prasadabhimukhi
One Who Grants Boons And Wishes
56
Prabha
Goddess With The Radiance Like The Sun
57
Chandravadana
Moon Faced Goddess
58
Chanda
Calm Like The Moon
59
Chandrasahodari
Sister Of The Moon
60
Chaturbhuja
Four Armed Goddess
61
Chandrarupa
Beautiful Like The Moon
62
Indira
Radiant Like The Sun
63
Indusheetala
Pure Like The Moon
64
Ahladajanani
Goddess Who Bestows Happiness
65
Pushti
Goddess Of Health
66
Shiva
Auspicious Goddess
67
Shivakari
Embodiment Of Auspiciousness
68
Satya
Truth
69
Vimala
Pure
70
Vishwajanani
Universal Mother
71
Pushti
Possessor Of Wealth
72
Daridriyanashini
Remover Of Poverty
73
Preeta Pushkarini
Goddess Who Has Pleasing Eyes
74
Shanta
Peaceful Goddess
75
Shuklamalambara
One Who Wears White Clothing
76
Bhaskari
Dazzling Like The Sun
77
Bilvanilaya
One Who Lives Under The Bilva Tree
78
Vararoha
Goddess Who Bestows Wishes And Boons
79
Yashaswini
Goddess Of Fame And Fortune
80
Vasundhara
Daughter Of Mother Earth
81
Udaranga
One Who Has A Beautiful Body
82
Harini
One Who Is Deer Like
83
Hemamalini
One Who Possesses Golden Garlands
84
Dhanadhanyaki
One Who Bestows Wealth
85
Siddhi
Protector
86
Straina Soumya
Showering Goodness On Women
87
Shubhaprada
One Who Grants Auspicious Things
88
Nrupaveshvagathananda
One Who Lives In Palaces
89
Varalakshmi
Granter Of Prosperity
90
Vasuprada
Bestower Of Wealth
91
Shubha
Auspicious Goddess
92
Hiranyapraka
Admist Gold
93
Samudratanaya
Daughter Of The Ocean
94
Jaya
Goddess Of Victory
95
Mangala
Most Auspicious
96
Devi
Diety Or Goddess
97
Vishnuvakshah
One Who Resides In Lord Vishnu's Chest
98
Vishnupatni
Consort Of Lord Vishnu
99
Prasannakshi
Lively Eyed
100
Narayana Samashrita
One Who Seeks Refuge In Lord Narayana
101
Daridriya Dhwamsini
One Who Eliminates Poverty
102
Devlakshmi
Goddess
103
Sarvapadravanivarini
One Who Dispels Unhappiness
104
Navadurga
All Nine Forms Of Durga
105
Mahakali
A Form Of Goddess Kali
106
Brahma-Vishnu-Shivatmika
Goddess In The Form Of Brahma Vishnu Shiva
107
Trikalagyanasampanna
One Is Aware Of Past, Present And Future
108
Bhuvaneshwaryai
Supreme Goddess Or Diety
Ithi Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtothra Satha NaamavaLi Samaaptha

Sri Lakshmi Durga -- Mahisha-asura Mardhani
Ayigiri Nandhini Nandhitha Mohini Visva vinodhini Nandhanuthe' Girivara vindhyasiro'-athi Nivaasini Vishnu vilaasini Jishnunuthe' Bagavathi He'y Sithi kanta kudumbini poori kudumbini poorikruthe' Jaya Jaya He'y Mahisha-asura Mardhini Ramyaka Barthini Saila suthe'

27'th August

This coming 27th. of August 2007, at 12.30 am. look up the sky.
You will see 2 moons. Believe it or not, up to you.
Got this news in a from a Friend.
Two moon on 27 August*27th Aug the Whole World is waiting for………….*
Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky starting August.
It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye.
This will cultivate on Aug. 27 when Mars comes within 34.65M miles of earth.
Be sure to watch the sky on Aug. 27 12:30 am .
It will look like the earth has 2 moons.
The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287.
Share this with your friends as NO ONE ALIVE TODAY will ever see it again.

So ,Who's gonna go Moon watching with me ?!?!?

Make it ur self Photoframe

An easy make it yourself photo frame .It looks cute too .To put up the endless pic.s of babies.

Things u need
Photo
ThickPaper
4 Icecream Sticks(Big)
Scissors
Tape
Glue
Yarn
Glitter Glue
Paint
Markers


Instructions
First, tape or glue the back of your baby photo to a piece of heavy paper.
Then, stack the Popsicle sticks into a square frame shape and glue the corners.
Next, glue a piece of yarn to the frame as a hanger.
Decorate your frame with glitter glue, paint or markers.
Tape or glue your frame to your baby photo and hang it on the wall, using the yarn.

Happy Independance day !

India - Amazing facts
From -Amazing facts

The official Sanskrit name for India is Bharat.
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INDIA has been called Bharat even in Satya yuga ( Golden Age )
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More INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT India
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The name `India’ is derived from the River Indus, the valleys around which were the home of the early settlers. The Aryan worshippers referred to the river Indus as the Sindhu.
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The Persian invaders converted it into Hindu. The name `Hindustan’ combines Sindhu and Hindu and thus refers to the land of the Hindus.
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The number system was invented by India. Aryabhatta was the scientist who invented the digit zero.
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Sanskrit is considered as the mother of all higher languages. This is because it is the most precise, and therefore suitable language for computer software. ( a report in Forbes magazine, July 1987 ). Chess was invented in India.
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Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus are studies which originated in India.
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The’ place value system’ and the ‘decimal system’ were developed in 100 BC in India.
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The first six Mogul Emperor’s of India ruled in an unbroken succession from father to son for two hundred years, from 1526 to 1707.
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The World’s First Granite Temple is the Brihadeswara temple at Tanjavur in Tamil Nadu. The shikhara is made from a single ‘ 80-tonne ‘ piece of granite. Also, this magnificient temple was built in just five years, (between 1004 AD and 1009 AD) during the reign of Rajaraja Chola
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India is…….the Largest democracy in the world, the 6th largest country in the world AND one of the most ancient and living civilizations (at least 10, 000 years old).
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The game of snakes & ladders was created by the 13th century poet saint Gyandev. It was originally called ‘Mokshapat.’ The ladders in the game represented virtues and the snakes indicated vices. The game was played with cowrie shells and dices. Later through time, the game underwent several modifications but the meaning is the same i.e good deeds take us to heaven and evil to a cycle ofre-births.
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The world’s highest cricket ground is in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. Built in 1893 after levelling a hilltop, this cricket pitch is 2444 meters above sea level.
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India has the most post offices in the world !
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The largest employer in the world is the Indian railway system, employing over a million people !.
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The World’s first university was established in Takshila in 700 BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education.
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Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to mankind. The father of medicine, Charaka, consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago.
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Although modern images & descriptions of India often show poverty, India was one of the richest countries till the time of British in the early 17th Century. Christopher Columbus was attracted by India’s wealth and was looking for route to India when he discovered America by mistake.
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The art of Navigation & Navigating was born in the river Sindh 6000 over years ago. The very word ‘Navigation’ is derived from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH. The word navy is also derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Nou’.
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Bhaskaracharya rightly calculated the time taken by the earth to orbit the sun hundreds of years before the astronomer Smart. His calculations was - Time taken by earth to orbit the sun: ( 5th century ) 365.258756484 days.
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The value of “pi” was first calculated by the Indian Mathematician Budhayana, and he explained the concept of what is known as the Pythagorean Theorem. He discovered this in the 6th century, which was long before the European mathematicians.
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Algebra, trigonometry and calculus also orignated from India. Quadratic equations were used by Sridharacharya in the 11th century. The largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were 106 whereas Hindus used numbers as big as 10*53 ( i.e 10 to the power of 53 ) with specific names as early as 5000 B.C. during the Vedic period. Even today, the largest used number is Tera: 10*12( 10 to the power of 12 ).
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Until 1896, India was the only source for diamonds to the world. ( Source . Gemological Institute of America )
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The Baily Bridge is the highest bridge in the world. It is located in the Ladakh valley between the Dras and Suru rivers in the Himalayan mountains. It was built by the Indian Army in August 1982.
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Sushruta is regarded as the father of surgery. Over 2600 years ago Sushrata & his team conducted complicated surgeries like cataract, artificial limbs, cesareans, fractures, urinary stones and also plastic surgery and brain surgeries.
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Usage of anesthesia was well known in ancient India medicine. Detailed knowledge of anatomy, embryology, digestion, metabolism, physiology, etiology, genetics and immunity is also found in many ancient Indian texts.
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Did you know ?
India also celebrates the birthday of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President and Vice-President and great statesman, as “Teachers’ Day”.
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Born on September 5, 1888, at Tiruttani, 40 miles to the north-east of Madras, Radhakrishnan grew to become the most famous Indian teacher and philosopher of all times. In his honour, this day is celebrated as Teacher’s Day.
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He was also the Vice-President of India from 1952-1962. He held the office of the Chancellor, University of Delhi, before taking over as the President of India in May 1962.
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“What makes a nation, is the past, what justifies one nation against others is the past”, says the noted historian Eric Hobsbawm.
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Hence, when talking of a nation, it becomes very imperative that the past should also be talked about. And the past of India is as fascinating and interesting as it is momentous.
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Jai Hind !

I'm proud to be an indian!!! are you ?

Aadi Ammavasai Tharpanam

(from The Hindu Online )

The new moon day is considered something special in almost all civilizations for one reason or the other. While some civilizations ascribe demonic qualities to this day, others consider this day as auspicious and benevolent.In Tamil society, the two new moon days which matter most in a calendar year are the Thai Amavasai and Aadi Amavasai. Aadi Amavasai comes in Utharayanam period(generally from middle of January to middle of July) and the Thai Amavasai comes in Dhakshanayanam period( from middle of July to middle of January) The Aadi Amavasai day is specially marked for offering prayers and food to the dead forefathers. One can say that this day can be described as the Indian version of All Souls Day that is celebrated in Roman Catholic Churches.

Hindus believe that the offerings they make during this period of 15 days starting from this new moon day would reach their forefathers and appease them quickly. So the Hindus are expected to perform “Tharpanam” on this day, which is a recitation of certain mantras along with some rituals that would appease the dead forefathers and protect the offsprings of the performer of the Tharpanam.Taking a holy dip in a river is considered a pre-requisite for performing a Tharpanam, as it is believed that all one’s physical as well as mental impurities are washed away by doing so.

This day is celebrated with more religious fervour and Bhakti in different temples, both Vaishnavaite and Saivite, situated in India and elsewhere.
Samayal ,Today we do all the dishes with Naatu kai vegtables like Ladies finger,brinjal,Drumstick,all kinds of gourds.

For Recipes please visit Spicy Khana

Charming Snake ?!?

Today Dawned the same as any other day ...infact a lazy day for me got up late..playing with the kids ..suddenly realised that i'm fresh out of eggs .So,got the egg tray out and started to the grocery two blocks away.That was when ,I saw the snake charmer begging for money a 3 houses from ours .I called to Gurunathan(our help) and said don't let him come near our house and off I went .

Coming back.I saw Gurunathan deep in conversation with the charmer ,who was sitting sqat in front of our house .Gurunathan came running " amma, I saw a snake skin near the jasmine bushes there seems to be a snake around the house .Let us make him catch it " .Now ,Snake skin ...I'm familiar with :) .I called the Charmer and said I'll not give you to much just catch the snake and don't ask lots of money .(ME !! Haggling with a SNAKE charmer .)He was like " amma ,U'll have to pay me Rs.50 for each snake i catch " .I said I can't pay you that much .Now go catch the snake ! .

The Snake Charmer went off ,with his 'Magudi'..with the comments " With this 'Magudi ' I can catch only Cobra and Common Krait nad not the Green Vine snakes and ordinary snakes .I said"Catch that snake which shed its skin" .And so,he wanked around the house bowing his 'magudi' producing a strange linting sound ,which supposedly chars snakes out of hiding .Suddenly the neared the Well ,he ran and caught and he pulled it out .He Pulled n pulled and pulled .Out came it ,at last - a six foot ,shiny ,writhering ,Cobra !!!!!

He Hurried to put the snake inside his jute bag .he sqatted and started tying his sack .Our neighbour came and said If u have found a cobra there is sure to be a mate ...a cobra always is with a mate .Catch that also .

So off he went again ,and caught a Common Krait(its mate ?!? ) asbig as the cobra.He was starting to leave .I said Better check the whole house out there are lots of frogs about .So he walked around again .suddenly he shouted "Bring my stick someone ,Bring my stick" we all rushed to see waht he was about .There he was triumphantly holding 7 baby snakes and their mother !!!! They were Short and fat and slow .

By Now,I was real scared ...where did all these snake hide for so long .I said him

"Enough take all these and go please" .so again we haggled and i ended up paying him Rs.350/- .And the total number of snakes caught were 10 !!!!!!

Orkut Monsterosity ?!?!?

Mmmmm,These past two months or so has made orkut a taboo in India .It's name being connected to one of the dangers ?!?! faced by the Indian youth (I find so many people of the older generation, i wonder !!!) .

Now lets see Orkut as it defines itself "orkut is an online community designed to make your social life more active and stimulating. orkut's social network can help you maintain existing relationships with pictures and messages, and establish new ones by reaching out to people you've never met before. " - All That is absolutely true !!!! . Now You might be wondering if I support those who use orkut or If i Don't .The truth bespoken I do support people who use orkut as I find it so useful myself .

I am not exaggerating if i tell u I have found my long lost classmates in orkut ... a few cousins too ...who i didn't even know existed !!!

But ,Even the creators of orkut have visioned the use people might subject it to and have excercised caution .orkut makes it easy to find people who share your hobbies and interests, look for romantic connections or establish new business contacts. You can also create and join a wide variety of online communities to discuss current events, reconnect with old school mates or even exchange your favorite recipes.
Who you interact with is entirely up to you. Before getting to know an orkut member, you can read their profile and even see how they're connected to you through the friends network.

Security tips for using ORKUT :
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Don't forget that millions of people can view your orkut profile:
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Calories Burned !!

Here below I'm giving the list of activities and how much calories they burn
Here’s a short compilation of the usual activities that we can do and the estimated equivalent calories burned per hour for your guidance:
Cleaning the House 200 to 250 calories
Gardening 300 calories
Sweeping the floor 250 calories
Child Care 180 to 200 calories
Cooking/Food Preparation 150 calories
Driving 110 calories
Office Work 140 calories
Standing 100 calories
Simple Exercises:
Aerobics 350 calories
Badminton, social 300 calories
Golf 240 calories
Walking, brisk 400 calories
Running 400 to 500 calories
Swimming laps 600 calories
Different activities whether done at home or outside the house result in calories being burned. There should therefore be no excuse that one is unable to do physical activity be at work or in the house because… while doing office computer work, you can stand up and walk to accumulate more calories burned per hour!