Mahesvara-sutrani

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The Mahesvara-sutrani,  also known as the Siva-sutra-s, are fourteen verses that summarise the phonemes of Sanskrit language. It has been refered to in the Astadhyayi of Panini, and is generally regarded as the text responsible for Sanskrit syllables. 

Within the tradition they are known as the Akṣarasamāmnāya, "recitation of phonemes," but they are popularly known as the Siva Sutras because they are said to have been revealed to Pāṇini by Lord Siva himself.

Legend has it that at the end of the great cosmic dance, Lord Siva was requested by the assembled siddha-s to reveal a divine language. In response the Lord of Dance, beat his hand drum fourteen times. The sounds that came out of this is considered the Mahesvara-sutrani. 


Hayagriva Kavacam

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Hayagriva Kavacam

In the Vedic culture, Healing and Caring are considered to be part of a spiritual process. The energy of healing and caring is considered pure and divine. The Kavacam (literally meaning an ‘armor) is a spiritual armour that brings the divine source of pure energy closer to the heart. Thus ensuring that the healing process is safe, pure and sacred. 

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Gayatri Avahana Mantra

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Gayatri Avahana Mantra

Gayatri, is the form of the rising sun that is honoured through the most renowned Gayatri mantra. The mantra is traditionally used in a procedure called Sandhyavandanam, through which the sun is honoured at different times of the day. A key aspect of this procedure is the Gayatri mantra japa, where the timeless Gayatri mantra is recited a number of times, in order to honour the sun.

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Narayana Suktam

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Narayana Suktam

The Narayana Suktam is, often thought of as the mystical appendix to the Purusa Suktam. While the Purusa Suktam presents the Supreme Being as an All-encompassing, Impersonal Purusa, the Narayana Suktam honours Narayana, a very personal and accessible Lord. The Narayana Suktam is a devout, touching, emotional and personal address to the Creator and sustainer of the universe. The chant also presents that the divine is residing deep in our hearts, and all we need to do is acknowledge his presence and connect with our hearts to access his grace. 

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Sraddha Suktam

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Sraddha Suktam

Sraddha, meaning intense faith or conviction, is the cornerstone for success in any endeavour, be it in our spiritual or personal path.  It enables us to perserve in the face of even the greatest difficulties. The Sraddha suktam, which is part of the Taittiriya Brahmana, underlines the significance of Sraddha and honours it as a goddess. 

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Krishna Astakam

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Krishna Astakam

Lord Krishna is considered the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is often considered as the complete incarnation (purna avatara). His popularity is unparalleled in India, with temples in almost every corner of the country. Explaining his exploits as a young child forms one of the most favourite pastimes of grandparents, who educate their grandchildren of the nature and valour of God. He is also the central character in the Bhagavad Gita, the most important text for most Hindus, where he is teaching his protege Arjuna on the nature of Dharma. 

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Teacher Chant

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Teacher Chant

 

The Vedic tradition put the teacher at the forefront of learning. It viewed the teacher as the crucial link between the student and the teaching. Owing to the fact that it was the teacher who revealed the subtle intricacies of the teaching, which facilitates the student to evolve into his potential, the teacher was regarded very highly.  

This is the reason why so many chants exist to honor the teacher. Here is a chant that is called Guru Stotram, that is perhaps a compilation of different verses that honor the preceptor.

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The Nine Planets Chant

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The Nine Planets Chant

The term Graha in Sanskrit language, which literally means to seize, or to hold, is considered to be a cosmic influencer on the living beings of the earth. In Hindu astrology there is a total of nine influencers who are together termed as the Navagrahas. All the of the navagraha are said to have have relative movement with respect to the background of fixed stars in the zodiac. The Navagrahas of Hindu astrology are Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu (the ascending node of the moon) and Ketu (the descending node of the moon). 

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Mahalakshmyastakam

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Mahalakshmyastakam

In Vedic mythology Mahalakshmi is the consort of Lord Visnu, and is worshipped as the Goddess of Wealth and good character. She is considered the divine feminine and a very essential aspect in creation and sustaining of this world.  Orignally appearing from the Padma Purana, this octet on her worships her as the divine feminine. Chanting this or even listening to it is believed to confer innumerable benefits including removal of obstacles and illness, obtaining wealth and character, and warding off evil spirits. 

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