Blog Hits a New Record – 1.8 Crore 18 Million Views

This year in May 2022, I had posted about 1.7 crores 17 million views.  And to cross a Million view in over 6 months is truly amazing. I cannot truly thank my Dad for all he does and keeps doing and sharing his knowledge with me. He truly is an inspiration to me in my spiritual journey. I learnt unwavered devotion towards Rayaru from none other than my Mother and unwavering commitment by my Father.

The support I receive from my Husband and Daughter is truly amazing. They are always amazed with the dedication and effort I put towards the blog.

I had made a commitment this year to learn as many Dasara Songs as possible and post the audio. With whatever little free time I have, I keep learning, trying my own tunes and posting the lyrics and audio. I have posted 230+ posts this year which in itself is a record.

2022 has been truly a remarkable year. We visited India and did Pilgrimage with our Father to see our Muddu Kadagolu Krishna in Udupi, see Pajaka Kshetra where our Guru Madhwacharya resided, take a trip down to Gokurna, Murudeshwara and see Lord Shiva, Ganapathi, travel down to Sondha to see Sri Vadirajaru and BhootaRajaru. While returning back, visited Harihara and Seebi Narashima Devarau.

We visited Rayaru in Mantralaya, Adhoni, Bichale along with my Father and Sister. We visited several Rayara muttas in Bangalore, Honnava Mantralaya, Kamadhenu Kshetra, NR Colony mutta, Chickpete mutta, Malleshwara Rayara mutta.

While in Bangalore, we had the opportunity to get Mudra Dharane by Sri Subudheendra Theertharu Mantralaya Swamigalu.

We moved to North Carolina and are truly blessed to be so close to SKV, NC temple. What a blessing to be part of such an awesome community here. We were able to meet, speak one on one with Sri Suguneendra Teertha Swamigalu of Shree Puthige Matha here at SKV temple and get Mudra Dharane.

I am truly thankful to all of you for all your support and hope to continue spreading my knowledge and do whatever little I can do to promote Hinduism.

BIG THANKS TO ALL OF YOU. THIS BLOG WOULDN’T HAVE REACHED WHERE IT IS WITHOUT ALL OF YOU. BIG THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO COMMENTS TIRELESSLY.

And it goes without saying, my sincere namaskaras to Lord Almighty and our beloved beloved RAYARU.

MAY THIS BLOG CONTINUE ITS JOURNEY TOWARDS REACHING many many more people ACROSS THE GLOBE.

Uthwana Dwadashi-Tulasi Habba – November 5th 2022

ತುಲಸೀ ಹಬ್ಬವಿವಾಹ ಉತ್ವಾನ ದ್ವಾದಶಿ – Uthwana Dwadashi/Tulasi Habba – November 5th Saturday in USA and in India.
Last year’s pictures:

Close up of our little Tulasi Plant:

Uthwana Dwadashi – Tulasi Habba or Tulasi Pooje is celebrated a fortnight after Deepavali. It signifies the day Tulasi married Lord Vishnu. On this day, Tulasi katte is decorated like a bride. Amla trees are planted along with the tulsi plant.

Pooje to be done in the evening.

What’s Tulasi?

In most Hindu homes, you find a Tulasi plant growing out of a Tulasi katte . Tulasi is considered to be a holy plant and is worshiped every morning. Tulasi has medicinal value and is often used as a herb in curing the common cold and cough.

So what’s Tulasi Habba?
Tulasi came out of the ocean during Amrita Manthan as a younger sister of Lakshmi. She too was devoted to Lord Vishnu and wanted to marry him. But Lakshmi who was already married to him did not like the idea and cursed her to become a plant. Thus the tulasi plant was born. But the all merciful Lord Vishnu took pity and fulfilling her wish declared that when he will be in the form of a saligrama, found in most temples and madhwa houses, she will remain close to him in the form of a tulasi leaf. Therefore even today a saligrama will have a tulsi leaf along with it. In front of every Hindu home there will be a tulasi katte in which a plant grows round the year.
Although the prayers are offered to Tulasi everyday by watering the plant in the morning and lighting an oil lamp before it in the evening, on Kartik Shukla Dwadashi there will be an annual Tulasi Pooja in the evening when the tulasi katte will be beautifully decorated with clay lamps.

Attached below is a screen shot of the Tulasi Vivaha Slokas and Procedure as printed in the Uttaradi Matta Panchanga. If you click on the image a bigger picture will display which has the words very very clear.

Here is the link for all the Tulasi slokas and songs I have recorded.

1. Slokas

2. Daily Tulasi Pooja Procedure

3. Several Songs on Tulasi

You can also listen to several songs I have recorded on YouTube and created a Playlist below:

Sarasadaratiya Belagire – Deepavali Song -Part 3

A very common song which is sung while doing Aarathi during Diwali. I have posted several years back two songs for Deepavali. And a third one now.

ಎಣ್ಣೆ ಹಚ್ಛಿದ ಹಾಡು – Diwali Song Lyrics -Part 1

ಜಯ ಜಯ ರಘುರಾಮಗೆ – Diwali Song Lyrics -Part 2

I have recorded tune for all three songs and posted on Youtube.

Amazing song composed by Shree Harapanalli Bheemavva. Bheemesha Krishna is her ankita.

Sing this while doing Aarathi on Naraka Chatrudasi.

ಸರಸದಾರತಿಯ ಬೆಳಗಿರೆ

ಸರಸಿಜ ನಯನಗೆ ಸಾಗರ ಶಯನಗೆ
ನಿರುತ ಸುಖಾನಂದ ಭರಿತನಾದವಗೆ
ಬರೆಸಿ ಉತ್ತರವ ಕಳುಹಿ ಹರುಷದಿ ತಂದ ಸತಿಯರ
ರಸಿರುಕ್ಮಿಣಿ ಸಹಿತ ಹರುಷದಿ ಕುಳಿತ ಹರಿಗೆ||ಪಲ್ಲ||

ನಿಂದ್ಯ ಪರಿಹರಿಸಲು ಬಂದು ಯುಧ್ಧವ ಮಾಡಿ
ಸಿಂಧುಗಟ್ಟಿದ ರಾಮಚಂದ್ರ ಗೊಂದಿಸುತ
ತಂದು ಮಗಳ ಧಾರೆ ಮಂದರೋಧ್ಧರಗೆರೆಯೆ
ಜಾಂಬುವಂತ್ಯೇರ  ಸಹಿತಾನಂದದಿ ಕುಳಿತ ಹರಿಗೆ||೧||

ಮಿತ್ರೆ ಕಾಳಂದಿ ಭದ್ರಾ ಅಚ್ಯುತನೆಡಬಲ
ಲಕ್ಷಣ ನೀಲಾ ನಕ್ಷತ್ರದಂದದಲಿ
ಒಪ್ಪುವ ಚಂದ್ರನಂಥ ವಾರಿಜಾಕ್ಷನು ಇರಲು
ಅಷ್ಟಭಾರ್ಯೆಯರ ಸಹಿತ ನಕ್ಕು ಕುಳಿತ ಹರಿಗೆ||೨||

ನಾಶವಾಗಲಿ ನರಕಾಸುರನ ಮಂದಿರ ಪೊಕ್ಕು
ಏಸು ಜನ್ಮದ ಪುಣ್ಯ ಒದಗಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಹರಿಯು
ಶ್ರೀಶನೊಲಿದ ಭೀಮೇಶ ಕೃಷ್ಣನು ಸೋಳ
ಸಾಸಿರ ಸತಿಯರಿಂದ್ವಿಲಾಸದಿ ಕುಳಿತ ಹರಿಗೆ||೩||

Sarasadāratiya beḷagire

sarasija nayanage sāgara śayanage

niruta sukhānanda bharitanādavage baresi uttarava kaḷuhi haruṣadi tanda

satiyara rasirukmiṇi sahita haruṣadi kuḷita harige||palla||

nindya pariharisalu bandu yudhdhava māḍi sindhugaṭṭida rāmacandra gondisuta tandu magaḷa dhāre mandarōdhdharagereye jāmbuvantyēra  sahitānandadi kuḷita harige||1||

mitre kāḷandi bhadrā acyutaneḍabala lakṣaṇa nīlā nakṣatradandadali oppuva candranantha vārijākṣanu iralu aṣṭabhāryeyara sahita nakku kuḷita harige||2||

nāśavāgali narakāsurana mandira pokku ēsu janmada puṇya odagi śrī hariyu śrīśanolida bhīmēśa kr̥ṣṇanu sōḷa sāsira satiyarindvilāsadi kuḷita harige||3||

Deepavali – October 23rd – 26th 2022

 Deepavali dates – 2022

P.S: Please check dates in your country.

Dates in USA.

This year Deepavali is celebrated from October 23rd – 25th 2022

October 23rd Sunday – Neeru Thumbuva Habba, Dhana Trayodashi

October 24th Monday – Naraka Chaturdasi, Amavasya Lakshmi Pooja

October 25th Tuesday – Bali Padyami, Kaartika Maasa begins

Dates in India.

This year Deepavali is celebrated from October 23rd – 26th 2022

October 23rd Sunday – Neeru Thumbuva Habba, Dhana Trayodashi

October 24th Monday – Naraka Chaturdasi

October 25th Tuesday – Amavasya Lakshmi Pooja

October 26th Wednesday – Bali Padyami, Kaartika Maasa begins

The word originated from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali” which means “rows of light”. This 5 day long Hindu festival is celebrated throughout the world with great enthusiasm and happiness. Deepavali is the festival signifying the victory of good against evil.

It usually occurs in October/November, and is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals in India and all over the world. Deepavali comes 3 weeks after Dasara.

Neeru Thumbuva Habba

The first day of Deepavali celebrations i.e. on Thrayodasi ತ್ರಯೋದಶಿ is called as Neeru Thumbuva Habba ನೀರು ತುಂಬುವ ಹಬ್ಬ in Kannada. This day all the vessels which are used to fill or collect water are cleaned in the evening, decorated with mango leaves, flowers, and rangoli. I remember all the water geysers and boilers were washed, filled with fresh water and rangoli drawn on them this day.

The rangoli prepared is by soaking rice in water for a few hours and grinding the same into a smooth paste. My Mom used to take a piece of cloth, dip it into this rice paste and draw Rangoli every where from the front door to the kitchen. All corners of the house used to have rangoli, which used to be as white as milk. Just amazing.

Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated on the second day of diwali celebrations. People wake up early in the morning apply the kumkum (ladies in the household do the arathi), on their foreheads and then take bath.

We used to all sit on a platform, usually called a Mane which is decorated with Rangoli designs, lamps lit on both sides. Everyone is applied Kumkum on the forehead, given betel leaf, nut, and arathi is done by elderly ladies in the house. They will take the oil cup and dip a flower  in it and apply it on everyones head. And the man are supposed to give money for the ladies doing the Aarathi. Such a nice tradition, isn’t it?

The story goes that Narakasura the daemon ruler of Pragjyotishpur after defeating Lord Indra had snatched away the magnificent earrings of Aditi, the Mother Goddess and imprisoned 16,000 daughters of the gods and saints in his harem. On the day previous to Naraka-chaturdashi, Lord Krishna killed the demon and liberated the imprisoned daughters and also recovered those precious earrings of Aditi. As a symbol of that victory Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon’s blood and returned home in the very early morning of the Naraka-chaturdashi day. The womenfolk massaged scented oil to his body and gave him a good bath to wash away the filth from his body. Since then the custom of taking bath before sunrise on this day has become a traditional practice.

Another legend is about King Bali. His power and increasing influence posed a threat to the security of all ‘Devatas’ so they prayed Lord Vishnu to help them out. To help Devatas and to curb King Bali’s powers Lord Vishnu went to King Bali in the guise of a short-height ‘Brahmin’, and begged to give him only that much area of land that he could cover with in three steps because King Bali was well known for his philanthropy. King Bali saw just a short-height ‘Brahmin’ asking for a little piece of land so he proudly granted him his wish. That very moment that short-height ‘Brahmin’ disappeared and there was almighty Lord Vishnu in place of him. In his first step Lord Vishnu covered the heaven and in the second step the earth and asked King Bali where to put his third step. Then King Bali offered his head to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu put his third step on his head and pushed him deep into the underground. But at the same time being impressed by his generosity Lord Vishnu gave King Bali the lamp of knowledge and allowed him to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps.

The third day of Diwali is the most important day during which we perform Lakshmi Pooje; to the Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi Pooje falls on the dark night of Amavasya. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening to seek blessings of Goddess of Wealth.

I am sure you all will do the Lakshmi Pooje, and get her blessings. The most important song we sing while performing Lakshmi Pooje is Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma song.

The fourth day of Deepavali is called “Bali Padyami“. Bali would come out of Pathala Loka and rule Bhuloka as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is known as ‘Bali Padyami’.

What is Naraka Chaturdashi?

Naraka Chaturdasi

Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated on the second day of Deepavali celebrations. People wake up early in the morning apply the kumkum (ladies in the household do the arathi), on their foreheads and then take bath.

The story goes that Narakasura the daemon ruler of Pragjyotishpur after defeating Lord Indra had snatched away the magnificent earrings of Aditi, the Mother Goddess and imprisoned 16,000 daughters of the gods and saints in his harem. On the day previous to Naraka-chaturdashi, Lord Krishna killed the demon and liberated the imprisoned daughters and also recovered those precious earrings of Aditi. As a symbol of that victory Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with the demon’s blood and returned home in the very early morning of the Naraka-chaturdashi day. The womenfolk massaged scented oil to his body and gave him a good bath to wash away the filth from his body. Since then the custom of taking bath before sunrise on this day has become a traditional practice.

Another legend is about King Bali. His power and increasing influence posed a threat to the security of all ‘Devatas’ so they prayed Lord Vishnu to help them out. To help Devatas and to curb King Bali’s powers Lord Vishnu went to King Bali in the guise of a short-height ‘Brahmin’, and begged to give him only that much area of land that he could cover with in three steps because King Bali was well known for his philanthropy. King Bali saw just a short-height ‘Brahmin’ asking for a little piece of land so he proudly granted him his wish. That very moment that short-height ‘Brahmin’ disappeared and there was almighty Lord Vishnu in place of him. In his first step Lord Vishnu covered the heaven and in the second step the earth and asked King Bali where to put his third step. Then King Bali offered his head to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu put his third step on his head and pushed him deep into the underground. But at the same time being impressed by his generosity Lord Vishnu gave King Bali the lamp of knowledge and allowed him to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps.

Lakshmi Pooja

P.S: Past few years pooja pictures attached below….

The third day of Deepavali is the most important day during which we perform Lakshmi Pooje; to the Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi Pooje falls on the dark night of Amavasya. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening to seek blessings of Goddess of Wealth.

I am sure you all will do the Lakshmi Pooje, and get her blessings. The most important song we sing while performing Lakshmi Pooje is Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma song.

Some useful links for Lakshmi Pooja:

• Lakshmi Pooja Vidhana
• Lyrics on Goddess Lakshmi

Bali Padyami

The fourth day of Deepavali is called “Bali Padyami“. Bali would come out of Pathala Loka  ಪಾತಾಳ ಲೋಕ and rule Bhuloka ಭೂಲೋಕ as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is known as ‘Bali Padyami’.

King Bali of the netherworld, with his mighty power, had become a threat to the gods. To curb his powers, Lord Vishnu in the guise of a Brahmin boy (Vamana), visited him and begged for that much land he could cover with three footsteps.

So, with the first step, Vamana covered the entire heaven and with the second step the earth. When he asked Bali where he could keep his third step, Bali offered his head and put the Lord’s foot on his head. Lord Vishnu banishes Bali into the Pathala (nether land) by his third stride. Later, pleased by his generosity, Lord Vishnu grants him a boon to return to earth once in a year to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance and spread the radiance of love and wisdom.

Links to songs sung while performing Aarathi during Diwali.

Diwali Songs Part 1

Diwali Songs Part2

Diwali Songs Part 3

Dishes to be prepared for Diwali

Rangoli for Diwali

Goddess Lakshmi Songs

Rangoli For Lakshmi Pooja

Design Gejje Vastra 2

After my daily pooje, I was determined to sit down and finish Gejje vastra for Lord Ganesha. Monday the beginning of the week is going to be hectic with office work. So, even before having breakfast, sat down to finish this task.

I had brought pre-made Gejje vastra from India during my visit. I just added Kumkum, brought a few red crystals from Michael’s store here. And, made two Gejje Vastra’s. Very simple.

I will post pictures after the festival.

Here is the one I did for last year. Hope you got some ideas. If you prepare one, do share with me.

Design Gejje Vastra

Have a blessed Gowri and Ganesha Festival.

Design Gejje Vastra

As a child, I grew up watching both my Mysore Ajji and Bangalore Ajji making gejje vastra. While Mysore Ajji made the traditional ones, Bangalore Ajji made so many designs with gejje vastra that my mother used them for big festivals like Shree Varamaha Lakshmi Habba, Gowri Habba, Ganesha festival, Dasara festival.

However, last year I was determined to start and at least try a simple design for adorning Lord Ganapathi with some fancy Gejje Vastra and tried this.

It is very simple, I took three gejje vastras, and braided them and put stickers in between.

It looked just divine on the Lord. However, once we put all flowers and garike it was hard to see the same.

So, this year if you need an idea, this can help you get started. Simple, easy and looks fancy.

I will try a few more this weekend and post it. If you have any designs, please do share.

Shri Krishna Janmashtami – August 18th/19th 2022

ಕೃಷ್ನಯ ವಾಸುದೇವಾಯ
ದೇವಕಿ ನಂದ  ನಾಯಚ
ನಂದಗೋಪ  ಕುಮಾರಾಯ
ಶ್ರೀ  ಗೋವಿಂದಯ ನಮೋ  ನಮಃ

ಕೃಷ್ಣಯ ವಾಸುದೇವಾಯ  ಹರಯೇ  ಪರಮಾತ್ಮನೇ
ಪ್ರಣತ ಕ್ಲೇಶ  ನಾಶಾಯ  ಗೋವಿಂದಾಯ  ನಮೋ ನಮಃ

KRISHNAYA VASUDEVAYA
DEVAKI NANDA NAYACHA
NANDAGOPA KUMARAYA
SRI GOVINDAYA NAMO NAMAHA

KRISHNAYA VASUDEVAYA HARAYE PARAMAATMANE
PRANATHAH KLESHA NAASHAAYA GOVINDAAYA NAMONAMAHA

Shri K G Bhimsen Doss has left this comment.

Difference between Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Sri Krishna Jayanthi.
Normally Shravana, Krishna Paksha Ashtami is celebrated as Sri Krishna Janmashtami. In such years, the Rohini star comes on Bhadrapada Krishna paksha Ashtami. So in places like Udupi (or those who follow solar panchanga) observe Sri Krishna Jayanthi in the month of Bhadrapada. Generally Iyegars follow this practice.
If the Rohini Nakshtra falls on Shravana Krishna Paksha Ashtami then both Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Sri Krishna Jayanthi fall on the same day. This year both Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Sri Krishna Jayanthi are on the same day.

P.S: Click on any picture to see it enlarged.

Flowers to our Lord.

Fried items.

Pooja Preparation.

Lord Krishna sitting with all decoration.

Pooje as evening approaches.

Flowers offered to our Lord.

Naivedya for the Lord.
Shri Krishnastami is celebrated on Friday August19th 2022. Sri Krishnastami or Krishna Jayanthi marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Sri Krishna;the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Lord Sri Krishna was born on the ‘Rohini’ nakshatra on Ashtami; that’s why it is called Krishnastami. In karnataka it is also known as Gokulashtami and Janmashtami. The festival occurs between August and September in our English calendar.

According to our Hindu mythology, Krishna was born to destroy Mathura’s demon King Kamsa, brother of his virtuous mother, Devaki. A celestial voice told Kamsa that he would be killed by the eighth child of Devaki. Alarmed by the message, Kamsa imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudeva. Taking no chances, Kamsa went on killing Devaki’s children soon after birth. Lord Krishna was born as the eighth child of Vasudeva at midnight. But at Krishna’s birth, under divine instructions, Vasudeva left the prison unnoticed with the baby. He crossed the mighty river Yamuna which was in spate due to heavy rains. Without any difficulty, he walked across the river protected from rain by the mighty serpent Shesha, and reached Gokul. In Gokul, on the same midnight, a girl named Yogamaya had been born to Yasoda, wife of Nanda a herdsman. The babies were exchanged, and Vasudeva came back to prison with the girl. When Kamsa was told that his sister had given birth to a child, Kamsa attempted kill the child. But the baby who was Goddess Maya, flew off to the heaven, warning Kamsa that Krishna, who would kill him, had already been born and was alive. Eventually, Krishna killed Kamsa, and released his parents from the prison, and brought peace and happiness to the common people.

In our Madhwa tradition, we are supposed to fast on this day, and late during the night; usually midnight we are supposed to give Arghya to Lord krishna. Here is the stotra to be said while giving Arghya to Lord Krishna. While giving the Arghya, hold a coin, a lemon and dried date in your right hand, and using a silver spoon offer 3 times milk and 3 times water to Lord krishna in a silver bowl, and keep repeating the below Stotra as well. Everyone in the household has to give Arghya to the Lord.

Arghya Stotra

Arghya Stotra from the Utharadi Matta Panchanga

Krishna Arghya

Jathaha Kamsavadarthaya Bhoobharotharanayacha|
Kouravanam Vinashaya Dhaityanam Nidhanaya Cha ||
Pandavanam Hitharthaya Dharamasamsthapanaya Cha|
GruhanaArghyam Maya Dhatham Devakya Sahitho Hare ||

Chandra Arghya

Kshirodharnava Sambhootha AthiGotraSamudhbhava |
GruhanaArghyam Maya Dhatham Rhohinya Sahitho Shashin ||

Another set from Prasanna.

Krishna Arghya mantra
jatah kamsavadharthay bhubharo harNayacha

kouravaNam vinashaya diatyanam nidhanaya cha
panDavanam hitarthaya dharma sansthapanay cha

grahaNaarghyam mya dattam devikya sahito hare||

chandra arghya
kshirodarNav sambhootham atrigotra samudbhavam
grahaNrghyam mya dattam rohiNya sahitah shashinah||

The food items performed are mostly sweet dishes, fried items and items with Avalakki. All these dishes are performed with extreme madi. If you are not able to do so, here are some useful tips:

1. The most important thing in any festival is the breaking of the coconut and offering it to god, so bring a coconut.

2. Keep also 5 fruits for offering to god, like Banana, Mango, Apple, Orange, Grapes, Plum, Pear and so on..

3. You can make the following dishes which have been mentioned here in the blog which need no cooking at all, add the seasonings after you do the Naivedaya to god.

• Cucumber Kosambari

• Mosaru Avalakki

• Sweet Avalakki

4. If you don’t mind cooking on the gas stove, here are other recipes you can make as well

• Gojju Avalakki

• Upittu or Upma

• Kesaribath

• Thengolu

• Chakalli

• Ompudi

• Shankarpoli

• Kobbari Mittai

• Rave Unde or Laddoo

• Besan Unde or Laddoo

• Kodubale

• Poori

• Authentic Madhwa Recipes

5. Bring lots of flowers which are again easily available; roses

6. Offer butter also to the Lord which again is available in all grocery stores.

7. Below are several links which has all the songs in praise of Lord Krishna posted in this blog.

• Shri Krishna Ashtotra

• Keshava Nama

• Vande Vandyam

• Preenayamo Vasudevam

• Yenagu Aane Ranga

• Vijaya Kavacha

• Adisidalu Yeshodha

• Dasana madiko yenna

• Indu yenage Govinda

• Krishna Nee begane baro

• Loka Bharithano Ranga

• Lord Vishnu

8. Some Songs to be sung

• Palayachyutha palayajitha

• Preenayamo Vasudevam

• Vande Vandyam

9. We also place a silver cradle and keep the Ambegalu Krishna idol in the cradle and rock the cradle while singing the following song:

• JoJo JoKrishna Paramananda

• Tugire Rangana

10. Recite Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya as many times as possible.

11. Dwadasha Namaskara By Shree Purandara Dasaru

12 Little feet of Lord Krishna are drawn as well along with other rangolis.

13. Last but not the least, do as many namaskaras as you can and break the fast.

Once you finish the pooje, surrender yourself to the Almighty Lord by saying the following Stotra.

ಕಾಯೇನ  ವಾಚ ಮನಸೇನದ್ರಿಯಿರ್ವ
ಬುದ್ಧ್ಯತ್ಮನ  ವ  ಪ್ರಕೃತೆ  ಸ್ವಭಾವತ್
ಕರೋಮಿ  ಯದ್ಯಥ್   ಸಕಲಂ  ಪರಸ್ಮೈ
ಶ್ರೀಮಾನ್ ನಾರಾಯಣಯೇತಿ ಸಮರ್ಪಯಾಮಿ

KAYENA VACHA MANASENDRIYAIRVA
BUDDHYATMANA VA PRAKRITE SWABHAVATH
KAROMI YADYAD SAKALAM PARASMAI
SRIMAN NARAYANAYETI SAMARPAYAMI

May Lord Krishna Bless ALL

ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣರ್ಪನಮಸ್ತು

Shri Krishna Janmashtami/Krishna Jayanthi Pooja Preparation – Some Tips

In some places Krishna Janmastami is celebrated on Thursday 18th and in some Friday 19th. So, please check your calendars and celebrate accordingly.

Many of you have asked me how I prepare for one of the most exciting and beloved Festivals we have, Shri Krishna Janmashtami/Krishna Jayanthi or whatever name you wish to give this festival. It is celebrated all over the world. With the invent of internet, everyone wants to perform this festival and is looking for tips especially if you are working.  Based on decades of experience I have in observing as performed by my parents and performing the festival myself since I got married,  I am sharing some tips and tricks which will make it easy and not to stress out.

Remember, at the end of the day it is the Bhakthi and devotion which you can offer the Lord which is of utmost importance not the count of items you cook.

Attached below are some tips and tricks I follow.

Grocery List:

I buy all items new for this and Ganesha festival. Just a habit, nothing else. I am not listing how many lbs/kgs to buy, left to your discretion. With the list below you can prepare all items listed in Recipe Section.

1. Rice Flour
2. Maida or All purpose flour
3. Besan
4. Urda dal flour
5. Red chilli powder
6. Hing
7. Oil
8. Moong Dal
9. Channa dal
10. Dry Coconut Powder
11. Salt
12. Thick Poha
13. Thin Poha
14. Sooji
15. Jaggery
16. Sugar
17. Jeera
18. Mustard Seeds
19. Ghee
20. Butter
21. Milk
22. Butter Milk since Yogurt is not used during this vrata
23. Coconut

Vegetables List:

1. Green chillies
2. Coriander leaves
3. Curry leaves
4. Green Chillies
5. Cucumber
6. Coconut
7. Capsicum

Pooja List:

I am hoping you have the daily pooja items like Haldi, Kumkum, etc etc. This list is specific for this day and in no particular order you can arrange them as you wish.

1. Flowers, buy assortment of all flowers as shown below:
2. Fruits, all fruits are allowed in this vrata.3. Banana plant and Leaves if available. 4. Argya Items – milk, water, lemon, coin and a dry date. Keep them ready!5. Prepare all the lamps to light, Mangalarathi and aarathi  using Ghee or Oil that you use.6. Make sure you have Rangoli, if you don’t have the dry powder, use Kundan Rangoli, a chalk and draw. If even that is not available, take some printouts and use them. I have used a combination of all of them as seen below. Draw small feet of Lord Krishna from the front door.

7. Prepare Gejje Vastra with Kumkum. No set number here, I use one set for each idol I keep.8. Make sure you have camphor, Agarbathi and also soaked for Mangalaruthi.

9. Prepare the cradle for Lord Krishna. Once you are done giving the Argya, we rock the cradle and sing the lullaby.

10. If not anything else, just offer butter, coconut and fruits.

11. The detailed pooja procedure is posted at the following link:

• Shri Krishna Janmashtami/Krishna Jayanthi

Shri Vara Mahalakshmi Vrata Details

• August 5th – Friday – Shri Vara Mahalakshmi Vrata

Shri Vara Mahalakshmi Vrata is performed by married Hindu women to seek the blessings of the Goddess Mahalakshmi, wife of Lord Vishnu.

The Vrata is observed on the Friday immediately preceding the full moon day of the month of
Sravana Masa. On the day of Pooje or Vrata, women clean their homes and decorate their front yards with rangolis. Later, they take a bath and deck wear pure silk saree and jewellery. The lady performing the pooje makes a mandala with the drawing of a lotus upon it. A kalasha filled with rice and topped with fresh mango and betel leaves, a coconut smeared with haldi and kumkum and cloth are placed on the mandala and Lakshmi is invoked therein.

After the worship of the kalasha, follows the worship of Ganesha, then the worship of the sacred thread. Now the main worship of Vara Lakshmi begins and the scared thread is worshipped a second time. It is then tied to the right hand of the lady. After the worship thamboola is given to 5 married ladies.

The same evening, we invite all the neighboring ladies(married women) and offer them tamboola; also called veeledele Adike, which is an offering of betel leaves, fruits, betel nuts, kumkum, haldi and dakshine. At this point the ladies also sing songs in praise of goddess Varalakshmi.

Attached below is a scanned vrata procedure in Kannada:

• varamahalakshmi-vrata

So, here comes the link which has the lyrics for all songs posted on this blog on Goddess Lakshmi.

• Lakshmi Pooje songs

And here comes the link which has colorful and many designs for drawing Rangoli

• Rangoli Designs

And can any festival be complete without authentic dishes? Here are some recipes posted in this blog:

• Authentic Madhwa Dishes. This has recipes for Cucumber Kosambari, Beans Palya, Potato Palya, Lemon Rice, Ambode, Majjige Huli, Nucchina Unde, Gojju, Badam puri etc.

Attached is the post link for the links I have for lyrics, and Shravana Friday Pooje procedure.

• Lakshmi Pooja Vidhana Procedure.
• Shravana Masa Lakshmi Pooja Vidhana

P.S: As always no food is prepared with onion or garlic.

Blog Hits a New Record -1.7 Crore 17 Million Views

Last year 12th September 2021, I had posted about 1.6 crores 16 million views.  As I was spending sometime today, I saw the statistics and was blown away.

The first person I would tell was my Mother. I know she is somewhere up there and watching over me and blessing me as always.

I lost track especially being very busy with work in USA and now spending some time here in India. I have been blessed to attend my Ajji’s annual ceremony, visit several temples here in Bangalore, especially the Rayaru mutta at Chickpete which is almost 290 years old. I took some pictures and video with permission from the temple authorities, I will post it soon.

Today being Narashima Jayanthi, we visited NR Colony mutta. Mantralaya Swamigalu had come and we got Mudra Dharane from Swamigalu. Will post video soon.

Planning on visiting Udupi, Sonde and other nearby places. Also visiting Mantralaya. I will share all details and hope to take several pictures and videos.

I am truly thankful to all of you for all your support and hope to continue spreading my knowledge and do whatever little I can do to promote Hinduism.

BIG THANKS TO ALL OF YOU. THIS BLOG WOULDN’T HAVE REACHED WHERE IT IS WITHOUT ALL OF YOU.

And it goes without saying, my sincere namaskaras to Lord Almighty and our beloved beloved RAYARU.

MAY THIS BLOG CONTINUE ITS JOURNEY TOWARDS REACHING many many more people.