Sri Ramaya Tubhyam Namaha *
Velandy Manohar, MD.
Lord Sri Rama is renowned as a Maryada Purushottam. It is Sanskrit phrase. This combines the concepts of Righteousness, and One who is the Supreme Being. It glorifies Lord Ram as the Supreme Being and righteous. He is worshipped as One who worked on attaining and sustaining Righteousness during his Avatarana.
“Sri Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna, Hanumant sameta Sri Rama Chandra Para Brāhmaṇe Namaha.”
The Sringeri Jagadguru HH. Sri Sri Vidhusekhara Bharati Sannidhanam, the Designated successor of the Peetadipathi of Sringeri Adi Sankara Charya Mutt in Karnataka appealed to all of us devotees immersed by birth and or belief in the blessed and glorious Sanatana Dharma Faith Tradition to chant the ‘Rama Nama’ (the name of Lord Rama) a billion times (100 Crores), as a part of a marathon ‘Japa Yagna,’ leading up to the opening of Ram Mandir on Jan 22 2024 in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, stated to be the birthplace of Lord Sri Rama. Om Shri Ram, Jaya Ram, Jai, Jai Ram
I am responding by prayerfully offering these resources for sustaining and augmenting this great devotional service to humanity while praising Lord Rama.
I have visited the Sringeri Mutt in Kalady Kerala and benefited from worshipping there as well as offering my respects at the samadhi of poojya Srimati Aryamba which is part of site and walking along the Periyar River that changed its course to where he marked the spot with his little feet to facilitate her mother’s ablutions near their home. His father Sivaguru had passed away when he was 3 years old, and his mother Aryamba had been raising him alone. So, one day, when Shankara's mother fainted after walking three kilometers for her daily bath in the River Periyar, the little boy Shankara felt helpless and prayed to Lord Krishna, who was moved by his prayers, and Lord Krishna appeared to him and blessed him by saying, "The river will flow where your little feet mark the ground. The river changed course towards the place marked by the little boy's feet. Since then, the town came to be called Kalady. Before this event, the village was called Sasalam. Shankara then installed Lord Krishna into the present temple and marked the occasion by reciting his famous Achyuta Ashtakam.
I was attracted to my Lord Sankaracharya guru when I was ten years old when reading some articles from the Bhavan’s journal that I came across. It continued to grow through school and medical school when encounters with the daridra Narayana in OP Dept of Govt. General Hospital, Chennai, TN, India [5000 a day] and IP units of Govt General Hospital and or Childrens Hospital made you trust the teachings of my Lord Sankara Acharya Guru in his Bhaja Govindam, Nirvana Shatakam and Maneesha Panchakam. It was after a small group of friends and I began to plan, build the temple and install the Deities and engage with the community three states including CT [where we are located] and continue to grow the Temple to meet their needs, I began to really grasp the importance of his teachings including illustrative stories in Shivananda Lahiri.[ My reflections are Posted on my website] These prayers could bring blessings to the Grand 74th Republic day celebration 4 days hence on Jan 26, 2024.
I always start with these traditional prayers to be worthy of being granted God’s grace and blessings to pursue worship without hindrances from within and without, and this practice has stood me in good stead.
It is customary to light an oil Lamp before offering prayers or doing a pooja. This prayer is generally offered before lighting the lamp.
Deeparadhana Mantras, Slokas to chant during lighting diya or lamp | HinduPad
“Om! Shubam Karoti Kalyanam, Arogyam Dhan Sampadaha, Shatru Buddhi vinashâya, Deep Jyotir Namastute.”
Sometimes after lighting the lamp this prayer is offered, “Deepa Jyoti Param Brahma, Deepa Jyoti Janardhana, Deepo me hara tu Paapam, Deepa Jyoti Namastute. Om shanti, shanti, shantih
Invocation Prayers.
1. Om! Om! Om!
Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha,
Tat Savitur Varenyam,
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi,
Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayāt.” RK Veda
2. Aa Nah Bhadraha, Krutvo Yantu Viswataha. RK Veda
3. Sat Ekam, Bahuda Vipraha Vadanti! RK Veda
4. Asato Ma Sadgamaya, Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya, Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya. From Pavamana Mantra of the Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad
5. Om Sahana Vavatu, Saha nau Bhunaktu, Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai, Tejasvi Navadhitamastu, Maa Vidvissaavahai. Om shanti, shanti, shanti! Shanti Mantra from Brihat Aranyaka Upanishad.
A. 1.Ganesha Pancharatnam-Sung by M.S. Subbalakshmi, and Kavita Krishnamurthi
2. Saraswati Vandanam: Agastya Maharishi: Sung by Anuradha Paudwal, Kaushiki Chakraborty. These versions don’t include the full text composed by Maharishi Agastyar. Please read the full text to benefit optimally.
B. Sree Venkateswara Suprabhatham. I’m including this because the Opening Line addresses Lord Sri Rama: Kousalya supraja Rama poorva sandhya pravarthathe
Uttishta Narasardula karthavyamdhaivamanhikam. O Rama! Great Son of Kausalya, the Sun is about to rise in the Eastern skies; please arise to offer the
early morning oblation. Please read the full text to benefit optimally.
C. Narayana Upanishad Narayana Upanishad with Lyrics & Meaning | Correct Pronunciation | Prasanthi Nilayam Vedic Chant - YouTube This is from the Taittriya Aranyaka of the Krsna Yajur Veda: Key principles of the 4 Vedas are inculcated here. The first verse states: Then at the end of the period of involution of the Universe, Purushah- the supreme Being, one of the derivatives of the word means “that which fills or pervades the entire universe”. Narayana is derived from ”nara” which refers to all beings, both sentient and insentient, and “ayana” which means the “ground” that in which they inhere and have their being. He desired as stated in the Rg Veda 10:129 it says desire in beginning came upon That, that was the primal seed born of mind. The commentary on the Narayana Upanishad by Shri Rama Ramanuja Achari is an exceptionally well-conceived and presented for the general public.
B. Aditya Hrudayam- Agastya Maharishi: Sung by M.S. Subbalakshmi. This is a prayer to Lord Surya. It is part of the Yuddha Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana. It was taught by Maharishi Agastyar to a fatigued and dispirited Lord Rama on the battlefield in Lanka just before his crucial battle with the ten headed Ravana. The last few verses 25 -30 describes the rewards of learning and chanting this prayer. This was a pivotal/transformative moment in the battle to vanquish Ravana and free Mother Sita from humiliating Captivity. Please read the full text to benefit optimally.
C. It will be beneficial to first chant or read Sundara Kanda- Akanda Parayanam. It describes Lord Hanuman’s successful search for and extremely skillful interaction with Mother Sita, valiant combat and destruction of parts of Sri Lanka [Ashoka Vana and Aksha Kumara] and return to Lord Rama with a token of her Chudamani from Mother Sita. This successful search is what launched the war plans in full force.
C. This is a Great Mantra from the 13 Sarga of Sundara Kanda that deserve our attention: “Namo’stu Ramaya sa Lakshmanaya, Deviye cha Janakatmajayey, Namo’stu Rudendrayamanilebhyo, Namo’stu Chandrakamrudganabhyha.”
D. Sri Ramachandra Ashtakam, there are six more wonderful verses.
1. Sugreeva Mithram Paramam Pavithram -
Seetha Kalathram Navamega Gaathram |
Kaarunya Bathram Sadhaapathra Ne'thram -
Sree Ramachandhram Sadhatham Namaami ||
2. Samsaara Saaram Nigama Prachaaram -
Dharma-avathaaram Hrudhaya Bhoomi Baaram |
Sadhaa Nirvigaaram Sukasindhu Saaram -
Sree Ramachandhram Sadhatham Namaami ||
E. I offer this powerful Sri Hari stotram from Sri Vishnu Puranam to offer our praises to Lord Narayana and seek His protection and power to achieve our spiritual goals.
Bhajan Lyrics | Shri Hari Stotram lyrics [English Transliteration]
Shri Hari Stotram I Rahul Vellal I Ode to Lord Vishnu I Jagajjala Paalam - Protector Of The World (youtube.com). Young singer Rahul Vellal’s rendition of this powerful Bhajan in Carnatic Music mode is most moving and inspiring. The video provides English Transliteration of the Sanskrit scripture from Vishnu Purana.
F. These three mantras are of great importance to me in my Sadhana Path: Praise to our Lord Anjaneyar.
1. Buddhibalam, Yasho Dhairyam, Nirbhayatvam Arogatam, Ajaadyam vakpatutvam cha, Hanumatsmarnaad Bhavet.”
2. Deha Buddhyaa tu daasosmi, Jeeva Buddhyaa tvat - amsakaha, Aatma Buddhyaa tvamevaham, It me nischita Mati.
3. Manojavam Marutulyamvegam, Jitendrayam, Vaanarautamukhyam, Sri Rama Dhootam Sharanam prapadye
III.
A. Yuddha Kanda Ramayana- Akanda Parayanam. The Aditya Hrudayam is part of the Yuddha Kanda and occurs at crucial pivotal moment in life of Lord Sri Rama prior to the final encounter with Tormenter of Mother Sita the Ten headed Ravana.
IV
A. Stotra [Chinmaya Bala Vihar Guide Book II-Central Chinmaya Mission Trust. Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Saki Vihar Road, Bombay- 400 072
1. Sree Rama Stotram
2. Sree Ramayana Vandanam
3. Sita Ram yor Dhyanam Vandana cha
4. Sree Hanuman Namaskara:
5. Sree Hanumat Pancharatnam
B. Stotra- My Prayers- Published by - Central Chinmaya Mission Trust. Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Saki Vihar Road, Bombay- 400 072
1. Sree Rama Nama Ramayanam: The entire Srimad Ramayana is embraced in this uplifting inspiring composition: a. Bala Kandam, b. Ayodhya Kandam, c. Aaranya Kandam e. Kishkinda Kandam, f. Sundara Kandam, g. Yuddha Kandam and h. Uttara Kandam.
V. Sree Rama Nama Sankeerthanam [ Sree Ashtotra Shat Nama Stotram] Chanting this blessed composition while offering flowers or akshattas can be a moving fulfilling, spiritual engaging and mind-expanding experience: Ram-Nam-Sankirtan-Devanagari.pdf (vedanta.org)
VI. This is a very auspicious prayer to bring our worship to a spiritually satisfying conclusion Sri Rama Mangalasasanam (Prapatti & Mangalam) - English | Vaidika Vignanam
VII. Classical Carnatic Music
A. Bhavayami Raghuramam: Sung by M.S. Subbalakshmi and Sudha Raghunathan.
B. Sri Rangapura Vihara, Sung by M.S. Subbalakshmi, and Sivasri Skandaprasad.
VIII.
A. Bhajans
1. Hanuman Chalissa- Gulshan Kumar, Hariharan. This prayer is composed by Poojya Goswami Tulsidas Ji who also composed the celebrated Ramacharitmanas. He had a vision of Lord Hanuman on the banks of the blessed Ganga Mata. He created the Sankatamochan Temple at the site. In addition, there is also a Tulasi Ghat on the Ganga Mata. We believe the enchanting and inspiring Hanuman Chalisa was composed at this site. During my visit to Varanasi, the Eternal City dedicated to Lord Shiva is resounding to the name of Lord Rama chanted by people in processions of bereaved taking the mortal remains of their loved ones to the Banks of the Ganga Mata for the final passage from this birth. Poojya Goswami Tulasi Das also initiated the performance of Ramlila about the blessed, miraculous life of Lord Rama, Mother Sita Lakshmi, Lord Lakshmana and Lord Anjaneyar.
I loved the experience of dipping into the Blessed waters of Ganga Mata, the walk down to Raja Harishchandra Ghat and after a dip while chanting prayers climbing up the steps to the simple and beautiful Kedar Ghat. I found these short simple prayers to be helpful in many situations: Rama Lakshmana Janaki Jai Bolo Hanuman Ki, x4 Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai, Jai Ram x4, Rama, Rama, Jai Raja Ram; Rama, Rama Jai Sita Ram x4 Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai, Jai Ram x4. After Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa, I append these prayers. To bring the experience to a really satisfying conclusion when I say Shanti, Shanti, Shantih, with God’s grace I can experience this. Please read the full text to benefit optimally.
2. A very great Book: Hanuman Vibhuti, Mastaka Abhisekham by the Late great Poojya Swami Chinmaya. Published by Chinmaya Tapovan Trust, Sidhabari, Dist. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, Printed Gulab Printers, Gulab Bhawan, 6 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, 110002, Many Bhajans including Hanuman Chalisa is in this volume. *The title is taken from this book.
3. Bhajan Stuti- Sangrah – Collected, edited and transliterated in English by Ms. Sharda Bhargava, MA, EX. Member of Parliament of India. Published by: Prof. B.D. Bhargava Memorial Trust, Jaipur, India, Printed by Jaipur Printers Pvt. Ltd., Jaipur India. This is a comprehensive, well planned and conveniently formatted book for group singing and for individual chanting [audibly or silently]and meditation.
a. Sree Ramachandra Kripalu...
b. Prem Muditha Man se Kaho
c. Hanuman Chalisa. Composed by Poojya Tulsidas
d. Paayoji Maine Ram Ratana Dhana Payo
e. Shri Ram Jamna Stuti
f. Thumuki Chalat Ramachandra
g. Shri Ram Jai Ram, Jai Hai Ram
h. Sita ram X3 Bol,
i. Sita Ram X 3 Kahiye
j. Sita ram Kaho, Sitaram Kaho
k. Ram Ramaiya Tumako Laakhon Pranam
l. Bolo Ram Bolo Ram
m. Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram. It is auspicious to start this Bhajan by first chanting these words of praise and devotion: Bhaya Hara Mangala Dasaratha Ram, Jaya, Jaya Mangala Sita Ram, Mangala Kara Jaya Mangala Ram, Sankata Shuba Vibhodhya Ram, Ananda Amrita Varshaka Ram, Aashrita vatsala Jaya, Jaya Ram. This verse is also included in the Sree Rama Nama Ramayanam and Sree Rama Nama Sankeerthanam – Prayer and Ashtotra Shatanamavali.
n. Tu Ram Bhajan Kar Pani
o. Arati Shri Ramayan ki.
p. Arati Sri Hanuman Ji ki Jai
B. Bhajans.
1. Man tarpat hari Darshan ko Aaj.
2. Ae Maalik Tere Bande Hum.
3. Kurai Ondrum Illai Malai Murthi Kanna. Although this is a beautiful prayer of praise to Lord Venkateswara, I’m including this song because of the strong associations in the Suprabhatham to Lord Sri Rama. When I was in school in Chennai my Headmaster and his wife lead prayers in the Mar Thoma chapel on the Campus and we heard this Psalm 23 that proclaimed, The Lord is my Shepard, There is nothing I shall want.
4. Vaishnav Janato: A great bhajan that describes the spiritual evolution of the devotes who is devoted to Serving God and living a life with grace and humility. This is favorite bhajan of Mahatma Gandhiji. The Govt of India produced a great international message including people from perhaps 120 countries singing the Vaishnav Janato into one seamless video of people all over the world singing Bapu’s favorite Bhajan that he embodied in his life. This is one aspect of his assertion that my life is my message that comes to life in the lives of people all over the world.
Concluding Prayers:
1. “Om Asato Ma Sadgamaya, Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya, Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya. From Pavamana Mantra of the Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad”
2. “Om Sahana Vavatu, Saha nau Bhunaktu, Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai, Tejasvi Navadhitamastu, Maa Vidvissaavahai. Om shanti, shanti, shanti! Shanti Mantra from Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad.
3. “Om Thachamyo ravrunimahe. Gathum yagnayaa. Gathum Yagna-pataye. Daivee Svastirastu Naha.
Swasthir Manushebhyaha. Urdhvam Jigatu beshajam. Sham no astu dvipade.” Purusha Sooktam
4. “Om, Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu, Sarvesham Shantir Bhavatu, Sarvesham Poornam Bhavatu, Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu, Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti”
5. “Om Purnamadah Purnamidam Purnat Purnamudacyate, Purnasya Purnamadaya, Purnamevavasisyate, Om, shanti, shanti, shanti.” Shanti Mantra from Isavasya Upanishad.
I recommend as is customary to circumabulate in clockwise three times while chanting this prayer:
A. 1.
A Prayer During a Pradakshina at a A Hindu Temple (hinduwebsite.com) Yaanikaanicha paapaani janmaanthara kruthanicha
thaavithaani pranashyanthi pradakshina pade pade…
A.2.
Devotees often complete the prayer by offering this prayer that is also offered at the end of the great prayer Maha Vishnu Saharsranamam.
“Kaayena Vaacaa Manase[a-I] ndriyairvaa
Buddhy[i]-Aatmanaa Vaa Prakrteh Svabhaavaat |
Karomi Yad-Yat-Sakalam Parasmai
Naaraayannayeti Samarpayaami ||
B.1
After the Pradakshina Prayer some devotees may prostrate themselves and encourage their children to do so as well and offer this prayer from the bottom of our heart
Tvameva Mata: You are my Mother, the Supreme One Without a Second, Who nourishes me with Divine Love and graces my life with S (adityadham.com)
This is believed by some to be a prayer Gandhari addressed to Lord Sri Krishna. Thwameva maata cha pithaa thwameva, Thwameva bandhuscha, sakha thwameva, Thwameva vidhya, dravinam thwameva, Thwameva sarvam mama Deva Deva.
B.2.
Bing Videos
I have added this video Master Rama singing in front of the future devotes, supporters and protectors of our Ram Mandir on the banks of Sarayu River. It is inspiring and uplifting to watch all the children singing soulfully, deeply immersed in this meaningful prayer. “Tumhi ho mata, Pita Tumi ho… [ “Koyee na apna siwa Tumhaare…”] while standing to attention in long straight parallel lines on a large filed. Our magnificent Sri Ram Mandir with a Moorthi of Lord Sri Rama as young boy that ill installed prayerfully on Jan 22, 2024, will be safe in their hands through devotion, faith, humility and spirit of cooperation and service to each other and presumably their school. In this Video the first image that you get to see is of Lord Sri Rama the Invincible Bowman as attested to by Lord Sri Krishna in Discourse 10, V31.
I conclude with this short Prayer: “Hare Rama, hare Rama, Rama, Rama, Hare, hare, hare Krishna, hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna hare hare.”
Om! Shri Ram, Jaya Ram, Jai, Jai Ram! [This is the powerful Lord Rama Taraka Mantra, that the Sringeri Jagadguru HH. Sri Sri Vidhusekhara Bharati Sannidhanam has requested all of us to chant in the form Japa Yagna and contribute to a total 1 Billion chants [100 crores] prior to the Prana Pratisthapana of the Moorthi of Lord Sri. Rama.
All this learning and sharing of God’s words are dedicated to my Lord Adi Guru Sankaracharya of Kalady, Kerala who has been influencing my thoughts since I was about 10 years of age. His precepts in Bhaja Govindam, Maneesha Panchakam, Nirvana Shatakam [Teaches us about living in Equilibrium Samatvam. Sankara composed this at age 8 when the sage Govinda Bhagavad Pada asked him, ”Who are you.”], Atma Bodha, and Viveka Chudamani and this powerful insight: Brahman Satyam, Jagat Mithyam, Jivo Brahmaiva inspired me to guide my actions to exemplify this teaching of Lord Sri Krishna from Discourse II, Verse 48 while interacting with people many nations and many diverse communities in CT and MA and different venues, from Clinical and professional to Political/Legislative and while working with few friends to create, implement the plans for the Sree Satyanarayana Temple in Middletown, CT.
“Abandoning attachment to success and failure. Such equanimity is called Yoga. In summary, this concept “Samatvam Aradhana Achyutasya” encapsulates the essence of balanced action, devotion, and surrender to the eternal truth that Lord Sri Krishna taught Arjuna.
Lord Sri Krishna’s teaching highlights the importance of selfless action, surrender, and devotion to the Supreme. I believe by following Krishna’s instructions and living in harmony with profound insights of my Lord Adi Sankara Acharya, anyone among the reader of mils can attain true equanimity and perform their duties in a state of yoga.
At this momentous juncture in the glorious narrative of the Hindu people and the ancient Sanatana Tradition, I would like to humbly offer these precepts from the Noble Quran and the Holy Bible that are in harmony with the teaching about Equanimity provided by Lord Sri Krishna and my Lord Adi Sankaracharya. A. This teaching of the Noble Quran Surat Al-Fajr [89:27-30] - The Noble Qur'an - القرآن الكريم (quran.com), and B. The Holy Bible 1. . Micah 6:8 KJV - He hath shewed thee, O man, what is - Bible Gateway 2. Psalm 116:7-9 KJV - Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for - Bible Gateway
Om Tat Sat Sri Krishna Arpanam Astu. Om shanti, shanti, shantih.
I welcome your responses.
Respectfully and prayerfully submitted.
Velandy Manohar, MD.,
Distinguished Life Fellow – Am. Psychiatric Association.[APA]
Founding member, Chair of Board of Trustees and past part time priest of Sree Satyanarayana Swami Temple, Middletown, CT.06457 [cvhts.org]
Founding Member- Past Steering Committee of Psychotherapy Caucus of APA
President Asian American Caucus of Am. Psychiatric Association
President, Indian American Psychiatric Association. Founding member and Past President of NE Chapter of IAPA.
Founding Member of Community Resilience Collaborative of Mx. County, CT focused on identification and mitigating the consequences of Adverse Childhood Experiences,
Member, Mx Coalition for Children focused on meeting critical needs in Housing including Homelessness, Health care, Food insecurity, and Childhood Trauma.
Chair, Community Engagement and Outreach Standing Committee of Community Advisory Council of Office of Health Strategy-CT
Nancy Berger Member Award- CT. Multicultural Health Partnership.
Website: velandymanoharmd.com. Includes several related posts.
P.S. I offer Two eBooks: Book Promotion 2023 (velandymanoharmd.com) This offers brief sketches on both the Books. A. “Sadhana Path” and its companion book, B. “The Wonder of it All, Amen” The website of the Temple is cvhts.org. The temple structures are the subject matter of my first book. There is a section on Sri Rama Parivar, Lord Sri Krishana and Lord Venkateswara with beautiful photographs of the sanctum and associated prayers including the format for the full Pooja Vidhanam. Tirumalai Tirupathi Devasthanam accepted and published in a few of my monographs that is published in the book including my essay about Tirumalai Balaji in Saptagiri. I believe it was in February 2001. This document is in the last section of my book among other important milestones.
The Wonder of It All, Amen (velandymanoharmd.com) This is the whole Companion book focused on promoting Inter- faith awareness and sustaining discussions about Spiritual traditions around the world. There are over 100 citations with annotations.
Sri Rama, Lakshman, Janaki, Jai Bolo Hanuman ki,X2 Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai, Jai Ram. X2
Velandy Manohar.