Listen in to this captivating video as Swamiji explains how increasing our sadhana will decrease our worldly attachments! He states that the more we give, the more we get back, and that nature will eventually reciprocate our giving by taking care of us. Read on! Question: How will Shiva help us on the spiritual path? […]
This section focuses on deities, and also clarifies on the worship of the deities as described in the various puja texts available at the Bookstore.
If you have a question that is not covered, then you can ask it on our yahoo chat forum.
Shiva Worship Questions
Advanced Shiva Puja: Bahya Matrka Nyasa Question: In the Advanced Shiva Puja, when one is doing the bahya matrika nyasa “backwards”, should all the actions be in reverse, i.e., om ksam namah…..throat to sternum? Swamiji Says: Yes, they are done in reverse in both the bahya nyasa and in the matrika nyasa in the chakras. […]
Navagraha Worship Questions
The Navagraha Puja which is included in the Cosmic Puja is a powerful way to propitiate the planetary influences in our lives….
Durga Worship Questions
~~OM~~ Dhyanam to Durga In the Dhyanam to Durga, the twelfth sloka, Chanda appears to be translated both as passion and as fear, as in “The Terrible Slayer of Passion” and “She Who Tears Apart Fear,” respectively. How are these descriptions related? Swamiji says: Passion, fear, desire – these are all inseparably connected. Whatever we […]
Santoshi Maa Worship Questions
I’m about halfway through performing the 16-week Santoshi Mata fast,and now am starting to get a little worried about how I will be able to get the udyapan performed to conclude the fast. I am supposed to feed eight boys with kheer and gram curry and be sure that none of them eats any sour […]
Das Mahavidyas Worship Questions
~~OM~~ Is the puja to the Das Mahavidyas done as a whole? Swamiji Says: You can perform either individually for each deity, or collectively as a whole.
Vishnu Worship Questions
Vishnu Sahasranam Question: In chanting the Vishnu Sahasranam, if you only have a limited amount of time, is it better to chant just the thousand names or just the puja? If you really are short on time can you break up the chanting of the thousand names into two separate sittings and should you do […]
Lalita Worship Questions
Can we recite Lalita Sahasranaam before the altar of Durga? Swami Says: Absolutely. There is no scripture that the Gods and Goddesses do not like to hear! Swamiji talks about chanting the 300 names of Lalita as greater and fruitful than Her 1000 names. Does this mean the thousand names are not as powerful as […]
Lakshmi Worship Questions
Offerings Question: In the Laksmi Puja there doesn’t seem to be the nectar bath offering. Why? Swamiji Says: All the offerings are in the Cosmic Puja. I didn’t want to keep cutting and pasting from one book to another, so I gave the shell of the puja, and you can supplement as per your desire. […]
About Ganesh
Meaning of Gam Question: What is the meaning of the syllable in “Gam”? Swamiji Says: There is a sanskrit shloka that explains the syllables: The letter “ga” is the form of wisdom; the letter “a” is that which is in the middle of creation; the anusvaara (m) is the form of perfection. Thus, the attainment […]
Kali FAQ
Kali Visualization and Diksha Question: I have a strong desire to visualize myself as Kali, is this ok? Swamiji Says: There are two parts to the meditation. One is becoming Kali and drawing the yantra upon Her chest and the second is becoming Shiva and dancing upon that yantra. Question: What is diksha? How does […]
Annapurna Puja
At the Devi Mandir, Navaratri (the Nine Nights of Worship of Divine Mother) is celebrated four times a year — in fall, winter, spring and summer. Every Navaratri, devotees dedicate nine full days in worship of the Divine Mother through chanting, participating in homas (sacred fire ceremonies), performing pūjā, and sometimes fasting. At the culmination […]