Durga Shiva Mandir Inc.

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, luxury, beauty, power, generosity and auspiciousness. Maha Lakshmi is claimed to fulfill the promises of material, wealth and contentment. Goddess Lakshmi represents fortune, purity, courage and fertility. Maha Lakshmi Mantra forms the part of prayers offered to the lord. Lakshmi Mantra / Mantras of Goddess Lakshmi are as follows:

“Sarvagyay Sarvavarday Sarvadushtbhaydkree
Sarvadukhaharay Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay”

Meaning: O Maa Lakshmi, you know everything, you grant favors to all, you are a terror to the evil and your art removes the misery of all. O propitious goddess, I surrender to you.

“Siddhi Buddhipraday Devi Bhuktimuktipradayeenee
Mantramurtay Sada Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay”

Meaning: O divine goddess, you are the provider of success and intelligence. You are the benefactor of both worldly pleasure and freedom. The magical sound symbols-the Mantras, verily comprise their form with your grace. Propitious Mother, I surrender to you always.

“Aadhantarhitay Devi Aadhshakti Maheshwari
Yogajay Yogasambhutay Mahalakshmi Namostutay”

Meaning: O Ultimate Mother, your art is without beginning and end. Your art is the primal power. Your art comes out of Yogic practice and your art is evident through Yoga. Promising Mother, I surrender to you.

“Sthulsukshmay Maharodray Mahashakti Mahodray
Mahapaapharay Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay”

Meaning: Goddess Lakshmi, your art in gross and subtle, is the most awful and powerful. Mother, you contain all things and you remove even the greatest sins. Auspicious Mother, I surrender to you.

“Padnaasanstithay Devi Parbrahmaswaroopeenee
Parmashree Jaganmatra Mahalakshmi Namostutay”

Meaning: Maa Lakshmi, you reside in the hearts of devotees and prove the art of the Supreme Brahman. You are mother of the universe with your supreme art. O Great Mother, I bow to you.

(Courtesy of Pandit Rishi)

Lord Rama i one of the most commonly adored gods of Hindus and is known as an ideal man and hero of the epic Ramayana. He is always holding a bow and arrow indicating his readiness to destory evils. he is also called “Shri Rama”. More commonly he is pictured in a family style, with his wife Sita, brother Lakshman and devotee Hanuman who is sitting near Lord Rama’s feet.

God of knowledge and the remover of obstacles is also the older son of Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesh is also called Vinayek (knowledgeable) or Vighneshwer (God to remove obstacles). He is worshiped, or at least remembered, in the beginning of any auspicious performance for blessings and auspiciousness. He has four hands, elephant’s head and a big belly. His vehicle is a tiny mouse. In his hands he carries a rope (to carry devotes to the truth), an axe (to cut devotee’s attachments), and a sweet dessert ball laddoo (to reward devotees for spiritual activity). His fourth hand’s palm is always extended to bless people. A unique combination of his elephant like head and quick moving tiny mouse represents tremendous wisdom, intelligence, and presence of mind.

Lord Hanuman is a monkey God. He is a noble hero and great devotee of Lord Rama of the Ramayana. This deity is a provider of courage, hope, knowledge, intellect, and devotion. He is picture as a robust monkey holding a malace (gada) which is a sign of bravery and having a picture of Lord Rama tatooed on his chest which is a sign of his devotion to Lord Rama. He is also called Mahaveerar (the great hero) or Pavan-suta (son of air) or Bajarangbali.

Goddess Durga, also known as Parvati or Lalitha is the wife or consort of Lord Shiva and exists in various divine (both friendly and fearful) forms. Two of her fierce but very powerful forms are Durga (goddess beyond reach and Kali [goddess of destruction]). Both have eight hands and great power and energy (Shakti). Durga rides on a lion and Kali rides on a corpse of a demon. Parvati was called Sati in her previous divine incarnation. The family of Lord Shiva, Parvati and their sons Ganesha and Kartikeya is an ideal example of family unity and love. She has a charming personality. She is adored by married women for a happy married life.

Lord Shiva appears in a meditating but every-happy posture. He has matted hair which holds the flowing Ganges river and a crescent moon, a serpent coiled around his neck, a trident in his one hand and ashes all over his body. The Lord’s attributes respresent his victory over the demonic activity, and calmness of human nature. He is known as the “giver” god. His vehicle is a bull (symbol of happinessand strength) named Nandi. Shiva-Linga, a sign of the Lord, is adored instead of him.

Goddess Lakshmi is the consort or wife of Lord Vishnu and is the goddess of prosperity, purity, chastity, and generosity. Her four hands represent four spiritual virtues. She sits on a fully blossomed lotus, a seat of divine truth. her personal chram is considered par excellence. An aura of divine happiness, mental and spiritual satisfaction, and prosperity always exist around her. Her palm is always extended to bless people.