Unleashing the Power of Ganesh Sadhana in Sadhana App

Ganesh Chaturthi, the auspicious occasion that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, is an ideal time for spiritual seekers to deepen their connection with the divine. And what better way to do that than through the practice of Ganesh Sadhana? The Sadhana App in Gajakarna Temple offers three distinct practices – Ganapati Tantra Sadhana, Ucchishtha Ganapati Sadhana, and Ganapati Sadhana – each with its unique benefits to help you navigate your spiritual journey. Choosing the right practice can make a significant impact on your progress, and with the right approach and devotion, Lord Ganesha's blessings can help you overcome obstacles and achieve success, knowledge, and happiness.

Ganapati Tantra Sadhana is a tantric practice ideal for those who wish to explore the path of tantra sadhana. This practice is considered the first tantric sadhana of Lord Ganesha and invokes the energy of Mahaganapati, paving the way for all future sadhanas. The Mool mantra for this practice is 'Om Vakratundaya Hum', and it comes with the blessings of lineage. It is a great way to start your spiritual journey and develop a deeper understanding of tantra sadhana.

Ucchishtha Ganapati Sadhana is a very powerful sadhana that blends both Vedic and tantric methods of invocation. This practice is called Ucchishtha Ganapati because it is generally done at night without rinsing your mouth. However, to keep the Vedic tradition alive, the standard purification is enabled in this sadhana. Its mool mantra is 'Hastipishachilikhe Svaha'. It is done generally by practitioners who wish to do advanced tantric practices. This practice is recommended for those who have a strong foundation in spiritual practices and are looking to deepen their practice. Om Swamiji says this is a very special sadhana which brings remarkable effects.

Ganapati Sadhana, on the other hand, is a simple and easy practice that is perfect for beginners. This practice uses one of the most popular and energised mantras of Lord Ganesha – 'Om Gam Ganapataye Namah'. This mantra evokes intense feelings of devotion in the heart and mind of the sadhaka towards the ever-benevolent Lord Ganesha. It is an easy mantra to chant and is generally done by beginners who are just starting their spiritual journey.

It is essential to choose the right practice that resonates with you the most to ensure a successful sadhana. The auspicious date to start Ganesh Sadhana is Ganesh Chaturthi itself, this year which falls on 19th September, 2023. It is also important to remember to mentally feed Lord Ganesha with ladoos and modakas as a gesture of devotion. :) 

In conclusion, Ganesh Sadhana is a powerful tool for spiritual seekers, and the Sadhana App provides three distinct practices in the Gajakarna temple to cater to different spiritual needs. Choosing the right practice can make a significant impact on your spiritual progress, and it is important to approach it with devotion and sincerity. May Lord Ganesha bless you with success, knowledge, and happiness on your spiritual journey.

In case you need any help or guidance, you can always send me an email at chandrikashubham@gmail.com.  

How can Advancers Select a Mantra for Chanting in Sadhana App?

If you have practised the mantra(s) with one beej mantra for sometime and you feel like you can move ahead then you must select the mantras which have two or more beej mantras in it.  

e.g. 1. For Lord Surya you can chant ‘Om hram hrim hraum sah suryaye namaha’. 

2. Navarna mantra for Maa Durga is ‘Om aim hrim klim chamundaye vichche’.

The third option of mantra in the Japa Section in the Sadhana App is generally for advanced practitioners.

You can also check the elemental compatibility (Kula-Akula Chakra) between you and your chosen mantra using the insights from the book 'The Ancient Science of Mantras’ by Om Swamiji. It is explained in great detail on page no. 93 and 94 of paperback. By examining the first letter of your mantra and the first letter of your name and determining if they belong to the compatible element, you can enhance the effectiveness of your practice and invoke the mantra with greater resonance. This extensive and meticulous table offers profound insights on choosing a mantra and considers it is an indispensable act for your mantra selection process.

Exploring the elemental compatibility between you and your mantra allows for a deeper understanding of how the specific elemental qualities embodied in the mantra can positively influence your personal growth, spiritual practice and overall well-being. 

If a deity's mantra contains the word ‘namah’, the aspirant must visualise touching the soft feet of their deity while chanting it as it symbolises complete surrender to the divine. In case the seeker is still confused and can’t decide which mantra to chant then he/she can chant the Siddha Surya mantra to connect with the lineage or the Navarna mantra to connect with the Divine Mother without any hesitation.

Do not forget to donate in the Sadhana App after you have done the chanting.

May this article provide valuable insights and support in your spiritual journey. In case you are still confused, you can contact me at chandrikashubham@gmail.com.

How can Intermediates Select a Mantra for Chanting in Sadhana App?

If you have chanted the simple mantras for quite some time and now you feel comfortable to increase the difficulty level then you can select any mantra which has one beej mantra in it. 

Seed syllables, or beej mantras, hold immense spiritual power. They represent the essence of deities’ energies. While chanting, the syllables resonate and align the seeker’s energy with the divine, invoking blessings and guidance. Seed syllables connect us to transformative spiritual energies, facilitating growth and realisation.

Beej mantras have specific seed sounds which produce profound effects on one’s materialistic and spiritual life. List of some well-known beej mantras are included below:

1. oṃ: The universal sound representing the essence of creation and divine consciousness.

2. āiṃ: Invokes the nurturing and creative aspect of the divine feminine energy. It signifies the commencement of spiritual knowledge, as it denotes the grace of Maa Saraswati

3. hrīṃ: Enhances inner strength, harmony, and abundance in all aspects of life. It is not related to but also destroys the illusory nature of existence.

4. śrīṃ: Attracts wealth, prosperity, abundance and auspiciousness into one's life. It is Maa Lakshmi’s mantra.

5. klīṃ: Activates the transformative power of the divine feminine and fosters spiritual growth.

Some of the examples are as follows :-

1. When we pray to Lord Surya in Amaravati using the Siddha Surya Mantra which has one seed syllable; ‘Om hrim ashvatejasya adhovani svaha’.

2. In the Golden Temple, Maa Laxmi’s chant is ‘Om shrim mahalakshmyai namah’. 

3. In Gukula, Lord Krishna’s chant is ‘Om klim krishnaya namah’. 

There are some mantras which become mantras when anuswaar is being placed on the consonant. The use of anuswaar in mantras and spiritual practices is believed to enhance their potency and invoke the divine vibrations associated with the specific syllable or mantra. It is considered a powerful tool for concentration, meditation, and chanting, as it adds a mystical and transcendental element to the sounds produced. 

e.g. When we place the anuswaar over the letter ‘g’ then it becomes a one letter mantra called gam.

1. For praying to Lord Ganpati the mantra is ‘Om gam ganapataye namah’. 

2. For worshipping Gurudev the mantra is ‘Om gam gurave namah’.

The other examples are

3. For worshipping Maa Durga the mantra is ‘Om dum durgayai namah’. 

4. For praying to Lord Ram the mantra is ‘Hum janakivallabhaya svaha’.

5. For worshipping Lord Hanumana the chant is ‘Om ham hanumate namah’. 

The middle one option out of the three options displayed in the Japa section in Sadhana App is generally for intermediates. In summary, the repetition of seed syllables in mantras creates a vibrational resonance, activates the concentrated essence, and focuses the mind and intention of the practitioner. This process establishes a connection with the divine energies represented by the seed syllables, enabling practitioners to access and embody the qualities, blessings, and transformative powers associated with the respective deities or energies. I hope the information provided above along with mantras will help you select the desired mantras and encourage you to continue your spiritual journey.

To be continued ……

How can Beginners Select a Mantra for Chanting in Sadhana App?

Which mantra should I chant?

I received numerous emails from various aspirants who often wonder which mantra they should chant because out of 150 mantras in Sadhana App they can’t pick one. In the Sadhana App, the seeker has the golden opportunity to connect with any or all of 11 different deities and to build a bond through their respective mantras. The deity one prays to influences one’s transformation. Each deity whom the aspirant prays brings the positive changes which are listed below, allowing the seeker to choose the one that aligns best with his/her desired goal.

1. Lord Surya: Praying to Lord Surya brings name, fame, inner strength and vitality.

2. Lord Ganesha: Praying to Lord Ganesha removes obstacles, brings prosperity and abundance.

3. Lord Shiva: Praying to Lord Shiva grants very quick inner transformation and liberation.

4. Ma Gayatri: Praying to Ma Gayatri bestows wisdom and spiritual enlightenment.

5. Sri Hari: Praying to Sri Hari fills one's heart with divine love and devotion.

6. Ma Durga: Praying to Ma Durga provides seekers with protection, courage and strength.

7. Ma Laxmi: Praying to Ma Laxmi blesses with wealth, prosperity (material success) and moksha (liberation) after fulfilling all materialistic desires.

8. Lord Rama: Praying to Lord Rama leads to a simplified life of righteousness and integrity.

9. Lord Hanuman: Praying to Lord Hanuman develops unwavering devotion, courage to face challenges and freedom from all problems.

10. Lord Krishna: Praying to Lord Krishna blesses one with devotion, divine love and bliss.

11. Gurudev: Praying to Gurudev facilitates one’s journey on spiritual growth and provides guidance.

Choosing the right mantra depends on various factors, including one’s level of experience. It's recommended that the beginners should start with short and simple mantras that will help in building concentration. For instance, Om Namah Shivaya, a panchakshari mantra, or Rama Nama japa is most suitable for those who wish to worship Lord Shiva or Lord Rama respectively. They are simple yet powerful mantras. Out of the three options in Sadhana App, the first one is for beginners.

As you explore different mantras of a particular deity, I will suggest you to chant them for sometime, observe yourself which one you feel most comfortable with and with which one you feel more connected to. Once you find that mantra, stick to it for your regular practice, chant it in morning and evening if possible almost all the time while walking, cooking, travelling, moving in an elevator etc.

To be continued ……..

Guru Dhyaan

As soon as I touched Om Swamiji’s Padma Feet mentally, my eyes became moist with devotional tears!

While performing sacred rituals of puruscharana or sadhana, there is a profound moment that never fails to captivate me. It is the revered Guru Dhyaan, a moment of deep connection with my spiritual guide. As I close my eyes and enter this realm of devotion, on my eye chakra, I visualise a vivid image of Om Swamiji, donned in a dignified black robe, ever smiling and an embodiment of wisdom and grace. The moment the sacred connection is established, a surge of devotion envelops me, and I am propelled to honour Him with the deepest reverence.

With an overwhelming sense of humility and respect, I approach Swamiji in my visualisation, and my hands extend to touch His Divine Feet. This act, a timeless tradition passed down through generations, signifies my surrender, my willingness to be guided, and my deep appreciation for his spiritual guidance. In this exchange, a profound energy courses through me, resonating with the ancient wisdom that lies within this practice.

It is at this moment, as my fingers gently make contact with Swamiji's feet, that an inexplicable phenomenon occurs. Tears, unbidden and yet welcome, stream down my face. These tears are not born of sadness, but rather of transcendence. For me, release of emotions that are too profound symbolises the melting of ego, the shedding of limitations, and the purifying of my inner being.

These tears are not born of sorrow or anguish but are a manifestation of an indescribable joy and reverence. They are the tangible embodiment of the deep connection, a sacred bond that I feel with Swamiji, an overflow of gratitude for the grace and guidance bestowed upon me. It is as if my impure soul recognizes the presence of a pure guiding light, and the tears are an offering of heartfelt devotion.

Collecting myself, I embrace the moment, allowing the tears to cleanse my spirit and prepare me for the next step in my spiritual journey. As the tears subside, I commence my Guru mantra chanting-

'Gurur brahmā, gurur viṣṇu, gurur devo maheśvaraḥ

Gurur sākṣāt paraṁ brahma, tasmai śrī gurave namaḥ'

Translation:

The guru is Brahma, the guru is Vishnu,

The guru is the divine Lord Shiva.

The guru is the supreme Brahman itself,

I offer my salutations to that revered guru.

—a sacred incantation that resonates with the energy of Swamiji. In the depths of my mind, the image of Swamiji's Sun-like face becomes radiant. His glowing smile illuminates my inner world, infusing my sadhana with a profound sense of joy and happiness. In the presence of Swamiji, I find solace, inspiration, and a profound connection to the divine, propelling my sadhana towards greater depths of understanding and awakening. May you all experience the boundless potential that lies within the sacred realm of Guru Dhyaan. 

Tears of devotion always reminded me that the path of spirituality is not merely one of rituals and mantras but an intimate communion with the Guru, a dance of love and surrender. And so, with a heart overflowing with gratitude and eyes flowing with tears, I embark on my sadhana, blessed and uplifted by the presence of Swamiji—the beacon of light illuminating my spiritual path.

This extraordinary experience does not happen once or twice, believe me it happens almost everyday. 

Increase Your Chances of Initiation with Om Swamiji

A couple of days back, Monish Kamwal commented on my Wildr post which inspired me to write this blog post.

He diligently adhered to my suggestions in os.me article, undertaking the Kartik Surya Sadhana with unwavering commitment and devoutness. As a testament to his resolute dedication, he successfully attained the desired outcome he had yearned for. He was initiated. This achievement serves as a testament to the potential that lies within each of us, affirming that similar fulfilment can be within reach for all those who embark upon the spiritual journey with determination.

As you must be aware of the fact that once again the form of initiation will be opening on 17th June, 2023 so here are some valuable tips to deepen your spiritual connection with Om Swamiji's lineage and increase your chances of getting initiated by Him that will further aid you on your spiritual path. 

The easiest and surest way to connect with Om Swamiji and His lineage is to chant Siddha Surya Mantra i.e. Om Hrim Ashvatejasya Adhovani Svaha regularly. This can be done in the Sadhana App in Amaravati temple in the Japa section or in the Black Lotus App in the Chanting section. It is recommended to chant the Siddha Surya Mantra as much as possible throughout the day, while performing daily activities such as walking, cooking, waiting for someone, and while travelling. The more you chant, the stronger your connectivity with the lineage will become. The more devotional you are, the more secure the bond will be.

Swamiji, in Sadhana App, has mentioned that He did this sadhana every year and has benefited immensely. He has personally confirmed its effectiveness. It is said that this mantra is particularly good for intuition and vaka-siddhi, the perfection of speech. 

In the Sadhana App, you can find the sadhana of this mantra as Kartik Sadhana in Amaravati Temple. Ideally, it is done in the month of Kartik, but a sincere sadhak can do it anytime. The next auspicious time to start this sadhana is 20th June, 2023 from sunrise to 1p.m. This is also an auspicious time to donate generously in Amaravati Temple as the fruits of the action will multiply three times. Through this sadhana you can invoke the energy of Lord Surya and benefit from radiance, wisdom and sharp intellect.

Another important practice is to undertake Navarna Sadhana of Ma Durga in Kadamba Forest for nine days during the upcoming Gupt Navaratras, starting from Monday, 19th June 2023 to Tuesday, 27th June 2023. This is a powerful practice that can help you connect with the Mother Divine and to seek Her Blessings for your initiation. It is a very special sadhana, so much so that it is called spiritual dynamite. Simultaneously, you can also undertake the NavDurga Sadhana in the Sadhana App.

It is highly recommended to perform a 4-minute Sri Suktam Abhishekam of Ma Laxmi in Golden Temple in Sadhana App. Sri Suktam is one of the most potent and ancient hymns found in Rigveda and should be chanted every morning, followed by a Mahalakshmi Yajna in the evening. There are three types of Yajnas of Mahalakshmi – the brief Yajna that lasts for 4 minutes, the medium Yajna that lasts for 10 minutes, and the elaborate Yajna that lasts for 15 minutes.

While these points can help you increase your chances of getting initiated with Om Swamiji, it is important to remember that the ultimate goal of any spiritual practice is to connect with your true self, experience inner peace and happiness. So, take these practices as guidance, but always follow your intuition and do what feels right for you. Remember, the journey is yours alone, and it is up to you to create your own unique path.

In case you need any help or guidance, you can always send me an email at chandrikashubham@gmail.com.

Glimpse of Maa Siddhalakshmi's Eyes While Doing Sadhana in Sadhana App

BIG EYES! How beautiful those eyes were, I would sacrifice everything to once again have a glimpse of those magnetic eyes!

I had the darshan of Ma Siddhalakshmi's beautiful eyes while doing a Maa Siddhalakshmi Tantric Sadhana in the Golden Temple in Sadhana App. I had this vision of Ma by following only the simple steps mentioned in Sadhana App. I had not done any elaborate processes or rituals rather mentally visualising each and every act as it prompted in the App. In general I had experience towards the end of the sadhana but this time it happened in the middle of sadhana. Surprisingly, I had a vision of Her lips and nose on the very first day of the sadhana. It was as if Maa Siddhalakshmi was revealing Herself to me in these flashing glimpses, reminding me of Her presence, Her Grace and Her blessings.

Maa Siddhalakshmi blessed Her devotees not only with materialistic wealth and prosperity but also with spiritual wealth and inner peace. She is Goddess of contentment, gratitude and wish fulfillment which are essential for leading a satisfied life. She blessed Her worshippers with materialistic possessions and satisfied their each and every desire thereby leading them towards spiritual realisation. 

The powerful mantra 'Om Shrim Hrim Klim Shrim Siddhalakshmyai Namah' is from Atharva Veda, to invoke Maa Mahalakshmi in the form of Siddhalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity and moksha. Each word in the mantra holds a special significance, 'Om' represents the sound of the universe and the Divine consciousness. 'Shrim' is a bija (seed) mantra representing the energy of Ma Lakshmi. 'Hrim' is another bija sound representing the energy dispelling negative energies and attracting positive energies. 'Klim' is a bija mantra representing the energy of attraction, love and wish fulfilment. 'Siddhalakshmyai' is the name of the goddess being invoked who bestows spiritual and materialistic wealth. 'Namah' is a salutation and great respect is shown towards Her by touching Her Feet as soft as lotus petals.

The power of this mantra was undeniable, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experience that I had been blessed with. It was as if the Divine Mother had revealed Herself to me in those brief moments, reminding me of the infinite potential that lay within each one of us so that we can cultivate a rich inner life and connect with the Divine in a better way. 

This spiritual experience filled me with transformative power that left me feeling humbled as well as amazed. I felt as if I had entered a hidden dimension of spiritual energy, one that was only accessible to those who were devoted to the pursuit of higher knowledge.