Why do we apply Vibhuti or Holy Ash over our body?

Vibhuti (meaning glory) or Bhasma (that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is remembered) is the holy ash that Hindus apply over their forehead and body. This holy ash is created by burning cow dung along with milk, ghee, honey, etc. It is a principle sacrament in the worship of Lord Siva, representing His burning away of our ignorance to ashes.

The cow dung is obtained from a cows that are fed sixteen varieties of medicinal leaves. The dung of these cows are collected after allowing sufficient time for digestion. The collected dung would then be formed into flat cakes and dried in the sun. 108 types of herbs, and twigs ['Samithi'] of high medicinal value are used in the homa in which the dried dung cakes are added.

Six types of medicinal leaves are burnt along with these. The significance of using ash from the homa is that the impurities - physical and mental (ego, desires) are burnt off in the fire, and what remains is now pure - and the application of this ash serves as a reminder of this.

The vibhuti we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with body and become free of the limitations of birth and death.
Applying vibhuti is a much more common practice amognst Shivites.

Vibhuti or Bhasma has medicinal properties and is used in many ayurvedic medicines. It absorbs excess moisture from the body and prevents colds and headches.

Ten Important Symbols :-

1. Om (Aum) – the most important Hindu symbol, often used as the emblem of Hinduism (see above).

2. Hands in prayer – a sign of respect for the sacred, that which is dear to the heart (see above).

3. Lotus (padma) – symbol of purity/transcendence. Growing out of the mud, it is beautiful, and though resting on water, it does not touch it.

4. Conchshell – used during arati: one of the four symbols of Vishnu. The others are the lotus, club and disc.

5. Swastika – an ancient solar sign considered to invoke auspiciousnes.

6. Trident (trishul) – the symbol of Shiva; often carried by Shaivite sannyasis (renunciates).
7. Kalasha – coconut circled by mango leaves on a pot. Often used in rituals such as the fire sacrifice.
8. Cow – symbol of purity, motherhood and ahimsa (non-violence).
9. Lotus feet (of guru or deity) – touching the feet of superiors shows an attitude of submission and service.
10. Dipa/lamp – symbol of light.

Shree Hanuman Chalisa :-

SHREE HANUMAN CHALISA

Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Man Mukar Sudhari,
Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo dayaku Phal Chari

With the dust of Guru's Lotus feet, I clean the mirror of my mind
and then narrate the sacred glory of Sri Ram Chandra, The Supereme
among the Raghu dynasty. The giver of the four attainments of life.

Budhi heen Tanu Janike, Sumirow, Pavan Kumar,
Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar

Knowing myself to be ignorent, I urge you, O Hanuman, The son of
Pavan! O Lord! kindly Bestow on me strength, wisdom and knowledge,
removing all my miseries and blemishes.

Jai Hanuman Gyan Guna Sagar
Jai Kipis Tihun Lok Ujgaar

Victory of Thee, O Hanuman, Ocean of wisdom and virtue, victory to
the Lord of monkeys who is well known in all the three worlds.

Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhamaa,
Anjani Putra Pavansut naamaa.

You, the Divine messager of Ram and repository of immeasurable
strength, are also known as Anjaniputra and known as the son of the
wind - Pavanputra.

Mahebeer Bikram Bajrangi,
Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi.

Oh Hanumanji! You are valiant and brave, with a body like
lightening. You are the dispeller of darkness of evil thoughts and
companion of good sense and wisdom.

Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesaa,
Kanan kundal kunchit kesa.

Shri Hanumanji's physique is golden coloured. His dress is pretty,
wearing 'Kundals' ear-rings and his hairs are long and curly.

Hath Bajra Aur Dhvaja Birjai,
Kandhe Moonj Janeu saage.

Shri Hanumanji is holding in one hand a lighting bolt and in the
other a banner with sacred thread across his shoulder.

Shankar Suvna Kesari Nandan,
Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan.

Oh Hanumanji! You are the emanation of 'SHIVA' and you delight Shri
Keshri. Being ever effulgent, you and hold vast sway over the
universe. The entire world proptiates. You are adorable of all.

Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur,
Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Atur.

Oh! Shri Hanumanji! You are the repository learning, virtuous, very
wise and highly keen to do the work of Shri Ram,

Prabhu Charittra Sunibe Ko Rasiya,
Ram Lakhan Sita man basyia.

Sukshma roop Dhari Siyahi Dikhwana,
Bikat roop Dhari Lank Jarawa.

You appeared before Sita in a diminutive form and spoke to her,
while you assumed an awesome form and struck terror by setting Lanka on fire.

Bhim roop Dhari Asur Sanhare,
Ramchandra Ke kaaj Savare.

He, with his terrible form, killed demons in Lanka and performed all
acts of Shri Ram.

Laye Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaye,
Shri Raghubir harashi ur laye.

When Hanumanji made Lakshman alive after bringing 'Sanjivni herb'
Shri Ram took him in his deep embrace, his heart full of joy.

Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai,
Tum Mama Priya Bharat Sam Bahi.

Shri Ram lustily extolled Hanumanji's excellence and remarked, "you
are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat"

Sahastra Badan Tumharo Jas Gaave,
Asa kahi Shripati Kanth Laagave.

Shri Ram embraced Hanumanji saying: "Let the thousand - tongued
sheshnaag sing your glories"

Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa,
Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa.

Sanak and the sages, saints. Lord Brahma, the great hermits Narad
and Goddess Saraswati along with Sheshnag the cosmic serpent, fail
to sing the glories of Hanumanji exactly.

Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te,
Kabi Kabid Kahin Sake Kahan Te.

What to talk of denizens of the earth like poets and scholars ones
etc even Gods like Yamraj, Kuber, and Digpal fail to narrate
Hanman's greatness in toto.

Tum Upkar Sugrivahi Keenha,
Ram Miali Rajpad Deenha.

Hanumanji! You rendered a great service for Sugriva, It were you who
united him with SHRI RAM and installed him on the Royal Throne.

Tumharo Mantro Bibhishan Maana,
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana.

By heeding your advice. Vibhushan became Lord of Lanka, which is
known all over the universe.

Juug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhaanu,
Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu.

Hanumanji gulped, the SUN at distance of sixteen thousand miles
considering it to be a sweet fruit.

Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maaheen,
Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Acharaj Naheen.

Carrying the Lord's ring in his mouth, he went across the ocean.
There is no wonder in that.

Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jeete,
Sugam Anugrah Tumhre Te Te.

Oh Hanumanji! all the difficult tasks in the world are rendered
easiest by your grace.

Ram Duware Tum Rakhavare,
Hot Na Aagya Bin Paisare.

Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhari Sarna,
Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Darnaa.

By your grace one can enjoy all happiness and one need not have any
fear under your protection.

Aapan Tej Samharo Aapei,
Tanau Lok Hank Te Kanpei.

When you roar all the three worlds tremble and only you can control
your might.

Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Avei,
Mahabir Jab Naam Sunavei.

Great Brave on. Hanumanji's name keeps all the Ghosts, Demons &
evils spirits away from his devotees.

Nasei Rog Hare Sab Peera,
Japat Niranter Hanumant Beera.

On reciting Hanumanji's holy name regularly all the maladies perish
the entire pain disappears.

Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudavei,
Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lavei.

Those who rembember Hanumanji in thought, word and deed are well
guarded against their odds in life

Sub Par Ram Tapasvee Raaja,
Tinke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja.

Oh Hanumanji! You are the caretaker of even Lord Rama, who has been
hailed as the Supreme Lord and the Monarch of all those devoted in
penances.

Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lave,
Soi Amit Jivan Phal Pave.

Oh Hanumanji! You fulfill the desires of those who come to you and
bestow the eternal nectar the highest fruit of life.

Charo Juung Partap Tumhara,
Hai Parsiddha Jagat Ujiyara.

Oh Hanumanji! You magnificent glory is acclaimed far and wide all
through the four ages and your fame is radianlty noted all over the
cosmos.

Sadho Sant Ke Tum Rakhvale,
Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare.

Oh Hanumanji! You are the saviour and the guardian angel of saints
and sages and destroy all the Demons, you are the seraphic darling
of Shri Ram.

Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data,
Asa Bar Din Janki Mata.

Hanumanji has been blessed with mother Janki to grant to any one any
YOGIC power of eight Sidhis and Nava Nidhis as per choice.

Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa,
Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa.

Oh Hanumanji! You hold the essence of devotion to RAM, always
remaining His Servant.

Tumhare Bhajan Ramko Pavei.
Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravei.

Oh Hanumanji! through devotion to you, one comes to RAM and becames
free from suffering of several lives.

Anta Kaal Raghubar Pur Jai,
Jahan Janma Hari Bhakta Kahai.

After death he enters the eternal abode of Sri Ram and remains a
devotee of him, whenever, taking new birth on earth.

Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai,
Hanumant Sei Sarva Sukh Karai.

You need not hold any other demigod in mind. Hanumanji alone will
give all happiness.

Sankat Kate Mitey Sab Peera,
Jo Sumirei Hanumant Balbeera.

Oh Powerful Hanumanji! You end the sufferings and remove all the
pain from hose who remember you.

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai
Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naiee.

Hail-Hail-Hail-Lord Hanumanji! I beseech you Honour to bless me in
the capacity of my supreme 'GURU' (teacher).

Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi,
Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.

One who recites this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times daily for one
hundred days becames free from the 111111111 of life and death and
enjoys the highest bliss at last.

Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa,
Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa.

As Lord Shankar witnesses, all those who recite Hanuman Chalisa
regularly are sure to be benedicted.

Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera,
Keeje Nath Hriday Mah Dera.

Tulsidas always the servant of Lord prays. "Oh my Lord! You enshrine
within my heart.!

Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murti Roop.
Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop.

O Shri Hanuman, The Son of Pavan, Saviour The Embodiment of
blessings, reside in my heart together with Shri Ram, Laxman and
Sita.

Duty is God, Work is Worship

God's NaMe

God’s name said from the heart cleanses you of all negativity instantly. Carry the name of your chosen God at all times in your heart…while you think…before you speak…and as you are about to do. The name of the Holy One and your faith will bring your “Self” to surface above all negativity.

Chandra Grahan 26th June 2010

A Chandra Grahan, a partial lunar eclipse, will take place on June 26, 2010. According to NASA, the Chandra Grahan is a partial lunar eclipse and is visible mainly in the pacific and eastern parts of Australia and for a greater extent in the western parts of USA and Canada. The partial eclipse will happen at moon rise in India, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia and other places in eastern parts of Asia. The Chandragrahan will be taking place in India between 15:46 and 18:30 and will be slightly visible in northeastern parts of India.

Please note that the grahan is not visible in Gulf, Europe and Africa.

The following map shows the detail view of the Chandra Grahan on June 26, 2010 around the world

Chandra Grahan and Hindus

Usually during a Chandra Grahan, a fast (Upvaas) is observed by certain communities in Hindu religion. The fast begins about 9 hours before the beginning of Chandra Grahan.

People also take a bath in cold water and chant mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Shiva like the Ashtakshara Mantra or Mrityunjaya Mantra. This is done whenever Surya and Chandra are under the influence of Rahu. Pregnant women chant the Santana Gopala Mantra.

Note: There is no need to follow any rituals for this grahan as it is not visible in India. Panchangs and Calendars have ignored this grahan mostly.

Saibaba's Sayings

• 
  
• Whoever puts his feet on Shirdi soil, his sufferings would come to an end.
• The wretched and miserable will rise to joy and happiness as soon as they climb the steps of the mosque
• I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body.
• My tomb shall bless and speak to the needs of my devotees.
• I shall be active and vigorous even from my tomb.
• My mortal remains will speak from my tomb.
• I am ever living to help and guide all who come to me, who surrender to me and who seek refuge in me.
• If you look to me, I look to you.
• If you cast your burden on me, I shall surely bear it
• If you seek my advice and help, it shall be given to you at once.
• 11. There shall be no want in the house of my devotee

Sayings of shirdi saibaba :-}

If you are wealthy, be humble. Plants bend when they bear fruit.

Spend money in charity;be generous and munificent but not extravagant.

Whatever creature comes to you,human or otherwise, treat it with consideration.

See the divine in the human being.

There is a wall of separation between oneself and others
and between you and me. Destroy this wall!

I get angry with none.
Will a mother get angry with her children?
Will the ocean send back the waters to the several rivers?

What is our duty?
To behave properly. That is enough.

God is not so far away. He is not in the heavens above,
nor in hell below. He is always near you.

If you cannot endure abuse from another,
just say a simple word or two, or else leave.

I stay by the side of whoever repeats my name.

Do not be obsessed by egotism,
imagining that you are the cause of action:
everything is due to God.

Do not fight with anyone,
nor retaliate, nor slander anyone.

All gods are one. There is no difference
between a Hindu and a Muslim.
Mosque and temple are the same.

When you see with your inner eye. Then you realize
that you are God and not different from Him.

To God be the praise.
I am only the slave of God.

Choose friends who will stick to you till the end,
through thick and thin - Shirdi Sai Baba

The giver gives, but really he is sowing the seed for later:
the gift of a rich harvest. - Shirdi ke Sai Baba