ABOUT DEITIES
Sri Shiva
Sri Shiva represents the aspect of the Supreme Being (Brahman of the Upanishads) that continuously dissolves to recreate in the cyclic process of creation, preservation, dissolution and recreation of the universe. As stated earlier, Sri Shiva is the third member of the Hindu Trinity, the other two being Sri Brahma and Sri Vishnu.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
Sivarathri & Trimurthi Puja
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
Mondays and Pradhosham, thirteenth day of the fortnight are very auspicious to Siva.
VAHANA:
Nandi
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
Rudraabishekam, Rudra homam, Mrithyunjaya homam are performed to Lord Siva. Bilva leaf, Erukku, Thumba and Oleander flowers are auspicious to Siva.
SLOKAS:
- Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat
Sri Shridi Sai Baba
Sai Baba is worshiped by people around the world. He had no love for perishable things and his sole concern was self-realization. He taught a moral code of love, forgiveness, helping others, charity, contentment, inner peace, and devotion to God and guru. He gave no distinction based on religion or caste.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
Ramnavami (March/April), Guru Purnima (July) & Vijayadashami (September).
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
Thursday is known to be Shirdi Sai Baba's day and it is said that offering him certain food items today will purge one of all his sins.
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
Halwa & Khichdi
SLOKAS:
- Om Sai Namo Namah Shree Sai Namo Namah Jai Jai Sai Namo Namah Sadguru Sai namo Namah
Sri Saraswathi
Saraswathi is the Goddess of leaming, knowledge, and wisdom. The Sanskrit word sara means "essence" and swa means "self." Thus Saraswathi means "the essence of the self." Saraswathi is represented in Hindu mythology as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe. Since knowledge is necessary for creation, Saraswathi symbolizes the creative power of Brahma. Goddess Saraswathi is worshipped by all persons interested in knowledge, especially students, teachers, scholars, and scientists.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
Navarathri
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
As Saraswathi is the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom we should pray to Her every morning. Wednesdays and Fridays are important to Saraswathi.
VAHANA:
Swan
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
Abishekams and special decorations with turmeric powder and beads are offered to Saraswathi. A variety of preparations made of boiled lentils, paayasam and vada are given as special offerings during the puja.
SLOKAS:
- Om Aing Mahasaraswatyai Namah
Sri MahaLakshmi
Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. The word ''Lakshmi'' is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksme, meaning "goal." Lakshmi, therefore, represents the goal of life, which includes worldly as well as spiritual prosperity. In Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi, also called Shri, is the divine spouse of Lord Vishnu and provides Him with wealth for the maintenance and preservation of the creation
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
Navarathri & Panguni Uthiram
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
Fridays are considered auspicious for Lakshmi Puja.
VAHANA:
Owl
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
Paayasam and sweets such as Ladu, fruits and milk, are made as alankara to Lakshmi.
SLOKAS:
- Om Mahalakshmi Namahae Om Gaja Lakshmi Namahae Om Jaya Lakshmi Namahae Om Thana Lakshmi Namahae Om Santana Lakshmi Namahae Om Seetha Lakshmi Namahae Om Thaireya Lakshmi Namahae Om Thannya Lakshmi Namahae Om Vidya Lakshmi Namahae Om Maha Vishu Mahalakshmi Namahae
Sri Venkateswara
Sri Venkateswara is the temple's main deity or moola moorthy who is an incarnation of Sri Vishnu. He is the God to save mankind from trails and troubles of Kali Yuga. Venkateswara is known by many other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
Brahmotsavam
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
Saturdays and the whole month of Purattasi are auspicious to Venkateswara.
VAHANA:
Garuda
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
Chakra Pongal, Ven Pongal & Kadambam
SLOKAS:
- Om Namo Venkatesaaya Kaamitaartha Pradhaayine Pranatah Klesa Naasaaya Govindaaya Namo Namaha
Sri Ganesha
Ganesha represents the power of the Supreme Being that removes obstacles and ensures success in human endeavors. For this reason, Hindus worship Ganesha first before beginning any religious, spiritual or worldly activity. In Hindu mythology, Sri Ganesha is the first son of Sri Shiva and the Divine Mother Parvati. Their second son is Sri Subramanya and their daughter is Jyoti. As explained below, the portrayal of Sri Ganesha as the blend of hum.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
Ganesha Chathurthi
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
The fourth day of the lunar fortnight (Chathurti) and Tuesdays and Fridays are special to Ganesha.
VAHANA:
Mouse
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
Offerings of modhaka and durva grass garlands are special to Ganesha.
SLOKAS:
- Eka dhantham Maha kayam, Lambo dara Gajananam Vigna nasa karam devam, Herambam Pranamam yaham.
Sri Hanuman
Sri Hanuman symbolizes the qualities of an ideal devotee of God. Hanuman is the son of Vaayu, the Wind God. He is a great devotee of Sri Rama. He is an outstanding scholar and master of vedas. He symbolizes heroism and valor to fight for the cause of dharma, devotion and selfless service, and above all, humility. In Bhajans it is customary to conclude with a song for Hanuman. Other common names of Hanuman are Aanjaneya (son of Anjana) and Maaruthi (son of Maaruth – Maaruth is another name of Vaayu).
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are auspicious to Hanuman.
VAHANA:
Camel
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
Offerings of butter and garlands with vada, thulasi and betel leaves are special to Hanuman.
SLOKAS:
- Om Anjaneyaya Vidmahe Vayuputraya Dheemahi, Tanno Hanuman Prachodayat
Sri Navagraha
Navagraha or the Nine Planets has great importance in Hinduism and Hindu rituals. Navagrahas are considered to play a major role in deciding the destiny of man. The Navagrahas are Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node). It is believed that these nine planetary deities influence human lives and is responsible for all good or bad times, one faces in life.
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
Devotees worship the individual planetary deities on the particular day of the week associated with the planet, and also at special times when there is planetary shift or unique configurations. Proper worship of individual planets on the right occasions is believed to bestow good on the devotees, in specific areas of life.
VAHANA:
Horse
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
Offerings like sesame seeds, rice or any of the “nine grains” that may be appropriate are offered to Lord Navagraha.
SLOKAS:
- Japaa kusuma Sankaasam – Kaasyapeyam Mahaath’ yuthim Thamo’urim sarva Paapa ganam – Pranathosmi Dhiwaakaram