Divali Celebrations 2010 event programme

High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

On the occasion of

Divali Saturday 20th November 2010 2:00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.

Maha Lakshmi Vidya Bhavan Honor Oak Park, Forest Hill London SE23 3LE

1

Lakshmi Mata

2

Order of Ceremony Invocation (All Stand) Pandita Asha Gosine-Ghosh, M.B.E. Welcome Shree Bankim Gossai, M.B.E. Bhajan No.1 Jai Lakshmi Maataa

Lighting of Deeya Lakshmi Ashtakam Bhajan No.2 - Mera Deepak Jug Jug Jale Divali Address Mr. Narinesingh Lal, Immigration AttachĂŠ Ramayan Discourse Shree Krishna Ragbir Havan Ceremony Pundit Ramesh Charan Hanuman Chalisa Appreciation Mrs. Zara Kamrudeen Aarti and Closing Prayers Preeti Bhojan (Refreshments & Dinner)

3

OPENING PRAYER

Om, shanno mitrah shan varrunah shanno bhavatvaryyarnaa ; shanna indro brihaspatih, shanno vishnururukramah.

Namo brahmane namaste vaayo tvameva pratyaksham brahmaasi; tvameva pratyaksham brahma vadisyaami ritam vadishyaami satyam vadishyaami tanmaamavatu tadvaktaaramavatu; avatu maamavatu vaktaaram; Om, Shaanti - shaanti - shaantih.

May You O Supreme Being, Friend of all (Mitra), the Holiest of all (Varuna) and Controller of the universe: Aryama) be Merciful unto us; may you O Almighty One (Indra), Lord of the Universe and Supporter of all (Brihaspati) endow us with knowledge and power, may You O Omnipresent (Vishnu) and Omnipotent Being (Urukrama), shower Your blessings all around us.

We bow unto You O Most Powerful and Supreme Being (Brahrna), You alone are the Omniscient One whom we feel within our hearts. We will call You and You alone the True One. Your will as truly revealed in the Vedas will we obey and preach. We will be truthful in word, deed and thought.

You are our shelter. May You protect us who study and contemplate Your 4

nature - who speak only the truth so that our understanding may be firm in Your will and never turn away from it. Your will is truth and righteousness.

That which is contrary to Your will is untruth and unrighteousness. May You again shelter and protect us. O Lord be merciful and grant this our prayer, for which we shall feel grateful forever. Let there be peace in the heavenly regions, in the middle regions and on earth.

GAYATRI MANTRA

Om bhur bhuvah svah tat savitur varanyam bhargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yonah prachodayaat.

O supreme being cause of all manifestation the universe, source of existence, intelligence and bliss We meditate upon you adorable nature.May you illumine and inspire our intellect.

LAKSHMI GAYATRI Om Mahalakshmyai cha Vidmahay Vishnupatnyai cha dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayaat

May we realise Mahaa Lakshmi. Let us meditate on the consort of the beloved Lord Vishnu and may Goddess Lakshmi illuminate us all.

PRAYERS TO MOTHER LAKSHMI

Lakshmi karo tu kalyanam, Arogyam sukh sampadam Mam shatru vinashaya, deep jyotir namostute 5

PRAYERS TO MOTHER LAKSHMI (CONT’D) Lakshmi karo tu kalyanam, Arogyam sukh sampadam Mam shatru vinashaya, deep jyotir namostute

O Goddess of light the dispeller of darkness, sickness and misery. O mother Lakshmi ,you are the giver of happiness, wealth and prosperity. I bow to thee. Please destroy all my internal enemies

MAHAA LAKSHMI ASHTAKAM

Namaste-astu Mahaamaaye Shree Peethe Surapoojite Shanka Chakra Gadaa Haste Maha Lakshmee Namostute

O Mother, Abode of fortune, seated in the exalted position, who art worshipped by the Devas, salutations to Thee! O Mahaa Lakshmee, who holds the conch in Her hand and who wields the discus and mace, my obeisance to Thee.

Namaste Garudaaroodhe Kolaasura Bhayankari Sarva Paapa Hare Devi Maha Lakshmee Namostute

My salutations to Thee, who rides the Garuda bird, and who art a terror to the asura Kola. O Devi Mahaa Lakshmee, Remover of all imperfections, I pay obeisance to Thee.

Sarvagye Sarva Varde Sarva Dushta Bhayankari Sarva Dukha Hare Devi Mahaa Lakshmee Namostute

O Mother, who knowest all, Thou art the Giver of all boons, a terror to all the wicked, and the Remover of all sorrows. Obeisance to Thee!

6

Siddhi Buddhi Prade Devi Bhukti Mukti Pradaayini Mantra Moorte Sadaa Devi Mahaa Lakshmee Namostute

O Devi, Giver of intelligence and success, and of worldly enjoyment and liberation as well, Thou hast always the mystic symbols (Mantras) as thy form. O Mahaa Lakshmee, I pay obeisance to thee.

Aadyanta Rahite Devi Aadya Shakti Maheshwaree Yogaje Yoga Sambhoote Mahaa Lakshmee Namostute

O great Goddess, without beginning or end, O Primeval Energy, born of yoga, O Mahaa Lakshmee, I pay obeisance to Thee.

Sthoola Sookshma Mahaa Rowdre Mahaa Shakti Mahadare Mahaa Paapa Hare Devi Mahaa Lakshmee Namostute

O Mother, who art both the gross and the subtle, as well as most fearful! Thou art the great Power and Giver of great prosperity and the supreme Remover of all sins. I pay obeisance to Thee.

Padmaasana Sthite Devi Parabrahma Swaroopini Parameshi Jagnmaatar Mahaa Lakshmee Namostute

O Goddess, seated on the lotus, Thou art the Embodiment of Supreme Divinity, as well as the Supreme Mother of the Universe. O Mahaa Lakshmee, I pay obeisance to Thee.

7

Shwetaambara Devi Naanaalankaara Bhooshite Jagat Sthite Jaganmaatar Mahaa Lakshmee Namostute

O Devi, dressed in white garments and adorned with various kinds of ornaments, Thou art the Mother of the Universe and its Support. O Mahaa Lakshmee, I pay obeisance to Thee.

Mahaa Laskshmi-Ashtaka Staotram Yah Pathed Bhakti Maan Narah Sarva Siddhim-avaapnoti Mahaa Lakshmee Prasaadatah

Whosoever with loving devotion chants this hymn in praise of Mahaa Lakshmee, which is composed in eight stanzas, attains all success through the grace of the Divine Mother.

Eka Kaale Pathennityam Mahaapaapa Vinaashanam Dwikaalam Yah Pathennityam Dhana Dhaanya Samanvitah

Whoever sings this hymn once daily will have his worst sins destroyed, while he who recites it twice daily will receive wealth and material luxuries in abundance.

Trikaalam Yah Pathennityam Mahaapaapa Vinaashanam Mahaalaskshmeer Bhavennityam Prasanna Varadaa Shubhaa

That devotee who sings this prayer three times every day will have his greatest enemies destroyed. Mother Lakshmee will be ever pleased with him, and will grant him every boon and bestow auspiciousness upon him.

8

Shree Hanuman Chalisa DOHA Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj. Nij Man mukuru Sudhari, Barnau Raghubir Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Fal Chari Budhiheen Tanu Janike, Sumiraun Pavankumar, Bal Budhi Vidhya Dehu Mohi, Harehu Kales Bikaar CHOWPAI:

Jay Hanuman Gyaan Gun Saagar, Jay kapis Tihun Lok Ujaagar Ram Dut Atulit Bal Dhaamaa, Anjani Putra Pavan Sut Naamaa Mahabir Bikram Bajarangi. Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesha, Kaanan Kundal Kunchit Kesaa Haath Bajra Aur Dhvajaa Viraje, Kandhe Muj Janeu Saaje Shankar Suvan Kesari Nandan, Tej Pratap Mahaa Jag Vandan Vidhya Vaan Guni Ati Chaatur. Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Aatur Prabhu Charitra Sunibe ko Rasiya, Ram Lakhan Sita Man Basiaa Suksham Rup Dhari Siyahin Dikhawa, Bikat Rup Dhari Lank Jarawa Bhim Rup Dhari Asur Sanhare, Ramchandra Ke Kaaj Sanvare Lay Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaye, Shree raghubir Harshi Uar Laye Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai, Tum mam Priy Bharatahi Sam Bhai Sahas BadanTumhro yash Gave, Asa Kahi Shripati Kanth Lagaave Sankadik Brahmadi Munisa, Narad Sharad Sahit Ahisaa Yam Kuber Digpal Jahante, Kabi Kavid Kahi Sake Kanhaa Te Tum Upakar Sugrivahi Keenhaa, Ram Milay Raj Pad Dinha Tumharo Mantra Bibhishan Maana, Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana Yug Sahstra Yojan Par Bhaanu, Lilyo Taahi Madhur Fal Jaanu Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maanhi, Jaladhi Landhi Gaye Acharaj Naahi Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jete, Sugam Anugrah Tumhre Tete Ram Duware Tum Rakhavare, Hot na Aagya Binu Paisare Sab Sukh Lahe Tumhari Sarna, Tum Rakshak Kahu Ko Darnaa Aapan Tej Samharo Aape, Teeno Lok Hankte Kanpe Bhut Pishach Nikat Nahi Aave, Mahabir Jab Nam Sunave Nasaei Rog Hare Sab Pira, Japat Nirantar Hanumat Bira 9

Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudave, Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lave Sab Par Ram Tapsvi Raja, Tinke Kaj Sakal Tum Saja Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lave, Soi Amit Jivan Fal Pave Charo Jug Partap Tumhara, Hai Parsidha Jagat Ujiyara Sandhu Sant Ke Tum Rakhavare, Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare Ashta Sidhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data, Asa Bar Din Janki Mata Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa, Sada Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa Tumhre Bhajan Ramko bhave, Janma Janma Ke Dukh Bisravei Antakal Raghubarpur Jai, Jahan Janma Hari Bhakt Kahai Aur Devta Chitt na Dharai, Hanumat Sei Sarba Sukh Karai Sankat katei Mitei Sab Pira, Jo Sumirei Hanumat Balbira Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai, Kripa Karo Gurudev Ki Nai Jo Sat Bar Path Kar Koi, Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi Jo Yah Padhe Hanumanchalisa, Hoy Sidha Sakhi Gaurisa Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera, Kije Nath hriday Maha Dera.

DOHA Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murati Rup, Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, hriday Basahu Surbhup. (1)

Shree Hanuman Chalisa DOHA

Translation

Having cleansed the mirror of my soul with the dust of the Guru’s lotus-feet, I describe Raghuvara’s spotless glory, the bestower of life’s four fruits.

Realizing that I am void of all wisdom, I meditate on the Son of the Wind; may he bless me with strength, wisdom and knowledge and rid me of my sufferings and sins.

Glory to you, O Hanuman, ocean of all knowledge and virtue! Glory to the Monkey Lord, enlightener of the triple worlds; you are Rama’s envoy, abode of might incompa-rable, Anjani’s son called Pavanasuta.

You are mighty, valiant, radiant as the thunderbolt, banisher of wickedness, of the wise befriender, golden-hued, brilliant and charmingly bedecked, with pendants sparkling in your ears, and curly hair on the head.

In your hands flash the thunderbolt and banner and across your shoulder the 10

sacred thread of munja. O Samkara’s son, the delight of Kesari the greatness of your glory is adored all the world over Learned, accomplished and exceedingly wise, ever eager to carry out Rama’s behests, you delight in listening to the Lord’s ambrosial acts, with Rama, Laksmana and Sita dwelling in your heart.

You appeared before Sita in a subtle form, burnt Lanka in a form awesome to behold; you slew the demons by assuming a gigantic form and thus accomplished Rama’s mission.

You brought the life-giving herb (from Dronagiri*) which resuscitated Laksmana; joyously then Rama clasped you to his bosom and praised you again and again. ‘You’re as clear to me as Bharata,’ he said.

‘The thousand-headed Serpent hymns your glory so saying, Sita’s lord fondly embraces you. So also Sanaka, his brothers, Brahma and the other high sages, Narada, Sarada and the Serpent King.

Yama, Kubera, and all the guardians of the directions, poets and scholars cannot sing your glory. You rendered great service to Sugriva when you brought him to Rama, who crowned him king and gave him sovereignty over Kiskindha.

Vibhishan heeded your advice and became Lanka’s lord which the whole world knows. Considering him to be a sweet fruit, you swallowed the sun from a distance of two thousand yojanas.

No wonder you leapt across the ocean carrying the Lord’s ring in your mouth.

All the tasks of the world however difficult, are rendered easily possible by your favour.

You’re the sentinel posted at Rama ‘s gate which none can enter unless you let him in. He who seeks refuge in you enjoys all blessings and with you as the protector experi-ences no fear.

When you remembered your blazing splendour (which you alone control) and roar aloud, your thunderous voice causes tremor in the three spheres; when your name Ma-havira is incessantly repeated, ghosts and goblins dare not make their visitation.

Constant repetition of your name, 0 valiant Hanuman, destroys all illness, and dispels all suffering. If one meditates on you with thought, word and deed, you rid one of every calamity.

Though Rama himself is a supreme ascetic, Lord of all, yet you O!Hanuman, 11

fulfilled all his missions successfully. Whoever expresses a longing to you is rewarded with countless fruits of life.

Your glory is famed through all the four ages, shedding its lustre on the terrestrial sphere. You’re the protector of every saint and sage, destroyer of the demons, and Rama’s pet.

‘Be thou the bestower of the eight siddhis and the nine nidhis’, such is the boon Mother Janaki bestowed on you. You possess Rama – the philosopher stone – and Raghupati’s servant you ever remain.

By hymning your praises the aspirant attains Rama and forgets the sufferings of all transmigratory births. At last your votary goes to the city of Raghuvara, where, taking birth, he is called Hari’s devotee.

He who does not cherish any other God but serves only Hanuman enjoys all bliss. If one constantly repeats the valiant Hanuman’s name, all calamities disappear and all suf-ferings end.

Glory, glory, all glory to the Lord Hanuman! Be gracious to me like my own guru. He who recites this a hundred times is freed from bondage and enjoys supreme bliss.

He who reads this Hanuman Chalisa attains perfection, to which the Lord Siva testifies. Tulasi says , ‘O Lord, make my heart your dwelling place, you who are forever in Rama’s service.’

DOHA O Son of the Wind dispeller of all calamities , the very embodiment of all blessings! O King of the immortals, dwell in my heart with Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.

Shaanti Paath (Peace Chant)

12

Om, dyown shaantir amtarikshagvam shaantih prithivee shaantir aapah shaantir oshadhyah shaantih; vanaspatayah shaantir vishve devaah shaantir brahma shaantih sarvagvam shaantih shaantih deva shaantih saa maa shaantih redhi Om, Shaantih! Shaantih! Shaantih!

May there be peace in the heavenly regions, may there be peace in the atmosphere, may peace reign on earth. May the waters be soothing and may the medical herbs be healing. May the plants be the source of peace to all. May all enlightened persons bring peace to us. May the Vedas (knowledge) spread peace throughout. May all other objects give us peace and may peace even bring peace and may that peace come to us forever.

May there be peace, peace, peace.

Tvameva maataa cha pitaa tvameva, tvameva bandhushcha sakhaa tvameva; tvameva vidyaa dravinam tvameva, tvameva sarvam mam deva deva.

You alone are Our Mother and You alone Our Father.

You alone are Our Relative and Our Greatest Friend.

You alone are Our Wealth and Knowledge.

You are our all in all and our only Deva.

BHAJAN NO.1 The Poet in this bhajan wants to be like a beacon and spread light all around.

Meraa deepaka juga juga jale juga juga prakaasha phailaaye 13

May my lamp shine all the time and spread its rays all around.

Yah jyoti na bujhane paaye juga juga prakaasha phailaaye

Oh lord may my lamp spread light around the world. Do not allow my light to extinguish by storms.

Mere naino kaa ye taaraa mere jeewana kaa ujiyaalaa Mukha kamala khola musakaaye juga juga prakaasha phailaaye

My lamp is the star of my eyes and the light of my life.

It smiles like an open lotus – let it spread light forever.

Mana mohana madura salonaa meraa tootna jaaye khilona

Tuma deena bandhu kahalaaye jug juga prakaasha phailaaye

My mind is like a beautiful toy, please do not let it be broken. You are a friend of the poor Oh Lord. Spread your light everywhere.

BHAJAN NO.2 Bandow Charana Kamala Raghunandana (2) Kamala Raghunandana Kamla Raghunandana Bandow Charana ...

Jinakee Kripaa Sakala Sukha Sampati Paavata Jana Bhaktana Ura Chandana Bandow Charana ...

14

Awadhapuree Prabhu Nitya Viraajala Janaka Sutaa Yuta Dushta Nikandana Bandow Charana ...

Teena Taapa Aru Janama Marana Bhaya Doora Karata Chhinna Men Jana Ranjana Bandow Charana ...

Bhakta Namata Charanana Men Bhagavana Kripaa Kariye Sevaka Bhaya Bhanjana Bandow Charana ...

I adore the lotus feet and Shree Raama of Raghu dynasty.

By His grace,devotees gain happiness and prosperity and the heart of the devotee is soothed, just as scandaloood is soothing to the forhead.

O Destroyer of the wicked, may you always reside in the city of Ayodhya (the heart in which there is no conflict). Always reside therein together wth Seetaa, the daught of King Janaka.

Because of His love for us, the Lord frees us all afflictions (physical, spiritual and worldly and removes the fear of birth and death.

O Lord, we, Your humble devotees, prostrate at Your feet. Please shower Your grace upon Your servants and destroy our fears.

BHAJAN NO.3 Hey Anna Dhana Kee Mahaaraanee Hey Anna Dhana Kee Mahaaraanee O Jai Lakshmee Raanee Tujhe Ghara Ghara Pooje Praanee O Jai Lakshmee Raanee

15

Mandir Tihaaraa Cham Cham Kare laakhon Diyon Kee Jyoti Bare Bhakton Kaa Maan Bhandaara Bhare Haathon Se Dhana Kee Barakhaa Kare Teree Hama Pe Bhee Ho Meherbaanee, O Jai ...

Ham Maangate Maan Sonaa Kahaan Ham Maangate Maan Chaandee Kahaan Ham To Phakata Itanaa Maangate Bhookhaa Na Koee Soye Yahaan Saba Kee Rakhanaa Nija Raanee, O Jai ...

Mana Se Jo Maan Kee Poojaa Kare Maan Uske Saare Dukha Re Hare Giratee Havaa Kee Kismat Too Maan Charhatee Kare Aura Barhatee Kare Koee Devee Naa Tujhsee Daanee, O Jai ...

O great Queen! Giver of sustenance and Bestower of prosperity! Victory to You, O Goddess Lakshrnee; O Mother, devotees worship You in every home.

Your temple glitters with the lights of countless lamps. O Mother,You fill the treasuries of Your devotees with the never-ending wealth flowing from Your hands. We too belong to You, O magnificent and luminous One! O Mother, where else can we go to seek gold and silver? In the end, however, all we can ask is that no one goes to sleep hungry. We all place ourselves in Your care, our own beloved Queen.

Whosoever performs Your worship withful1faith, O gracious Mother,You remove all their sorrows. For those who are fallen,You are the wind of fortune.

You lift them up and shower prosperity upon them.. None can match Your generosity, O Goddess Lakshmee!

16

BHAJAN NO.4 JAI LAKSHMEE MAATAA Jai jai jai Lakshmee Maataa; Tum ko nisdin sewat Har Vlshnu Daata ...

(1)

Brahmaa Rudraanee Kamaalaa, Tum hai jag maataa; Suryaa Chandramaa dhaawat, Naarad Rishee gaataa ‌

(2)

Durgaa roopa Neeranjan, Sukha sampatee daataa; Jo koyee tumko dhyaawat, Ridhee Sidhee dhan paataa ...

(3)

Tu bhe ha! Pataal Basantee, Turn hee ha! Shubha daataa; Karma prabhaawa prakashak, Jag needhee sidhee traataa ...

Praise to Mother Lakshemee. I always pray, to You, also Haree, Praise to Brahma and Shiva You, The sun and moon come to You. Naarad sings Your name.You give happiness and riches as Durgaa and Neeranjan, to whoever asks for it.You reside in Pataal the underneath, giving peace, happiness, success and all that is good.

17

Grant us an understanding heart, equal vision, a balanced mind, faith, devotion and wisdom. Grant us inner spiritual strength to resist temptation and control the mind.

Free us from egoism, lust, greed, hatred, anger and jealously. Fill our hearts with divine virtues.

Swami Sivananda

Message From The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on the Occasion of the Divali 2010

Fellow citizens, today we join with the Hindu community in celebrating Divali - the festival of Lights. On these occasions I am always heartened yet humbled by the magnanimity of the citizens of our beloved Nation, as together, we are able to warmly embrace the rich traditions of our multicultural heritage.

Amidst the religious and cultural intolerance which negatively impact so many people worldwide, Trinidad and Tobago shines as a sterling example of harmony in diversity and unity.

Today on behalf of the Government and citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, I wish

18

Shubh Divali to the Hindu community.

attainment of inner peace and eternal bliss.

To many the lesson of Divali appears simple - the triumph of good over evil; light over darkness. But the celebration of Divali asks much more of us. It is the awakening of the individual’s true nature and an awareness of the inner light which resides in all of us - the light of love, peace and compassion.

As the dark Divali night is brightened by the flames of the deyas, so too let your hearts glow with the light of love for family, community and Nation.

I ask that the gifts and prayers offered this Divali reflect not only personal desires; but also a universal call for tolerance and unity and peace and security in our beautiful twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Divali recognizes the power and noble qualities of the Goddess Lakshmi Devi, the embodiment of wealth, grace, wisdom and compassion. As we honour Mata Lakshmi during our Divali festivities, I ask you to remember that while the Goddess is worshipped to achieve prosperity and success, she does not reside long with anyone who desires her only as wealth. Sri Lakshmi also represents righteousness, kindness and liberation. Your focus should not merely be on material enrichment but rather on spiritual growth - the

May the Goddess Lakshmi generously shower you with happiness, a pure heart, prosperity and love.

Happy Divali The Honourable Kamla PersadBissessar Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

19

HIGH COMMISSION FOR THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT Tel: 020 7245 9351 Fax: 020 7823 1065 www.tthighcommission.co.uk Email: tthc@btconnect.com

20