SOMA-BANDHU LYRICS
INVOCATION
Ganapati Prarthana
Gannäm twa ganapatigm havamahe Kavim kavinamupamashravastamam |
Jyeshtharajam brahmanam brahmanaspata a nah shrunvannutibhissida sadanam||
Prano devi Saraswati vajebhirvajinivati Dhinamavitryavatu |
Ganeshaya Namaha | Saraswatyai Namaha | Sri Gurubhyo Namah |
Hari Om
The Ganapati Prarthana comes from the Rig Veda, India’s most ancient scripture. Dedicated to Ganesh (Ganapati), the remover of obstacles, and Saraswati, goddess of speech and the arts, this prayer is often recited at the beginning of a Vedic chanting session.
OM NAMAH SHIVAYA
Hari Om Namah Shivaya Hari Om
One translation of Om Namah Shivaya is, “I bow to Shiva, the Supreme Consciousness". When we say, “Om Namah Shivaya,” we honor the innate Divinity the dwells in the hearts of all beings.
JAI MA
Jai Ma Ma Ma
Jai Mata Ambe
Om Narayani Namo Namaste
Jai Ma means Victory to the Mother—the Mother who is known by many names: Ma, Kali, Durga, Shakti, Mary, Tara, Narayani, and infinite others. She is the womb of creation, the primal energy and nourishing love that lives in everything. When we sing Her praises, it’s as if we’re saying, “Yay Ma! I love you!”
SRI RUDRAM
The Rudram is a hymn from the Krishna Yajur Veda, an ancient Vedic scripture. In the prayer, Rudra— an early form of Shiva whose name means “roarer” or “howler” – is requested to calm his fierce appearance and bestow his blessings. The hymn is divided into two parts, each with 11 sections known as anuvakas. This particular portion features the first anuvaka.
The Rudram is a potent chant with many subtle layers of meaning. Although it is difficult to fully comprehend the words without extensive study, I feel a very strong resonance with the vibration of the sounds. When chanted with a pure intention, I believe these sounds can deeply impact the mind and soul of the listener, offering a glimpse into the vast and unbound peace that is our very nature.
HARE RAMA
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
For thousands of years, millions of people have chanted the names Rama and Krishna. Both Rama and Krishna are considered divine incarnations, embodiments of pure love who remove our illusions and open our hearts. As we sing their names, we surrender our burdens and take refuge in the light that dwells within us.
SARVE BHAVANTU
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
Sarve Santu Niramayah
Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu
Ma Kaschit Dukkha-Bhag Bhavet
May everyone be happy.
May everyone be healthy.
May everyone see goodness everywhere.
May no one suffer.
SRI SUKTAM
The Sri Suktam is an ancient hymn in honor of Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance and prosperity. Also known as Sri (Shree), Lakshmi embodies the energy of the divine feminine. These verses invoke her blessings and describe her radiant form: golden-hued and lotus-like—the essence of sublime beauty and bliss. It is said that the letters, syllables, and words of the Sri Suktam collectively form the sound body of Lakshmi, so listening to the chant creates an auspicious vibration, both within and without. You can find the words and traditional version of the chant here.
TWAMEVA
Twameva mata cha pita Twameva
Twameva bandhuscha sakha Twameva
Twameva vidya dravinam Twameva
Twameva sarvam mama deva deva
You are my mother and my father.
You are my friend and my Beloved.
You are knowledge and wealth.
You are my everything, O God of Gods!
108 NAMES OF DEVI
The Sri Lalita Sahasranama, also known as the Thousand Names of the Divine Mother, is a sacred hymn that worships the Divine Mother, also known as Devi or Lalita, “She who plays.” The 108 Names of Devi is a selection from the longer hymn. Each name describes a different quality of the Divine Mother and has a powerful vibration. This particular melody came to me while reading through the names, and it is an offering from my heart to the Supreme Energy of creation known as Parashakti.
You can find this version of the 108 Names of Devi in the book Puja: The Process of Ritualistic Worship, published by the M.A. Center.
LOKAH
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
Om Shanti
May all beings everywhere be happy!
Om Peace, Peace, Peace.