February 17th, 2023
On my buying trip to India in February I made it a point to visit the people who we donated rice to during the covid lockdown. I wanted to meet them, hear their stories, and see first hand if we touched their lives in any way.
I was uncharacteristically nervous on the drive there.
My first stop was the young woman who was pregnant during COVID last year and did not have a place to live. Here she is with her husband and daughter, now 9 months old. Her daughter is a beautiful, happy and healthy young girl. As we were leaving she told me “thank you” in English and I could see in her eyes that she truly meant it. The “thank you” touched me deeply.
Next, we visited the family with two blind sons. Only one was there at the time. The mother was a wonderful woman who was all smiles and chatting to me in Tamil. She showed me her house and how they all slept on the floor together in one cinderblock room with a corrugated roof and a fan. She told me that when she got the rice, she immediately started a fire to start cooking it because they literally had no food to eat. She was so thankful for what we had done for her family.
We visited a village that could not have been any more marginalized by society. They lived on the outskirts of town with no water or electricity. No government aid gets to them and they are purely subsistence living. On the drive getting there I was amazed at how my friend, Balan was even able to find these people. When I was there Balan told me how some of the villagers were amazed that the rice was whole grain rice. They were used to only eating cracked rice, basically, they could only afford the low-quality rice that had some defects to it.
It was an incredibly rewarding and difficult day for me. It was rewarding to connect with the actual people we donated rice to, look into their eyes and feel how appreciative they were of our help. It was difficult because you can see how large the issues are with poverty in India and the world. As much as I would love to solve the issue, it is not something that one person can come in to correct. It would take a massive effort to change society.
Balan and I were brainstorming over things we can do in the future and hope to bring another donation opportunity to everyone again soon.
Thank you again to everyone who donated to help make this happen.
~Kyle Tortora, Founder, Lotus Sculpture
It has been 16 years since I first visited Nepal. Lotus Sculpture has never imported any statues from Nepal so this past week was like a buying trip 20 years ago, exploring Kathmandu valley and searching for new artisans with exceptional statues.
Happily, we found them!
The moment that I laid my eyes on this stunning Nataraj statue I knew I would have to bring Him home with me. I have never before seen a dancing Shiva in this style. It is a perfect statue in casting, form, and painting.
From the moment I met Siddartha I knew I had met a lifelong friend. He has a calm grace and inner peace that emanates from him. And he has some amazing statues like this amazing Vajrasatva (coming to Lotus Sculpture soon)!
Going from shop to shop finding some hidden treasures like this copper double dorje brings out the inner Indiana Jones in me.
Batsa is a young 29-year-old artist shown creating a wax mold of Vajrayogini. He uses yak bone to shape it. The saliva keeps them from sticking together which differs from how stipathis (wax modelers) of South India create their wax molds. He spends all day drawing and creating wax molds. I loved him. He is a dedicated, true artist!
I knew I was going to find amazing statues, but when I saw some amazing prayer wheels I had to learn where and how they are made. The mantra “Om Mani Padme Om” is pounded into copper sheets and then made into a prayer wheel and filled with prayers. I know you will be as excited about them as I am!
Mahesh is a Master craftsman! All of his statues are made at another level of artistry. I can not wait to show them to you!
We are going to have a big selection of masterpieces coming from Nepal! As big a selection as Indra’s arms are wide.
Vajrasatva is jeweled with rubies, red coral, and emeralds. Stunning carving!
Here are the ghats or steps where bodies are cremated at the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was a very heavy difficult day for me. There were children begging, old sadhus laying on the ground in awful health conditions that aren’t appropriate to share, and then seeing bodies burning on funeral pyres really affected me. The Buddha said that “all life is suffering.” It was easy to understand why he uttered those words so long ago. It was also very easy to see the impermanence of all life in those moments as both life and death were on display in front of me.
Shri Krishna as the name means – He is the one who is capable of attracting everyone. The name Krishna also means absolute truth. Lord Krishna is the eighth and most famous avatar of Lord Vishnu who is symbolized as the best example of truth, love, dharma, and courage.
One of the most widely revered and most popular of all Indian divinities is Krishna, worshiped as the eighth incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu. Lord Krishna became the focus of a large number of devotional cults, which over the centuries have produced a wealth of religious poetry, music, painting, and sculpture.
Krishna affirms life in his pranks, music, and lovemaking
The rich variety of legends associated with Krishna’s life led to an abundance of representation in painting and sculpture. The divine lover (the most common representation) is shown playing the flute, surrounded by adoring gopis.
1. Moola Mantra
“Om Krishnaya Namaha“
Meaning: Salutations to the Lord Krishna
2. Krishna Gayatri Mantra: This mantra brings in high energy for activities and success in the job.
“Aum
Devkinandanaye Vidmahe
Vasudevaye Dhi-Mahi
Tan No Krishna Prachodayat
Aum“
3. Sri Krishna Ashtakam
Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chaanoora Mardhanam |
Devaki Paramaanandham Krishnam Vande’ Jagathgurum ||
Adhasee Pushpa Sankaasam Haara Noopura Sobhitham |
Rathna Kangana keyooram Krishnam Vandhe’ Jagathgurum ||
Kutilaalaka Samyuktham Poorna Chandra Nibhaananam |
Vilasath Kundala tharam Krishnam Vandhe’ Jagathgurum ||
Mandhara Gandha Samyuktham Chaaru-haasam Chathur-bhujam; |
Parhipinjaa Vasoodaangam Krishnam Vandhe’ Jagathgurum ||
Uthpulla Padma Patraksham Nilajimutha Sannibham. |
Yaadhavaanaam Sirorathnam Krishnam Vandhe’ Jagathgurum ||
Rukmini Ke’li Samyuktham, Peethambara Su Sobitham; |
Avaaptha Thulasi Gaandharam, Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum. ||
Gopikaanaam Kusathvanthva Kunkumaangitha Vakshasam |
Srinike’tham Maheshvaasam Krishnam Vandhe’ Jagathgurum ||
Srivatsaankam, Mahoraskam, Vana Maala Virayitham; |
Sanka Chakra Dharam, Devam, Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum. ||
Krishnaashtakam itham Punyam Praatha Ruththaaya Ya:pade’th|
Ko’ti Janma Krutham Papam Smaranaath Thasya Nachyathi. ||
4. 24 name Mantra of Lord Krishna
“Shri Keshvay namah, Naraynay namah, Madhvay namah,
Govinday namah, Vishnve namah, Madhusudnay namah,
Trivikramay namah, Vamnay namah, Shridhray namah,
Hrshikeshay namah, Padhanabhay namah, Damodaray namah,
Sankrshnay namah, Vasudevay namah, Prdyumnay namah,
Aniruddhay namah, Purushottmay namah, Adhoxjay namah,
Narsinhay namah, Achyutay namah, Janardnay namah,
Upendray namah, Haraye namah, Shri Krishnay namah.“
5. Shri Krishna Aarti
“Aarti Yugal Kishor ki Kijai,
Radhe Tan Man dhan nyochhavar kijai.
Ravi shashi koti badan ki shobha,
Tahi nirakh mera man lobha.
Gaur Shyam mukh nirkhat rijhai,
Prabhu ko rup nayan bhar pijai.
Kanchan thar kapur ki bati,
Hari aye nirmal bhai chhati.
Phulan ki sej phulan ki mala,
Ratna sinhasan baithe Nandlala.
Mor mukut kar murli sohai,
Natwar vesh dekh manmohe.
Oddhe peet neel pat sari,
Kunj Bihari Girvardhari.
Shri Purshottam Girvar dhari,
arti karat sakal Brajanari.
Nandnandan Vnishabhanu Kishori,
Parmanand svami avichal jori.“
6. Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra: It is a 16-word Vaishnava mantra, the most famous mantra of Lord Krishna, which first appeared in the Kali-Santarana Upanishad.
“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama,
Rama Rama, Hare Hare“
7. Shree Radha Krishna Stuti
“Kararavinde Na Padaravindam
Mukharavinde Viniveshayantam
Vatasya Patrasya Pute Shayanam
Balam Mukundam Manasa Smarami“
Meaning: I memorize the Lord in his infant form (Mukunda), who sleeps in a Banyan leaf. He is the one who puts his lotus life feet to His mouth, with the help of His hands.
“Achyutam Keshavam Rama Narayanam
Krishna Daamodaram Vasudevam Harim
Shridharam Maadhavam Raamachandram Bhaje
Jaanki Naayakam Raamachandram Bhaje“
Meaning: I sing the praise of Ramachandra, Who is known as Achyuta (infallible), Keshav, Raam, Narayan, Krishna, Damodara, Vasudeva, Hari, Shridhara (possessing Lakshmi), Madhava, Gopikavallabha (Dearest of Gopika), and Janakinayaka (Lord of Janaki or Sita).
“Achyutam Keshavam Satyabhaa Maadhavam
Maadhavam Shridaram Radhika Radhikam
Indira Mandriram Chetasaa Sundaram
Devaki Nandanam Nandanam Sandadhe“
Meaning: I memorize the Lord in his infant form (Mukunda), who sleeps in a Banyan leaf. He is the one who puts his lotus life feet to His mouth, with the help of His hands.
“Tapta-Kanchana-Gaurangi Radhe
Vrindavaneshvari Vrishabhanu-Sute Devi
Pranamami Hari-Priye“
Meaning: I offer my respect to Shri Radha rani, who has a molten gold complexion. O Goddess, You are the queen of Vrindavana, the daughter of King Vrishabhanu, and are very dear to Lord Krishna.
“Goloka-Vasini Gopi
Gopisha Gopa-Matrika
Sananda Paramananda
Nanda-Nandana-Kamini“
Meaning: Radha rani is a resident of Goloka, known as Vrindavan, and is a cowherd damsel. She is the queen of the gopis and the divine mother of the cowherd boys. She is joyful and always experiencing the highest bliss. She incites strong desires in the heart of the son of Nanda (Lord Krishna).
8. Sree Krishna Stuthi – Sandhyanaamam: This stuti is written by the famous devotee Poothanam, praising Lord Krishna.
“Anjana Sreedhara Charumoorthe Krishna
Anjali Koopi Vanangidunnen
Aananda Alangara Vaasudeva Krishna
Aathangam Ellam Akattidene
Indiranadha Jagannivasa Krishna,
Innende Munnil Vilangidene
Erezhulaginum Ekanaadha Krishna,
Eeranju Dikkum Niranja Roopa
Unni Gopala Kamalanethra Krishna,
Ullil Nee Vannu Vilangidene
Oozhiyil Vannu Piranna Naadha Krishna,
Oonam Koodathe Thunachidene
Ennulilulloru Taapamellam Krishna,
Ennunikanna Shamipickene
Edalalar Banannu Thulyamurthe Krishna,
Ereeyamodhena Kaithozhunnen
Aithikamaakum Sukhathilaho Krishna
Ayyo Enikkoru Mohamille
Ottalla Kauthugamantharange Krishna
Omalthirumeni Bhangikaanaan
Odakkuzhalvili Melamode Krishna,
Odivarigende Gopabaala
Oudharyakomala Kelisheela Krishna,
Oupamyamilla Gunangalkethum
Ambujalochana Ninpaada Pankajam,
Ambodu Njaanidaa Koombidunnen
Athyanda Sundara Nandasuno Krishna,
Atthal Kalanjenne Paalikkene
Krishna Mukilvarna, Vrushnee Kuleshwara,
Krishnambujekshana Kaithozhunnen
Krishna Hare Jaya, Krishna Hare Jaya, Krishna Hare Jaya, Krishna Hare…“
Meaning: I salute you, pretty Krishna, who is black and who carries Lakshmi with folded hands.
Hey happy Krishna, who is decorated. He is also known as Vasudeva,
Be pleased to take away all my sorrows.
Hey Krishna who presides all over the universe and who is the consort of Lakshmi,
Please appear before me,
Hey Krishna who is the only lord of fourteen worlds,
You are the one, who fills all the ten directions fully,
Oh lotus-eyed Krishna, who is the baby cowherd,
Be pleased to come and live inside me,
Oh Krishna, who has taken birth on this earth,
Please help me to live without any problems.
Oh Krishna, you should put out the raging,
Problems of my heart, oh my baby Krishna,
Oh Krishna who is equal to the formidable Banasura,
I salute you with the greatest happiness.
Oh Krishna I do not have any desire,
And alas I do not have any desire,
And Oh Krishna the curiosity within me is great,
To see the beauty of your body, Oh Krishna
Oh Krishna, along with the music of your flute with drum beats,
Oh Lad of the cowherds, please come running to me,
Oh pretty and charitable Krishna, who is playful,
There is no comparison at all for your qualities.
I salute your lotus-like feet with love for you,
Oh Lord with lotus-like eyes,
Oh most pretty one, Ok Krishna, oh son of Nanda,
Please drive away my problems and take care of me.
Oh cloud colored Krishna, Oh star of the clan of Vrushnees,
Oh Krishna with lotus-like eyes, I salute you,
Victory to Krishna who is hari, Victory to Krishna who is Hari,
Victory to Krishna, who is Hari
View all of our Mantras to Hindu Gods
Including English and Sanskrit Translations
| 10 Kali Mantras | 15 Saraswati Mantras | 4 Ganesha Mantras |
| 6 Murugan Mantras | 8 Krishna Mantras | 7 Hanuman Mantras |
| 3 Lakshmi Mantras | 8 Vishnu Mantras | 5 Shiva Mantras |
“Beautiful goddess seated on a chariot, delighted by songs on lustful elephants, bedecked with lotuses, pearls and gems, lustrous as fire, radiant as gold, resplendent as the sun, calm as the moon, mistress of cows and horses – take away poverty and misfortune, bring joy, riches, harvest and children.”
According to Hindu beliefs the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth, fortune, luxury, power, prosperity, generosity and embodiment of beauty. She is also the consort of Lord Vishnu and is believed to give strength to the Lord himself. Goddess Lakshmi is believed to relieve all her devotees from all sorrows related to money. Padma, Padma Priya, Padmamaladhara devi, Kamala, Padmamukhi, Padmakshi, Jalaja, Madhavi, Padmahasta, Padmasundari, Kalyani, Vishnupriya, Ulkavahini and Vaishnavi are some of the names in which She is worshiped. She is also known as Jaganmaatha (“Mother of the Universe”).
You can find an innumerable number of slokas in praise of Goddess Lakshmi. Here, are some of them:
1.Beetja Mantra
“Shreem“
It is believed that the continuous chanting of this mantra will bring gain and prosperity in life.
2. The mantra that includes 9 names of Mahalakshmi:
“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“
Chanting this mantra will bring youth, beauty, happiness and riches to you, which will make a great difference in life.
3. Shri Dakshina Lakshmi Stotram
“Trilokya Poojithe Dhevee Kamala Vishnu vallabhe
Yaya Thawam Achalaa Krishne Thathaa-bhava Mayee Sthiraa
Kamala Chanchala Lakshmi Chalaa Bhoothir Hari Priya
Padma Padmalayaa Samyak Uchai Shri Padma-dharini
Dwada-saithani Naamani Lakshmi Sampoojya Ya Padeth
Sthiraa Lakshmir Bhaved Thasya Puthra-dhara Abhi-saha
Ithi Shri Dakshina Lakshmi Stotram Sampoornam“
Meaning: Oh Goddess you are the one who is worshiped in all the three worlds,
Oh Kamala, Oh Consort of Lord Vishnu,
Oh Consort of Krishna, If only you are stable,
And abide by me forever.
Oh Kamala, Oh unstable one, Oh Lakshmi,
Oh Goddess who moves everything, Oh Goddess of prosperity,
Oh Darling of Hari, Oh Padma, Oh goddess who lives in lotus,
Oh Goddess who is pleasant, Oh Goddess who is exalted,
Oh Goddess of wealth, Oh Goddess who holds a lotus.
If these twelve names of Lakshmi are read and worshipped,
Lakshmi would be stable and he (who chants) would be with wife and son.
Thus ends the Dakshina Lakshmi Stotram.
The following mantras are believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and harmony to the life of the devotees who recite them.
A. Mahalakshmi mantra
“Aum
Shring Hring Kleeng Mahalakshmi Namah
Aum“
B. Maha Lakshmi Mantra
“Om Sri Maha Lakshmyai Namah“
C. Goddess Laxmi Mantra Siddhi Japa
“Om Shreem Heem Shreem Kamle Kamalalaye
Praseed Praseed,
Shreem Heem Shreem Om Mahalaxmi
Namaha“
D. Goddess Mahalakshmi Gayatri:
“Om MahaDevyaicha Vidhmahe
Vishnu Patnyaicha Dheemahi
Thanno Lakshmi Prachotayaath“
E: Lakshmi Mantra to bring fortune and prosperity to enterprises
“Om Shring Hring Kling
Tribhuvan Mahalakshmyai Asmaakam
Daaridray Naashay Prachur Dhan
Dehi Dehi Kling Hring Shring Om
Om Shring Hring Kling
Aing Saung Om Hring
Ka A Ee La Hring Ha Sa Ka Ha La
Hring Sakal Hring Saung Aing Kling Hring Shring Om
Om Hring Shring Kreeng
Shring Kreeng Kling Shring Mahaalakshmi
Mam Grihe Dhanam Pooray Pooray
Chintaayai Dooray Dooray Swaha
Om Sarvabaadhaa Vinirmukto,
Dhan Dhaanyah Sutaanvitah
Manushyo Matprasaaden Bhavishyati
Na Sanshayah Om“
F. Shri Lakshmi Astothra : Sadha Naamavali
“Aum Prakruthyai Namah
Aum Vikruthyai Namah
Aum Vidyaayai Namah
Aum Sarvabhoothahithapradayai Namah
Aum Shraddhayai Namah
Aum Vibhuthyai Namah
Aum Surabhyai Namah
Aum Paramatmikaayai Namah
Aum Vache Namah
Aum Padmalayaayai Namah
Aum Padmaayai Namah
Aum Shuchaye Namah
Aum Swahaayai Namah
Aum Swadhaayai Namah
Aum Sudhaayai Namah
Aum Dhanyaayai Namah
Aum Hiranmaiyai Namah
Aum Lakshmaiyai Namah
Aum Nityapushtayai Namah
Aum Vibhavaryai Namah
Aum Adhithyai Namah“
“Aum Dheethyai Namah
Aum Deepthaayai Namah
Aum Vasudhaayai Namah
Aum Vasudhaarinyai Namah
Aum Kamalaayai Namah
Aum Kaanthayai Namah
Aum Kaamakshyai Namah
Aum Kamala sambhavaayai Namah
Aum Anugrahapradhaayai Namah
Aum Buddhaiyai Namah
Aum Anaghaayai Namah
Aum Harivallabhaayai Namah
Aum Ashokaayai Namah
Aum Amruthaayai Namah
Aum Deepaayai Namah
Aum Lokashoka vinashinyai Namah
Aum Dharmanilayaayai Namah
Aum Karunaayai Namah
Aum Lokamatre Namah
Aum Padmapriyaayai Namah
Aum Padmahasthaayai Namah
Aum Padmakshyai Namah
Aum Padmasundariyai Namah
Aum Padmodbhavaayai Namah
Aum Padmamukhyai Namah
Aum Padmanabha priyaayai Namah“
“Aum Ramaayai Namah
Aum Padmamalaadharaayai Namah
Aum Deviyai Namah
Aum Padminiyai Namah
Aum Padmagandhinyai Namah
Aum Punyagandhaayai Namah
Aum Suprasannaayai Namah
Aum Prasadabhi mukhyai Namah
Aum Prabhaayai Namah
Aum Chandravadhanaayai Namah
Aum Chandraayai Namah
Aum Chandrasahodharyai Namah
Aum Chaturbhujaayai Namah
Aum Chandrarupaayai Namah
Aum Indiraayai Namah
Aum Indhu sheethalaayai Namah
Aum Ahlaadha jananvaya Namah
Aum Pushtyai Namah
Aum Shivaayai Namah
Aum Shivakariyai Namah
Aum Satyaayai Namah
Aum Vimalaayai Namah
Aum Vishwajananyai Namah
Aum Dhustyai Namah
Aum Dharidriya naashinyai Namah
Aum Preethi Pushkarinyai Namah“
“Aum Shanathayai Namah
Aum Shuklamaalyaambharaayai Namah
Aum Bhaskaryai Namah
Aum Bilva nilayaayai Namah
Aum Vararohaayai Namah
Aum Yashaswinyai Namah
Aum Vasundharaayai Namah
Aum Udhaarangaayai Namah
Aum Harinyai Namah
Aum Hemamalinyai Namah
Aum Dhana dhanyakaryai Namah
Aum Siddhayai Namah
Aum Sthraina Soumyaayai Namah
Aum Shubhapradaayai Namah
Aum Nrubavema gathanandhayai Namah
Aum Varalakshmaiyai Namah
Aum Vasupradhaayai Namah
Aum Shubhaayai Namah
Aum Hiranya praakaaraayai Namah
Aum Samudhra dhanaayayai Namah
Aum Jayaayai Namah
Aum Mangalaayai Namah
Aum Vishnuvakshah Sthalasdhithaayai Namah
Aum Vishnupathnyai Namah
Aum Prasannaakshyai Namah
Aum Narayana Samashrithayai Namah“
“Aum Dharidriya Dhwamsinyai Namah
Aum Devlakshmi Namah
Aum Sarva padhrava nivaarinyai Namah
Aum Navadurgaayai Namah
Aum Mahakaalyai Namah
Aum Brahma-Vishnu-Shivathmikaayai Namah
Aum Thrikaalagyanasampannaayai Namah
Aum Bhuvaneshwaryai Namah
Aum MahaaLakshmi Astothra sadha Namah“
View All Our Mantras to Hindu Gods
including English and Sanskrit translations
| 10 Kali Mantras | 15 Saraswati Mantras | 4 Ganesha Mantras |
| 6 Murugan Mantras | 8 Krishna Mantras | 7 Hanuman Mantras |
| 3 Lakshmi Mantras | 8 Vishnu Mantras | 5 Shiva Mantras |
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