Bleak: A silent short film on Depression

I have heard patients describing depression as a dark cloud that hangs over the head.  There are also periods of intense sadness and spontaneous bursts of crying for no reason.  Depression is a harrowing mental condition that saps one's energy, motivation and will to do anything useful.  

It is said that 'depression is an inability to construct a future'.  I would suggest that this is so because of the extreme preoccupation with the past events that occurs in depression, although it is not always necessary for depression to occur as a result of past adverse events.

Patients also experience negative automatic thoughts such as dichotomous or black-and-white thinking, that is, everybody/everything viewed as being either good or bad. 

Low self-esteem, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness and the ominous threat of suicidal ideas further compound the problem. 

Bodily symptoms such as loss of appetite leading to weight loss, sleep disturbance often presenting as early morning awakening, and loss of libido/menstruation are often present.

Credits
Featuring: Aadya Pawar
Writing/Direction/Editing: Deepak Pawar

[Currently only showing in Festival Circuits]

In this silent short film on depression, I have attempted to depict these very signs and symptoms in a young person, although depression can occur at any age.  I hope medical/paramedical students will find this video useful in identifying the clinical features of depression.

I have experimented with colour tones, imagery, sound and pacing to symbolize the bleakness, misery and desolation that go with depression. 

The purpose of this video is not to scare you, but to motivate you to seek timely professional intervention.  Treatment in the form of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy/counselling ensures that depression can be treated and controlled.

Please don't forget to rate/review Bleak on IMDb.

Film festival selections for Bleak:

1. Lift-Off Global Network First-Time Filmmakers Sessions:

https://liftoff.network/ft-filmmaker-sessions-may-2022/

2. Black Cat Award International Film Festival:

3. Quarter-Finalist: Aakruti-My Creation International Film Festival:

Resources:

Background music: No.8 Requiem, Esther Abrami

Quotes: Attributed to William Styron, Side Effects, Netflix

Should I become a DOCTOR?

Medical career is such that it sucks you in and never lets you go.  Basically, once a doctor, you are always a doctor.  It is very rare for somebody to be both a doctor and a high achiever in any other field, be it another profession or even a hobby.  

The thing is, medical education demands so much of your time and attention that there is hardly any time left for you to upskill yourself in any other field.  If you do manage to achieve this, it is often through compromise; you might have to cut down on your medical practice significantly to attend to your other interests, or vice versa.  

Students are often misled into believing that the medical profession is glamorous (as shown in films or media) and/or one can get name, fame and authority just by becoming a doctor.  First of, it is anything but glamorous.  If anything, it involves getting your hands dirty and being ready to attend to a person in distress at any time of the day or night.  This means being groggy eyed, disheveled, harried, and running around like a headless chicken most of the times.  

Name and fame are to be gained; they will only come to you after you have been through the grist and worked your way up to a position of some authority, if at all.  I have had instances during my days as a junior doctor when patients have refused to see me because I was not a consultant. 

I also believe that many enter the medical field due to false notions of grandiosity; just to prove to their extended family and friends how special and intelligent they are.  These people typically hanker after multiple PG degrees to put after their names, and to spruce up their CV, and to exert authority over their hapless juniors and nurses.  It wouldn't be farfetched to suggest that their ego is directly proportional to the number of letters they put after their names!  

Students also make the mistake of assuming that they will go on to become neurologists, cardiologists, pediatricians, orthopedicians or radiologists, even before they enter the medical field.  Such preconceived notions are bound to lead to disappointments because only a small percentage of them get such coveted specialties; the rest have to 'compromise' and settle for other less lucrative specialties.  

I have seen parents becoming depressed because their son did not get the coveted seat even after several years of studying for PG entrance exams.  Finally the family had to sell off property to fund his higher educational desire. 

Actually, MBBS is the easy part.  Even though you might think that cracking the NEET/COMED exams is challenging and the subjects taught in the UG course are difficult, you are likely to breeze through the 5-6 years of MBBS course because you are so involved with friends, studies and extra-curricular activities.  It is what happens after MBBS that is most daunting; that's when the harsh realities of medical life sink in, and you will be caught between the opposing prospects of working in a medical setup on the one hand, and studying for PG entrance exams on the other.

Please also be open about the possibility of NOT getting to work in a clinical field.  That is, you may not get to work with patients in a clinic or a hospital.  Depending on your performance in the PG entrance exams, you may end up in a pre- or paraclinical field, such as Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Community Medicine or Forensic Medicine.  In that case, you might have to take up faculty/teaching post in a medical college, or do lab/research work, depending on the field.  

Mind you, pre- and paraclinical careers are equally respectable and rewarding, but it's just that students never consider these when they think of entering the medical field.  I am reminded of a friend who had to give up his ambition of becoming a surgeon only because he was a Hep-B non-responder; that is, he was prone to contracting hepatitis from his patients.

I often recommend a trimurti, or a holy trinity, of entry criteria that aspiring medical students should consider before taking the plunge into the medical field: super rich, super intelligent, and from a family with a medical background.

It helps immensely if your family is already endowed with wealth to fund the seemingly never ending and financially draining medical education.  This wealth will come in handy particularly when 'management seats' are the only options left after your underwhelming performances in the entrance exams.

You can alleviate this financial burden somewhat if you happen to be super intelligent, or, as is required for medical exams, if you are smart enough to learn the study techniques necessary to ace the PG entrance exams, and can walk through the seat selection process with a plum specialty.  Easier said than done.

At the very least, it is helpful if you have an understanding father, mother, brother or a sister who is already an established doctor and is able to understand your predicament, and is willing to support you through the tough post-UG phase until you make it.  It is much easier to explain why you need to burn the midnight oil studying for PG entrance exams after finishing MBBS to a family member who is a doctor than to one who has no idea of how medical education/career works. 

If you feel that you are deficient in these criteria, please look for an alternative career.  Do not go through decades of struggle only to realize that this profession is not for you.  And don't ever listen to anybody, not even your family, when it comes to your course/career: your career, your life, your decision!  Nobody is going to come to your aid later on when you are disillusioned and despondent and stuck in a career that they wanted you to take up. 

I have raised these issues in this video in English with text in Hindi and Kannada:

https://youtu.be/DrfGigouuRs

Quite apart from the issues mentioned above, I have also written about a couple of other bugbears of this profession: assaults on doctors and draconian rules and regulations that govern the profession.  Read them too, just so you are aware what you are getting into.

Having said that, not for a moment am I suggesting that nobody should become a doctor.  If you are absolutely passionate about the medical field, if you genuinely care about the human condition, if you have the aptitude to deal with the issues discussed above, if you can put your ego behind and prioritize your work and career development for the sake of patient service, you can do wonders in this field (note the key words/phrases in red).  

If you are confused, seek professional help from a career counsellor.  Also consider taking an aptitude and/or personality test to see if you are cut out for this profession.

If, in spite of doing all that, you still have an iota of doubt about entering the medical profession, my sincere advice is: DO NOT!

Resources:
Background music: Wave in the Atmosphere, Dan Lebowitz
Pictures: 
https://pixnio.com/free-images/2017/04/03/2017-04-03-10-02-15.jpg
https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/09/29/19/55/doctor-1703644_1280.jpg 

Book conversations: India's Most Fearless

Two things become clear when you read this book on Indian armed forces' operations.  

One, Kashmir, or to be more specific, POK, continues to be the white elephant that has drained India's resources in terms of wealth and manpower over the years.  

Two, our security forces have been engaged in and successful at carrying out Zero Dark Thirty type of operations since ages.  

Aroor and Singh present several stories of bravery and sacrifice from the battle frontlines, encompassing all three divisions of the armed forces: army, navy and airforce.  These are stories that needed to be told, because, with the exception of Uri and Shershaah, not many make it to mainstream media, save a tiny newspaper report or a posthumous gallantry award.

From these stories one can get an idea as to the mindset of the soldiers who went into combat knowing fully well that the price to be paid was their lives.  One can glean this from some of the memorable quotes attributed to the soldiers themselves:

'...he was married to the adrenaline of combat.' (on why a certain soldier took risks in combat)

'Only soldiers who have bled together in combat will understand that.' (on what it is to be injured in combat)

'Lead your life.  Don't let life lead you.' (advice given to a soldier by his father while enlisting)

One hopes that the powers that be take timely affirmative steps to address the threat posed by hostile neighbours that we are surrounded by so as to mitigate the loss of lives of our brave soldiers.  In addition they also need to look at the threat that is already within the country, thanks to the lax border restrictions and indifferent deportation strategies.  

We also live in hope that attacks are prevented rather than fire fought, and if that calls for more surgical strikes, then so be it.  Especially so because the perpetrators of some of the major attacks are safely ensconced in havens across the border.

That this book has spawned a second volume of further stories of bravery and sacrifice is testimony to this ongoing threat, which in today's world is covert and subversive.

We wish our armed forces health and safety and all the success in countering the same.  

Picture source:

https://www.amazon.in/Indias-Most-Fearless-Stories-Military/dp/0143440446/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

I'm always overthinking... Have I got OCD...?!

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety disorder that is characterised by obsessions (intrusive and recurrent thoughts, images or urges) and compulsions (repetitive actions such as counting, touching, washing, rearranging and hoarding).  

Even though the recurrent thoughts are recognised as being silly or impossible, it is difficult for patients to resist having them.  This results in increasing tension, which can only be relieved by carrying out compensatory compulsive acts listed above. Thus begins a never-ending spiral of negative thoughts, stress and irrational actions.  

Even though OCD is a neurotic condition, it can be recurring, chronic and debilitating.  It can occur on its own, or in combination with panic disorder, depression, drug & alcohol abuse (often as a symptom relieving habit), Tourette syndrome or autistic spectrum disorders.  

For carers of people with OCD, it can be a horrendous condition to come to terms with; they may, for instance, struggle to understand the patient's need to wash hands repeatedly. 

Timely and ongoing intervention is necessary, and this may entail medication therapy as well as psychotherapy in the form of modifying the patient's thinking/behaviour and response to stress.  Cognitive-behaviour therapy and exposure & response therapy, respectively, help in achieving these.  Relaxation therapy to reduce the somatic symptoms of anxiety may also be added on.  

Patient's partner/spouse may undergo training from the therapist for home management of the symptoms.  For example, he/she can help the patient look for alternatives to or even prevent repeated hand washing.

Learn more about this condition and its treatment in this video in three languages:

English: https://youtu.be/YSrct6U237s

Hindi: https://youtu.be/arkbbsvrGL8

Kannada: https://youtu.be/8o-P5zO8gh4

Read more on stress and panic attacks in earlier articles. 

Find out more about the medications used in the treatment of OCD. 

The link to a short film on OCD and other anxiety disorders can be found here.

For a more formal discussion, please see lectures on anxiety disorders and other topics.

Resources: 

Background music: Fresh Fallen Snow by Chris Haugen

Does my child have ADHD?!

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of those disorders that can exasperate a parent of a child with this condition.  

Here I talk about the disorder in three languages:

English: https://youtu.be/YMuc_PFgiP0

Hindi: https://youtu.be/2m2GSMDJIVg

Kannada: https://youtu.be/hd6Xg7NkiNc

Do not forget to read more about ADHD from my earlier article.

More writings on ADHD:

On boloji.com (click on external link): https://dgvpawar.blogspot.com/2014/12/article-on-adhd-energetic-tots.html

And for fun: https://dgvpawar.blogspot.com/2014/08/chhota-bheem-doraemon-and-oggy-indian.html

Resources:

Music: Waterfall, Aakash Gandhi

How can I quit SMOKING?!

The torture was beyond human power to bear.
(Sigmund Freud on his attempt to quit smoking)

Smoking and consumption of tobacco products are common in spite of the several media messages and pictorial warnings as to the harm caused by tobacco.  Why is this so?

What begins as a peer influenced, 'harmless', 'occasional' behaviour, stays with the person indefinitely, and before he/she realises it, becomes an insurmountable addiction.

People who have tried to quit smoking can vouch for the fact that it is a hopeless situation to remain without the daily nicotine fix - the cravings and withdrawal effects can be unbearable.  Ask Freud! 

When nicotine enters the bloodstream it activates what is known as the dopamine reward mechanism as shown here:

Dopamine is the 'feel good' brain chemical that activates the reward circuitry in the brain as follows: 

And so on it goes, until it becomes a vicious circle.

This makes tobacco/nicotine one of the most addictive substances in the world - the reason why quitting smoking is such an onerous task, fraught with relapses after periods of abstinence. 

However, breaking this reward circuit by associating less harmful substances (such as caffeine) with the pleasurable feeling, may work in some cases.  

Or, one could also try associating nicotine with unpleasant consequences such as odourous breath or health issues such as coughing/breathlessness. 

Yoga, pranayama and meditation, if done under guidance, can help break this vicious circle by helping one focus on larger issues rather than resort to smoking as a coping mechanism.

I talk about smoking addiction, complications due to long-term smoking, and treatment of smoking addiction in these videos in three languages:

English: https://youtu.be/OQmymTjteyg

Hindi: https://youtu.be/eCks5TGFfuk

Kannada: https://youtu.be/mhLfLL1xvl8

Please read more about smoking and what works in the treatment of its addiction in my earlier articles (click on the links from these pages to external site):

Harmful effects of tobacco; 10 ways to quit smoking and why e-cigarettes are no better.  

Also read a similar article on alcohol addiction.

Resources:

Music: Bed and Breakfast, The 126ers

Pictures:

• https://researchoutreach.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/shutterstock_1119286277.jpg
• https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/Dopamine_pathways.svg/1200px-Dopamine_pathways.svg.png
• http://b.vimeocdn.com/ts/435/029/435029196_640.jpg
• https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/20244/width1356x668/h5pht2cy-1360802054.jpg
• https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/Nicoderm.JPG/330px-Nicoderm.JPG
• https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/70000/velka/electronic-cigarettes-1387647695FRV.jpg

Lakshmi Nrusimha Karuna Rasa Stotram

Sri Adi Shankaracharya composed this hymn to address Lord Lakshmi-Narasimha (God Narasimha along with his divine consort, Goddess Lakshmi).

https://youtu.be/0LSU08ATs24

Lord Narasimha is the fourth avatara of Lord Vishnu who appeared in the court of King Hiranyakashyapu to help His bhakta, Prahlada.  He is known to be the angriest avatara of Lord Vishnu who ripped apart Hiranyakashyapu.  

He could be placated only by the ardent supplication of Goddess Lakshmi and Prahlada. 

Adi Shankara himself is said to have been saved by the Lord when a kapalika sought to behead him.  

In this stotra Adi Shankara takes the position of a supplicant who is beseeching the Lord to guide him through the temptations and travails or samsara, or worldly existence.

Each of the seventeen verses ends with the refrain, Give me Thy hand O Lord!  Hence it is also called Lakshmi-Nrusimha Karavalambam Stotram. 

Reciting this stotra regularly is said to reduce anger and related negative vibrations, leading one to bhakti and peace.

For the literal meaning of the stotra please visit the websites listed below.

References:

Meaning:

• http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Sri_Lakshmi_Narasimha_Karavalambam
• https://templesinindiainfo.com/sri-lakshmi-narasimha-karavalambam-stotram-lyrics-in-english-with-meaning/
• https://stotram.co.in/lakshmi-narasimha-karavalamba-stotram/
• https://greenmesg.org/stotras/narasimha/lakshmi_nrisimha_karavalambam.php

Music: Tratak, Jesse Gallagher

Pictures:

• https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/Lakshmi_Narasimha_statue_at_Cheriyal_temple%2C_December_2018.jpg
• https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBTEzln3MupM_PnhlfjhbAfkikvZ2mPPs6AHDvokXBXBVq0Il3_5Zd4JM7xsZhE9ntb7tLhce1Ng_Um1c1p-GlgB37oWuB3Eoi9U3BeTDH7BFf_LJpP7mIQu2bCdyop0MIWo-qhKzo2Aq/s1600/chakra.jpg

Mahalakshmyashtakam

The Mahalakshmyashtakam, or Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam, is on octet sung in the praise of the Goddess of Grace and Prosperity, Maha Lakshmi, the Divine Consort of Maha Vishnu.

It is said to be composed by Indra, the King of Devas, and is present in the Padma Purana, one of the 18 Puranas that recount the anecdotes of Gods, Goddesses and Kings of yore.

When chanted on occasions of new beginnings, the Ashtakam is said to invoke the Goddess's blessings upon the event and its participants.  

The Ashtakam hails Goddess Lakshmi as the Mother of Universe, and makes explicit all the benefits of chanting it regularly in the Phalashruti - the final 3 stanzas of the Ashtakam.

Here's the link for the video, and the transliteration and translation of the Ashtakam:

https://youtu.be/BoHjIaISiHI

Atah Sri Mahalakshmyashtakam

अतः श्री महालक्ष्म्याष्टकम 

ಅತಃ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮ್ಯಾಷ್ಟಕಂ

This is the eight-stanza-hymn of Goddess Maha Lakshmi

Indra uvacha

इन्द्र उवाच

ಇಂದ್ರ ಉವಾಚ

Indra said

Namastestu Mahamaye Shripithe Surapujite

Shankha Chakra Gadahaste Malakshmi namostute

नमस्तेस्तु महामाये श्रीपीठे सुरपूजिते

शंख चक्र गदाहस्ते महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते

ನಮಸ್ತೇಸ್ತು ಮಹಾಮಾಯೇ ಶ್ರೀಪೀಠೇ ಸುರಪೂಜಿತೇ

ಶಂಖ ಚಕ್ರ ಗದಾಹಸ್ತೇ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ 

Salutations to Mahamaya, who resides in Her Transcendental Abode, worshipped by Gods

The Bearer of Conch, Discus and Mace, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi

Namaste Garuda rudhe Kolasura Bhayankari

Sarva papahare Devi Mahalakshmi namostute

नमस्ते गरुडा रूढे कोलासुर भयंकरी

सर्व पापहरे देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते 

ನಮಸ್ತೇ ಗರುಡಾ ರೂಢೇ ಕೋಲಾಸುರ ಭಯಂಕರೀ

ಸರ್ವ ಪಾಪಹರೇ ದೇವೀ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ 

Salutations to One who has Garuda as vehicle, One who terrifies Kolasura

The Destroyer of all sins, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi

Sarvagne sarva varade sarva dushta Bhayankari

Sarva dukha hare Devi Mahalakshmi namostute

सर्वग्ने सर्व वरदे सर्व दुष्ट भयंकरी

सर्व दुःख हरे देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते 

ಸರ್ವಗ್ನೇ ಸರ್ವ ವರದೇ ಸರ್ವ ದುಷ್ಟ ಭಯಂಕರೀ

ಸರ್ವ ದುಃಖ ಹರೇ ದೇವೀ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ

Salutations to the All-Knower, the Granter of all boons, the Terrifier of wicked tendencies

The Destroyer of all sorrows, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi

Siddhi buddhi prade Devi bhukti mukti Pradayini

Mantra murte sada Devi Mahalakshmi namostute

सिद्धि बुद्धि प्रदे देवी भुक्ति मुक्ति प्रदायिनी

मंत्र मूर्ते सदा देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते 

ಸಿದ್ಧಿ ಬುದ್ಧಿ ಪ್ರದೇ ದೇವೀ ಭುಕ್ತಿ ಮುಕ್ತಿ ಪ್ರದಾಯಿನಿ

ಮಂತ್ರ ಮೂರ್ತೇ ಸದಾ ದೇವೀ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ

Salutations to the Bestower of accomplishments and intelligence, worldly riches and Moksha

The One who exists subtly forever in Mantra, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi

Aadyanta rahite Devi Adishakti Maheshwari

Yogaje yoga sambhute Mahalakshmi namostute 

आद्यंत रहिते देवी आदिशक्ती महेश्वरी

योगजे योग समभूते महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते

ಆದ್ಯಂತ ರಹಿತೇ ದೇವೀ ಆದಿಶಕ್ತೀ ಮಹೇಶ್ವರೀ

ಯೊಗಜೇ ಯೊಗ ಸಂಭೂತೇ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ 

The One without beginning or end, the Great Goddess of Primordial Shakti

The One born of Yoga and united in Yoga, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi

Sthula sukhsma maha Roudre maha Shakti Mahodare

Maha papahare Devi Mahalakshmi namostute 

स्थूल सूक्ष्म महा रौद्रे महा शक्ती महोदरे 

महा पापहरे देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते

ಸ್ಥೂಲ ಸೂಕ್ಷ್ಮ ಮಹಾ ರೌದ್ರೇ ಮಹಾ ಶಕ್ತೀ ಮಹೋದರೇ

ಮಹಾ ಪಾಪಹರೇ ದೇವೀ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ 

The Indweller of gross and subtle forms, the Great Rudrani, the Great Shakti

The Destroyer of great sins, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi

Padmasana sthite Devi Para Brahma Swarupini

Parameshi jagan Matah Mahalakshmi namostute 

पद्मासन स्थिते देवी पर ब्रह्म स्वरूपिणी

परमेशी जगन मात: महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते 

ಪದ್ಮಾಸನ ಸ್ಥಿತೇ ದೇವೀ ಪರ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮ ಸ್ವರೂಪಿಣೀ

ಪರಮೇಶೀ ಜಗನ್ ಮಾತಃ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ

The One with the Lotus Seat, the Embodiment of Supreme Brahman

The Supreme Goddess, the Mother of Universe, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi

Shwetambara dhare devi nanalankara bhushite

Jagat sthite jagan matah Mahalakshmi namostute 

श्वेतामबर धरे देवी नानालंकार भूषिते 

जगत स्थिते जगन मातः महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तुते

ಶ್ವೇತಾಂಬರ ಧರೇ ದೇವೀ ನಾನಾಲಂಕಾರ ಭೂಷಿತೇ

ಜಗತ್ ಸ್ಥಿತೇ ಜಗನ್ ಮಾತಃ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ

The One dressed in white, the One adorned with various ornaments

The One who abides in the Universe as its Mother, I bow to Thee Maha Lakshmi

Maha-Lakshmy-ashtakam stotram yah pathed bhakti mannaraha 

Sarva siddhi mavapnoti rajyam prapnoti sarvada

महालक्ष्माष्टकम स्तोत्रम यः पठेद भक्ति मान्नरः

सर्व सिद्धि मवाप्नोति राज्यम प्राप्नोति सर्वदा

ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮ್ಯಾಷ್ಟಕಂ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ ಯಃ ಪಠೇದ್ ಭಕ್ತಿ ಮಾನ್ನರಃ 

ಸರ್ವ ಸಿದ್ಧಿ ಮವಾಪ್ನೋತಿ ರಾಜ್ಯಂ ಪ್ರಾಪ್ನೋತಿ ಸರ್ವದಾ 

One who recites the Maha Lakshmi Octet with bhakti

Accomplishes everything and gains prosperity forever 

Eka kale pathe nityam maha papa vinashanam

Dwikalam yah pathe nityam dhana dhanya samanvitaha

एक काले पठे नित्यम महा पाप विनाशनम 

द्विकालम यः पठे नित्यम धन धान्य समन्वितः

ಏಕ ಕಾಲೇ ಪಠೇ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಮಹಾ ಪಾಪ ವಿನಾಶನಂ

ದ್ವಿಕಾಲಂ ಯಃ ಪಠೇ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಧನ ಧಾನ್ಯ ಸಮನ್ವಿತಃ

If recited once a day, one will be absolved of great sins

If recited twice a day, one will be granted with money and grains

Trikalam yah pathe nityam maha shatru vinashanam

Mahalakshmir bhave nityam prasanna varada shubha

त्रिकालम यः पठे नित्यम महा शत्रु विनाशनम 

महालक्ष्मिर भवे नित्यम प्रसन्ना वरदा शुभा 

ತ್ರಿಕಾಲಂ ಯಃ ಪಠೇ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಮಹಾ ಶತ್ರು ವಿನಾಶನಂ

ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿರ್ ಭವೇ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಪ್ರಸನ್ನಾ ವರದಾ ಶುಭಾ 

If recited thrice a day, great enemies/inner demons will be destroyed

One attains the Grace, boons and the Auspiscious Form of Maha Lakshmi

Iti Indrah krut Sri Mahalakshmyashtakam sampurnam 

इति इन्द्रः कृत श्री महालक्ष्माष्टकम सम्पूर्णम 

ಇತಿ ಇಂದ್ರಃ ಕೃತ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮ್ಯಾಷ್ಟಕಂ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣಂ

Thus ends the Indra-composed eight-stanza-hymn of Goddess Maha Lakshmi

Resources/references:

Background music: Spirit of Fire, Jesse Gallagher

Meaning & significance:

• https://greenmesg.org/stotras/lakshmi/mahalakshmi_ashtakam.php
• https://www.tamilbrahmins.com/threads/mahalakshmi-ashtakam-with-english-meaning.3706/
• https://www.siddhayoga.org/practices/chanting/hymns/mahalakshmi-stotram
• https://www.hinduismoutlook.com/mahalakshmi-ashtakam-lyrics-meaning/

Lingashtakam

Lingashtakam is an octet of hymns in the praise of Lord Shiva. 

The ashtakam is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, said to be an avatar of Lord Shiva. 

It addresses the linga aspect of Lord Shiva, that is, the physical representation of the column of Light of Creation.

Released on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri 2021, the ashtakam is known to bestow peace, fulfilment and salvation to one who chants it regularly.  

It is particularly beneficial to chant this ashtakam on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, which occurs on the 13th night/14th day of the Phalguna month of the Hindu calendar.

One can chant the ashtakam everyday before dawn or dusk, while physically/mentally focusing on the Shivalinga. 

Watch the video of Lingashtakam here:

https://youtu.be/bSSrVHiQaU0

Here is a transliteration (into English, Hindi & Kannada) and the translation of Lingashtakam:

Atah Lingashtakam

अतः लिंगाष्टकम 

ಅತಃ ಲಿಂಗಾಷ್ಟಕಂ

This is the eight-stanza-hymn of Shivalinga

Brahmamurari surarchita Lingam nirmala bhasita shobhita Lingam

Janmaja dukhavinashaka Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

ब्रह्ममुरारि सुरार्चित लिंगम निर्मल भासित शोभित लिंगम

जन्मज दुःखविनाशक लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम

ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಮುರಾರಿ ಸುರಾರ್ಚಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ನಿರ್ಮಲಭಾಸಿತ ಶೋಭಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ 

ಜನ್ಮಜ ದುಃಖವಿನಾಶಕ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

Worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu and Devas; the pure, resplendent, adorned Linga

That which removes the sorrows of birth/life; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Devamuni pravararchita Lingam kamadaham karunakara Lingam

Ravanadarpa vinashana Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

देवमुनि प्रवरार्चित लिंगम कामदहम करुणाकर लिंगम

रावणदर्प विनाशन लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम

ದೇವಮುನಿ ಪ್ರವರಾರ್ಚಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಕಾಮದಹಮ್ ಕರುಣಾಕರ ಲಿಂಗಂ

ರಾವಣದರ್ಪ ವಿನಾಶನ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

Worshipped by Devas and Rishis; that which burns desires, that which is compassionate

That which destroys Ravana's pride; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Sarva sugandhi sulepita Lingam buddhi vivardhana karana Lingam

Siddhasurasura vandita Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

सर्व सुगन्धि सुलेपित लिंगम बुद्धि विवर्धन कारण लिंगम्

सिद्धसुरासुर वन्दित लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम 

ಸರ್ವ ಸುಗಂಧಿ ಸುಲೇಪಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಬುದ್ಧಿ ವಿವರ್ಧನ ಕಾರಣ ಲಿಂಗಂ

ಸಿದ್ಧಸುರಾಸುರ ವಂದಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

That which is anointed with fragrant paste; that which grants wisdom

Worshipped by Siddhas, Devas and Asuras; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Kanaka mahamani bhushita Lingam phanipati veshtita shobhita Lingam

Dakshasuyagna vinashana Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

कनक महामणि भूषित लिंगम फणिपति वेष्टित​ शोभित लिंगम

दक्षसुयज्ञ विनाशन लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम

ಕನಕ ಮಹಾಮಣಿ ಭೂಷಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಫಣಿಪತಿ ವೇಷ್ಟಿತ ಶೋಭಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ

ದಕ್ಷಸುಯಜ್ಞ ವಿನಾಶನ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

That which is decorated with gold and gems; that which is adorned with the best of serpents

That which destroyed Daksha's grand yagna; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Kunkuma chandana lepita Lingam pankajahara sushobhita Lingam

Sanchitapapa vinashana Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

कुंकुम चन्दन लेपित लिंगम पंकजहार सुशोभित लिंगम

सन्चितपाप विनाशन लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम

ಕುಂಕುಮ ಚಂದನ ಲೇಪಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಪಂಕಜಹಾರ ಸುಶೋಭಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ

ಸಂಚಿತಪಾಪ ವಿನಾಶನ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

That which is anointed with saffron and sandal; that which is decorated with lotus garlands

That which destroys accumulated sins; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Devaganarchita sevita Lingam bhavairbhaktibhireva cha Lingam

Dinakara koti prabhakara Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

देवगणार्चित सेवित लिंगम भावैर्भक्तिभिरेवच लिंगम 

दिनकर कोटि प्रभाकर लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम

ದೇವಗಣಾರ್ಚಿತ ಸೇವಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಭಾವೈರ್ಭಕ್ತಿಭಿರೇವಚ ಲಿಂಗಂ 

ದಿನಕರ ಕೋಟಿ ಪ್ರಭಾಕರ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

That which is worshipped by Devas and Ganas; that which grants emotion of bhakti

That with the splendour of crore suns; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Ashtadalopari veshtita Lingam sarvasamudbhava karana Lingam

Ashtadaridra vinashana Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

अष्टदलोपरि वेष्टित लिंगम सर्वसमुद्भव कारण लिंगम 

अष्टदरिद्र विनाशन लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम

ಅಷ್ಟದಲೋಪರಿ ವೇಷ್ಟಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಸರ್ವಸಮುದ್ಭವ​ ಕಾರಣ ಲಿಂಗಂ

ಅಷ್ಟದರಿದ್ರ ವಿನಾಶನ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

That which is surrounded by flowers of eight petals; that which is the cause of all creation

That which destroys the eight types of poverty; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Suraguru suravara pujita Lingam suravana pushpa sadarchita Lingam

Paratparam parmatmaka Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

Tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam tat pranamami Sadashiva Lingam

सुरगुरु सुरवर पूजित लिंगम सुरवन पुष्प सदार्चित लिंगम 

परात्परम परमात्मक लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम 

तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम तत प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिंगम 

ಸುರಗುರು ಸುರವರ ಪೂಜಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ ಸುರವನ ಪುಷ್ಪ ಸದಾರ್ಚಿತ ಲಿಂಗಂ 

ಪರಾತ್ಪರಂ ಪರಮಾತ್ಮಕ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ ತತ್ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮಿ ಸದಾಶಿವ ಲಿಂಗಂ

That which is worshipped by Brihaspati and the best of Gods; that which is worshipped by Flowers from Celestial Gardens

That which is supreme to all; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

I bow to that eternal Shivalinga; I bow to that eternal Shivalinga

Lingashtakamidam punyam yah pathet Shivasannidhou

Shivalopkamavapnoti Shivena saha modate

लिंगष्टकमिदम पुण्यम यः पठेत शिव सन्निधौ

शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते 

ಲಿಂಗಾಷ್ಟಕಮಿದಂ ಪುಣ್ಯಂ ಯಃ ಪಠೇತ್ ಶಿವಸನ್ನಿಧೌ

ಶಿವಲೋಕಮವಾಪ್ನೋತಿ ಶಿವೇನ ಸಹ ಮೋದತೇ

One who recites the eight-stanza-hymn of Shivalinga in the proximity of Lord Shiva

Attains the Abode of Lord Shiva and enjoy His Bliss forever

Or/या/ಅಥವ

 

Lingashtakamidam punyam pavitram papanashanam

Gnyanasiddhikaram shuddham sakshanmokshaika sadhanam

लिंगाष्टकमिदम पुण्यम पवित्रम पापनाशनम 

ज्ञानसिद्धिकरम शुद्धम साक्षान्मोक्षैक साधनम

ಲಿಂಗಾಷ್ಟಕಮಿದಂ ಪುಣ್ಯಂ ಪವಿತ್ರಂ ಪಾಪನಾಶನಂ

ಜ್ಞಾನಸಿದ್ಧಿಕರಂ ಶುದ್ಧಂ ಸಾಕ್ಷಾನ್ಮೋಕ್ಷೈಕ ಸಾಧನಂ

This eight-stanza-hymn of Shivalinga is virtuous, pure and destroyer of sins

This grants wisdom and purity, and is a means of attaining Salvation 

Iti Shrimat Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharyasya

Shri Govinda Bhagavatpujyapada shishyasya

Shri Machchankara Bhagavatah krutou

Lingashtakam sampurnam

इति श्रीमत प्रमहंस परिव्राजकाचार्यस्य​

श्री गोविन्द भगवत्पूज्यपाद शिष्यस्य 

श्री मच्छंकर भगवतः कृतौ

लिंगाष्टकम संपूर्णम 

ಇತಿ ಶ್ರೀಮತ್ ಪರಮಹಂಸ ಪರಿವ್ರಾಜಕಾಚಾರ್ಯಸ್ಯ 

ಶ್ರೀ ಗೋವಿಂದ ಭಗವತ್ಪೂಜ್ಯಪಾದ ಶಿಷ್ಯಸ್ಯ 

ಶ್ರೀ ಮಚ್ಛಂಕರ ಭಗವತಃ ಕೃತೌ

ಲಿಂಗಾಷ್ಟಕಂ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣಂ

Thus ends Chief among Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharyas

Shri Govinda Bhagavadpada's disciple

Shri Adi Shankaracharya's composition

The eight-stanza-hymn of Shivalinga

References/resources:

Background music: Spirit of Fire, Jesse Gallagher

Pictures:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b9/Lingam.svg/1200px-Lingam.svg.png
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/Trishool_A4.svg/41px-Trishool_A4.svg.png
https://i.stack.imgur.com/zyIeq.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Tripundra.PNG

Meaning of ashtakam:
https://greenmesg.org/stotras/shiva/lingashtakam.php
https://www.artofliving.org/mahashivratri/shiva-ashtakam
https://www.sringeri.info/titles
http://www.anaadifoundation.org/blog/featured/the-ardent-discipleship-of-shri-adi-shankara-bhagavatpada/

Significance of ashtakam:
https://amritayoga.com/yoga-talks/lingashtakam/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri#:~:text=There%20is%20a%20Shivaratri%20in,the%20Great%20Night%20of%20Shiva%22.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/rituals-puja/maha-shivaratri-2020-date-time-significance/articleshow/74186599.cms

My spouse’s mood changes all the time... Is she/he BIPOLAR..?!

Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD - previously called Manic Depressive Psychosis) is a complex mood disorder characterized by the lows of depression and the highs of mania, and everything in between.  

More prevalent in the higher socioeconomic population, it is a chronic, potentially lifelong illness that needs constant care and attention.  People with BPAD are prone to mood swings, although not the circumstantial dysphoria and irritability that people usually make the mistake of attributing to the illness (as in labelling someone 'bipolar').  That is to say, the mood changes occur subtly over several days, and not dramatically within minutes. 

BPAD, to me, underscores the fact that everything in the universe is in a state of balance: too much or too little of anything is unsustainable.  

So it is with the human body and mind.  Too much of blood sugar is termed diabetic, and too little, hypoglycemic.  Too much of sadness is depressive, and too much of happiness is manic.  

BPAD often affects creative people, and patients even attribute some of their creative outbursts to the early phases of mania when thoughts are racing through the mind, and there is a restless need to create.  

Everyone experiences highs and lows of mood, but the extremes of BPAD affect quality of life and relationships, and therefore require intervention.  Indeed, if a patient develops mania, it is the family that seeks professional help because the patient lacks insight into the seriousness of his/her mental condition. 

I talk about the signs and symptoms, risks associated, and the treatment of BPAD in this video in three languages:

English: https://youtu.be/l2tpxeEiOHg

Hindi: https://youtu.be/qk4D5unqe28

Kannada: https://youtu.be/icB_KSBpDWk

Also read my review of the book on BPAD, Em and the Big Hoom.

Resources:

Background music: 7th Dimension, 

Pictures: https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8451/7996124566_5b4d08ecaf_z.jpg

Shivashadakshara Stotram

The Shivashadakshara Stotram eulogizes Lord Shiva, one of the Holy Trinity of Sanatana Dharma.  It is taken from the Rudrayamala, a pre-tantric text that elaborates upon the Kundalini Yoga.  

The beauty of the stotra lies in the fact that first syllable of each shloka collectively spells out the mantra, Om Nama Shivaya, meaning 'I bow to Lord Shiva'.  This is also why the stotra is called shadakshara, meaning six-syllabled, implying the six syllables that spell out the mantra (indicated in red in the video).  

For the meaning of each of these syllables, read the earlier post on Om Nama Shivaya.  Read and watch Lingashtakam, the octet of praise of Lord Shiva. 

Watch the video of Shivashadakshara Stotram here:

https://youtu.be/6I0genD5eWY

The transliteration into three languages (English, Hindi & Kannada) and the translation (into English) of this stotra is as follows:

Atah Shivashadakshara Stotram

अतः शिवशडक्षर स्तोत्रम

ಅತಃ ಶಿವಶಡಕ್ಷರ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ

This is Shiva's six-syllabled stotra 

Omkaram bindu samyuktam nityam dhyayanti yoginaha

Kamadam mokshadam chaiva omkaraya namo namaha

ओमकारम बिन्दुसम्युक्तम नित्यम ध्यायन्ति योगिनः

कामदम मोक्ष्दम चैव ओमकाराय नमो नमः

ಓಂಕಾರಂ ಬಿಂದುಸಂಯುಕ್ತಂ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಧ್ಯಾಯಂತಿ ಯೋಗಿನಃ

ಕಾಮದಂ ಮೋಕ್ಷದಂ ಚೖವ ಓಂಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ

Omkara with the dot, meditated upon by the yogis

Bestower of wishes and moksha, salutations to Omkara Shiva 

Namanti rushayo deva namantyapsaraso ganaha

Nara namanti devesham nakaraya namo namaha

नमंति ऋषयो देवा नमंत्यप्सरसो गणाः

नरा नमंति देवेशम नकाराय नमो नमः

ನಮಂತಿ ಋಷಯೋ ದೆವಾ ನಮಂತ್ಯಪ್ಸರಸೋ ಗಣಾಃ

ನರಾ ನಮಂತಿ ದೆವೇಶಂ ನಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ 

To Whom the rishis, devas, and apsaras bow reverentially

Lord of devas to Whom humans bow reverentially, salutations to nakara Shiva 

Mahadevam mahatmanam mahadhyanaparayanam

Mahapapaharam devam makaraya namo namaha

महादेवम महात्मानम महाध्यानपरायणम 

महापापहरम देवम मकाराय नमो नमः

ಮಹಾದೇವಂ ಮಹಾತ್ಮಾನಂ ಮಹಾಧ್ಯಾನಪರಾಯಣಂ

ಮಹಾಪಾಪಹರಂ ದೇವಂ ಮಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ

The great God and Soul, the Supreme Meditator

The great Destroyer of sins, salutations to makara Shiva 

Shivam shantam jagannatham lokanugrahakarakam

Shivamekapadam nityam shikaraya namo namaha

शिवम शांतम जगन्नाथम लोकानुग्रहकारकम

शिवमेकपदम नित्यम शिकाराय नमो नमः

ಶಿವಂ ಶಾಂತಂ ಜಗನ್ನಾಥಂ ಲೋಕಾನುಗ್ರಹಕಾರಕಂ

ಶಿವಮೇಕಪದಂ ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಶಿಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ

Shiva is peaceful Lord of universe, He is the bestower of welfare of world

Shiva the word is eternal, salutations to shikara Shiva

Vahanam vrushabho yasya vasuki kanthabhushanam

Vame shaktidharam devam vakaraya namo namaha

वाहनम वृषभो यस्य वासुकी कंठभूषणम 

वामे शक्तिधरम देवम वकाराय नमो नमः

ವಾಹನಂ ವೃಷಭೋ ಯಸ್ಯ ವಾಸುಕೀ ಕಂಠಭೂಷಣಂ

ವಾಮೇ ಶಕ್ತಿಧರಂ ದೇವಂ ವಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ

He who rides the bull, He who wears the serpent as garland

He who has Goddess Shakthi on his left, salutations to vakara Shiva

Yatra yatra sthito devah sarvavyapi maheshwaraha

Yo guruh sarvadevanam yakaraya namo namaha

यत्र यत्र स्थितो देवः सर्वव्यापी महेश्वरः

यो गुरुः सर्वदेवानाम यकाराय नमो नमः

ಯತ್ರ ಯತ್ರ ಸ್ಥಿತೋ ದೆವಃ ಸರ್ವವ್ಯಾಪೀ ಮಹೇಶ್ವರಃ

ಯೋ ಗುರುಃ ಸರ್ವದೇವಾನಾಂ ಯಕಾರಾಯ ನಮೋ ನಮಃ

Where the devas reside, the Great God pervades all

He is the Guru of all devas, salutations to yakara Shiva

Shadaksharamidam stotram yah pathet Shivasannidhau

Shivalokamavapnoti Shivena saha modate

शडक्षरमिदम स्तोत्रम यः पठेत शिवसन्निधौ

शिवलोकमवाप्नोति शिवेन सह मोदते 

ಶಡಕ್ಷರಮಿದಂ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ ಯಃ ಪಠೇತ್ ಶಿವಸನ್ನಿಧೌ

ಶಿವಲೋಕಮವಾಪ್ನೋತಿ ಶಿವೇನ ಸಹ ಮೋದತೆ

Whoever chants this six-syllabled stotra, in the proximity of Shiva

Such a person will attain the Abode of Shiva, and be happy with Shiva

Iti Shri Rudrayamale Umamaheshwarasamvade Shivashadakshara Stotram sampurnam

इति श्री रुद्रयामले उमामहेश्वरसंवादे शिवशडक्षर स्तोत्रम सम्पूर्णम 

ಇತಿ ಶ್ರೀ ರುದ್ರಯಾಮಲೆ ಉಮಾಮಹೇಶ್ವರಸಂವಾದೆ ಶಿವಶಡಕ್ಷರ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ್ಂ

Thus ends Shri Rudrayamala's Parvathi-Shiva's conversation of 

Shiva's six-syllabled stotra

Resources:
Music: Maestro Tlakaelel, Jesse Gallagher
Pictures:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e3/Kailash_north.JPG/1200px-Kailash_north.JPG
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bb/Breathtaking_scenery_on_way_to_Amarnath_Cave.JPG
References:
Meaning:
http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Shiva_Shadakshara_Stotram
https://greenmesg.org/stotras/shiva/shiva_shadakshara_stotram.php
https://stotram.co.in/shiva-shadakshara-stotram/
http://www.stutimandal.com/poemgen.php?id=54
https://shaivam.org/scripture/Marathi/395/shiva-shadakshara-stotram
Significance: http://www.shivashakti.com/rudrayam.htm

Shri Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotram

A stuti or stotra is a collection of shlokas recited as a eulogy of one's ishta devta (chosen deity). 

In this stotra, taken from the Narada Purana, Lord Ganesha is invoked and His blessings are sought to remove one's obstacles.  

The title, which can also be written as 'Sankashtahara Ganapathi Stotram', translates to: 'Ganesha's stotra that destroys troubles'. 

Chanting this stotra regularly is said to bestow one with health, wealth and fulfilment of wishes.

It is recommended that this stotra is chanted first thing in the morning after ablutions, facing the East, while focusing on the image/idol of Lord Ganesha with bhakti.

Also read and listen about the other Ganesha mantra in this earlier post.

https://youtu.be/KIwW2Q7_H2s

Here is the transliteration (into English, Hindi & Kannada) and translation (into English) of this stotra: 

Atah Shri Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotram

अतः श्री संकट नाशन गणेष स्तोत्रम 

ಅತಃ ಶ್ರೀ ಸಂಕಟ ನಾಶನ ಗಣೇಶ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ

This is Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotra

Narada Uvacha

नारद उवाच 

ನಾರದ ಉವಾಚ 

Sage Narada said

Pranamya shirasa devam Gouri putram Vinayakam

Bhaktavasam smarenityam ayuh kamartha siddhaye

प्रणम्य शिरसा देवम गौरी पुत्रम विनायकम 

भक्तावसम स्मरेन्नित्यम आयुः कामार्थ सिद्धये 

ಪ್ರಣಮ್ಯ ಶಿರಸಾ ದೇವಂ ಗೌರೀ ಪುತ್ರಂ ವಿನಾಯಕಂ

ಭಕ್ತಾವಾಸಂ ಸ್ಮರೇನ್ನಿತ್ಯಂ ಆಯುಃ ಕಾಮಾರ್ಥ ಸಿದ್ಧಯೇ

Bow your head in reverence to the Son of Parvathi, Ganesha

He who lives in the devotee, He who grants long life, love and wealth

Prathamam Vakratundam cha Ekadantam dvitiyakam

Trutiyam Krushnapingaksham Gajavaktram chaturthakam

प्रथमम वक्रतुंडम च एकदंतम द्वितीयकम 

तृतीयम कृष्णपिंगाक्षम गजवक्त्रम चतुर्थकम 

ಪ್ರಥಮಂ ವಕ್ರತುಂಡಂ ಚ ಏಕದಂತಂ ದ್ವಿತೀಯಕಂ

ತೃತೀಯಂ ಕೃಷ್ಣಪಿಂಗಾಕ್ಷಂ ಗಜವಕ್ತ್ರಂ ಚತುರ್ಥಕಂ

First know Him as One with curved tusk, second as One with single tusk

Third as One with blackish-red eyes, fourth as One with face of elephant

Lambodaram panchamam cha shashtam Vikatameva cha

Saptamam Vighnarajam cha Dhumravarnam tathashtakam

लम्बोदरम पंचमम च शष्टम विकटमेव च 

सप्तमम विघ्नराजम च धूम्रवर्णम तथाश्टकम

ಲಂಬೋದರಂ ಪಂಚಮಂ ಚ ಶಷ್ಟಂ ವಿಕಟಮೇವ ಚ 

ಸಪ್ತಮಂ ವಿಘ್ನರಾಜಂ ಚ ಧೂಮ್ರವರ್ಣಂ ತಥಾಷ್ಟಕಂ

Fifth know Him as One with huge belly, sixth as One who is harsh on foes

Seventh as remover of obstacles, eighth as One who is coloured like smoke

Navamam Bhalachandram cha dashamam tu Vinayakam

Ekadasham Ganapatim dvadasham tu Gajananam

नवमम भालचंद्रम च दशमम तु विनायकम 

एकादशम गणपतिम द्वादशम तु गजाननम 

ನವಮಂ ಭಾಲಚಂದ್ರಂ ಚ ದಶಮಂ ತು ವಿನಾಯಕಂ

ಏಕಾದಶಂ ಗಣಪತಿಂ ದ್ವಾದಶಂ ತು ಗಜಾನನಂ

Ninth know Him as One with Moon on forehead, tenth as Great Leader

Eleventh as Leader of Ganas, twelfth as having countenance of elephant

Dvadashaitani namani trisandhyam yah pathenaraha

Na cha vighna bhayam tasya sarvasiddhi karam prabho

द्वादशैतानि नामानि त्रिसंध्यम यः पठेनरः

न च विघ्न भयम तस्य सर्वसिद्धि करम प्रभो 

ದ್ವಾದಶೈತಾನಿ ನಾಮಾನಿ ತ್ರಿಸಂಧ್ಯಂ ಯಃ ಪಠೇನರಹಃ

ನ ಚ ವಿಘ್ನ ಭಯಂ ತಸ್ಯ ಸರ್ವಸಿದ್ಧಿ ಕರಂ ಪ್ರಭೋ

He/she who reads these twelve names at dawn, noon and dusk

Shall not fear any obstacles, and accomplish every task

Vidyarthi labhate vidyam dhanarthi labhate dhanam

Putrarthi labhate putram moksharthi labhate gatim

विद्यार्थी लभते विद्याम धनार्थी लभते धनम 

पुत्रार्थी लभते पुत्राम मोक्षर्थी लभते गतिम

ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥೀ ಲಭತೇ ವಿದ್ಯಾಂ ಧನಾರ್ಥೀ ಲಭತೇ ಧನಂ

ಪುತ್ರಾರ್ಥೀ ಲಭತೇ ಪುತ್ರಾಂ ಮೊಕ್ಷಾರ್ಥೀ ಲಭತೇ ಗತಿಂ

Student will attain knowledge, he/she who seeks money will get wealth

He/she who seeks child will get one, he/she who seeks salvation will attain moksha

Japet Ganapati strotram shadbhirmasai phalam labhet

Samvatsarena siddhim cha labhate natra samshayaha

जपेत गणपती स्तोत्रम षड्भिर मासै फलम लभेत 

सम्वत्सरेण सिद्धिम च लभते नात्र समशयः

ಜಪೇತ್ ಗಣಪತೀ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ ಷಡ್ಭಿರ್ ಮಾಸೈ ಫಲಂ ಲಭೇತ್ 

ಸಂವತ್ಸರೇಣ ಸಿದ್ಧಿಂ ಚ ಲಭತೇ ನಾತ್ರ ಸಂಶಯಹಃ

The fruits of chanting this stotra will be evident within six months

Within a year wishes will be fulfilled, no doubt

Ashtabhyo brahmanebhyashcha likhitva yah samarpayet

Tasya vidya bhavet sarva Ganeshasya prasadataha

अष्टभ्यो ब्राह्मणेभ्यश्च लिखित्वा यः समर्पयेत 

तस्य विद्या भवेत सर्वा गणेशस्य प्रसादतहः

ಅಷ್ಟಭ್ಯೋ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣೇಭ್ಯಶ್ಚ ಲಿಖಿತ್ವಾ ಯಃ ಸಮರ್ಪಯೇತ್ 

ತಸ್ಯ ವಿದ್ಯಾ ಭವೇತ್ ಸರ್ವಾ ಗಣೇಶಸ್ಯ ಪ್ರಸಾದತಹಃ

He/she who offers this stotra in writing to eight wise people

Will be blessed with knowledge by the Grace of Ganesha

Iti Shri Narada Purane Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotram sampurnam

इति श्री नारद पुराणे संकट नाशन गणेश स्तोत्रम सम्पूर्णम 

ಇತಿ ಶ್ರೀ ನಾರದ ಪುರಾಣೇ ಸಂಕಟ ನಾಶನ ಗಣೇಶ ಸ್ತೋತ್ರಂ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ್ಂ

Thus ends Narada Purana's Sankata Nashana Ganesha stotra

Resources/references:

Picture: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/Namaste_namaskar.jpg/99px-Namaste_namaskar.jpg

Background music: The Golden Present, Jesse Gallagher

Stotra:

• http://sanskritdictionary.org
• https://www.wisdomlib.org
• https://www.shabdkosh.com
• https://www.hindujagruti.org/hinduism/ganesh-names
• https://www.devshoppe.com/blogs/articles/shri-sankata-nashanam-ganapati-stotram-with-meaning
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/mantras-chants/ganesha-stotra-chant-early-morning-for-a-healthy-prosperous-life/articleshow/75154798.cms
• https://www.hinduismoutlook.com/sankata-nashana-ganesha-stotram/