Shloks in the first episode.......
The first episode starts with the shloks recited by young Dev and Radhika in tandem at the ghaat by the Jamuna river in the early hours of the morning. These are known as Pratah Smaran.
What is Pratah Smaran?
Pratah Smaran is early morning prayers or recitations of shloks. It includes the purification shlok which clears the mind, body and soul of untoward thoughts and acts. Then it moves on to invocation of the pantheon of Gods in Hinduism.
What are shloks?
Shloks are rhyming verses in Sanskrit, generally written as couplets.
The first recitation was a purification shlok - purification of mind, body and spirit.
Om Apavitra Pavitro Va, Sarvavastham Gato 'Pi Va
Yah Smareth Pundarikaksham, Sa Bahyabhyantara Shuchih
The next shlok invokes Ganesha, the elephant God, when initiating vidya - education, vivah - marriage, entering or exiting any place or during war or calamity.
Vidyarambhe Vivahe Cha Prabeshe Nirgame Tatha
Sangrame Sankate Chaiba Bighnastashya Na Jayate
Anyatha Sharanam Nasti, Twameva Sharanam Mamah
Tasmat Karunya Bhaven, Raksha Raksha Parmeshwar
There is no refuge for me other than you, oh Lord, and I seek refuge in you alone. Supreme God, please show compassion and protect me.
Sthirairangaistushtuvaamsastanoobhih
Vyashema Devahitam Yadaayuh
Swasti Na Indro Vridhashravaah
Swasti Nah Pooshaa Vishwavedaah
Swasti Nastaarkshyo Arishtanemih
Swasti No Brihaspatir Dadhaatu.
Swasti Hi Bhavatu (3)
Om Shantih, Shantih, Shantih!
Meaning:
O worshipful ones, may our ears hear what is good and auspicious! May we see what is auspicious! May we sing your praise, live our allotted span of life in perfect health and strength! May Indra (who is) extolled in the scriptures, Pushan, the all-knowing Trakshya, who saves from all harm, and Brihaspati who protects our spiritual lustre, vouchsafe prosperity in our study of the scriptures and the practice of the truths contained therein!
Sarva Mangal Mangalye, Shive Sarvarth Sadhike
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri, Narayani Namostute
Salutations to the auspicious one who blesses us by fulfilling all our desires, who is worthy of seeking refuge, who is 3 eyed-goddess Gauri and Narayani (consort of Shiva).
Mangalam Bhagavan Vishnu, Mangalam Garudadhwajah
Mangalam Pundareekaksham, Mangalayatano Harih
All auspiciousness to God Vishnu
All auspiciousness to One who has Garuda as His flag
All auspiciousness to One who has eyes like the lotus flowers
And auspiciousness to Hari
Namami Yamuna Maham, Sakal Siddhi Hetum Muda,
Murari Padpankaj Sfuradamand, Renootkatam,
Tatastha Nav Kanana, Prakat Mod Pushpambunaa,
Suraa Sursu Poojitaha, Smara Pituh Shri yambibhrateem.
This is the first verse from the Yamunashtak (Yamuna + 8 verses), an 8-shlok poetry describing the beauty of Jamuna/Yamuna river. Alka Yagnik and Ashit Desai have individually sung this very beautifully and can be heard on-line. The first verse describes the physical attributes of the river and its banks, comparing it to the physical beauty of Lord Krishna, who grew up on the banks of the river.
