Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar is an eminent astrophysicist. Narlikar is considered a leading expert and defender of the steady state Cosmology. His work on conformal gravity theory with Sir Fred Hoyle, called Hoyle-Narlikar theory, demonstrated a synthesis can be achieved between Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity and Mach’s principle. India’s second highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan, was awarded to him for his work. Prof. Narlikar was the founder director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) at Pune, India.

Jayant Vishnu Narlikar (born July 19, 1938) (Marathi: जयंत विष्णू नारळीकर) is an Indian astrophysicist.  He developed with Sir Fred Hoyle the conformal gravity theory, commonly known as Hoyle-Narlikar Theory. It synthesizes Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and Mach’s Principle. It proposes that the inertial mass of a particle is a function of the masses of all other particles, multiplied by a coupling constant, which is a function of cosmic epoch. In cosmologies based on this theory, the gravitational constant G decreases strongly with time.
A book which has become rather popular in India lately is book is The Cosmic Explosion; a book for children with the topics of astronomy, history, archaeology and the  future. It starts with a child in Harshavardhana’s time and ends with a child in the future. The book is apparently Priced at Rs 30 with 5 Rs off if you buy it at the Bangalore Book Festival.

If you are not in India and wish to read some books by this genial author, you can find a selection on the below banner from Amazon.com which i have searched for and compiled into one ad for you to choose from.

Narlikar was born in Kolhapur, India on July 19, 1938. His father, Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar, was a mathematician who served as a professor and later as the Head of the Department of Mathematics at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Jayant’s mother, Sumati Narlikar, was a scholar of Sanskrit language.

Jayant received his Bachelor of Science degree from Banaras Hindu University in 1957, and a B.A. in mathematics from the University of Cambridge in 1960, winning the Tyson Medal. During his doctoral studies at Cambridge, he won Smith’s Prize in 1962. After receiving his Ph.D. in 1963 under the guidance of Fred Hoyle, he served as a Berry Ramsey Fellow at King’s College in Cambridge and earned an M.A. in astronomy and astrophysics in 1964. He continued to work as a Fellow at King’s College until 1972. In 1966, Fred Hoyle established the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy in Cambridge, and Narlikar served as the founder staff member of the institute during 1966-72.

In 1972, Narlikar took up Professorship at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai, India. At the TIFR, he was in charge of the Theoretical Astrophysics Group. In 1988, the Indian University Grants Commission set up the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, and Narlikar became the Founder-Director of IUCAA.

Narlikar is internationally known for his work in cosmology, especially in championing models alternative to the popular Big Bang model. During 1994 – ‘97, he was the President of the Cosmology Commission of the International Astronomical Union. His research work has involved Mach’s Principle, quantum cosmology, and action-at-a-distance physics.
During 1999-2003, Narlikar headed an international team in a pioneering experiment designed to sample air for microorganisms in the atmosphere at heights of up to 41 km. Biological studies of the collected samples led to the findings of live cells and bacteria, which opened the intriguing possibility that the earth is being bombarded by microorganisms some of which might have seeded life itself on earth.
Narlikar has received several national and international awards and honorary doctorates.He is a recipient of Bhatnagar Award, M.P. Birla Award, and the Prix Janssen of the French Astronomical Society. He is an Associate of the Royal Astronomical Society of London, and a Fellow of the three Indian National Science Academies and the Third World Academy of Sciences.
Apart from his scientific research, Narlikar has been well known as a communicator of science through his books, articles, and radio/TV programs. For these efforts, he was honored in 1996 by the UNESCO with the Kalinga AwardHe was once featured on Carl Sagan’s TV show Cosmos: A Personal Voyage in the late 1980s.He received the Indira Gandhi Award of the Indian National Science Academy in 1990.India’s second highest civilian honor, Padma Vibhushan, was awarded to him in 2004 for his research work

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Wikipedia – Jayant V. Narlikar |the cosmic explosion by jayant v narlikar author science fiction for children | Books by Jayant V Narlikar |

Jayant V Narlikar  LIST OF PUBLICATIONS – III  Books Authored or Edited

A: Books authored by JVN  T: Books by JVN translated by others  E: Books edited by JVN

The books on science fiction are marked with an asterisk.

1A ASTROPHYSICS
(Co-authors: R.J. Tayler, W. Davidson and M.A. Ruderman)
W.A. Benjamin, London, 1969

2A ACTION AT A DISTANCE IN PHYSICS AND COSMOLOGY
(Co-author: Fred Hoyle)
W.H. Freeman and Company, San Francisco, 1974

3A GANIT ANI VIDNYAN (Mathematics and Science)
(in Marathi)
Mumbai Marathi Grantha Sangrahalaya, Bombay, 1975

4A  THE STRUCTURE OF THE UNIVERSE
Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1977

5A GENERAL RELATIVITY AND COSMOLOGY
The Macmillan Company of India Ltd., New Delhi, 1978

6A  VIDNYAN ANI MANAVACHA JEEVAN SANGHARSH (Science and Human Survival)
(in Marathi)
Deccan Education Society, Pune, 1979

*7A YAKSHANCHI DENAGI (The Gift of the Yakshas)
(in Marathi)
Mauj Printing Bureau, Bombay, 1979

8A  THE PHYSICS ASTRONOMY FRONTIER
(Co-author: Fred Hoyle)
W.H. Freeman and Company, San Francisco, 1980

9E  GRAVITATION, QUANTA AND THE UNIVERSE
(Proceedings of the Einstein Centenary Symposium, 1979 at
Ahmedabad; co-editors: A.R. Prasanna and C.V. Vishveshwara) Wiley
Eastern, New Delhi, 1980

10A  KHAGOLSHASTRACHE VISHVA (The Astronomical Universe)
(in Marathi)
Maharashtra State Board of Education and Culture, Bombay, 1982

11A  VIOLENT PHENOMENA IN THE UNIVERSE
Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1982

12A  THE LIGHTER SIDE OF GRAVITY
W.H. Freeman and Company, San Francisco, 1982

13A  INTRODUCTION TO COSMOLOGY
Jones and Bartlett, Boston, 1983

*14A PRESHIT (The One Who Was Sent)
(in Marathi)
Mauj Printing Bureau, Bombay, 1983

15E GRAVITATION AND RELATIVISTIC ASTROPHYSICS
(Proceedings of the Ahmedabad Workshop, 1982;
Co-editors: A.R. Prasanna and C.V. Vishveshwara)
Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore, 1984

16T  LA STRUTTURA DELL’ UNIVERSO
(in Italian: translation of 4A by Gianluigi Mainardi)
Piccola Biblioteca Einaudi, Rome, 1984

17A VIGYAN MANAV AUR BRAHMAND (Science, Man and the Cosmos)
(in Hindi)
Rajpal and Sons, Delhi, 1985

18A FROM BLACK CLOUDS TO BLACK HOLES
World Scientific Publishing Company, Singapore, 1985

19E A RANDOM WALK IN GENERAL RELATIVITY AND COSMOLOGY
(Festschrift for Professors P.C. Vaidya and
A.K. Raychaudhuri;  co-editors: N.K. Dadhich
J. Krishna Rao and C.V. Vishveshwara)
Wiley Eastern, New Delhi, 1985

*20A ANTARALATALA BHASMASUR (Bhasmasur in Space)
(in Marathi)
Shrividya Prakashan, Pune, 1985

21A A JOURNEY THROUGH THE UNIVERSE
National Book Trust’s Nehru Bal-Pustakalaya, New Delhi, 1986

22T STRUKTURA WSZECHS’WIATA
(in Polish: translation of 4A by Adam Mazurkiewicz)
Panstwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe, Warsaw, 1985

23T VIOLENT PHENOMENA IN THE UNIVERSE
(in Russian:  translation of 11A by G.V. Budnika)
Mir Publications, Moscow, 1985

24T THE LIGHTER SIDE OF GRAVITY
(in Russian: translation of 12A by G.I. Blinnikova)
Mir Publications, Moscow, 1985

*25T DHOOMKETU (The Comet)
(in Hindi: short storiees from 7A and 20A translated by Rekha Deshpande)
Rajpal and Sons, Delhi, 1986.

26A GRAVITY, GAUGE THEORIES AND QUANTUM COSMOLOGY
(Co-author : T. Padmanabhan)
D. Reidel, Dordrecht, 1986

*27A VAMAN PARAT NA ALA (Vaman did not return)
(in Marathi)
Mauj Printing Bureau, Bombay, 1986

28T  THE LIGHTER SIDE OF GRAVITY
(in Japanese: translation of 12A by K. Nakamura)
Nikkei Science, Inc, Tokyo, 1986)

29T  UNE GRAVITATION SANS GRAVITE
(in French: translation of 12 A by Jean-Pierre Maury)
Payot, Paris, 1986.

*30T TROYNO GHODO (The Trojan Horse)
(in Gujarati : short stories from 7A and 20A translated by Bharat Pathak)
Gurjar Grantharatna Karyalaya, 1987

31T  LE ESTRUCTURA DEL UNIVERSO
(in Spanish : Translation of 4A by Artur Klein)
Alienza Editorial, Madrid, 1987

32T  FENS’MENOS VIOLENTOS EN EL UNIVERSO
(in Spanish: translation of 11A by Artur Klein)
Alienza Editorial, Madrid, 1987.

*33A AGANTUK (The guest)
(in Hindi)
Rajpal and Sons, Delhi, 1988

34A  THE PRIMEVAL UNIVERSE
Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1988

*35A THE RETURN OF VAMAN
Ravi Dayal Publisher, Delhi, 1988

36A  VISHVACHI SAHAL (A Journey Through the Universe)
(in Marathi)
National Book Trust’s Nehru Bal-Pustakalaya, New Delhi, 1988

37E  HIGHLIGHTS IN GRAVITATION AND COSMOLOGY
(Proceedings of ICGC-87; co-editors: B.R. Iyer, A. Kembhavi, and
C.V. Vishveshwara)
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1988

38A  THE FRONTIER BETWEEN PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
(IIT Madras Series in Science and Engineering)
Macmillan India Limited, Delhi, 1989

39T  VISHVANI UTPATTI (Origin of the Universe)
(in Gujarati : translated by J.J. Rawal)
Parichaya Trust, Bombay, 1989

40T  THE PHYSICS ASTRONOMY FRONTIER
(in Chinese: translation of 8A by Xiang Tao He)
Beijing, 1989

41T  THE LIGHTER SIDE OF GRAVITY
(in Greek: translation of 12 A by Andreas I. Kathetas)
Bibliotheka Groxalia,  Athens, 1989

41aT FROM BLACK CLOUDS TO BLACK HOLES
(in Russian : translation of 18A)
Energo-Atomizdat, Moscow, 1989

42A  BRAHMAND KI KUCHH JHALAKEN (A Few Glimpses of the Universe)
(in Hindi)
Madhya Pradesh Hindi Granth Akademi, Bhopal, 1990

43A  VIDNYANACHI GARUDA JHEP (The Leap-frogging of Science)
(in Marathi)
Shrividya Prakashan, Pune, 1990

44A  VIDNYAN ANI VAIDNYANIK (The Science and the Scientists)
(in Marathi)
Shrividya Prakashan, Pune, 1990.

45A  TARONKI JEEVAN GATHA (The Life Story of Stars)
(in Hindi)
Read and Learn Series of NCERT, Delhi, 1990

*46T AA LOKAMU (From other worlds)
(in Telegu: translation of 14A by Sujanadevi Acharya)
Orient Longman, Hyderabad, 1990.

*47T VAMAN NAHIN LAUTA
(in Hindi: translation of 27A by Prabhakar Machwe)
Rajpal and Sons, Delhi, 1990

48T  FROM BLACK CLOUDS TO BLACK HOLES
(in Japanese : translation of 18A by Tadaoki Yoneyama and Kenji Urata)
Maruzen Co. Ltd., Tokyo, 1990

*49T YAKSHOPAHAR (The gift of the yakshas)
(in Hindi : translation of a collection of Marathi stories from 7A and
20A by Sunita Paranjape)
Bharatiya Gyanapeetha Prakashan, 1991

50T  VISHVAYAN (The Cosmic Spaceship)
(in Kannada : translation of 21A by G.T. Narayana Rao), 1991

51E  VIDNYANACHE RACHAYITE (The Creators of Science)
(in Marathi : series of 12 booklets on famous scientists by R.V. Sovni)
Oxford University Press, Bombay, 1991

*52A THE MESSAGE FROM ARISTARCHUS
Clarion Books, New Delhi, 1992

53A  GANITATALYA GAMATI-JAMATI (Recreations in Mathematics)
(in Marathi)
Manovikas Prakashan, Bombay 1992

54A  VISHVACHI RACHANA (The Origin of the Universe)
(in Marathi)
Wiley Eastern, Delhi 1992

*55A ANTARALATIL SPHOT (The Cosmic Explosion)
(Science Fiction Novel in Marathi; also translated in English under the title `The Cosmic Explosion’ by Sujata Godbole and in Hindi under the title `Antarikshamein Visphot’ by Surekha Panandikar)
Sahitya Akademi, Delhi, 1992

56A  ASTROFISICA  (Astrophysics)
(in Italian)
Jaca Book, 1992

57E PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE : Perspectives from Natural and Social Sciences
(Co-editors : Indu Banga and Chhanda Gupta)
Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Simla and Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, Delhi, 1992

58A  INTRODUCTION TO COSMOLOGY (2nd Edition)
Cambridge University Press 1993
Also published by Foundation Books, New Delhi, 1993

59E  ASTRONOMY IN INDIA : PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
(Co-editor : R. Kochhar)
IUCAA, Pune and IIA, Bangalore, 1993

60A  SHODH (Invention)
(in Marathi)
(edited and published by Dr. Chitra Naik, Indian Institute of Education, Pune, 1993)

61A ANTARALATIL SURAS ANI CHAMATKARIK GOSHTI
(Interesting and wondrous happenings in the Sky)
(in Marathi)
(edited and published by Dr. Chitra Naik, Indian Institute of Education, Pune, 1993)

*62A TIME MACHINECHI KIMAYA (Miracle of the Time Machine)
(in Marathi)
Srividya Prakashan, Pune, 1994

63A  GANITACHI GOSHT (The Tale of Mathematics)
Co-author : M.J. Narlikar
(in Marathi)
(published by Sarojini Babar in Samaj Shikshan Mala, 529, Pune, 1994)

64E  SRUSHTI VIDNYAN GATHA : EKVISAVYA SHATAKACHA SANGATI
(World Science Saga – Companion of the 21st Century)
(in Marathi)
(edited by J.V. Narlikar, authored by Shriram Geet and published by Rajhans Prakashan, Pune, 1994)

65A  POSTKARDATUN VIDNYAN  (Science through Postcards)
(in Marathi)
Marathi Vidnyan Parishad, Mumbai, 1995

65aA VIDNYANGANGECHI AVAKHAL VALANE (The Meandering Flow of Science)
(in Marathi)
Manovikas Prakashan, Mumbai, 1995

66T  MAHABISHYE BHRAMAN :
(in Bengali :  translation of 21A by Ishani Raychoudhury)
National Book Trust, New Delhi, 1995

67T  ANTARIKSHA BISPHORAN :
(in Bengali : translation of Antaralateel Sphot by Manabendra Bandyopadhyay)
Sahitya Academy, New Delhi, 1995

68A  FROM BLACK CLOUDS TO BLACK HOLES- Second Edition
World Scientific Publishing Co., Singapore, 1995

69T  BRAHMANAND KI YATRA
(in Hindi : translation of 21A by Krishna Kumar)
National Book Trust, New Delhi, 1995

70E  PROCEEDINGS OF THE SIXTH ASIAN-PACIFIC REGIONAL MEETING OF
ASTRONOMY OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL UNION
Eds. J.V. Narlikar, N.K. Dadhich, V.K. Kapahi and G. Swarup, 1995

*71A VIRUS
(in Marathi)
Mauj Prakashan Griha, Bombay, 1996

72A  COSMOLOGY AND ACTION AT A DISTANCE ELECTRODYNAMICS
(Co-author: Fred Hoyle)
World Scientific Publishing Co., Singapore, 1996

73A  ELEMENTS OF COSMOLOGY
Educational Monograph of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced
Scientific Research, Bangalore
Universities Press, Hyderabad, 1996

74A THE LIGHTER SIDE OF GRAVITY
Revised Second Edition
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1996

75E  ASTRONOMY IN INDIA: A PERSPECTIVE
(Co-author: Rajesh Kochhar)
A Diamond Jubilee Publication of the Indian National Science Academy,
New Delhi.

76E  SPECIAL SECTION ON PROFESSOR SUBRAHMANYAN CHANDRASEKHAR
Current Science, Volume 70 No. 9, 1996

77E  SOME ASPECTS OF GRAVITATION AND COSMOLOGY
Published by IUCAA, 1996

*78T MAHAJAGATIC BISHFORON
(in Bengali: Translation of articles and science fiction stories)
Shaibya Prakashan Bibhag, Calcutta, 1997

*78aT VAMAN PHIRLO NA
(in Bengali : Translation of  27A by Subrata Basu)
Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, 1997

79E  PHYSICS OF COMETS
Book in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Series, by K.S. Krishna Swamy
World Scientific Publishing Co., Singapore, 1997

80E  SOLAR AND INTERPLANETARY DISTURBANCES
Book in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Series, by S.K. Alurkar
World Scientific Publishing Co., Singapore, 1997

81A  AAKASHASHI JADALE NATE (Popular Account of Astronomy)
(in Marathi)
Rajhans Prakashan, Pune, 1998

82A  YALA JEEVAN AISE NAV (That is Life!)
(in Marathi)
Shrividya Prakashan, Pune, 1998

83E  GRAVITATION AND RELATIVITY : AT THE TURN OF MILLENNIUM
(Co-editor : Naresh Dadhich)
Proceedings of the GR-15 Conference held at IUCAA, Pune, India during
December 16-21, 1997

84T  LZEJSZA STRONA GRAWITACJI
(in Polish: translation of  73A by Jerzy Lewinski)
Wydawnictwo Amber Sp.z.o.o.1998

85T  ATITHI
(in Malayalam : translation of 14A by K. Krishnan Kutty)
D.C. Books, Kottayam, 1998

86A  MOTION AND GRAVITY
Book in the Exploratory Series,
Shekhar Phatak & Associates, Pune, 1999

87A QUASARS AND ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI : AN INTRODUCTION
(Co-author: Ajit K. Kembhavi)
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1999

88A  SEVEN WONDERS OF THE COSMOS
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1999

89A A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO COSMOLOGY
(Co-authors : Fred Hoyle and Geoffrey Burbidge)
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2000

90T MAHA VISWE MAHAKASHE
(in Bengali : translation of a collection of science essays on astronomy and astrophysics)
Shaibya Prakashan Bibhag, Calcutta, 2000

91T LAS SIETE MARAVILLAS DEL COSMOS
(in Spanish : translation of  88A by Dulcinea Otero Pineiro and David Galadi-Enriquez)
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2000

92T A COSMIC ADVENTURE
(in English  : translation of  81A by M.J. Narlikar)
Rajhans Prakashan, Pune, 2000

93T VIRUS
(in Hindi : translation of  71A by J.V. Narlikar)
Rajkamal Prakashan, Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 2000

94T H ΦΩTEINH ΠΛEYPA THE BAPYTHTAΣ
(in Greek : translation of 74A by B’ EK∆OΣH)
Katoptro Publications, Greece, 2000

95A FUN AND FUNDAMENTALS OF MATHEMATICS
(Co-author : Mangala J. Narlikar)
Universities Press (India) Ltd., Hyderabad, 2001

96T SCIENCE THROUGH POST-CARDS
(in English : translation of 65A by M.J. Narlikar)
Marathi Vidnyan Parishad, Mumbai, 2001

97T DIE SIEBEN WUNDER DES UNIVERSUMS
(in German: translation of  88A by von Helmut Mennicken
Roger & Bernhard GmbH & Co., Germany, 2001

98T SEVEN WONDERS OF THE COSMOS
(in Chinese : translation of  88A)
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2001

99A ANTARAL ANI VIDNYAN (Space and Science)
(in Marathi)
Navachaitanya Prakashan, Mumbai, 2002

*100A ABHAYARANYA (Sanctuary)
(in Marathi)
Mouj Prakashan Griha, Mumbai, 2002

101A AN INTRODUCTION TO COSMOLOGY (Third Edition)
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2002

102T TA 7 ΘAYMATA TOY ΣYMΠANTOΣ
(in Greek : translation of 88A)
P. Travlos Publishers, Greece, 2002

103T cegeM: uygeca Ha kocMoca
(in Bulgarian : translation of  88A)
Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, U.K., 2002

104T A JOURNEY THROUGH THE UNIVERSE
(in Oriya : translation of  21A)
National Book Trust, India, New Delhi, 2003

105A VIRUS
Scholastic India Pvt Ltd., Gurgaon, 2003

106A THE SCIENTIFIC EDGE
Penguin Books India (P) Ltd., New Delhi, 2003

107T LE SETTE MERAVIGLIE DEL COSMO
(in Italian : translation of 88A)
Codice Edizioni, Torino, 2004

108A KHAGOL SHASTRA : PRASNOTARE (Astronomy : Question Answers)
(in Marathi)
Marathi Vidnyan Parishad, Mumbai, 2004

109T AVAKASHI SANDESH-VAHAK
(in Gujarati : translation of 14A  by Bharat Pathak)
Gurjar Grantha Ratna Karyalaya, Ahmedabad, 2004

110A BLACK HOLES
National Book Trust, India, New Delhi, 2005

111A TALES OF THE FUTURE
Witness Books, Delhi, 2005

112A HOW & WHY IN ASTRONOMY
Marathi Vidnyan Parishad, Mumbai, 2005

113E FUNDAMENTALS OF SOLAR ASTRONOMY
Book in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Series by A. Bhatnagar and W. Livingston
World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., Singapore, 2005

114T BHARAT KI VIGYAN-YATRA
(in Hindi :  translation of 106A by Vinod Kumar Mishra)
Prabhat Prakashan, New Delhi, 2005

115T GOODBYE VAMAN
(in Telugu : translation of  27A by Sujanadevi Acharya)
Sahitya Akademi, Bangalore, 2005

116E AN INVITATION TO ASTROPHYSICS
Book in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Series by T. Padmanabhan
World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., Singapore, 2006

117E FIND A HOTTER PLACE!  A HISTORY OF NUCLEAR ASTROPHYSICS
Book in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Series by L.M. Celnikier
World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., Singapore, 2006

118E CURRENT ISSUES IN COSMOLOGY
(Co-editor : Jean-Claude Pecker)
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2006

119T ROMANCHAK VIGYAN KATHAYEN
(in Hindi :  translation of 111A by Sachin Sinhal)
Vidya Vihar, New Delhi, 2006

120A VIDNYANGANGECHI AVAKHAL VALANE (The Meandering Flow of Science) (Second Edition)
(in Marathi)
Manovikas Prakashan, Pune, 2007

*121A SURYACHA PRAKOP (When the Sun got angry)
(in Marathi)
Shrividya Prakashan, Pune, 2008

122A NABHAT HASARE TARE (The smiling stars in the sky)
(Co-authors : Ajit Kembhavi and Mangala Narlikar)
(in Marathi)
Rajhans Prakashan, Pune, 2008

123A FACTS AND SPECULATIONS IN COSMOLOGY
(Co-author : Geoffrey Burbidge)
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2008

Download the list of His Publications to date as a PDF

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Hanuman is of course a batchelor, and is thus also revered by single men. The Hanuman Chalisa is believed to have the power to release from the cycle of death and rebirth, if it is chanted one hundred times. Each of the forty verses contains a different blessing. As with all Ghaataa, the merits and blessings recieved from the chanting, will be relative to the applied practise (how much the devotee really means it when he or she chants it), and the amount of faith in it’s power.

below is a video with the chanting of Hanuman Chalisa, and a transcript of the chanting in both Hindi and phonetic roman letter below that, so you can practise chanting it. (if you can’t read the Hindi lettering please download hindi fonts here; Download Hindi Fonts

Hanuman Chalisa

दोहा Doha
श्री गुरु चरण सरोज रज नीज मना मुकारा सुधारी, Shree Guru Charana Saroj Raja Nij Man Mukura Sudhari,
अरनाओ रघुवर विमला यशो जो दयाका पहला चारी, Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo dhayak Phal Chari,

बूढी हीन तनु जानिके सुमिरौ पवन कुमार, Budhi heen tanu janike sumiro pavan kumar,
बल बूढी विद्या देहु मोंही हरहु कलेसा विकार, Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, harahu kalesh vikaar

चालीसा Chalisa

जाया हनुमान गयाना गुना सागर, Jai Hanuman Gyan Gun Sagar,
जाया कपीस तिहूँ लोक उजागर, Jai Kapis Tihun Lok Ujagar,

राम दूत अतुलिउट बल धामा, Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhaamaa,
अनजानी – पुत्र पवन सुता नामा, Anjani Putra Pavansut naamaa,

महावीर विक्रम बजरंगी, Mahabir Bikram Bajrangi,
कुमति निवारा सुमति के संगी, Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi,

कंचना वरना वीराजा सुवेसा , Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesaa,
कनाना कुण्डला कुंचित केसा, Kanan kundal kunchit kesa,

हाथ वज्र अरु ध्वजा विराजे, Haath Bajra Aur Dhvaja Birajey,
कंधे मूंज जनेवु साजे, Kandhe Moonj Janeu saaje.

संकरा सुवना केसरी नंदन, Shankar Suvan Kesari Nandan,
तेजा प्रताप महा जग बंदन, Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan.

विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर, Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur,
राम कजा करिबे को आतुर, Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Atur,

प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया, Prabhu Charittra Sunibe Ko Rasiya,
राम लखना सीता माना बसिया, Ram Lakhan Sita man basyia,

सुक्ष्म रूपा धरी सियाही दिखावा, Sukshma roop Dhari Siyanhi Dikhawa,
विकता रूपा धरी लंका जरावा, Bikat roop Dhari Lank Jarawa,

भीमा रूपा धरी असुर संहारे Bhim roop dhari asur sanhare,
रामचंद्र के कजा सवारे, Ramchandrajee Ke kaaj Savare,

लाया सजीवन लखना जियाये, Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye,
श्री रघुवीर हरषी उर लाये, Shri Raghubir harashi ur laye,

रघुपति किन्ही बहुत बडाई, Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai,
कहा भरता समां तुम प्रिया भाई, Tum Mum Priya Bharat Sam Bhai.

सहस वदन तुम्हारो यश गावे, Sahastra Badan Tumharo Jas Gaave,
अस कही श्रीपति कंठ लगावे, Asa kahi Shripati Kanth Laagave.

सनाकादिका ब्रह्मादी मुनीष, Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa,
नारद सरदा सहित अहीसा, Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa.’

यामा कुबेर दिगपाला जहाँ त,े Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te,
कवि कोविद कही सके कहाँ ते, Kabi Kabid Kahin Sake Kahan Te,

तुम उपकार सुग्रीविएना कीन्हा, Tum Upkar Sugrivahi Keenha,
राम मिलाये राजपद दीन्हा, Ram Milaye Rajpad Deenha,

तुम्हारो मंत्र विभीशाना माना, Tumharo Mantro Bibhishan Maana,
लंकेश्वर भये सबा जगा जन, Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana,

युग सहस्र योजन पर भानु, Juug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhaanu,
लील्यो ताहि मधुरा फल जानू, Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu,

प्रभु मुद्रिका मेली मुख माहि, Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maaheen,
जलधि लांघी गए अचरज नही, Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Acharaj Naaheen,

दुर्गम काज जगत के जेते, Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jete,
सुगम अनुग्रह तुम्हारे तेते, Sugam Anugrah Tumhre Tete,

राम दुलारे तुम रखवारे, Ram Duware Tum Rakhavare,
होत आग्न्य पिनु पैथारे, Hot Na Aagya Bin Paisare,

सब सुख लहै तुम्हारी शरण, Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhari Sarna,
तुम रक्षक कहू को डरा न, Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Dar naa,

आपना तेजा तुम्हारो आपे, Aapan Tej Samharo Aapei,
तीनो लोक हांका ते कम्पी, Tenau Lok Hank Te Kanpei.

भूत पिसाचा निकट नहीं आव,ेBhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Ave,
महाबीर जब नाम सुनावे, Mahabir Jab Naam Sunavei,

नसे रोग हरे सब पीरा, Nasei Rog Hare Sab Peera,
जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा, Japat Niranter Hanumant Beera,

संकट से हनुमान चुदवेय, Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudavei,
मन क्रम वचना ध्यान जो लाव,े Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lavei,

सब पर नामा तपस्वी रजा, Sub Par Ram Tapasvee Raaja,
तीन के कजा सकला तुम सजा, Tinke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja,

और मनोरथ जो कोई लावे, Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lave,
तासु अमिता जीवन हल पवई, Soi Amit Jivan Phal Pave.

चारों युग परताप तुम्हारा, Charo Juug Partap Tumhara,
है पारा सीधा जगाता उजियारा, Hai Parsiddha Jagat Ujiyara.

साधू संत के तुम रखवारे, Sadho Sant Ke Tum Rakhvare,
असुर निकंदाना राम दुल्हरे, Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare,

अष्ट सीधी नौ निधि के डाटा, Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data,
असा वारा दीं जानकी माता, Asa Bar Din Janki Mata,

राम रसायन तुम्हारे पासा, Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa,
सादर तुम रघुपति के दस, Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa,

तुम्हारे भजन राम को भावी, Tumhare Bhajan Ramko Pavei,
जन्मा जन्मा के दुख बीस रवी, Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravei,>

अन्ता काला रघुपति पुरा जाई, Anta Kaal Raghubar Pur Jai,
जहाँ जन्मा हरी – भक्तअ कहाई, Jahan Janma Hari Bhakta Kahai,

और देवता चिट्टा न धरई, Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai,
हनुमता से यी सर्व सुखा करायी, Hanumant Sei Sarva Sukh Karai,

संकट कटे मिटे सब पीरा, Sankat Kate Mitey Sab Peera,
जो सुमिरि हनुमंत बल्बीरा , Jo Sumirei Hanumant Balbeera,

जय जय जय हनुमान गोसाई, Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai,
कृपा करहु गुरुदेव की नीई, Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naiee,

जो सत् बार पाठ कर कोई, Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi,
छुतही बंदी महा सुख होई , Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.

जो यह पढ़े हनुमान चालीसा , Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa,
होय सिद्धइ सखी गौरीसा , Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa,

तुलसीदास सदा हरी चेरा , Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera,
कीजे नाथ ह्रदय माह डेरा .Keeje Nath Hriday Mah Dera.

दोहा Doha

पवन तनया संकट हरन मंगला मूर्ति रूपा, Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran , Mangal Murti Roop.
राम लखन सीता सहित हृदय बसहु सुरभूप, Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop.

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Here is a  non-official translation of the hanuman Chalisa into English (please may any discrepancies be forgiven, if there are any)

With the dust of Guru’s Lotus feet, I clean the mirror of my mind and narrate sacred glory of Sri Ram , The Supreme among the Raghukul. The giver of the four attainments of life.

Knowing myself to be ignorant, I urge you, The son of Pavan! kindly bestow on me strength, wisdom and knowledge, removing all my shortcomings and evilness.

Victory of Thee, O Hanuman, Ocean of wisdom and virtue, victory to the Lord of monkeys who is well known in all the three worlds.

Messenger of Ram with enormous strength, you are also known as “Anjaniputra” and the son of the Air God.

Oh Hanuman ! You are valiant and brave, with a body like lightening. You remove darkness of evil thoughts and are a companion of good sense and wisdom.

Shri Hanuman ’s physique is gold colored. His dress is pretty, wearing ear-rings and his hairs are long and curly.

Shri Hanuman is holding in one hand a lighting bolt and in the other hand a banner with the sacred thread across his shoulder.

Oh Hanuman You are the emanation of ‘SHIVA’ and you delight Shri Keshri. The entire world propitiates.. You are adorable of all.

Oh Hanuman You are the repository of learning, virtue, you are very wise and are keen to do the works of Lord Ram.

You are eager to listen to the narration of Lord Ram’s story and revel on its enjoyment. You are in the hearts of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman.

You appeared before Sita in a very small form and spoke to her, while you assumed a huge form and struck terror by setting Lanka kingdom on fire.

O Hanuman with your big form you killed demons of Lanka and performed all acts of lord Ram.

When Hanumanji made Lakshman alive after bringing “Sanjivni” herb Lord Ram hugged you, His heart full of joy.

Shri Ram extolled Hanumanji’s excellence and remarked, “you are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat”

Shri Ram embraced Hanumanji saying: “Let the thousand – tongued ’sheshnaag’ sing your glories”

The sages, saints, Lord Brahma, Narad and Goddess Saraswati along with Sheshnag the serpent, fail to sing the glories of Hanumanji properly.

What to talk of denizens of the earth like poets and scholars even Gods like Yamraj, Kuber, and Digpal fail to narrate Hanman’s greatness.

Hanumanji! You obliged Sugriva, you united him with Lord Ram and got him the Royal Throne.

It is known all over the universe that by following your advice, Vibhushana became King of Lanka kingdom.

Hanumanji you gulped Lord Sun at distance of thousands miles considering it to be a sweet fruit.

Carrying the Lord’s ring in his mouth, you went across the ocean. There is no wonder in that.

Oh Hanumanji all the difficult tasks of this world is made easy by your grace.

Oh Hanumanji You are guarding the door of Lord Ram’s mercy mansion or His divine abode. No one may enter without your permission.

By your grace one can enjoy all happiness and one need not have any fear under your protection.

When you roar all the three worlds tremble and only you can control your might.

Hanuman’s name keeps all the Ghosts, Demons & evils spirits away.

On reciting Hanumanji’s name all the maladies and pain disappears.

Those who remember Hanumanji in thought, word and deed are well guarded against their odds in life.

Oh Hanuman You are the caretaker of even Lord Rama, who has been hailed as the Supreme Lord and the Monarch of all those devoted in penances.

Oh Hanuman You fulfill the desires of those who come to you.

Oh Hanuman Your magnificent glory is acclaimed far and wide all through the four worlds and your fame is all over the cosmos.

Oh Hanuman You are the saviour of saints and sages and destroys the Demons, you are the darling of Lord Ram.

Hanuman has been blessed with mother Janki to grant to any one any yogic power of eight Sidhis.

Oh Hanuman You hold the essence of devotion to Lord Ram, always remaining His Servant.

Oh Hanumanji! through devotion to you, one comes to RAM and becomes free from suffering of several lives.

After death he enters the eternal abode of Sri Ram and remains a devotee of him, whenever, taking new birth on earth.

You need not hold any other God in mind. Hanumanji will give all happiness.

Oh Powerful Hanuman end the sufferings and remove all the pain from those who remember you.

Hail Hail Hail Lord Hanuman I beseech your Honour to bless me in the capacity of my supreme teacher.

One who recites this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times becomes free from the bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last.

As Lord Shankar witnesses, all those who recite Hanuman Chalisa regularly are sure to be benedicted.

Tulsidas always the servant of Lord prays. “Oh my Lord! You stay within my heart”.

O Shri Hanuman, The Son of Lord Air, Saviour The Embodiment of blessings, stay in my heart with Shri Ram, Laxman and Sita.

พระนารอท

พระฤษีนารท ก็ชื่อภาษาอืนเดียว่า นาโรดะ ปราก ดอยู่ทั้งในคำภีร์ ภควาตะปุรานะ และ รามยานะ เหาะในอากาสได้ (ซึ่งเป็นผลของการเข้าอรูปฌานและปิติ5 – เป็นผู้ประดิษฐ์ เครื่องบรรเลงซึ่งเรียกว่า พิณ (ภาษาฮินดูว่า Vina) ดนตรีที่ท่านได้แต่งก็ใช้ควบกับการท่องคาถาอาคม และสวดบทสรรเสริญเทพเทวา วึ่ง ส่วนใหญ่ ท่านก็จะอุทิศให้พระนารายณ์นะครับ. พระฤาษีนารท ก็เชี่ยวชานในการบัญญัติกฏหมายอีกด้วยนะครับ
นักเล่นดนตรีและศิลปินร้อง เพลงแต่งเพลงก็นับถืบูชาพระนารอทกันเป็นครูบาอาจารย์ พระนารท ก็มีชื่ออื่น ว่า มานัสบุตร Manasabutra (โทษทีว่า อาตมาไม่ทราบว่าสะกดตัวอย่างไรเป็นภาษาไทยครับ)

เป็นฤาษีชั้นเทพ (เทวฤษี), เรียกว่า “มหาฌาน”

อย่าลืมว่า ศาสนาพราหมร์กับพุทธก็ไม่ไช่สิ่งเดี่ยวกันครับ พระพุทธศาสนาไทยก็ชอบเอาของพราหมณื (เทพนิยม) มาแทรกในศาสนาพุทธ เป็นการบูชาเทพทีต้องเวียนว่ายตายเกิด เป็นสรณะ ที่แท้จริงก็ไม่ใช่นะครับ แตพระพุทธองค์ก็ไม่ได้ห้ามนะครับ การบูชาพวกพระฤษีก็คือการบูชาคนที่ตายแล้วนัครับ อันว่า บุคคลก็คือสังขาร ซึ่งเป็น อนิจจัง (ทุกขัง และ อนัตตา) นะคับ
อีกอย่างนึงก็คือ การบูขาวิญญานผีนะครับ คนที่บูชาครูที่เราไม่ได้ทราบจริงว่า ท่านคือใครจริง ก็มีอันตรายที่ว่า อาจคิดว่าพวกท่านก็คุ้มครองเราในระหว่างที่เรามีชีวิตอยู่ แต่พอเราก็ตายแล้วดับสังขารก็อาจตกเป็นบ่าวทาสเค้า ก็เป็นไปได้นะครับ
ขอใช้สามาญสำนึก และวิจารณญานในการเลือกสิ่งที่เราจะนิยมบูชาและรับใช้นะคับ
ขอ ให้ชาวพุทธอย่าลืมกันว่า สิ่งที่ได้มีเป็นที่พึ่งที่ถาวรและจะพาเราไปสวรรค์ ก็คือ พระพุทธพระธรรมพระสงฆ์ บวกการพระพฤติตัวในศีลปฏิบัติธรรมนะครับ
สัตว์ที่ ได้บำเพญตบะฌานสมาบัติได้ฤทธิ์ก็ไม่จำเป็นว่าเป็นคนอยู่ในศีล ว่าฌานก็มาจาก จิตวิสุทธิ์มากกว่าศีลวิสุทธิ ก็ยังโกรธลงมือทำปาบแล้วตกนรกได้นะครับ
แต่ว่า การประพฤติพรหมมจรรย์ก็พาไปแต่สวรรค์นะคับ
ฤทธ์ สามารถเกิดได้กับนักปฏิบัติทังสองฝ่ายได้ แต่การเล่นของอย่างไม่มีการถือศีลก็ไปนรกได้ง่ายนะครับ ต้องมีความบริสุทธิ์ในการปฏิบัติธรรม ถึงจะเป็นการบูขาครูที่พาไปสวรรค์ได้อย่างแน่นอนครับ
ขออัภัยในการวิ เคราะวิจารย์ด้วยนะคับ ว่า ตัวอาตมาได้ศึกษาเรื่องนี้เป็นอย่างมากแล้วก็ห่วงเกี่ยวกะเรื่องนี้ ว่าสาธุชนก็ชอบบูชาเหล่าเทพโดยไม่สืบสานก่อนว่า ท่านครูคนนั้น ก็คือใคร .. ที่มา ฯฯ

He is qualified as a Maha Jhana, one of the Greatest devotees of Vishnu, and in later life became a Ruesi (Rishi) and attained the level of Deva Rishi (Taewa Ruesi) – meaning angelic Brahma being status. This being is known as Ruesi Por Gae Narot in Thailand, and is highly revered not only in Artist and performance arts circles, rather also in the more mysterious circles of sak yant tattooing an Thai Brahmin Saiyasart (Magical Arts). The mask of Por Gae Narot is placed on the head of each devotee on Wai Kroo day (Master Day) and is believed to protect them all year and bless them for good luck, health and fortune, as well as protect them from all evil and dangers..

พระนารอท

นารทก็ชื่อภาษาอืนเดียว่า นาโรดะปราก ดอยู่ทั้งในคำภีร์ ภควาตะปุรานะ และ รามยานะ เหาะในอากาสได้ (ซึ่งเป็นผลของการเข้าอรูปฌานและปิติ5 – เป็นผู้ประดิษฐ์ เครื่องบรรเลงซึ่งเรียกว่า พิณ (ภาษาฮินดูว่า Vina) ดนตรีที่ท่านได้แต่งก็ใช้ควบกับการท่องคาถาอาคม และสวดบทสรรเสริญเทพเทวา วึ่ง ส่วนใหญ่ ท่านก็จะอุทิศให้พระนารายณ์นะครับ. พระฤาษีนารท ก็เชี่ยวชานในการบัญญัติกฏหมายอีกด้วยนะครับ
นักเล่นดนตรีและศิลปินร้อง เพลงแต่งเพลงก็นับถืบูชาพระนารอทกันเป็นครูบาอาจารย์ พระนารท ก็มีชื่ออื่น ว่า มานัสบุตร Manasabutra (โทษทีว่า อาตมาไม่ทราบว่าสะกดตัวอย่างไรเป็นภาาาไทยครับ)

เป็นฤาษีชั้นเทพ (เทวฤษี), เรียกว่า “มหาฌาน”

นี้ก็พระนารทตัวจริงของพราหมร์ฮินดูครับผม
อย่าลืมว่า ศาสนาพราหมร์กับพุทธก็ไม่ไช่สิ่งเดี่ยวกันครับ พระพุทธศาสนาไทยก็ชอบเอาของพราหมณื (เทพนิยม) มาแทรกในศาสนาพุทธ เป็นการบูชาเทพทีต้องเวียนว่ายตายเกิด เป็นสรณะ ที่แท้จริงก็ไม่ใช่นะครับ แตพระพุทธองค์ก็ไม่ได้ห้ามนะครับ การบูชาพวกพระฤษีก็คือการบูชาคนที่ตายแล้วนัครับ อันว่า บุคคลก็คือสังขาร ซึ่งเป็น อนิจจัง (ทุกขัง และ อนัตตา) นะคับ
อีกอย่างนึงก็คือ การบูขาวิญญานผีนะครับ คนที่บูชาครูที่เราไม่ได้ทราบจริงว่า ท่านคือใครจริง ก็มีอันตรายที่ว่า อาจคิดว่าพวกท่านก็คุ้มครองเราในระหว่างที่เรามีชีวิตอยู่ แต่พอเราก็ตายแล้วดับสังขารก็อาจตกเป็นบ่าวทาสเค้า ก็เป็นไปได้นะครับ
ขอใช้สามาญสำนึก และวิจารณญานในการเลือกสิ่งที่เราจะนิยมบูชาและรับใช้นะคับ
ขอ ให้ชาวพุทธอย่าลืมกันว่า สิ่งที่ได้มีเป็นที่พึ่งที่ถาวรและจะพาเราไปสวรรค์ ก็คือ พระพุทธพระธรรมพระสงฆ์ บวกการพระพฤติตัวในศีลปฏิบัติธรรมนะครับ
สัตว์ที่ ได้บำเพญตบะฌานสมาบัติได้ฤทธิ์ก็ไม่จำเป็นว่าเป็นคนอยู่ในศีล ว่าฌานก็มาจาก จิตวิสุทธิ์มากกว่าศีลวิสุทธิ ก็ยังโกรธลงมือทำปาบแล้วตกนรกได้นะครับ
แต่ว่า การประพฤติพรหมมจรรย์ก็พาไปแต่สวรรค์นะคับ
ฤทธ์ สามารถเกิดได้กับนักปฏิบัติทังสองฝ่ายได้ แต่การเล่นของอย่างไม่มีการถือศีลก็ไปนรกได้ง่ายนะครับ ต้องมีความบริสุทธิ์ในการปฏิบัติธรรม ถึงจะเป็นการบูขาครูที่พาไปสวรรค์ได้อย่างแน่นอนครับ
ขออัภัยในการวิ เคราะวิจารย์ด้วยนะคับ ว่า ตัวอาตมาได้ศึกษาเรื่องนี้เป็นอย่างมากแล้วก็ห่วงเกี่ยวกะเรื่องนี้ ว่าสาธุชนก็ชอบบูชาเหล่าเทพโดยไม่สืบสานก่อนว่า ท่านครูคนนั้น ก็คือใคร .. ที่มา ฯฯ

This is a great sounding Mantra chanted both professionally executed and harmoniously sung.

Agni

The God Agni is one of the main Hindu Brahmin and Vedic Deities. In the Kena Upanishad, a revered work of Indian philosophical Literature, a story is told, where the gods, having defeated the demons, puffed up with pride.

The Highest God (Sanskrit: Brahman), that formless entity who is beyond any gender, realized their folly and revealed itself before their eyes, to grace them with repentance. However, blinded with the veil of egoism, the gods were unable to understand the vision revealed to them.

Akanee  was then appointed by the Gods to find out  who the divine person in front of their eyes was. When Akanee reached the Great One, Brahman asked Akanee he deity of fire was then deputed by the gods to enquire who the divine person in front of their eyes was. When Agni reached the Great Being, he was asked to reveal his powers . Akanee replied that he was able to burn the whole planet down.

The Brahman then placed a blade of grass between the two of them, and asked him to burn it to ashes. Try how he might, Akanee was completely unable to birn the twig, and finished off gasping for breath..

Unable to know the Brahman, he then returned dejected to the waiting gods.

came the reply: “I can burn down the whole world.” The manifested Brahman then placed a blade of grass between them and asked him to burn it. Using all his might, fire tried his utmost to set the twig ablaze, but could not do so.

Unable to know the Brahman, he then returned dejected to the waiting gods both the Wind Deity and the God Indra both Failed in their attempts to beat the twig of Brahman …………………………………

Ganeshwara

Pra Pikanesworn, or, Lord Ganesha, ( he is also sometimes named Vinayaka, which means ” prominent leader”, is the Brahmin/Hindu Deity of Wisdom, as well as of completion in the areas of profession (especially the Arts and Performance), literature and worldly success. He is possibly derived from an Animistic deity, perhaps Dravidian Sun God. His wives/Consorts are; Bharati, Riddhi and Siddhi.
Lord Ganesha is a benevolent Deity, promising success, prosperity, and peace He is normally revered and called upon before entering into any kind of endeavour or business enterprise. He is responsible for success and failure, removing or creating obstacles as necessary.
His rounded belly symbolizes a vessel of prosperity. The Elephant’s head is a symbol of Wisdom, and the ability to listen to people who seek help

While Ganesha is popularly considered to be the son of Shiva and Parvati, the Puranic myths relate several different versions of his birth. These include versions in which he is created by Shiva, by Parvati, by Shiva and Parvati, or in a mysterious manner that is later discovered by Shiva and Parvati. He is one of 5 most popular Deities in the Hindu Brahman religions; Namely Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, Uma (Parvati/Kali) and Ganesha (Ganeshvara – พระพิฆเนศวร).

Ganesha has an official number of 32 different forms of manifestation, some red, yellow, white etc in color, some with many arms, ranging from 2 to 16 armas in general. He normally holds an axe, a lotus, a scheptre and a conical ornament, as well as a great variety of other ceremonial instruments and weapons, depending on the number of arms he has. In the commonly seen 4 armed version he will normally be holding a shell, in another a Chakra disc, in the third a club or a sweet cake and in the fourth a water lily. Pra Pikanesworn is called upon forst before all other Deities in Ceremonial rites.

The race between Ganesha and his Brother

Once there was a competition between Ganesha and his brother as to see who could circumambulate the three worlds faster and hence win the fruit of knowledge. Skanda went off on a journey to cover the three worlds while Ganesha simply circumambulated his parents. When asked why he did so, he answered that his parents Shiva and Parvati constituted the three worlds and was thus given the fruit of knowledge.

Lord Ganesh – A Children’s Tale

How ganesha got his Elephant’s head

Lord Ganesha is said to have been the son of Parvati and Shiva, but there are differing sources, some of them indicate different origins. His task in life was to guard his mother and once while doing so he foolishly failed to recognize Shiva himself who had come seeking his consort. Trying to defend his mother’s bath, Lord Ganesha was beheaded by Shiva who later was persuaded by Parvati to revive him. He promised Lord Ganesha that he should have the head of the first creature who happened along. An elephant was the first animal which was able to be found. Elephants are considered to be the wisest of all animals, so Shiva took it’s head and used it to replace the missing head of Lord Ganesh.
In the Shiva Purana the story goes as follows – while his mother Parvati wanted to take a bath, there were no attendants around to guard her and stop anyone from accidentally entering the house. Hence she created an image of a boy out of turmeric paste which she prepared to cleanse her body (turmeric was used for its antiseptic and cooling properties), and infused life into it, and thus Ganesha was born. Parvati ordered Ganesha not to allow anyone to enter the house, and Ganesha obediently followed his mother’s orders. After a while Shiva returned from outside, and as he tried to enter the house, Ganesha stopped him. Shiva was infuriated at this strange little boy who dared to challenge him. He told Ganesha that he was Parvati’s husband, and demanded that Ganesha let him go in. But Ganesha would not hear any person’s word other than his dear mother’s. Shiva lost his patience and had a fierce battle with Ganesha. At last he severed Ganesha’s head with his trishula. When Parvati came out and saw her son’s lifeless body, she was very angry and sad. She demanded that Shiva restore Ganesha’s life at once.

Unfortunately, Shiva’s trishula was so powerful that it had hurled Ganesha’s head very far off. All attempts to find the head were in vain. As a last resort, Shiva approached Brahma who suggested that he replace Ganesha’s head with the first living being that came his way which lay with its head facing north. Shiva then sent his celestial armies (Gana) to find and take the head of whatever creature they happened to find asleep with its head facing north. They found a dying elephant which slept in this manner, and after its death took its head, attaching the elephant’s head to Ganesha’s body and bringing him back to life. From then on, he was called Ganapathi, head of the celestial armies, and was to be worshipped by everyone before beginning any activity.

4 armed Ganesha holding the lotus, axe, and wip

Kata Pra Pikanes (Ganesh Mantra) คาถา พระพิฆเนศวร

Om Chaananam Bhutakanaatisewidtam Gabidhata Chambhupala Caruphaksanam Umaasudtam Soekawinaasa Kaarakam Namaami Wikanesawaaraphaata Bangkacham

Pra Pikanes and the split stomach

Lord Ganesha had a reputation for eating too much. One day after a really big feast, he decided to go out for a ride on his official mounted beast “Mushika”. Ganesh rides on a rat/mouse called Mushika. As they were riding along the path in the evening dusk, a snake appeared and attacked. Ganesh was surprised, as was Mushika, and the Rat reared up throwing Lord Ganesh off his mount, and flinging him on the floor. Ganesha’s swollen Pot Belly split open on impact with the floor, his innards spread all over the floor. But Lord ganesh was crafty enough to stuff his insides back in his stomach and use the snake as a belt to strap his wounds together and hold his innards inside his stomach. Then comes the event that is supposeldy responsible for the loss of ganesha’s Tusk;

Ganesh loses his Tusk

A jeering sound came from above; Ganesha looks up to see the moon making fun of him, insulting him. Lord Ganesh thus broke off one of his tusks, invoiking a spell and inserting it into the tusk, he then throws in into the moon cursing it to be unable to shed light once every cycle.

Another explanation of his missing tusk is that he plucked it out in his dedication to write down the Mahabharata of the Ruesi hermit Sage Vayasa.
He was  the Hindu god of learning and the patron father of alphabets and letters, so this may have some foundation in this story.

His Insatiable Appetite

Another story, taken from the Purana, tells that the treasurer of Svarga (paradise) and the god of wealth, Guberan, went one day to Mount Kailash in order to receive the darshan (vision) of Shiva. Since he was extremely vain, he invited Shiva to a feast in his fabulous city, Alakapuri, so that he could show off to him all of his wealth. Shiva smiled and said to him: “I cannot come, but you can invite my son Ganesha. But I warn you that he is a voracious eater.” Unperturbed, Guberan felt confident that he could satisfy even the most insatiable appetite, like that of Ganesha, with his opulence. He took the little son of Shiva with him into his great city. There, he offered him a ceremonial bath and dressed him in sumptuous clothing. After these initial rites, the great banquet began. While the servants of Guberan were working themselves to the bone in order to bring the portions, the little Ganesha just continued to eat and eat and eat. His appetite did not decrease even after he had devoured the servings which were destined for the other guests. There was not even time to substitute one plate with another because Ganesha had already devoured everything, and with gestures of impatience, continued waiting for more food. Having devoured everything which had been prepared, Ganesha began eating the decorations, the tableware, the furniture, the chandelier. Terrified, Guberan prostrated himself in front of the little omnivorous one and supplicated him to spare him, at least, the rest of the palace.

“I am hungry. If you don’t give me something else to eat, I will eat you as well!”, he said to Guberan. Desperate, Guberan rushed to mount Kailasa to ask Shiva to remedy the situation. The Lord then gave him a handful of roasted rice, saying that something as simple as a handful of roasted rice would satiate Ganesha, if it were offered with humility and love. Ganesha had swallowed up almost the entire city when Guberan finally arrived and humbly gave him the rice. With that, Ganesha was finally satisfied and calmed.

There is also the story of the Ruesi Parasurama who is supposed to have caused Ganesha to lose his tusk.

Ganesh Mantra

Other sources

Wikipedia