Return to the Source

Collected Writings on Spiritual Life

“Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati, a monk of Shankara's Order and the main priest of Kali Mandir in Laguna Beach, is an austere traditional monk. This inspiring book, Return to the Source, reveals his devotion and passion for God, knowledge of the Hindu Scriptures and ritual, words of wisdom and practical spiritual guidance. This book originated from some of his class talks, articles, and writings, and over and above, from his sadhana and experiences. Readers will find in this book the pure spiritual tradition of Vedanta. It will help them to build their inner lives, to breathe the freshness of the eternal, and to attain peace and bliss.”
~ Swami Chetanananda, Vedanta Society of St. Louis, author of over thirty books on Sri Ramakrishna and Vedanta

Simple Kali Puja

Instructions for Ritualistic Worship of Dakshina Kali

This booklet is a guide to learning simple Mother worship in the Hindu tradition.  Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati presents here a simplified ritualistic worship of Goddess Kali that can easily be performed regularly.  Based on ancient Tantric scriptures, the mantras and rituals contained in this puja-book come to us from the tradition of the Dakshineswar Kali temple where Sri Ramakrishna lived and worshipped the Divine Mother with an awe-inspiring intensity for over thirty years.  This book contains an overview of puja and includes the transliterated Sanskrit mantras with English translations as well as instructions for a five-item worship of Mother Kali.  This is the simplest Kali puja that is still authentic and complete for easy learning and memorization and is ideal for daily home practice.  Booklet.  36 pp. with drawings.

Mahishasuramardini Stotram

Mahishasuramardini Stotram, a famous hymn to Ma Durga, contains the power of the Devi Mahatmyam.  Encoded and embedded in the words of this exquisite hymn are hidden esoteric seed sounds, making its recitation a transformative spiritual practice.  This booklet includes the Devanagari Sanskrit, Roman transliteration and translation in English.

Recorded live before the awakend image of Ma Dakshineswari Kali at Kali Mandir
Musicians: Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati ( vocals,harmonium, khol mridanga, kartals); Rampriya Das (vocals,harmonium, khol mridanga); Brahmachari Parameshwara Chaitanya (khol mridanga, kartals). Tracks include: Guru Pranams; Jai Jaga Jananim; Shiva Kali;  Jai Kali Jai Kali; Kali Maheswari; Jai Ma. 

These bhajans were recorded live in response to requests by numerous devotees.  Raw from the heart.  When kirtan takes off at Kali Mandir, the walls seem to expand.  The CD includes Hanuman Chaleesa, Ramakrishna Vasudeva, Chamundayai Kali Ma, Om Namah Shivaya, Shiva Kali, Jai Ma.

Mystic Chants & Bhajans Recorded During Kali Worship.  This rare collection of songs and chants recorded live at Kali Mandir’s annual  Kali pujas in Laguna Beach captures the mood of this ancient sacred ritual and reflects the soulful longing for the Divine Mother by artists from a variety of musical and spiritual disciplines.  Featuring Haradhan Chakraborti, Bhagavan Das, Premanand Trikannad, Krishna Gopinathan, Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati, Sudha Srikumar, the David Stringer Kirtan Ensemble, Sumanta Chakrabarti, and Nandu Menon.  Total playing time: 70.15 min.  Includes an insert with lyrics & translations, artist bio’s and pictures.  Kali Mandir.