This book is an anthology of various stotras and hymns in praise of the Mother Goddess, known in Kashmiri as Maej Bhawani, and highlights the devotion and worship of the Great Mother Goddess. Various aspects of the Mother Goddess have been described. The names and methods of devotion and worship have also been reproduced. It is my humble attempt to put forth the collection of hymns and shlokas at the feet of the Great Mother Goddess.

Dr. M.L. Bhat was born in a tiny village in Kashmir. For the last 32 years, he has been living as a refugee in his own country since the Mass Exodus of Kashmiri pandits from Kashmir Valley in 1990. He retired as a Professor of Chemistry. He is married to Champa and has two children.

The Eternal Religion or Ancient Law is based on the sacred books, the Vedas. This religion known as Sanatana Dharma is what we call the Hindu religion or Hinduism. This religion is based on a strong foundation called S'ruti, that which has been heard, on which stand the walls or Smriti, that which has been remembered. The S'ruti consists of the Vedas, while Smriti constitutes the Dharma Shastra.

There are numerous sacrifices laid down in the sacred books. The five "Great Sacrifices" to be offered every day are:

1. The Sacrifice to the Rishi or Vedas

2. The Sacrifice to Pitris

3. The Sacrifice to Devas

4. The Sacrifice to Bhu tas

5. The Sacrifice to Men

Adhyapanam Brahma-Yagya Pitr-yagastu Tarpanam Hommo Devo Bali Bhoto Nar yagyo Atithi poojanam

("Teaching is the Brahma-sacrifice, Tarpana is the Pitri-sacrifice, Homa (the offering into the fire) is the Deva-sacrifice, Bali (food) is the Bhuta- sacrifice, hospitality to guests, the Manushya-sacrifice")

The whole Mediterranean region universally adopted the religion of the Great Mother Goddess around 4000 B.C.E as assumed by philosopher Erich Neumann. This religion was revived around 2000 B.C.E and spread throughout the whole of the then known world. The Great Goddess was worshipped as Creator, as the lady of men, beasts, and plants, as Liberator, and as a symbol of transcendent spiritual transformation.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages