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Saturday, August 28, 2010

Shiva - Know more !

Ganga Comes Down to Earth

A legend from the Ramayana speaks of King Bhagirath who once meditated before Lord Brahma for a thousand years for the salvation of the souls of his ancestors. Pleased with his devotion Brahma granted him a wish. He requested the Lord to send the river Ganges down to earth from heaven so that she could flow over his ancestors' ashes and wash their curse away and allow them to go to heaven. Brahma granted his wish but asked him to pray to Shiva, for he alone could support the weight of her descent. Accordingly he prayed to Shiva and he allowed the Ganges to descend on his head, and after meandering through his thick matted locks, the holy river reached the earth. This story is re-enacted by bathing the 'linga'.


The Tiger & the Leaves

Once a hunter while chasing a deer wandered into a dense forest and found himself on the banks of river Kolidum when he heard the growl of a tiger. To protect himself from the beast he climbed up a tree nearby. The tiger pitched itself on the ground below the tree fostering no intention to leave. The hunter stayed up in the tree all night and to keep himself from falling asleep, he gently plucked one leaf after another from the tree and threw it down. Under the tree was a Shiva Linga and the tree blessedly turned out to be a bilva tree. Unknowingly the man had pleased the deity with bilva leaves. At sunrise, the hunter looked down to find the tiger gone, and in its place stood Lord Shiva. He prostrated before the Lord and attained salvation from the cycle of birth and death.


Why Shiva is Worshipped in His Phallic Form

According to another legend, once Brahma and Vishnu, two other deities of the holy Trinity, had an argument as to their supremacy. Brahma being the Creator declared himself to be more revered, while Vishnu, the Preserver, pronounced that he commanded more respect.Just then a colossal 'lingam', known as Jyotirlinga, blanketed in flames, appeared before them. Both Brahma and Vishnu were awestruck by its rapidly increasing size. They forgot their quarrel and decided to determine its size. Vishnu assuming the form of a boar went to the netherworld and Brahma as a swan flew to the skies. But both of them failed to accomplish the self-assumed tasks. Then, Shiva appeared out of the 'lingam' and stated that he was the progenitor of them both and that henceforth he should be worshiped in his phallic form, the 'lingam', and not in his anthropomorphic form.

Story of Shiva Lingam - Why Shiva is worshipped in the Phallic Form

This is an interesting story regarding the worship of Lord Shiva in the phallic form. It is believed that once Brahma and Vishnu, the two deities of the Trinity, got into an argument regarding their supremacy. Lord Brahma declared himself to be more admired, being the creator. While the preserver, Vishnu, pronounced that he commanded more admiration. Just then a huge pillar of fire (lingam), called as Jyotirlinga, appeared in flames, before them. This Lingam enthralled both Brahma and Vishnu, with its hastily increasing size. With this incident, they forgot their quarrel and decided to find its size. Vishnu took the form of boar and went to the netherworld. Brahma assumed the form of a Swan and flew to the skies. However both of them were unsuccessful in completing the self-assumed tasks. At that time, Shiva appeared out of the lingam and acknowledged that he was the progenitor of both, Brahma and Vishnu. So, he should be worshipped in his phallic (lingam) form, and not in the anthropomorphic form.

Significance of the Shiv Lingam

The non antrhropomorphic Lingam form of Shiva is what is held in reverence in temples all over the sub continent. The Lingam is a symbol. It is a symbol of that which is invisible yet omnipresent. It is hence a a visible symbol of the Ultimate Reality which is present in us (and in all objects of creation ). The Shivalingam denotes the primeval energy of the Creator.It is believed that at the end of all creation, during the great deluge, all of the different aspects of God find a resting place in the Lingam; Bhrama is absorbed into the right, Vishnu to the left and Gayatri into the heart. The Shivalingam is also a representation of the infinite Cosmic Column of fire, whose origins, Vishnu and Bhrama were unable to trace. (see Lingodbhavar).

Legend has it that Parvati fashioned a Shivalingam with a fistful of sand at Kanchipuram and worshipped Shiva; this lingam is known as the Prithvilingam, denoting the primordial element earth. Shivalingams in several temples are swayambus, or that which appeared on their own, or that which is untouched by a chisel. On the other hand, there are temples where the Shivalingam is carved out of stone and installed. The highly polished Shivalingams of the Pallava period bear several stripes, as in the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram. The Shivalingam is generally mounted on a circular or quadrangular receptacle called the Avudaiyar. This pedestal is designed so as to drain off the water offered during ablution ceremonies. In temples such as Kanchipuram, abhishekam is offered only to the pedestal and not to the Shivalingam made of sand. The bottom of the pedestal represents Bhrama, the octogonal middle represents Vishnu and the upper circular portion represents Shiva. The upper portion of the Shivalingam may be of various shapes, cylindrical, elliptical, umbrella shaped. Images may also be (rarely) carved on a Shivalingam. Nandi, the bull is depicted facing the sanctum in all Saivite temples, symbolizing the human soul Jeevatma yearning for realizing its oneness with Paramatma, the ultimate reality.

Shiva is a major Hindu god

Shiva is a major Hindu god and one aspect of Trimurti. In the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism, Shiva is seen as the Supreme God. In the Smarta tradition, he is one of the five primary forms of God. Followers of Hinduism who focus their worship upon Shiva are called Shaivites or Shaivas. Shaivism, along with Vaisnava traditions that focus on Vishnu and Sakta traditions that focus on the goddess Devi are three of the most influential denominations in Hinduism. Shiva is usually worshipped in the form of Shiva linga. In images, he is generally represented as immersed in deep meditation or dancing the Tandava upon Maya, the demon of ignorance in his manifestation of Nataraja, the lord of the dance. In some Hindu denominations, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva represent the three primary aspects of the divine in Hinduism and are collectively known as the Trimurti. In this school of religious thought, Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the maintainer or preserver, and Shiva is the destroyer or transformer.

Shiva Shakti

Shiva is lord of the lords and it is really not easy to write/explain everything about shiva.However many have tried to explain him and praised him as per their knowledge but the explanation is endless and it is un-imaginable from a human being even devas, asuras and other rishi munis have very little words to explain about the lord almighty.

Shiva means the supreme one, the auspicious one, the pure one and for me the beloved one. Shiva is named as Pashupati which means the Lord of all living beings either it is humans, devas, asuras or any creatures. Another name Mahadeva depicts the great God, supreme in all devas(Gods).

The God staying in a state blissful, enjoying in Its Own Self eternally, without any flaws is the Supreme Lord shiva. The Perfection is the completeness - there is nothing external that is required to make the Self blissful.

Lord Shiva is reckoned among the Tridevas (trimity). Brahma is the creator, Lord Vishnu is the preserver and Lord Shiva is the destroyer. Shiva is the lord of Shakti also.

Lord shiva is absolute which does not have any parents which never takes birth Which is all alone without association with any of the creatures or creations enjoying in the Self. God is the only one who is dependable for anybody / anything to surrender to as It is the only perennial Being. Hence God is the Lord of all creatures (lives/souls). For this reason the Lord is hailed as pashupati (Lord of living beings). Whether it is devas or asuras or humans or other creatures all are pashus. That being the case how could the Lord be partial to one section of pashus and withdrawing the Grace for the other ? So anybody who worships the Lord sincerely could get blessed with Its Grace irrespective of the caste, creed, race, power, status and qualities.

It is in fact to be noted that Lord shiva is worshipped by the devas like viShNu, braHma, indra, by asuras like bANa, rAvaNa, tripura, sUrapadma, by humans like sha~Nkara bhagavatpAda, samban^dhar, appar, by other creatures like jaTAyu, sampAdi (eagles), vAli (monkey) and the list goes on and on. One finds in the purANas the variety of people of different backgrounds and qualities worship the Lord shiva. There are many histories of temples which talk of the cranes, bees, elephants, spiders, snakes worshipping the Lord and getting blessed. So the Lord as the Supreme blesses anyone who worships in sincere devotion. There is no discrimination on who the seeker is. The Lord is so merciful that He showers the boons one look for when there is a determination to seek Him. It is evident from the history of asura bANa who attained a great fame of his valor and got the place in the abode of Lord shiva all due to his determined worship of the Lord.

Lord shiva is the God of all. Like the mother He showers the grace for all the children, but the misusing children get punished. This Supreme Lord better than a mother does not withhold the grace, He is our beloved pashupati.

The God would not be biased. It would not differentiate between one group versus the other, whether it be divines or daemons or humans or plats or creatures or on sex or on race etc. All that matters is dharma and the pure devotion towards It. No doubt this lovely Lord shiva is worshipped alike by divines, daemons, scholars, not much learnt simple, and the other creatures.

shiv shankar mantra

॥ॐ मृत्युंजय मंत्र ॥

वैदिक मंत्र
ॐ त्र्यम्बकँ य्यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्द्धनम् ।
उर्व्वारूकमिव बन्धनान्न्मृत्योर्म्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ।
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं य्यजामहे सुगन्धिम्पतिवेदनम् ।
उर्व्वारूकमिव बन्धनादितोमुक्षीय मामुत: ।।
 
 
पौराणिक मंत्र
ॐ मृत्युंजयमहादेवं त्राहि मां शरणागतम् ।
जन्ममृत्युजराव्याधिपीडितं कर्मबन्धनै:॥
 
 
समय मंत्र
ॐ हौं जुं स: मृत्युंजयाय नम:॥

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Shivmahimna stotra

Lord Shiva is considered as one of the three main Deity [ त्रिदेव: The three forms of God – Brahma (creator), Vishnu (sustainer) and Mahesh or Shiva (destroyer) ] of Hindus. Aadi Shankaracharya has written quite a few stotras (songs of worship) on Lord Shiva. Many known and unknown scholars have also expressed their adoration for Lord Shiva with their own poetic verses. However among all stotras or stutis, the one written by Pushpadanta became very popular.
It would be interesting to know the circumstances which led Pushpadanta to compose this great song. Pushpadant was a Gandharva (गांधर्व – musician in the court of Indra). He had a particular liking for flowers. It so happened that he saw beautiful garden adorned with charming flowers. It was King Chitraratha’s royal garden. King Chitraratha was a devotee of Lord Shiva. Every day, he used to offer flowers from his palatial garden as a symbol of his devotion to Lord Shiva.
Pushpadanta was fascinated by those stunning flowers, so he began to steal them. As a consequence, king Chitraratha was unable to pick flowers for offering to Lord Shiva. It was not an isolated incident. It became a routine affair. King Chitraratha made every effort to address the issue but remained unsuccessful. The reason was very simple; Pushpadanta had divine power to remain invisible.
At last, King spread Bilva leaves (बिलीपत्र), considered auspicious offering to Lord Shiva in his garden. Pushpadanta, unaware of this sudden change, stepped on Bilva leaves and incurred Lord Shiva’s wrath. Shiva punished him for his misdeed and Pushpadanta lost his divine power of invisibility.
In order to seek absolution and please Lord Shiva, Pushpadant created a stotra (song of praise) in which he elaborated at length upon Shiva’s greatness. Shiva was pleased with the hymn, absolved him and returned his divine powers. The very stotra became known as the ‘Shiva-mahimna Stotra’.
The recital of this stotra is very beneficial as proclaimed by one of its verses:
अहरहरनवद्यं धूर्जटेः स्तोत्रमेतत् ।
पठति परमभक्त्या शुद्धचित्तः पुमान्यः ॥
स बवति शिवलोके रुद्रतुल्यस्तथाडत्र ।
प्रचुरतर धनायुः पुत्रवान्कीर्तिमांश्च ॥
“Anyone who recites this hymn with a pure heart and devotion will be blessed with fame (कीर्ति), wealth (धन), long life (आयु) and many children (सुत) in this mortal world, and will attain Kailas, Shiva’s abode, after death.”
दीक्षा दानं तपस्तीर्थं ज्ञानं यागादिकाः क्रियाः ।
महिम्नस्तवपाठस्य कलां नार्हन्ति षोडशीम् ॥
“Benefit of singing Shivmahimna stotra is far greater than either the benefit of spiritual initiation (दीक्षा), charity (दान), austerity (तप), pilgrimage (तीर्थ), knowledge of the scriptures (ज्ञान), or the performance of ceremonial sacrifice (यज्ञ-याग).”

How to Use Gemstone Therapy

Gemstone therapy is based on the theory that certain stones possess specific healing energies. Physical and emotional problems can block the body's energy center, resulting in illness of some kind. When a gemstone comes into contact with the body, its energy is released and transferred to the person. Use gemstone therapy to unblock negative energy or heal the body and gemstone meditation to heal the spirit.


Try meditating with gemstones to help rev up the main energy centers of your body, also known as chakras. Specific colors placed on a specific chakra, or area of the body, will stimulate the energy of that area. The best time to meditate is morning and it's helpful to have soft music playing in the background to empty your mind. Lie down, place the stones in the pattern described below, take a couple of deep cleansing breaths and meditate for about 30 minutes.

Buy a rock crystal, believed to be the most therapeutic stone. It's thought to help rid one of resentments and to help with stomach aches. Carry it during the day and lay it on your bedside table at night. Keep it close and its effects will help strengthen your physical and emotional weaknesses

Address a specific problem by wearing a necklace with a gemstone, or carrying a stone in your pocket specific to that issue. These are the two most effective ways to incorporate gemstones into your life in order to benefit from their therapeutic effects

Take care of your gemstones. Most will need to be washed in water two or three times a week to remove accumulated negative energies. Other stones should not be rinsed because doing so will dull their finish and effectiveness. A good chart will advise you correctly.



Increase your knowledge about gemstone therapy by taking an online course or teleseminar. Some are free and others charge a fee. Use due diligence when making your selection.

Gemstone therapy can also be useful for pets. Purchase a lavender necklace for your dog if you notice him or her exhibiting signs of stiffness or discomfort. Lavender promotes healing and alleviates pain for both pets and people.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Great Sotry of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati

The Great Story of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati Marriage The muth of wedding of Lord Shiva and Shakti which is a single mainly essential myth which is connected to the event of Mahashivaratri. The legend tells why Lord Shiva had got wedding a next occasion to Goddess Shakti, which was his great wife. According to myth of Lord Shiva and Shakti, the daylight Lord Shiva got wedded to Parvati which is great as Shivaratri – the dark of Lord Shiva.
Legend which is goes the Lord Shiva and his wife Sati or Shakti were frequent from wise Agastya’s ashram past listening to Ram Katha or legend of Ram. Going on their mode a Jungle, Shiva saying Lord Ram which is searching the wife Sita which had been Kidnap by the Ravana, he was the king of Lanka. Lord Shiva was curved by his skull in respect to lord Ram. Sati has been shocked by the Lord Shiva’s performance and was inquire by which reason he started a obeisance to a simple worldly. Shiva learned Sati that Ram be an life of Lord Vishnu. Sati, though, he was not content with the answer and the Lord asked her to go plus confirm the certainty intended for her.

By her influence to modify form, sati take the appearance of Sita appear and earlier of Ram. Lord Ram right away accepted the proper uniqueness of the divinity and had asked, “Devi, why are you unaccompanied, where’s Shiva?” On this, Sati realize the fact regarding the Lord Ram. However, Sita was similar to protect to Lord Shiva and while sati take the appearance of Sita her position had tainted. Since to moment, Shiva separate himself beginning as a wife. Sati had become a depressed by the modify of position of Lord Shiva however she stay on at increase Kailash, the residence of Lord shiva.

Presently, Sati’s father was the Daksha which are prepared a yagna, however he do not request Sati or Shiva since he had an argument through Shiva in the courtyard of Brahma. However, Sati who had required attending the Yagna, she was go still while Lord Shiva do not respected the suggestion. To the large pain, Daksha unseen her incidence and do not even present and was not still Prasad for Shiva. Sati was feel shamed and he was decided to strike with deep pain. She jump in to the Yagna shoot and was immolated herself.

Lord Shiva turn into enormously angry while he was hear the reports of Sati’s immolation. Shipping the stiff of Sati, Shiva begin to achieve Rudra Tandava or the skip of damage and wipe absent of the empire of Daksha. Everyone was scared as Shiva’s Tandava had the influence to obliterate the total creation. In arrange to peaceful Lord Shiva, Vishnu detached Sati’s body in to 12 pieces and throw them on the world. It is believed that anywhere the quantity of Shakti’s body floor, there emerge a Shakti Peetha, which counting the Kamaroopa kamakhya in Assam and the Vindhyavasini in up. Lord Shiva be currently without help undertook exact reparation and retire to the Himalayas. Sati which take a re-birth as Parvati in the relations of God Himalaya. She perform apology to crack Shiva’s thought and succeed his mind to facilitate of Kamadeva – the God of love and obsession. Kaamadeva asked parvati, who had found it hard to crack his penance. Shiva turn into particularly angry and breach his third eye that compact kaamadeva to remains. It has simply past Kamadeva’s wife Rati’s earnest that Lord Shiva decided to revive Kaamadeva.

After that, Parvati undertake cruel reparation to succeed over Shiva. Through her attachment and influence by sage devas, Parvati, also recognized as Uma, and was lastly talented to into wedding and was absent from simplicity. Their wedding was solemnized a day earlier than Amavasya in the month of Phalgun. This daytime of merger of God Shiva and Parvati is famous as Mahashivratri every year.
Some other story on it

According to one more story of the myth, divinity Parvati perform tapas and prayer on the favorable moonless dark of Shivaratri to district off any vice that might occur her husband. while after that, womenfolk has begin the tradition of pray for the healthy organism of their husbands and sons on Shivaratri day. Single women request for a companion similar to Shiva, which is measured to be the perfect husband.

Shiva Poems

Recite melodious Shiva poems on the auspicious occasion of Shivaratri. Shiva poetry invoke devotion and dedication towards Lord Shiva and help us to receive blessings of the holy figure. Given below are some beautiful poems of Lord Shiva.

Divine Lord bless me with your love
Divine Lord bless me with your love,
Divine Lord bless me so that I may lie at your feet,
Thou divine feet emits the glow of eternal joy
Divine Lord be my guide.
Divine Lord forgive my ignorance,
Divine Lord extend your blessings
so that I may bathe in your glorious light.

Divine Lord let me melt into the beauty,
Divine Lord thou are father and mother to me,
Like a naughty child please forgive my sins and my failings.
Lead me to your wisdom,
Let me bathe in your purity,
Offer my devotion to you in this
lifetime and others to come.

O Lord let me lie at your feet with devotion,
Bless me as your devotee evermore.
oh my Lord thou can heal my aching heart,
oh Lord let me lie at your feet for eternity.
Contributed by: Varsha Sewlal

Lord Shiva
On the white summit of eternity
A single Soul of bare infinities,
Guarded he keeps by a fire-screen of peace
His mystic loneliness of nude ecstasy.
But, touched by an immense delight to be,
He looks across unending depths and sees
Musing amid the inconscient silences
The Mighty Mother's dumb felicity.

Half now awake she rises to his glance;
Then, moved to circling by her heart-beats' will,
The rhythmic words describe that passion-dance.
Life springs in her and Mind is born; her face
She lifts to Him who is Herself, until
The Spirit leaps into the Spirit's embrace.

Lord Your Maya
Oh! Lord your Maya does not give me up even
When I have given it up. In spite of my
resistance it clings to me and follows me.

Your Maya becomes Yogini to the Yogin. It
becomes a nun to the monk, it becomes a
herald to the saint. It adapts itself to
each according to his nature.

When I climbed up the hill, your Maya too
came up; when I entered the forest, your
Maya too entered behind me.
So the world does not take its hand off
my back even now!

O, Lord of infinite mercy, your Maya frightens
me. O Lord Mallikarjuna, bestow your grace
on me.

Our Lord
At the world's dawn
The black cow of cosmic night lies
With the ruddy cow of morning
The Father rapes his virgin daughter
Agni, the hunter, shoots his arrow
The Father, a frenzied foaming bull, runs
Spilling his seed upon the ground
The daughter runs south.

Ripened by Agni, the progeny's patter begins.
"Fire is a hunter."
It sustains and destroys.
Vastospati, Guardian of sacred order, lord of vastu,
Guardian of the dwelling, site, house, sacrifice
Manifests.
The fallen seed, the birth of humankind,
the poem Begin
Howling Engender form.

The rhythmic structure, the wild creation
The unnamed god evoke the scene, consciousness
wakes. Time begins. Patter patter. Rhythm pervades the cosmos.

Shiva
There is a hawk that is picking the birds out of our sky,
She killed the pigeons of peace and security,
She has taken honesty and confidence from nations and men,
She is hunting the lonely heron of liberty.
She loads the arts with nonsense, she is very cunning
Science with dreams and the state with powers to catch them at last.
Nothing will escape her at last, flying nor running.
This is the hawk that picks out the star's eyes.
This is the only hunter that will ever catch the wild swan;
The prey she will take last is the wild white swan of the beauty of things.
Then she will be alone, pure destruction, achieved and supreme,
Empty darkness under the death-tent wings.
She will build a nest of the swan's bones and hatch a new brood,
Hang new heavens with new birds, all be renewed.

Marriage of Shiva and Shakti

The legend of marriage of Shiva and Shakti is one the most important legends related to the festival of Mahashivaratri. The story tells us how Lord Shiva got married a second time to Shakti, his divine consort. According to legend of Shiva and Shakti, the day Lord Shiva got married to Parvati is celebrated as Shivaratri - the Night of Lord Shiva.

The Legend
Legend goes that once Lord Shiva and his wife Sati or Shakti were returning from sage Agastya’s ashram after listening to Ram Katha or story of Ram. On their way through a forest, Shiva saw Lord Rama searching for his wife Sita who had been kidnapped by Ravana, the King of Lanka. Lord Shiva bowed his head in reverence to Lord Rama. Sati was surprised by Lord Shiva’s behavior and inquired why he was paying obeisance to a mere mortal. Shiva informed Sati that Rama was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Sati, however, was not satisfied with the reply and Lord asked her to go and verify the truth for herself.

Using her power to change forms, Sati took the form of Sita appeared before Rama. Lord Rama immediately recognized the true identity of the Goddess and asked, "Devi, why are you alone, where's Shiva?" At this, Sati realized the truth about Lord Ram. But, Sita was like a mother to Lord Shiva and since Sati took the form of Sita her status had changed. From that time, Shiva detached himself from her as a wife. Sati was sad with the change of attitude of Lord Shiva but she stayed on at Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.

Later, Sati’s father Daksha organised a yagna, but did not invite Sati or Shiva as he had an altercation with Shiva in the court of Brahma. But, Sati who wanted to attend the Yagna, went even though Lord Shiva did not appreciate the idea. To hre great anguish, Daksha ignored her presence and did not even offer Prasad for Shiva. Sati felt humiliated and was struck with profound grief. She jumped into the yagna fire and immolated herself.

Lord Shiva became extremely furious when he heard the news of Sati’s immolation. Carrying the body of Sati, Shiva began to perform Rudra Tandava or the dance of destruction and wiped out the kingdom of Daksha. Everybody was terrified as Shiva’s Tandava had the power to destroy the entire universe. In order to calm Lord Shiva, Vishnu severed Sati's body into 12 pieces and threw them on earth. It is said that wherever the pieces of Shakti’s body fell, there emerged a Shakti Peetha, including the Kamaroopa Kamakhya in Assam and the Vindhyavasini in UP.

Lord Siva was now alone undertook rigorous penance and retired to the Himalayas. Sati took a re-birth as Parvati in the family of God Himalaya. She performed penance to break Shiva’s meditation and win his attention. It is said that Parvati, who found it hard to break Shiva’s meditation seeked help of Kamadeva - the God of Love and Passion. Kaamadeva asked Parvati to dance in front of Shiva. When Parvati danced, Kaamadeva shot his arrow of passion at Shiva breaking his penance. Shiva became extremely infuriated and opening his third eye that reduced Kaamadeva to ashes. It was only after Kamadeva’s wife Rati’s pleading that Lord Shiva agreed to revive Kaamadeva.

Later, Parvati undertook severe penance to win over Shiva. Through her devotion and persuasion by sages devas, Parvati, also known as Uma, was finally able to lure Shiva into marriage and away from asceticism. Their marriage was solemnized a day before Amavasya in the month of Phalgun. This day of union of God Shiva and Parvati is celebrated as Mahashivratri every year.

Another Version of the Legend
According to another version of the legend, Goddess Parvati performed tapas and prayers on the auspicious moonless night of Shivaratri to ward off any evil that may befall her husband. Since then, womenfolk began the custom of praying for the well being of their husbands and sons on Shivaratri day. Unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, who is considered to be the ideal husband.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Samudra Manthan

Samudra Manthan

Samudra ManthanThis very popular Shivaratri legend from Puranas explains why people stay awake all night on Shivaratri. Besides, it also tells us why Lord Shiva is also known as Neelakantha.

Legend Behind Samudra Manthan
Once Indra - the King of Gods, while riding on an elephant came across Durvasa Muni who offered him a special garland. Indra accepted the garland but put in on the trunk of the elephant. The elephant was irritated by the smell and it threw the garland on the floor. This enraged the sage as the garland was a dwelling of Sri (fortune) and was to be treated as prasada. Durvasa Muni cursed Indra and all devas to be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune.

In battles that followed this incident, devas were defeated and asuras (demons) led by Bali gained control of the universe. Devas sought help from Lord Vishnu who advised them to treat asuras in a diplomatic manner. Devas formed an alliance with asuras to jointly churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality and to share it among them. Lord Vishu told Devas that we would arrange that they alone obtain the nectar.

The Churning of the Ocean
The churning of the milk - ocean was an elaborate process. Mount Mandara was used as churning rod and Vasuki, the King of Serpents, became the churning rope. Lord Vishnu himself had to intercede in so many ways to aid the Devas. All kinds of herbs were cast into the ocean and many great beings and objects were produced from the ocean and were divided between asuras and gods. It is said that following things emerged from the Samudra Manthan:
  • Sura or Varuni - Goddess and creator of wine
  • Apsaras - various divine nymphs
  • Kaustubha - a rare diamond said to be the most valuable jewel in the world
  • Uchhaishravas - the divine white horse
  • Kalpavriksha - the wish-granting tree
  • Kamadhenu - the wish fulfilling cow
  • Airavata - the white elephant
  • Lakshmi - the Goddess of Fortune and Wealth. Vishnu and Her were reunited after having been separated for many ages.
Haalaa-Hala - the Poison
During the Sagar Manthan by the gods and demons, haalaa-hala, a pot of poison also came out of the ocean. This terrified the Gods and demons as the poison was so toxic that it effects would have wiped out the entire creation. On the advice of Lord Vishnu, Gods approached Lord Shiva for help and protection as only he could swallow it without being affected. On the request of gods and out of compassion for living beings, Lord Shiva drank the poison. However, Parvati - Lord Shiva’s consort pressed his neck so that the poison does not reach his stomach. Thus, it stayed in his throat neither going up nor going down and Shiva remained unharmed. The poison was so potent that it changed the color of Lord Mahadeva’s neck to blue. For this reason, Lord Shiva is also called Neelakantha (the blue-necked one) where ‘Neela’ means blue and ‘Kantha’ means neck or throat.

As part of the therapy, doctors advised gods to keep Lord Shiva awake during the night. Thus, Gods kept a vigil in contemplation of Lord Shiva. To amuse Shiva and to keep him awake, the gods took turn performing various dances and playing music. As the day broke out, Lord Shiva, pleased with their devotion blessed them all. Shivaratri is the celebration of this event by which Shiva saved the world. Since then, on this day and night - devotees fast, keep vigil, sing glories of Lord and meditate.

Churning Out Divine Nectar
At last, Dhanvantari - the Divine Physician appeared with a pot of Amrita (nectar of immortality) in his skilful hands. Fierce fighting ensued between devas and asuras for the nectar. To protect the nectar from asuras, devas hid the pot of nectar at four places on the earth - Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. At each of these places, a drop of the nectar spilled from the pot and since then, it is believed that these places acquired mystical power. Grand Kumbh Mela is celebrated at the four places after every 12 year for this reason.

Eventually, Lord Vishnu took the form of a beautiful woman, Mohini. While her beauty bewildered the asuras, Mohini seized the nectar and returned it to the Devas, who drank it immediately.

Maha Mrityunjay Mantra

Maha Mrityunjay Mantra

Maha Mrityunjay MantraThe Maha Mrityunjay Mantra or Lord Shiva Mantra is considered extremely powerful and significant by the Hindus. Also known as the Moksha Mantra of Lord Shiva, chanting of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is said to create divine vibrations that heals. Devotees of Lord Shiva further believe that Maha Mrityunjay evokes the Shiva within human beings and removes the fear of death, liberating one from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Significance of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
Devotees strongly believe that proper recitation of the Maha Mrityunjaya rejuvenates, bestows health, wealth, long life, peace, prosperity and contentment. It is said that chanting of Shiva Mantra generates divine vibrations that ward off all the negative and evil forces and creates a powerful protective shield. Besides, it is said to protect the one who chants against accidents and misfortunes of every kind. Recitation of the mantra creates vibration that pulsates through every cell, every molecule of human body and tears away the veil of ignorance. Hindus believe that recitation of the mantra ignites a fire within that consumes all negativity and purifies entire system. It is also said to have a strong healing power and can cure diseases declared incurable even by the doctors. Many believe Maha Mrityunjay Mantra to be a mantra that can conquer death and connect human beings to their own inner divinity.

The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
The following Maha Mrityunjay Mantra has been taken from the Sukla Yajurveda Samhita III. 60. The Mantra is addressed to Lord Shiva and is a centuries old technique of connecting one to pure consciousness and bliss.

Om Tryambhakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam |
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan
Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat ||

Meaning:
Om. We worship The Three-Eyed Lord Shiva who is fragrant and who increasingly nourishes the devotees. Worshipping him may we be liberated from death for the sake of immortality just as the ripe cucumber easily separates itself from the binding stalk.

Explanation:
The mantra is a prayer to Lord Shiva who is addressed as Sankara and Trayambaka. Sankara is sana (blessings) and Kara (the Giver). Trayambaka is the three eyed one (where the third eye signifies the giver of knowledge, which destroys ignorance and releases us from the cycle of death and rebirth).

Best Time to Chant
Chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra with sincerity, faith and devotion in Bramha Muhurata is very beneficial. But one can also do Maha Mrityunjaya japa anytime in a pure environment with great benefit and discover the happiness that's already within.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Choose Your Career From Your Rashi

The following post Choose Your Career From Your Rashi will give you an idea of how you can choose your career field according to your ruling planet.

• MESHA: Govt. job, Police, Military Service, Fire Service, Sports, Engineering industry, Iron factory, boiler plant, brick chamber, pottery work, mining, surgeon, arm manufacturing, cooking, agriculture, trade union leader

• VRISHABA: Jewelry business, cattle shed, money lending, commission agent, financial institutions, handicrafts, fancy articles, scented materials, five star hotels, flower merchants, fruit juice shop, drama, cinema, music, poet, story writer, singer, treasury.

• MITHUNA: Information and broad casting, space dept., education dept. P & T, Telephone, book publishing, mathematics dept, accountants, auditors, law and order councilor, ambassador,

• KARAKA: Export and Import, shipping, transport dept., agriculture, grocery shop, medical shop, milk booth, vegetable shop, pearl merchant, hotel business, distillery, mineral water selling,

SIMHA: Govt.Job, Politics, Administrator, Social Services, Charitable institutions, Engineering Industry

• KANYA: Auditing, Accounting, Business, Teacher, writer, retail shops

• TULA: Jewelry shop, fancy shop, handicrafts, perfume shop, cloth merchant, money lending, commission agents, bank, Life insurance , law dept., hotel business, bar and Restaurant, Dancing Hall, Beauty parlor, Music, Dance , Cinema

• VRISCHIKA: Iron Industries, Engineering Industry, Mining, Agriculture, Electricity Dept, Metal industry, Instrument Manufacturing, precision development organization, raw materials, priest, astrology, mantra and tantra, occult practices

• DHANU: Forest dept, saw mills, wood merchant, bank, law dept, temple, financial institutions, education dept, ordnance depot, military training dept, social service, charitable institutions.

• MAKARA: Hotels, food products, manure and pesticide selling, oil merchant, mining, dealing with spare parts and old articles, hardware shop, leather business, building work, Granite stone and sand business, porters, coolies, drivers, shoe polishing, shoe makers.

• KUMBHA: Psychology, Astrology, Philosophy, Religion, Teaching, Research and Development, Consultancy, Administration, Oil and Natural Gas Companies, Air Service, Space Dept., Defense service, Fire Service, Jail Dept., Bomb manufacturing, tourist guide, central excise dept, butcher shop, CBI Dept.

• MEEN: Education Dept, Religious Institutions, Medicine, Financial institution, Law Dept, External Affairs, Bank, Navy, shipping, temple worker, priest 

Shiv Chalisa

(English translation in bold italics)
Jai Ganesh Girija suvan, mangal mool sujan,
Kahati Ayodhyadas tum, deu abhaya vardan.
Hail Lord Ganesh, son of Girija, who is supremely wise and the start of all auspicious events. Ayodhyadas asks you, to grant him the boon of safety and security.

Jai Girijapati deen dayala,
Sada karat santan pratipala.
Hail Girijapati, the ever kind lord,
Who always looks after and protects his devotees.


Bhal chandrama sohati neeke,
Kanan kundal nag phani ke.
He has the moon upon his forehead,
and in his ears, instead of rings, he has the serpents coiling around.


Ang gaur shiv ganga banai,
Mundamal tan kshar lagai.
He is fair complexioned with the divine river, Ganga, flowing from his crown,
Around his neck, he has a necklace of severed heads and his body is smeared with ash.


Vastra khal baghambar sohe,
Chhavi ko dekh nag muni mohe.
He wears the skin of a panther tied around his waist,
Looking at his charming view, the serpents and high sages get enchanted.


Maina Matu ki priya dulari,
Bam ang rajat Shiv pyari.
The beloved daughter (referring to Parvati) of Maina is sitting on his lap at his left side,
She is supremely dear to Lord Shiv.


Kar men soha trishul ati bhari,
Karahi sada shatrun samhari.
He carries a heavy trident in his hand,
with which he slays the enemies forever.


Nandi Ganesh soh tanha kaise,
Manas madhya kamal hon jaise.
With him are Nandi and Lord Ganesh,
Looking as beautiful as lotus flowers blooming in Mansarovar lake.


Kartik shyam aur gana rauo,
Ya chhavi barnat bane na kauo.
He has with him dark complexioned Kartikeya and Ganesh,
No one is capable to describe the full spectacle.


Devan jab hee aai pukara,
Tabahin dukh prabhu ap nivara.
Whenever the celestials faced problems and came to you,
You always solved the problems and provided succour to them.


Keen upadrava tarak bhari,
devan sab mili tumhari pukari.
When the demon Tarak wrought havoc,
The celestials all called to you help.


Turat shadanan ap pathayo,
Luv nimesh mahi mar girayo.
Then you immediately sent Sadanand,
Who, within no time at all, destroyed the demon.


Ap Jallandhar asur sanhara,
Suyash tumhar vidit sansara.
You also slayed the demon, Jallandhar,
Your glory is well known to the world.


Tripurasur sang yuddha machayi,
sabahin kripa kari leen bachayi.
By fighting and killing the Demon Tripurasur,
You forgave everybody and saved the Gods.


Keenha tap Bhagirath bhari,
Purahi pratigya tasu purari.
King Bhagirath 1 had performed a rigorous penance,
And by you grace, you fulfilled his wishes.


Darpa chhod Ganga tab ayee,
Sewak astuti karat sadaee.
Because of this, Ganga, left her abode and came to earth,
That is why your devotees always sing your praise.


Ved naam mahima tav gayaee,
akath anadi bhed nahin payee.
The Vedas had tried to describe your glory but the same is beyond explanation,
It is impossible to fathom your full glory.


Pragati udadhi manthan te jwala,
Jare surasur bhaye bihala.
The sea churning 2 had produced such a dreadful poisonous flame,
Which scared both the Gods and demons.


Mahadeva tab kari sahayee,
Neelkantha tuv nam dharayee.
The, Great God, you came to their rescue and drank the poison,
Which stayed in your throat, making it blue, hence you are called Neelkanth


Poojan Ramchandra jab keenha,
Lanka jeet Vibhishan deenha.
When Lord Ram III worshipped you,
You gave him victory over Lanka and made Vibhishan it's king.


Sahas kamal arpanahi vichari,
Keenha pareeksha tabahi purari.
During this worship, Lord Ram decided to offer you a thousand lotus flowers,
Then to assess his firmness of faith, you decided to test him.


Ek kamal Prabhu rakheu goyee,
Kamal nayan poojan chahin soyee.
Lord, you decided to hide one of the flowers,
Not finding it, Lord Ram substituted his lotus like eye for it.


Kathin bhakti dekhi Prabhu Shankar,
Bhaye prasanna deya icchhit var.
Lord Shanker was pleased with his steadfast devotion,
You granted him the desired boon.


Jai Jai Jai, Ananta Avinasi,
Karat kripa sab ke ghatvasi.
Hail to thee, O Infinite and Indestructible Lord,
Shower your grace on everybody, O Omniscient one.


Dushta sakal mohi nitya satavan,
Bharmita rahe man chain na aven.
I am always troubled by wicked people,
This makes me distressed with no peace of mind.


Trahi trahi main nath pukaro,
Yeh avasar mohi, ani ubaro.
Getting distressed, I pray to you, Lord Shanker,
O Lord, help me in these troubled times.


Lai trishool shatrun ko marau,
Sankat se mohi ani unarau.
Come with your trident and slay my enemies,
And free me from my problems.


Mata pita bhrat sab hoi,
Sankat mein poonchat nahi koi.
Although I have my mother, father, brothers and family,
Yet in times of trouble, nobody offers me help.


Swami ekahi aas tumhari,
Ai harahu sab sankat bhari.
O Lord, you are my only hope,
O Master, please come and take away this heavy burden (problems).


Dhan nirdhan kon det sadaee,
Arat jan ki peer mitaee.
You give wealth to the poor,
And you wipe away their difficulties.


Astuti kehi vidhi karahu tumhari,
Shambunath ab tek hamari.
I do not know of any other way to seek your help from my problems,
Hey, Shambunath, listen to my prayer now.


Shanker ho sankat ke nashan,
Vighna vinasan mangal karan.
Shankar, you are the destroyer of problems,
Please be the root of my happiness and welfare


Yogi yathi muni dhyan lagaye,
Sharad Narad Sheesh navavahin.
All the sages and yogis meditate on you,
Saraswati, Narad and the seers bow in reverence to you.


Namo namo jab namah Shivaye,
Sur brahmadik par na paye.
I now chant your name, "Om Namah Shivaye",
Neither Brahma not the Gods could fathom your entire glory.


Jo yeh path kare man layee,
To kon hot hain shamboo sahayee.
Whoever reads this prayer with utmost devotion,
Shall definitely be helped by Lord Shamboo, without any doubt.


Putra na ho, ichha kare koi,
Nishchaya Shiv prasad se hoi.
Anybody without a son who prays to you,
Will definitely be blessed with one by Lord Shiv.


Pandit triyodashi ko lave,
Dhyan poorvak hom karave.
The devotees should get a priest to perform a yagna on the 13th lunar day of the fortnight,
And with full attention and devotion, one must pray to Lord Shiv to get their wishes fulfilled.


Triyodashi vrita kare hamesha,
Tan nahi take rahe kalesha.
Whoever fasts on the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight,
Gets peace of mind and a healthy body.


Dhoop deep naivedya chadhavahi,
Shanker sanmukha path karavahi.
With a lighted lamp, incense and other payer material,
One should worship before an idol of Lord Shiva with full devotion.


Janam Janam ki pap nasavahin,
Antawas shivpur men pavahin.
A devotee of Shiv will have all the sins of all his births wiped away,
And in the end, he will live happily in the kingdom of Lord Shiva.


Hey Shankar hai aas tumhari,
Dukh peera ab harahu hamari.
O Lord Shanker, you are my only hope,
Now please end all my pains and worries.

NAG PANCHAMI

Celebrated on : The fifth day of the Bright half of Shravan.
Religion : Hindu
On the fifth day of the bright half of Shravan people worship the snake, �nag�. The day is known as �Nag Panchami�. Naga Panchami is the festival of snakes celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Shriven. The festival falls during the rainy months and is believed to counter the increased possibility of a snake bite during this time. People visit temples specially dedicated to snakes and worship them. Shiva temples are also favoured places for veneration as snakes are considered dear to him. In South India, people craft images of snakes using cow dung on either side of the entrance to the house to welcome the snake god. Some go to worship the snake which is believed to be hiding in the holes of anthills. Or else a five hood snake is made by mixing �gandh� (a fragrant pigment), �halad-kumkum� (turmeric powder), �chandan� (sandal) and �keshar� (saffron) and placed on a metal plate and worshipped. This practice of worshipping the snake on this day is related to the following story.The Snake and the Farmer
A farmer was ploughing his field. At the edge of the field there was an anthill which he inadvertently destroyed with the plough, and thus the young serpents that were hiding in it were killed. The mother snake had casually gone out. When she came back she could not find her young ones. At last she found them cut into pieces. She was furious and understood that the farmer had killed them. She was bent on taking revenge. Nag Panchmi
At night when the farmer was sleeping with his wife and children, the snake came full of anger. She began to bite the feet of the farmer, and then one by one the feet of his wife and children. All began to cry. But the eldest daughter happened to be out of the house that night. Then the snake remembered that on the occasion of her wedding, the girl had gone to the house of her father-in-law. �I will not spare her either,� the snake resolved.
The snake ran towards the neighbouring village. She stopped before the door of a house, and saw a young girl inside. She recognized her as the farmer�s eldest daughter. The snake went in determined to bite her. But then she saw the young girl with joint hands worshipping the snake she had made out of �gandh�, and the nine �nagkule� (young snakes). She had offered them �nagane� (gram soaked and parched), �lahya� (rice blown out by parching), and �durva� (grass sacred to Ganpati), and she was praying with great devotion, �O God Snake, don�t be angry if I have committed any mistake. Accept my worship. Look after my people at home and in my father-in-law�s house. Do not bite anyone. Forgive any fault we may have committed inadvertently.�
With this the snake was pleased and came before the girl. She opened her eyes and got frightened at the sight of the snake. But the snake said, �Don�t be afraid. I shall not bite you. Tell me who you are and where your house is.� Then the snake knew well that the girl was the farmer�s daughter and felt very sorry for having killed all her people.
The snake told the girl what had happened, but told her not to cry. She gave her some nectar and told her to sprinkle it on her dead people, and with this they all came back to life. Krishna and the Kaliya Snake
Nag Panchami is also connected with the following legend of Krishna. Young Krishna was playing with the other cowboys, when suddenly the ball got entangled in the high branch of a tree. Krishna volunteered to climb the tree and fetch the ball. But below the tree there was a deep part of the river Yamuna, in which the terrible snake Kaliya was living. Everybody was afraid of that part of the river.
Suddenly Krishna fell from the tree into the water. Then that terrible snake came up. But Krishna was ready and jumping on the snake�s head he caught it by the neck. Kaliya understood that Krishna was not an ordinary boy, and that it would not be easy to overcome him. So Kaliya pleaded with Krishna: �Please, do not kill me.� Krishna full of compassion asked the snake to promise that henceforth he would not harass anybody. Then he let the snake go free into the river again.
On Nag Panchami day the victory of Krishna over the Kaliya snake is commemorated. For this reason Krishna is known as �Kaliya Mardan�. Snakes are believed to like milk. As this is the day of the serpents, devotees pour milk into all the holes in the ground around the house or near the temple to propitiate them. Sometimes, a small pot of milk with some flowers is placed near the holes so that the snakes may drink it. If a snake actually drinks the milk, it is considered to be extremely lucky for the devotee. The festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm by all, especially women.
As most rivers in India are in spate during the month of Shriven, poisonous snakes come out of their subterranean abodes and creep about in plenty all over the place. Many also float on flooded rivers running through the countryside. Mortality from snakebites must have been considerable to prompt people to worship the nagas to seek protection from them. Because of the fear, nagas were elevated to a divine status by the Hindus. The serpents are believed to have the capability to change their shape at will. When in human form, they are depicted as beautiful women and handsome men.
Naga Panchami is observed indifferent ways in different parts of India. It is one of the most ancient fasts, and finds mention in the Puranas. It is believed to be one of the most auspicious days of the entire year. According to the Bhavishya Purana, when men bathe the snakes called Vasuki, Takshaka, Kaliya, Manibhadra, Airavata, Dhritarashtra, Karkotaka and Dhananjaya with milk on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Shriven, they ensure freedom from danger for their families.
In some parts of southern India, figures of snakes are drawn with red sandalwood paste on wooden boards, or clay images of snakes coloured yellow or black are purchased. These are then worshipped and offered milk. Snake charmers wander about with all sorts of snakes, to which people offer milk. The snake charmers are paid some money for allowing this Serpent worship developed gradually from the fear of serpents that must have taken a heavy toll on life, particularly at the beginning of the rainy season. In the Ashvalayana Grihyasutra, the Paraskara Grihyasutra and other Grihyasutras, a rite called Sarpabali or 'offerings to serpents' was performed on the full moon night of Shriven. However the reason that it was moved from the full moon night to that of the fifth night of the bright fortnight is not apparent. It may be due to the slight change in the time of the onset of the rains.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Vaastu Shastra

Vaastu Shastra Services is an effective & versatile way to make a radical difference in yours life. It plays an important role in health, happiness & harmony.
Vaastu Shastra is not a magic, but only the pure science of structures, vibrations & energy. It is a multipurpose and all encompassing way to look at human problems.
A correct vaastu gives out positive energy that helps the environment work in your favour. Vaastu is a simple, practical technique to identify and deal with hidden energies in your surrounding, imbalances & stagnating circumstances.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Power of god shiva

Shiva is 'shakti' or power, Shiva is the destroyer, the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and one of the godheads in the Hindu Trinity. Known by many names - Mahadeva, Mahayogi, Pashupati, Nataraja, Bhairava, Vishwanath, Bhava, Bhole Nath - Lord Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities. Hindus recognize this by putting his shrine in the temple separate from those of other deities.Shiva, in temples is usually found as a phallic symbol of the 'linga', which represents the energies necessary for life on both the microcosmic and the macrocosmic levels, that is, the world in which we live and the world which constitutes the whole of the universe. In a Shaivite temple, the 'linga' is placed in the center underneath the spire, where it symbolizes the naval of the earth.The actual image of Shiva is also distinct from other deities: his hair piled high on the top of his head, with a crescent tucked into it and the river Ganges tumbling from his hairs. Around his neck is a coiled serpent representing Kundalini or the spiritual energy within life. He holds a trident in his left hand in which is bound the 'damroo' (small leather drum). He sits on a tiger skin and on his right is a water pot. He wears the 'Rudraksha' beads and his whole body is smeared with ash.Shiva is believed to be at the core of the centrifugal force of the universe, because of his responsibility for death and destruction. Unlike the godhead Brahma, the Creator, or Vishnu, the Preserver, Shiva is the dissolving force in life. But Shiva dissolves in order to create, since death is the medium for rebirth into a new life. So the opposites of life and death and creation and destruction both reside in his character.He is also often portrayed as the supreme ascetic with a passive and composed disposition. Sometimes he is depicted riding a bull called Nandi decked in garlands. Although a very complicated deity, Shiva is one of the most fascinating of Hindu gods.Since Shiva is regarded as a mighty destructive power, to numb his negative potentials he is fed with opium and is also termed as 'Bhole Shankar', one who is oblivious of the world. Therefore, on Maha Shivratri, the night of Shiva worship, devotees, especially the menfolk, prepare an intoxicating drink called 'Thandai' (made from cannabis, almonds, and milk) sing songs in praise of the Lord and dance to the rhythm of the drums.
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