want to know abt Shiva(Sai Shiva)

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Shiva Mahapuran

(SAGES ENQUIRE)

Viddyeshwar Samhita which is classified into twenty five chapters has a

narration in its first chapter which goes as follows-Once upon a time, the

sages were performing a yagya at Prayag kshetra. Sage Sutji came to know about

this and arrived there. All the sages were very pleased to see him. They

requested:- " Lord! Though we have heard many tales from you regarding the

man's benediction, but today we want to listen to something special. Because in

this present era of Kali, when all the castes have forgotten about their

respective duties we want to know is there any way to prevent the deterioration

in the human values? "

 

Sutji replied: - " O Great men! Your enquiry has great relevance in this

era of Kali. I will certainly tell you about the way by the help of which a man

can achieve benediction. Shivmahapuran contains the essence of Vedantic

philosophy, which gives worldly pleasures as well as Salvation. Mere

remembrance of it destroys all the sins of a man. One who studies the

Rudra-Samhita attentively, his gravest of sins are destroyed instantaneously.

One who studies Rudra-Samhita' silently, sitting in front of Bhairav-idol, all

of his aspirations are fulfilled. A man gets liberated from the sin of killing

a Brahmin, if he studies Rudra Samhita while circulbulating around a Banyan

tree. "

 

" Kailash Samhita is even Superior than Rudra Samhita, as it elaborates

upon the meaning of Omkar. Shivmahapuran is created by lord Shiva Himself. It

contains twelve Samhitas which are - Viddyeshwar, Rudra, Vinayak, Uma, Matri,

Ekadash-rudra, Kailash, Shat-rudra, Koti-rudra, Sahastra Koti, Vayaviya and

Dharma. "

 

" Initially it contained one lac shlokas but it was precised to twenty-four

thousand shlokas by sage Vyas. The present ShivPuran is the fourth one which

consists of seven Samhitas. The earlier three Shivpuranas are unavailable. The

scientific analysis of the Vedantic mysteries are the main subject of this

divine Shivpuran. The study of Shivpuran helps a man to attain Dharma, Artha, Kaam

and Moksha.

 

(PROPOSITION & MEANS) OR ATTAINABLE Sutji continued with his

narration:-

" During the initial period of 'Svet Varah Kalp'. Six prominent sages

collected near Triveni and started debating as to who was the greatest deity,

among Brahma Vishnu and Mahesh. Their debate remained inconclusive, so they

went to lord Brahma to seek the answer.

 

Lord Brahma told them:- " O revered Sages! The source of Vishnu, Rudra all

the deities including myself and all the other creations is none other Mahadeo.

Union with the Shiva should be the objective of a man to attain that objective.

Listening to the qualities of Lord Shiva, singing devotional songs in his

praise and contemplating on him are the greatest means, which help to unite

with Shiva. "

 

(LISTENING-KIRTAN-CONTEMPLATION)SHRAVAN KIRTAN MANAN

Purification of the mind by the help of doing worship and chanting the name of

God is called contemplation. Singing devotional songs in the form of stotra, or

hymns of the vedas or even in one's own language is called Kirtan. The above

mentioned three activities are the supreme means to attain liberation

 

(GREATNESS OF SHIVALINGA) According to Sutji, if a person is incapable

of following the above mentioned three activities i.e. Shravan, Kirtan and

Manan then he should worship the Shivalinga. Even by doing this he can attain

liberation from all the bondages of the world.

 

Describing about the majesty of Shivalinga, Sutji says: " Lord Shiva is the

manifestation of Almighty God (Brahma) himself and for this very reason he is

known as NISHKAL. Because of his divine beauty, Shiva is called SAGUNA (God

with form). The term SAGUNA is also expressed in another way that is SAKAL.

Shivalinga is worshipped since it symbolizes the form of Shiva. Lord Shiva is

also considered to be NIRGUNA (without any qualities.) " " In the first

Kalpa of Swetvarah, a battle was fought between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to

prove their superiority. Lord Shiva manifested before arrogance. After that he

also showed them his form in the shape of Shivalinga. From that day onwards the

Shivalinga became famous. "

 

(THE DEITIES GO TO KAILASH MOUNTAIN) Nandikeshwarji narrates the tale of

battle between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. " Once while travelling lord

Brahma reached the abode of Lord Vishnu. He saw Lord Vishnu. He saw lord Vishnu

resting on Shesh-Nag and being attended by Garuda and other attendants. When

Brahmaji saw that Vishnu did not get up to receive him, he became very angry.

Very soon, Verbal dual erupted between them. It became so severe that a battle

was fought between them, which continued for very long time. All the deities

arrived from the heaven to watch the battle. They became very worried when they

saw no sign of battle coming to an end. They decided to go to lord Shiva, to

seek his help.

(ANALSTAMBH - THE PILLAR OF FIRE) " Though Lord Shiva knew everything, but

still feigning ignorance, he asked about the well beings of the world. The

deities told him about the battle, fought between Brahmaji and Vishnuji. "

" Lord Shiva then sent his one hundred Ganas to pacify both of them. He too

went there accompanied by mother Parvati, boarded on a chariot. When Lord Shiva

reached there, he saw that Brahmaji and Vishnuji were about to use their deadly

weapons- Maheshwar and Pashupat respectively. Fearing the destruction, which

these deadly weapons might have caused, Lord Shiva manifested himself in the

form of 'Analstamba' (pillar of fire) between them. Brahmaji and Vishnuji had

already released their weapons- Maheshwar and Pashupat. Both the weapons fell

into that pillar of fire and got destroyed.

 

" Brahmaji and Vishnuji were very surprised to see the pillar of fire,

which was so enormous in size that it reached the sky and penetrated down the

earth. Vishnuji transformed himself into a boar and went to the 'Patal' (nether

world) to find the base of that 'Pillar of fire'. But he was unsuccessful in

his attempt and came back. Similarly Brahmaji transformed himself into a swan

and flew up in the sky to find its limit. While going through the aerial route

he met a withered 'Ketaki' flowers, which still some freshness and fragrance

had left in It. "

 

" Lord Shiva smiled at the futile attempts of Shri Brahmaji and Vishnuji.

As a result of his smile the Ketaki flower fell down from the branch. Ketaki

flower told Brahmaji that he had been present there since the beginning of the

creation, but was unable to know about the origin of that 'Pillar of fine'. The

flower also advised Brahmaji against making any effort in that direction, as it

would be of no use. " " Brahmaji then sought the help of Ketaki flower

to give a false witness before lord Vishnu, that he (Brahmaji) had been

successful in seeing the limit of that pillar of fire. Ketaki flower agreed.

Both of them went to Vishnuji and Brahmaji told him that he had seen the limit

of that Pillar of fire. Ketaki flower gave a witness. Vishnuji accepted the

superiority of Brahmaji. "

 

" Lord Shiva became very angry with Brahmaji. He proceeded to punish

Brahmaji for his falsehood. Lord Vishnu requested Lord Shiva to spare the life

of Brahmaji. Lord Shiva became pleased with Vishnuji and accorded him the same

status as Hat of his own. "

 

SHIVA OBLIGES BRAHHA Nandikeshwar continuing with the tale said:

" After according same status to Vishnuji as that of his own, Lord Shiva

opened his third eye from it manifested 'Bhairav'. He ordered Bhairav to kill

Brahmaji. Bhairav severed the fifth head of Lord Brahma with his sword.

Brahmaji became very terrified. He was trembling in fear. Lord Vishnu felt pity

on his condition and requested Lord Shiva to forgive him. Lord Shiva then

stopped Bhairav, but told Brahma.

 

" You spoke untruth with a desire to become worshippable. It is my curse

that, you will not be worshipped by anybody. You will posses only four

heads. " Brahmaji begged his forgiveness. Lord Shiva feeling pity on

Brahmaji gave him a boon of being the presiding deity of all the yagya.

Similarly the Ketaki flower also prohibited from being used during worship. But

when Ketaki flower tendered his apology Shiva gave blessing that it would be

fortunate to be offered to lord Vishnu during the worship.

 

(CONSECRATION OF MAHESHWAR) Lord Vishnu and Brahma made salutations to

lord Shiva and offered him a seat. They then worshipped him. This was the first

time, Brahma and Vishnu had worshipped lord Shiva. Shiva was very pleased.

Shiva-ratri has been continued to be celebrated since that day. This particular

day is considered to be the most auspicious day for the worship of Lord Shiva.

A devotee who fasts on Shiv ratri remaining only on fruits, attain virtues

equivalent to the worship done for the whole year. The idol of Shiva is

consecrated on this day. Lord Shiva has himself told the deities that he had

manifested in the form of Pillar of Fire' in the month of Agahan and during the

constellation of Ardra. He also said- " One who has my darshan on this day

(Shivratri) or worships me in my form of linga is dearer to me than Kartikeya.

The place where, I manifested in the form of Pillar of fire will become famous

as Lingasthan. Because of its resemblance with the 'Mountain of Fire', it will

also be known Arunachal. " Later on Shiva brought back to life all the

people who had died in the battle, fought between Brahmaji and Vishnuji.

 

(OMKAR) Lord Shiva then preached Brahmaji and Vishnuji on the five

duties (Panchakritya) saying that 'Shrishti' (creation), 'Sthithi' (position),

Samhar (Annihilation), Tirobhav (Concealment) and 'Anugrah' (obligation or

kindness) are the five duties by which this world functions.

The source of this world in 'Sarga' or Nature, the establishment of this world

is 'Stithi' or position. The tendency of this world to destroy is Samhar or

destruction. The feeling of absence of this world is Tirobhav or Concealment

and Moksha or Salvation is obligation or Anugrah. Lord Shiva then goes on to

explain that the first four duties like Sarga (Nature) etc help in the

nurturement of the world and the fifth duty Anugrah is a giver of Salvation.

 

Lord Shiva also told them (Brahmaji & Vishnuji) that he (Shiva) had blessed

both of them to look after the two duties i.e. Shrishti and Sthiti. Rudra and

Mahesh have been entrusted with the job of Sanhar & Tiribhav. " The

fifth duty 'Anugrah' has been kept by Me. " , said Shiva. After describing

about the allocation of the various duties, Lord Shiva described the meaning of

'OMKAR' to them. He said that OMKAR signified the world and contained the power

of both Shiva and Shakti. This powerful mantra gives all kinds of worldly

accomplishment as well as salvation. After that Lord Shiva initiated both Brahmaji

and Vishnuji with the OMKAR' mantra. He also preached them on the importance of

the worship of Shivalinga.

 

RITUALS OF THE WORSHIP OF SHIVA On the request of the sages, Sutji

describes about the methods of worshipping Shiva Linga. He says " One should

construct a Shivalinga either of mud, rock or metal and establish it in such a

place where it can be worshipped daily without any hindrance. " " The

'Char' (mobile) Linga should be small in size and the Sthira (Fixed) linga

should be large. The Linga should be constructed along with the pedestal. The

rule for constructing a Shiva Linga has been specifically described. The

breadth of thickness of the Linga should be twelve times the thickness of the

devotees (one who is constructing the linga) finger, while the length should be

twenty-five times. After establishing the linga in the above mentioned way, it

should be worshipped after performing the Shodasopachar. The thumb also

symbolise a Shiva linga and its worship can be done. While worshipping the

Shiva Linga, the mantra OM NAMAH SHIVAY should be continuously chanted.

Chanting this mantra for five crore times, helps a man in attaining to the

abode of Shiva. Worship of Shiva done during the mid night is considered to be

especially fructifying.

 

(SACRED PILGRIMAGES OF SHIVA) There are numerous places of pilgrimages

connected with Shiva at the banks of river Ganges and river Indus. River

Saraswati is considered to be a sacrosanct river and having an opportunity of

living at its banks, helps in attaining to the abode of Brahma. Similarly,

there are famous temples of Lord Shiva at Kashi, Naimisharanya, Badrikasharam

and Kedar etc. There are many temples of Shiva at the banks of holy river like

Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati, Godavari, Narmada, Kaveri, Sarayu, Tungabhadra etc.

Worshipping Shiva at these places bestows undiminishing virtues and liberates a

man from all of his sins.

(CONDUCT OF THE RESPECTIVE CASTES) On the request of the sages, Sutji

described about the virtuous and invirtuous activities of a man according to

the respective castes be belonging. He said: " A brahmin, who performs the

rituals, as described in the Vedas, only is entitled to be called a Dwija. A Brahmin

who is not that proficient in the Vedas is called a 'Kshatriya brahmin'. A Brahmin

engaged in agricultural activities and business is called a Vaishya-brahmin'. A

brahmin who is in the habit of condemning and criticizing others, is called a

'Shudra-Brahmin'.

 

" A Kshatriya who looks after the welfare of his subjects is called a king,

while the rest of them are known as simply Kshatriya. A Kshatriya who indulges

in business is called a Vaishya Kshatriya. Similarly a Kshatriya who engages

himself in the service of the three superior castes - Brahmin Kshatriya and

Vaishya is called a Shudra Kshatriya.

 

TYPES OF DHARMA Dharma is considered to be of two types- 1) Dharma

performed by matter and Materials.2) Dharma performed by indulging in physical

activities.

 

The performance of Yagya etc comes in the first category. Making pilgrimages of

holy places comes in the second category. During the Satya-Yuga, meditation was

the way to attain self knowledge. During Treta-Yuga, it was attained by

penance, during Dwapar Yuga it was attained by performing 'Yagya' while in the

present era of Kali Yuga; idol worship is considered to be the means to achieve

self-realization. Invirtuosity invites sorrow while virtuosity bestows joy and

happiness.

 

'THE IMPORTANCE OF AGNI-YAGYA' The sages then asked Sutji about the Agniyagya

Brahma yagya and Guru Puja in order of importance.

 

Sutji said- " Performing 'havan' by offering matter and materials into the

sacred fire, is called Agni yagya. This ritual is especially meant for the

brahmachari (Celibates). Performing havana during the evening time brings

prosperity, while performance of havana during the morning times gives long

life. Making sacrifices to the deities during the day time is called 'Deva

Yagya'. A Brahmin should perform 'Brahma yagya with the help of the study of

the Vedas. "

 

" First of all lord Shiva adopted an auspicious day for himself and named

it Sunday. After that he named the Six remaining days of the week and

attributed them to the following deities respectively - Monday (Durga), Tuesday

(Skand), Wednesday (Vishnu), Thursday (Yama), Friday (Brahma), and Saturday

(Indra). Worshipping the deities on their respective days give peace properity

and all kinds of accomplishments.

(APPROPRIATE PLACE AND TIME FOR WORSHIPPING SHIVA)IMPORTANCE

OF PLACE:

 

In the Viddyeshwar Samhita of Shivapuran, describing about the importance of

place and time for worship of Shiva says- " Worshipping Shiva at a pure

place in a house gives appropriate fruits, while worship done in a cowshed

gives virtue, which are ten-times more than the former one. Worshipping Shiva

at the banks of a river gives ten times more virtues than the second one.

Worship of Shiva done either in temple, under the basil plant etc. or at the

banks of Sapt Ganga, gives ten times more virtue than the third one. If Shiva

is worshipped at the seashore than the fourth one, while worshipping Shiva on

the peak of a mountain, gives ten times more virtue than the fifth one. But

worship done with a fully concentrates mind, gives the best fruits.

 

IMPORTANCE OF TIME: During the Satya-yuga performance of Yagya and donations gave

complete results. During the Treta-yuga it gave half, while in the present

Kaliyuga it gives one-fourth results. Virtuosity performed with a pure heart

does not go in vain. The other auspicious days in order of their increasing

importance are 'Surya-Sankranti', Tula Sankranti and Mesh-Sankranti, Lunar

eclipse and solar eclipse respectively.

 

(WORSHIPPING THE IDOL OF SHIVA) It has been mentioned in the sixteenth

chapter of Viddyeshwar Samhita that all the desires of a man are completely

fulfilled, if he worship even in earthen idol of Shiva. For making an idol of

Shiva, day should be acquired from the base of river, pond, well or any such

other place. In this clay fragrant powder and milk should be added to make it

into a paste. After the constructing of idol is complete, it should be

worshipped by all the sixteen types of rituals Shodasopachar. If the Shiva

Linga is constructed by somebody else, then three 'sera' of Naivedya should be

offered to the deity, whereas if one himself has constructed the Shiva-Linga

then the one-fourth of a 'Sera' should be offered.

 

If such an idol s worshipped for one thousand times, then it helps a devotee in

attaining to the Satyaloka. Performing 'abhishek' of such an idol helps in

self-purification, offering fragrance gives virtues, Naivedya increases the

life span and worshipping it with 'Dhoop' gives wealth and prosperity

respectively. Worshipping the idol with a burning lamp gives knowledge to the

devotee, whereas offering beetel leaves gives splendours. A devotee who worships

Lord Shiva in the Hindu month of Magh and on Krishna Chaturdashi achieves

longevity of life. Both, worldly pleasures and salvation are achieved by

worshipping Shiva. Worshipping Shiva in the Hindu month of Kartik by going

Japa, penance etc gives special fruits and the devotee becomes free from all

kinds of diseases. If a devotee worships lord Shiva on Sunday he becomes free

from rebirth.

 

(THE MAJESTY OF PRANAV PANCHAKSHAR)The root sounds Akaar, Ukaar, Makaar,

Bindu and Naad, which are free from the delusions and which originates from the

Mother Nature are called Pranav. It is of two types:-a) Gross, b) Subtle.

(Pranav Mantra OM AND OM NAMAH SHIVAY!

 

 

It symbolizes the unified power of Shiva and Shakti and destroyes all the sins

of a man. A man desirous of worldly pleasures must chant the mantra 'Hrishva

Pranav' containing the three root sounds A, U, & Ma, which symbolizes

Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh respectively. On the other hand a man aspiring for

the salvation must chant the mantra 'Deergha Pranav' containing A, U, Ma, Naad

and Bindu. Before commencing the study of Vedas pronouncing OMKAR is a must. By

chanting 'Pranav' for nine crore times man becomes pure. By chanting it for

further nine crore times a man develops a control over natural forces like

wind, smell and earth etc. This Pranav mantra is considered to be most powerful

and helps a man to attain the abode of Shiva.

 

(WORLDLY BONDAGES AND SALVATION) In the eighteen chapters, all the sages

requested Sutji to explain the meaning of bondages of life and Salvation. Sutji

replied- " Because of the eight types of bondages which a man feels on this

earth, the soul is also known as " Jeeva " . The Jeeva becomes liberated

only after becoming free from these eight bondages. These eight bondages are -

Nature, Intelligence qualitative- ego and the Panchatanmatras i.e. Sound,

touch, appearance, taste and smell.

 

" Each soul is binded by these eight aspects of the Nature. The actions

performed as the result of these bondages is called Karma. A man reaps the fruits

of his actions- Whether good or evil. He either enjoys pleasures or suffers

because of sorrow, due to this Karma. " The soul takes rebirth in a cyclic

was binded by the effects of his Karmas. The eight Chakra' are nothing but the

eight forms of the nature. Shiva is beyond the reach of these eight chakras, on

the contrary he has full control these eight chakras. So a man can become free

from the bondages of this world, only by worshipping Shiva Linga. The linga is

both gross as well as subtle. There are five types of Linga on this earth. -

SWAYAMBHU LINGA, BINDU LINGA, PRATISTHIT LINGA, CHAR LINGA, GURU LINGA. A

person desirous of worldly pleasures should worship the cross Shivalinga, where

as one who is desirous of attaining salvation must worship the subtle Shiva

linga. "

 

(THE WORSHIP OF PARTHIVA LINGA)Sutji then explains the greatness of

worshipping a Parthiva Linga-: " Parthiva Linga is the most supreme among

all the Shiva-Lingas. All the aspirtions of he deities as well as men are

fulfilled by the worship of Parthiv linga. During the era of Satya, jewel was

considered to be of prime importance, where as during Tretayuga and Dwaparyuga,

gold and mercury had the prime importance respectively. In the present era of

Kali, a Parthiva Linga hold this place of honour. The worship of Parthiva Linga

begets more virtues than even penance. Just as Ganga among the rivers, Kashi

among the sacred places of pilgrimages, Omkar among all the mantras are

considered to be superior, in the same way Parthivalinga is considered to the

supreme among all the Linga. Worshipping, a Parthiva linga with a 'Nishkam

bhava' helps a man to attain liberation. "

 

(METHODS OF WORSHIPPING PARTHIVA LINGA) elaborately describes about the

methods of doing worship of Parthiva Linga:- " After becoming fresh in the

morning, a man should wear a rudraksha garland in his neck and apply bhasma

(Ash) on his forehead. He should then worship the Parthiva Linga. He should

chant the various names of Shiva, while worshipping the Parthiva Linga, like

Har, Maheshwar, Shambhu, Shoolpani, Mahadev, etc. After worshipping the

Parthiva Linga, it should be immersed in the river, Then the mantra - OM NAMAH

SHIVAY should be canted with complete devotion. This is the method which has

been described in the Vedas for the worship of Parthiva Linga. "

 

(NUMBER OF PARTHIVA SHIVALINGAS) The numbers of Parthiva Linga differ

according to one's desires. For example a man who is desirous of learning and

knowledge must worship one thousand Parthiva Linga. A man who is desirous of wealth

must worship. One thousand five hundred Parthiva Lingas. A man who is desirous

of attaining salvation must worship one crore Parthiva Lingas.

 

Parthiva linga, which is equivalent to the height measured by the four fingers

and which has been established on a beautiful pedestal, is considered to be the

best. Parthiva Linga which is the half of the above mentioned height is

considered to be 'Medium; and still half than the second category is considered

to be inferior Parthiva Linga. It is better and advisable to worship a single

Parthiva Linga daily, because it is equivalent to the worship of the whole

world. Nobody is barred from worshipping Shiva, except the people whose

ancestors had been cursed by the sages like Dadhichi, Gautam. Such people

should also worship the eight idols (earth, water, fire, air, sky, sun, moon

and the host) alongwith the Parthiva linga. A Brahmin should worship Parthiva

linga as per the methods described in the vedas. Worship should be done, facing

north.

 

(IMPORTANCE OF NAIVEDYA AND BILVA-LEAVES) Sutji then described about the

important of Naivedya offered to Lord Shiva. " A devotee gets liberated

from all of his sins merely at the sight of the Naivedya, which have been

offered to lord Shiva. He attains great virtues by having the Prasada. " A

man must not accept the Prasada if the worship have been done under supervision

of a 'Chandala', but some of the Shivalingas like Baanlinga, Siddhalinga and

Swayambhu Linga are exceptions to this rule. The prasada which has been offered

to the Shivalinga and remains lying on it, is prohibited from having, but the

prasad which is not touching the Shivalinga should be accepted.

 

BILVA (WOOD APPLE)-: Bilva fruit is considered to be a form of lord Shiva its

greatness has been eulogized even by the deities himself. It is believed that

all the places of pilgrimages dwell in the Bilva-leaf. Lord Shiva is believed

to have his abode in the roots of the Bilva tree. A devotee who waters the

roots of the Bilva tree attains greater virtues than offering water to the

deities of all the places of pilgrimages. Similarly a devotee who worships the

roots of the Bilva tree attains to the abode of lord Shiva.

 

(THE MAJESTY OF SHIVA'S NAME) Sutji then goes on he explain the

greatness of Shiva's name and the importance of Bhasm (Ash) and rudraksha beads

in his worship. The name of Shiva is as sacred as Ganges; Similarly 'Bhasm' and

'Rudraksha' are as holy as river Yamuna and Saraswati respectively. Therefore a

devotee who possesses the name of lord Shiva on his lips, who applies Bhasm on

his person and who wears a rudraksha in his neck attain the virtues similar to

that of taking a bath in the sangam. In the ancient time, a king by the name of

Indrayumna got liberated from the bondages of the world, just by chanting the

name of Shiva.

 

(THE IMPORTANCE OF BHASMA IN SHIVA'S WORSHIP) Bhasma are of two types:-

 

1) Mahabhasma and 2) Swalpabhasma. 'Shrota' (listener), 'Smart; (rites

according to the smritis) and Laukik (worldly) are considered to be the

Mahabhasma. There are many types of Swalpabhasma 'Shrota' and 'Smart' are meant

only for the Brahmins. For the rest of the castes, 'Laukik bhasma' is

appropriate. A Brahmin must apply bhasma, only after initiating it with the

mantras. The ash which remains after burning dry cowdung is called Aagneya

Bhasma. Applying 'Tripunda' on the forehead with the ashes after the completion

of Yagya, is to the upanishad rituals like Sandhya and Japa should only be

performed after applying tripunda on the forehead.

 

(IMPORTANCE OF RUDRAKSHA) Rudraksha is very dear to lord Shiva and hence

all the sins of a man get destroyed if he chants the name of Lord Shiva using a

Rudraksha beads. He also attains salvation after his death. It is believed that

the origin of Rudraksha is connected with Shiva penance.

 

Once while Sadashiv was performing his penance, his eyes opened due to some

disturbances. He was so remorseful that tears rolled down from his eyes. These

tear-drops are believed to be the origin of the Rudraksha trees. Rudraksha of

specific colours have been prescribed for different castes. For example a

Brahmin, a Kshatriya, a Vaishya and a Shudra have been instructed to put on

Rudraksha of white colour, red colour, yellow colour and black colour

respectively.

 

A person who wears eleven hundred Rudraksha on his body, he unites with Shiva.

Rudrakshas are of various types i.e. EKMUKHA RUDRAKSHA (one opening) to

rudraksha with fourteen openings. Each type of rudraksha has specific mantra

and specific deity connected with it.

RUDRA

SAMHITA SHRISHTI-KHAND   The sages express their desire of

knowing about the manifestation of Shiva and Uma, their marriage and their life

as a householder and the other aspects of Shiva's divinity. Sutji narrated the

story of Narad's attachment and lust - how they were ultimately destroyed. He

also narrated of Narad's deep desire to know about Shiva.

 

VICTORY OF NARAD OVER 'KAMA'Once upon a time a Narad was performing a

penance in the cave of Himalaya mountain. Indra becomes fearful sent Kamadev to

obstruct his penance. But Kamadeva was unsuccessful in his attempt as the place

where Narada was doing penance was the same place where Lord Shiva did penance.

After the completion of his penance, Narada became arrogant that he had

defeated Kamadeva. He went to Kailash Mountain and narrated about his feat to

Lord Shiva. Narada was naïve not to realize the fact hat is happened only

because of the divine power of Shiva. Lord Shiva listened to his arrogant

statement. He advised Narada not to reveal this secret to anybody. But Narada

went to Brahmaloka and boasted about his feet to Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma

listened to his boisterous statements and advised him not to reveal this to

anybody. But Narada was not satisfied. He wanted to give the news of his

achievement to Lord Vishnu. So, he went to Lord Vishnu's abode and boasted

about his feat of defeating Kamdeva. Lord Vishnu with a desire to subdue his

inflated ego manifested his illusionary power with the blessings of Lord Shiva.

 

 

NARADA'S EGO SUBDUED:-While Narada was returning from Vaikuntha Loka, he

saw a beautiful city. This city was ruled by a king named SheelNidhi. The king

had a daughter and her Swayamvar was being organised. Numerous kings had

arrived to take part in that Swayamvar. Narada, curiously entered the place were

Swayamvar was being held. The king requested Narada to study the lines of the

palm of the princess. Narada was infatuated by the princess beauty. He returned

back to Lord Vishnu and expressed his desire of marrying that princess. He also

requested Vishnuji to make him as handsome as himself (Vishnu).

 

Lord Vishnu made Narada's whole body very beautiful except his face which he

made like a monkey. Narada being unaware of this happily went back to Swayamvar

site. Narada sat among the kings - his face resembling like a monkey Lord

Vishnu too was present there. The princess saw Narad, whose face was looking

like a monkey. She was amused. Ultimately she put the garland around the neck

of Lord Vishnu and went to Vaikuntha Loka alongwith him.

 

Some of the Shiva's gana too were present there in the guise of a Brahmin.

Their names were Marud ganas, when they saw Narada to see the reflection of his

face in the water. When Narada saw his face in the water, he saw that he was

looking like a monkey. He became very furious and cursed the Marudganas to be

the born as demons, even though being Brahmins by birth. Furious Narada then

went to Lord Vishnu and cursed him- " You too would suffer due to

separation from your wife, during your incarnation of Ram and the monkey would

come to your help.

 

VISHNU PREACHES NARAD:-Lord Vishnu accepted Narada's curse without any

hesitation. He then removed the illusionary powers by which Naradas' mind was

influenced Now, Narada regretted his actions. Lord Vishnu told Narada that

everything happened because of Shiva's divine illusions. " You did not pay

heed to his advice and hence Shiva by his illusions, has taught you a lesson.

Shiva is beyond the reach of the three basic qualities-Satva, Rajo and Tamas.

Therefore you must worship and contemplate on the name of Shiva. All of your

sins will be destroyed. After preaching Narada, Lord Vishnu vanished from his

sight. Narada then descended down to earth and while having darshan of numerous

Shivalingas, he saw two of the Marudganas, whom he had cursed. He told both of

them that they would take birth from a giantess's womb, but their father would

be sages. He also told them that they would become very famous due to their

devotion, Narad went to lord Brahma and requested him to tell about the divinity

of Shiva.

 

BRAHMAJI PREACHES NARAD: - On Narad's request Brahmaji said- " During

the period of Mahapralaya (Final annihilation) nothing exist, except Shiva. The

power which Shiva manifested from his own self came to be known as Ambika. This

Ambika is understood to be the cause of the whole world as well as the Nature.

Lord Shiva then created a Shivaloka, which is known as Kashi. It is the abode

of Shiva and Parvati. A man who makes pilgrimages of Kashi attains salvation.

 

THE ORIGIN OF VISHNU:- Lord Shiva, felt the need of somebody, who could

look after the creation in his absence, as he wanted to retire along with

Ambika at Kashi. The unified energy of Shiva and Ambika resulted into a radiant

physical form of a child. The child asked Shiva about his name and purpose of

his being. Lord Shiva named the child as Vishnu and advised him to do a penance

which would help him to attain all kinds of accomplishment. He then offered him

the knowledge of Vedas, through his breath. For this reason it has been said-

 

" YASYA NISHVASITAM VEDAH” Meaning: Whose exhaled air is Veda.

Vishnu followed the instruction of Shiva and did a tremendous penance for

twelve years, but still he was not successful in having a darshan of lord Shiva

for the second time. He became worried. He heard a heavenly voice, instructing

him to do further penance. Vishnu then recommenced his penance. It continued

for many days. By the blessings of Shiva, numerous fountain of streams errupted

from his body, which spread in all directions in the form of Brahma? Vishnuji

was very pleased to see that stream. He went to sleep in that streams due to

which he also came to be known as 'Narayan', one who has his abode in the

water. After that, all the five elements manifested from his self. The three

qualities- Salva, Rajos and Tamas as well as the ego manifested from his body.

Similarly, five Tanmantras (Subtle form of matter), Panchabhuta (Sky water,

air, fire and earth) and ultimately five sense organs and five organs of action

also manifested from. Altogether twenty-four types of element manifested from

the body of Shri Vishnu.

 

ORIGIN OF BRAHMAJI:- Brahmaji told Narad- " While Vishnuji was

sleeping in the water, a lotus flower manifested from the navel of Vishnu

according to the wish of Shiva. On that lotus was seated with four heads. I did

not see anything except that lotus flower. I had a desire to know about my

identity. So I entered into the hollow tubular stalk of that lotus flower, but

I was not able to find the source. I returned back to the same place. Suddenly

I heard a voice which instructed me to do penance. I did a tremendous penance

for twelve years with a desire to know about my creator. Being pleased with me,

lord Vishnu manifested before me with in his Chaturbhuj form, but I could not

identify him, being influenced by the illusionary power of Shiva. I quarreled

with him. "

 

DISPUTE BETWEEN BRAHMAJI & VISHNUJI- " I asked him as to whom he

was. Vishnuji replied that he was the fulfiller of all of his desires. But I

replied to him that I only was the creator, nurturer and the supreme soul of

this world. Vishnuji became angry and said that undoubtedly I (Brahma) was the

creator of this world, but he (Vishnu) was the one, who had created me (Brahma)

and the whole world. Vishnuji also ordered me to take his refuge and promised

to protect me. But being an ignorant I did not believe him. A fierce battle was

fought between both of us. A Shiva linga manifested between us to end the

battle. We requested that Shivalinga to show its real identity. That Shivalinga

had destroyed our pride. "

 

SHABDA-BRAHMA:- We heard a sound OM. We became curious to know the

origin of that sound. Vishnuji saw a letter 'A' towards the south of that

Shivalinga. He also saw the letters 'U' and 'M' centre towards the north of the

Shivalinga and in its centre respectively. He also saw the mantra 'OM', which

was dazzling like a Sun. There was no beginning and end to this mantra OM. As

we were making efforts to know about its origin, suddenly Shiva appeared in the

form of a sage. He gave us the knowledge regarding OM. He also revealed to us

that I originated from the letter 'A', Vishnuji originated from letter 'U' and

Shiva himself originated from letter M. The letter A signifies creation, U

Signifies nurturement and M signifies salvation.

 

The three letters A, V & M also symbolizes the basic causes of creation. A

or brahma also symbolizes the semen, U or Vishnu symbolizes the Vagina and the

sound of OM is Maheshwar- the combined sound of A, U and M. All the three

united from which manifested a golden egg. This golden egg remained submerged

in the water for one thousand years. The almighty then cut that egg into two

halves, from which appeared heaven and Earth. We also saw the divine beauty of

Maheshwar. "

 

SHABDA BRAHMA TANU:-Then we saw all the vowels and consonants emanating

from the physique of Mahadeva. Vishnuji saw the forty eight letters within

OMKAR, which in fact were the two following mantras- " TATPURUSHAY

VIDDYAMAHE MAHADEVAY DHIMAHI, TANNO RUDRAH PRACHODAYAT. " And

" TATSAVITURVARENYAM BHARGO DEVASYA DHIMAHI DHIYO YONAH PRACHODAYAT. "

 

 

" After that we also received the Mahamrityunjay mantras like 'OM JOOM

SAH " , " HRAUM HRIM JOOM SAH " and " TRAYAMBAKAM

YAJAMAHE " . After that we received the five lettered mantra " OM

NAMAH SHIVAY " , the chintamani mantra 'KSHAMYAUM', the

dakshinamurti mantra - " OM NAMO BHAGAWATE DAKSHINAMURTAYE MAHYAM MEGHAM

PRAYACHCHHA SWAHA. At last we received the great mantra TATVAMASI. Vishnuji

was so enchanted by this mantra that he started chanting this mantra. We then prayed

to Shiva-the creator, the nurturer and the destroyer.

 

SHIVA ENLIGHTENS BRAHMA & VISHNU: - " Shiva became very pleased

with both of us. He preached us the contents of Veda. Shiva told Vishnuji about

the methods by which his (Shiva's) worship could be done. He revealed to us

that Vishnuji actually had manifested from the left portion of his Shiva's body

and me from the right portion of his body. He also blessed us that he would

manifest his incarnation of Rudra from our body and also that the purpose of

this incarnation would be to do annihilation. Lord Shiva revealed to us that

his consort Uma, was in fact mother Nature and her power in the incarnation of

Saraswati would be my consort. Laxmi, who would also manifest from the nature,

would be the consort of Vishnu. "

 

AGE OF BRAHMA VISHNU & RUDRA ,BRAHMAJI TOLD NARADA: -

 

" Lord Shiva informed us that my day consists of four thousand eras and

similarly my night too consists of four thousand eras. Since a month consists

of thirty days and a year consists of twelve months. In this way my age was

fixed to be of one hundred years. One day of Vishnu is equivalent to one year

of Brahma. Vishnu's age too was fixed to be of one hundred years. The day of

Rudra is equivalent to one year of Vishnu and his age also was fixed to be of

one hundred years.

THE METHODS OF WORSHIPPING SHIVA On the request of the sages, Sutji retold the preaching

which had been narrated by Brahmaji to Narad describing the method of Shiva

worship he says- " A devotee should get up early in the morning and

contemplate on Shiva, who gives benediction. After that, he should finish his

daily routing work and perform rituals like 'Sandhya' and Vandana etc. After

that, he should worship Shivalinga according to Vedic rites like Panchopachar,

Sodashopachar etc. He should also perform 'Abhiseka' with various offerings. At

last, he should beg pardon for his sins. "

 

ACCQUIREMENT OF SHIVALINGAS BY THE DEITIE Once, Brahmaji went to

'Kshirsagar' (the abode of Vishnu) accompanied by the deities and asked lord

Vishnu how a man could be liberated from his sorrows. Lord Vishnu told them

that this objective could be met b worshipping Shiva-Linga.

 

All the deities, then prayed to lord Shiva, who after becoming pleased

instructed 'Vishwakarma' to construct a Shivalinga for them. Vishwakarma then

made a Shivalinga for Kuber, a Shivalinga of yellow diamond for Dharmaraj, a

Shivalinga of dark coloured diamond for Varun, a Shivalinga of Indraned diamond

for Vishnu and a goldden Shivalinga for Brahmaji. Similarly Vishwadeva was

given a Shivalinga made up of silver, the Ashwini Kumars were given Shivalinga

made up of bronze, Laxmi was given a Shivalinga made up of Crystal (Sphatik),

Sun-god was given a Shivalinga made of copper and the moon was given a

Shivalinga made of pearl.

 

METHODS OF WORSHIPPING SHIVALINGA Brahmaji has described the following

methods for the worship of Shivalinga- " After performing the rituals like

'Aachaman' and Pranayam a devotee should apply a tripunda on his forehead and

wear a rudraksha on his body. After the study of Shanti-path and the

performance of Devata-Namaskar, he should make a resolution if he has any wish

to be fulfilled. Then the worship of Shivalinga should be done, with the help

of Mahima-Stavan and offering flowers to the Shivalinga. The purity of the

mantras should be maintained while chanting them.

 

THE VIRTUES OF WORSHIPPING SHIVA METHODICALLY It has been mentioned in

the Shivapuran that making offerings in the form of lotus, Shatapatra, ,

Shankhapushpi, the leaves of wood apple tree, helps a man in attaining wealth

and prosperity. For becoming free from disease, fifty lotus flowers should be

offered to the Shivalinga. Mrityunjay-Jap should be chanted for five lac times,

for all types of accomplishment. One lac dhatura-fruits should be offered for

long life, worldly-pleasure, as well as for attaining salvation.

 

THE ORIGIN OF KAILASH & VAIKUNTH Brahmaji revealed to Narad how the

process of creation commenced- " After Lord Shiva vanished from our sight,

I transformed myself into the appearance of a swan and Vishnuji transformed his

appearance into that of a boar with the purpose of commencing the process of

creation. First of all, I created the water. I poured a palmful of water into

it and an egg manifested which consisted of all the twenty four elements. This

egg was very enormous in size which made me confused. I did penance for twelve

years. Vishnuji appeared before me. I requested him to bring that egg to

consciousness. Vishnuji entered into that egg. As a result of this, Kailash

mountain, and all the seven worlds came into existence. After that the static

living things were created, which symbolized the dark quality (Tamogun). After

that I created four footed animals like cows and Ox etc. inspite of these

creations, I was not satisfied, so I again went into meditation.

 

As a result the deities were created which symbolized the virtuous quality

(Satoguna). Once again I meditated and the human species came into existence,

which symbolized the medium quality (Rajoguna). With the permission of Lord

Shiva, I then created spirits like ghosts etc. After that I created my five

Manasputras- Sanak, Sanadan etc. But they were so ascetic and detached from the

world that they showed their disinclination in contributing in the process of

creation. This made me angry, tears rolled down from my eyes. With the

permission of Vishnuji, I did a tremendous penance to have a darshan of lord

Shiva.

 

THE EMERGENCE OF RUDRAVATAR. Brahmaji said to Narad- " When I

accomplished my penance, Lord Shiva manifested in his incarnation of Rudra from

in between the eyebrows. Half of his body resembled like that of a woman

(Ardhanarishwar). I requested him help me in my creational activities. Rudra

created his hosts (Rudragana) who resembled like him. I requested him to create

the mortals, to which he laughed and said, that he liberated mortals from their

sorrow, so how could he fasten them with bondages. Rudra requested me to create

the mortals and then he vanished.

 

CREATION Preaching Narad on the essence of Shivatattva, Brahmaji said-

" With the permission of Shiva, I created the five basic elements from

which the matter is made and also all types of arts. I also created the time.

Despite all these creations, I was not satisfied. I created sage Marichi from my

eyes, Sage Bhrigu from my heart, Sage Angira from my head, Sage Pulaha from my

Vyan Vayu, Sage Pulatsya from my Udan Vaya, Sage Vashishth from my Saman Vayu,

Sage Kratu from my Apan Vayu, Sage Atri from my ear, Daksha Prajapati from my

vital air You (Narad ) manifested from my lap. Sage Kardam and Dharma

manifested from my Shadow. Then I divided my body into two parts, and from each

of the two parts. Manu and Shatarupa manifested respectively. Both of them got

married and in this way commenced the conjugal creation. Priyavrata and

Uttanpad were the two sons born to them. Shatarupa also gave birth to three

daughters whose names were Aakuti Devahuti and Prasuti. Sage Ruchi was married

to Aakuti, Sage Kardam was married to Devahuti and Daksha Prajapati was married

to Prasuti. Sage Yagya and Dakshina were born to sage Ruchi and Aakuti. "

 

" Numerous daughters were born to sage Kardam and Devahuti. Similarly

twenty-four daughters were born to Daksha and Prasuti. Daksha married thirteen

of his dhauthers to Dharma. The rest of his daughters were married to sages

like Pulastya etc. All the three worlds are inhabited by the progenies of these

sages. The same Daksha Prajapati had sixty daughters in another Kalpa, who were

married to sages like Kashyap. Etc. In this Kalpa, 'Sati was one of his

daughters who was married to Lord Shiva. 'Sati' being distressed by the

disrespect sown by her father-Daksha, to her husband-Shiva, had given up her

life, by jumping into the sacrificial fire. In her next birth she was born as

Parvati and was again married to Shiva. This way, I created this world with the

permission of Shiva. "

 

GUNANIDHI - THE BRAHMINS' SON Naradji asked lord Brahma, when did lord

Shiva make Kailash as his abode and what was the reason of friendship between

Shivaji and Kubera. Brahmaji narrated the following story- v There used to live

a brahmin by the name Yagyadutt in Kampilyanagar, who was proficient in the

performance of Somyagya. He had a son named Gunanidhi. Though he was a scholar

but at the same time he was irreligious and kept bad company. He used to

indulge in evil activities like gambling.

 

His father - Yagyadutt was unaware of his evil activities. Whenever he asked

his wife about Gunanidhi habits and conduct, his wife used to tell lies and

praised the conduct of Gunamidhi. Thus Gunamidhi's condition became worst day

by days. Yagyadutt married Gunanidhi with a girl belonging to a well to do

family. But his habits had not changed. His mother tried her best to make him

understand, but it was of no avail.

 

One day Yagyadutt saw, a gambler wearing his ring. He asked him about that

ring. The gambler told him that his son - Gunanidhu had lost it to him, in the

gamble. He also informed him that he had also lost numerous ornaments and other

properties in the gamble. Yagyadutt became very angry. He married with another

woman after abandoning his wife and son.

 

GUNANIDHI'S SALVATION When Gunadhi came to know about his father's

second marriage, he moved to another place, cursing his fate. He kept on

walking till he became tired. He sat under a tree and started thinking about

his further course of action. He heart was full of remorse and he repented for

his past actions. As his mind was engrossed in such kind of thoughts, he saw

somw villages going towards temple. They were carrying prasad in their hands.

 

" Since Gunanidhi was hungry, he followed them and after reaching the

temple he sat at the main gate of the temple. IN the night, after the

accomplishment of the Pujan, the devotees went to sleep. Gunanidhi entered the

premise went to sleep. Gunanidhi entered the premise of the temple. The flame

of the lamp was gradually becoming dim as the result of which he could not see

properly. He tore some pieces of cloth, he was wearing and made a thick wick

and put it in the lamp. Now the light was sufficient to enable him to see

whatever had been offered to the deity. "

 

" He carried as much fruits and other eatables as possible and tried to

sneak out from the temple. Unfortunately, he dashed against a devotee woke up

and chased him shouting thief-thief. " Hearing his cries all the other

devotees woke up and caught Gunanidhi. He was given such a nice thrashing that

proved to be fatal and as a result Gunanidhi died. " The Yamadut's arrived

to take his soul to yamloka. But right then, the Shivaganas arrived and

prevented the Yamadutas from carrying his soul. They informed the Yamdutas that

Gunanidhi was entitled for Shivaloka as he had devoutly observed the Shivaratri

fast, had listened to the tales of Shiva and lighted up the lamp which was

about to go off. The Shivaganas also informed the Yamadutas that, in his next

birth Gunamidhi would become the king of Kalinga. "

 

" In this way Gunanidhi attained to Shivaloka. In his next birth he was

born as a son of king Arindam- the king of Kalinga. He was named as Dama. "

" When he was still young, his fatherArindam dies. So Dama succeeded him as

the king of Kalinga. He renovated all the Shiva-temple, which came under his

jurisdiction and passed a stricture which made the worship of lord Shiva

compulsory for all the subjects. By the blessings of lord Shiva, he became the

king of Alkapuri and was known as Kubera. "

 

SHIVA BLESSES GUNANIDHI " During the Padma kalpa, Sage Vishrawa was

born to sage Pulastya- the manasputra of lord Brahma. Vishrawa's son - Vishrawan

ruled over Alkapuri for a long time. This city was constructed by the deity

Vishwakarma. Vishrawan was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. " " During

the kalpa named Meghawahan, Gunanidhi did a tremendous penance for ten lac

years. As a result of this penance his body was reduced to skelton. "

 

" Lord Shiva became very pleased with him and appeared before him,

accompanied by his consort Parvati. He told Gunanidhi to ask for any boon,

which will be fulfilled. " " When Gunanidhi heard Shiva's Voice he

opened his eyes, but his eyes were dazzled by the sheer radiance of lord Shiva.

He requested Shiva to restore the power of sight in his eyes. Shiva blessed

him, as a result of which he was now able to see the divine sight of lord

Shiva. But he became jealous of Uma, who was present by the side of Shiva. He

was wondering as to who was this lady, dearer to Shiva than him. He glanced

cruelly towards her. As a result of this his left eye lost the power of

sight. " " Parvati asked lord Shiva as to why was this sage (Gunanidhi)

looking cruelly towards her. Shiva replied- " He is none other than your

son. He is looking at you in astonishment as he his bewildered at the feats

achieved your penance. " " Lord Shiva then blessed Gunanidhi to become

the king of the kings. He also assured him that he will always be present in

the vicinity of Alkapuri. After being blessed by Shiva, Gunanidhi also made

salutations to Parvati. Parvati said- " Since you have looked at me angrily

your hatred and enemity (Bair) towards me was clearly visible. For this reason

you will be known as Kubers. " After blessings, Gunanidhi both Shiva and

Parvati to a place called Vaishveshwar. Kailash Mountain was situated near

AlkaNagri.

 

SHIVA GOES TO KAILASHWhen Rudra - the Ansha of the Almighty brahma,

heard about the tremendous penance, Kubera was doing he started to play his

'damaru' (drum), the sound of which reached all the three worlds. Rudra then

reached the place where Kubera was doing penance. " " Hearing the sound

of his damaru, all the deities including Brahma, Vishnu and Sadashia appeared

before him. "

 

" When Kubera saw lord Rudra before himself, he offered his seat to him and

worshipped him. He also worshipped the other deities. Rudra was so pleased with

Kubera that he decided to stay near him. He called Vishwakarma and ordered him

to conduct his abode at Kailash mountain, so that he could live in could live

in the vicinity of his great devotee-Kubera. Kubera constructed a beautiful

city as per his instruction. An auspicious moment was chosen and Shiva went to

live at Kailash Mountain. He was coronated by the deities. "

 

Brahamaji in this way told Narada about Shiva's departure to Kailash mountain SATI

KHANDIn the Sati Khand of Rudra-Samhita, Narada enquires lord Brahma about

the reason, why lord Shiva married Sati, inspite of being a 'yogi'. He also

requested Brahmaji to tell, how Sati became the daughter of Daksha Prajapati

and in her next birth as Uma the daughter of Himalaya. How did Uma get lord

Shiva as her husband?- asked Narada

 

Lord Brahma narrated the following tale- " A girl by the name of

Sandhya manifested from my being. I was amazed by her heavenly beauty. Right

then a divine entity appeared before me, whose beauty could not have been

matched even by the deities. He was Kamadeva- the god of love. He influenced me

to such an extent that I forgot that Snadhya was my daughter and got infatuated

by her. "

 

" When Rudra came to know about my lust for Sandhya, he admonished me and

ridiculed about my character. I felt ashamed. But I also became jealous of

Rudra. I decided to influence him with the power of infatuation, but I was

unsuccessful in my attempts. I remembered lord Vishnu and he tried to make me

understand about the futility of my attempts, as according to him (Vishnu),

Rudra was beyond the reach of any human emotions. " " But I instructed

my son - Daksha to help in the procreation of a girl child from the womb of

Ashwinivirini. Thus Sati was born. Sati later on became famous of Uma and got

Rudra as her husband on account of her tremendous penance. "

 

" Though Rudra was free from all kinds of attachment, but still he became

so influenced by the desire for procreation that he married with Sati. He

enjoyed a blissful married life for a very long time. " " Rudra father

in law, Daksha in his arrogance started condemning his son in law -Rudra. Once,

Daksha organised a grand yagya ceremony. He gave invitation to everybody except

Rudra and Uma. Despite of Rudra's disinclination to allow Sati to go to her

father's yagya, She insisted and ultimately she was successful in convincing

Rudra, to allow her to go. "

 

" When Sati reached there, she was not given respect by her father-Daksha.

Not only this, Daksha made fun of Rudra. Feeling dishonoured, Sati gave up her

life by jumping into the sacrificial fire. " " When Rudra got the news

of Sati's death he became extremely furious. To take revenge, he created

Veerbhadra from his locks of hair. Veerbhadra went to Daksha place and

destroyed his oblation site. He severed Daksha's head. All the deities became

afraid and prayed to Rudra, to have mercy. Rudra then brought back Daksha to

life and helped him the accomplished of the still incomplete Yagya, the site

where Sati had died later on became famous as Jwalamukhi devi. "

 

" The same Sati in her next birth was born as Parvati to Himalaya. By her

tremendous penance she again got lord Shiva as her husband. After that lord

Brahma told Narada about the manifestation of Kama - the god of love.

 

THE MANIFESTATION OF 'KAMA' " When I became infatuated by the divine

beauty of Sandhya, my infatuation resulted into the manifestation of another

Manas-putra named Kamadeva. His beauty and qualities were incomparable. His

manifestation not only inflicted me with lust, but also my other Manasputras

became filled up with lust. Kamadeva made salutations to me and asked as to

what was his name and purpose of being. I gave him the name 'Pushpavan' and

instructed him to help in the process of procreation. I also blessed him that

nobody would remain unaffected by his influence including myself and Vishnuji. "

 

 

BRAHMA CURSES KAMADEVA -After being named by lord Brahma as 'Pushpavan',

Kamadeva was also given various names as Manmath, Kama, and Madan etc by sages

like Mareech, etc. They also said to him that he would be married to 'Rati' the

daughter of Daksha.

 

Kamadeva himself was infatuated with the beauty of Sandhya. To test the

authenticity of Brahma's boon, Kamadeva took out his five arrows and wanted to

examine their power. The names of their arrows were Harshan, Rochan, Mohan,

Shoshan and Maran. These arrows had

effect on all the people present there including Lord Brahma and Sandhya.

Getting affected by those arrows, fourty nine types of thoughts emerged in

Brahma's mind. Similarly, flaws were clearly visible in Sandhya's behaviour.

 

Kamdeva became convinced of his powers and capabilities. But Dharma - the

manasputra of Brahma was saddened by this event. He prayed to lord Shiva. When

Lord Shiva saw the condition of Brahmaji, he became amused and made fun of him

and his Manasputras. Everybody was ashamed. Due to his shame, Brahmaji

perspired profusely. From his perspiration were created the Pitraganas.

Similarly from the perspiration of Daksha Prajapati was created the most

beautiful woman-Rati. Brahmaji was very angry with Kamadeva because of whom he

was ridiculed by Shiva. He cursed him and said- " You would be charred to

death by the arrow of Shiva. " Kamadeva became very scarred and said that

he was only testing the authenticity of his boon and he had no other evil

intention. He also requested Brahmaji, not to curse him.

 

Feeling Pity on him, Brahmaji consoled him that, although he would definitely

get killed by the arrow of Shiva's sight, yet he would regain his physical body

as soon as Shiva get's married. Lord Brahma then went to Brahmaloka.

 

KAMA MARRIED RATI Daksha requested Kamadeva to get married with his

daughter - Rati. Kamadeva was very pleased at this proposal. Both Kamadeva and

Rati got married.

 

SANDHYA DOES PENANCESandhya was very ashamed of herself. For the

atonement of her sin she decided to do penance. She went to Chandrabhaga Mountain

and commenced her tremendous penance. Lord Brahma then instructed Vashishtha to

go to her in disguise and help in getting her initiated. He went to

Chandrabhaga Mountain in the guise of a Brahmin and gave the mantra - OM NAMAH

SHANKARAYA OM to her and also told her the methods of doing worship, then he

returned back.

 

SANDHYA RECEIVES BOON FROM SHIVA After sage Vashishtha who was disguised

as Brahmin went away. Sandhayd did penance as per his instructions. After the

passing of one Chaturyuga, she had a darshan of lord Shiva. Shiva being pleased

by her devotion asked her to demand anything. Sandhya said- " Nobody should

have lust towards the member of his own clan. There should e no virtuous and

chaste woman greater then me in this whole world. Anybody other than my husband

who looks at me with evil intentions becomes an impotent man. "

 

Lord Shiva blessed her by saying- 'EVAMASTU!' Lord Shiva then

categorised the life-span of a man into four parts - Childhood, adolescence,

youth and old age. He than told her that it was written in her destiny to die

by burning. He also advised her to go and surrender her body in the sacrificial

fire of the yagya, performed by Medhatithi. " Before jumping into the sacrificial

fire, just remembers anybody, whom you want as your husband and your wish would

be fulfilled in your next birth, when you would take birth as a daughter of

Daksha Prajapati. Your father-Daksha Prajapati would marry his 27 twenty

daughter to Moon, but the moon would have affection only towards Rohini and

rest of his wives would be neglected by him. For this reason he would be cursed

by Daksha. All the deities would take your refuge. " After blessing Sandhya

in the way lord Shiva went back to Kailash mountain.

 

SANDHYA IS BORN AS ARUNDHATI & HER MARRIAGE WITH SAGE VASHISHTH

When lord Shiva went away. Sandhya got up and went to the place where

Medhatithi was performing his yagya. She made a mental resolution to have that Brahmin

as her husband, who in reality was vashishtha and then entered into the

sacrificial fire. The fire of the yagya burnt her body and carried it ti the

solar-system, where it was divided by the sun-god into three parts and

established in his chariot. The names of these three parts were Pratah-Sandhya,

Madhyanha-Sandhya and Sayam Sandhya. Sandhya Vital force was absorbed by lord

Shiva. When the yagya ended, the sages were surprised to see the presence of a

girl, who was radiating like gold in the sacrificial fire. They took out that

girl child from that yagya-kunda. The sages then brought up that girl with love

and affection. She was named Arundhati. When she attained the age of five,

Brahma Vishnu and Mahesg arrived and married her with Vashishth. Arundhati

enjoyed a happy life and became famous for her chastity.

 

APPEARANCE OF SPRING SEASON (VASANT RITU) Brahmaji told Narada that

since the day he was hermiliated by Shiva, he had grudges against him and

wanted to take revenge. " I wanted to subdue the arrogance of Shiva by

proving it to him that even he could be binded by attachment. I asked Daksha

and sages like Mareech as to how this feat could be achieved. As a result

'Rati' and 'Kama' manifested. I instructed Kama to influence Shiva by his

powers. Kama agreed but requested me to create suitably divine women for Shiva.

I and Daksha became worried and during that time we exhaled fragrant air

through our nostrils, which resulted into the creation of spring season. The

spring season was looking divinely beautiful in her physical form. I handed

over her to Kama and thus all the three of them (spring season, Kama and Rati)

went to influence lord Shiva who was in his deep state of meditation.

THE

CREATION OF MARGANAS AND KAMA'S FUTILE ATTEMPTS Kama tried his best to bring lord Shiva under his influence.

All the living creatures were spell bound by his powers except lord Shiva and

Ganesha. Kama returned back to Brahmaji ad told him about his unsuccessful

attempts. Brahmaji sighed heavily. From his sighes were created the ferocious

ganas. These ganas were shouting ''aray-Maray’’ (Kill-Kill). They eve tried to

attack Lord Brahma; Kama then pacified the anger of these ganas. These ganas

were named as Maar.

 

Lord Brahma then sent these ganas to Shiva along with Kama and Rati to give it

a second try. Once again their attempts went futile. All of them returned to

lord Brahma and expressed their inability in influencing Shiva.

 

DIALOGUE BETWEEN BRAHMA & VISHNU Lord Brahma then remembered

Vishnuji, who appeared instantaneously. Brahmaji revealed about his intentions

to him. LordVishnu told him that it was foolishness on his part to have enemity

towards Shiva. But when Lord Brahma kept on insisting, he revealed to him that

this could be only achieved by the blessings of Goddess Parvati. Lord Vishnu

said- " If she becomes pleased with you, then she could help you in

achieving your goal by taking birth in a human form and having Shiva as her

husband. Instruct Daksha to do penance so that Parvati takes birth in his

house. "

 

'GODDESS DURGA' After lord Vishnu went away, Lord Brahma started

meditating on the form of goddess Durga. She appeared before him. Lord Brahma

said- " I need your help in binding Shiva with your maya. " Goddess

Durga told Brahmaji that Lord Shiva in his incarnation of Rudra was beyond the

reached of any kind of Maya. But when Brahmaji kept in insisting then goddess

Durga agreed to help him in his effort. She said- " I will take birth as

the daughter of Daksha Prajapati and try to please him by my penance. "

After assuring Lord Brahma she vanished. Lord Brahma too went to his abode.

 

DAKSHA WORSHIPS DEVI With the permission of lord Brahma, Daksha did

penance for three thousand years. As a result goddess Jagdamba appeared before

him. She blessed him by saying that she would take birth as his daughter and by

her tremendous penance would attain Rudra as her husband. But she warned Daksha

that if he showed any kind of disrespect to her, she would end her life.

 

DAKSHA CURSES NARAD With the permission of Lord Brahma, Daksha Prajapati

created many thing just by his mental resolution. But finding the absence of

any kind of evolution and development in them, he went to Brahmaji to take his

advice. Brahmaji instructed him to create by the help of copulation. Daksha

Prajapati then married Asikti - the daughter of Panchajan. Ten thousand sons,

including Haryasya were born to them, but all of them were directed by Narada

to follow the path of salvation.

 

After that, Daksha married Panchajani from who were born thousand of son, but

all of them followed the path of salvation and were not interested in creation.

Narada was instructed in changing their mind. Daksha Prajapati became very

furious with Narada and cursed him to become an eternal wandered. He said-

" You will never remain at a place for long. "

 

BIRTH OF SATIWhen lord Brahma came to know about Daksha Prajapati's

anger towards Narad he went to him and cooled him down. Subsequently sixty

daughters were born to Daksha. He married his ten daughters with Dharma, thirteen

daughters with Kasyap, twentyseven daughters with Moon, two daughters with

Bhutangiras, two daughters with Krishashva and the remaining six daughters with

Garuda. Daksha mediated on the form of Bhagawati, and was instructed by her to

do penance. Daksha did a tremendous penance and thus was born Uma to Daksha and

Virani. Uma was brought up with great love and affection. Uma used to worship

lord Shiva by singing devotional songs in his praise.

 

SATI DOES PENANCE When Sati attained marriageable age, Daksha started

worrying. Sati understood the reason behind her father's worried. She went to

her Mother Virani and expressed her desire of marrying lord Shiva. Her mother

made all the arrangements so that Sati could worship Shiva without any problem.

Sati commenced her austerity named Nandavrata which continued for a year. Being

impressed by her austerities, all the deities descended down from heaven to see

her.

 

BRAHMAJI MAKES A REQUEST TO LORD SHIVA All the deities and the sages

requested lord Shiva to get married, but Shiva did not want to curtail his freedom

by getting married. When the deities insisted he told them to find a suitable

match for him. Brahma and Vishnu told Shiva about the tremendous penance Uma

was doing to him (Shiva) as her husband. They also requested him have to go to

her (uma) and fulfill her desire. Lord Shiva agreed.

 

SHIVA BLESSES UMA WITH A BOON After Uma had accomplished her penance

named Nandavrat, lord Shiva appeared before her and asked her to demand

anything. Uma because of her shyness could not say anything. Lord Shiva knew

about her desire so he said- " You will have me as your husband. "

Uma's face beamed with joy, but she shyly requested lord Shiva to keep this

proposal before Daksha. Shiva agreed and said- 'Tathastu'. He then went back to

his abode- Kailash. Sati narrated the whole story to her parents. Both of them

became very happy with this news. Lord Shiva then instructed Brahmaji to put a

formal proposal to Daksha regarding his marriage with Sati. Lord Brahma went

and informed Daksha about lord Shiva's proposal. Daksha was very happy at the

proposal. Brahma then came back to lord Shiva.

 

SHIVA MARRIED SATI Lord Shiva was anxiously waiting for his arrival.

When Lord Brahma arrived he curiously asked about Daksha's response. When Lord

Brahma told him about Daksha's approval of the marriage, Shiva was very pleased

at this.

 

Lord Shiva proceeded towards Daksha's abode on the auspicious moment of

Phalgun, Krishnapaksha and on the thirteenth day of Phalguni Nakshatra. Sitting

on the back of Nandi and accompanied by all the deities including lord Brahma,

Vishnuji he reached Daksha's residence.

 

The marriage-procession was received by Daksha with great respect. Shiva

narrated Sati in an auspicious lagna. Being pleased, all the deities eulogised

Shiva and danced in joy.

 

LORD BRAHMA FACES THE WRATH OF SHIVA Daksha presented invaluable things

to his daughter- Sati as dowry. Similarly the brahmins were presented with

large quantities of wealth. Lord Brahma was enchanted by the divine beauty of

Sati. With a desire to see her face, he put logs of wood which were wet, into

the yagni kunda and poured ghee on them. As a result the atmosphere was filled

up with smoke.

 

Now Brahma removed the piece of cloth which covered her face. He became

infatuated by her beauty. When lord Shiva discovered about his evil intentions

he ran towards him menacingly. Lord Shiva wanted to kill him, but the deities

prayed to spare his life. Lord Vishnu eulogised and worshipped him and only

then his anger was subdued. Thus lord Brahma was forgiver by Shiva.

 

DEFORMED FACE OF BRAHMA Though lord Shiva had forgiven Brahmaji, yet he

instructed him to apologize by bowing down his head. Brahma did as he was

instructed Lord Shiva then established on his head. Brahmaji became ashamed and

asked as to how he could atone for his sins. Lord Shiva instructed Brahmaji

that by worshipping him he could appropriately atone for his sins. He then

instructed Brahma to go to the earth where he would be worshipped as 'Rudra

Shir'. Shiv said-

 

" Your worship would help the brahmin in accomplishing every kinds of work.

Taking lessons from you people would not dare to have extramarital affairs.

 

SHIVA-SHAKT AS HUSBAND & WIFE

 

After reaching Kailash mountain, lord Shiva instructed all his ganas

(attendants), not to disturb them (Shiva and Shakti). When all the ganas went

away Shiva and Shakti enjoyed a blissful union for twenty five Deva-years.

 

SHIVA-SHAKTI DEPARTS FOR HIMALYA

 

When the rainy season arrived, Shakti requested Shiva to make a residence in

such a place to that they could not be disturbed by rain etc. Lord Shiva smiled

and said-

 

" Dear Sati! The clouds and rain will not dare to disturb if you are

present by my side, no matter whereever we live - even if we live on the peaks

of Himalayas.

 

Sati requested him to make Himalaya as his abode. Lord Shiva agreed and both if

them shifted to their new abode at Himalaya, where they lived for ten thousand

'Deva-years'.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVOTION IN KALIYUGA

 

Sati requested lord Shiva to enlighten her mind by giving discourses. Shiva

revealed to her the importance of devotion in the Kaliyug. He said that the

value of knowledge (gyan) and asceticism (vairagya) would diminish to the

extent of extinction in the era of Kali and only devotion would help a man in

attaining liberation. Lord Shiva said-

 

" I had burnt the time (Kala) for the benefit of the devotees, with my

third eye. For the sake of my devotees, I even abandoned Ravana without any

partiality. For the welfare of my devotees, I even instructed Nandi to punish

sages Vyas, who was exiled out of Kashi. "

 

Shiva preached on may topics like devotion types of devotion, yantra, mantra,

scriptures etc.

 

SATI'S DOUBT

 

Devarshi Narad who was listening to the divine tales of Shiva, narrated by lord

Brahma with rapt attention, requested him to describe about other

characteristics of Shiva. Brahmaji said-

 

" Once, lord Shiva accompanies by Sati, arrived at Dandak aranya, where Sri

Ram was wandering in search of Sita, who had been abducted by Ravana. After

walking for some time Lord Shiva saw Sri Ram and Laxman. Lord Shiva made

salutations to Sri Ram. Sati was surprised at Shiva's behaviours. She asked

lord Shiva about the reason he made salutations to Sri Ram. Shiva told Sati

that he (Sri Ram) was his deity and an incarnation of lord Vishnu. But Sati was

not satisfied by this reply. She wanted to test, whether Sri Ram was really an

incarnation of lord Vishnu or not. She disguised herself as Sita and went to

Sri Ram. But Sri Ram recognised her real identity and addressed her as Mother. Sati

was ashamed but asked Sri Ram as to why did Shiva made salutations to

her. "

 

Sri Ram narrated the following story-

 

SHIVA DOES NOT SEE SATI AS HIS CONSORT

 

Once, lord Shiva requested Vishwakarma to construct a grand palace and a

magnificent throne for him. When everything was ready, Shiva invited all the

deities for the crowning ceremony of lord Vishnu.

 

Lord Vishnu was requested to be seated on the throne and was worshipped by all

the deities including Shiva himself. He assured lord Vishnu that all of his

(Vishnu's) incarnations would be shown respected by his (Shiva's) devotees (Ram)

am the incarnation of Vishnu. "

 

Sati was now completely satisfied. She was also ashamed of herself that she had

doubted Shiva's words. She went to lord Shiva.

 

Lord Shiva stopped looking at Sati, as her consort, because she had personified

herself as mother Sita. This fact was even corroborated by a heavenly voice.

Now Sati's heart was filled up with sorrows.

 

She followed disenchanted Shiva to the Kailash Mountain, where he commenced his

meditation and went into Samadhi. She sat down without saying a word. When lord

Shiva came out from his Samadhi, he saw her stire sitting their. He felt pity

on her and drove away her guilt and sorrows, by giving discourses.

 

DAKSHA'S ANIMOSITY TOWARDS SHIVA

 

Once, the sages organised a yagya at Prayaga, which was attended by all the

deities. Lord Shiva too had come, accompanies by Sati. He was eulogized and

worshipped by all the deities and the sages.

 

Daksha arrived there and after making salutations to lord Brahma sat down

without showing any kind of respect to Shiva. After that, all the deities and

the sages came and made salutations to Daksha, but Shiva sat where he was

sitting.

 

The ignorant Daksha cursed Shiva that from now onwards his (Shiva's) share

would not be kept in the yagya.

 

At this Nandi- the vehicle of Shiva became very angry and cursed Daksha that

from today onwards the Brahmins would fail to understand the essence of Vedas.

 

Lord Shiva then pacified Nandi's anger and both of them went back to their

abode. Daksha too went back to his place and started having hatred towards

Shiva.

 

DAKSHA PERFORMS YAGYA

 

Daksha organised a yagya at 'Kanakhal' in which everybody except Shiva and Sati

were invited. Sage Dadhichi arrived and not finding the seat for Shiva went

back, saying that it was impossible to accomplish a yagya without Shiva.

 

Then Daksha commenced the yagya with the assistance of other sages who were

present there.

 

SATI'S ARRIVAL AT THE OBLATION-SITE

 

When Sati saw all the deities going happily, she became curious to know where

they were going. She requested her companion to ask the moon as to where he was

going in such a cheerful mood.

 

The moon told her companion that they were going to attend the yagya ceremony,

being organised by Daksha.

 

Sati was very surprised at this information. She went to lord Shiva and sought

his permission to go there. Lord Shiva then told Sati that her father did not

invite them because of the animosity he was having towards him (Shiva).

 

Sati became very furious and decided to go there to know about the reason why

Daksha was performing the yagya without inviting her husband-Shiva. Shiva sent

Nandi and other rudraganas as her escorts.

 

SATI'S DISHONOUR

 

When Sati reached, where Daksha was performing his yagya, she met her mother

and sisters. They met her with all the respect and honour. But Daksha did not

even caste a glance at her. Imitating him many other people did the same.

 

But Sati did not bother about the disrespect shown to her made salutations to

both her parents. When she reached near the yagya-mandap she saw that shares of

all the deities was there except that of Shiva. She became furious and asked

her father as to why was Shiva not invited to the yagya.

 

Daksha then made fun of Shiva and cursed him. This made her angrier and she

declared that she would give up her life in everybody's presence. After the

declaration her mind was engrossed by the thoughts of Shiva.

 

SATI GIVES UP HER LIFE

 

Sati then sat in padmasan and closed her yes. By her yogic powers she united

with Shiva and her lifeless body fell into the yagya-kunda. This incident

shocked everybody and the rudraganas furiously picked up their weapons. Right

then a heavenly voice was heard.

 

" O means Daksha! Share on you! You are a sinner and a fool. Now you are

certain to face the wrath of Shiva. Because of your act, the deities too will

have to suffer. "

 

Daksha became scarred. He immediately eulogising lord Vishnu.

 

MANIFESTTION OF VEERBHARDA & MAHAKALI

 

When Nandi informed Shiva about Sati's death, he became very furious. He

angrily pulled out locks of hair and dashed it against the mountain, which got

divided into two parts. From one part manifested the valiant Veerbharda and

from the other part Mahakali.

 

Veerbhadra and Mahakali were instructed by Shiva to destroy the yagya of Daksha

and to kill all the people who were present during the time of Sati's death,

including the deities and the sages.

 

VEERBHADRA & KALI ASSEMBLE THEIR ARMY

 

After getting the instructions from lord Shiva; Veerbhardra marched with a huge

army which included the mighty Shivaganas like Dakini, Bhairav and Kapalish

etc. Goddess Kali to joined him with her army which consisted of all her nine

incarnations like Katyayani etc. As the army marched on numerous auspicious

signs were visible.

 

DAKSHA EXPERIENCES INAUSPICIOUS SIGNS

 

On the other hand Daksha experienced many inauspicious signs. His left eye,

left army and left thigh started throbbing. He saw the vultures flying over his

head. He heard the sounds of jackals howling.

 

LORD VISHNU PREACHES DAKSHA

 

Daksha then prayed to lord Vishnu to rescue him from the imminent wrath of lord

Shiva. Lord Vishnu preached Daksha and said-

 

" Daksha! Since you have committed the greatest sin by dishonouring Shiva

and Sati even I can not prevent the calamities which you are certain to

face. "

 

As lord Vishnu was preaching Daksha suddenly there was a loud commotion. The

army of Veerbhadra had arrived. Daksha was frightened and again prayed to Vishnu

to save his life.

 

Lord Vishnu again expressed his helplessness and told him that because of him

all the deities too would have to suffer.

 

DAKSHA GETS HIS HEAD SEVERED

 

A terrible battle was fought between the armies of Veerbhadra and the deities.

The deities got defeated and fled away. They went to lord Vishnu and sought his

help. Lord Vishnu decided to fight on the side of the deities.

 

The battle recommenced for the second time. Lord Vishnu having a dual fight

with Veerbhadra and the deities were fighting against his army.

 

Suddenly everybody heard a heavenly voice which said that Veerbhadra was

invincible. Hearing this, Lord Vishnu and Brahmaji went to their respective

abodes.

 

Daksha ran for his life and hid himself behind the attar where the yagya was

being performed. But Veerbhadra pulled him out from there and severed his head.

He then threw his head in the agni-kunda. After this he returned back to

Kailash accompanies by his army.

 

CONTENTION BETWEEN KSHUVA & DADHICHI

 

Narad, who was listening to the divine tales of Shiva with rapt attention, was

very curious to know about the reasons why Vishnu lord attended a yagya where

Shiva was not invited and why did he fight a battle against veerbhadra despite

knowing about his invincibility.

 

Lord Brahma told him that all this happened due to the curse of Sage Dadhichi-

 

In the ancient times, there used to live a king named Kshuva, who was a great

friend of Sage Dadhichi. Due to some reasons both of their developed animosity

towards each other. Dadhichi considered himself superior because of being a Brahmin,

on the other hand Kshuva considered himself superior on account of his wealth.

The dispute took a worst turn and Dadhichi punched him on his head. As a result

Kshuva felt down unconscious. When he regained his consciousness he attained

sage Da dhichi with his weapon named Vajra, which injured Dadhichi.

 

Dadhichi sought the help of Shukracharya. Shukracharya healed his wounds by his

mantras. He also taught Dadhichi the mahamrityunjay mantra. Dadhichi then did a

tremendous penance to please lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared before him and

blessed him with three boons, they were 1) his bones, would become as hard as

lightning (Vajra), ii) he would not be killed, iii) he would never be humiliated.

 

 

Armed with these three boons, Sage Dadhichi again went to fight Kshuva. He

kicked him, in return Kshuva too attacked him with his weapon named Vajra, but

it did not have any effect on Dadhichi as his bones had become as hard as

lighting.

 

King Kshuva did a tremendous penance to please lord Vishnu. Vishnu revealed to

him that Dadhichi had become immortal because of the blessings of lord Shiva,

but assured him that he would certainly help him in defeating Dadhichi.

 

BATTLE BETWEEN VISHNU & DADHICHI

 

Lord Vishnu then visited the hermitage of Sage Dadhichi, disguised as a

brahmin. On being asked by Dadhichi about the purpose of his arrival, he said

that he had come with a desire of a boon on his heart.

 

Sage Dadhichi, by his yogic power came to know about the real identity of a

'Brahmin'. He told that he had been caught. Lord Vishnu was ashamed.

 

Lord Vishnu then went back to Kshuva and instructed him to go to sage Dadhichi

and act as if he had accepted his superiority.

 

" Kshuva went to sage Dadhichi and did as he was instructed to do, but

Dadhichi did not believe his words. Now lord Vishnu became angry and tried to

kill him by his sudarshan chakra, but he was not successful, as the chakra,

which was given to him by lord Shiva himself, was not willing to harm a devotee

of Shiva.

 

" Lord Vishnu then tried to kill Dadhichi by shooting volley of arrows. The

deities too attacked with their weapon. Sage Dadhichi threw a handful of Kusha

grass, initiated with mantras towards them, which destroyed all the weapons of

the deities. "

 

" In the meantime lord Brahma arrived on the scene accompanies by Kshuva.

He told the deities that it was futile to fight with Dadhichi as he was

invincible, due to the boon given by lord Shiva, "

 

" Ultimately King Kshuva begged his forgiveness for his offence. Dahichi

forgave him but cursed Vishnu including all the deities that they would be

burnt to ashes by the wrath of Rudra. "

 

" This was the reason why all the deities and lord Vishnu attended the

yagya, organised by Daksha and got defeated by Veerbhadra. "

 

THE DEITIES GO TO LORD SHIVA

 

The deities after being defeated by Veerdbharda went to Brahmaloka and narrated

everything about the destruction of Daksha's yagya and also how his head was

severed by Veerbharda.

 

Brahmaji became very sad. To bring Daksha back to life and to accomplish the

still unfinished yagya, he went to lord Vishnu to take his help. All the

deities accompany him.

 

Lord Vishnu told them that it was wrong on the part of Daksha to have shown

disrespect to Shiva. The deities were wrong to support him. Lord Vishnu then

went to Kailash mountain, accompanied by Lord Brahma and all the other deities.

All of them eulogized and worshipped Shiva. They also requested him to bring

Daksha back to life.

 

DAKSHA BECOME ALIVE

 

Lord Shiva became very pleased and agreed to make Daksha alive. All of them

went to Kanakhal-the place where Daksha had organised the yagya ceremony.

Veerbhadra too accompanied them.

 

When they reached the site, Lord Shiva could not hold his laughter after seeing

the destruction of the site. Anyway, he joined the head of a goat to the torso

of Daksha's body and made him alive. He also compensated for all the losses

which had been caused by the destruction. All the deities became very pleased

and they eulogised Shiva.

 

DAKSHA ORGANISES 'YAGYA' ONCE AGAIN

 

becoming pleased by the invocation and eulogy of the deities, Lord Shiva

preached Daksha in the following way-

 

" The person who has the right knowledge (gyani) is the supreme among all

human beings. An action which is performed in one's ignorance and jealousy does

not liberate a man from his world bondages.

 

O Daksha then accomplished his yagya singing the praise of lord Shiva. He also

give lots of donation to the brahmins. They everybody returned to their

respective houses being fully satisfied.

 

Sati - the daughter of Daksha was reborn as Gauri- the daughter of Himalaya and

Maina. By her tremendous penance she again had lord Shiva as her husband.

 

PARVAT KHAND

 

HIMALAYA MARRIED MAINA

 

Narada requests lord Brahma to shed light on the birth of Maina and also too

she was married with Himalaya.

 

Brahmaji Said-

 

" After relinquishing her body, Sati - the daughter of Daksha attained to

the abode of Shiva. In her next birth she was born to Maina - the wife of

Himalaya and was known as Parvati. Maina had done great service to Sati in her

previous life considering as her own daughter. For this reason she was blessed

and got Parvati as her daughter. Parvati did tremendous penance and got lord

Shiva as her husband. "

 

Continuing with his story Brahmaji said-

 

" Once Himalaya - the king of the mountains, decided to marry with the

desire of expanding his lineage. The deities came to know about his desires and

so they went to the Pitras and requested them to give their daughter - Maina,

so that Himalaya could marry her. The Pitras agreed at this proposal. Thus

Maina got married wih Himalaya. After the marriage ceremony the deities

returned back to their respective abodes.

 

MAINA GETS LIBERATED FROM THE CURSE

 

Daksha had Sixty daughters, 'Swadha' was one of them and was married to the

Pitras. In due course of time three daughters were born to them - Maina, Dhanya

and Kalawati. Once all the three of them went to Swetadweepa to have a darshan

of lord Vishnu. Right then, sages like Sanak, Sanadan etc arrived there.

Everybody present there stood up in reverence, but Maina, Dhanya and Kalawati

could not identify who they were and hence they remained sitting. Not only

that, they did not even make any salutations to them.

 

The sages became angry and cursed them to be born as humans in their next

birth. Maina, Dhanya and Kalawati became very afraid and requested to be

pardoned.

 

Sages Sanak feeling pity on them told that Maina would become the wife of

Himalaya, in her next birth and give birth to Parvati, Similarly Dhanya would

be married to king Janak and Sita would be born to them, similarly Kalawati

would be married to Vrishbhan and Radha would be born to them. Sage Sanak also

told them, that in this way all three of them would attain to the heaven.

 

INVOCATION OF UA

 

Brahmaji told Narad that after getting married with Maina, Himalaya enjoyed a

happy married life for a long time. Once, lord Vishnu paid a visit to his

place, accompanied by all the deities. Himalaya was very pleased by his

arrival. After making salutations, he asked for the purpose of their visit. The

deities revealed to them that very soon the incarnation of Sati - Parvati is

going to take birth. " Therefore, O Himalaya! Be prepared for that glorious

occasion. " said the deities.

Himalaya was very pleased at this news. The deities started invocating Uma.

 

GODDESS uma consoles the deities Being pleased by the invocation made by

the deities Goddess Uma assured the deities about her arrival in this world.

She told that her incarnation would take place in the house of Himalaya and by

the virtues of her tremendous penance she would get lord Shiva as her husband.

She also told the deities that she was satisfied by the service of Maina, done

to her in the previous life. After being assured the deities went back

satisfied.

 

MAINA AND HIMALAYA COMMENCE PENANCE Himalaya and Maina commenced their

penance with the objective of getting Uma as their daughter. Maina did a

tremendous penance which lasted for twenty-seven years. Goddess uma became very

pleased by her penance. She appeared before her and asked her to demand

anything she wished for. Maina expressed her desire of having one hundred

valiant sons and a daughter, who would be worshipped by the people in all the three

world.

 

Goddess Uma blessed her by saying Tathastu. Maina narrated this incident to her

husband Himalaya. He became very pleased. In due course of time one hundred

sons were born t o Maina. One of the sons was Mainak who possessed supreme

qualities. Due to some reasons, Indra had severed the wings of Mainak's

ninety-nine brothers, but by taking the refuge of ocean Mainak was able to

survive the assault of Indra's Vajra.

 

BIRTH OF PARVATI Himalaya and Maina engaged themselves in the worship of

Shiva and Shakti, day and night. After some days Parvati manifested herself by

taking birth. After her birth the whole mountaneous region of Himalaya became

illuminated by her radiance.

 

DIVINE CHILDHOOD-PLAYS OF PARVATI

 

After taking her birth, Parvati gradually started growing up. Varioua names

given to her like Girja, Uma, and Jagdamba. Himalaya and Maina felt proud of

their fate, which had made them the parents of an incarnation. Seeing the

childhood plays of Uma, their hearts knew no bounds. One day sage Narad arrived

there Himalaya requested him to study the palm of Parvati, as he was curious to

know about her future. After studying the lines of the palm, Narada predicted

that Parvati was destined to be the wife of an entity, who would be beyond the

reach of all the three qualities. He also revealed to them, that her husband

would be devoid of any flaws and would be self born-Rudra. Narad told Himalaya

that to have Rudra as her husband, Parvati will have to accomplish great

austerities and penance. Narad then went away.

 

THE DREAMS OS PARVATI AND HIMALAYA When Uma had attained the marriagable

age, Maina requested her husband a suitable bridegroom for her. Himalya told

her that the words of Narada would never go in vain hence Uma should be asked

to do penance, so that she could have Rudra as her husband. But Maina was

disinclined in forcing her tender daughter - Parvati in to such hardhsips like

penance. Parvati then told Maina about her dream, in which she had seen a Brahmin

instructing her to do penance in order to have Rudra as her husband.

 

Maina told Himalaya about Parvati's dream. Himalaya then revealed to Maina

about his own dream, in which he had seen lord Shiva doing penance at Kailash Mountain.

He had tried to give Parvati to him (Shiva) was unwillingly to have her

service. But Shiva ultimately changed his mind after being satisfied by

Parvati's replies/ Himalaya said- " I saw in my dream that Parvati had

pleased Shiva by her tremendous penance and ultimately both of them got

married. Maina was satisfied and waited eagerly for that auspicious moment.

 

THE BIRTH OF 'BHAUM'- MARS Once, when the ganas of Shiva praised the

glory of mother Sati, lord Shiva became overjoyed just like an ordinary human

being. In his joy, he travelled all around the three world without any clothes

on his body. He returned back to Kailash and went into meditation. While he was

engrossed in his Samadhi, three drops of perspiration originated from his

forehead fell down on the earth. From those drops manifested a very beautiful

infant, who was of reddish complexion and who had four arms.

 

Seeing the child lord Shiva became concerned about his upbringing. Right then,

mother earth manifested and lord Shiva entrusted the job of child's upbringing.

The child was brought up by mother earth with great love and care. The child

was named 'Bhaum' as he was nurtured and brought up by 'Bhumi' (earth). When

the child grew up, he went to Kashi and did a tremendous penance to please lord

Shiva Lord Shiva became pleased with him and blessed him by granting him

'Mangalloka', which was superior even to the 'Shukraloka'. The same 'Bhauma' is

established in the solar system by the name of 'Mars.'

 

SHIVA ARRIVES AT HIMALAYA One day lord Shiva accompanied by his ganas

like Bhringi, Nandi, etc, arrived at Himalaya, with the purpose of doing

penance. When Parvati father Himalaya came to know about his arrival, he went

to receive him. After he had made his salutations to Shiva, he was instructed

by Shiva to see that he is not disturbed while doing his penance.

 

Himalaya made all the necessary arrangements so that Lord Shiva could perform

his penance without being disturbed. One day Himalaya arrived at the place

where lord Shiva was doing his penance. Parvati too came along with him.

Himalaya requested him to keep Parvati, so that she could be at his service.

Lord Shiva declined to keep her with him, fearing her presence might cause

hindrance in the path of his penance. Now, Himalaya became very concerned about

his daughter's future and wandered whether Parvati would remain unmarried.

 

CONVERSATON BETWEEN PARVATI & SHIVA When Parvati saw her father

becoming worried by Shiva's response she decided to intervene. She said to lord

Shiva- " I am 'Prakriti' (Nature) and you are the 'Purusha' (almighty). You

exist in the 'Sagun' form (with form) because of me. In my absence, you will

find it impossible even to exist. " Lord Shiva was impressed by her

knowledge. He allowed her to be present near her. Himalaya and Parvati became

very pleased.

 

Parvati used to come daily at the place where lord Shiva was doing his penance.

Her companions too used to come along. She used to engage herself in the

worship of lord Shiva with great devotion. Though lord Shiva was very much

impressed by her devotion, but he decided that he won't marry her until she has

proved her mettle by her tremendous penance.

 

The deities were tormented by a demon named Tarakasur. They went to Lord Brahma

to seek his help. Lord Brahma sends 'Kamadeva' to disturb the Samadhi of Shiva,

so that being influenced by him Shiva married Parvati and ultimately kills

Tarakasur. This attempt of Brahma was unsuccessful. Shiva 'burnt' Kamadeva with

the help of his third eye. Parvati, then redoubled her effort to attract the

attention of Shiva by engaging herself in a tremendous penance.

 

THE BIRTH OF VAJRANG Narada was curious to know about Tarakasur. He

asked Brahmaji to narrate his tale. Brahmaji said- " Kashyap-the son of

Marichi, had thirteen wives Diti was the eldest among them. She was the mother

of Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha. Both her sons were killed by lord Vishnu in

his incarnations of Nrisimha and Varaha respectively. Diti became very sad by

the death of her sons.

 

After somtime she again became pregnant but the foetus was destroyed by Indra's

weapon- Vajra in the womb itself. However Indra was not able to destroy the

foetus completely, but was only successful in dividing the foetus into

forty-nine parts. These forty-nine parts, later on became famous as

'Maraudganas'. Again Diti gave birth of Vajrang, who was very valiant and

brave. When he grew up, Diti ordered him to defeat the deities. With his

mother's permission and blessings, Vajrang defeated the deities and held them

captive. He fastened all the deities. With strings and himself became the king

of heaven. Seeing the pitable state of the deities I (brahma) went to Vajrang

accompanied by Kashyap and requested him to free the deities. Vajrang agreed to

free them but said he did not have any aspiration of becoming the king of heaven;

he only wanted to teach a lesson to Indra. Vajrang returned the heaven to the

deities. Later on, the married Varanji who had been created by me (Brahma), while

Vajrang was of virtuous nature, Varangi was met. "

 

BIRTH OF TARAKASUR AND HIS PENANCE Varangi gave birth to Tarakasur- the

valiant and brave demon. During the time of his birth , the world was affected

by inauspicious events like earthquakes, cyclones etc, His name Tarakasur was

given by Kashyap. After he grew up, Tarakasur went to Madhuvan to do penance.

His tremendous penance scarred the deities. Becoming pleased by his penance, Lord

Brahma appeared before him and asked him to demand anything.

 

Tarakasur demanded two boons - there should be no man as powerful as him and

except Shiva's son nobody should be able to kill him. Lord Brahma blessed him

by saying 'Tathastu'. After receiving the boons, Tarakasur returned back to

Ronitpur and was crowned as the king by Shukracharya. He then defeated the

deities and drove them out from the heaven. Now it came under the rule of the

demons.

 

TARAKASUR RELINQUISHES HEAVEN ON THE ADVICE OF LORD BRAHMA

After being driven away from the heaven, the deities went to Lord Brahma to

seek his help. They asked him as to how they could get rid of this menace

called Tarakasur.

 

Brahmaji revealed to the deities that Tarakasur could be killed only by such a

person, whose parents are Shiva and Parvati. He also advised them to make

efforts, so that Shiva agrees to marry Parvati.

 

Lord Brahma them went to 'Tarakasur' who had now become the king of heaven, and

tried to convince him to return it back to the deities. Tarakasur agreed to

relinquish the heaven and give it back to the deities. The deities went back to

the heaven.

 

KAMADEVA SENT TO LORD SHIVA

 

Lord Brahma told Narada that the deities decided to send Kamadeva to influence

lord Shiva so that the marriage between him and Parvati is felicitated.

 

Indra called Kamadeva and told him that the demon king Tarakasur could be

killed only by such a person who was the son of Shiva and Parvati. Indra instructed

Kamadeva to arouse passion in lord Shiva, so that he agrees to marry Parvati.

 

Kamadeva, accompanied by his wife Rati went to lord Shiva to accomplish his

mission.

 

EFFORTS OF KAMADEVA

 

After reaching the place where lord Shiva was engrossed in his meditation,

Kamadeva made repeated attempts to arouse passion in the heart of lord Shiva,

but his actions were no avail.

 

Right then, Kamadeva saw Parvati arriving accompanied by her companions. She

was looking divine in her beauty. Just at that moment lord Shiva too had come

out of his meditational trance. Kamadeva thought that it was the most

appropriate moment to have a go.

 

Kamadeva struck lord Shiva with his 'Kamabana' which did have a deep impact on

him. Lord Shiva was struck by the awesome beauty of Parvati and his heart

became full of passion for her. But at the same time he was surprised at the

sudden change in his behaviour. He realized that it was an act of Kamadeva.

 

KAMADEVA REDUCED TO ASHES

 

Lord Shiva looked all around him. He saw kamadeva standing towards his left

side, with a bow and arrows in his hands. Now he was fully convinceed that it

was indeed an act of Kamadeva.

 

Kamadeva becameterrified, he started remembering god, but before the deities

could come at his rescue the third eye of lord Shiva got opened and Kamadeva

was reduced to ashes.

 

Parvati got scarred after seeing Lord Shiva in such destruction anger. She went

to her house along with her companions. Rati- the wife of Kamadeva wept

unconsolably.

 

The deities arrived and consoled her by saying that by the grace of lord Shiva,

her husband would be alive once again. After that the deities went near lord

Shiva and did his worship. They told him that it was not the fault of Kamadeva,

as he had acted in accordance with the aspirations of the deities. They also

told him the mystery of Tarakasur's death. The deities then requested him to

make Kamadeva alive once again.

 

Lord Shiva told the deities that Kamadeva would take birth as the son of

Krishna and Rukmini in the era of dwapar. A demon by the name of Shambar would

throw him off in the sea. He would kill that demon and marry Rati, who too

would be living in a city near the sea.

 

But the deities were not satisfied. They requested lord Shiva to help Rati to

unite with her husband. Lord Shiva then told them that Kamadeva would become

his gana, but he also warned them against revealing this fact to anybody. Rati

then went to the city where the demon Shambar was expected to appear in the era

of dwapar. The deities too went back to the heaven.

 

THE ANGER OF SHIVA SUBSIDES

 

Lord Shiva's anger did not subside after the death of Kamadeva and the whole

world started to feel the wrath of lord Shiva's fury. All the living creatures

became terrified. They went to lord Brahma and prayed to him, to save them from

Shiva's wrath.

 

Lord Brahma went to lord Shiva and conveyed their request to him. Lord Shiva

agreed to relinquish his anger. Lord Brahma then carried Shiva's 'fury' to the

sea and went to the sea. He requested the sea to posses it until the final

annihilation. The sea agreed to do this. This way Lord Shiva's fury entered

into the sea and all the living creatures felt a sign of relief.

 

NARADA PREACHES PARVATI

 

When Parvati reached her home; she became very sad as she was unable to bear

the sorrow of Shiva's separation. Sage Narada arrived there. Her father

Himalaya narrated the whole story to him

 

Sage Narada then gave the five lettered mantra - " OM NAMAH SHIVAJ' to her

and he also instructed her to do penance. Parvati heart was filled up with new

enthusiasm.

 

PARVATI DOES PENANCE

 

After taking the permission of her parents and relinquishing all of her

ornaments and royal apparels, Parvati went to the same place where Lord Shiva

himself had done penance. This sacred place was situated at the Himalayas, from

where the holy Ganges originated. Parvati companions too had accompanied her.

 

Parvati commenced her penance which gradually became severer day by day. She

did penance for three thousand years by chanting the five lettered mantra- OM

NAMAH SHIVAY and performing other kinds of austerities. Becoming impressed by

her tremendous penance even the deities flocked to see her. Parvati did her

penance, surrounded by fire on all her sides during summer. In rainy season she

did her penance without any shelter and during winter she used to do penance by

immersing herself in neck deep water.

 

THE DEITIES GO TO LORD SHIVA

 

Parvati's power created such heat in the atmosphere that the whole world

started to burn. All the deities & sages went to Lord Brahma and told him

about the effects; Parvati's penance was having on all the three worlds.

 

Lord Brahma accompanied by all of them went to Vishnuji. They visited the place

where Parvati was doing her penance. They realized that lord Shiva was the only

remedy and hence all of them went to lord Shiva and made salutations to him.

 

SALUTATIONS GIVES HIS APPROVAL

 

Lord Shiva enquired about the purpose of their arrival. Lord Vishnu then

revealed to him that how distressed and tormented were the deities by the

activities of the demon - Tarakasur.

 

He also told Shiva that he could be killed by such a person, who is born out of

the parentage of Shiva and Parvati. Lord Vishnu then told Shiva about Parvati's

penance.

 

Initially lord Shiva refused to comply with their request but when the deities

continued with their insistence, he ultimately gave his conscent. The deities

became very pleased.

 

PARVATI'S LOVE FOR SHIVA TESTED BY THE SAPTARISHIS

 

After the deities went back, lord Shiva summoned the Saptarishis (Vashishth

etc) and instructed them to test Parvati's love for him. The Saptarishis went

to Parvati and tested her resolve to marry lord Shiva. They tried to deter her

by all means, but Parvati was firm in her resolve. They went back to lord Shiva

and narrated the whole story.

 

LORD SHIVA TESTS PARVATI Lord Shiva then he went to Parvati in the guise

of a Brahmin. Parvati on seeing a Brahmin welcomed her with full honour. Shiva

asked Parvati as to why was she doing penance. Parvati told him that she wanted

to have Shiva as her husband. Lord Shiva, who was in the guise of a Brahmin,

started cursing Shiva to see how Parvati reacted to it.

 

Parvati replied that inspite of her penance Shiva did not appear, so she has

decided to give up her life in burning pyre. After saying like this Parvati

requested the Brahmin to go back and she herself entered into the burning pyre

but remained unharmed Lord Shiva was very pleased to see her firm resolve and

devotion. He again asked her as to what was the purpose behind doing such a

tremendous penance.

 

PARVATI'S REPLY Parvati told the Brahmin; who in reality was Shiva

himself that, she wanted to have Shiva as her husband at any cost. She said-

" You say that lord Shiva does not possess anything - not even wealth. He

does not put on clothes on his body. You also say that he is not fit to be a

bridegroom of me. But all of your utterances prove your mean

intelligence. "

 

SHIVA REVEALS HIS TRUE IDENTITY Parvati continuing with her statements

said that Shiva was the most capable deity in the entire three worlds.

" There is no sin greater than condemning Shiva. " said Parvati. As

Shiva, who was in the guise of Brahmin was about to say something Parvati said

to one of her companion- " This condemner should be killed, if this is not

possible then we must leave this place at once. "

 

As she was about to leave that place, lord Shiva revealed his true identity and

by holding her hand said- " You have been my wife since time immemorial

where are you going? " Parvati became very pleased and her heart was filled

up with extreme joy. She requested him to take to her father regarding their

marriage. Lord Shiva agreed. He went back to Kailash Mountain and narrated the

whole story to his Ganas - Nandi, Bhairav etc. Everyone became very happy and

awaited eagerly for the day Shiva would marry Parvati.

 

SHIVA DEMAND PARVATI AS HIS CONSORT Parvati, after successfully

accomplishing her penance came back to her home. Everybody was happy at her

arrival. After sometime Himalaya went out to take his bath in the river Ganges,

meanwhile lord Shiva arrived in his appearance of Nataraj and started dancing

in front of Parvati's mother - Maina. She was so pleased by his dance that she

wanted to present jewels to him in appreciation, but Shiva refused to take

them. He expressed his desire to marry Parvati, which made Maina furious.

 

In the meantime, Himalaya arrived and she informed him what Shiva had said. He

became angry too and ordered his attendants to drive away Nataraj (Shiva) from

that place. Shiva then showed his divine appearance due to which Himalaya had

the vision of Lord Vishnu and Parvati sitting by the side of lord Shiva in him.

Himalaya was very surprised.

 

Lord Shiva again demanded Parvati to be made as his consort, but Himalaya in

his ignorance again refused it. Nataraj then returned back to his abode.

 

After Shiva went back, Himalaya had a feeling that perhaps it was lord Shiva

himself, who had arrived in the appearance of Nararaj. He realized what a grave

blunder had been committed. Because of their guilt consciousness, both Maina

and Himalaya felt the germination of devotion in their heart.

 

SHIVA'S DELUSIONARY POWER

 

Indra and the other deities became afraid when they saw both Himalaya and Maina

having deep devotion towards lord Shiva. They apprehended that if Himalaya

happily agrees to marry Parvati with Shiva, then he would no longer live on the

earth- He would attain salvation. His departure would make the earth devoid of

jewels and other kinds of wealth.

 

To prevent this from happening, they went to Vrihaspati and requested him to

influence Himalayas mind by condemning Shiva. But Vrihaspati refused to comply.

 

 

The deities then went to lord Brahma and made the same request. Brahma refused

to meet their demand.

 

Now the deities went to lord Shiva and requested him not to marry Parvati as it

would make the earth devoid of all kinds of wealth. Lord Shiva feeling pity

agreed to help them.

 

Lord Shiva went to Himalaya in the guise of a hermit and started cursing

himself (Shiva). Maina was deeply influenced by the hermit’s word and decided

not to marry Parvati with Shiva. She also threatened to give up her life along

with Parvati if Parvati was married with Shiva against her wish.

 

SHIVA INSTRUCTS SAPTARISHIS TO CONVINCE MAINA & HIMALAYA

 

Lord Shiva summoned the Saptarishis and instructed them to convince Maina and

Himalaya to marry Parvati with him, so that Tarakasur could be killed. He

feared that his actions would have created many misconceptions in their minds.

 

The Saptarishis went to Himalaya and tried to make him, so that Tarakasur could

be killed. He feared that his actions would have created many misconceptions in

their minds.

 

The Saptarishis went to Himalaya and tried to make him understand that there

was not any other way out than marrying Parvati with Shiva. They also warned

both Himalaya and Maina if they did not give their conscent to marry Parvati

with Shiva, then she would be forcibly abducted by him (Shiva), causing death

and destruction to their whole clan. The Saptarishis then narrated the

following story-

 

ANARANYA - THE KING

 

There was a king named Anaranya, who belonged to the lineage of fourteenth

Manu-Indrasavarni. He was a great devotee of lord Shiva. He had five queens

from whom one hundred sons and a very beautiful daughter named Padma were born.

 

 

When Padma grew up, the king started looking for a suitable match. One day

while Padma was taking her bath in the Bhadra River, sage Pippalada arrived

there. He became enchanted by Padma's beauty.

 

After gathering informations about her from the people, he went to king

Anaranya and expressed his wish to marry Padma. He threatened him of dire

consequences if she was not married to her.

 

Anaranya became frightened and gave his daughter to him. Sage pippalada happily

went away accompanied by Padma. But both the king and the queen went to the

forest because of the sorrow of giving their young daughter to an old sage. The

queen died because of her grief. The king, because of his deep devotion towards

Shiva attained to the abode of Shiva.

 

PADMA AND PIPPALAD

 

On the request of Himalayas, Sage Vashishth who was one of the Saptarishis

narrated the story of Padma the princess and sage Pippalad-

 

" At the time of his marriage sage Pippalad was old and weak, but still

Padma devotely performed the duties of a faithful wife.

 

To test her faithfulness towards her husband, Dharmaraj arrived at the bank of

that river where Padma was taking her bath. He was in the guise of a young and

handsome prince. He coaxed Padma to leave behind her 'old husband' and come

along with him. Padma became furious and cursed him. Dharmaraj became very

pleased and revealed his true identity. He also asked as to how the effects of

her curse could be nullified.

 

Padma told her that his sins would result in having four legs during the era of

Satya, but they reduced to three during the era of treta, which would again

reduced to two legs during the era of Dwapar and ultimately he would have only

one leg during the era of Kali. Padma also told her that even his single leg

would disappear during the ending phase of Kali. " This would apropriately

act as atonement for your sins. " - said Padma. Dharmaraj blessed her by

saying that she would have ten sons and also that her husband would possess

youth and long life for eternity. After listening to this story, Himalaya

agreed to marry Parvati with Shiva. The Saptarishis then went back to lord

Shiva and gave the good news to him.

 

HIMALAYA SEND LAGNA-PATRIKA Himalaya then requested sage Garga to

prepare a beautiful Lagna-Patrikas which were then sent to his near and dear

ones. He then requested Vishwakarma to construct a beautiful 'mandap' for the

marriage, which was constructed by him in a very short time.

 

LORD SHIVA INVITES THE DEITIES Lord Shiva invited all of his Ganas to

the marriage ceremony. He also instructed sage Narada to intimate all the

deities, sages and the celestial entities. After getting the invitation from

Shiva everybody started making preparations to be a part of Shiva's

marriage-procession. The seven mothers- Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi,

Varahi, Aindri and Chamunda dressed him up beautifully Shiva then performed all

the necessary Karmas to pacify the planet. At last this wonderful

marriage-procession of Shiva proceeded towards the in-laws house.

 

LORD SHIVA'S MARRIAGE PROCESSION Shiva proceeded with his marriage

procession which considered of crores of his 'Ganas' and deities like Vishnu

who was boarded on their vehicles. Even Narad and Lord Brahma were present in

his (Shiva's) marriage procession. First of all, Shiva sent Narada to

Himalaya's house to inform him about their (marriage procession) arrival.

Himalaya sent his son-Mainak to receive them.

 

SHIVA DIVINE PLAYS When Maina saw that the marriage procession was

coming, she curiously told Narad about her desire to see her son in lawShiva

understood the arrongance which her desire contained. He wanted to teach her a

lesson. He sent all the deities one by one. Maina mistook each one of them to

be Shiva, but was later informed by Narada that in fact they were not Shiva but

the attendants of Shiva.

 

Maina was very delighted and wondered how handsome the master (Shiva) must be,

if the attendants were so handsome. Right then Shiva arrived with his Ganas -

His body coated with ashes on it. His Ganas too were looking ferocious. Maina

could not bear this horrible sight and lost her consciousness.

 

MAINA'S WAIL

 

The maid servants arrived instantaneously and helped Maina to regain her

consciousness. She started crying and cursing everybody. She thought was

responsible for her daughter's marriage with Shiva. Nobody was spared- Narad,

the Saptarishis and even her own sons. She even admonished Parvati by saying.

" Did you do severe penance to get such a horrible husband like this

(Shiva)? "

 

Lord Brahma and Narad tried to console and convince her, but it was of no

avail. When Himalaya tried to intervene, he was soundly rebuked. Maina

threatened him that if this marriage took place then it would be the last day

of her life. At last lord Vishnu arrived and tried to pacify her anger by

saying that her anger was baseless as she had not seen the real appearance of

Shiva, which bestows benediction. Lord Vishnu and Narad then eulogised Shiva

who on being pleased showed his most enchanting beauty. Maina now became fully

satisfied. Himalaya too felt proud of her daughter's good fortune. At last

Shiva entered the Mandap (canopy) where marriage ceremony was going to be

organised. He saw Parvati sitting there. Both of them were very delighted to

see each other.

 

HIMALAYA BESTOWS PARVATI TO SHIVA After the marriage ceremony was over,

Sage Garg helped Himalaya in performing the rite of Kanyadan, amidst the

chantings of Vedic mantras. The women's were singing auspicious songs. Himalaya

presented large quantities of dowry to Shiva. Parvati's companions were engaged

with Shiva in jocular and humorous conversation.

 

SHIVA BRINGS BACK KAMADEVA ALIVE Rati- the wife of Kamadeva, seeing the

moment opportune, arrived and requested Shiva to bring back her dead husband

back to life. Her wailings made the other goddesses very sympathetic towards

her. They too requested Shiva to make her dead husband back to life. Feeling

pity on her condition, Lord Shiva brought back Kamadeva back to life from the

ashes which Rati had given to him. On seeing her husband alive, Rati's heart

was filled up with extreme joy. Both of them eulogised lord Shiva and expressed

their gratitude.

 

After the marriage ceremony was over the marriage-processionist sought the

permission of Himalaya to make a move, but he requested them to remain there

for some more days.

 

SHIVA'S DEPARTURE Shiva remained at his in-laws house for many days. One

day he sought the permission of Himalaya to go back. Everybody became sad at

the prospect of Shiva's departure especially Maina who was very saddened by

this news. At last it was time for Shiva to depart for Kailash, accompanied by

Parvati.

Lord Shiva and Parvati were

blissfully enjoying their martial status, unaware of the eagerness with which

the deities were awaiting the arrival of their progeny. Tarakasur - the demon

continued tormenting the deities. When their miseries became unbearable they

went to lord Brahma to seek their help. All of them then went to lord Vishnu.

They told him that even after passing of such a long duration of time, Parvati

and Shiva had not yet become parents. They requested lord Vishnu to remind

Shiva about the purpose behind his marriage.

 

Initially lord Vishnu showed his disinclination to disturb Shiva's martial

bliss, but when the deities insisted he went to Shiva accompanied by all of

them. All of them eulogised Shiva and Parvati. The deities then requested Shiva

to make his contribution in the destruction of Tarakasur. Shiva understood

everything. Some drops of his semen fell down on the ground. One is being

insisted by the deities. Agni transformed his appeared in the form of a pigeon

and pecked up those drops of semen.

 

Right then Parvati arrived there and became extremely furious on seeing the

semen going waste. She cursed the deities that their respective wives would

remain issue less as the consequences of their mindless acts. Agni was having

inflammation in his stomach because of the Shiva's semen. Lord Shiva advised

him to transfer it into the womb of any noble woman. Agni followed the

instruction and injected the semen into the body of six women through the pores

of the hair on their body.

 

Those women could not bear the extreme luster of the Shiva's semen. They went

to Himachal and evacuated it. Even Himachal could not bear its extreme

effulgence and immersed it into the flowing Ganga. River Ganga carried it with

her current and established it amidst bushes of reed (Sarkanda).

Instantaneously a beautiful child manifested from it. His birth made all the

deities extremely joyous including Shiva and Parvati. It was the sixth day

(bright half of the lunar month) of the hindu month of Margashirsha. He was

Kartikeya.

 

KARTIKEYA

 

Sage Vishwamitra arrived at the spot where the child had manifested. On the

repeated insistence of the child, Vishwamitra performed his purification rites

and named him 'Guha'.

 

The divine child blessed Vishwamitra and bestowed divine knowledge to him. He

also blessed him to become famous as 'Brahmarshi'. Agnideva arrived there and

gave a divine weapon named 'Shakti' to that child. Guha went to the Kroncha Mountain

and banged his weapon on it. The mountain could not bear the effect of the blow

and started crumbling down. Innumerable demons living on that mountain came to

kill him. But the child killed all of them by his weapon.

 

When Indra heard about his bravery, he came along with other deities to fight

him Indra assaulted Guha with his Vajra on the right side of his body, which

resulted into the manifestation of a very powerful entity named 'Shakh'. Indra

again assaulted him on the left side of his body, from which manifested an

extremely powerful entity named 'Vishakh'. Indra assaulted Guha for the third

time- this time his chest was the target. From this third blow of Indra

manifested 'Naigam'. Guha accompanied by all the three powerful entities-

Shakh, Vishakh and Naigam attacked Indra and his army, but they fled away.

 

Six goddesses arrived on the scene. All of them tried to feed that small child

out of affection. They started quarelling among themselves. Right then they

were surprised to see the child appearing with six head. Now their problems

were solved. Each of the goddesses fed their breast milk to the child. They

took Guha with them and brought him up with great love and care. Guha later on

became famous as Kartikeya.

 

SEARCH OF KARTIKEYA One day, Parvati curiously asked Shiva about his

semen which had fallen on the ground. Lord Shiva summoned the deities and asked

them about it. The deities narrated the whole story. Both Shiva and Parvati

were very pleased to know about Kartikeya. Lord Shiva then ordered his Ganas to

bring Kartikeya from the possession of Kritika. The Ganas reached Badrikasharam

where Kritika lived. When Kritika saw the Ganas she became very frightened but

Kartikeya gave him solace. The Ganas requested Kartikeya to come along with

him. Kartikeya happily took permission from his mothers and proceeded to meet

Shiva and Parvati.

 

KARTIKEYA'S CORONATION At the time or Kartikeya's departure, the mothers

had become very emotional. Kartikeya consoled them. He then boarded the

beautiful chariot which had been sent by Parvati and Shiv proceeded towards

Kailash Mountain. All the deities including Shiva were eagerly awaiting his

arrival. When Kartikeya reached Kailash Mountain, he was given a royal reception.

The whole atmosphere was filled up with joy. Everybody was celebrating. Each of

the deities presented him their respective weapons to him. Lord Shiva coronated

him as the king with the help of the Brahmin. This way he had now become the

lord of Kailashpuri.

 

KARTIKEYA'S AMAZING CHARACTER Kartikeya narrated a story connected with

himself:- " One day a brahmin, whose name was Narad came to me and

requested me to help him find his he-goat which had got lost. He told me that

the goat was supposed to be offered as the sacrifice. " If the goat was not

found, my vow would remain unfulfilled. " Said Narad

 

I went in search of that goat. I found it in the Vishnuloka where it was

creating nuisance. When the goat saw me, it tried to attack me with its sharp horns.

I climbed on its back. After travelling through all the three worlds, the goat

returned back to his original place. I climbed down from its back. Narada

arrived and demanded his goat. I told him that his Yagya had been accomplished

by my blessings and there was no need to sacrifice the poor goat. Narada - the Brahmin

went back satisfied.

 

THE BATTLE The deities were very encouraged by the presence of Kartikeya

amidst themselves. They were beaming with confidence and enthusiasm. The

deities assembled at the seashore. Tarakasur arrived there with his huge army.

The battle began. Tarakasur appeared to be invincible. His blow was so severe

that Indra fell down unconscious. All the 'Lokpalas' met the same fate. After

that Tarakasur fought with Veerbharda and made him unconscious. Even Lord

Vishnu could not sustain for long and was ultimately defeated. Lord Brahma

requested Kartikeya to fight with Tarakasur as nobody except him would be able

to kill him.

 

KILLING OF TARAKASUR On being instructed by lord Brahma Kartikeya came

forward to fight with Tarakasur. Tarakasur ridiculed the deities for taking the

shield of a small child. " If he gets killed by me, the responsibility

should lie on you. " Thundered Tarakasur. A fierce battle started between

both of them in which both of them got injured. At last seeing an opportune

moment, Kartikeya hit Tarakasur on his chest with his weapon- Shakti. The blow

proved to be fatal and as a result Tarakasur died. Kartikeya feat was hailed by

all the deities. After killing Tarakasur, Kartikeya went to mother Parvati, who

affectionately took him into her lap. He was eulogized by all the deities.

 

KILLINGS OF PRALAMB & BANASUR the Mountain - Kraunch, who was

tormented by the activities of the demon named Banasur, went to Kartikeya and

narrated his woeful tales. Kartikeya threw his weapon - Shakti in the direction

which Banasur lived. The weapon banged right on target and returned back to

him. Bamnasur was burnt to ashes. Kraunch went back being very pleased. The

mountain - Kraunch established three Shivalingas to please lord Shiva. The

names of these three Shivalingas were - Kumareshwar, Pratigyeshwar and

Kapaleshwar.

 

Once upon a time, the deities were trying to reach the abode of Lord Shiva-

Kailash Mountain. Their preceptor Vrihaspati was walking ahead of all of them.

Meanwhile a demon by the name of Pralamb started creating turbulence. After

being tormented by his activities, Kumud - son of Sheshnag took Kartikeya's

refuge. Kartikeya killed the demon with his divine weapon - Shakti.

 

GANESH Once Narada had a desire to listen to the tales of Ganesha.

Brahmaji replied-

" There were various Ganeshas in different Kalpas. During the period of

'Shweta-Kalp', Ganesha was born to Shiva and Parvati, when they went to Kailash

Mountain shortly after their marriage.

" Once while going to take her bath, Parvati instructed Nandi, to stand

guard at the entrance and not to allow anybody to enter the premise without her

permission. Lord Shiva arrived there by chance. Despite of Nandi's refusal to

allow him, in he went inside. Parvati did not like this.

 

One day it happened so that Once again, Parvati wanted to take her bath. She

made an idol from the dirt of her body. She made the idol alive and instructed

him not to allow anybody without her permission. She also gave him a stick for

his protection. Incidentally lord Shiva arrived once again. He tried to enter

inside but Ganesha refused to let him go inside. But when Shiva tried to go

inside forcibly, Ganesha hit him with his stick. Lord Shiva became furious and

ordered his ganas to kill him.

 

GANESHA DEFEATS THE SHIVAGANAS & THE DEITIES The ganas of Shiva

attacked Ganesha but all of them were no match for him. After being defeated by

Ganesha, the Shivaganas went to Shiva and narrated everything. While the

Shivaganas were narrating their stories, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and some

other deities arrived there. Lord Brahma then went to Ganesha to convince him,

but as soon as Ganesha saw him he tried to attack Lord Brahma. Brahmaji came

back without achieving anything. After this lord Shiva himself came to fight

Ganesha.

 

SHIVA SEVERES GANESHA'S HEAD

 

A fierce battle was fought between Shiva and Ganesha. When Lord Shiva realized

that Ganesha was dominating the fight, he severed his head with his trishul.

 

GANESHA BECOMES ALIVE

 

Parvati became extremely furious at the death of Ganesha. Her anger resulted

into the manifestation of innumerable goddesses, who started creating havoc on

the deities.

 

The deities became frightened and they were forced to take the refuge of

Parvati. They eulogized her and requested to be pardoned. Parvati told them

that they could be saved only when Ganesha becomes alive and becomes

worshippable just like thee (Deities).

 

The deities went to lord Shiva and requested him to make Ganesha alive once

again. Lord Shiva instructed them to go in the northern direction and bring the

head of any creature they might find and join it with the trunk of Ganesha. The

deities followed the instruction and went in the northern direction.

 

They found an elephant which had only one tusk. They severed the elephant's

head and joined it with the trunk of Ganesha. By the blessings of Shiva,

Ganesha became alive once again. The deities worshipped Ganesha and returned

back to their respective abodes.

 

GANESHA'S MARRIAGE

 

Both Kartikeya and Ganesha grew up to become handsome youths in due course of

time. Shiva and Parvati started to think about their marriage.

 

When Ganesha and Kartikeya came to know about the plan of their marriage both

of them started quarreling among themselves as to who should get married first.

 

 

Lord Shiva and Parvati devised a plan to sort out this problem. They told them

that whoever between them return after circumambulating the earth, will get

married first of all.

 

Kartikeya and Ganesha agreed. Kartikeya proceeded on his journey to

circumambulate the earth. Ganesha was very intelligent. He requested his

parents - Lord Shiva and Parvati; to sit at a place together and

circumambulated them for seven times and said-

 

" According to Veda, Circumambulating one's parents give virtues equivalent

to that of circumambulating the whole earth. So now you must get me married

first. "

 

Lord Shiva and Parvati were very impressed by his intelligence. They decided to

get him married with Siddhi and Riddhi-the daughter of Vishwaroop Prajapati. In

due course of time two sons were born to them Kshem and Labh.

 

While Kartikeya was returning after circumambulating the whole earth, he met

sage Narad on the way. He told Kartikeya about Ganesha's marriage. Kartikeya

became very sad and felt like having been cheated by their parents.

 

When Kartikeya reached Kailash Mountain he made salutations to lord Shiva and

Parvati and without saying anything, went to Kraunch Mountain to do his

penance.

 

Parvati was very sad. She went to Kraunch Mountain to meet Kartikeya

accompanied by Shiva. When Kartikeya saw them coming he moved to another place.

Lord Shiva and Parvati followed him and ultimately met him. Both these places

have religious significance. Having a darshan of Kartikeya on the full moon day

of Kritika nakashatra is considered to bestow immense auspicious and destroyes

all the sins of a man.

YUDH KHAND

 

TRIPURASUR - THE THREE DEMONS

 

Narada requested Lord Brahma to

narrate how lord Shiva annihilated the demons. Lord Brahma narrated the tale of

Tripurasur.

 

" After the killing of Tarakasur, three of his sons started doing their

penance. The eldest among them was Tarkasha, younger to him was Viddyunmali and

Kamalaksha was the youngest. I (Brahma) became very pleased by their tremendous

penance. "

 

" They requested me to create three invincible forts for them, which should

be full of all kinds of wealth and splendour and which nobody could be able to

break. "

 

" A golden fort was constructed for Taraksha; for Kamlaksha a fort of

silver was constructed and for Viddyunmali iron-fort was constructed. I had

ordered the demon named Maya to construct these forts. One of these forts was

constructed in the sky, the other was constructed on the earth and the third

was constructed in the nether world. "

 

" After constructing the forts for them Maya took the responsibility of

protecting them. I (Brahma) warned the three demons that they would be killed

by lord Shiva. After this I came back. "

 

THE DEITIES EULOGIZE SHIVA & VISHNU

 

The three demon-brothers started tormenting the deities. The deities went to

lord Brahma and narrated about their miseries. Lord Brahma instructed them to

seek the help of Shiva.

 

They went to lord Shiva and explained about their woes. They also requested

Shiva to eliminate those three demons. Lord Shiva instructed them to go to lord

Vishnu and said-

 

" The Tripurasurs are very virtuous so they could not be killed. You all

must go to lord Vishnu and try to seek his help. "

 

The deities then went to lord Vishnu and made the same request. Lord Vishnu

performed an oblation. Thousands of armed spirit appeared from the yagya-kunda.

Lord Vishnu sent these spirits to kill the three demon-brothers. But these

spirits were no match for the Tripurasurs might and they had to run for their

lives. They came to lord Vishnu and narrated the whole story. Lord Vishnu

became very worried. He sent back all the deities and started thinking about

the means, Tripurasurs could be killed.

 

EMERGENCE OF ATHEISM

 

Lord Vishnu came to the conclusion that the Tripurasurs could not be killed

till they remain Virtuous and religious. He then created an illusionary entity

from his body who had no hairs on his head. He had worn dirty clothes and a bag

was hanging down his shoulder. He also had a broom in his head.

 

The entity asked lord Vishnu about the purpose of his existence and his name.

Lord Vishnu told him that his name was Arihan. He also instructed him to create

a scripture which stresses upon the importance of action (Karmavad0 and which

is different from the rituals explained in the Vedas. Lord Vishnu specifically

instructed him to keep the language of that scripture as simple and degenerated

as possible.

 

Lord Vishnu then preached Arihan on the science of illusion which stressed that

the heaven or the hell does not exist anywhere else, but on this earth itself.

 

Lord Vishnu instructed Arihan to get Tripurasurs initiated into with this

philosophy so that the demon-brothers become irreligious. Vishnu ordered Arihan

to make his residence in a desert with his disciples.

 

" You should propagate your philosophy when Kaliyuga arrives " - said

Lord Vishnu.

 

After giving his instruction lord Vishnu disappeared. Arihan then created four

illusionary entities from his bein who were supposed to act as his followers.

Their names were Rishi, Yati, Keerya and Upadhyay.

 

Now the time had arrived to enter the forts of Tripurasurs. All of them entered

the forts and in a gradual manner started increasing their influence. As a

result the Tripurasurs became irreligious. Not only that their subjects too

became irreligious in a very short time.

 

THE DEITIES EULOGIZE LORD SHIVA

 

When the deities saw that the Tripurasurs had become irreligious completely,

they went to lord Shiva and requested him to kill Tripurasurs. Right then

mother Parvati arrived there accompanied by Kartik and Ganesha. She requested

Shiva to come along with her into the palace. All the deities followed them and

kept on requesting. The deities were angry that Parvati had caused obstacles in

the fulfillment of their objective. They could not conceal their anger and

expressed it.

 

One of the ganas of Shiva, whose name was Kumbhodar angrily, attacked the

deities. All of them got injured and went to lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu advised

them to chant the five lettered mantra - OM NAMAH SHIVAY for one crore times.

The deities followed the instruction. Lord Shiva became pleased and appeared

before them. He assured the deities that their wishes would be fulfilled.

 

KILLINGS OF TRIPURASURS

 

When Shiva agreed to kill the demon - brothers Tripurasur the deities became

extremely joyous. They gave their respective weapons to Shiva, so that he did

not have any difficulty in killing the demons. Vishwakarma gave his beautiful

chariot to him.

 

Lord Shiva proceeded towards the forts of Tripurasur followed by a huge army of

the deities. His army entered the forts of his bow but he was not able to

release it. He remained in this position for one thousand years but still he

was not successful in releasing his arrow.

 

Lord Shiva then worshipped Ganesha and heard a heavenly voice instructing him

to use his weapon - Pashupat. Lord Shiva released it in the direction of the

forts of Tripurasur. All the three forts were destroyed by the assault of Pashupat

and it created havoc among the demons.

 

Seeing death and destruction all around them - Tripurasurs prayed to lord Shiva

to have mercy on them. Lord Shiva assured them that after their death they

would be born as his ganas. At last Tripurasurs were burnt to death. Maya was

the only demon who survived. After their death the Tripurasurs were privileged

to be reborn as the ganas of Shiva.

 

THE DEITIES RECEIVE BOON FROM SHIVA

 

After the killings of three demons- Tripurasur; lord Shiva's anger had still not

subdivided. The anger was pacified only after the deities and the sages prayed

to him. He blessed the deities by saying that he would always be present on

their side to protect them.

 

Maya - Who had survived the Shiva's attack, arrived there and he too was

blessed by lord Shiva. After that Arihan arrived with his followers and

worshipped Shiva. Lord Shiva blessed him and his followers. After taking

permission from lord Vishnu, Arihan proceeded towards a desert region

accompanied by his followers. After receiving the boon the deities too received

to their respective abode.

 

LORD SHIVA SPARES THE LIFE OF INDRA

 

Sutji narrates the following story to the sages-

 

" Once upon a time, Indra was going towards Kailash Mountain to have a

'darshan' of lord Shiva. Sage Vrihaspati was accompanying him.

 

Lord Shiva came to know about his arrival. He wanted to test his devotion

towards him. While both Indra and Vrihaspati were still on their way. Lord

Shiva met them on their in the guise of a hermit.

 

Indra did not recognize Shiva, who was sitting on the way disguised as a

hermit. Indra inquired as to who he was and where he lives. Lord Shiva sat

quietly without saying a word. Indra repeatedly asked the same question, but

each time Shiva remained quiet. Indra became furious and tried to attack lord

Shiva with his Vajra.

 

Lord Shiva paralyzed the raised hands of Indra by his divine power. Shiva's

eyes had reddened due to anger which made Indra very frightened sage Vrihaspati

was able to recognize the real identity of the hermit as to who he was. He made

salutations to lord Shiva and requested him to pardon Indra. Lord Shiva became

pleased and diverted the power of his radiant eyes to the ocean. This way

Indra's life was spared by Shiva. Lord Shiva then returned to Kailash Mountain.

Indra and Sage Vrihaspati returned to Kailash Mountain. Indra and sage

Vrihaspati too returned to their respective abodes.

 

MANIFESTATION OF JALANDHAR

 

the effulgence, which had been divided by lord Shiva into the Ocean, resulted

into the manifestation of a small child. This incident happened at the place

where river Ganges submerged into the ocean and which is also known as

Gangasagar now days.

 

The child was crying so ferociously that an environment of fear was created

everywhere. The deities and the sages went to lord Brahma to satisfy their

curiously. Lord Brahma assured then to find out the reason. He went to the

seashore. The sea put the child in his lap and enquired about the name of that

child and also about his future.

 

Meanwhile the child pressed lord Brahma's neck with such power that tears

rolled down from his eyes. For this reason he named the child as Jalandhar.

Lord Brahma told the sea that the child will become the mighty ruler of the

demons. No deity would be able to kill him except Shiva.

 

The sea was very pleased by lord Brahma's predictions. After Lord Brahma

returned to his abode, the sea brought that child to his home and brought up

that child with great love and care.

 

When Jalandhar grew up he married Vrinda, who was the daughter of Kalnemi.

Later on he became the ruler of the demons.

 

BATTLE BETWEEN JALANDHAR & THE DEITIES

 

One day Sage Bhrigu came to meet Jalandhar. After receiving him with due

respect Jalandhar asked him as to who severed the head of Rahu.

 

Sage Bhrigu then told him about Hiranyakashipu who was the maternal uncle of

Rahu. Sage Bhrigu also told him about Virochana - the son of the extremely

charitable king Bali. Then sage Bhrigu narrated the tale connected with the

churning of ocean and how ambrosia emerged from the churning of the ocean.

 

Sage Bhrigu told Jalandhar how Rahu's head was severed by lord Vishnu, while he

was sitting among the deities and at the time when ambrosia was being

distributed to all the deities.

 

Jalandhar became very furious after hearing this story. He summoned one of his

messengers whose name was Ghasmar and instructed him to go and ask Indra, as to

why had he misappropriated all the wealth of his father (Sea) which emerged

during the churning of Sea. He also instructed Ghasmar to warn Indra about the

dire consequences unless he takes his (Indra's) refuge.

 

But Indra sent back Ghasmar without any specific assurance. This action of

Indra made Jalandhar angrier than before. He collected his army and attacked

Indra.

 

A fierce battle was fought between his army and the army of the deities. Many

warriors got killed from both the sides. Shukracharya the guru of the deities

brought back the dead warriors from the demon side back to life by his

mritasanjivani vidya. Similarly Sage Vrihaspati brought back the dead warriors

from the deities’ side back to life with the help of medicinal herbs.

 

When Shukracharya saw that, sage Vrihaspati too was successfully making the

dead deities alive, he instructed Jalandhar to submerge the Drongiri Mountain

into the sea, so that it becomes impossible for Vrihaspati to get the medicinal

herbs by the help of which he made the dead deities alive.

 

Jalandhar obeyed the command of Shukracharya and by lifting the Drongiri Mountain

submerged it into the sea. The deities became demoralized and fled from the

battle field Jalandhar captured Indrapuri.

 

BATTLE BETWEEN LORD VISHNU AND JALANDHAR

 

The terrified deities took the refuge of lord Vishnu and sought his help. Lord

Vishnu gave a patient hearing and agreed to help them, but there was a hitch.

His consort goddess Laxmi considered Jalandhar as her brother because both of

them originated from the sea. She instructed Lord Vishnu against killing

Jalandhar.

 

Lord Vishnu promised to her that he won't kill Jalandhar. After giving his word

to goddess Laxmi, he went to fight a battle with Jalandhar.

 

A fierce battle was fought between both of them which remained indecisive till

the end. Lord Vishnu became very much impressed by the valiance of Jalandhar

and asked him to demand any boon he liked.

 

Jalandhar requested him to make his dwelling in the Ksheersagar-the abode of

Jalandhar, alongwith his sister (Laxmi). Lord Vishnu agreed to fulfill his wish

and started living in the Ksheersagar along with his consort Laxmi.

 

Being undefeated by Lord Vishnu himself, Jalandhar became the ruler of the

entire three worlds. All his subjects were satisfied by his just and virtuous

rule, except the deities. The deities now eulogized lord Shiva to seek his help

in defeating Jalandhar.

 

NARAD'S STRATAGEM'

 

According to the wish of lord Shiva, Sage Narad came to meet the deities. The

deities narrated their woeful tales to him. Feeling pity on their condition, he

went accorded a grand reception by Jalandhar which pleased him very much.

 

Narad praised the splendours and prosperity of Jalandhar but added that it was

nothing in comparison to Shiva's splendours Narad told him that inspite of all

his authority and splendours, his prosperity was still incomplete, as he did

not have a consort. Jalandhar asked curiously as to where could he find his

consort.

 

According to his strategy, Narada advised Jalandhar to make Parvati as his

consort Jalandhar fell into Narad's trap. He sent 'Rahu' to lord Shiva with a

proposal to part with Parvati. Rahu went to lord Shiva and demanded Parvati,

which made lord Shiva extremely furious. His anger resulted into the

manifestation of a ferocious creature, which ran towards 'Rahu' to devour him.

Rahu had no option but to take the refuge of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva protected

the life of 'Rahu'.

 

The hungry creature, asked Shiva as to what should he eat to satisfy his

hunger. Lord Shiva instructed him to devour his own limbs. The creative

followed his instructions and devoured his limbs. Lord Shiva was very pleased

by his sense of obedience. He named that creature of his palace. He also

blessed him saying that he too would be worshipped along with him (Shiva).

 

BATTLE BETWEEN LORD SHIVA AND JALANDHAR

 

Rahu went back to Jalandhar and narrated the whole story to him. Jalandhar then

attacked Kailash Mountain with his huge army. A fierce battle was fought

between the Shiva-ganas and the demons.

 

When Jalandhar realized that lord Shiva had begun to dominate the battle he

created beautiful 'Apsaras' and 'Gandharvas' by his illusionary powers to

divert the attention of lord Shiva and his ganas. He was successful in his

attempt. Lord Shiva and his ganas became enchanted by the heavenly beauty of

the apsaras. They stopped fighting and started watching their dance and music.

 

Meanwhile Jalandhar went to Parvati in the guise of lord Shiva but was

recognized by her. Being enchanted by the beauty of goddess Parvati, he looked

at her with his evil intentions, but was immobilized by her wrath.

 

Mother Parvati then went to lord Vishnu and narrated the whole story. She

wanted to teach Jalandhar a lesson. She requested lord Vishnu to go to

Jalandhar's wife in the guise of Jalandhar and act in the same way. Jalandhar

had dared to do.

 

VRINDA GETA DISHONOURED

 

With the help of his divine powers, Lord Vishnu created many inauspicious

dreams while Vrinda was asleep. Vrinda became very restless and when the

anxieties become unbearable she proceeded towards the forest.

 

Vrinda saw a hermit in the forest who was preaching his disciples. The hermit

was none other than lord Vishnu. She went to that hermit and prayed to save her

husband's life.

 

Lord Vishnu disappeared from the scene and reappeared - this time in the guise

of Jalandhar. But Vrinda was unable to recognize the real identity of her

husband. She was very pleased after finding her husband. Both of them stayed in

that very forest as husband and wife for a very long time.

 

One day, came to know about the real identity of the person, who was

impersonating as her husband. Realizing that her chastity has been breached,

she cursed lord Vishnu by saying that just as he had played a deceitful trick

with her in the same way somebody would deceitfully abduct his wife and he too

would wander in her search.

 

After cursing lord Vishnu, Vrinda embraced death by entering into the fire.

 

KILLING OF JALANDHAR

 

On the other side, after the departure of Parvati from Kailash Mountain and

after the illusionary powers created by Jalandhar had ended all the apsaras and

gandharvas vanished. Shiva realized that whatever he was watching was nothing

more than illusion.

 

Lord Shiva recommenced his battle. The demons-Shumbh and Nishumbh, came forward

to fight with him, but ultimately they had to flee from the battlefield. Lord

Shiva warned both of them that though they had escaped death at that moment,

but they would be killed by Parvati.

 

Now Jalandhar again arrived to fight with lord Shiva. A fierce battle commenced

between them. Finding an opportune time, Shiva severed the head of Jalandhar by

his 'Chakra' which had been created from his toe. After his death, Jalandhar's

soul united with Shiva.

 

THE DEITIES EXPRESS GRATITUDE

 

When the deities came to know about the killing of Jalandhar, they became

overjoyed. They came to Lord Shiva and eulogized him. Thy also hailed his great

achievement. After expressing their gratitude they returned to their respective

abodes.

 

MANIFESTATION OF 'AMLA' (MYROBALAN), TULSI (BASIL) AND 'MALTI'

 

Lord Vishnu was very much saddened by the death of Vrinda. He took the ashes

from the pyre and after applying them on his body started wondering here and

there.

 

The deities became very worried to see the condition of lord Vishnu. They went

to lord Shiva and requested him to eliminate the false attachment with which

Sri Vishnu was suffering.

 

Lord Shiva sent the deities to goddess Parvati, saying that she would

ceratainly help in this regard.

 

The deities went to goddess Parvati and prayed to her. She became very pleased

and with the assistance of Laxmi and Saraswati, gave some seeds to then. The

deities sprayed those seeds on the pyre, on which Vrinda had given up her life.

Three holy plants manifested from that pyre-Amla, Tulsi and Malti. Later on

Tulsi and Malti attained to the Vishnuloka, by the virtue of their respective

penance.

 

BIRTH OF SHANKHACHUDA

 

Sutji narrated the tale of the birth of Shankhachuda and how Shiva killed him

with his Trishula. He told the sages that Shankhachuda was born to the demon

king 'Dambha'. Shankhachuda was in fact, Sudama, in his previous life. He was

born in the family of demons due to the curse of Radha.

 

SHANKHACHUDA'S MARRIAGE

 

When Shankhachuda gre up, he went to Pushkar (Ajmer, Rajasthan) and did a

tremendous penance to please lord Brahma. Lord Brahma blessed him and said that

he would remain invincible. He also instructed Shankhachuda to go to

'Badrikashram' where he would find his would be wife Tulsi- the daughter of

Dharmadhwaja.

 

Shankhachuda went to Badrikasharam and married Tulsi as per the instructions of

lord Brahma. He then returned back to his capital accompanied by his wife-

Tulsi.

 

SHANKHACHUDA BECOMES THE RULER OF ALL THE THREE WORLDS

 

When Shankhachuda reached his capital after marrying Tulsi, he was crowned as

the king of the demons by Shukracharya. After his coronation, Shankhachuda

attacked Indrapuri supported by his huge army and defeated the deities. In a

very short time all the three worlds were under his control.

 

After being defeated by Shankhachuda, the deities went to lord Brahma and

sought his help in eliminating the menance called Shankhachuda. Lord Brahma

then took them to lord Vishnu. All of them were taken to lord Shiva by

Vishnuji. They expressed their request to liberate them from the troubles

created by Shankhachuda.

 

SHIVA'S ASSURED THE DEITIES

 

Lord Shiva assured the deities that he will certainly kill Shankhachuda and

hence they should not worry about him. The deities then happily returned to

their respective abodes.

 

CONVERSATION BETWEEN PUSHPADANT & SHANKHACHUDA

 

Lord Shiva sent his messenger named Pushpadant, to Shankhachuda to ask him to

return back the kingdom of the deities to them. Shankhachuda refused to oblige

this demand; on the contrary he expressed his willingness and readiness to

fight lord Shiva. Pushpadant returned back and narrated the whole story to lord

Shiva.

 

SHIVA PROCEEDS WITH HIS ARMY

 

Lord Shiva was now fully convinced about the inevitability of the battle. He

first sent all his ganas under the leadership of Kartekiye and Ganesha. Later

on Bhadrakali proceeded towards the battlefield with a huge army as per the own

wish of lord Shiva himself. At last lord Shiva proceeded towards the

battlefield accompanied by the deities. All the troops collected at the bank of

river Chandrabhaga and rested under the shade of a Banyan tree.

 

SHANKHACHUDA PROCEEDS WITH HIS ARMY

 

Shankhachuda handed over the kingdom to his son and went to his wife to take

her permission before going to the battlefield. His wife was reluctant to allow

him to go, but he somehow managed to convince her. He then proceeded towards

the banks of Chandrabhaga with a huge army.

 

BATTLE BETWEEN THE DEITIES AND THE DEMONS

 

A fierce battle started between the deities and the demons. Both of them

attacked each other with the most destructive weapons. But when the army of

Chandrachuda began to dominate the fight, the deities fled away and took the

refuge of lord Shiva. They told Shiva of the number of deities who had been

killed while fighting.

 

THE BATTLE BETWEEN SHIVA FAMILY & SHANKHACHUDA

 

After the defeat of the deities and the ganas Kartikeya and Ganesha went to

fight Shankhachuda. A spectacular battle was fought between Shankhachuda and

both of them. Later on they were joined by Bhadrakali. Bhadrakali would have

devoured Shankhachuda without any problem, but she spared his life because of

the boon, given to him by Lord Brahma. Now it was the turn of Lord Shiva to

join the battle, but even he could not cause any harm to him because of lord

Brahma's boon.

 

STRATEGY EMPLOYED TO KILL SHANKHACHUDA

 

While a tremendous battle was being fought between lord Shiva and Shankhachuda.

Lord Vishnu appeared and demanded the armour from Shankhachuda, which he had

put on, his body in the guise of a Brahmin. Shankhachuda gave his armour to him

without any kind of suspicion. Lord Vishnu then went to Shankhachuda's wife in

the guise of her husband i.e. Shankhachuda. He destroyed the chastity of Tulsi

- Shankhachuda's wife. Shankhachuda derived his power from the chastity of his

wife and it vanished the moment, her chastity was destroyed.

 

LORD SHIVA KILLS SHANKHACHUDA

 

Bhadrakali was creating havoc in the army of Shankhachuda. Shankhachuda became

very furious and attacked Shiva. Shiva repulsed his assault and attacked him

with his Trishul. Shankhachuda who had became powerless was killed

instantaneously. The deities were very pleased at the death of Shankhachuda.

After worshipping lord Shiva they went back to their respective abodes.

 

TULSI CURSES LORD VISHNU

 

After being instructed by goddess Parvati, Lord Vishnu had gone to Tulsi in the

guise of her husband- Shankhachuda, so that the breach of Tulsi chastity could

help lord Shiva to kill Shankhachuda, who derived his power from Tulsi's

chastity and virtuosity.

 

Initially Tulsi could not recognize lord Vishnu. She was extremely joyous at

his arrival. But very soon she was able to realize the real identity of lord

Vishnu, who had disguised himself as her husband.

 

She became very angry and cursed lord Vishnu to become a stone. She was crying

unconsolably. Lord Vishnu contemplated on Shiva as a result of which he

appeared. Lord Shiva blessed Tulsi that she would become the beloved of Lord

Vishnu.

 

Due to Tulsi's curse, Lord Vishnu attained the form of Shaligram which is a

stone and because of lord Shiva's blessings. Tulsi leaves started being offered

to the Shaligram, in the process of its worship.

 

KILLING OF HIRANYAKSHA

 

While narrating the tale of Hiranyaksha's killing, Sutli said-

 

" Once, Shiva and Parvati were living at the Mandarachal Mountain. Parvati

playfully covered both the eyes of Shiva with her palms. This made lord Shiva

to perspire from his forehead. From this perspiration manifested a ferocious

creature. Parvati asked Lord Shiva as to who this creature was. Lord Shiva told

her that he was his son- Andhak.

 

Parvati brought up Andhak with great love and care. Hiranyaksha - the demon did

a tremendous penance to please lord Shiva, with a desire to acquire a son. Lord

Shiva became pleased with his penance and appeared before him. He asked

Hiranyaksha to demand any boon, which he promised to fulfill.

 

Hiranyaksha expressed his desire to have a very powerful and mighty son. Shiva

decided to give Andhak to him, who at that time was being brought up by

Parvati. Hiranyaksha brought young Andhak along with him.

 

With the help of Andhak, he conquered all the three worlds. He lifted up the

earth and proceeded towards the Netherworld. The deities became very terrified.

They prayed to Lord Vishnu and when he appeared they requested him to kill

Hiranyaksha.

 

Lord Vishnu killed Hiranyaksha in his incarnation of boar. After killing

Hiranyaksha, Lord Vishnu made Andhak the king of Netherworld and places the

earth at its original place.

 

KILLING OF HIRANYAKSHIPU

 

Hiranyakashipu was filled with grief when he heard the news of his brothers'

death. To avenge Hiranyaksha's death, he started to torment the deities.

Becoming homeless, the deities started wandering here and there. Hiranyakashipu

was still unsatisfied. He wanted to acquire more power and authority. He went

to the Mandarachal Mountain and started doing a tremendous penance to please

Lord Brahma.

 

Lord Brahma appeared before him and asked him demand anything he wished to be

fulfilled. Hiranyakashipu said-

 

" O Lord! Bless me so that I do neither die during the day nor during the

night; neither on the earth nor in the sky; neither by the deities nor by the

demons; neither by a human being nor by an animal. Bless me O Lord! O that I do

not get killed by any type of weapon. "

 

Lord Brahma blessed Hiranyakshipu and said 'so be it'. Now, Hiranyakashipu

became more ruthless and arrogant. He declared himself the almighty God and

ordered his subjects to worship him and his idol. His son-Prahlad was a very

great devotee of lord Vishnu. He did not pay heed to his father's command and

continued to worship Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahalada many

times, but each time he survived by the blessings of lord Vishnu.

 

When Hiranyakashipu's atrocities cross all its limits, the deities went to lord

Vishnu and requested him to kill Hiranyakashipu. Lord Vishnu appeared in his

incarnation of Nrisimha (half lion and half man) and killed Hiranyakashipu with

his sharp nails, during the dusk. After giving his kingdom to his son -

Prahalad Lord Vishnu went back to his abode.

 

LORD SHIVA TEACHES THE SECRETS OF 'MRITASANJIVANI VIDDYA' TO SHUKRACHARYA

 

 

Shukracharya did a severe penance for five thousand years to please Shiva and

acquire the secrets of Mritasanjivani Viddya (bringing back dead person alive)

from him.

 

When Lord Shiva did not appear even after such a tremendous penance, then he

indulges himself in severest form of penance, by quitting having food and

water. He now started living only on air. This continued for thousands of year.

 

 

Lord Shiva became very pleased with his penance. He manifested from the very

Shivalinga, Shukracharya had been worshipping till now. He taught the secrets

of 'Mritasanjivani' viddya to him and told him that by the help of this viddya

he would become capable of making alive the dead persons. Lord Shiva also

blessed Shukracharya to become a star and attain respectability among all the

planets.

 

After blessing Shukracharya like this, Lord Shiva disappeared into the same

Shivalinga from which he had appeared.

 

ANDHAK'S SPLENDOURS

 

Once, Andhak brothers jokingly told him that, since his real parents were

somebody else (Shiva and Parvati) therefore he was not fit to rule them. Though

they had told this in good humour, yet Andhak was very much saddened by their

remark. He relinquished his throne and went to a deserted place in the forest

and started to do a severe penance. Lord Brahma became very pleased by his

penance and appeared before him. He asked him to demand anything he wished to

be fulfilled. Andhak said-

 

" I only long for the love and affection of my brothers. O Lord! Bless me

so that nobody should be able to kill one except lord Shiva. "

 

Lord Brahma blessed him and said- 'so be it'.

 

Andhak returned to his kingdom and with the co-operation of his brothers like

Prahalad etc he brought even the deities under his control. But drunk with

power he became very arrogant and started tormenting all the creatures. He did

not show any respect to the Vedas, brahmin and the deities.

 

BATTLE BETWEEN LORD SHIVA AND ANDHAK

 

Andhak had become so arrogant that once, he even dared to dishonour his own

mother-Parvati, who at that time was living at the Mandarachal mountain. Shiva

became very furious with him.

 

Andhak attacked Shiva with his huge army. Lord Shiva sent his numerous ganas to

fight him, but all of them were killed by Andhak.

 

When lord Shiva got the news of the arrival of Andhak with his army, he sent

Lord Vishnu and his remaining ganas to fight him. He himself went to perform

his austerity named 'Pashupat'. The deities fought with Andhak for one thousand

years. Meanwhile Lord Shiva returned after completing his 'Pashupat Vrata' and

joined them.

 

Seeing Lord Shiva in front of him, Andhak became furious and attacked him

ferociously. His companion, whose name was 'Vidhas', devoured all the deities.

The demons who had been killed in the battle, were brought back to life by

Shukracharya.

 

Lord Shiva became very angry and swallowed Shukracharya. He also extracted the

deities from the stomach of Vidhas who had been swallowed by him earlier. After

that, lord Shiva attacked Andhak with his trident, which injured him.  However, from each drop of his blood which

fell on the ground, manifested thousands of demons who resembled Andhak.

 

Lord Shiva then instructed goddess 'Chandika' to drink the blood, while he

killed all the demons. Goddess Chandika followed the instructions of Shiva and

drank each drop of blood, which oozed out from the wounds of the demons and did

not let single drop of blood to fall on the ground.

 

After killing all the demons, lord Shiva lifted Andhak with his trident and

hanged him between the earth and sky. Andhak remained there for a very long

period of time, bearing the heat of the sun and the showers of rain. But he

remained alive. Ultimately he had to take the refuge of Lord Shiva, to save his

life. Lord Shiva became pleased by his eulogy and made him his 'Ganadhees'

(leader of all the Ganas).

 

REEMERGENCE OF SHUKRACHARYA

 

When lord Shiva swallowed up Shukracharya, he became very restless and started

to find out a way through which he could come out from Shiva's stomach. But all

of his efforts went in vain. Finding no other option, he started to chant the

name of lord Shiva. His chantings continued for one hundred years. By the

blessings of Shiva, he came out from Shiva's stomach through the ejaculated

semen.

 

After coming out, Shukraharya eulogized Lord Shiva. Shiva became pleased with

him and showered him with affection just like his own son. After being blessed

Shukracharya went and rejoined the army of the demons.

 

KILLING OF GAJASUR

 

Goddess Durga had killed the demon - Mahishasur, who used to torment the

deities. Gajasur was the son of Mahishasur. To avenge his father's death,

Gajasur did a tremendous penance to please lord Brahma.

 

Lord Brahma appeared before him and asked him to demand any boon. Gajasur said-

" O Lord! Even a 'Jeetendriya' (one who has full control over his senses)

should not be able to kill me, "

 

Lord Brahma blessed him by saying - 'So be it'. Gradually, Gajasur atrocities

crossed all limits. He became the lord of all the three worlds. He forced even

the deities to worship him. He used to torment the brahmins and the other

religious people.

 

One day Gajasur arrived at Kashi and started tormenting the people living over

there. The deities came to lord Shiva and requested him to rescue Kashi by

killing Gajasur.

 

Lord Shiva came to Kashi and fought a battle with Gajasur. He killed Gajasur

with this trident. At the time of his death, Gajasur eulogized Lord Shiva and

requested him to put his (Gajasur's) skin on his (Shiva's) body.

 

Lord Shiva agreed to fulfill his wish. At the spot where, Gajasur was killed a

famous Shivalinga by the name of Krittivaseshwar was constructed as per the own

wish of lord Shiva.

 

KILLING OF NIRHADDAITYA

 

Diti was filled with grief when she came to known about her son's (Hiranyaksha)

death, who was killed by lord Vishnu.

 

Nirhad daitya, who was the maternal uncle of Prahlad consoled her an promised

to avenge the death of Hiranyaksha. He thought to destroy the Vedic religion.

According to him the deities derived their strength and power from this very Vedic

religion. He planned to eliminate the priestly class-brahmins, so that the chances

of ‘Yagyas’ being performed become extinct and the deities were starved to such

an extent that they became weak and powerless. Thinking that then it would not

be very difficult to kill the 'weak' deities.

 

Nirhaddaitya arrived at Kashi to execute his plan, which during that time was

the chief centre of the Brahmins. He attained the form of a tiger and stationed

himself in a nearby forest. He used to kill any Brahmin who used to come over

there to collect 'Kusha' grass and fuel. With the help of his illusionary

powers he used to attain the form of a hermit during the day time and lived

among them. But during the night, he used to enter into the houses of the Brahmins

in the form of a tiger and used to devour them.

 

On one night of Shivaratri, when a Brahmin was busy worshipping Lord Shiva,

Niraddaitya who was in the form of a tiger entered the temple. But, since the Brahmin

was engaged in the worship of Lord Shiva, he could not harm the Brahmin. Lord

Shiva emerged from the very Shivalinga, which the Brahmin was worshipping and

punched the demon with his clenched fist, so hard that he died.

 

KILLING OF 'VIDAL' & 'UTPAL'

 

long long ago there used to live two demons by the names of Vidul and Utpal.

Both of them did a tremendous penance to please Lord Brahma. After being

blessed by Lord Brahma, they became very arrogant and started tormenting the

deities and the Brahmins.

 

The deities went to Lord Brahma and sought his help. Lord Brahma told them that

both the demons would be killed by goddess Parvati very soon. He also

instructed the deities to eulogize Shiva and Parvati to seek their blessings.

The deities went back and started eulogizing Shiva and Parvati.

 

One fateful day, Vidal and Utpal arrived at the place where goddess Paarvati

was having amusements with her companions. Vidal and Utpal had disguised

themselves as the ganas of Shiva.

 

Lord Shiva recognized the real identity of the demons. He signaled towards

Parvati pointing towards the demons. Parvati who was playing with a ball with

her companions, understood what lord Shiva meant to say. She hit both of them

with the ball, with such force that both the demons died on the spot. The ball

then fell down on the ground and transformed into a Shivalinga which became as

'Kandukeshwar'. The deities became very pleased at the death of Vidal and

Utpal.

SHATRUDRA SAMHITA

The sages requested Sutji to describe

about the different incarnations of Lord Shiva. Sutji told them that, although

Lord Shiva took many incarnations but five of his incarnations were very

important- Sadhojat Namadeva, Tatpurush, Aghoresh and Ishan.

 

1) SADHOJAT:-

 

Lord Shiva took his first incarnation from the physique incarnation from the

physique of Lord Brahma, who was engrossed in his deep state of meditation,

during the nineteenth Kalpa named Shweta Lohit. Lord Brahma gave him the name

SADHOJAT and eulogized him.

 

Later on, from the physique of Sadhojat four of his disciple manifested, whose

names were Sunand, Nandan, Vishwanandan and Upanandan. All the four disciples

were of fair complexion. Lord Shiva blessed Brahma and empowered him to do

creation.

 

2) NAAMDEVA:-

 

During the twentieth Kalpa named 'Rakta' the complexion of lord Brahma turned

red, while he was engrossed in his meditative state. From his body manifested

an entity who also was of red complexion.

 

Lord Brahma named him Namadeva considering him to be the incarnation of lord

Shiva and eulogized him. Later on four sons were born to Namadeva, whose names

were Viraj, Viwah, Vishok and Vishwabhawan. All of them were of red complexion

just like their father Namadeva.

 

Naamdeva Shiva alongwith his virtuous progenies blessed lord Brahma with the

power of creation.

 

3) TATPURUSH:-

 

The twenty-first Kalpa on the earth was known as 'Peetavasa'. It was named so

because of the apparel of lord Brahma which were of yellow colours. Lord

Brahma's prayer resulted into the manifestation of a effulgent entity.

Considering this entity as Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma started chanting the mantras

of Shiva Gayatri. After the chantings of the mantras, numerous entities

manifested who had put on apparels of yellow colour on their body. This way the

third incarnation of Shiva popularly known as Tatpurush manifested.

 

4) GHORESH: -

 

After the Peetavasa Kalp came the Shiva Kalpa. A black complexioned manifested

while Lord Brahma was engrossed in his deep meditative state. Lord Brahma

considering this entity as Aghor Shiva started eulogizing him. Lord Brahma's

eulogization resulted into the manifestation of four more entities that had the

same black complexion as that of 'Aghor Shiva'. Their names were Krishna,

Krishnashikha, Krishnamukha and Krishnakanthdhari. Ghor Shiva along with those

four entities blessed Lord Brahma with the power of creation.

 

5)  ISHAN-

 

During the Kalpa named Vishwaroop, manifestations of Saraswati and Ishan Shiva

took place. Lord Brahma eulogized Ishan Shiva after which four divine entities

named Jati, Mundi, Shikhandi and Ardhamundi manifested from Ishan Shiva. All of

them blessed lord Brahma with the power of creation.

 

EIGHT IDOLS OF SHIVA

 

After describing about the five chief incarnations of lord Shiva, Sutji

explained about the eight famous idols of Lord Shiva- Sharva, Bhava, Rudra,

Ugra, Bheema, Pashupati, Ishan and Mahadeva. These eight idols of Shiva symbolize

the eight natural elements which help in the process of creation, nurturement

and annihilation. These eight natural elements are Land, water, fire, air, sky,

supreme soul (Kshetragya), Sun and the moon. Being established in these eight

idols, Shiva controls the whole world.

 

SHIVA AS ARDHANARISHWAR

 

Once upon a time Lord Brahma, not seeing an expansion in his creation became

very worried. A heavenly voice instructed him to commence creation with the

help of copulative activities. But since all the incarnation of Shiva had been

males till then, therefore Lord Brahma was finding it impossible.

 

Lord Brahma contemplated on the form of Shiva and Shakti. Lord Shiva became

very pleased with him and appeared in his form of 'Ardhanarishwar (half male

half female). Left side of his body resembled like a woman while the right side

appeared like a man. Lord Brahma worshipped this form of Shiva.

 

Lord Shiva then separated the feminine part of his body and thus manifested

mother Shakti. Lord Brahma worshipped her and requested to bestow such power by

which he could create a woman.

 

Goddess Shakti blessed him by saying – 'So be it' and vanished. This way Lord

Brahma became capable of commencing copulative creation.

 

VARIOUS INCARNATION OF VYAS AND LORD SHIVA

 

During the 'Varah' Kalpa of the Seventh 'Manvantar' lord Vishnu illuminated the

entire three worlds by his divine presence. This seventh Manvantara consisted

of four yugas which repeated themselves in a cyclic way for twelve times.

 

The first dwapar of this seventh manvantar saw the manifestation of lord Shiva

for the welfare of the Brahmins. When Kaliyuga arrived Lord Shiva again

manifested himself along with goddess Shakti and was known as Mahamuni Shweta.

Lord Brahma had the priviledge of becoming his disciple.

 

During the second dwapar, sage Vyas existed as Satya, Prajapati and Lord Shiva

became famous as 'Sutar'. Lord Shiva in his incarnation of Sutra had many

disciples among whom 'Dundubhi' was very famous.

 

During the third dwapar sage Vyas took his incarnation as Bhargava and lord

Shiva became famous as Daman. Lord Shiva in his incarnation as Daman had four disciples

among whom Vishoka was very famous. When Kaliyuga arrived after this third

dwapar, lord Shiva along with his Disciples helped Sage Vyas.

 

During the fourth Dwapar Sage Vyas took his incarnation as Angira and Lord

Shiva as 'Suhotra'. Even in this incarnation Lord Shiva had four disciples

among whom Sumukh was very famous. Lord Shiva along with his disciples helped

Angira.

 

During the fifth dwapar sage Vyas took incarnation as Savita and Lord Shiva as

'Kanka' who was very famous for his tremendous austerities. Kanka had four

disciples among whom Sanak was very famous.

 

During the sixth dwapar sage Vyas took incarnation as Mrityu and Lord Shiva as

'Lokakshi'. Lokakshi had four disciples among whom Sudhama was very prominent.

 

During the seventh dwapar sage Vyas manifested himself as Indra and Lord Shiva

as Jaigisatya. Jaigisatya had four disciples among whom Saraswat was very

prominent.

 

During the eighth dwapar sage Vyas took incarnation as Vashishth and Lord Shiva

as Dadhivahan. Dadhivahan had four disciples among whom Kapil was very famous.

 

During the nineth dwapar sage Vyas took incarnation as Saraswat and Lord Shiva

as 'Rishabh'. Lord Shiva in his incarnation as Rishabhdeva had four disciples

among whom Parashar was very famous.

 

NANDIKESHWAR

 

While describing about the incarnation of Nandikeshwar Sutji says-

 

Sage Shilad did a tremendous penance to please lord Shiva with an aspiration to

have a son. Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked him to demand any boon he

wished.

 

Sage Shilad expressed his desire of having a son who is not born from a

physical body and who is proficient in all the sriptural knowledges. Lord Shiva

blessed him by saying – 'So be it'.

 

Sage Shilad then returned to his hermitage and performed a 'Yagya'. From the yagya-kunda

appeared a child who possessed four arms and three eyes. Sage Shilad was very

pleased to see that child. The birth of the child was celebrated with great

fanfare. Lord Shiva and Parvati arrived to bless the child.

 

The child was named Nandi as his birth had given immense joy (anand) to sage

Shilad. Later on Nandi lived with his father like any other normal child and

was brought up with great love and care. He became proficient in all the

scriptures within seven years.

 

Being inspired by lord Shiva, two Brahmins came to sage Shilad and informed him

that after one year Nandi would be no more. Sage Shilad became extremely sad.

 

Seeing his father in his sorrowful mood, Nandi consoled him and later on went

to do penance. His tremendous penance pleased Lord Shiva and Parvati and both

of them appeared before him. Lord Shiva blessed him and said- “You are just

like me, so you will never die”.

 

Lord Shiva also gave one of his garlands to him. As soon as Nandi wore that

garland he imbibed all the qualities of lord Shiva. After that Lord Shiva took

out some water from his locks of hair and sprinkled on him, as a result of

which five rivers came into existence. These five rivers were later on came to

be known as Panchanad. Lord Shiva then made him the leader of all his ganas.

 

Later on goddess Parvati took Nandi under her guidance and considered him just

like her own son. Nandi was married to Suyasha- the daughter of Marut.

Ultimately all of them accompanied lord Shiva to his abode.

 

BHAIRAV GETS LIBERATED FROM HIS SIN

 

Bhairav who was created by lord Shiva from his third eye, had severed one of

the five heads of Lord Brahma on the instruction of lord Shiva. Now Brahmaji

was left with only four heads.

 

Carrying the skull of Brahma in his hand, Bhairava started wandering in all the

three worlds. To atone his sin of severing the head of lord Brahma, he was

begging alms.

 

Bhairav reached Vishnuloka where he was welcomed warm heartedly by lord Vishnu

and Laxmi. Goddess Laxmi dropped the learning (Vidya) named Manorath (by which

all the wishes could be fulfilled) in the begging bowl (Skull) of Bhariav.

Bhairav became extremely happy by this gift. Lord Shiva had created a oegrass

named 'Brahmahatya' and had instructed Bhairav to reach Kashi, before her.

According to lord Shiva this way the sin committed by Bhairav could

successfully atoned.

 

After being blessed by goddess Laxmi, Bhairav took the permission of Lord

Vishnu and proceeded towards Kashi. After his departure asked Brahmahatya to

stop chasing Bhairav. But she refused saying that she was just following the

instruction of Lord Shiva.

 

When Bhairav reached Kashi, Brahmahatya too came near the outskirts of the

city, but could not enter it because of Lord Shiva's power instead she entered

in to the netherworld (Patal loka). As soon as Bhairav had entered Kashi, the

begging-bowl (skull) fell on the ground and thus Bhairav got liberated from his

sins. Bhairav was extremely relieved. The place where the skull of Brahma had

fallen, later on became as Kapal mochan- the most sacred place of pilgrimage.

 

SHIVA TAKES INCARNATION AS SHARABH

 

While describing about the incarnation of Sharabh Sutji told sages-

 

“When Vishnuji took his incarnation of Nrisimha to kill the demon king –Hiranyakashipu;

his anger could not be subdued even after the killing of Hiranyakashipu. His

anger had frightened all the three worlds. Lord Brahma sent Prahalada to

Nrisimha so that his anger gets cool down. Prahalada prayed to Nrisimha.

Nrisimha took him in his embrace but still his anger was not subdued.”

 

“All the deities went to lord Shiva and requested to him to cool down Vishnu's

anger. Lord Shiva then sent Bhairav and Veerbhadra to Nrisimha. When Veerbhadra

politely requested Nrisimha to cool down, he (Nrisimha) tried to pounce on him

(Veerbhadra). Right then Lord Shiva appeared in his most devastating form. He

was looking frightening in his giant form and with thousands of hand. His

appearance resembled a huge cannibal bird. Lord Shiva injured Nrisimha with his

giant wings and after carrying Lord Vishnu in his giant wings and after

carrying lord Vishnu in his arms he flew in the sky. Lord Vishnu was so

frightened that he became unconscious.”

 

“After regarding his consciousness Lord Nrisimha appeared in his form of Lord

Vishnu and eulogized Shiva, which made lord Shiva very pleased. Lord Shiva wore

the head of Nrisimha with the garland of skull in his neck. The remaining body

was carried by Veerbhadra and abandoned at a mountain.”

 

VISHWANAR RECEIVES BOON FROM SHIVA

 

Once upon a time, there used to live a Brahmin named Vishwanar who was a great

devotee of lord Shiva. Shuchismati was his wife who was a devout wife. Being

pleased by her sense of dutifulness, Vishwanar tried to reward his wife.

 

Shuchismati expressed her desire of having a son just like lord Shiva.

Vishwanar went to Kashi to please Lord Shiva by his penance. He worshipped

Vishveshwar linga with supreme devotion.

 

Lord Shiva became very pleased by his devotion and he appeared before Vishwanar

from the Shivalinga. When Vishwanar expressed his desire, lord Shiva agreed to

take birth as his Son. Vishwanar came back to his house happily.

 

SHIVA'S INCARNATION AS GRIHAPATI

 

In due course of time, Shuchismati became pregnant and gave birth to a

beautiful child. The whole family celebrated the birth of the child. The whole

family celebrated the birth of the child. The name giving ceremony of that

child was attended by all the deities and sages including lord Shiva and

Parvati.

 

Lord Brahma named the child as Grihapati. When Grihapati attained the age of

five, his sacred thread ceremony was performed. Within a year he became

proficient in all the Vedas and other sacred texts.

 

When Grihapati attained the age of nine, Narada came and informed Vishwanar

that death of Grihapati was imminent because of the evil effects of the

planetary combinations. Vishwanar and Shuchismati were saddened and started

crying.

 

Grihapati then consoled his parents and proceeded towards Kashi to do penance

so that the 'death' could be conqured.

 

GRIHAPATI'S PENANCE

 

Grihapati commenced his penance at Kashi. The deity Indra arrived there and

requested him to demand anything he wished but Grihapati refused. Indra became

furious and tried to attack him with his weapon-Vajra. Grihapati was very

terrified.

 

Right then Lord Shiva appeared and Indra had to retreat from the scene. Lord

Shiva blessed Grihapati by saying – “What to say about this lightning – Vajra,

even Kaalvajra would not be able to kill you.”

 

Grihapati became very pleased. The Shivalinga which he worshipped, later on

became famous as 'Agnishwar linga. Lord Shiva made Grihapati the lord of all

the directions.

 

LORD SHIVA'S INCARNTION AS YAKSHESHWAR

 

During the time when ocean was being churned first of all poison appeared from

it. The deities were very terrified to see the tremendous heat it generated.

They went to lord Shiva and requested to protect them from the heat of that

poison. Lord Shiva drank all the poison but did not let it pass down his

throat.

 

After the poison, Nectar appeared from the ocean, which was drunk by the

deities. The demons too wanted to drink the nectar, so a tremendous battle

ensued between them and the deities. The deities became victorious in this

battle because they had become immortal due to the effect of the Nectar. This

victory made the deities very arrogant.

 

Lord Shiva was very concerned about their arrogant nature. He went to them in

the guise of a Yaksha. He asked as to what was it that had made them so

arrogant. The deities replied that their arrogance stemmed from victory over

the demons. Lord Shiva who was disguised as Yaksha replied- “Your pride is

based on false notion, because you did not achieve victory due to somebody's

grace and blessing.”

 

The deities disagreed with him. Lord Shiva then asked them to cut the grass if

they considered themselves so mighty. He then kept a grass leaf in front of

them. Each of the deities tried to cut that grass with their respective weapons

but remained unsuccessful in their attempts. They were all amazed. Suddenly a heavenly

voice was heard which said that the Yaksha was none other than Lord Shiva

himself. The deities realized their mistakes and apologized to lord Shiva.

After vanquishing the false pride of the deities lord Shiva disappeared.

 

TEN GREAT INCARNATION OF SHIVA (DASH AVATAR) & TEN INCARNATION OF SHAKTI

(DASH MAHAVIDYA)

 

Describing about the ten incarnations and their corresponding power (Shakti),

Sutji said-

 

The first incarnation of lord Shiva was as Mahakal and his Shakti was called

Mahakali. Lord Shiva took his second incarnation as Tar and his Shakti was

called 'Tara'. The third incarnation of Lord Shiva was as Bhuvaneshwar and his

Shakti was called 'Bhuvaneshwari'. Lord Shiva took his fourth incarnation as

'Shodash' who was also known as 'Srividdyesh' and his Shakti were called

'Shodashi' or 'Shri'.

 

Lord Shiva took his fifth incarnation as Bhairav and his Shakti was called

'Bhairavi'. The sixth incarnation of Lord Shiva is famous as 'Chhinamastak' and

his Shakti by the name of 'Chhinamasta. Lord Shiva took his seventh incarnation

as 'Dhoomvan' and his Shakti was known as 'Dhoomvati. The eighth incarnation

was as Baglamukh and his Shakti as Baglamukhi.

 

The nineth incarnation of lord Shiva became famous as Matang and his Shakti as

'Matangi'. Lord Shiva took his tenth incarnation as 'Kamal' and his Shakti as

Kamala. If these ten incarnations of Shiva are worshipped along with his ten

Mahavidyas then a man attains salvation.

 

THE ORIGIN OF ELEVEN RUDRAS

 

Once, the deities went to sage Kashyap after being tormented by the demons.

They complained to him about the misdeeds of the demons, who also happened to

be their step brothers. Sage Kashyap became extremely furious, when he heard

about the misdeeds of his sons – the demons. To protect the deities from his

sons, he commenced a penance to please lord Shiva.

 

Lord Shiva became very pleased by his penance and appeared before him. He asked

Kashyap to demand anything he wished. Kashyap then requested Lord Shiva to take

birth as his son and destroy the demons. Lord Shiva blessed him and said – 'So

be it'.

 

Lord Shiva, later on took birth as eleven Rudras from the womb of his wife

Surabhi. The name of these eleven rudras was as follows:-

 

1) Kapali, 2) Pingal, 3) Bheem, 4) Virupaksha, 5) Vilohit, 6) Shastra, 7)

Ajapaad, 8) Ahirbudhnya, 9) Shambhu, 10) Chand and 11) Bhav.

 

These eleven Rudras fought battles with the demons and killed them. The deities

were relieved after the death of the demons. They worshipped these eleven

rudras to express their gratitude and indebtedness.

 

SHIVA'S INCARNATION AS 'DURVASA'

 

Describing about the Lord Shiva's incarnation as Durvasa, Sutji told the

deities:- “once Atri – the manasputra of lord Brahma went to do penance at the

bank of the river Nivindhya which flew by the foothills of Trayakshakul

mountain as per the instructions of Lord Brahma himself. He commenced doing a

tremendous penance. The effects of his penance were such that devastating

flames of fire manifested from his head. The fire spread in the entire three worlds

in no time. The deities were terrified by the death and destruction caused by

the fire in all the three worlds. They went to lord Brahma to seek his help.

Lord Brahma took them to lord Vishnu and revealed to him about the destruction

caused by the fire. All of them went to lord Shiva and told him everything.

 

Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva went to Atri and blessed him. Atri

recognized them. He eulogized them. Later on Atri's wife- Anusuya gave birth to

three sons, who in fact were the incarnations of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and

Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma incarnation as the Moon, Lord Vishnu as Dutt and Shiva

took incarnation as Durvasa.

 

Durvasa had tested the religiousness and virtuosity of numerous people. He had

also tested the religiousness of king Ambareesh, who ruled over 'Saptadweepa'.

Once king Ambareesh had observed a fast on 'Ekadashi', Next day, when he was

about to break his fast sage Durvasa arrived accompanied by his large number of

disciples.

 

Durvasa was very furious with king Ambareesh. He said-

 

“You had invited me for this particular, but you have also insulted me by

breaking the fast by drinking water in my absence.”

 

Sage Durvasa would have burnt king Ambareesh to ashes by his curse, had not

Sudarshan-the weapon of Vishnu came to his rescue. Sudarshan then tried to burn

sage Durvasa when suddenly a heavenly voice was heard from the sky which said-

 

“Durvasa is no one but the incarnation of lord Shiva himself.” Hearing this

Sudarshan's anger was pacified. King Ambareesh then begged his forgiveness from

sage Durvasa.

 

INCARNATION OF HANUMAN

 

Lord Shiva was so infatuated by the appearance of lord Vishnu in his form of

Mohini roopa that his semen was released on the ground. This semen was

established by the Saptarishis in the womb of Anjani, with the permission of

lord Shiva himself.

 

In this way was born the mighty Hanuman. Once, during his childhood Hanuman had

swallowed the Sun, which he released only after the deities prayed to him. The

sun accepted him as his disciple and made him proficient in all the learning's.

He started living with Sugreeva as per the instructions of his teacher – the

Sun.

 

During the time of Sri Ram's exile, Sugreeva developed friendship with him with

the help of Hanuman. Hanuman helped Sri Ram in finding the whereabouts of Sita,

who had been abducted by the demon king-Ravana. He took a giant leap and jumped

across the ocean. He went to Ashok-Vatika where Ravana had kept Sita. He gave

Sri Ram's ring to her and consoled her by saying that very soon Sri Ram was

going to arrive and release her from Ravana's captivity. He also burnt the

whole Lanka by his burning tail and returned to Sri Ram to give him Sita's news

while the battle was fought between Sri Ram and Ravana Laxmana got seriously

injured and became unconscious. Hanuman saves his life by bringing the whole of

mountain, upon which the herb Sanjivani grew.

 

Being present at the service of Sri Ram, Hanuman performed his duties

marvelously. Worship of Hanuman helps a man to become free from all kinds of

problems, diseases and hurdles etc.

 

SHIVA'S INCARNATION AS MAHESH

 

Once, Bhairav who was entrusted with the job of a doorkeeper became so

infatuated with Parvati's beauty that he tried to prevent her from going

outside.

 

Parvati became furious and cursed him to be born as a mortal man on the earth.

Bhairav became very sad but now the damage had been already done. Bhairav later

on appeared in the form of a man named 'Vetal'.

 

Vetal prayed to lord Shiva who took his incarnation as Mahesh and goddess Parvati

as Girija.

 

LORD VISHNU CREATES TURBULENCES

 

After the churning of the ocean had been accomplished, numerous things had

emerged out from the ocean. Jewels, Moon, Laxmi, Poison, and Uchchaishrava

horse, Eravat elephant, Vessel containing Nectar were some of the things which

emerged out from the ocean after the churning.

 

A tremendous battle was fought between the deities and the demons to have

control over the vessel containing Nectar. The demons had snatched that vessel

from the deities.

 

By the divine inspiration of lord Shiva, Vishnu appeared in the form of Mohini

– the enchanting beauty. He successfully recovered that vessel from the control

of the demons.

 

To distract the attention of the demons from the nectar, lord Vishnu created

numerous enchanting beauties. When the demons saw them, they forcibly carried

these enchanting beauties to their abode –the Nether world. After that they

again returned to take control of the Nectar.

 

By that time, Vishnu had made the deities drink all the nectar. When the demons

came to know about this, they became very furious and attacked the deities. A

tremendous battle ensured between both the sides. Ultimately the demons got

defeated. To save their lives the demon ran towards their abode. Lord Vishnu

chased the demons and entered the Netherland. He killed all the demons.

 

Lord Vishnu then saw those enchanting beauties who had been abducted by the

demons. Ironically, lord Vishnu got infatuated by their beauty- who was his own

creation. Lord Vishnu remained there for a long time.

 

SHIVA'S INCARNATION AS VRISHABH

 

During his stay in the Netherland, many sons were born to Lord Vishnu, who were

very wicked and cruel. These sons of lord Vishnu started tormenting the

inhabitants of the entire three worlds.

 

All the deities and the sages went to lord Shiva to take his help. They

requested him to kill the cruel sons of Vishnu and reestablish him (lord

Vishnu) in his own abode, which he had abandoned for the Nether world.

 

Lord Shiva went to the Netherworld in the form of a Ox (Vrishabh). He killed

all the sons of lord Vishnu with his sharp horns. Seeing the death of his sons,

lord Vishnu came forward to fight him. He attacked lord Shiva with his various

weapons, but lord Shiva remained harmless. Ultimately lord Vishnu was able to

recognise him. He eulogized lord Shiva.

 

Lord Shiva then requested him to return back to Vishnuloka, he accepted. Lord

Vishnu left his 'Sudarshan chakra' in the Netherworld and went to his own

abode, where lord Shiva presented him a new Sudarshan chakra.

 

KILLING OF VRITTRASUROnce, when the deities were defeated by vrittrasur,

they went to lord Brahma after hiding their weapons in the hermitage of sage

Dadhichi. They requested lord Brahma to reveal about the means, how vrittrasur

could be killed.

 

Lord Brahma advised the deities to male a weapon named Vajra from the bones of

sages Dadhichi, as Dadhichi's bones were even harder than the Vajra of Indra by

the blessings of lord Shiva.

 

All the deities then went to the hermitage of Dadhichi in the leadership of

Vrihaspati. On being enquired about the purpose of their visit, Indra said that

he wanted his bones so that a weapon could be made out of it.

 

Dadhichi Gave up his life by his yogic power and Indra then instructed Kamdhenu

to extract the bones from the dead body of Dadhichi. The bones were on given to

'Twashta' to construct the weapon-Vajra. Twashta took the weapons to

Vishwakarma who at last constructed the Vajra.

 

Indra killed Vrittrasur with this weapon. When Suvarcha – the wife of Dadhichi

came to know about the cunning deeds of the deities, she cursed them to become

animals.

 

SHIVA'S INCARNATION AS YATINATH

 

There used to live a bheel named Aahuk o the Arbudachal Mountain. His wife was

Aahuka. Both of them were supreme devotee of lord Shiva.

 

Once, lord Shiva wanting to test their devotion, appeared before them disguised

a hermit. Aahuk honoured his guest and treated him very well. Lord Shiva then

requested him to give shelter for the whole night. Aahuk expressed his

inability as he had a very small hut, in which only two people could be

accommodate at a time.

 

But his wife intervened and requested Aahuk to sleep outside the hut with his

arms, as it would be inappropriate on their part to miss this chance of proving

their hospitality.

 

The hermit, who in reality was lord Shiva slept with Aahuk's wife inside the

hut, while Aahuk himself slept outside the hut. Unfortunately Aahuk was killed

by a wild animal while he was asleep.

 

In the morning when lord Shiva found that Aahuk had died, his heart was filled

with grief. But Aahuka consoled him by saying that she was proud of her husband

as he had given up his life for a noble cause. Naturally she was very much

saddened by her husband's death so she decided to give up her life by jumping

into the burning pyre.

 

Right then lord Shiva appeared in his real form and blessed her by saying-

 

“In his next birth your husband would take birth in a royal family. He would

become famous as Nala and you would be born as Damayanti to king Bheema of Vidarbha.

I would myself appear in the form of a swan and help both of you to unite.

After enjoying all the pleasures of this world both of you would attain to may

abode.

 

After saying thus, lord Shiva established himself as immovable Shivalinga,

which later on became famous as Achaleshwar linga.

 

SHIVA'S INCARNATION AS 'KRISHNA DARSHAN'

 

King Nabhag was born in the nineth geneology of Shraddhdeva who himself was a

descendant of Ikshavaku. Nabhag was the grandfather of Ambareesh. During his

childhood Nabhag left his home for 'gurukula to get education. In his absence

his brothers got the wealth of the kingdom distributed among them.

 

When Nabhag returned home after the completion of his education, he demanded

his share of wealth from his brothers. His brothers told him that they had

forgotten to fix his share as he was absent at the time when wealth was being

distributed. They advised him to go and meet their father.

 

Nabhag went to his father and made the same request. His father advised him to

go to sage Angiras who was trying to accomplish a yagya, but was not being able

to accomplish it because of his attachment.

 

“Go and try to eliminate his attachment by your discourses. This way sage

Angiras on being pleased with you would give all the wealth which remains after

the completion of the yagya.” said his father.

 

Nabhag did the same. He went to the place where sage Angiras was performing his

yagya. He preached sage Angiras on the virtues of Religiousness. As a result he

became free from all sorts of attachments and the yagya was successfully

accomplished.

 

Sage Angiras was very pleased by Nabhag's knowledge of religion. He gave all

the remaining wealth of the yagya to Nabhag. Just then lord Shiva arrived there

in his incarnation of Krishna darshan and tried to prevent sage Angiras from

donating the wealth to Nabhag, instead he staked his own claim.

 

Nabhag told lord Shiva that, since the wealth was given to him by sage Angiras

himself, it naturally belonged to him. Lord Shiva then sent Nabhag to his father-Shraddhdev

to know about his opinion. Nabhag went to Shraddh deva who revealed to him that

the person who was staking his claims on the wealth was none other then lord

Shiva. He also told him that whatever remained after the accomplishment of the

yagya belongs to lord Shiva only.

 

Nabhag was now satisfied. He went back to lord Shiva and narrated everything

what his father had said. He then eulogized and worshipped lord Shiva. Lord

Shiva blessed him which helped Nabhag to attain salvation.

 

LORD SHIVA APPEARS AS A BEGGAR

 

There was a king named Satyarath who ruled over Vidarbha. Once he was attacked

by a neighbouring king. Satyarath was killed in that battle. His wife somehow

managed to save her life by hiding in a forest. The queen was pregnant at that

time.

 

At the shore of a pond she gave birth to a child. She was feeling thirsty, so

she went into the pond to quench her thirst. Unfortunately she was killed by a

crocodile that used to live in that pond.

 

The hungry child started crying- A beggar woman arrived there with her one year

old child. Though her heart was filled with compassion seeing the hungry child

cry but still she was hesitating to take him in her lap.

 

Right then lord Shiva appeared as a beggar and advised her to bring up the

orphan child. The beggar woman asked about the origin of the child. Lord Shiva

told her that the father of this child Satyarath in his previous life had left

the pradoshavrata incomplete. He had also ordered his men to severe the head of

his enemy. After this, he had broken his fast in his impure state, without

taking a bath.

 

As a result, Satyarath met a premature-death in his next life. The mother of

this orphan child too committed a sin by deceitfully getting the co-wife of her

husband killed. As a result she was devoured by a crocodile in her next life.

 

Describing about the child lord Shiva said-

 

“This child was Brahmin by birth in his previous life, but still he never

engaged himself in any religious or virtuous deeds. So in his next life, though

he was born in royal family, buts still he remained poor. You must take this

child under your control and after his sacred-thread ceremony gets

accomplished, you must engage him in my (Shiva's) devotion. If you don't obey

my command then it would not be good for the welfare of your own child.”

 

After saying like this lord Shiva disappeared. The beggar woman took that child

to her house and brought him up with great love and care. When he grew up his

sacred-thread ceremony was performed and then he was initiated into the worship

of lord Shiva.

 

By the blessing of lord Shiva, Satyarath's son formed a pot full of gold while

he was taking both in a pond. Now the beggar family became very rich. Once

again when he had gone to a forest he met a 'gandharva' princess to whom he

ultimately got married. This way he became a king. He lived happily with his

mother and his brother.

 

LORD SHIVA APPEARS IN THE GUISE OF INDRA (SURESHWAR)

 

Upamanyu –the son of sage Vyaghrapaad, was brought up in his maternal uncle's

home since his childhood. One day Upanyu was very hungry. His mother gave him

milk to drink which was not enough to satisfy his hunger. He demanded more and

started crying. His mother mined some wheat flour in the water and gave him to

drink as there was no milk left in the house. Upamanyu finding the taste

different told his mother that it was not milk but something else. He again

started crying.

 

His mother told him that if he wanted milk then he should worship lord Shiva as

he only was capable of making the milk available. Upamanyu proceeded towards

the Himalaya and started doing penance to please lord Shiva- continuously

chanting the mantra Om Namah Shivay. His penance generated so much of heat that

all the three worlds started burning.

 

To test his devotion, Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati appeared before him

disguised as Indra and Indrani respectively. Both of them told Upamanyu to stop

doing penance. They said-

 

“We Indra and Indrani are extremely pleased by your devotion. Stop worshipping

Shiva. We will fulfill all your desires.”

 

Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati did not stop at this. They even cursed Shiva.

Upamanyu became very furious and got up to attack the abuser – Indra.

 

Shiva and Parvati were satisfied by his total dedication and devotion. They

revealed their real identity and blessed him. Shiva promised Upamanyu that he

would be present in the vicinity of his hermitage along with Parvati forever.

 

Upamanyu returned back to his home and narrated the whole story to his mother

who was very pleased. Lord Shiva got the name 'Sureshwar' because he appeared

in the guise of Indra.

 

SAGE VYAS ADVISES THE PANDAVAS TO WORSHIP SHIVA

 

After loosing their whole kingdom to Duryodhan in the gamble, Pandavas went to

the dwait forest accompanied by Draupadi. They started living in a place which

was donated by Velotra Sun.

 

Duryodhan instigated sage Durvasa to torment the Pandavas. Sage Durvasa went to

the place where Pandavas were staying, accompanied by thousands of his

disciples. He demanded food from the Pandavas. How could have the Pandavas

satiated from the hunger of thousands of people. Lord Krishna came to their

rescue and saved them from being disagraced. As a result Durvasa and his

disciples went back satisfied.

 

Lord Krishna advised the Pandavas to worship lord Shiva, but they neglected

that advice. As a result their sufferings increased in magnitude. One day sage

Vyas arrived there. The Pandavas gave a rousing reception. Considering Arjuna

to be the most capable among the Pandavas, Vyas taught him the method of doing

'Parthiva' worship. Later on Arjuna went to the Indrakeel Mountain to please

Indra by his penance. Sage Vyas preached Yudhisthir to remain firm on his

virtuously and religiousness. INDRA APPEARS BEFORE ARJUNA

 

Arjuna's penance generated so much of heat that all the living creature of the

three worlds were unable to bear its scorching heat. All the living creatures

of the three worlds went to Indra to seek his help.

 

Indra went to Arjuna in the guise of a celibate and asked about the purpose for

which he was doing penance. Arjuna told him that he wanted to defeat the

Kauravas. Indra then told Arjuna that it was not in his capacity to help him

achieve victory over the Kauravas, because of Aswatthama who was a partial

incarnation of lord Shiva.

 

Indra advised Arjuna to please lord Shiva by his penance so that his wishes

could be fulfilled. Indra then entrusted some of his men, the job of Arjuna's

security and went back to his abode. Arjuna commenced his penance to please

lord Shiva.

 

LORD SHIVA APPEARS IN THE GUISE OF 'KIRAT'

 

Arjuna did a tremendous penance by standing only on one leg and concentrating

his gaze upon the blazing sun,. The deities became very impressed by Arjuna's

penance. They went to lord Shiva and requested him to bless Arjuna. Lord Shiva

accepted their request.

 

Duryodhan had sent a demon named Mooka to kill Arjuna. Mooka had disguised

himself as a boar. Arjuna was engrossed in his meditation, when suddenly his

concentration got disturbed by a loud noise. He opened his eyes and saw Mooka

being chased by a band of Kirats. In fact it was none other than Shiva who had

appeared in the guise of Kirat.

 

Both Arjuna and Lord Shiva struck the boar with their respective arrows at the

same time. As a result the boar was killed.

 

KIRAT BLESSES ARJUNA

 

Lord Shiva sent his ganas to bring back the arrow. Similarly Arjuna too went

near the dead boar to bring his arrow. Arjuna found his arrow lying on the

ground. He picked it up in his hand. Right then the ganas arrived there and

asked Arjuna to return that arrow as it belonged to their master (Shiva). But

Arjuna refused to part with his arrow. Instead he asked the ganas, to convey

his challenge to their master to have a dual with him.

 

The ganas went back to lord Shiva and narrated the whole story to him. Lord

Shiva accepted Arjuna's challenge and went to fight him. His ganas accompanied

him. Arjuna defeated all the ganas of Shiva. In the end Lord Shiva came forward

to have a dual fight with him. Shiva was very much impressed by his valour. He

revealed his real identity. Arjuna was very ashamed that he fought with Shiva.

Lord Shiva consoled him and gave his weapon Pashupat to Arjuna.

 

THE TWELVE JYOTIRLINGAS

 

Describing about the twelve Jyotirlingas, Sutji told the sages:-

" There are twelve Jyotirlingas which are as Follows : 1) Somnath in

Saurashtra, 2) Mallikarjuna in SriShail, 3) Mahakal in Ujjain, 4) Amareshwar in

Omkar, 5) Kedar in the Himalaya, 6) Bheemashankar at the bank of Bheema river.

7) Vishwanath in Varanasi. 8) Trayambakeshwar ar the bank of Gautami river, 9)

Baidyanath at Chitabhumi, 10) Nagesh which is situated between Darukvan dwarika

and Bhet dwarika 11) Rameshwar at Betubandh and 12) Dhushmesh in Shivalaya.

 

These above mentioned twelve Jyotirlingas are considered to the very sacred. A devotee,

who pays a visit to any of these places and worship, gets all of his wished

fulfilled.

 

Out of these twelve Jyotirlingas, Somnath Jyotirlinga is belived to destroy the

sorrows of Moon. A devotee who worships this Jyotirlinga gets cured from

incurable diseases like leprosy etc. enjoys all kinds of worldly pleasures and

attains salvation.

 

Similarly having a darshan of Mallikarjuna helps a devotee to fulfill all of

his desires.

 

Having a darshan of Mahakaal at Ujjain helps a devotee to fulfill all kinds of

desire and achieve salvation.

 

Similarly if a devotee merely touches the idol of Omkar linga then he achieves

the desired fruits.

 

Kedarlinga is situated in the Himalayas and is considered to be very sacred.

 

Lord Shiva took his sixth incarnation as Bheema Shankar to kill the demon

Bheema. This incarnation of Shiva tool place at a place called Kamarupa in

Assam.

 

The seventh incarnation of lord Shiva was as Vishwanath at Kashi. This

Jyotirlinga is considered to be very sacred and fulfiller of all the desires of

a man.

 

Lord Shiva took his eighth incarnation at the bank of river Gautami at the

request of sage Gautam. This Jyotirlinga too is considered to be very sacred

and a fulfiller of all the desires of a man.

 

The ninth incarnation of Shiva was as Baidyanath at Deoghar in Bihar. This

Jyotirlinga was established by the demon King Ravana. A devotee who worships

this Jyotirlinga gets all of his wishes fulfilled. Because of this, it ia also

known as Kamanalinga. Devotees carry the holy water of the Ganges from

Sultanganj and both the idol of Baidyanath in the months of Shravan and

Bhadrapaksha according to the Hindu calendar.

 

Lord Shiva took his tenth incarnation to kill the demon Daruk who used to live

in Daruk forest. A devotee who worships Nagesh, never faces any calamity. The

eleventh incarnation of lord Shiva was as Rameshwar linga, this linga was

established by Sri Ram while the construction of a bridge over the sea was

going on. Having a darshan of this Jyotirlinga bestowes both worldly pleasures

and salvation.

 

Lord Shiva took his twelfth incarnation as Dhumeshwar after being pleased by

Dhushma - the wife of Sumedha. Having a darshan of this Jyotirlinga helps a

devotee to fulfill all of his desires.

 

All the above mentioned twelve Jyotirlingas are very sacred and give total

accomplishment to the devotees.

 

 

KOTI RUDRA SAMHITA

THE

GREATNESS OF 'UPALINGAS'

After describing about the twelve

Jyotirlinga, Sutji mentioned about the various Upalingas originating from them.

The Upalinga named Someshwar is situated at a place where the earth meets the

ocean. This Upalinga is also known as 'Antakesh'.

 

The Upalinga originating from Mallikarjuna is famous by the name of

'Rudreshwar'. Similarly the Upalinga originating from Mahakal Jyotirlinga is

known as 'Dughdhesh'.

 

The Upalinga manifesting from Omkar jyotirlinga is famous as 'Kardameshwar'.

The Upalinga manifesting from Kedareshwar jyotirlinga is known as Bhuteshwar

and is situated at the bank of Yamuna River.

 

The Upalinga manifesting from Bheema Shankar Jyotirlinga is famously known as

'Bheemeshwar'. The Upalingas manifesting from Nageshwar, Rameshwar and

Dhushmeshwar Jyotirlingas are known as Bhuteshwar, Gupteshwar and Vyagreshwar

respectively.

 

All these upalingas are considered to be very sacred. A devotee who has darshan

of these Upalingas gets liberated from all of his sins.

 

Apart from these twelve Jyotirlingas and upalingas, there are numerous other

lingas, which have great religious importance. They are Kritikavaseshwar, Tilmandeshwar,

Bhuteshwar, Batukeshwar, Pureshwar, Siddhanateshwar, Shringeshwar, Gopeshwar,

Rangeshwar, Rameshwar, Atrishwar, Mahabal linga Kameshwar, Ganeshwar,

Shukreshwar, Chandrashekhar, Rishishwar Laliteshwar, Pashupatishwar,

(Pashupatinath), Kumtinath and Andhakeshwar etc.

 

ATRI AND ANUSUYA DO PENANACE

 

Sage Atri and his wife Anusuya were doing penance in the forest called Kamad,

situated near the Chitrakut mountain. Once it did not rain for many days. As a

result people living in that area faced a severe drought.

 

Anusuya requested her husband to help out the people from their hardships. Sage

Atri sat down to meditate. One by one, his disciples deserted him. Only Anusuya

remained with him. She spent her days worshipping the Parthiva lingas and

circumambulating sage Atri who was engrossed in his meditation. She had vowed

not to have a single morsel of food till it rained.

 

All the deities became very pleased with their penance. They arrived at the

place where both of them were doing penance and after giving blessings went

back to their respective abodes.

 

Lord Shiva and river Ganges stayed there. It did not rain for fifty four years.

Both sage Atri and Anusuya continued with their respective penance.

 

THE GREATNESS OF ATRI

 

While doing penance, sage Atri felt thirsty. He requested Anusuya to fetch some

water. Anusuya went with a Kamandal, in search of water but did not find it

anywhere.

 

Ganga appeared before her and said- " I am very pleased with you. You can

demand anything from me you like. "

 

Anusuya demanded only a Kamandal full of water for her husband. Ganga

instructed her to dig up a pit and when it was done she entered into that pit.

Anusuya filled her Kamandal with the water from that pit and went back to her

thirsty husband.

 

After quenching his thirst, Atri enquired form Anusuya as to where did she find

water. Anusuya narrated the whole story. Both of them then went back to the

place where Anusuya had met Ganga. Both of them requested Ganga to stay at that

very place. Ganga agreed to remain there on the condition that Anusuya donates

all the virtues attained by her husband by worshipping Lord Shiva for one year.

 

 

Anusuya donated all the virtues, without any hesitation. Lord Shiva became very

much pleased by their charitable tendencies. He appeared before them. After

eulogizing, Atri requested lord Shiva to remain in his hermitage accompanied by

Parvati. Lord Shiva agreed to do so. Ganga also stayed with them. Later on Atri

performed a grand Yagya after the completion of which it rained heavily. Thus

Atri ended the phase of drought by his tremendous penance.

 

River Mandakani flows from that same 'Pit' which Anusuya had dugged up. The

Shivalinga, which was worshipped by Anusuya during that time later on, came to

be known as Atrishwar Linga.

 

THE BRAHMIN WOMAN ATTAINS TO HEAVEN

 

Once upon a time, there lived a Brahmin at a place called 'Karni' situated at

the bank of river 'Reva'. When the Brahmin became old, he went to Kashi after

leaving behind his wife to live with his sons. After sometime the Brahmin died.

 

 

When the Brahmins sons came to know about his death, they went to Kashi and

performed his last rites. After some days the Brahmins woman died too. The

Brahmin's son - Suvas again went to Kashi carrying the ashes of their dead

mother as per her own wish.

 

On his way, Suvad became a guest of another Brahmin. Suvad witnessed an amazing

even in the night, in which he saw his host trying to milk the cow. At first he

allowed the calf to drink the cow's milk for sometime. His host then moved away

the calf from the cow. The calf was still hungry and was not willing to move

away from the cow. The Brahmins trashed the calf very badly. This made the cow

very sad and vowed to teach that wicked Brahmin a lesson.

 

The calf tried his best to convince his mother against doing this as her action

might make her commit the gravest of sins - the brahmahatya. But the cow was

not worried, as she knew the method of nullifying that sin.

 

Suvad was surprised that the cow knew the method of nullifying the sin of

brahmahatya. Next morning, the Brahmin entrusted the job of milking the cow,

the Brahmins' son gave a severe trashing to the calf that was unwilling to move

away from his mother.

 

The angry cow lifted the Brahmin's son with her horns and dashed him against

the ground. The Brahmin's son died on the spot. When the Brahmin returned to

his home, he became very furious on seeing his son dead. He drove both the cow

and the calf out of his house, after beating them very badly.

 

The colour of the cow had turned blue due to the trashing she got from her Brahmin.

The cow went to the temple of Nandikeshwar, situated at the bank of river

Narmada. To neutralize the sin of Brahmahatya she took dip in the water of

river Narmada for three times. As a result she regained her original colour.

 

Suvad had followed the cow all along the way. He was amazed to see the cow

regaining her original colour. He proceeded on his further journey towards

Kashi. He met a beautiful lady on the way who enquired as to where was he

going. Suvad told her that he was going to immense the ashes of her mother in

the holy water of the river Ganges.

 

The lady advised him to immerse the ashes in the water of Narmada itself, as

the holy Ganga herself comes to meet Narmada on the seventh day of Vaishakh

every year.

 

" Today is the same auspicious day when the holy Ganga will be coming to

meet Narmada. " Said the beautiful woman. She also told him that immersing

the ashes in the waters of Narmada would help his mother to attain to the

divine abode.

 

This beautiful lady was none other than Ganga herself. After advising Suvad she

disappeared. Suvad followed the instruction of that beautiful lady. He immersed

the ashes in the waters of Narmada. He saw his mother attaining a divine body.

His mother blessed Suvad and then attained to the abode of Lord Shiva.

 

MAHABAL SHIVA LINGA

 

Describing about Mahabal Shiva Linga, Sutji said to the sages- " Mahabal

Shivalinga is situated at Gokarna area. A devotee who has a darshan of Mahabal

Shivalinga on the eighth or fourteenth day of 'Ardranakshatra; falling on

Monday.  He becomes free from all of his

sins and attains to the Shivaloka. "

 

Having a darshan of this Shivalinga on any other day too helps a man to attain

to the abode of Almighty. All the deities, ancestors, holy rivers like Ganga

and the Nagas stand guard on all the four entrances of Mahabal temple "

 

" Even the most degraded sinner attains salvation if he worships Mahabal

Shivalinga on the fourteenth day of Magha (dark lunar phase). On this day

people come from all over India to see the grand festival. "

 

THE REASON BEHIND PHALLIC WORSHIP

 

The sages curiously asked Sutji about the purpose with which Parvati had

decided to appear in the form of a Vagina. Sutji narrated the following tale:

 

" Long long ago, some sages used to do penance in a Shiva temple situated

near Daruk forest. One day they went to collect woods needed for the Yagya.

Lord Shiva wanted to test their devotion, so he arrived before the sages' wives

in naked position holding his own phallus in his hand. The wives of the sages

became frightened by Shiva's appearance.

 

" When the sages returned after collecting woods, they became very furious

to see a naked person luring their wives. They asked Shiva to reveal his

identity. When Shiva did not give any reply, they cursed him to become a

phallus. "

 

" The Phallus fell down from the hand of Lord Shiva and generated so much

of heat that all the three worlds started to burn. The sages became very

nervous and went to seek the help of lord Brahma. Lord Brahma revealed to then

that the person who they cursed was none other than Lord Shiva himself. He also

instructed them to please goddess Parvati, as she only could have them from

Shiva's wrath by appearing in the form of Vagina and holding the Phallus. "

 

 

" The sages followed the instruction of Lord Brahma. Goddess Parvati

appeared in the form of Vagina and held Shiva's phallus in herself. The sages

then worshipped the Shivalinga. This jyotirlinga became famous by the name of

Haatkeshwar. "

 

THE ORIGIN OF BATUKNATH

 

Long long ago there lived a Brahmin by the name of Dadhichi. His wife to a low

caste, though his son - Sudarshan was very learned. The name of his wife was

Tukula. She had her husband under total control and influence.

 

Sudarshan had four sons. One day Dadhichi planned to go out due to some work.

He entrusted the job of Shiva's worship to Sudarshan. Sudarshan worshipped the

idol of Shiva daily without any fail.

 

On the Shivaratri day, Sudarshan too had observed a fast like rest of his

family members. He worshipped Shiva's idol in the morning as usual and then

went to his home. During the night time, he had a sexual relationship with his

wife. After that, he sat down to worship without purifying himself. Lord Shiva

became very furious by his action. He immobilized him by his curse.

 

Dadhichi was very sad to see the condition of his son. He commenced a

tremendous penance to please goddess Parvati. After being pleased by his

penance, Parvati requested Lord Shiva to liberate Sudarshan from his curse.

 

Lord Shiva became pleased and blessed Sudarshan by saying that he would become

famous as Batuknath and also that the worship of Batuknath would amount to the

worship of lord Shiva.

 

THE ORIGIN OF SOMNATH

 

The moon had twenty seven wives, one of whom was Rohini. The moon loved Rohini

very much, which made the rest of his wives very jealous and angry. They went

to their father - Daksha and complained about Moon's behaviour.

 

Daksha went to Moon and advised him to give proper attention to all of his

wives. But it did not have any effect on him and he continued giving special

treatment to Rohini.

 

When Daksha came to know about this, he became very curious. He cursed Moon to

become weak and devoid of radiance. The moon then sent the deities to lord

Brahma to seek his help. At first, lord Brahma became very angry with Moon, but

later on he cooled down and told the deities, that Moon can get liberated from

the curse, if he chants 'Mahamrityunjaya mantra' by going to Prabhus area.

 

Moon went to Prabhas area and chanted Mahamrityunjaya mantra for ten crore time

after sitting in one posture. Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked him to

demand anything he wished.

 

Moon requested lord Shiva to liberate him from the curse given by Daksha. Lord

Shiva told moon that the words of Daksha can never became untrue. However he

blessed moon by saying that he would wane during the dark lunar phase due to

the curse, but wax during the dark lunar phase due to his (Shiva's) blessings.

Lord Shiva also provided moon that he would be present along with Parvati near

him (moon).

 

Thus Lord Shiva established himself as Somanath. The deities constructed a

'Kunda' named Chandrakunda. It is believed that the Moon because liberated from

the curse by taking a bath in this Punda.

 

THE ORIGIN OF MALLIKARJUNA

 

Once, under the influence of Sage Narad, Kartikeya had gone to the Kraunch

Mountain to do penance. Shiva and Parvati could not bear the pain of his

separation for long. Both of them went to the Kraunch Mountain to see him.

 

When Kartikeya saw them coming he moved to some other place. When lord Shiva

saw this he established himself in the form of Jyotirlinga, which later on

became famous as Mallikarjuna jyotirlinga.

 

THE ORIGIN OF MAHAKALESHWAR

 

There used to live a Brahmin at Avantikapuri. He was a great devotee of lord

Shiva and used to worship dialy.

 

This Brahmin had four sons whose names were Devapriya, Medhapriya, Sukrit and

Dharmabahu. By the blessings of lord Shiva the Brahmin enjoyed a very happy and

contented life. After his death, the Brahmin’s son continued the tradition of

Shiva's worship.

 

There was a mountain named Ratanak on which a demon named Dushan used to live.

Being intoxicated by the boons received from Lord Brahma, he used to torment

all the people. He had all the surrounding area under his control except the

house in which the Brahmin family lived.

 

Dushan ordered his fellow demons to bring the Brahmin after capturing them. All

the demons went to Avantikapuri and created havoc. They went to the Brahmins

and told them about Dushan's order. The Brahmins were busy doing worship at

that time so they did not give ear to their words. The Brahmins continued with

their worship. The demon became very angry and tried to attack them.

 

Suddenly the earth cracked with a tremendous sound and lord Shiva manifested

from within the cracks. He killed all the demons. He then went to the Ratnamala

Mountain and killed Dushan. He again returned to the Brahmins and expressed his

desire of fulfilling their wishes. The Brahmins expressed their desire of

getting liberated from the bondage's of this world. They also requested him to

remain at that place. Lord Shiva accepted their request and established himself

in the form of Mahakal.

 

THE ORIGIN OF OMKARESHWAR

 

Once, Narad had gone to meet Vindhya Mountain. Vindhya was very arrogant in his

behaviour. Narad told him that Sumeru Mountain was even greater than him and so

his false pride had no basis.

 

Vindhya became very dejected and disheartened. He went to Amgreshwar and

started worshipping Shiva after making a Parthiv linga. Lord Shiva became very

pleased by his penance. He appeared before Vindhya and blessed him. After

sometime the sages too arrived there and worshipped Shiva. They requested lord

Shiva to remain at that place forever. Lord Shiva established himself as

Paremeshwar Linga. One Shivalinga already existed at Amareshwar, which became

famous as Omkareshwar.

 

THE ORIGIN OF KEDARESHWAR

 

Two incarnations of Lord Vishnu by the names of Nara and Vishnu did penance at

Badrikasharam. Both of them used to worship the idol of Shiva daily. Lord Shiva

used to arrive in his subtle form and accept their offerings without being

noticed by them.

 

One day Lord Shiva appeared before them. Nara and Narayana eulogized him and

requested to remain at that place forever. Lord Shiva accepted their request

and established himself as 'Kedareshwar jyotirlinga'.

 

THE ORIGIN OF BHEEMA SHANKAR

 

Bheema - the demon, was the son of Kumbhakarna and Karkati. After Kumbhakarna

was killed by Sri Ram, Karkati and Bheema went to live at Sahya Mountain.

 

When Bheema grew up he asked Karkati about his father. Karkati told him that

his father had been killed by Ram. Bheema swore to avenge his father's death.

He did a tremendous penance to please lord Brahma. Brahma appeared before him

and blessed him with insurmountable power and strength.

 

Bheema then drove out the deities from heaven. He went to Kamarupa and defeated

the king. He captured the king and put him in prison. The helpless king used to

pass his time by chanting the mantra- Om Namah Shivay. His wife worshipped the

Parthiva linga of Shiva for the release of the king.

 

All the deities went at the bank of river Mahakeshi and worshipped the Parthiva

linga of lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared before them and assured them that the

end of Bheema was near.

 

Lord Shiva went to the king who had been held captive by Bheema. His ganas too

accompanied him. All of them waited for the opportune time to kill Bheema.

 

Meanwhile somebody informed Bheema that the king was doing worship of Shiva in

the prison, with the objective of getting Bheema killed.

 

Bheema arrived at the spot in the prison where the king was worshipping the

Parthiva linga of Lord Shiva. He made fun of Shiva and struck the Shiva linga

with his sword.

 

Right then, Lord Shiva appeared. A tremendous battle was fought between both of

them. The battle continued for a long period. Sage Narad requested lord Shiva

to kill Bheema as soon as it was possible.

 

Lord Shiva produced fire by his loud roar. In a very short time the fire spread

in the whole forest. All the demons including Bheema were burnt to death. The

deities and the sages arrived there. They requested Lord Shiva to remain there.

Lord Shiva accepted their request and established himself in the form of Bheema

Shankar Jyotirlinga.

 

THE ORIGIN OF VISHVESHWAR

 

With the desire of giving liberation to the living creatures of this world,

lord Shiva had kept some portion of land on his Trishul after separating it

from the rest of Brahma's creation. The name of this sacred place is

Manikarnika. The Shiva linga by the name of Avinukta was established by lord

Shiva himself/ Later on this sacred place was brought down from the Trishul and

established on the land of Shiva. This sacred place of pilgrimage later on

became famous as Kashi and the Shivalinga as Avimukta Visheshwar.

 

THE ORIGIN OF TRAYAMBAKESHWAR

 

During the ancient time there lived a famous sage named Gautami. The name of

his wife was Ahilya. Once it did not rain for one hundred years as the result

of which the whole area was affected by drought.

 

Sage Gautami did a tremendous penance to please Varun appeared before Gautam,

he was requested to cause rain. But Varun expressed his inability in causing

rain. He told Gautam to please lord Shiva so that his wish could be fulfilled.

Later on Varun instructed Gautam to dig a up a pit, which he (Varun) filled

with water. Varun blessed Gautam by saying that this pond would never dry up.

The sages who had abandoned that place returned there. Everybody became happy

and satisfied.

 

One day, sage Gautam instructed his disciples to fetch some water from that

pond. When the disciples reached there, they found the wives of numerous sages

present at the bank of the pond. The sages' wives did not allow them to take

water and instead they rebuked them. The disciples returned back to the

hermitage and narrated the whole story to sage Gautam.

 

Ahilya pacified the angry disciples and went to the pond to fetch water. From

that day onwards this became very daily routine. One day Ahilya met the wives

of the sages. They tried to prevent her from fetching water. Not only that they

went back to his respective hermitages and filled the ears of their husbands.

All the sages became very angry.

 

The sages worshipped lord Ganesha to please him. When Ganesha appeared, they

requested him to drive Gautam out from that place. At first Ganesha was

reluctant to accept their demand but when they kept a persisting he agreed at

last.

 

Ganesha entered the field of Gautam in which barley was being cultivated.

Ganesha had disguised himself as a cow. He started grazing the barley crops.

 

When Gautam saw the cow grazing crops, he tried to drive her out from the field

by hitting a grass on her back. The artificial cow died instantly. Gautam was

very sorry for his act. Meanwhile all the sages from the surrounding area

arrived there. They forced Gautam to abandon that place at once.

 

Gautam left that place and made his hermitage at a little distance from there.

One day he came to the sages and asked them as to how could he atone for his

sins. The sages told him that his sins could be atoned only when he

circumambulates the whole earth thrice, all the while saying, 'I have killed a

cow'. They also told him that after that he would have to perform austerities

for one month.

 

If this is not possible then you will have to help Ganga manifest herself and

take bath in her water. Otherwise you will have to worship three crores

Parthiva lingas. Only then, you can get liberated from the sin of killing a cow, "

said the sages.

 

Gautam made the Parthiva lingas and started worshipping them. Lord Shiva became

very pleased by his devotion and appeared before him. Sage Gautam requested

lord Shiva to liberate him from the sins of killing a cow. He also requested lord

Shiva to manifest the stream of river Ganga that place.

 

Lord Shiva tried his best to make him understand that he was innocent and the

real culprits that he was innocent and the real culprits were those wicked

sages. But, Gautam was unconvinced. At last lord Shiva instructed Ganga to

appear in the form of a woman. Gautam eulogized Ganga. By the blessings of lord

Shiva Gautam was liberated from his sins of killing a cow. After that Ganga

expressed her desire to go back but lord Shiva asked her to remain on the earth

till the twenty-eighth nanvantar. Ganga accepted to do that, on the condition

that Lord Shiva along with Parvati too would remain present on the earth. Lord

Shiva established himself as Trayambakeshwar Jyotirlinga and Ganga became

famous as Gautami Ganga.

 

THE ORIGIN OF BAIDYANATH

 

The demon king- Ravana did a tremendous penance to please lord Shiva and to get

a boon from him. Even after his severe penance when lord Shiva did still not

appear, he started offering his heads one by one to lord Shiva. This way he

already severed his nine heads and offered them to Shiva. When he was about to

severe his last remaining head, just the lord Shiva appeared before him. He

blessed Ravana with unparalleled power and strength. Lord Shiva also made him a

ten headed demon once again.

 

But Ravana was not satisfied. He requested lord Shiva to come along with him to

Lanka. Lord Shiva gave Ravana s Shivalinga and warned him against keeping it on

the earth, as then no power on the earth could lift that Shivalinga from there.

 

 

Ravana proceeded with the Shivalinga. On the way he felt the urge of urinate.

Ravana gave that Shivalinga to a cowherd boy and went to urinate. The cowherd

boy held the Shivalinga for sometime. He felt that the Shivalinga was becoming

heavier and heavier. He could not bear the weight of the Shivalinga for too

long. He kept it on the ground. When Ravana returned he became very sad after

seeing the Shivalinga on the ground. He knew that, now it was impossible to

lift it from that place. Ravana established the Shivalinga there, which became

famous as 'Baidyanath jyotirlinga'.

 

THE ORIGIN OF NAGESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA

 

During ancient times, there lived a demon named Daruk. The name of his wife was

Daruka. They used to torment the people living in that area. The residents of

that area went to sage 'Aursh' and narrated about their miseries and requested

him to end this menace.

 

'Aursh' assured them that very soon their hardships would come to an end. He

then went to do his penance. The deities appeared before him after being

pleased by his tremendous penance. Sage 'Aursh' requested the deities to kill

the demons.

 

The deities went to fight with the demons. The demons got scarred and started

thinking about the means by which their lives could be saved. Daruka the wife

of Daruk had received a boon from goddess Parvati due to which she had gained

unparalleled power. She carried the whole forest and placed it in the middle of

the sea. This way the demons again lived without being perturbed by the threat

of the deities' attack.

 

One day the demons saw many boats sailing in the sea, on which were many people

on board. The demons made all the people captive. There was a man named Supriya

who was great devotee of Lord Shiva. He used to worship lord Shiva daily, even

though he saw held under captivity. Rest of the people too got influenced by

his devotion and everybody started worshipping lord Shiva.This way, six months

had passed.

 

One day a demon saw Supriya worshipping the idol of lord Shiva. He went to Daruk

and informed him. Daruk became extremely furious. He asked Supriya as to whom

was he worshipping. Supriya still engrossed in his worship did not give any

reply. This made Daruk even more angry. He tried to kill Supriya. Lord Shiva

appeared and killed all the demons.

 

Daruka's heart became full of grief at the news of her husband's death. She

went to Parvati and told her how lord Shiva had killed Daruka. Parvati met lord

Shiva and both of them decided to protect there respective devotees by

establishing themselves at that place. Thus, Nageshwar jyotirlinga came into

existence.

 

ESTABLISHMENT OF RAMESHWAR

 

After Hanuman brought the new that Sita had been held captive by Ravana at Lanka;

Sri Ram proceeded towards Lanka with a huge army. After receiving the seashore

he faced the problems of crossing over the sea.

 

Sri Ram made a Parthiva linga of Shiva and worshipped it. Lord Shiva became

very please with him and appeared. He blessed Sri Ram to be victorious. Sri Ram

on the other hand, requested him to establish himself in that Parthiva linga,

to which lord Shiva agreed. This way 'Rameshwar jyotirlinga' came into

existence.

 

THE ORIGIN OF DHUSHMESH JYOTIRLINGA

 

There used to live a brahmin by the name of Sudharma, who belonged to the

lineage of sage Bhardwaj. He was a great devotee of lord Shiva. Sudeha was his

wife. Sudharma had no son.

 

Sudeha desires for a son. She expressed her desire to Sudharma but he did not

listen to her pleas. One day Sudeha had gone for an outing accompanied by her

companions. Incidentally a quarrel ensured among them and her companions made

fun of her issue less status. Sudeha became very sad. After returning to her

hermitage, she narrated the whole incident to Sudharma.

 

Sudharma meditated on the form of Shiva and threw two flowers, towards his

wife. He thought that if Sudeha picks up the flower, which he had thrown with

his right hand, then certainly a son would be born. But if she picks up another

flower then there is no chance of her giving birth to a son. Unfortunately Sudeha

picked up the flower which Sudharma had thrown with his left hand.

 

Sudharma told his wife that she was never going to become a mother. He advised

her to dedicate her life in the devotion of lord Shiva. When Sudeha learnt that

there was no chance of her becoming a mother, she insisted her husband to marry

for a second time, so that he could become a father. But Sudharma refused to

marry for the second.

 

Sudeha brought her younger sister-Dhushma to the hermitage and married her with

reluctant Sudharma. Dhushma proved to be a very faithful wife. She engaged

herself in the service of Sudharma and Sudeha. She also used to worship the

Parthiva-linga of Shiva daily.

 

After her worship she used to immerse the Parthiva lingas in a pond. This way,

when she had accomplished the worship of one lakh Parthiva lingas, lord Shiva

blessed her with a son. Sudharma was extremely pleased but Sudeha became

jealous of her own sister.

 

When the child grew up, he was married to a beautiful Brahmin girl. Dhushma

instructed the bride to take a special care of Sudeha. So the bride engaged

herself in the service of everybody. She took special care of looking into the

needs of Sudeha. But still, Sudeha's jealousy did not diminish.

 

One day engripped by excessive jealousy and anger, she killed Dhushma's son

while he was asleep. She cut his body into many pieces and threw those pieces

into the same pond, in which Dhushma used to immerse the Parthiva lingas.

 

When the daughter in law noticed a piece of flesh on the bed she started crying.

She went to Dhushma and narrated the whole story. Hearing the news of her son's

killing, Dhushma too started crying Sudeha also wept artificially.

 

Sudharma arrived there. Though he himself was very sad yet he instructed

Dhushma to do the daily worship of Parthiva linga as usual. Dhushma obeyed the

command of her husband; she worshipped the Parthiva lingas and went to the pond

of immense.

 

By the blessings of lord Shiva, her son was standing at the bank of the pond

alive. He came towards his mother and said-

 

" Mother! I have become alive even after my death. "

 

Dhushma was still engrossed in her thoughts of lord Shiva, so she could not

listen to her son. Lord Shiva appeared and blessed Dhushma. He also expressed

his desire to punish her wicked sister - Sudeha for her evil deed, but Dhushma

requested him to forgive her. She also requested lord Shiva to stay there

forever. Lord Shiva accepted her demand and established himself in the form of

Dhushmeshwar Jyotirlinga. Sudharma and Sudeha arrived at that place and

worshipped Shiva. At last everybody returned home happily.

 

LORD VISHNU RECEIVES SUDARSHAN CHAKRA

 

The deities went to lord Vishnu, after being tormented by the demons. They

requested him to annihilate the demons. After assuring them, Lord Vishnu went

to Kailash Mountain to do his penance. But even his tremendous penance was not

enough to please Lord Shiva.

 

Lord Vishnu then worshipped lord Shiva by chanting the mantras of Shiva

Sahastranamavali. He also offered one thousand lotus flowers to lord Shiva in

course of his worship.

 

One day Shiva wanted to test the devotion of lord Vishnu. He stole one lotus

flower from among the one thousand flowers. When lord Vishnu began his worship

he found that there was one flower less. To make up for this deficiency, he

offered his one eye to lord Shiva - his eye which has been compared with a

lotus flower.

 

Lord Shiva was very mush impressed by his exceptional devotion. He appeared

before Vishnu and asked him to demand any boon he wished. Lord Vishnu demanded

a divine weapon to annihilate the demons. Lord Shiva gave him a sparkling

Sudharshan Chakra. On the request of Lord Vishnu he established himself in the

form of Harishwar Shivalinga. At last lord Vishnu killed the demon with his

Sudarshan Chakra.

 

SHIVA SAHASTRANAAM

 

Sutji told the sages that lord Vishnu had worshipped lord Shiva with the help

of his one thousand names. Some of the chief names of Shiva are Shiva, Har,

Mrid, Rudra, Pushkar, Pushpalochan, Arthigamya, Sadachar, Sharv, Shambhu,

Maheshwar, etc.

 

THE GREATNESS OF SAHASTRANAAM

 

A devotee who chants these one thousand names of lord Shiva attains all the

accomplishments. Chanting it, during distress helps a man to become free from

all kings of misfortune. Lord Vishnu could kill the demons only because of the

power he derived from the chanting of Sahastranaam.

 

THE DEVOTES OF SHIVA

 

Describing about the numerous devotees of Shiva who were famous for their

devotion towards lord Shiva, Sutji named a few of them like Durvasa,

Vishwamitra, Dadhichi, Gautam, Kanad, Bhargav, Vrihaspati, Vaishampayam,

Parashar, Vyas, Upamanyu, Yagyavalkya, Jaimini and Garg etc.

 

He also narrated a tale connected with King Sudyumna. Once Sudyumna had gone

into that forest which was gifted to Parvati by lord Shiva; with the warning of

that any man who dares to enter it would become a woman.

 

As soon as Sudyumna entered that forest he got transformed into a woman. He

became very sad. He worshipped lord Shiva to regain his masculinity. Lord Shiva

pleased by his devotion, he blessed him to be as a man for one month and again

as a woman for the same period of time alternately.

 

AUSTERITIES & FASTINGS CONNECTED WITH SHIVA'S WORSHIP

 

Once Parvati asked lord Shiva as to which were the austerities when on being

performed by a devotee, helps him to attain both worldly accomplishments as

well as liberation.

 

Lord Shiva told her about ten austerities connected with his worship and their

methods. He said-

 

" On the eighty day of every month a devotee should worship me by observing

a fast for the whole day and breaking it in the night. But on Kalashtami a

devotee must observe the fast for the whole day and night. He must not have

food on that day. On the eleventh day of the dark-lunar month, a devotee must

worship me and observe fast during the day. He should break the fast in the

night. But on the eleventh day of the bright lunar month, a devotee should

observe a fast for the whole period of day and night. On the thirteenth day of

dark-lunar month a devotee must observe fast for the whole period of day and

night, whereas on the thirteenth day of a bright lunar phase he should observe

a fast during the day and break it in the night. A fast observed on Monday

should be broken only in the night. "

 

 

 

MAHASHIVARATRI

 

Lord Shiva continued with his statements-

 

" Among all the austerities and fastings Mahashivaratri holds a supreme

place. It falls on the fourteenth day of the dark lunar month of Phalgun. On

this day the devotee should take a vow to observe a fast after awakening in the

morning and finishing his daily choirs. He must observe a fast for the whole

day and night. In the night he should worship me either in the temple or in his

own home according to his convenience. He should worship me with the help of

sixteen modes of worship (Shodasopachar). He should either chant the mantras of

Laghurudra or perform 'abhishek' during the course of worship. While doing

worship he should eulogize me and perform 'artis' in my praise. He can perform

'abhishek' with either of the followings - Milk, water, sacred water of

belonging to a place of pilgrimage, sprinkling water with Kusha, Sugarcane

juice, Honey and Ghee etc. The devotee should engage himself in my devotion for

the whole day. In the end he should feed the Brahmins and make donation to

them. A fast observed in this way gives infinite virtues to the devotee. "

 

ACCOMPLISHMENT OF SHIVRATRI (UDDYAPAN)

 

After observing fasts for fourteen consecutive years on each of the Shivaratri

days, a devotee should perform 'Uddyapan' (religious rites performed on the

accomplishment of an observance).

 

On the day preceding the Uddyapan ceremony, a devotee must have food for one

time. The next day a devotee should perform Uddyapan after making a religious

vow and according to the appropriate methods. A devotee who performs Uddyapan

in the above mentioned way attains to the Shivaloka.

 

THE GREATNESS OF SHIVARATRI

 

There used to live a poor bheel named Gurudruha. He was very poor. One day

finding no food available in his house, he went to the forest to hunt an

animal. Unfortunately he did not find any animal which he could hunt.

 

Being hungry, he sat down on the bank of a pond and pondered as to what would

happen to his family members who were hungry too. He thought that if he waited

there, then he might get a chance to kill a thirsty animal, which arrives there

to drink water.

 

Gurudruha climbed up a bael tree and waited for his prey. A Shivalinga was

established just under that tree and co incidentally it was a Shivaratri day.

When the first three hours of the night had passed, he saw a female deer

arriving with her young ones. He got ready with his bow and arrow and aimed his

arrow towards the female deer. By coincidence some leaves from that bael tree

fell on the Shivalinga along with some drops of water from the vessel in which

he was carrying water. Gurudruha had accomplished the worship of Shiva during

the first 'Prahar' of the night unawaringly.

 

After hearing the noise made by falling drops of water, the female deer looked

up. She saw Gurudruha sitting with his bow and arrows. She asked him about his

desire. Gurudruha told her that he wanted to kill her, so that he could feed

his family members.

 

The female deer requested him to allow her to go so that she could leave her

young ones in the safe custody of her husband. She promised to come back. At

first Gurudruha was reluctant but when the female deer started giving

illustrations from the scriptures, he allowed her to go.

 

Mean while the sister of female deer arrived there with her young ones. When

Gurudruha sow her, he got ready to kill her. Suddenly his movements on the

tree, made some leaves of bael and few drops of water to fall on the

Shivalings. It was the second Prahara of the night and Gurudruha had again

performed the worshiped of Shiva unawaringly.

 

When the female deer (Second) heard the noise made by falling drop of water She

looked up towards Gurudruha. She asked him about his desire. When Gurudruha

told about his desire, she requested him to allow her to go so that she could

hand over her young ones in the safe custody of her husband. Initially,

Gurudruha was reluctant to allow her to go, but when she promised to return

back, he allowed her to go.

 

Gurudruha sat on the branches of the bael tree waiting for his prey. The second

prahar of the night was coming to an end and the third prahar about to begin.

 

The deer arrived there searching his wife and children. Gurudruha again made him

ready to kill that dear. Again some leaves and few drops of water fell on the

Shivalinga. The worship of Shiva during the third Prahara had been accomplished

by Gurudruha, though unawaringly. On hearing the noise made by the falling

drops of water, the dear looked up and asked Gurudruha about his desire.

Gurudruha told him about his desire.

 

The deer requested Gurudruha to allow him to meet his wife and children for

once. The deer promised to return back. After becoming satisfied by his

intentions, Gurudruha allowed him to go to meet his family.

 

Gurudruha sat on the bael tree waiting for the deers anxiously. The third

prahar of the night was approaching its end and the fourth prahar was about to

begin.

 

Suddenly Gurudruha saw all the three deer's coming towards the pond. He became

extremely pleased at the prospect of getting flesh of three animals. He got

read with his bow and arrows. His movements on the bael tree again made some

leaves and few drops of water to fall on the Shivaling. Gurudruha had

successfully accomplished the worship of Shiva even during the fourth Prahar.

Not only had this he also remained awake for the whole night of Shivaratri.

 

The fast observed by Gurudruha on Shivaratri along with the worship of Shiva

though unawaringly had made him on enlightened person. The thought of killing

the deers remained no longer in his heart. He thanked all the deers for their

help in his attainment of enlightenment.

 

Lord Shiva became extremely pleased and appeared before him. He blessed

Gurudruha that in his next birth he would get an opportunity to serve Sri Ram

and would become famous as Nishad. Lord Shiva also told Gurudruha that by the

blessings of Sri Ram he would attain salvation by the blessings of Sri Ram he

would attain salvation.

 

Sutji while describing about the virtues of observing fast on Shivaratri told

the sages that if a fast observed unwaringly on Shivaratri gives such virtues

then what could be said about a fast which is observed deliberately. According

to Sutji such a fast would bestow both worldly pleasures and salvation.

 

DIFFERENT STAGES OF LIBERATION

 

Regarding the different stages of liberation, Sutji told the sages that there

were five stages of liberation capable of freeing a man from the sorrows of

this world. 1) Sarupya (Similitude with the Almighty), 2) Salokya, 3) Sannidhya

(living in the proximity of the almighty), 4) Sayujya (getting united with the

almight), 5) Kalvalya (Devotion towards God)

 

Only lord Shiva is capable of bestowing liberation. One can attain dharm

(virtuosity), Artha (Wealth) and Kaam (desires and wishes) by the worship of

other deities, but lord Shiva bestowes all the four of them.

 

Lord Brahma is believed to be the master of the three elementary qualities i.e.

Sat, Raja and Tama. Shiva is beyond these qualities and even the nature itself.

He is formless. Lord Shiva is a mystery which remains unsolved even though many

sages and even lord Brahma have tried to solve this mystery called Shiva.

 

The fifth stage of liberation is called Kaivalya which is attained by having

complete devotion towards lord Shiva. In the present era of Kali, where the

attainment of self knowledge is very difficult, devotion is relatively an

easier path.

 

Even devotion has been categorised into two types: a) Sagun (With form) b)

Nirguna (Formless)

 

If man worships lord Shiva with total devotion he attains self knowledge. Each

and every objects of this world is nothing but the manifestation of Shiva's

power. The creation achieves expansion only when he desires. Shiva is

omniscient but himself invisible. Just as the fire, which already exists in the

wood but is visible only after it is rubbed, similarly only the 'Gyanis' can

experience lord Shiva even though he is omnipresent. Just as there is no

difference between cause and effect, but is appears so due to our ignorance,

similarly an ignorant man can never experience the omnipresent Shiva by his

sense organs. The living things possess ego but lord Shiva is egoless. A man

can successfully subjugates his ego by becoming knowledgeable and attains

liberation after uniting with lord Shiva.

 

This knowledge was received by lord Vishnu from Shiva. Lord Vishnu later on

revealed it to lord Brahma and Brahma in turn revealed it to his manasputra -

Sanak, etc; The manasputra revealed this knowledge to Narad and Narad revealed

it to Vyas.

UMA SAMHITA

CONVERSATION

BETWEEN KRISHNA & UPAMANYU

 

 

Once, Lord Krishna went to Kailash Mountain to do penance with the desire of

having a son. He found Maharishi Upamanyu engrossed in his meditation. He told

Upamanyu about his desire and requested him to describe about the greatness of

lord Shiva.

 

Upamanu described about his own experience when he had divine glimpses of lord

Shiva who was meditating

 

" Once I saw Shiva who was surrounded by all the deities. Lord Shiva was

engrossed in his deep meditation. Shiva had in his possession all the divine

weapons like - Trident, Axe, Noose, Sudarshan etc. Lord Vishnu and Brahmaji

were also present there. I eulogized lord Shiva who became pleased with me.

Lord Shiva wanted to bless me with a boon. I requested lord Shiva to bless me

with three things- CONVERSATION BETWEEN KRISHNA & UPAMANYU

 

Once, Lord Krishna went to Kailash mountain to do penance with the desire of

having a son. He found Maharishi Upamanyu engrossed in his meditation. He told

Upamanyu about his desire and requested him to describe about the greatness of

lord Shiva.

 

Upamanu described about his own experience when he had divine glimpses of lord

Shiva who was meditating

 

" Once I saw Shiva who was surrounded by all the deities. Lord Shiva was

engrossed in his deep meditation. Shiva had in his possession all the divine

weapons like - Trident, Axe, Noose, Sudarshan etc. Lord Vishnu and Brahmaji

were also present there. I eulogized lord Shiva who became pleased with me.

Lord Shiva wanted to bless me with a boon. I requested lord Shiva to bless me with

three things- 1) I should always remain his devotee b) to be able to know about

the past, present and future events, c) My family should never feel the

scarcity of rice and milk. "

 

" Lord Shiva not only blessed me with all these three things, but also to

be able to see the Vaivasvat kalpa. "

 

After completing his story, sage Upamanyu told Krishna he must worship lord

Shiva if he was desirous of a son, because Lord Shiva can be pleased quite

easily.

 

SRI KRISHNA DOES PENANCE

 

Sri Krishna then proceeded to do his penance after getting initiated by

Upamanyu with the mantra - Om Namah Shivay. He did a tremendous penance for

fifteen months by standing on his toe. In the sixteenth month lord Shiva and

Parvati appeared before him after being pleased by his penance. Lord Shiva

expressed his desire to bless Krishna. Krishna demanded eight boon. 1) May his

intelligence always remains inclined towards religiousness. 2) May he attain

immortal fame, 3) May he has his abode in Shiva's proximity, 4) May his faith

and devotion in Shiva be unswerving, 5) May he have ten valiant sons, 6) May he

be victorious against his enemies, 7) May all his enemies be destroyed and 8)

May be dear to all the yogis. After receiving eight boons from Lord Shiva,

Krishna demanded one boon from goddess Parvati May he always be in the service

of his parents and the Brahmins. Sri Krishna then went back to Upamanyu and

narrated the whole story. At last he returned to Dwarka.

 

CLASSIFICATION OF GRAVE SINS

 

Describing about the sins, Sutji told the sages that altogether there were

twelve types of sins committed by a man by his actions, thought speech. Out of

them having a desire for another person's wife, being desirous of another's

wealth, having evil designs against other people and drifting towards sinful

path are considered to be sins committed by one's thoughts.

 

The following sins are supposed to be committed by speech - Conversating with a

woman who is having periods, telling lies, Unpleasing talks and back biting.

 

The following sins are committed by one's actions eating things, which are not

worth eating's, indulging in violence and uncivilized activities and taking

other's wealth by improper means.

 

Even among all these sins some are considered to be graver, like criticizing

teacher, hermit and parents etc, stealing the property of temple or a Brahmin.

A person commits Mahapap (grave sin) if he indulges in any of the following:

not having devotion towards one's preceptor abandoning one's preceptor,

sleeping on the preceptor's bed, drinking intoxicating drinks, having illicit

relationship with one's teacher's wife, taking back the wealth which has

already been donated, earning wealth by employing improper means.

 

A man who commits the following sins are considered to be the grave sinners -

burning a cowshed, a forest or a city, not marrying a girl with a suitable man,

having illicit relationship with daughter in law, and sister in law.

 

THE DESCRIPTION OF HELL

 

Each living being has to taste the fruits of his 'Karmas', when his soul reaches

the abode of Yama after his death. The soul of a virtuous man enters the hell

from the Northern side, where as that of sinful man enters from the southern

side.

 

Yamanagri - The abode of Yama is situated at a distance of eighty six thousand

yojans (One Yojans - Eight miles) from the surface of the earth.

 

The virtuous soul reaches there without any problem because of his virtuous

deeds. On the contrary, the soul of a sinner reaches Yamanagri tasting the

fruits of his sins all along the way. Moreover, when the soul of a sinner

reaches Yamanagri, it gets punished by the 'Yamadutas'. The lord of death then

gives the final judgement on the basis of each individual's sins.

 

From the hell the virtuous soul leaves for the heaven. There are many

categories of hells all filled up with filth.

 

CHARITY AND ITS IMPORTANCE

 

Sutji while warning the sages told-

 

" People who engages themselves in virtuous deeds through out their lives

and who have been kind of others, cross the terrifying path of the hell quite

easily. A person, who donates shoes or wooden sandals to Brahmins, reaches the

hell riding on the horse.

 

Similarly, a person who donates an umbrella to Brahmins reaches the hell under

the shade of an umbrella. Making donations of bed or chairs to Brahmins help a

man to reach the hell after taking adequate rest on the way. Making donations

of Gold or silver to Brahmin helps a man to attain to heaven. "

 

A man who donated food grains enjoys all the pleasures of life, because food

grains sustain life. Even, making donation of water is considered to be of

supreme value because life can not exist without it. A man, who digs up wells

and ponds for the benefit of people, acquires great virtues. Planting trees,

especially which gives fruits or flowers are considered to give immeasurable

virtues.

 

Making donations of cow, land, knowledge and such objects that can be weighed

are considered.

 

Making donations of Gold, Sesame, elephant, girl, maid, servant, house,

chariot, diamond, cow whose colour is pure white and food grains are considered

to be Mahadan (great donation).

 

The donations should be made only to worthy Brahmins.

 

THE DESCRIPTION OF NETHERWORLD (PATAL LOKA)

 

the earth is balanced on the hood of Sheshnag. Lord Vishnu is the nurturer of

this world. There are seven more worlds beneath the earth, which are Atala,

Vitala, Sutala, Rasatala, Tala, Talatala and Patal. Each of these worlds is ten

thousand yojans in length and twenty thousand yojans deep. All these worlds are

full of invaluable and priceless diamonds. The residents of each of these

worlds enjoy all the luxuries and pleasures of life. The demons and the Nagas

reside in these worlds.

 

LIBERATION FROM THE HELL

 

Even farther than these seven worlds is situated the hell, Where the soul of

the sinner goes to after the death. Some of the main names of hell are -

Raurav, Shukar, Rodh, Taal, Vivasan and Mahajwala etc. The soul of a sinner

goes to each of these hells according to the magnitude of his sins. A man

should worship lord Shiva and sing hymns in his praise to get liberated from

his sins.

 

THE DESCRIPTION OF SEVEN - ISLANDS

 

The whole earth is divided into seven islands or dweepas. The name of these

islands is Jambu, Plaksha, Shalmali, Kraunch, Shaaka and Pushkar. All these

islands are surrounded by such oceans on all sides. The content of each of

these oceans is salt. Sugarcane juice, ghee, milk, curds and honey

respectively.

 

Jambudweepa is also known as India. It stretches from south of Himalaya to the

north of ocean. The total area is about nine thousand yojans. It is further

subdivided into nine land segments, seven mountains, and seven sacred rivers

near the seven places of pilgrimage and many other rivers.

 

Similarly the 'Plaksha' island is surrounded by ocean of salt on all sides and

spread up in the area of one thousand yojans.

 

The area of Shalmali Island is twice as that of Plaksha island. It is

surrounded by the ocean of honey.

 

The area of Kusha island is twice as that of Shalmali island and is surrounded

by the ocean of ghee. Similarly the Krauncha is surrounded by the ocean of curd

and its area is thrice as that of Kusha island.

 

The area of Shaka island is twice as that of Kraucha island and is surrounded

by the ocean of milk.

 

The ocean of sweet water surrounds the Pushkar island. Its total length is five

thousand yojans and five lakh yojans respectively. The mountain Manas is

situated in this island. The residents of these islands never attain old age.

Lord Brahma resides in Mahaveet section of this island. The people living in this

island get food without making any effort.

 

THE DESCRIPTION OF PLANETS

 

As far as the light of Sun and Moon reaches the earth, it is called 'Bhoo

loka'. Surya loka is situated one lakh yojan above the Bhooloka. The Chandra

loka is situated one lakh yojan above Surya loka. All the constellations as

well as the planets are spread in the area of the ten thousand yojans above the

Moon. Mercury is situated above the moon Venus above the Mercury and Mars is

situated above the Venus. Jupiter is situated above Mars and Saturn above

Jupiter.

 

The Saptarshi mandals are situated at a distance of one lakh yojan above

Saturn. The 'Dhruva' is situated at a distance of one lakh yojan above the

Saptarshi Mandals. All the planets are situated between the earth and Dhruva

star in the form of three lokas - Bhooloka, Bhuvar loka and Swarga loka

(heaven).

 

Mahar looka is situated even beyond the Dhruvaloka. This is the world where the

manasputras (Sanak sanandan etc) of lord Brahma reside.

 

Jana loka is situated above Mahaloka where as the Tapaloka is situated at a

distance of twenty six lakh yojans above Mahaloka. Satyaloka is situated six

times the distance between Mahaloka and Tapaloka. Satyaloka is also known as

Brahmaloka. Beyond Brahmaloka is situated the Vaikuntha loka. Similarly the

world of Kartikeya Kumar loka is situated beyond Vaikunth loka. After Kumar

loka comes the Uma loka and then comes the Shiva loka, which is the farthest

loka. Goloka is situated near Shivaloka where lord Krishna lives with the cow

names Sushila, with the permission of lord Shiva.

 

CATEGORIES OF AUSTERITY OR TAPA

 

Truth or Satya is the best among all the types of austerity. A truthful man is

the supreme devotee and a great accomplisher. Austerity helps a man to attain

all the worldly pleasures of life and ultimately salvation. Austerities have

been classified into three types on the basis of three basic qualities or gunas

i.e. Satvik tapa, Rajassi tapa and Tamassi tapa.

 

Austerities observed by the deities' hermits and celibates come under the

category of Satvik Tapa.

 

Austerities maintained by the 'daityax' and man come under the category of

Rajasi-Tapa.

 

Austerities maintained by the demons and those people who indulge in evil and

cruel deeds come under the category of Tamasi Tapa.

 

THE ORIGIN OF BODY

 

The food intaken by a man gets transformed into 'semen' in the body. The semen

is transformed to the woman's womb during the time of intercourse where it gets

mixed with the blood. It then develops into an egg. Gradually all the organs

start to manifest themselves. The body then attains the vital force and

ultimately comes out from the mother's womb after suffering great pains. But

after taking birth he forgets all about those pains. He then lives his life by

reaping the fruits of his past Karmas.

 

PURIFICATION OF THE BODY

 

Before taking birth, the body lives a very filthy environment in mother's womb.

It becomes so dirty that even Panchagavya can not make it pure. Remembrance of

Shiva is the only means to make it pure.

 

CONTROL OVER DEATH (ICHCHHA MRITYU)

 

Sutji told the sages that a person who wants to control death should first be

seated on a pure seat. He should then perform Pranayama by holding his breath.

While doing this exercise care should be taken that lamp is not burning.

 

Both the ears should be shut by the index fingers for the period of one hour.

After doing this he would be able to hear the sounds emerging from within. He

should try to concentrate his mind on that sound. If this exercise is practiced

daily for two hours, then he will have full control over his death.

 

This particular exercise helps a man to attain great accomplishments,

self-knowledge and salvation.

 

THE DESCENT OF GANGA

 

Once, emperor Sagar performed an Ashwamedha Yagya. Indra abducted the horse used

in this Yagya and kept it in the hermitage of Sage Kapil. All the sixty

thousand sons of Sagar went to search the horse and found it in Kapil's

hermitage.

 

Hearing the commotion and noise, sage Kapil who was engrossed in his meditation

opened his eyes and came out to see what was happening. He was very angry. He

looked angrily towards the sons of Sagar. All of them were burnt to death

except four.

 

In due course of time, Sage Bhagirath became successful in bringing river Ganga

to earth with the blessings of lord Shiva. Bhagirath was the descendants of

Sagar. Bhagirath made all of his ancestors alive who had met an untimely death

by sprinkling the water of Ganga on their bones. River Ganga is also known as

Bhagirathi because of Bhagirath.

 

THE AUSTERITIES OF VED VYAS

 

Narrating about the life of Sage Ved Vyas, Sutji said to the sages-

 

" Once while sage Parashar was on his pilgrimage, he arrived at the bank of

Yamuna. Satyavati, who emitted the smell of fish, helped him cross the river.

Sage Parashar was very pleased with her. He transformed the bad smell emitting

from her body into fragrance. He also told her that she would be fortunate to

give birth to a son as mighty as lord Vishnu.

 

In due course of time Satyavati gave birth to a child. The child was given the

name Krishnadwaipayan by Satyavati's father. Soon after his birth the child

told his mother that he was going to do penance and he would come back to see

her the moment she desired.

 

The child did tremendous penance and became famous as Ved Vyas. With this deep

knowledge and insight he categorized the different sections of Veda. After the

accomplishment of his penance, Ved Vyas went on a pilgrimage. He came to Kashi

with a desire to write the Puranas. To get the blessings of Lord Shiva he

worshipped the Madhyeshwar linga. Lord Shiva became pleased by his devotion and

blessed him. Ved Vyas created numerous puranas like - Brahma Purana,

Padma-Purana, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Bhagawat Purana, Bhavishya Purana,

Narad Purana, Markandeya Puran, Agni Puran, Brahma Vaivarta Puran, Linga Puran,

Varah Puran, Kurma Puran, Matsya Puran, Garuda Puran, Vaman Puran, Skanda Puran

and Brahmanda Puran.

 

INCARNATION OF MAHAKALI

 

Once upon a time king Surath after loosing his kingdom to his enemy fled to the

forest. After wandering for some time he reached the hermitage of sage Medha.

He started living there, as he had no place to go. The dejected king used to

pass his time wondering about his future.

 

One day, Surath met a man named Samadhi, who was driven out from his house by

his own sons. His sons had captured all the wealth. Both of them went to sage

Medha and narrated about their woeful tales. Sage Medha advised both of them to

contemplate on the form of Mahamaya Bhagawati Surath and Samadhi were curious to

know about Bhagawati Sage Medha said-

 

" The demons, Madhu and Kailash were produced from the filth which came out

from the ears of lord Vishnu, while he was resting on the back of Sheshnag

during the time of total annihilation. "

 

" On seeing lord Brahma sitting on the lotus flower, which emerged from the

navel of lord Vishnu, both the demons tried to kill him. Lord Brahma eulogized

yoga nidra. So that lord Vishnu could be awakened from the sleep. Goddess

Bhagawati became pleased and told Brahma that in a short while from now she

would be manifesting herself to kill the demons. "

 

" Bhagawati manifested herself in the form of Kali from the mouth and eyes

of lord Vishnu. Meanwhile lord Vishnu awakened from his sleep. He fought with

the demons for one thousand years but could not defeat them. At last the demons

told lord Vishnu that they wanted to bless him with a boon. Lord Vishnu

demanded their death. Seeing water on all sides the demons told him that he

could kill them where no water was found. Lord Vishnu then severed their heads

after laying them on his thighs. "

 

INCARNATION OF MAHALAXMI

 

Mahishasur - the son of Rambhasur had captured the heaven after defeating the

deities. The sorrowful deities came to seek the help of lord Vishnu and Lord

Shiva.

 

Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu became extremely furious after hearing about the

misdeeds of Mahishasur. Radiant lights appeared from the bodies of Vishnu,

Shiva and other deities and collectively manifested into a single form of

Mahalaxmi. All the deities presented their respective weapons to her.

 

Mahalaxmi went to fight Mahishasur, who fought valiantly by changing his

appearance, but ultimately got killed by her. The deities became very pleased

by the death of Mahishasur. They eulogized and worshipped her.

 

INCARNATION OF MAHASARASWATI

 

After being tormented by the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, the deities went to

goddess Parvati and requested her to protect them. Kaushiki manifested from the

body of goddess Parvati. Goddess Kaushiki assured the deities and disappeared.

 

By coincidence the attendants of the demons - Shumbha and Nishumbha, happened

to see Kaushiki and became enchanted by her divine beauty. They went to Shumbha

and Nishumbha and praised about her beauty.

 

Both the demons sent a messenger to summon her. Kaushiki asked the messenger to

convey the message to the demons that only such a person can become her lord,

who defeats her in a battle. The messenger returned and gave the message to

Shumbha and Nishumbha.

 

Both the demons were enraged. They sent a huge army to bring Kaushiki forcible,

under the commandership of Dhumralochan. When Dhumralochan reached there, he

told her about his master's command. Kaushiki gave the some reply that only

such a person can become her master, who defeats her in a battle. Dhumralochan

then tried to abduct her forcibly. Kaushiki gave a loud roar in her anger as a

result of which Dhumralochan was burnt to death. The whole army was annihilated

by her vehicle-lion.

 

When Shumbha and Nishumbha learnt about the death of Dhumralochan and the

destruction of his army, they sent many mighty demons like Chanda, Munda, and

Raktabeeja etc to fight her. But each of them got killed by goddess Kaushiki.

 

Ultimately Shumbha and Nishumba themselves came forward to fight. Both of them attacked

Kaushiki with volley of arrows. Kaushiki destroyed their whole army. The whole

battle field became flooded with blood. After that Kaushiki killed Nishumbha

with special types of arrows, which did not allow single drop of blood to fall

on the ground.

 

Angered by his brother's death, Shumbha attacked Kaushiks with his Various

weapons, but she neutralized all of them. At last, she killed Shumbha with her

trident.

 

UMA WARNS THE DEITIES

 

Once, after having defeated the demons the deities had become very arrogant and

proud. They started indulging in self praise. Suddenly they were started by the

emergence of radiant light before them. All the deities became scarred and went

to Indra. Indra sent Vayu to test the power of that radiant light. As soon as Vayu

reached there, he found that he had become powerless. One by one all the

deities came but returned after being defeated. At last Indra himself went

there.

 

As soon as Indra reached there, he found that he had become bereft of all his

powers.

 

Suddenly goddess Uma manifested herself and warned Indra against becoming

arrogant. Indra realized his mistake.

 

THE INCARNATION OF SHAKAMBARI

 

The most valiant demon Durgam had acquired all the four Vedas from lord Brahma

after pleasing him. Lord Brahma had also given a boon of invincibility to him.

 

Durgam became very arrogant and started tormenting the whole world. As the

consequence it did not rain for one hundred years and the whole world was hit

by drought.

 

The deities went to goddess Maheshwari (Parvati) and narrated about their

woeful tales. Goddess Maheshwari was so moved by their plights that tears

rolled down from her eyes for nine continuous days and nights. The tear tool

the form of a river as the result of which the phase of drought came to an end.

 

 

The deities then requested her to recover the Vedas, which were in possession

of Durgam. They then went back to their abode. When Durgam saw that people were

living happily, he attacked with a large army. At that very moment goddess

manifested herself and fought a tremendous battle with Durgam. From her body

manifested the ten Mahavidyas and many other goddesses. At last goddess

Maheshwari killed Durgam with her trident and recovered the Vedas from his

possession. She then handed over the Vedas to the deities. Maheshwari is also

known as Shakambhari as she had created river by her tears and saved the lives

of People.

 

1) I should always remain his devotee b) to be able to know about the past,

present and future events, c) My family should never feel the scarcity of rice

and milk. "

 

" Lord Shiva not only blessed me with all these three things, but also to

be able to see the Vaivasvat kalpa. "

 

After completing his story, sage Upamanyu told Krishna he must worship lord

Shiva if he was desirous of a son, because Lord Shiva can be pleased quite

easily.

 

SRI KRISHNA DOES PENANCE

 

Sri Krishna then proceeded to do his penance after getting initiated by

Upamanyu with the mantra - Om Namah Shivay. He did a tremendous penance for

fifteen months by standing on his toe. In the sixteenth month lord Shiva and

Parvati appeared before him after being pleased by his penance. Lord Shiva

expressed his desire to bless Krishna. Krishna demanded eight boon. 1) May his

intelligence always remains inclined towards religiousness. 2) May he attain

immortal fame, 3) May he has his abode in Shiva's proximity, 4) May his faith

and devotion in Shiva be unswerving, 5) May he have ten valiant sons, 6) May he

be victorious against his enemies, 7) May all his enemies be destroyed and 8)

May be dear to all the yogis. After receiving eight boons from Lord Shiva,

Krishna demanded one boon from goddess Parvati May he always be in the service

of his parents and the brahmins. Sri Krishna then went back to Upamanyu and

narrated the whole story. At last he returned to Dwarka.

 

CLASSIFICATION OF GRAVE SINS

 

Describing about the sins, Sutji told the sages that altogether there were

twelve types of sins committed by a man by his actions, thought speech. Out of

them having a desire for another person's wife, being desirous of another's

wealth, having evil designs against other people and drifting towards sinful

path are considered to be sins committed by one's thoughts.

 

The following sins are supposed to be committed by speech - Conversating with a

woman who is having periods, telling lies, Unpleasing talks and back biting.

 

The following sins are committed by one's actions eating things, which are not

worth eating's, indulging in violence and uncivilized activities and taking

other's wealth by improper means.

 

Even among all these sins some are considered to be graver, like criticizing

teacher, hermit and parents etc, stealing the property of temple or a Brahmin.

A person commits Mahapap (grave sin) if he indulges in any of the following:

not having devotion towards one's preceptor abandoning one's preceptor,

sleeping on the preceptor's bed, drinking intoxicating drinks, having illicit

relationship with one's teacher's wife, taking back the wealth which has

already been donated, earning wealth by employing improper means.

 

A man who commits the following sins are considered to be the grave sinners -

burning a cowshed, a forest or a city, not marrying a girl with a suitable man,

having illicit relationship with daughter in law, and sister in law.

 

THE DESCRIPTION OF HELL

 

Each living being has to taste the fruits of his 'Karmas', when his soul

reaches the abode of Yama after his death. The soul of a virtuous man enters

the hell from the Northern side, where as that of sinful man enters from the southern

side.

 

Yamanagri - The abode of Yama is situated at a distance of eighty six thousand

yojans (One Yojans - Eight miles) from the surface of the earth.

 

The virtuous soul reaches there without any problem because of his virtuous

deeds. On the contrary, the soul of a sinner reaches Yamanagri tasting the

fruits of his sins all along the way. Moreover, when the soul of a sinner

reaches Yamanagri, it gets punished by the 'Yamadutas'. The lord of death then

gives the final judgement on the basis of each individual's sins.

 

From the hell the virtuous soul leaves for the heaven. There are many

categories of hells all filled up with filth.

 

CHARITY AND ITS IMPORTANCE

 

Sutji while warning the sages told-

 

" People who engages themselves in virtuous deeds through out their lives

and who have been kind of others, cross the terrifying path of the hell quite

easily. A person, who donates shoes or wooden sandals to Brahmins, reaches the

hell riding on the horse.

 

Similarly, a person who donates an umbrella to Brahmins reaches the hell under

the shade of an umbrella. Making donations of bed or chairs to Brahmins help a

man to reach the hell after taking adequate rest on the way. Making donations

of Gold or silver to Brahmin helps a man to attain to heaven. "

 

A man who donated food grains enjoys all the pleasures of life, because food

grains sustain life. Even, making donation of water is considered to be of

supreme value because life can not exist without it. A man, who digs up wells

and ponds for the benefit of people, acquires great virtues. Planting trees,

especially that gives fruits or flowers are considered to give immeasurable

virtues.

 

Making donations of cow, land, knowledge and such objects that can be weighed

are considered.

 

Making donations of Gold, Sesame, elephant, girl, maid, servant, house,

chariot, diamond, cow whose colour is pure white and food grains are considered

to be Mahadan (great donation).

 

The donations should be made only to worthy Brahmins.

 

THE DESCRIPTION OF NETHERWORLD (PATAL LOKA)

 

The earth is balanced on the hood of Sheshnag. Lord Vishnu is the nurturer of

this world. There are seven more worlds beneath the earth, which are Atala,

Vitala, Sutala, Rasatala, Tala, Talatala and Patal. Each of these worlds is ten

thousand yojans in length and twenty thousand yojans deep. All these worlds are

full of invaluable and priceless diamonds. The residents of each of these

worlds enjoy all the luxuries and pleasures of life. The demons and the Nagas

reside in these worlds.

 

LIBERATION FROM THE HELL

 

Even farther than these seven worlds is situated the hell, Where the soul of

the sinner goes to after the death. Some of the main names of hell are -

Raurav, Shukar, Rodh, Taal, Vivasan and Mahajwala etc. The soul of a sinner

goes to each of these hells according to the magnitude of his sins. A man

should worship lord Shiva and sing hymns in his praise to get liberated from

his sins.

 

THE DESCRIPTION OF SEVEN - ISLANDS

 

The whole earth is divided into seven islands or dweepas. The name of these

islands is Jambu, Plaksha, Shalmali, Kraunch, Shaaka and Pushkar. All these

islands are surrounded by such oceans on all sides. The content of each of

these oceans is salt. Sugarcane juice, ghee, milk, curds and honey

respectively.

 

Jambudweepa is also known as India. It stretches from south of Himalaya to the

north of ocean. The total area is about nine thousand yojans. It is further

subdivided into nine land segments, seven mountains, and seven sacred rivers

near the seven places of pilgrimage and many other rivers.

 

Similarly the 'Plaksha' island is surrounded by ocean of salt on all sides and

spread up in the area of one thousand yojans. The area of Shalmali Island is

twice as that of Plaksha island. It is surrounded by the ocean of honey. Kusha

island is twice as that of Shalmali island and is surrounded by the ocean of

ghee. Similarly the Krauncha is surrounded by the ocean of curd and its area is

thrice as that of Kusha island. The area of Shaka island is twice as that of

Kraucha island and is surrounded by the ocean of milk.

 

The ocean of sweet water surrounds the Pushkar Island. Its total length is five

thousand yojans and five lakh yojans respectively. The mountain Manas is

situated in this island. The residents of these islands never attain old age.

Lord Brahma resides in Mahaveet section of this island. The people living in

this island get food without making any effort.

 

THE DESCRIPTION OF PLANETS

 

As far as the light of Sun and Moon reaches the earth; it is called 'Bhoo

loka'. Surya loka is situated one lakh yojan above the Bhooloka. The Chandra

loka is situated one lakh yojan above Surya loka. All the constellations as

well as the planets are spread in the area of the ten thousand yojans above the

Moon. Mercury is situated above the moon Venus above the Mercury and Mars is

situated above the Venus. Jupiter is situated above Mars and Saturn above

Jupiter.

 

The Saptarshi mandals are situated at a distance of one lakh yojan above

Saturn. The 'Dhruva' is situated at a distance of one lakh yojan above the

Saptarshi Mandals. All the planets are situated between the earth and Dhruva

star in the form of three lokas - Bhooloka, Bhuvar loka and Swarga loka

(heaven).

 

Mahar looka is situated even beyond the Dhruvaloka. This is the world where the

manasputras (Sanak sanandan etc) of Lord Brahma reside.

 

Jana loka is situated above Mahaloka where as the Tapaloka is situated at a

distance of twenty six lakh yojans above Mahaloka. Satyaloka is situated six

times the distance between Mahaloka and Tapaloka. Satyaloka is also known as

Brahmaloka. Beyond Brahmaloka is situated the Vaikuntha loka. Similarly the

world of Kartikeya Kumar loka is situated beyond Vaikunth loka. After Kumar

loka comes, the Uma loka and then comes the Shiva loka, which is the farthest

loka. Goloka is situated near Shivaloka where lord Krishna lives with the cow

names Sushila, with the permission of lord Shiva.

 

CATEGORIES OF AUSTERITY OR TAPA

 

Truth or Satya is the best among all the types of austerity. A truthful man is

the supreme devotee and a great accomplisher. Austerity helps a man to attain

all the worldly pleasures of life and ultimately salvation. Austerities have

been classified into three types on the basis of three basic qualities or gunas

i.e. Satvik tapa, Rajassi tapa and Tamassi tapa.

 

Austerities observed by the deities' hermits and celibates come under the

category of Satvik Tapa.

 

Austerities maintained by the 'daityax' and man come under the category of

Rajasi-Tapa.

 

Austerities maintained by the demons and those people who indulge in evil and

cruel deeds come under the category of Tamasi Tapa.

 

THE ORIGIN OF BODY

 

The food intaken by a man gets transformed into 'semen' in the body. The semen

is transformed to the woman's womb during the time of intercourse where it gets

mixed with the blood. It then develops into an egg. Gradually all the organs

start to manifest themselves. The body then attains the vital force and

ultimately comes out from the mother's womb after suffering great pains. But

after taking birth he forgets all about those pains. He then lives his life by

reaping the fruits of his past Karmas.

 

PURIFICATION OF THE BODY

 

Before taking birth, the body lives a very filthy environment in mother's womb.

It becomes so dirty that even Panchagavya can not make it pure. Remembrance of

Shiva is the only means to make it pure.

 

CONTROL OVER DEATH (ICHCHHA MRITYU)

Sutji told the sages that a person who wants to control death should first be

seated on a pure seat. He should then perform Pranayama by holding his breath.

While doing this exercise care should be taken that lamp is not burning.

 

Both the ears should be shut by the index fingers for the period of one hour.

After doing this he would be able to hear the sounds emerging from within. He

should try to concentrate his mind on that sound. If this exercise is practiced

daily for two hours, then he will have full control over his death. This

particular exercise helps a man to attain great accomplishments, self-knowledge

and salvation.

 

THE DESCENT OF GANGA

Once, emperor Sagar performed an Ashwamedha Yagya. Indra abducted the horse

used in this Yagya and kept it in the hermitage of Sage Kapil. All the sixty

thousand sons of Sagar went to search the horse and found it in Kapil's

hermitage.

 

Hearing the commotion and noise, sage Kapil who was engrossed in his meditation

opened his eyes and came out to see what was happening. He was very angry. He

looked angrily towards the sons of Sagar. All of them were burnt to death

except four.

 

In due course of time, Sage Bhagirath became successful in bringing river Ganga

to earth with the blessings of lord Shiva. Bhagirath was the descendants of

Sagar. Bhagirath made all of his ancestors alive who had met an untimely death

by sprinkling the water of Ganga on their bones. River Ganga is also known as

Bhagirathi because of Bhagirath.

 

THE AUSTERITIES OF VED VYAS

Narrating about the life of Sage Ved Vyas, Sutji said to the sages- " Once

while sage Parashar was on his pilgrimage, he arrived at the bank of Yamuna.

Satyavati, who emitted the smell of fish, helped him cross the river. Sage

Parashar was very pleased with her. He transformed the bad smell emitting from

her body into fragrance. He also told her that she would be fortunate to give

birth to a son as mighty as lord Vishnu.

 

In due course of time Satyavati gave birth to a child. The child was given the

name Krishnadwaipayan by Satyavati's father. Soon after his birth the child

told his mother that he was going to do penance and he would come back to see

her the moment she desired.

 

The child did tremendous penance and became famous as Ved Vyas. With this deep

knowledge and insight he categorized the different sections of Veda. After the

accomplishment of his penance, Ved Vyas went on a pilgrimage. He came to Kashi with

a desire to write the Puranas. To get the blessings of Lord Shiva he worshipped

the Madhyeshwar linga. Lord Shiva became pleased by his devotion and blessed

him. Ved Vyas created numerous puranas like - Brahma Purana, Padma-Purana,

Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Bhagawat Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Narad Purana,

Markandeya Puran, Agni Puran, Brahma Vaivarta Puran, Linga Puran, Varah Puran,

Kurma Puran, Matsya Puran, Garuda Puran, Vaman Puran, Skanda Puran and

Brahmanda Puran.

 

INCARNATION OF MAHAKALI

Once upon a time king Surath after loosing his kingdom to his enemy fled to the

forest. After wandering for some time he reached the hermitage of sage Medha.

He started living there, as he had no place to go. The dejected king used to

pass his time wondering about his future.

 

One day, Surath met a man named Samadhi, who was driven out from his house by

his own sons. His sons had captured all the wealth. Both of them went to sage

Medha and narrated about their woeful tales. Sage Medha advised both of them to

contemplate on the form of Mahamaya Bhagawati Surath and Samadhi were curious

to know about Bhagawati Sage Medha said-

 

" The demons, Madhu and Kailash were produced from the filth which came out

from the ears of lord Vishnu, while he was resting on the back of Sheshnag

during the time of total annihilation. "

 

" On seeing lord Brahma sitting on the lotus flower, which emerged from the

navel of lord Vishnu, both the demons tried to kill him. Lord Brahma eulogized

yoga nidra. So that lord Vishnu could be awakened from the sleep. Goddess

Bhagawati became pleased and told Brahma that in a short while from now she

would be manifesting herself to kill the demons. "

 

" Bhagawati manifested herself in the form of Kali from the mouth and eyes

of lord Vishnu. Meanwhile lord Vishnu awakened from his sleep. He fought with

the demons for one thousand years but could not defeat them. At last the demons

told lord Vishnu that they wanted to bless him with a boon. Lord Vishnu

demanded their death. Seeing water on all sides the demons told him that he

could kill them where no water was found. Lord Vishnu then severed their heads

after laying them on his thighs. "

 

INCARNATION OF MAHALAXMI

Mahishasur - the son of Rambhasur had captured the heaven after defeating the

deities. The sorrowful deities came to seek the help of lord Vishnu and Lord

Shiva.

 

Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu became extremely furious after hearing about the

misdeeds of Mahishasur. Radiant lights appeared from the bodies of Vishnu,

Shiva and other deities and collectively manifested into a single form of

Mahalaxmi. All the deities presented their respective weapons to her.

 

Mahalaxmi went to fight Mahishasur, who fought valiantly by changing his

appearance, but ultimately got killed by her. The deities became very pleased

by the death of Mahishasur. They eulogized and worshipped her.

 

INCARNATION OF MAHASARASWATI

after being tormented by the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, the deities went to

goddess Parvati and requested her to protect them. Kaushiki manifested from the

body of goddess Parvati. Goddess Kaushiki assured the deities and disappeared.

 

By coincidence the attendants of the demons - Shumbha and Nishumbha, happened

to see Kaushiki and became enchanted by her divine beauty. They went to Shumbha

and Nishumbha and praised about her beauty. Both the demons sent a messenger to

summon her. Kaushiki asked the messenger to convey the message to the demons

that only such a person can become her lord, who defeats her in a battle. The

messenger returned and gave the message to Shumbha and Nishumbha.

 

Both the demons were enraged. They sent a huge army to bring Kaushiki forcible,

under the commandership of Dhumralochan. When Dhumralochan reached there, he

told her about his master's command. Kaushiki gave the some reply that only

such a person can become her master, who defeats her in a battle. Dhumralochan

then tried to abduct her forcibly. Kaushiki gave a loud roar in her anger as a

result of which Dhumralochan was burnt to death. The whole army was annihilated

by her vehicle-lion.

 

When Shumbha and Nishumbha learnt about the death of Dhumralochan and the

destruction of his army, they sent many mighty demons like Chanda, Munda, and

Raktabeeja etc to fight her. But each of them got killed by goddess Kaushiki.

Ultimately Shumbha and Nishumba themselves came forward to fight. Both of them

attacked Kaushiki with volley of arrows. Kaushiki destroyed their whole army.

The whole battle field became flooded with blood. After that Kaushiki killed

Nishumbha with special types of arrows, which did not allow single drop of

blood to fall on the ground.

 

Angered by his brother's death, Shumbha attacked Kaushiks with his Various

weapons, but she neutralized all of them. At last, she killed Shumbha with her

trident.

 

UMA WARNS THE DEITIES

 

Once, after having defeated the demons the deities had become very arrogant and

proud. They started indulging in self praise. Suddenly they were started by the

emergence of radiant light before them. All the deities became scarred and went

to Indra. Indra sent Vayu to test the power of that radiant light. As soon as

Vayu reached there, he found that he had become powerless. One by one all the

deities came but returned after being defeated. At last Indra himself went

there. As soon as Indra reached there, he found that he had become bereft of

all his powers. Suddenly goddess Uma manifested herself and warned Indra

against becoming arrogant. Indra realized his mistake.

 

THE INCARNATION OF SHAKAMBARI

 

The most valiant demon Durgam had acquired all the four Vedas from lord Brahma

after pleasing him. Lord Brahma had also given a boon of invincibility to him.

 

Durgam became very arrogant and started tormenting the whole world. As the

consequence it did not rain for one hundred years and the whole world was hit

by drought.

 

The deities went to goddess Maheshwari (Parvati) and narrated about their

woeful tales. Goddess Maheshwari was so moved by their plights that tears

rolled down from her eyes for nine continuous days and nights. The tear tool

the form of a river as the result of which the phase of drought came to an end.

 

 

The deities then requested her to recover the Vedas, which were in possession

of Durgam. They then went back to their abode. When Durgam saw that people were

living happily, he attacked with a large army. At that very moment goddess

manifested herself and fought a tremendous battle with Durgam. From her body

manifested the ten Mahavidyas and many other goddesses. At last goddess

Maheshwari killed Durgam with her trident and recovered the Vedas from his

possession. She then handed over the Vedas to the deities. Maheshwari is also

known as Shakambhari as she had created river by her tears and saved the lives

of People.

KAILASH SAMHITA

CLASSIFICATIONS OF YOGA

 

Describing about the various types of Yoga, Sutji told the sages that there

were three types of Yoga - Gyan Yoga, Kriya Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. " Each of

them is capable of giving salvation to a man. When the mind or intellect unites

with the soul it is called Gyan Yoga. When the soul gets attached with external

objects, it is called Kriya yoga. The unification of one's whole being with

goddess Bhagawati is called Bhakti Yoga. All these three yogas combinedly are

capable of giving salvation to a man. A man becomes a devotee by his actions or

Karmas. Devotion or Bhakti helps a man to attain Gyan or knowledge. Gyan or

Knowledge gives salvation. Yoga is the path through which a man can attain

liberation whereas Kriya-yoga is the chief means to attain it.

 

CONDUCTS OF A SANYASI

A Sanyasi should wake up early in the morning. After getting up he should

remember his preceptor or Guru and then he should pray to express his gratitude

towards his Guru.

 

After that he should practice Pranayama and try to concentrate his mind on the

six chakras present in his bodies.

 

After the completion of Pranayama and concentration on the six chakras he

should finish his daily routines. After applying 'ashes' on his body he should

chant the sacred mantras and perform 'tarpana'. Subsequently he should perform

Aachaman and then practice Pranayama for three times. After that he should

remember the sages or rishis. While going to do worship, he should maintain

silence all along the way. He should do worship only after washing his feet and

performing Aachaman.

 

METHODS OF SHIVA WORSHIP

A Sanyasi should paste the ground with cow dung and construct a quadrangular

'Mandap'. He should then keep a broad leaf of Palm tree at its centre. He

should then fence the area with coloured threads from all the four directions.

After that he should draw a eight petalled flower in the centre of the Mandap,

upon which he should draw a Shiva Yantra. At last he can commence his worship

of the Sun god.

 

THE GREATNESS OF PRANAY MANTRA

Sage Vamadev was a great devotee of lord Shiva from his birth. He never used to

remain at a place for long. One day he had gone to a mountain peak named Kumar,

which was situated towards the south of Sumeru Mountain. He met Kartikeya who

revealed to him that Pranam Mantra directly signifies the almighty God.

Kartikeya also told him that with the help of that mantra a person can attain

lord Shiva - who liberates from all the bondage of life. Though, Vamadeva

himself knew about the power of Pranav mantra yet he requested Kartikeya to

shed some more light on it. Kartikeya told him that any one could have the

proximity of lord Shiva, by the help of the means prescribed in the Shrutis and

the Samritis.

 

Regarding the methods of Shiva's worship, Kartikeya told Vamadeva that though

Sadashiva was one, yet he was known by various names like Maheshwar, Rudra,

Brahma and Vishnu. Mahesh was created from the thousandth part of Sadashiva.

The goddess of all illusions - Bhagawati dwells in the left side of Sadashiva,

therefore he is the lord of all the actions of the universe. Sadashiva plays

his desire acts by indulging in creation, nurturement and annihilation of this

world.

 

INITIATION OF A SANYASI

Vamadeva requested Kartikeya to enlighten his mind with that knowledge, without

which a Sanyasi can never attain liberation. Kartikeya then told him about the

methods how a Sanyasi should get initiation from his guru. A disciple should

worship his guru in any of the following months - Shravan, Ashwin, Kartik,

Agahan and Magh. He should then establish a Kalash and worship it. He should

again worship his guru considering him as the form of Shiva.

 

The guru should then initiate him with the Shiva mantra. After getting the

Mantra, the disciple should chant it considering himself as Shiva-Shivoaham.

After this the disciple should get his head tonsured. The barber who is

supposed to shave off the hairs should be given pure clothes to wear. The

barber should also wash his hands with mud and water. The instruments and

apparatus, which he is supposed to use, should be made pure by the 'Astra'

mantras.

 

First of all the front portion of the head should be shaved off after that the

back portion of the head should be shaved off. The disciple should then get his

beards and moustache shaved off. After this the disciple should massage his body

with mud and take bath by taking twelve dips in a pond. After taking his bath

he should worship his Guru and meditate on lord Shiva.

 

LAST RITES OF AN ASCETIC (SANYASI)

Kartikey told Sage Vamadev that an ascetic does not die but takes a Samadhi;

therefore instead of being cremated he is buried. Therefore an ascetic must

practice the art of Samadhi to perfection. If he has not yet perfected the art

of Samadhi, then he should keep on practicing yoga till he attains mastery over

the art of Samadhi. He should try to concentrate his mind on the Omkar mantra,

which is eternal. If his body has become weak and feeble and incapable of doing

physical exercises like Pranayama then he should indulge himself in Shiva

remembrance. This way an ascetic can attain to heaven. After his death the rest

of the ascetics should perform the rituals at his place of death for ten days.

 

Alter should be constructed on the eleventh day. Five quadrangular mandals

should be made facing towards the northern direction. In each of these mandas,

deities like Deveshwari; Atiwahak etc. should be established first and then

worshipped. The worship should be done as per the instruction of Guru by

offering 'Prasada'. This Prasada should be, given to a virgin girl or cow,

later on. The articles used in the process of worship should be immersed in the

river or pond. In this way, the Parvan shraddh ceremony of the deceased ascetic

is accomplished. It is worth nothing that 'Ekodishta' Shraddh is not performed

after an ascetic death.

 

After the completion of 'Parvan Shraddh' the ascetic should perform the

Ekadashah Shraddh as per the instructions of their Guru. On the twelfth day,

the ascetics should invite the Brahmins, after getting up in the morning and

taking their bath. These Brahmins should be feeded.

 

The ascetics should then take a vow to worship their Guru by holding a 'Kusha'

grass in their hands. After that, they should wash the lotus feets of their

Guru and worship him. Even the worship of Guru's teacher should be done.

 

After the worship is over, the Guru should get up by saying 'Shubhamastu'-

benediction to all. He should then sprinkle the purified rice by chanting

mantras. At last donations should be made to the invited Brahmins.

 

 

VAYVIYA SAMHITA THE ORIGIN OF VIDYA (KNOWLEDGE)

 

There are fourteen types of learning or Vidyas - four Vedas, Six Vedangs,

Meemansa, Nyay, Puranas and other religious scriptures. These fourteen learning

along with Ayurveda, Dhanurveda, Gandharvaveda and Arthashastra becomes

eighteen. All these eighteen learning's originate from lord Shiva. Lord Shiva

created lord Brahma to felicitate the process of creation and bestowed him with

all these eighteen learning's. He also empowered lord Vishnu to protect the

creation.

 

The four Vedas emerged from the mouth of Lord Brahma, on the basis of which

were created the numerous scriptures like Vedangs etc. Since these Vedas were

difficult to understand, therefore lord Vishnu took incarnation of Vyas and

created the Puranas, so that they could be understood easily. The Puranas

contain four lakh shlokas and they help us to understand the essence of the

Vedas.

 

THE TALE OF NAIMISHARANYA

Once, Lord Brahma released his Manomaya chakra and instructed the sages to

follow it. He also told them that the place at which the Manomaya chakra broke

down would be very auspicious for doing penance. The sages followed the

Manomaya chakra, which after travelling for a long time fell down on a large

segment of land and its circumference (Nemi) broke down as predicted by lord

Brahma. This segment of land became famous as Naimisharanya.

 

The sages decided to perform a Yagya at that sacred place. This way the very

place, sitting where lord Brahma did creations. All the sages commenced their

Yagya, which continued for ten thousand years. On the completion of Yagya, the

deity arrived there and blessed them as per the instruction of lord Brahma.

 

TIME - THE RADIANCE OF SHIVA Describing about the time (Kala), Vayudeva

told the sages that 'Kala' or time is the radiance of lord Shiva. Kala or time is

also known as 'Kalatma'. The time flows smoothly without being disturbed.

 

Time is under the control of lord Shiva. Since the time contains the element of

Shiva (Shivattatva), hence its momentum can not be checked by any other power,

except that of Shiva. One, who understands the meaning of Kala, has a darshan

of lord Shiva.

 

TIME - CALCULATION The smallest unit for measuring the time is called

'Nimesh'. The time taken to drop one's eyelid is called one Nimesh. A kala

consists of fifteen Nimeshas and thirty Kalas make a 'Muhurta'. A day and a

night consist of thirty 'Muhurtas'. A month consists of thirty days, divided

into two fortnights. One fortnight is known as 'Krishna Paksha (dark lunar

phase) and the other is known as Shukla Paksha (bright lunar phase).

 

In Pitarloka the day consists of one fortnight and night of the same number of

days. Shukla Paksha is the day of the Pitraloka and Krishna Paksha the night.

 

One 'Ayana' consists of Six months. A year consists of two 'Ayanas'. One year

of the earth is equivalent to a day and a night of the deities. The six months

when Sun is in the southern hemisphere of the earth, is actually the time when

the deities experience night. On the contrary, the six months when sun is in

the northern hemisphere, is the day time of the deities. One year of the

deities is equivalent to three hundred and sixty years of this world.

 

The yugas are counted on the basis of the years of the deities. According to

the scholars there are four yugas - Satyayuga, Tretayuga, Dwapar yuga and

Kaliyuga. A satyayuga is equivalent to four thousand years of the deities. A

Treta yuga is equivalent to three thousand years of the deities. Similarly a

dwapar Yuga is equivalent to two thousand years of the deities and a Kaliyuga

to that of one Thousand years of the deities. This way all the four yugas

collectively are equivalent to twelve thousand years of the deities. A Kalpa

consists of one thousand Chaturyugas. A Manvantar consists of seventy one

Chaturyugas. One Kalpa is inhibited by fourteen Manus one after another in

succession.

 

A Brahma's day is equivalent to one divine Kalpa. A Brahma's year is equivalent

to one thousand Kalpas. A Brahma's Yuga consists of eight thousand such years.

A Brahma's ' Savan' consists of his one thousand yugas. Brahma's life span is

complete after three thousand such Sawanas. Five lakh and forty thousand

numbers of Indras succeed one after another during the whole life span of

Brahma. A Vishnu day is equivalent to the whole life span of Brahma. The whole

life span of Vishnu is equivalent to a day of 'Rudra'. The whole life span of

Rudra is equivalent to a day of lord Shiva. In the whole life of lord Shiva

five lakh and four thousand numbers of Rudras come and go. A Shiva's day

commences with the creation and before the end of the night the whole creation

gets annihilated. Sadashiva is eternal.

 

MEDITATION Describing about Meditation Vayudeva told the sages that to

concentrate one's restless mind during meditative state; a man needs some kind

of form (Swarupa) or appearance. Idol worship is very helpful in this regard.

If an idol of the deity is worshipped with full devotion, then a time comes

when a man can have its sight even in an empty space. Idol worship also helps a

devotee to reach towards the almighty God, who is formless. It is easy for a

devotee who believes in 'Sakar' (with form) to change over to the Nirakar

(formless) worship of God. But it is very difficult for a devotee who believes

in the formless almighty to switch over to Sakar mode of worship. The knowledge

of Shiva's essence is a must attain salvation in both the modes of devotion.

 

RITUALS CONNECTED WITH SHIVA'S WORSHIP One being asked by the sages

about the rituals which gives salvation, Vayudeva told them that by having

devotion towards lord Shiva, a man can achieve all the pleasures of the world

and even attain salvation. Vayudeva also told them about Pashupat Vrata and the

benefits derived from it.

 

The whole Pashupat Vrata is divided into five parts - Kriya, Taipei, Tapa,

Dhyana and Gyan. The Shaiva-dharma is the supreme religion and the rituals

pertaining to it are based on the Shruits and the Smritis. Pashupat Vrata has

been mentioned in the Vedas as the bestower of Supreme knowledge. It also

contains all the eight organs of yoga, which were created by lord Shiva

himself. Lord Shiva is easily pleased if worship is done by this method. The

devotee attains supreme knowledge and becomes liberated from all the bondage's

of this world.

 

PASHUPAT VRATA AND ITS RITUALS Pashupat Vrata has been mentioned even in

the Atharvasheersha Upanishad. It begins on the full moon day, in the month of

Chaitra. It can be performed anywhere - a Shiva temple, any sacred place of

pilgrimage, forest or garden. A devotee should get up early in the morning, on

the thirteenth day of bright lunar phase (two days proceeding the full moon

day) and after finishing his daily duties he should make salutations to his

Guru. With the permission of his guru, the devotee should then put on while

coloured clothes and a sacred thread of the same colour. He should also wear a

white garland around his neck and apply sandal wood paste on his body. He

should then sit on the seat made of Kusha grass and take a vow by holding a

Kusha grass in his hand. After this he should do Havana by offerings articles

into the sacred fire. He should observe a fast for the whole day and break it

only in the night by having 'Prasada'. This ritual should be repeated on the

following day but the fast should not be broken in the night. On the final day,

that is full moon day he should repeat all the rituals and after putting off

the fire of the Havana Kunda, he should smear his body with the ashes. He

should then take his bath and put on dear's skin or bark of the tree. He should

also hold a stick and put on a waist band (Mekhala).

 

After that he should again rinse (Achaman) his mouth and smear ashes on his

body. He should perform the exercise of Ashtanga yoga three times in a day as

per the instructions of his guru. This way a man is freed from the beastly qualities

present in him. Pashupat Vrata can be performed by a devotee as long as he is

alive or he can continue it for twelve years of three years or one year or six

months or one month, or twelve days or three days or even one day.

 

On the completion of Pashupat Vrata, a devotee should establish a Shiva idol

and worship it with all the sixteen modes of worship (Shodasopachar). At last

he should perform Awaran Pujan and then worship his guru. Through out the

period of fast, a devotee should have fruits only and he should sleep on the

bare land. Pashupat Vrata had done in such a way helps a devotee to attain to

the abode of lord Shiva.

VAYAVEEYA

SAMHITA B) POSTERIOR PART

 

INTRODUCTION OF THE UNIVERSE Vayudeva told the sages who had assembled at Naimisharanya

that goddess Gauri was the manifestation of Shiva's power and Shankar the

omnipotent almighty. Both Shiva and goddess Shiva contain fathomless splendours

of which only a fraction is visible in this world.

 

This world is under the control of Shiva and goddess Shiva. Both of them are

inseparable. Just as the light of the sun can not exist without the Sun in the

same way goddess Shiva can not exist without lord Shiva. Just as a lifeless

body is of no use similarly the world can not exist without goddess Shakti.

This illusionary world is tied up with the delusionary ropes of Shiva and

Shakti. The whole creation is the appearance of Almighty Shiva. The ignorant

sages describe it in different ways according to their own perceptions. But,

the fact is that Shiva is one and this world is the creation of his illusions.

A man can attain liberation from this illusionary world only when he has the

blessings of Shiva. Lord Shiva is beyond the reach of lust, attachment and

pleasures. His existence is separate from the nature, delusion, intelligence

and ego. He is free from all the bondage's.

 

DUTIES OF A BRAHMIN An ideal brahmin is supposed to perform the

following duties:-

 

a) Trikal Sandhya (worshipping thrice a day)

b) Havan (offerings made to the sacred fire)

c) Worship of Shivalinga

d) Making donations

 

A brahmin should also have the following qualities:-

a) To see god in each soul b) Compassion c) Virtuous conducts

d) Satisfaction e) Belief in God f) Non violence

g) Devotion h) Regular study of the Vedas i) Practicing Yoga

j) Preaching the teachings of Vedas k) Giving lectures on the religious

scriptures.

l) Being a celibate m) Penance n) having a Shikha and a scared thread etc.

 

a Brahmin should never have food during the night and should contently chant the

'Om Namah Shivay' mantra. Lord Shiva is not pleased that much by rituals as by

faith and devotion. A man, who worships lord Shiva while maintaining the rules

of 'Varnashram Dharma', has the blessings of lord Shiva and all of his desires

are fulfilled.

 

CHANTING OF MANTRAS:

 

After getting initiated with the Shiva mantra, a devotee should chant it for

once crore times or fifty lakh times, or twenty lakh times or ten lakh times,

while worshipping Shiva. 'Havana' should be performed for tenth part of the total

chanting. 'Tarpan' should be performed for tenth part of the number of Havana.

Similarly 'Marjan' should be performed for the tenth part of the numbers of

Tarpan. The numbers of Brahmins selected for feeding should be equivalent to

the tenth part of the numbers of Marjan.

 

At last the disciple should give donations to the Brahmins and engage himself

in the welfare of society as per the instructions of his Guru.

 

ESTABLISHING DEITIES IN THE FORM OF ALPHABETS WITHIN THE BODY

 

(MATRIKA NYAS)

Asceticism (Nyas) are of three types - Sthiti (posture) Utpatti (origin) and

Laya (fusion).

Establishing and chanting the cryptic mantras (alphabets) from the thumb to the

little finger is called 'Sthiti nyas'.

Establishing and then chanting the cryptic mantras from the right thumb to the

left thumb is called " Utpatti nyas'.

Establishing and then chanting the cryptic mantras from the left thumb to the

right thumb is called 'Laya Nyas'.

'Sthiti' nyas should be practiced by the householders 'Utpatti nyas' should be

practiced by the celibates 'Laya nyas' should be practiced by those people who

have relinquished the world (Vanprasth).

A widow should practice Sthiti Nyas. An unmarried girl should practice Utapatti

Nyas.

These modes of Nyas should be practiced only after being taught by the Guru.

 

MENTAL WORSHIP OF SHIVA While doing a mental worship of Shiva, a devotee

should worship lord Ganesha by following the 'Nyas' mode of worship. After that

he should worship various deities related with lord Shiva like Nandi etc. Then

he should bring the form of lord Shiva into his imagination and worship him

mentally by making mental offerings.

 

The devotee should then perform Havana in the navel of lord Shiva by offering

ghee. The worship should be accomplished by meditating on the form of Shiva.

 

METHOD OF DOING MENTAL WORSHIP The devotee should take his seat only

after purifying it. He should take a vow after completing all the necessary

rituals like 'Achaman'. Pranayam, tying a knot in his Shikha etc. After doing

the 'Deepa Pujan' he should worship various deities like Sun god, Moon god,

Varun, Ganesha and Kartikeya etc. He should then worship both Shiva and Shakti

by employing all the sixteen modes of worship (Shodasopachar). The devotee

should perform 'arti' in the end.

 

In the specialized form of Shiva's worship 'Awaran Pujan' of Shiva is done

along with the normal pujan. Awaran Pujan means worship of all the articles

connected with lord Shiva like his trident his drum etc. In this specialized

worship the Shiva's idol should be bathed first of all. Then the idol should be

clothed. A sacred thread should be offered to the Shiva's idol along with the

other offerings like 'tilak', Akshat etc. After this the 'awaran pujan of Shiva

should be done along with the worship of Shiva's family.

 

If the devotee feels that something was lacking in the worship, he should atone

for that mistake by chanting the Panchakshar mantra Om Namah Shivay.

 

METHOD OF PERFORMING 'HAVANA' While performing a Shiva Yagya a devotee

should make offerings to the 'havanakunda' made of iron or mud. Fire should be

ignited in the havankunda following the methods as prescribed in the

scriptures. He can then commence the actual worship.

 

The devotee should make of offerings of ghee with Sruva (a wooden spoon) and

other articles with his hands. The offerings should be first made in the names

of Lord Brahma (Prajapati) then to the nine planets and other deities. After

that offerings should be made in the name of the chief deity. The devotee

should then make nine offerings to each of the deities like Agni, Vayu and

Surya etc. At last he should perform the arti and atone for those mistakes,

which he might have committed during the whole process of worship. He should

also give donations to the brahmins and feed them.

 

AUSPICIOUS DAYS FOR DOING SHIVA WORSHIP The eighth day and the

fourteenth day of both the fortnights of each Hindu month are considered to be

the most auspicious for the worship of lord Shiva. Similarly the solstice day

(Sankranti), when the sun is positioned north of equator and eclipse day are

considered to be very auspicious. On these days a special worship of lord Shiva

should be done by bathing the Shiva idol with Panchagavya and having it is

prasadam. It frees a man from the gravest of sins. Similarly the day of

'Pushya' Nakshatra falling in the month of 'Pausha' is considered as very

auspicious and performing arti of Shiva on this day gives immense virtues.

Making donations of Ghee and blankets on 'Magha Nakshatra' falling in the month

of Magh gives immense virtues.

The following days are considered to be the most auspicious for the worship of

lord Shiva.

 Uttara

Falguni Nakshatra on the same day as Purnima, in the month of Falgun.

 Chitra Nakshatra falling on the same day

as Purnima in the month of Chaitra.

 Vishakha Nakshatra falling on the same

day as Purnima, in the month of Vaishakh.

 Moola Nakshatra falling in the month of

Jyeshtha.

 Uttarashadha Nakshatra falling in the

month of 'Ashadha'.

 Shravana Nakshatra falling in the month

of Shravana.

 Uttara bhadra Nakshatra falling in the

month of 'Bhadra'.

Purnima in the month of Ashwin.

 Kartika Nakshatra falling on the same

day as Purnima in the month of Kartik.

 Ardra Nakshatra falling in the month of

Margasheersha

 

DESIRABLE RITUALS (KAMYA KARMA)  Rituals

can be categorized in to two types

1) Rituals performed with the objective of fulfilling worldly desires.

2) Rituals pertaining to Ultra mundan desires.

 

In general, rituals can be classified into five categories rituals, penance,

chanting of mantras, meditation, and all the four collectively. For performance

of rituals a man needs power and strength and one can not achieve power unless

and until Shiva wishes it. It is only with the blessings of Shiva that a man

can attain both worldly pleasures as well as liberation. These rituals (Kamya

Karma) are performed by making a mandal facing towards east and doing 'awaran

pujan' as well as worship of lord Shiva. Worship of lord Shiva done in this way

fulfills all the desires of a man.

 

RITUALS PERTAINING TO SHIVA WORSHIP (SHAIVA KAMYA KARMA)

The methods for the worship of five 'awarans' of Shiva have been mentioned in

Shivamahastotra. Each of the 'awarans' have separate presiding deities, the

worship of which should be done according to the methods as described in the

Shivapuran or as per the instruction of Guru.

 

INSTALLATION OF SHIVA LINGA According to the scriptures, a Shiva linga

should be made in an auspicious moment. The land, where the Shivalinga is

supposed to be installed should be purified by performing 'BhoomiPujan'. After

bhoomiPujan, worshipping lord Ganesha should be done. After that, the Shiva

linga should be purified by washing it with panchgavya and after worshipping

it, it should be immersed in the water.

 

The Shivalinga should be then taken out from the water and after worshipping

it, it should be laid down on the bed meant for him. It should be then

installed at the desired place and should be consecrated by chanting the

mantras. All the rituals should be performed as per the instructions of Guru.

 

CLASSIFICATION OF YOGA Yoga means such actions, which after pacifying

all the human tendencies helps a man to unite with Shiva. Following are the

five divisions of yoga

 

1) Mantra Yoga, 2) Sparsh Yoga (union of touch),

3) Bhava Yoga (union by devotion), 4) Abhava yoga (Union without being

emotionally attached), 5) Mahayoga (The great union).

 

Mantra yoga helps a man to understand the meaning of mantras and uniting with

Shiva by the concentration of mind. When Mantra yoga is perfected by the

practice of Pranayama it is called 'Sparshyoga'. Bhavayoga means meditating and

chanting without uttering a word. Abhava yoga means such a union when the

devotee contemplates on the final annihilation, without being emotionally

attached with the world.

 

A man whose mind is preoccupied with the thoughts of Shiva is supposed to have

attained the state of Mahayoga. A yogi can unite with Shiva after purifying his

body with the help of Pranayama etc.

 

HURDLE IN THE PATH OF YOGA There are possibilities of numerous hurdles

being faced by a man who practices yoga like laziness, disease, carelessness,

lack of concentration, confusion and sorrow etc. While practicing yoga, one

must try to keep himself free from such demerits. After becoming liberated from

these flaws a man can easily attain six types of accomplishment  talent (Pratibha), super power of hearing

(Shravan), excellent conversational power and power of speech (Vrata), Divine

sight (Darshan), Divine power of taste (Aswad), Divine power of touch (Vedana).

 

 

The capability of seeing things situated at distant places is called

'Pratibha'. The ability to listen without making any effort is called

'Shravan'. The ability to decipher the meaning of animal's language is called

'Vrata'.

 

Being able to see divine things without making any effort is called 'Darshan'.

The power, which enables a man to know about the taste of a thing without

actually tasting it, is called 'Aswad'.

 

'Vedana' means the knowledge of all types of touch.

 

SHIVA YOGA

 

A devotee can attain all types of accomplishment merely by having devotion

towards lord Shiva and by meditating on him. In the beginning, a yogi should

try to meditate on the form of Shiva (Saguna), but later on the switch over to

Shiva's formless (nirguna) quality. Meditating on nirguna form of Shiva is not

easy. It can be mastered only by constant and steady practice, When mastered it

bestows all kinds of accomplishment. Meditation combined with Pranayama gives

four types of accomplishments peace (Shanti), tranquility (Prashanti), luster

(Dipti) and boon (Prasad). A devotee can have a darshan of lord Shiva if he

does meditation with non attachment.

 

SANATKUMAR RECEIVES SHIVAGYAN FROM NANDI

The sages thanked Vayudeva for giving the knowledge of GyanYoga. The next day,

they took bath in river Saraswati and performed their worship and rituals.

After that they proceeded towards Kashi. At Kashi after taking their bath in

river Ganga they had a darshan of lord Vishwanath. They saw very radiant

effulgence appearing in the sky, in which they saw thousand sages who had

accomplished Pashupat Vrata getting merged. The radiant effulgence vanished in

no time.

 

The sages were very curious to know about that radiant effulgence, so they went

to lord Brahma and asked him about it. Lord Brahma told them that the radiant

effulgence had actually instructed them to accomplish Pashupat Vrata and attain

Salvation. Lord Brahma then instructed them to go to the Sumeru Mountain where

Nandi was supposed to come and teach the methods of doing Pashupat Vrata to

Sanat Kumar. Once Sanat Kumar became very arrogant of his asceticism, One day

lord Shiva arrived at his place but Sanat Kumar did not get up to greet him. At

this Nandi became furious and cursed him to become a camel. Sanat Kumar got

transformed into a camel.

 

Lord Brahma worshipped Shiva to liberate his son  Sanat Kumar from the curse. Lord Shiva became

pleased and blessed Sanat Kumar, as the result of which he regained his human

body.

 

After regaining his human body Sanat Kumar commenced a tremendous penance. Lord

Shiva instructed Nandi to go to Sumeru Mountain and preach Sanat Kumar. The

sages reached Sumeru Mountain as per the instruction of lord Brahma. They saw

many sages meditating at the bank of a pond. They also saw Sanat Kumar

engrossed in his meditation at a little distance from the other meditating

sages.

 

The sages went near Sanat Kumar and told him about their penances done for ten

thousand years. They also revealed to him about the purpose of their arrival.

Right then, Nandi arrived there, accompanied by his ganas Sanat Kumar and all

the sages welcomed him. Sanat Kumar introduced all the sages to Nandi and told

him about their tremendous penance done for ten thousand years. Nandi became

very pleased and blessed them. He then preached Sanat Kumar and all the sages

on the Shivatattva.

 

Sanat Kumar passed on that knowledge to Sage Vyas, who again passed it on to

Sutji. Sutji then revealed this knowledge to those sages who had assembled at

Prayag. After receiving that knowledge from Sutji all the sages went to Prayaga

teertha and took their bath. As they saw the signs of approaching Kaliyuga,

they went to Kashi and performed the Pashupat Vrata. All of them attained

liberation with the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

 

Listening to Shivapuran for one time liberates a man from all of his sins.

Listening to it twice helps him to develop devotion in lord Shiva. Listening to

Shivapuran for three times, it helps a man to attain to the abode of Shiva.

 

-- Chandrasekaran.B (RBI)

“If we are busy judging others, we will have no time to love them.”  Therefore, lets love all unconditionally, just the Lord does, and at the same time, Love ourselves too. Because, no matter what the world thinks of us, to the One who matters the most in our lives, we are special!

CHANGE is the only thing that does not Change in this world. So learn to expect and benefit by CHANGE.

" Laughter is the best medicine " (:-))Never explain yourself to any one….(A) Person who likes you ,doesn't need it. B) Person who dislikes you, won't believe it.

Choose God as your Leader and Guide.  He will help you at all times.    

No matter where you are in the world, if you have decided to do something deep from your heart you can do it.

It is the thought that matters not where you are or where the person is {:-))