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First of all, Sage
Shaunak expressed his desire to Sutji about knowing the means, which
could help a man in this era of Kali to attainment lord Shiva, by
cleansing all the impurities of his mind and rectifying his inherent
demonic tendencies. Sutji then described about Shiv Mahapuran - the
supreme of all the puranas, which was narrated by Lord Shiva himself and
which was later on retold by Sage Vyas with the permission of Maharshi
Sanatkumar, for the benediction of common man. Sutji said, "By
understanding the mysteries of Shivmahapuran and singing its praises, a
man attains greater virtues than that which could be attained by being
charitable or by the performance of all the `yagyas'. Contemplating on
the subject matters of Shivmahapuran give auspicious fruits just like a
'Kalpa-taru' (A mythological tree which fulfills all the wishes). Shiv
Mahapuran contains twenty-four thousand shlokas and seven.
Shivmahapuran is
the best means for man's liberation.
PROPER METHOD OF
LISTENING TO
SHIVPURAN Sage
Shaunak requested Sutji to tell about the proper method of listening to
Shivpuran, so that the man kind gets complete benefit. Sutji replied-
"First of all, an
auspicious moment should be determined by an Astrologer. After that,
friends and relatives should be invited, especially those who have the
tendency of being away from such occasions. The sages and the virtuous
people should be invited too. The 'Katha' must be help in scared places
like Shiva temple, any place of pilgrimage or in one's home after doing
a Bhumi Pujan of the land Where one intends to held the Katha of Shiv
Puran. The canopy should be well decorated." "After making a resolution
and doing worship of Ganapati - the destroyer of all hurdles and
obstacles the Katha should be commenced. The person who is telling the
'Katha' should be facing north and all the listeners should sit facing
east. The person who is telling the 'Katha' should be a scholar and
should be capable of clearing all the doubts from the listener's mind.
There should be no kind of distraction during the 'Katha' period. A
devotee, who listens to the Katha leaving behind all of his worldlys
worries get complete benefits. A devotee should also make donations and
offerings according to his capacity and capability otherwise he would
become a wretched man. The Mantra 'OM NAMAH SHIVAY' should be chanted
through out the period of Katha.
RIGHT OF LISTENING
TO SHIVMAHAPURAN:-
An uninitiated
person does not have the right to listen to the Katha of Shivmahapuran.
So a man desirous of listening to Shivmahapuran should first get
initiated.
AUSTERITIES TO BE
FOLLOWED:
A devotee who has
taken the vow of listening to the Katha of Shivmahapuran, should follow
a celibate life. He should sleep on the floor and should have only
fruits in the diet. He can have his normal dinner only after the
completion of the Katha. The diet should be fresh and pure. He should
also try to avoid sinful tendencies like lust, anger, greed, attachment
and condemning other, etc. Making donations of even meager things give
undiminishing virtues.
RITES PERFORMED ON
COMPLETION OF OBSERVANCE:-
After the
methodical completion of the Katha, a devotee should perform UDDYAPAN
(Conclusion of the Katha), which is similar to the CHATURDASHI UDDYAPAN.
The devotee should also Charitably make donations to all the brahmins
who have helped in the performance of Katha. On the next day the 'Path'
of SHIV GITA should be performed. If the devotee (listener of the Katha)
is a householders, then he should perform 'Havan' with the ghee prepared
from Cow's milk, for the pacification of the unhindered completion of
the Katha. The Havan should be performed, either with the help of 'Rudra
Samhita mantras' or 'Gayatri Mantra' or with the shlokas of Puran.
This Purana
consists of the following 7 Chapters:
This Chapter
contains 24 sections.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
"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 had still some freshness and fragrance 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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On the request of
the sages, Sutji described about the virtuous and invirtuous activities
of a man according to the respective castes be belong. 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.
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.
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.
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 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 symbolizess 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.
In the eighteen
chapter, 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."
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."
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."
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.
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 It's 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 attain 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.
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.
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 ashes 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.
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 attain
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.
This Chapter contains 149
sections.
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.
Once upon a time a Narad was
performing a penance in the cave of Himalaya mountain. Indra becoming
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 na?ve 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.
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.
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.
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 a pilgrimages of Kashi
attains salvation.
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.
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."
"I asked him as to who 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."
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."
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 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 myself 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."
Bramhaji 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.
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, the should beg
pardon for his sins."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
"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.
When 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 KHAND
In 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.
"When I became infatuated by the
divine beauty of Sandhya, my infatuation resulted into the manifestation
of my 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."
After being named by
lord Brahma as 'Pushpavan', Kamadeva was also given various names as
Manmath, Kama, 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.
Daksha requested Kamadeva to get
married with his daughter - Rati. Kamadeva was very pleased at this
proposal. Both Kamadeva and Rati got married.
Sandhya 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.
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 become 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 remember 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.
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.
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 a suitably
divine women for Shiva. Myself 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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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 whom 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."
When 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 could he atone for
his sins. Lord Shiva instructed Brahmaji that by worshipping him he
could appropriately atone for his sins. He than 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.
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.
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'.
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.
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-
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.
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 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.
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.
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 not
bothering 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 more angry 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 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 mean 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.
When Nandi informed
Shiva about Sati's death, he became very furious. He angrily pulled out
a 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Narad, who was
listening to the divine tales of Shiva with rapt attention, was very
curious to know about the reasons why lord Vishnu 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.
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 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
accompanies 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 hem got married. Maina was satisfied and waited
eagerly for that auspicious moment.
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.'
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.
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 engaged 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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 a 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 then
himself 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 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."
Parvati continuing
with her statements said that Shiva was the most capable deity in all
the three world. "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.
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.
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 hermits 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.
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-
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.
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 an 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 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 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.
Shiva proceeded with
his marriage procession which considered of crores of his 'Ganas' and
deities like Vishnu who were 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.
When Maina saw that
the marriage procession was coming she curiously told Narad about her
desire to see her son in law.
Shiva 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.
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.
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.
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. 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 their 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 bestows immense auspicious and
destroyes all the sins of a man.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 live. 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 to Kailash mountain. Indra
and sage Vrihaspati too returned to their respective abodes.
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 a 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.
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 more angry 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.
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 all the three world.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 crosses 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.
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.
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.
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.
But 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).
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.
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.
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 becomes
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 those 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.
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.
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.
This Chapter
contains 32 sections.
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.
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.
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.
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 who 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.
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.
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 symbolizes 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.
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.
During the 'Varah'
Kalpa of the Seventh 'Manvantar' lord Vishnu illuminated all the three
world 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.
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 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.
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 was resembling 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.”
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.
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 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.
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. The
apologized to lord Shiva. After vanquishing the false pride of the
deities lord Shiva disappeared.
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 was 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 incarnation of Shiva are worshipped along
with his ten Mahavidyas then a man attains salvation.
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 were 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.
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 was such that devastating
flames of fire manifested from his head. The fire spread in all the
three world 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.
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.
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.
After the churning
of the ocean had been accomplished, numerous things had emerged out from
the ocean. Jewels, Moon, Laxmi, Poison, 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 were his own creation.
Lord Vishnu remained there for a long time.
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 all the three world.
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.
Once, 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. 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
became animals.
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.
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 themselves.
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.
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 who 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 a 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This Chapter
contains 28 sections.
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.
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.
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.
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 who 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.
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, 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 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."
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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 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'.
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.
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.
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 the
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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."
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."
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.
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 himself
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 this he had 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.
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.
This Chapter
contains 20 sections.
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 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 remain 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 are 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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, 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.
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 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.
This Chapter
contains 6 sections.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An 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.
This Chapter
contains xx sections.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 preceding 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 done in such a way helps a devotee to attain
to the abode of lord Shiva.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 'Bhoomi-Pujan'.
After bhoomi-Pujan,
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.
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.
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.
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.
The sages thanked
Vayudeva for giving the knowledge of Gyan-Yoga. 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
Shiva-tattva.
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 for two times helps him to develop devotion in lord Shiva.
Listening to Shivapuran for three times, helps a man to attain to the
abode of Shiva.
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Shiva Purana (Original Sanskrit Text)