Laughter is a little more subtle than dance, it is a little more inner, but it has also the same fragrance. When you laugh...it has to be belly laughter. Laugh so that your whole body, your whole being becomes involved, and suddenly there will be a glimpse. For the moment the past disappears, the future disappears, the ego disappears, everything disappears — there is only laughter. And in that moment of laughter you will be able to see the whole existence laughing.
A sculptor in a temple uses all types of stones. Certain stones he uses for the foundations. These never appear outside. From certain stones which are good to carve, the sculptor makes the walls and pillars of the Temple. From other stones he makes the steps. Certain stones become the tower of the Temple.
Only those stones which are extremely suitable for carving will become the Deity and be installed in the Temple. When the stone become a part of the Temple, it no longer remains a stone, it becomes a sculpture, a piece of art, it becomes the Living Deity.
In the same way many people come to the Master. According to the degree of their surrender they are installed by the Master. All are essential.
If there were no steps, how could a person reach the Temple?
If there were no foundation, how could the Temple be there at all?
What can a tower do without pillars?
For a sculptor, each stone is precious and valuable.
Only pure water and a few grains of rice, and a green leaf or two may be offered to Him daily, for the Great God.. that is his simplicity and kindness He never turns away..... He accepts what all else rejects..... He took the evil and pain of the world without a second thought when he drank the poison of material life to save us , to save this world and made his throat blue forever...
Mrithyunjaya Yantra - A Magical Wand to Lengthen Your Longevity.
In the form of "Mrityunjaya Shiva" is the destroyer of death. "Mrityu" meaning death and "Jaya" meaning victory over. In this form Shiva holds four pots filled with elixir in which he makes for his devotees to heal there sickness, ease there pain, and deliver them into a peaceful and painless death when it is there time. The MahaMrityunjaya mantra is a mantra of both healing and enlightenment. Believed to heal and help bring about enlightenment in the seeker. This form of Shiva also is the being of pure joy, referring to the unconditioned enjoyment of the perfectly peaceful mind. That is the true nature of the divine elixir that Shiva offers his devotees.
Why Mrithyunjaya Yantra ? Your daunting fear of death finds its end here! Lord Shiva is on his way to energize you with his powers. He will not let you get trapped in any of the peril pits of your life. Mrithyunjaya Yantra is your weapon against death and danger; it is a cure to your disturbing health ailments.
Speciality of Mrithyunjaya Yantra : Lord Shiva governs death and dissolution on the earth plane. When he is strongly on yourside, your life is nourished with good health and safety. The power lines of Mrithyunjaya Yantra reinforce your life lines; those lines pass on positive energy to your immune system to fight back all the incurable illnesses. The Yantra spreads its unflinching waves of radiations around you to achieve victory over death. You will stay hale and healthy all through your life. It will reshape your life in a positive way!
Translation : OM. We worship and adore you, O three-eyed one, O Shiva. You are sweet gladness, the fragrance of life, who nourishes us, restores our health, and causes us to thrive. As, in due time, the stem of the cucumber weakens, and the gourd if freed from the vine, so free us from attachment and death, and do not withhold immortality.
How to Use the Mrithyunjaya Yantra ? Yantras are great cosmic conductors of energy, an antenna of Nature, a powerful tool for harmony, prosperity, success, good health, yoga and meditation! Yantras consist of a series of geometric patterns. The eyes and mind concentrate at the center of the yantra to achieve higher levels of consciousness. Yantras are usually made out of copper.
Place the Yantra facing the East or the North in a clean and sacred altar. Do not let other people touch the Yantra. Periodically wash the Yantra with rose water or milk. Then, rinse it with water and wipe it to dry. The Yantra’s color may change over a period of time; however this does not dilute the power of the Yantra. Place rounded dots of sandalwood paste on the 4 corners and in the center of the Yantra. Light a candle or ghee lamp and an incense stick in front of the Yantra. You can offer fresh or dry fruits as Prasad, as well. Chant the Mantra above in front of the Yantra, preferably after showering.
Mrithyunjaya Yantra immunizes the lives of: People who fear about death People who suffer from severe health ailments People who yearn for a positive change to take place in their lives People who wish for struggle-free lives Businessmen, politicians and officials who are harmed by their enemies People who want to improve their will to live.
- Jay MahaKaaL. ♥♥ƸӜƷ•° ”*°•.ƸӜƷ•°*””*°•.ƸӜƷ•°*””*°•.ƸӜƷ♥♥ source : FB
One among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the holiest of shrines in the Hindu religion and a very significant destination of the Chardham quartet, the majestic Kedarnath temple sits at a high altitude of 3583 mts above sea level surrounded by the mighty peaks of the Himalayas near the Mandakini river in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand in India.
There are Four Other Kedars
Madhyamaheshwar
Tunganath
Kalpeshwar
Rudranath
Legend Behind Kedarnath Temple:-
The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic - Mahabharata. According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessings of lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into ground leaving behind his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations.The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.
Structure of Kedarnath Temple:-
Kedarnath Shrine is scenically placed amidst the lofty, snow - covered mountains and grassy meadows covering the valleys. Immediately behind the temple is the high Keadardome peak, which can be sighted from great distances. It is believed that the temple of Kedarnath was constructed by the Pandavas. At the entrance of the temple is the statue of Nandi, the divine bull of Shiva. Walls inside the temple are exquisitely carved with images. The revered Shiva Lingam housed in the temple is in the unusual pyramidal form.
Best Time to visit:-
The ideal time or peak season to go for a Char Dham Yatra is from May to October, except monsoons. This is because; all the four sacred sites are perched in Garhwal Himalayas, which is prone to heavy snowfall. As a result, all the passage leading to the shrines are blocked. Moreover, during the monsoon season, there is undue threat of having landslides, which can further disrupt the journey. For safety reasons, the gates of the temples are also closed for this period of time and the idols are shifted to nearby pilgrim points.
Note:-Kedarnath Temple is open for devotees from 6 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm.Shingar Darshan is from 5 pm onwards and Aarti is performed at 6:45 pm. Sharavani Annakoot Mela is celebrated on the day before Raksha Bandhan during August. Special Samadhi puja is help on the closing day of Kedarnath
How To Reach KedarNath:
By air:Nearest Airport Jolly Grant, Dehradun (251 kms.)
By Rail: Rishikesh (234 kms.)
Kotdwar (260 kms.)
By Road:
Approachable on foot from Gaurikund, which is connected by road to Rishikesh, Kotwar, Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon region.
Pilgrimage Attractions near Kedarnath
Shankaracharya Samadhi
Behind the Kedarnath Temple lies the samadhi or the final resting place of Adi Guru Shankaracharya. It is believed, after establishing the four dhams in India, he went for his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.
Excursions Chorabari (Gandhi Sarovar) (2 kms.)
A small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, is believed to have departed to heaven. The floating ice on the sparkling waters of the lake is a fascinating sight.
Vasuki Tal (6 kms.)
A picturesque lake, 4,135 mts. above sea level is encircled by lofty mountains and offers a commanding view of the Chaukhamba peaks.
Gaurikund (14 kms.)
The trekking base to Kedarnath. A temple dedicated to Gauri and thermal springs of medicinal value are noteworthy.
Sonprayag (20 kms.)
The confluence of Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers. The road to Triyuginarayan diverts from here.
Triyuginarayan (25 kms.)
A 5 kms. trek from Sonprayag, it is the mythological venue of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.An eternal flame, which is said to have been a witness to the marriage, burns in front of the temple even today.
Guptkashi (49 kms.)
The temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanath are noteworthy.
Ukshimath (60 kms)
Winter home of the deity of the Kedarnath Temple and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath.
Agastyamuni (73 kms.)
Famous for the temple dedicated to sage Agastya.
Chandrashila (93 kms.)
The Chandrashila peak provides a rare view of snow-clad peaks. The rhododendron Forests and alpine meadows dominate the trek fromTungnath to Chandrashila.
Deoria Tal (68 kms.)
Sari village is the last bus terminus on Chopta-Ukhimath road from where a 2 kms. trek leads to Deoria Tal. This beautiful lake at an altitude of 2,438 mts. gives the spectacular reflection of snow capped peaks in the lake water. Ideal spot for angling and bird watching.
[Big Temple of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. Originally known as Brihadeeswarar Temple, this is an ancient Lord Shiva Temple which turned 1000 years old in 2010. Built by Raja Raja Chola, the temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains as India’s largest temple and one of the most beautiful architectural sites in India] source : FB
Anantnag district, which is one of the most developed areas of Kashmir valley located in the south western part of Kashmir. This is the place where Lord Shiva is believed to have dropped his several snakes. And the exact place where the snakes fell is called Anantnag.
Anantnag district is a popular tourists spot due to the presence of various religious sites here. This place has a religious significance for both Hindus and Muslims. Some of the religious places here include shrines of Hazrat Baba Reshi, Goswami Gund Ashram, Shalimar temple, Neela Nag temple, etc.
The periphery of this area has seven temples of Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and temples of Goddess Sita. Apart from temples and religious sites, there are many waterfalls here like Salaag Naag, Maalik Naag and Naag Bal.
During their visit to Anantnag, tourists can see Martand Sun Temple, which is located 9 kilometers from the destination. King Lalitaditya built this temple in the honour of the Sun God. The architecture of this temple includes the artwork of Kashmiri Hindus.
Apart from this temple, the tourist can also see Sheikh Jenuddin’s religious place built in the 15th century. It is believed that Sheikh Jenuddin has dedicated his life to Allah. He had limited himself to a cave and preached people about Allah. It is recommended that tourists visit this place in the spring and summer season.
Tourists wanting to visit Anantnag have all means of transport available for them. Srinagar Airport is the nearest airport, which is approximately 62 kilometers from Anantnag. Various cities like New Delhi and Jammu are well connected to this place.
You can also reach Anantnag district through train because the railway station is connected to all important places of Jammu and Kashmir. Tourists can also visit here through a taxi or bus.
Swayamvara Parvathi or Parvathi Swayamvara Moola Mantra - The most powerful marriage mantra to help you overcome all your pre and post marriage problems. It is not only the best and powerful mantra for marriage but also an ultimate mantra to help you solve all post marital related problems like misunderstanding between couple, to avoid divorce and most importantly infertility or problem in conceiving child. Learn, Try, Marry easily and enjoy a happy and pleasant married life. Swayamvara parvathi Moola Manthra: Om Hreem Yoginim Yogini Yogeswari Yoga Bhayankari Sakala Sthavara Jangamasya Mukha Hridayam Mama Vasam akarsha Akarshaya Namaha: (When you perform homa, Namaha to be replaced as Swaha) Period of Japa (number of times and days the japa to be done) This mantra should be recited 1008 times a day for 108 days for the complete removal of all obstacles. Again we repeat.... This mantra should be recited 1008 times daily for 108 days (a minimum of 100008 times cumulatively) continuously for the removal of all obstacles and to get the desired result. (Most of the people are trying this swayamvara parvathi for 28/48/108 times for 18-48 days. If you do 108 times, it takes two & half years to complete 100008 times. 28 times will take 5 years to complete.) Benefits of Swayamvara Parvathi Moola Mantra Japa: Delay in marriage : Swayamvara Parvathi will remove all known and unknown obstacles with respect to delay in marriage and make your marriage happens faster. Improve understanding in Couple: The mantra will remove all mis-understanding between couple and improve the wavelength between couple. Highly recommended for couple living on the verge of break in marriage. (It can eliminate the possibility of Divorce.) Infertility (Problem in conceiving a baby) : 1 out of 7 couples (14%) are having this problem (source: Wikipedia). This is due to changes in lifestyle, stress, prolonged hours in work, late marriage, etc. The AURA(an aura is a field of subtle, luminous radiation surrounding a person or object) of this powerful ring will reduce the problems and will help them to conceive. (NOT FOR IMPOTENT) How to do it yourself : Step 1. Take sankalpa. (Sankalpa - Spiritual resolve/Vow) Take a vow/oath in front of GOD that you (your name, gothra, Nakshatra and other related details about yourself) will do this Swayamvara Parvatih Moola Mantra Japa 1008 times a day for 108 days and request her to remove all problems wrt your marriage and quicken the praptham of marriage or matching the wavelength or infertility as the case may be) Step 2. Time Taken for the Dhyana: 2 hours a day. Swayamvara Parvathi Moola Mantra Japa will take approximately 2 hours a day (2 times of Gayathri Mantra as Gayathri is made up of 24 syllable and Swayamvara Parvathi Mantra of 48 syllable.) Step 3. Offerings: Offer Dheepam, Doop, Pushpam (Flowers), Phalam (Fruits), Naivedyam (Food) & Thamboolam (Betel leaves & nut) Aarti & Namaskarams (namaste) daily. (Namaskara or Namaste Procedure) Step 4. Think god alone. Do not think about your daily schedules, Problems, etc. as problems are there for everyone at all times. You have sufficient time to think about your problem till we vacate this world. Hence, these 108 days for 2 hours think only god and pray. CAUTION or ADVISE: Sankalpa is a Oath or promise made to Goddess. Hence, it is highly advisable to practice this japa for a couple of days without making sankalpa to check whether you can do it yourself. (Practice makes anything Practicable). Once you are confident of doing it yourself, take sankalpa and start doing it. Once sankalpa is made, please do not stop or break inbetween, as you promised to do it for 108 days. Who can do it? Anyone irrespective of Gender, Caste, Creed, Country, Religion can perform this if their marriage is delayed or any other matrimonial issues. Also, highly useful for when you are longing for child. Origin and the need of Swayamvara Parvathi Moola Mantra Origin : Swayamvara parvathi Moola Manthra is the only mantra for marriage and marriage related issues and said to be given by a great sage called “DURVASA” and first tried by none other than Goddess Parvathi in order to get married her beloved man Lord Shiva. Hence this mantra is called SWAYAMVARA PARVATHI MANTRA. This moola mantra is coined by joining the first letter of the first 45 Slokas of Swayamvara Parvathi Mantra Mala Stotra. Entire mantra with meaning (first letter of each sloka is coloured red.) is displayed here. The need: Prayers are nothing but our request or wish to the God to fulfill our specific requirement. When something gets delayed, we can cry and remain the god with our prayers. Do not worry about mistatkes in Pronounciation: Its like an infant crying for milk. The mother understands her baby needs milk when it cries. It can cry with any sound but still the mother knows what the baby wants. Like mother, Goddess also knows the real meaning of our prayers even when you make small mistakes in pronounciation while doing the JAPA. Also, goddess will pardon you for every mistakes when we pray her with love and bhakthi.(Bhakthi Marga or Bhakthi yoga is the easiet form and can be practised by everyone. Also, gods like this more than any other form) I request you to try this japa yourself and know the power of this mantra. Even Sankalpa can be taken in your own language. Goddess knows all languages. And more than it, she knows your pain more than anyone else. source : FB
O praise to the Three-Eyed One, who increases prosperity, who has a sweet fragrance, who freesthe world from all disease and death – liberate me, as the cucumber is easily severed from the vine. O Shiva, grant me immortality!
Siva differs from Shiva . You all know that Shiva is mostly pronounced by foreign devotees and Siva by many south Indians . Siva/Shiva both denotes the mighty Lord . While pronouncing Lord's name it is better to pronounce as SIVA . Some people may worship Lord as Lingam and some may worship as appearance(NATARAJAR) but its better to worship Lord Siva as Lingam because Siva Lingam has more power than all . Its power is so big than you imagine . Lord Siva is so kind hearted God because whatever maybe his devotees wish he will sure satisfies their wish . Siva is the only God of God (true power) . If you hold him tightly he won't leave yet even if you leave him . Om Nama Sivaya . Thiruchittrambalam !!!
Siva Linga is a symbol of Lord Siva .SIVA LINGA a mark that reminds of the Omnipotent Lord, SIVA LINGA which is formless. Siva Linga speaks to the devotee in the unmistakable SIVA LINGA language of silence, SIVA LINGA only the outward symbol of the formless being, Lord Siva, who is the undying soul seated in the heart, SIVA is your in-dweller, your innermost self or ‘Atman,’ SIVA is identical with the supreme ‘Brahman.’ SIVA LINGA as a Symbol of Creation SIVA LINGA ancient scripture Linga Purana says SIVA LINGA is devoid of smell, colour, taste, etc., SIVA LINGA is spoken of as ‘Prakriti’ or Nature itself. SIVA LINGA became symbolical of the generative power of Lord Siva. SIVA LINGA is like an egg, and represents the ‘Brahmanda’ SIVA LINGA the cosmic egg. SIVA LINGA signifies that the creation is effected SIVA LINGA the union of ‘Prakriti’ and ‘Purusha,’ SIVA LINGA the male and the female powers of Nature. SIVA LINGA signifies ‘Satya,’ ‘Jnana’ and ‘Ananta’ - Truth, SIVA LINGA nowledge and Infinity. The 3 Parts of a Siva Linga Siva Linga consists of three parts, SIVA LINGA lowest of which is called the ‘Brahma-Pitha,’ SIVA LINGA middle one, the ‘Vishnu-Pitha’ SIVA LINGA uppermost one, the ‘Siva-Pitha.’
SIVA LINGA of India SIVA LINGA 12 ‘Jyotir-lingas’ SIVA LINGA 5 ‘Pancha-bhuta Lingas’ in India. SIVA JYOTI LINGA : Kedarnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, Baijnath, Rameswar, Ghrusneswar, Bhimshankar, Mahakal, Mallikarjun, Amaleshwar, Nageshwar and Tryambakeshwar. SIVA LINGA 5 Pancha-bhuta Lingas are: Kalahastishwar, Jambukeshwar, Arunachaleshwar, Ekambareshwar of Kanjivaram and Nataraja of Chidambaram.
SIVA LINGA The temple of Lord Mahalinga at Tiruvidaimarudur known also as Madhyarjuna is regarded as the great Siva temple of South India. The Quartz Siva Linga SIVA LINGA ‘Sphatika-linga’ is made up of quartz. It SIVA LINGA prescribed for the deepest kind of worship Lord Siva. It has no color of its own, but takes on the color of the substance which comes in contact with it. It represents the ‘Nirguna Brahman’ or the attribute-less Supreme Self or the formless Siva. What the Linga Means to Devotees SIVA LINGA is a mysterious or indescribable power or ‘Shakti’ in the Linga, to induce concentration of the mind, and helps focus one’s attention. That is why the ancient sages and seers of India prescribed Linga to be installed in the temples of Lord Siva. SIVA LINGA sincere devotee, the Linga is all-radiant SIVA LINGA - talks to him, raises him above body-SIVA LINGA consciousness, and helps to communicate with Lord. SIVA LINGA Lord Rama worshiped at Rameshwaram. SIVA LINGA learned scholar, worship golden Linga for mystical powers. source : FB
Candi Prambanan or Candi Rara Jonggrang is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound in Central Java, Indonesia, dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer.
Lord Siva represents the aspect of the Supreme Being (Brahman of the Upanishads) that continuously dissolves to recreate in the cyclic process of creation, preservation, dissolution and recreation of the universe. As stated earlier, Lord Siva is the third member of the Hindu Trinity, the othertwo being Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Owing to His cosmic activity of dissolution and recreation, the words destroyer and destruction have been erroneously associated with Lord Siva. This difficulty arises when people fail to grasp the true significance of His cosmic role. The creation sustains itself by a delicate balance between the opposing forces of good and evil. When this balance is disturbed and sustenance of life becomes impossible, Lord Sivadissolvestheuniverse forcreation of the next cycle so that the unliberated souls will have another opportunity to liberate themselves from bondage with the physical world. Thus, Lord Siva protects the souls from pain and suffering that would be caused by a dysfunctional universe.In analogous cyclic processes, winter is essential for spring to appear and the night is necessary for the morning to follow. To further illustrate, a goldsmith does not destroy gold when he melts old irreparable golden jewelry to create beautiful new ornaments.
Lord Shiva is the Lord of mercy and compassion. He protects devotees from evil forces such as lust, greed, and anger. He grants boons, bestows grace and awakens wisdom in His devotees. The symbolism discussed below includes major symbols that are common to all pictures and images of Shiva venerated by Hindus. Since the tasks of Lord Shiva are numerous, He cannot be symbolized in one form. For this reason the images of Shiva vary significantly in their symbolism.
The unclad body covered with ashes: the unclad body symbolizes the transcendental aspect of the Lord. Since most things reduce to ashes when burned, ashes symbolize the physical universe. The ashes on the unclad body of the Lord signify that Shiva is the source of the entire universe which emanates from Him, but He transcends the physical phenomena and is not affected by it.
Matted locks: Lord Shiva is the Master of yoga. The three matted locks on the head of the Lord convey the idea that integration of the physical, mental and spiritual energies is the ideal of yoga.
Ganga: Ganga (river Ganges) is associated with Hindu mythology and isthemost sacred river of Hindus. According to tradition, one who bathes in Ganga (revered as Mother Ganga) in accordance with traditional rites and ceremonies on religious occasions in combination with certain astrological events, is freed from sin and attains knowledge, purity and peace. Ganga, symbolically represented on the head of the Lord by a female (Mother Ganga) with a jet of water emanating from her mouth and falling on the ground, signifies that the Lord destroys sin, removes ignorance, and bestows knowledge, purity and peace on the devotees.
The crescent moon: is shown on the side of the Lord's head as an ornament, and not as an integral part of His countenance. The waxing and waning phenomenon of the moon symbolizes the time cycle through which creation evolves from the beginning to the end. Since the Lord is the Eternal Reality, He is beyond time. Thus, the crescent moon is only one of His ornaments, and not an integral part of Him.
Three eyes: Lord Shiva, also called Tryambaka Deva (literally, "three-eyed Lord"), is depicted as having three eyes: the sun is His right eye, the moon the left eye and fire the third eye. The two eyes on the right and left indicate His activity in the physical world. The third eye in the center of the forehead symbolizes spiritual knowledge and power, and is thus called the eye of wisdom or knowledge. Like fire, the powerful gaze of Shiva's third eye annihilates evil, and thus the evil-doers fear His third eye.
Half-open eyes: when the Lord opens His eyes, a new cycle of creation emerges and when He closes them, the universe dissolves for creation of the next cycle. The half-open eyes convey the idea that creation is going through cyclic process, with no beginning and no end. Lord Shiva is the Master of Yoga, as He uses His yogic power to project the universe from Himself. The half-open eyes also symbolizeHisyogicposture.
Kundalas (two ear rings): two Kundalas, Alakshya (meaning "which cannot be shown by any sign") and Niranjan (meaning "which cannot be seen by mortal eyes") in the ears of the Lord signify that He is beyond ordinary perception. Since the kundala in the left ear of the Lord is of the type used by women and the one in His right ear is of the type used by men, these Kundalas also symbolizethe Shivaand Shakti (maleand female)principleof creation.
Snake around the neck: sages have used snakes to symbolize the yogic power of Lord Shiva with which He dissolves and recreates the universe. Like a yogi, a snake hoards nothing, carries nothing, builds nothing, lives on air alone for a long time, and lives in mountains and forests. The venom of a snake, therefore, symbolizestheyogicpower.
A snake (Vasuki Naga): is shown curled three times around the neck of the Lord and is looking towards His right side. The three coils of the snake symbolize the past, present and future - time in cycles. The Lord wearing the curled snake like an ornament signifiesthatcreation proceeds in cyclesand istime dependent,but the Lord Himself transcends time. The right side of the body symbolizes the human activities based upon knowledge, reason and logic. The snake looking towards the right side of the Lord signifies that the Lord's eternal laws of reason and justicepreservenatural order in the universe.
Rudraksha necklace: Rudra is another name of Shiva. Rudra also means "strict or uncompromising" and aksha means "eye." Rudraksha necklace worn by the Lord illustrates that He uses His cosmic laws firmly - without compromise - to maintain law and order in the universe. The necklace has 108 beads which symbolizetheelements used in the creation of the world.
Varda Mudra: the Lord's right hand is shown in a boon- bestowing and blessing pose. As stated earlier, Lord Shiva annihilates evil,grantsboons,bestowsgrace, destroys ignorance, and awakens wisdom in His devotees.
Trident (Trisula): a three-pronged trident shown adjacent to the Lord symbolizes His three fundamental powers (shakti) of will (iccha), action (kriya) and knowledge (jnana). The trident also symbolizes the Lord's power to destroy evil and ignorance. Damaru (drum): a small drum with two sides separated from each other by a thin neck-like structure symbolizes the two utterly dissimilar states of existence, unmanifest and manifest. When a damaru is vibrated, it produces dissimilar sounds which are fused together by resonance to create one sound. The sound thus produced symbolizes Nada, the cosmic sound of AUM, which can be heard during deep meditation. According to Hindu scriptures, Nada is the source of creation.
Kamandalu: a water pot (Kamandalu) made from a dry pumpkin containsnectar and is shown on the ground next to Shiva. The process of making Kamandalu has deep spiritual significance. A ripe pumpkin is plucked from a plant, its fruit is removed and the shell is cleaned for containing the nectar. In the same way, an individual must break away from attachment to the physical world and clean his inner self of egoistic desires in order to experience the bliss of the Self, symbolized by thenectar in theKamandalu.
Nandi: the bull is associated with Shiva and is said to beHisvehicle. Thebull symbolizes both power and ignorance. Lord Shiva's use of the bull as a vehicle conveys the idea that He removes ignorance and bestows power of wisdom on His devotees. The bull is called Vrisha in Sanskrit. Vrisha also means dharma (righteousness). Thus a bull shown next to Shiva also indicates that He is the etemal companion of righteousness.
Tiger skin: a tiger skin symbolizes potential energy. Lord Shiva, sitting on or wearing a tiger skin, illustrates the idea that He is the source of the creative energy that remains in potential form during the dissolution state of the universe. Of His own Divine Will, the Lord activates the potential form of thecreative energy to project the universe in endless cycles.
Cremation ground: Shiva sitting in the cremation ground signifies that He is the controller of death in the physical world. Since birth and death are cyclic, controlling one implies controlling the other. Thus, Lord Shiva is revered as the ultimate controller of birth and death in the phenomenal world. source : FB
Panguni Uthiram is one of the significant festivals of South India. It is also celebrated in countries like Malaysia, Singapore and other Tamil speaking nations. The Hindu (both Saiva and Vaishnava) temples observe this festival to celebrate the Celestial Wedding of Gods with their consorts. Devotees celebrate this festival with traditional fervor and religious devotion in all parts of Tamil Nadu as well as in some parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.
Falgun Purnima
The Tamil Solar Calendar marks full moon day (Falgun Purnima) falls during the Tamil Calendar month Panguni (March –April). This full moon day coincides with the transition of moon from constellation Pooram (Purva Phalguni) to constellation Uthiram (Uttara-phalguni). This year on March 19, 2011, Saturday happens to be the full moon day and the moon will be at the asterism Uthiram (Uttara-phalguni) and hence the Panguni Uthiram festival will be observed. This Falgun Purnima day is also coincides with Holi, the festival of colors.
Thirukalyanam (Wedding)
Panguni Uthiram (Falgun Purnima) full moon day is known as the Celestial Wedding of Lord Shiva and His consort Goddess Parvathi; Lord Muruga and His consort Goddess Devayani (Deivanai) and Lord Rangamannar (Lord Vishnu) and His consort Goddess Andal (Kothai) Nachiyar. This day also celebrates the divine wedding day Lord Rama and goddess Sita.
Puranic (Legend) Story
According to Kandapuranam, there is a legend Manmadha Dhakanam. Manmadhan, the Lord of Kama disturbed the penance of Lord Shiva and the offended Lord Shiva destroyed the Lord of Kama into ashes. Rathi the wife of Kama Deva offered her prayers and request to bear the sins of her husband. Lord Shiva relented and reincarnated Manmadhan.
It is learned from the holy Brahmanda Purana that on the day of Panguni Uthiram every holy water mixes with Thumburu teertha (sacred water tank in Tirumala Tirpati). We are learning from inscriptions about the existence of these festivals and celebrations as early as that of the Emperor Rajaraja Chola.
Annual Festivals in Temples
This legend also emphasises the protection of marital life from separation. The offering prayers to the almighty will grace with good mental equilibrium to the couples and bestows strength to reignite love, affection and understanding. Married women offer worship at Hindu temples to get rid of the hurdles and for a happy married life.
The festival is celebrated over a ten day period in most of the Murugan Temples. People will assemble in thousands to witness car festivals at Palani (a town in South Tamil Nadu. Men will observe a typical foot pilgrimage (pada yatra) to the temples of Lord Muruga and cover about one hundred kilometers over three to four days and nights. Some people vow to offer ‘Kavadi’ to Lord Muruga. They will bear Kavadi (two vessels connected and tied at the end of a long stick) on their shoulders and walk across the distance. Womenfolk will offer cool beverages like buttermilk or even food to devotees. At Mylapore (part of Chennai city), the ten day Panguni Festival will come to an end on this full moon day with the Thirukalyanam (celestial marriage). Ayyappa Jayanthi (the birth anniversary) of Lord Ayyappa will also be observed and celebrated in Ayyappa temples in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. source : FB
Shiva Moment = For 3-5 minutes, stop all activity. Close the eyes. Allow thoughts/ feelings/ sensations to arise, move and dissolve without pushing away, clinging or engaging. Rest in that which remains.
As I sit here and slowly close my eyes I take another deep breath And feel the wind pass through my body I'm the one in your soul Reflecting inner light Protect the ones who hold you Cradling your inner child
Today being a Monday i went to this Shiva temple i visit every now and then. I like the way how different people have different way of praying to God. Some came with water, milk, bhang, Dhatura and offered it on the Shivalingam, some of them reciting chalisas and shlokas. I always have believed that Lord Shiva more than a God is a state of consciousness which is within us all and we have to realise Lord Shiva within us.
When i go in the temple i just find a corner and listen to some music. Thats my idea of meditating on Shiva. Today i was listening to Godsmack's Serenity.
And I swear, in that moment i was INFINITE. Har Har Mahadev ♥
जय भोले जय भंडारी, तेरी है महिमा नयारी, तेरी मोहिनी मूरत लगे है प्यारी। कण कण मे..........!!
है तेरा वास प्रभु, है तीनो लोक में तू ही तू। जल में है, थल में है, नभ में है, पवन में है, तेरी छवि समाई, डमरू की धुन में है, झूमे है श्रृष्टि, महिमा यह कैसी रचाई। तेरी जय जय करे दुनिया सारी॥ जिसने भी तेरा ध्यान किया, उसको सुख का वरदान दिया। दानी है, वरदानी है भोले बाबा, है भक्तों पे उपकार तेरा, रावण को दे डाली सोने की लंका, किया आप परबत पे डेरा। नहीं दूजा कोई तुमसा है उपकारी॥
