Lord Shiva, Om Nama Shivaya

(ॐ)

Om Nama Shivaya

It is believed when the creation of universe was not possible, Lord Shiva manifested himself into Ardhnarishwar with whom a separate female body appeared, known as goddess Shakti. This shakti became the nature. According to ancient scriptures, Lord Shiva himself have composed this mantra for the welfare of human life on earth. This five syllable mantra is the root of every knowledge and wisdom.

For the creation of universe, Lord shiva appeared in two parts. Each syllable of this mantra represents five task performed by Shiva while creating the universe, which are Creation, construction, destruction, transformation and liberation. He manifested into various forms for the welfare of his own creation. The relation between Lord Shiva and mantra is immeasurable. According to ancient scriptures, Om Namah Shivaya, is the most simplest form of worshipping Lord Shiva. It is beneficial for everyone who believes in it. Each syllable of this mantra consists of different powers of Lord Shiva. Hence, chanting it leads to salvation.

Durga, a beautiful warrior seated upon a tiger.
Devi is the great goddess of the Hindus,the consort of Shiva and she is worshiped in various forms corresponding to her two aspects: benevolence and fierceness. She is Uma, "light"; Gauri, "yellow or brilliant"; Parvati, "the mountaineer"; and Jagatmata, "the-mother-of-the-world" in her milder guise. The terrible emanations are Durga "the inaccessible"; Kali, "the black"; Chandi, "the fierce"; and Bhairavi, "the terrible."

Descent of the Goddess
Durga, a beautiful warrior seated upon a tiger, was the first appearance of the great goddess. The circumstance of her miraculous arrival was the tyranny of the monster-demon Mahishasur, who through terrific austerities had acquired invincible strength. The gods were afraid of this water-buffalo bull because neither Vishnu nor Shiva could prevail against him. It seemed that the joint energy of Shakti was only capable of vanquishing Mahisha, and so it was the eighteen-armed Durga who went out to do battle.

Battlefield
She went to battle on her ferocious mount lion, armed with the weapons given to her by the other Gods. Durga is one of the angry and aggressive aspects of the goddess Shakti, whose role in Hindu mythology was to fight and conquer demons and also personify the Sakti or female aspect of any male deity. In the battle, she fought and killed the evil Mahishasura and restored heaven to the Gods. Since then the goddess is invoked for protection from the powers of evil. Durga Puja is observed in her honor, to celebrate her victory over evil.

Revered Mother
She has been worshiped from about 400 AD, but probably earlier, to the present. Her literary references are chiefly the Ramayana and Mahabharata, epic and Puranic texts, and she is mentioned by name in Vedic literature. In general, Durga is regarded in northern India as the gentle bride epitomizing family unity while in southern India she is revered more in her warrior aspect.
Lord Vishnu incarnated as Sri Rama in the Treta Yuga. During his life in the jungle, Ravan, the Asura King who ruled Lanka kidnapped Sita- wife of Sri Rama. To get her back and free the people of Lanka from the demon king, Rama reached the seashore(India and Lanka is separated by the sea) with the Vanaras(Army of monkeys) under the leadership of Sugreeva. This place is now the city of Rameswaram in the state of Tamil Nadu in India.
“How can I cross the ocean? How can I defear Ravan?” SriRam thought.
Suddenly, he felt thirsty. The vanaras brought sweet water to Ram. He had a vision of Lord Shiva while he was drinking happily.
He put down the bowl of water and started doing Poojas for Lord Shiva. His stotras made Lord Shiva contented. He appeared before Ram.
SriRama spoke with devotion.
“The Ever Great Maheswara! You are my Master and I am your servant. I can succeed only by your blessings. Ravan is ruthless yet he is your devotee as well. He is undefeatable because of the boon you granted him. His ego and pride made him confident even to conquer the three worlds. I can never be successful defeating him without your help.”
SriRama bowed down to Shiva after saying this. “Jai Shankara! Jai Shiva!” he repeatedly prayed.
After being please, Lord Shiva said,
“Rama, you will be prosperous. I’m contented by your devotion.”
Rama replied,” Oh Lord! SadaSiva! Please give me the power to win over Ravan in the war at Lanka.”
“Let it be. You will emerge victorious as you wish.” Lord Shiva blessed Rama.
“Lord! If you are satisfied with me, please stay here so that everyone else can pray to you on this sacred spot.”
As per the request of Rama, Shiva turned into a Lingam at that spot which now is the famous temple of Rameswarm.