PAYYAN FAMILY MEMBERS VISITED THE SIVAN TEMPLE AT KG. PASIR, RASAH, SEREMBAN, MALAYSIA TO CELEBRATE MAHA SHIVARATRI

Our Payyan family members at Seremban visited the Sivan Temple at Kampong Pasir, Rasah, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia to offer their prayers and to celebrate MAHA SHIVARATRI last night.The photos of the event above.

Photos taken by Mr Prasad C.K. Kannan

Markandeya

Markandeya

Many years ago, a great destruction (Pralaya) took place. The earth was shrouded in darkness and nothing could be seen. There was neither sun nor moon. Lightning and thunder crushed mountains and trees. There were showers of meteors. Lakes and rivers dried up. The entire earth burnt with fire and the flames of the fire reached down to the underworld. All living beings perished in this fire, including the gods and the demons.

There was a sage named Markandeya. While all this was going on, Markandeya was busy meditating. Such was the power of Markandeya's tapasya that the fire dared not touch him. But it is also true that Markandeya was scared of the fire that raged all around him. He suffered from hunger and thirst and forgot all about his tapasya. His lips and throat dried up from fear. Markandeya discovered that there was a banyan tree that was untouched by all these ravages. He retired to the shade of the banyan tree and started to pray to Vishnu.

Clouds gathered in the sky. They were thick and dark clouds and they spread all over the earth. It started to rain and it poured and poured. Water was everywhere and the earth was flooded. The water put out the fire. It rained continuously for twelve years. The oceans flooded the shores and the mountains were pulverised. Vishnu slept on the water.

Markandeya did not know what to do. There was water everywhere and he floated on it. But he continued to pray to Vishnu.

Vishnu spoke to Markandeya. "Do not be frightened, Markandeya," he said. "You are devoted to me and I shall protect you."

Markandeya did not realise that it was Vishnu who was speaking. "Who dares to address me thus?" he demanded. "Am I a child that I should be so addressed? I am the great Markandeya, blessed by Brahma himself."

But try as he might, Markandeya cold not see anyone anywhere. Where had the voice come from then? Had it all been an illusion? Not knowing what to do, he started to pray again to Vishnu. Suddenly he saw the banyan tree floating on the water. A golden bed was spread on the branches of the tree and on the bed there slept a small boy. Markandeya was exceedingly surprised to see the small boy floating in the middle of this deluge. He was so confused by his illusions that he did not realise that this boy was none other than Vishnu.

The boy spoke to Markandeya. "You are tired," said the boy. "You are looking for a refuge. Enter my body and rest for some time."

Markandeya was so confused that, before he could react, he entered the boy's body through the mouth. Inside the boy's stomach Markandeya discovered all the worlds, the seven regions and the seven oceans. The mountains and the kingdoms were all there. So were all living beings.

Markandeya did not know what to make of all this. He started to pray to Vishnu. No sooner than he had started, he came out of the boy's mouth. Vishnu now appeared before him and blessed him. The sage spent a thousand years with Vishnu. Vishnu then asked, "I wish to grant you a boon. What is your desire?"

"I want to build a temple to Shiva in Purushaottama Kshetra," replied Markandeya. "This will prove to everyone that Vishnu and Shiva are really one and the same."

Vishnu granted the boon and Markandeya built a temple to Shiva known as Bhuvaneshvara (Lord of the World).

Om Namah Shivay

8 Types Of Friends You Need To Have in Your Life

8 Types Of Friends You Need To Have in Your Life

1. A Loyal Best Friend
This is the kind of friend who lets you be a hot mess and knows all of your deepest and darkest secrets, but still loves you all the same.

2. A Fearless Adventurer.
We all need an adventurous friend who will pull us out of our shells and introduce us to new ideas, cultures, philosophies, and activities.

3. A Brutally Honest Confidant.
Friends are supposed to be honest with each other. If you find someone who is brutally honest with you (in a constructive way), then hold on to this person! People like that are hard to come by these days.

4. A Wise Mentor.
We all need a friend who inspires us to be better people without making us feel inadequate. Plus, being around such a person will challenge us to better ourselves every day.

5. A Friend From a Different Culture.
If everyone had a friend from a different culture, the world would be a much better place. Being in a cross-cultural friendship allows you to explore customs, values, and traditions outside of your own culture.

6. A Polar Opposite.
Instead of constantly surrounding yourself with like-minded people, try to break out of your comfort zone and befriend people who hold opposing views. They will help open your eyes to different world views and you’ll learn to accept people who don’t see the world exactly the way you see it.

7. A Friendly Neighbor.
These days, a lot of people don’t know their own neighbors. It’s a shame, because some neighbors can be the nicest and most helpful people ever.

8. A Work Pal.
Your work pal doesn’t have to be your best friend outside of work. They just need to be someone you click with on some level, and if you two hit it off exceptionally well, you can always start hanging out with them outside of the office.

Om Namah Shivay

We never know the love of our parents for us till we become parents.

I found this conversation between the pencil and the eraser very inspirational.

Pencil and Rubber and You

Pencil: I'm sorry

Eraser: For what? You didn't do anything wrong.

Pencil: I'm sorry because you get hurt because of me. Whenever I made a mistake, you're always there to erase it. But as you make my mistakes vanish, you lose a part of yourself. You get smaller and smaller each time.

Eraser: That's true. But I don't really mind. You see, I was made to do this. I was made to help you whenever you do something wrong. Even though one day, I know I'll be gone and you'll replace me with a new one, I'm actually happy with my job. So please, stop worrying. I hate seeing you sad.

I found this conversation between the pencil and the eraser very inspirational.

Parents are like the eraser whereas their children are the pencil. They're always there for their children, cleaning up their mistakes. Sometimes along the way, they get hurt, and become smaller / older, and eventually pass on.

Though their children will eventually find someone new (spouse), but parents are still happy with what they do for their children, and will always hate seeing their precious ones worrying, or sad. All my life, I've been the pencil.

And it pains me to see the eraser that is my parents getting smaller and smaller each day. For I know that one day, all that I'm left with would be eraser shavings and memories of what I used to have.

Moral: We never know the love of our parents for us till we become parents.

Om Namah Shivay

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. 
Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are.

After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage.

We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, or when we retire.

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when?

Your life will always be filled with challenges.

It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.

Happiness is the way.

So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with... and remember that time waits for no one.

So, stop waiting
--until your car or home is paid off
--until you get a new car or home
--until your kids leave the house
--until you go back to school
--until you lose ten pounds
--until you gain ten pounds
--until you finish school
--until you get a divorce
--until you get married
--until you have kids
--until you retire
--until summer
--until spring
--until winter
--until fall
--until you pass away...

There is no better time than right now to be happy.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

So -- work like you don't need money,

Love like you've never been hurt,

And dance like no one's watching.

Om Namah Shivay

Tell us about ‘Memory’. How does one get rid of unpleasant memories and limitations?

Q: Tell us about ‘Memory’. How does one get rid of unpleasant memories and limitations?

Guruji : Memory is both a hindrance and a blessing. The forgetfulness of the nature of man is the root cause of all problems and suffering in life. The very remembrance of one’s nature, which is godliness, brings freedom in life. Here, memory is your best friend. The purpose of knowledge is to remind you of your true nature.

In the Bhagvad Gita, Arjuna said to Krishna, "I got back my memory. Now I have realized and will do as you say." Memory is a blessing and your best friend when it comes to your true nature. Memory is a hindrance when it does not let you be free of events, pleasant or unpleasant.
Pleasant events create cravings and competition in the mind, and do not allow fresh experiences, whereas unpleasant events give a biased perception and create paranoia. So the memory is both a blessing and a hindrance, depending on whether you remember your nature or you are stuck with events in time and space.

It is memory that makes you miserable or wise. Memory of events and experiences of the changing finite binds you, and memory of your nature liberates you. Memory of the ever changing relative, however good or bad, brings bondage. Memory of the non-changing Self elevates awareness. Memory of past events and worldly concerns constricts the vastness of the self.
It is all a matter of where you are, of what you are. If you are ignorant, it is because of your memory. If you are enlightened, it is because of your memory. Forgetfulness of the trivial is ecstasy. Forgetfulness of the infinite is misery.

• Know the impermanent nature of the world and events.

• Know the non-existence of past events right now and accept them.

• Be dispassionate and centered. Memories of Self are gained by service to the noble.

• Increase prana - So Ham! So what!!

• Have Divine Company / presence.

Om Namah Shivay

Mahakaleshwar Shivratri Bhasmarti Shingar

* Mahakaleshwar Shivratri Bhasmarti Shingar *

I 💕💞💌 You.

Shivratri Shingar

* Shivratri Shingar * 

Lord Shiva loves us and if we tell Lord Shiva, "Lord Shiva, I Love You" then Lord Shiva will begin to dance in ecstacy.

Grishneshwar Shivratri Shingar Drashan

* Grishneshwar Shivratri Shingar Drashan *

Suta Goswami said

शरीरं त्रिविधं ज्ञेयं स्थूलं सूक्ष्मं च कारणम् |
स्थूलं व्यापारदं प्रोक्तं सूक्ष्ममिंद्रियभोगदम् ||
कारणं त्वात्मभोगार्थं जीवकर्मानुरूपतः |||

Know the body to be of three kinds: gross, subtle and causal. The gross body is said to be able to allow (people) to deal with (others), the subtle allows sense enjoyments. The causal body, according to one’s karma, allows one to enjoy (realise) the soul (self )

Wedding Ceremony Pictures of Lord Shiva and Parvati

Shiva Parvati Departure To Kailash

* Shiva Parvati Departure To Kailash * 

Shiva remained at his in-laws house for a 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).

THE GREATNESS OF SHIVARATRI

THE GREATNESS OF SHIVARATRI

There used to live a poor Bheel named Gurudruha. He was very poor. One day finding no food available in his house, he went to the forest to hunt an animal. Unfortunately he did not find any animal which he could hunt.

Being hungry, he sat down on the bank of a pond and pondered as to what would happen to his family members who were hungry too. He thought that if he waited there, then he might get a chance to kill a thirsty animal, which arrives there to drink water.

Gurudruha climbed up a bael tree and waited for his prey. A Shivalinga was established just under that tree and co incidentally it was a Shivaratri day. When the first three hours of the night had passed, he saw a female deer arriving with her young ones. He got ready with his bow and arrow and aimed his arrow towards the female deer
. By coincidence some leaves from that bael tree fell on the Shivalinga along with some drops of water from the vessel in which he was carrying water. Gurudruha had accomplished the worship of Shiva during the first 'Prahar' of the night unawaringly.
After hearing the noise made by falling drops of water, the female deer looked up. She saw Gurudruha sitting with his bow and arrows. She asked him about his desire. Gurudruha told her that he wanted to kill her, so that he could feed his family members.
The female deer requested him to allow her to go so that she could leave her young ones in the safe custody of her husband. She promised to come back.

At first Gurudruha was reluctant but when the female deer started giving illustrations from the scriptures, he allowed her to go.
Mean while the sister of female deer arrived there with her young ones.
When Gurudruha saw 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 Shivalinga. 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.
T

he 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 Rama and would become famous as Nishad. Lord Shiva also told Gurudruha that by the blessings of Sri Rama he would attain salvation by the blessings of Sri Rama he would attain salvation.

Suta 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 Suta such a fast would bestow both worldly pleasures and salvation.

Lord Shiva along with Parvati and Ganeshji on a outing. The Mushak looks on!

Lord Shiva along with Parvati and Ganeshji on a outing. The Mushak looks on!

No exact methodology during prayers

During prayers. There is no exact methodology, as people celebrate Shivratri differently in different places, based on interpretation.

More importantly, one who worships due to love and devotion needs no methodology, for there is no methodology to show our love to someone. It naturally flows, like that of a parent to a child, or that of two best friends.

Om Namah Shivaya

Shivratri may be Over, but the feeling of Shiva remains

The Great Rishis of Kashmir Shaivism used two words:
Samadhi and Vyutthan. 
The one was to enter transcendence in deep meditation , 
the other was to arise from that Samadhi retaining a same feeling of Divinity. 
So too, The Shiv Bhakt knows, that Shivratri may be Over, but the feeling of Shiva remains, Lord Shiva's Night is not a matter of one Sunset and sunrise, but a whole eternity.
Aum Namah Shivaya!

Benefits of worshipping Lord Shiva on #Mahashivaratri

Benefits of worshipping Lord Shiva on #Mahashivaratri

1) The act of ablution of Lord Shiva purifies the worshipper's soul.
2) Offering of Naivaidya helps the devotee to attain a satisfactory life.
3) Lighting a lamp, blesses the worshipper with knowledge.
4) Offering of Tambul fulfils your wishes.
5) Offering of Darbha (a kind of grass) will drive away all types of diseases.
6) If honey, ghee and sugarcane are offered to Lord #Shiva, one can attain wealth.
7) By bathing Lord Shiva with the holy water will help in attaining salvation.

How to worship Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri

How to worship Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri as per #ShivaPurana - 

1) Bathing of the Shiva Lingam with water, milk, honey and bel patra. This symbolizes purification of soul. 
2) Vermilion paste is applied on the Lingam – this symbolizesvirtue.
Fruits are offered, which is helpful in longevity and gratification of desires.
3) Incense are lighted, which symbolizes yielding of wealth.
4) Oil lamps are lit, which symbolizes knowledge.
5) Betel leaves are offered which represents satisfaction with worldly pleasures.

Heavy rush at Shiv Khori, over 1 lakh paid obeisance on the eve of Maha Shivratri

Heavy rush at Shiv Khori, over 1 lakh paid obeisance on the eve of Maha Shivratri

News (27.02.2014) REASI: Over one lakh devotees from within and various parts of the country have paid obeisance at the historic Shiv Khori Shrine nested in Shivalik hills of District Reasi during first two mela days of Maha Shivratri Festival.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu Shantmanu, who is also Chairman Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board visited the cave shrine and paid obeisance on the auspicious occasion of Shivratri and prayed for the peace and prosperity of the state.

Praying for eternal peace and tranquillity of the state, Shantmanu said that all efforts are being made for the promotion and beautification of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine, which is now by all measures emerging as an important pilgrimage destination in Jammu region after Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.

Maha Shivaratri transforms human consciousness (VIDEO)

Happy Shivratri ! Aum Namah Shivaya !

AND NOW.....

Aum Namah Shivaya ! Happy Shivratri !
May The Divine parents bless all in the awakening of your own Divinity.

Maha Shivaratri....Om Namah Shivaya.......

Maha Sivarathri Special (VIDEO)

Maha Shivaratri 2014: The Great Night of Shiva (VIDEO)

Maha Shivratri: Lord Shiva Devotees Observe Auspicious Festival; Why is it Celebrated?

Maha Shivratri is observed on the 13th night/14th day of the 11th Hindu month of Phalguna or Maagh every year.

Hindu devotees will be celebrating the auspicious day by fasting and offering special prayers to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction. Maha Shivratri is not just celebrated in India but also in other regions including Nepal, where Lord Shiva is worshipped.

As devotees pray to the Lord, they chant "Om Namah Shivaya!" throughout the Maha Shivratri night.

Why Maha Shivratri is celebrated?

There are interesting mythological stories pertaining to the celebration of Maha Shivratri.

It is believed that the formless God appeared in the form of "Lingodbhav Moorti" at midnight on Maha Shivratri. This is said to be the reason as to why Shiva devotees keep vigil at night and offer prayers to the Lord.

Devotees believe that Lord Shiva married Devi Parvati on Shivratri. The day is considered auspicious for women. They fast and pray to the Lord to get blessed with blissful married life, while unmarried woman would pray for an ideal husband like Shiva.

Shivaratri is also celebrated to mark the day when the Lord saved the world from destruction. As per mythology, when the ocean was churned (Samudra Manthan), a pot of poison emerged which gods and the demons believed would cause destruction to the entire world. It is said that Shiva consumed the deadly poison to save the world. However, the Lord held the poison in his throat instead of swallowing it. And the Lord's throat turned blue due to the poison's effect.

One of the main highlights of Maha Shivratri is that the Hindu holy men smoke intoxicating substances such as marijuana during the occasion, as they believe that Lord Shiva is fond of it. Devotees also drink Thandai, a drink which is made of cannabis and milk. -ibtimes.co.in

Maha Shivratri Poojan 2014 (FULL VIDEO)

Maha Shivaratri 2014: The Great Night Of Lord Shiva (PHOTOS)

Maha Shivaratri (also Shivratri) is celebrated on February 27, 2014, by Hindus all over the world. This festival glorifies the Hindu god Shiva, believed to be the lord of cosmic destruction and dance. The festival is celebrated on the 14th night of the new moon during the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna.

The celebration of Maha Shivaratri begins with a night vigil leading up to the day of the festival during which many Shiva devotees fast and offer special prayers. Shiva is worshiped in the form of a lingam, a vertical, rounded column, representing the male creative force and the infinite, indescribable nature of God, and the yoni which represents female creative energy. Together they represents the totality of creation. Together it represents the union of organs, and the totality of creation.

Flowers, incense and other offerings are made, while prayers and bhajans are chanted. Bhang, an intoxicant made from the cannabis plant is consumed by many on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

See photos below of Maha Shivaratri celebrations in 2014:

The celebration of Maha Shivaratri is attributed to several tales in Hindu mythology. One of the most popular tales traces its origins to samudra manthan, or churning of the ocean of milk. According to this belief, when the gods and demons were churning the ocean of milk to obtain amrita (drink of immortality), they came across many unusual substances including a deadly poison. Terrified, the gods approached Shiva for help, and out of compassion for all living beings, Shiva swallowed the poison. The poison was so potent that it turned his neck to blue.

One of the most famous prayers recited to lord Shiva on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri is the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, also known as the death-conquering mantra. Below are the words of the mantra in Sanskrit and a translation:

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat

Translation: We meditate on the Three-eyed reality which permeates and nourishes all like a fragrance. May we be liberated from death for the sake of immortality, even as a cucumber is severed from bondage to the creeper. -huffingtonpost