Tungnath is the highest #Shiva temple in the world and is one of the five and the highest Panch Kedar temples located in the mountain range of Tunganath in Rudraprayag district, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

Tungnath is the highest #Shiva temple in the world and is one of the five and the highest Panch Kedar temples located in the mountain range of Tunganath in Rudraprayag district, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

The legend says that Pandavas, after the Great War at Kurukshetra, wished to atone for the sins of fratricide and the killing of Brahmins. They were directed to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The #Lord, however, was in no mood to pardon them as he was angry at the magnitude of their sins. Taking the form of a bull, the Lord hid from the Pandavas at Guptkashi in the Garhwal #Himalaya.The Pandavas caught up with Shiva. Bhima, the second of the brothers, spied a large bull grazing and recognized it as Shiva. He grabbed the bull by its tail and hind legs, but it disappeared into the ground. Later, various parts of the bull reappeared at different locations in the Himalaya.The sacred bull’s hump appeared in Kedarnath, the arms at Tungnath, the navel and stomach at Madhyamaheshwar, the face at Rudranath and the hair and head at Kalpeshwar. In gratitude, the Pandavas, who were then in the Himalayas en route to their passage to heaven, built temples at each of these locations. It is also believed that some of the bull’s fore portions materialized at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Besides its majestic location against a backdrop of cliffs, peaks and snow-clad mountains, #Tungnath is also popular with trekkers, who make it a point to witness the sunrise from Chandrashila, a nearby peak at 13,123 feet. 

Tantra

Tantra, as a development of early Hindu-Vedic thought, embraced the Hindu gods and goddesses (especially Shiva and Shakti) and the Advaita philosophy that each represents an aspect of the ultimate Para Brahman or Adi Parashakti.

Lord #Shiva, the destroyer of ignorance and illusion, sits in a state of perpetual meditation along with his wife Pārvatī at Kailash.

Lord #Shiva, the destroyer of ignorance and illusion, sits in a state of perpetual meditation along with his wife Pārvatī at Kailash.

Kailash is a peak in the #Kailas Range, which are part of the Transhimalaya in Tibet. It lies near the source of some of the longest rivers in Asia: the Indus River, the Sutlej River (a major tributary of the Indus River), the Brahmaputra River, and the Karnali River (a tributary of the River Ganga). It is considered a sacred place in four religions: Bön, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The mountain lies near Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal in #Tibet

Antiques of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple

* Antiques of Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple *

A mega bell, donated by a King of erstwhile Nepal Monarchy about 100 years ago, is one of the antiques adding value to Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram.

Much to the dismay of pilgrims and devotees, it has been in disuse for many years in spite of its perfect condition. It is kept at the busy Nandi idol in front of the presiding deity, and has been tied with a rope in order to prevent the devotees from ringing the bell.

It seems the bell's weight is about 1.5 tonne.The chiming can be heard around five square km radius of Rameswaram.

It was in use for many years by the devotees as it was positioned in such a way to enable them to ring the bell. It was also used by the temple staff for several years to ring the bell at the stipulated time schedule as per the tradition. However, the practice was stopped by the temple authorities several years ago, the reason for this is yet to be known.

“It is one of the important offerings received by the temple and it is one of the oldest antiques in the temple. "

Old Is Gold

* Old Is Gold *

A mega bell, donated by a King of erstwhile Nepal Monarchy about 100 years ago.The chiming can be heard around five square km radius . Any estimate in which Jyotirling this bell is situated ?

ALWAYS AT HIS DOOR

ALWAYS AT HIS DOOR

"Tell me something about Him at least!" 
cried the seeker once more
"i have looked for Him half my life and all in vain"

"Shiv ke dwar khada sansar"
softly said the priestess of the east,
"He is the treasure of lifetimes,
speak not in measures of halves"
said the yogini of yore
"He is here forever more and
the world though knowing it not,
has always been at his door."

shail gulhati

Surya Mudra or Mudra of the Sun

Surya Mudra or Mudra of the Sun

This Mudra is done by touching the tip of the ring finger to the base of the thumb and exerting pressure on the finger with the thumb as in the picture.

Benefits: A. It balances the body,reduces body weight and obesity. It increases body heat and helps in digestion.
B.It reduces hypertension and cholesterol and builds strength.
C.It is beneficial in diabetes and liver defects.

Precautions: Weak persons should not do this hand posture and DO NOT do this hand posture for a long time in hot weather.

Om Namah Shivay

Today is saturday, day of our Jaya Shanidev

Today is saturday, day of our Jaya Shanidev

Whatever you ask for in prayer , Believe that you have received it , And it will be yours . Om Namah Shivaya .

Whatever you ask for in prayer ,
Believe that you have received it ,
And it will be yours .
Om Namah Shivaya .

Greatness of Shani deva

Shani dev is one of the nine planets who have control over one's body, says Hindu religion. Shani deva is the son of god Surya and mother chhaya. ALthough Surya's son are fair shani dev was born black because he was son of Chhyyaa, i.e shadow of surya devs wife Saranyu . Saranyu was unable to see surya dev because of his brightness. so she decided to meditate to obtain power to see her husbands face. So, she left her Chhaya (shadow) and went to mediattae secretly. At that time, Shani was born so he is black.

Surya dev never accepted him as his son because he was black. Because of the unequal behavior his father did between him and other brothers and sisters, Shani starte to hate his father and brothers. Shani became angry.

Lord Hanuman became his friend and solved his anger. Lord Mahadev also helped shani be cool and calm.

Every saturday, its day of our shani maharaj. Whoever offers him goods of his wish every saturday, shanidev will always bless them. Jaya Shanidev!!

Apan Vayu Mudra or the Mudra of Heart.

Apan Vayu Mudra or the Mudra of Heart.

This Mudra is a combination of Vayu Mudra and Apan Mudra. The tips of the thumbs,the middle finger and the ring finger touch each other while the index finger touches the base of the thumb with a slight pressure. The little finger remains straight.

Benefits:

IT gives the benefit of Apan Mudra and Vayu Mudra as explained earlier.

A. It is helpful in Heart and Vayu diseases and gives health. People with a weak heart should do it daily. It is very beneficial to people who have just had a heart attack.
B. It removes gas from the stomach,aids in asthma,headache and high blood pressure.
C. If it is done 5 to 7 minutes before climbing stairs,it aids in easy climbing.

Om Namah Shivay

Shiv is symbolised in the image of a jyotirlinga

Shiv is symbolised in the image of a jyotirlinga. Some of the famed memorials to Shiva are Amarnath in Kashmir, Somnath in Gujarat, Vishwanath in Varanasi, Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain and Pashupatinath in Nepal. The names of these Shiva temples define His divine functions, which also indicate that He is the Supreme Soul.

Legends tell us that Shri Rama invoked the Almighty Shiva at Rameshwaram and Shri Krishna offered his prayers to Him at Gopeshwar in Vrindavan . These legends are also indicators of the truth that Shiva is worshipped as the Supreme Father of all deities, even as the Supreme Father of Shri Rama and Shri Krishna.

The three lines marked on the Shiva linga symbolize His triple characteristics of Trimurti, Trinetri (one who has the third eye of wisdom), Trikaldarshi (one who sees the three aspects of time) and trilokinath (the Lord of three worlds). Shiva is also known as Shambhu or Swayambhu meaning that Shiva is the Supreme Soul who has no creator above Him.

The literal meaning of the word Shiva is benefactor (kalyankari). Supreme Soul Shiva brings benefit to all souls by performing the divine functions of creating and sustaining a new pure world(satyug) and destroying all vices and evil from the old impure world(kaliyug), i.e., He gives liberation and salvation to all human beings. Thus He is truly the Supreme Soul.

WHY SHIVA’S NIGHT

It is a subject to be pondered that when the birth of all corporeal deities, saints etc. are celebrated as birthdays, why is the night of Shiva remembered ? It is only for Shiva that His night is celebrated. What is its real significance?

In fact, the festival of Shiva ratri symbolises the divine incarnation of God Shiva on this earth. The night indicates the moral degradation that sets in due to the darkness of ignorance in this world. Shiva is the Ocean of knowledge who leads humankind from darkness to light, i.e. from untruth to truth by imparting true knowledge. as said in bhagvad geeta, “When religion is defamed on earth, I come to re-establish the true religion and thus transform the impure devilish world into a pure divine world.”

WHICH FAST IS NEEDED?

The true fasting (upvaas) on Shivaratri is that we link our intellect with God Shiva and stay in His Company. Upavaas (up + vass) means to stay close. The true Jagaran or awakening means to awaken from the slumber of ignorance and to protect the self from the evil influence of vices such as lust, anger, greed,attachment,ego.

shiv is also called shiv shambu, original word for shambu is swayambhu, swayambhu means who is born himself - THE CREATOR he is also called sadashiv means kalayankari. first temple which were built in bharat were jyotir - lingam temple. jyoti means light.
lord shiva the supreme soul is worshipped in all religions.
if we see in muslim religion, when they go for haj yatra at mecca there is holy stone of kaba, without saying this line their haj ki yatra do not get over, the line is 'hey parvardigar (i.e hey parmatma) noor-e-allah, mere hajj ki yatra Kabul ho. noor means light, jyoti. so shiva is also worshipped in name of allah in muslim religion
if we see in Christian religion, when mosses went on a mountain, he got ten commandments from lord, that time he saw akhand jyoti, divine light. on looking at that light he said, Jehovah(supreme light)
jesus never called himself as god, he said god is light & I am son of god.
today if we go in vetican city, st. peters basilica, above the throne of pope, you will se symbol of divine light which is kept there.hence there is evidence that lord shiva is also worshipped in name of godfather in Christian religion.
in sikh relegion, guru nanak said, ek omkar, nirakar, nirvair, akalmhoorat, gobindsingh also worshipped incorporeal god shiva.
in jain religion also shiv is worshipped
in japan they meditate upon a red stone.
in parsi religion, in their temple we can see akhand jyoti.
so all religion worshipped shiva in different names but same form i.e jyoti swaroop.
Lord shiva is ocean of knowledge, peace, bliss, happiness, purity, love, power.

This ardhanareeswarar idol is in the way of girivalam road stretching 14km of the Annamalai hills and this annamalaiyar temple

This is in tiruvanamalai tamilnadu...This ardhanareeswarar idol is in the way of girivalam road stretching 14km of the Annamalai hills and this annamalaiyar temple is one of the five panchboothas temples(five primary elements) 

SHIVA YOGA

SHIVA YOGA

Saiva Yoga is revealed by Lord Shiva , who, perenially mindful of spirituality,is ever eager to share his penchant with devi,his beloved consort,and transfer illumination .His poetic agamas (replies) to the Devi in response to her nigamas(querries),are recorded in the tantras, puranas,samhitas and siva sutras for the benefit of sincere seekers.They are called the Shaivagamas.

Shiva’s yoga is the supreme spiritual essence that illuminates both the esoteric and exoteric aspects of life to their fullest.It encompasses both monism and pluralism, covers theism and deism,clarifies dualism and non duality; this is its beauty, Shiva is the fountainhead in whom all opposites are reconciled.
Concisely, Shiva’s philosophy is :
That in the beginning all is Shivashakti.
A primal urge, pratham spanda ,arises in Shiva to roll out a whole universe.
His Shakti enables him to do exactly that.We honour her as jag janani, mother nature.

By shail gulhati

When you seek me with all your heart ... Then you will truly find me .

When you seek me with all your heart ... Then you will truly find me .

Benefits Of Meditation

* Benefits Of Meditation *

If relaxation is not the goal of meditation, it is often one result of it. Back in the 1970s, Herbert Benson, MD, a researcher at Harvard University Medical School, coined the term the relaxation response after conducting research on people who practiced transcendental meditation. The relaxation response, in Benson’s words, is “an opposite, involuntary response that causes a reduction in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.”

Since then, studies on the relaxation response have documented the following short-term benefits to the nervous system:

1) lower blood pressure
2) improved blood circulation
l3) lower heart rate
l4) less perspiration
5) slower respiratory rate
6) less anxiety
7) lower blood cortisol levels
8) more feelings of well-being
9) less stress
10) deeper relaxation
Contemporary researchers are now exploring whether consistent meditation practice yields long-term benefits, and noting positive effects on brain and immune function among mediators. Yet it is worth repeating that the purpose of meditation is not to achieve benefits. To put it as an Eastern philosopher might say, the goal of meditation is no goal. It is simply to be present.

In philosophy, the ultimate benefit of meditation is liberation of the mind from attachment to things it cannot control, such as external circumstances or strong internal emotions. The liberated, or “enlightened,” practitioner no longer needlessly follows desires or clings to experiences, but instead maintains a calmness of mind and sense of inner balance.

THE ARRIVAL OF TIME

THE ARRIVAL OF TIME

One day, she told Shiva” when are we going to wed?”
“whenever you wish” He replied, “Today?”
“haha not today my Lord” Sati laughed, ” you must ask my Father to give me away as bride to you, and then he would be arranging the most fabulous celebrations , which is his style , and His prerogative”
“Yes. Fabulous celebration of your marriage, is His prerogative, also”
Shiva smiled. ”I will ask Him for your hand very soon”

He went the very next day. Unlike all the others, Shiva did not ever wait for a different phase of the moon to signal him his beginnings. He went by his own instinct and emotion, and this time it was overwhelming. It was a crisp morning, and Shiva was feeling good. He readied Nandi for a ride to Daksha’s palace. Nandi Himself, was in a hurry and charged in true bull fashion to their collective destiny. Together they made a momentous sight, the rider and the ride. Raising merry dust with their hooves , every moment relegated to the past. It was like the perfect symbolism of the ride of Time itself, as they rushed forwards to embrace the future.
And soon they reached the outskirts of Daksha’s kingdom. Nandi’s furious run was still heavy with the vigour of purpose, still robust with virility of expectation. Women plowing their rice fields looked up to see this unstoppable creature heralding His master just past their midst. They were here a moment, and off the fields in the next. But the impression would be a life lasting one: The farmer women knew it was not just a rider that was being heralded, but a whole new time itself had arrived.

{From the forthcoming book SHIVA by Shail Gulhati of Shail Gulhati: Shiva and Mysticism.page}
{art by Aswin Nalanda}

Sri Someswara Swami @ Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh

Sri Someswara Swami @ Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh

Kashi Vishwanath ~ Varanasi

Sometimes my plans fail, but Lord Vishwanath always gives me a better options.

Someshwarwadi Temple

Someshwarwadi Temple

At my lowest, Lord Shiva is my hope. At my weakest, Lord Shiva is my strength. At my saddest, Lord Shiva is my comforter.

At my lowest, Lord Shiva is my hope.
At my weakest, Lord Shiva is my strength.
At my saddest, Lord Shiva is my comforter.

A human being has the freedom to become anything. He can use this power to transform himself to God, for he is already that; or he can remain wretched, for even the maya is his! - Swami Muktananda.

A human being has the freedom to become anything. He can use this power to transform himself to God, for he is already that; or he can remain wretched, for even the maya is his!

Swami Muktananda.

CLOUDS UNDER THE GAZE OF THE SKY!

CLOUDS UNDER THE GAZE OF THE SKY!

There is an episode from Krishna’s life, when he climbed a tree, and watched the Gopis as they bathed. You understand now, that the symbolism was the same- The Creator could watch any of His creation. Philosophically, the Gopis, are but your own thoughts, all of which stand bare in front of your Consciousness, like clouds under the gaze of the sky. Pure consciousness, therefore, is God, the creator. All else is the created. But, the created is also part of the creator, being its own offspring. So, the thoughts must merge into consciousness. Arjun must get absorbed in Krishna; man, must find his link with the source of creation”.

{From The Yogi and the snake}

Death and Spirituality

Death and Spirituality

Death brings you in touch with the reality of life. Death creates a vacuum, a void. Void is the fertile ground for the spirit to manifest. All talents, invention, creativity springs forth from the void, and creation has a tendency to return to the void.

Bharat says, "All the problems come when you avoid the void."

All the places of worship in all religions are connected with places of burial/cremation, as the awareness of death alone can bring dispassion and make you well grounded in knowledge. According to the Indian mythology, the abode of Shiva is in Mount Kailasa as well as in Smashana (the cremation ground).

Kailasa means "where there is only celebration", and Smashana is where there is only void. Thus the Divinity dwells in the void as well as in celebration. And in you there is void, in you there is celebration.

Om Namah Shivay

Work never gets done by worrying about it.

Work never gets done by worrying about it. It gets done by intelligent thinking and clever action. For that your mind needs to be calm and happy. And how do you bring that calmness and happiness to your mind when there are so many difficulties at work? It is by having that faith that God is there to look after and provide for everything that I need.

=====================

Sometimes your head should win and sometimes your heart should win, that is life. It is all about compromise.

=====================

Q: About Bhranti darshan, are all the experiences of devotees an obstacle?

Guruji : I would not say all experiences. If you are stuck in an experience that is bhranti darshan.

=====================

God is the Best Friend

God has no cell phone, but he is my favorite contact...
He has no Facebook, but he is my best friend...
He doesn't have Twitter, but I still follow Him....
He has no internet, but we stay connected! !

Om Namah Shivay

You and Ownership

You and Ownership

Man has a tendency to own things. When he owns something small his mind stays small, his life gets stifled and his whole consciousness is immersed in his house, car, spouse, children and such. A recluse leaves his home and goes far away. There also he starts owning his asana, rosary, books, concepts and his knowledge.

The owning has simply shifted from objects and people to ideas and practices. But a wise one knows that he owns the sun, the moon, the stars, the air, all of space and the Divine in its entirety. When you own something big then your consciousness also expands, and when you own something small then all the small negative emotions start coming up such as anger, greed, etc.

I wonder why people do not feel connected to the sun? The very existence of life depends upon the sun. Perhaps it is the lack of awareness that one refuses to acknowledge and own one’s connectedness to the macro-cosmic universe. The Rishis in ancient India, the Native Americans and the aboriginals from all over the globe have insisted that you can feel connection to the sun, moon and the directions. When you own something magnanimous your consciousness also becomes magnanimous.

Om Namah Shivay

~ Reflection ~ The Salty Coffee

~ Reflection ~ The Salty Coffee

Love is not to forget but to forgive, not to see but understand, not to hear but to listen, not to let go but HOLD ON!!!!

He met her at a party. She was so outstanding that many guys were chasing after her, while he was so normal, nobody paid attention to him and she also saw him but chose to ignore.

At the end of the party, he invited her to have coffee with him, she was surprised but due to being polite, she promised. They met in a nice coffee shop, he was too nervous to say anything, and she felt uncomfortable.

Suddenly he asked the waiter, “Would you please give me some… salt?” She stared at him strangely! His face turned red but still, he put the salt in his coffee and drank it.

She asked him curiously, “Why you did that?” He fumbled, “When I was a little boy, I lived near the sea, I liked playing in the sea, and I could feel the taste of the sea, just like the taste of the salty coffee. Now every time I have the salty coffee, I always think of my childhood, think of my hometown, I miss my parents who are still living there.”

She was deeply touched. That’s his true feeling, from the bottom of his heart. He must be a man who loves home, cares about home, and has responsibility of home… Then she also started to speak, spoke about her faraway hometown, her childhood, her family.

That was a really nice talk, also a beautiful beginning of their story. They continued to meet. She found that actually he was a man who meets all her demands; he had tolerance, was kind hearted, warm, careful. He was such a good person but she almost missed him! Thanks to his salty coffee!

Then like every beautiful love story, they married and were living the happy life… And, every time she made coffee for him, she put some salt in the coffee, as she knew that’s the way he liked it.

After 40 years of togetherness, he passed away, left her a letter which said, “My dearest, please forgive me, forgive my whole life’s lie. This was the only lie I said to you—the salty coffee. Remember the first time we dated? I was so nervous at that time, actually I wanted to ask for some sugar, but I was nervous and said ‘Salt’ instead. It was hard for me to change so I just went ahead. I never thought that could be the start of our communication! I tried to tell you the truth many times in my life, but I was too afraid to do that, as I have promised not to lie to you for anything… Now I’m dying, I afraid of nothing so I tell you the truth, I don’t like the salty coffee, what a strange bad taste… But I have had the salty coffee for my whole life! Since I knew you, I never feel sorry for anything I do for you. Having you with me is my biggest happiness for my whole life. If I can live for the second time, still want to know you and have you for my whole life, even though I have to drink the salty coffee again.”

Her tears made the letter totally wet. Someday, someone asked her, “What’s the taste of salty coffee?” She replied, “It’s sweet.”

Om Namah Shivay

In Love with No One ...?

In Love with No One ...?

A long time ago, there was a huge apple tree. A little boy loved to come and play around it every day. He climbed to the treetop, ate the apples, and took a nap under the shadow. He loved the tree and the tree loved to play with him.

Time went by, the little boy had grown up and he no longer played around the tree every day.

One day, the boy came back to the tree and he looked sad.

“Come and play with me”, the tree asked the boy.

Boy: “I am no longer a kid, I do not play around trees anymore” the boy replied. “I want toys. I need money to buy them.”

Tree: “Sorry, but I do not have money, but you can pick all my apples and sell them. So, you will have money.”

The boy was so excited. He grabbed all the apples on the tree and left happily. The boy never came back after he picked the apples. The tree was sad.

One day, the boy who now turned into a man returned and the tree was excited.

“Come and play with me” the tree said.

“I do not have time to play. I have to work for my family. We need a house for shelter. Can you help me?”

“Sorry, but I do not have any house. But you can chop off my branches to build your house.” So the man cut all the branches of the tree and left happily.

The tree was glad to see him happy but the man never came back since then. The tree was again lonely and sad.

One hot summer day, the man returned and the tree was delighted.

“Come and play with me!” the tree said.

“I am getting old. I want to go sailing to relax myself. Can you give me a boat?” said the man.

“Use my trunk to build your boat. You can sail far away and be happy.”

So the man cut the tree trunk to make a boat. He went sailing and never showed up for a long time.

Finally, the man returned after many years.

“Sorry, my boy. But I do not have anything for you anymore. No more apples for you”, the tree said.

“No problem, I do not have any teeth to bite” the man replied.

Tree : “No more trunk for you to climb on.”

“I am too old for that now” the man said.

“I really cannot give you anything, the only thing left is my dying roots,” the tree said with tears.

“I do not need much now, just a place to rest. I am tired after all these years,” the man replied.

“Good! Old tree roots are the best place to lean on and rest, come sit down with me and rest.” The man sat down and the tree was glad and smiled with tears.

This is a story of everyone. The tree is like our parents and the people who showed their love and care on us. When we were young, we loved to play with them.

When we grow up, we leave them; only come to them when we need something or when we are in trouble.

No matter what, parents will always be there and give everything they could just to make you happy.

You may think the boy is cruel to the tree, but that is how all of us treat our parents.

We take them for granted; we don’t appreciate all they do for us, until it’s too late.

~ Moral ~
Treat your parents and loved ones with loving care…. For you will know their value, when you see their empty chair and absense in your life…

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

Om Namah Shivay

Shoonya Mudra or The Mudra of Emptiness

Shoonya Mudra or The Mudra of Emptiness

The tip of the middle finger is put at the base of the thumb and the thumb comes over the finger with slight pressure of the thumb being exerted on the finger as shown in the picture. The other 3 fingers are kept straight.

Benefits:

A. Regular practice of this Mudra helps in reducing ear pain and watering from the ears.
B. If this Mudra is done for 1 hour daily it can benefit in hardness of hearing .
C.The bones become strong and is beneficial in heart disease .
D. It strengthens gums and is helpful in throat problems and thyroid disease.

Precautions: This hand posture should never be done while eating or walking.

Om Namah Shivay

Greatness of God Shiva

God shiva is called The god of gods because he is the most powerful among all gods. He can save other gods from danger but he never falls in danger himself. He is called ashutosh because he becomes happy with his devotees very soon. Whatever you ask, he will fulfil you.
He has no mother. Nobody knows his origin. God shiva lives in Himalayas and is the father of the universe. When he is happy with you, no one can harm you but if he is angry with you, no one and nothing can protect you from his anger. He has a third eyes. When the third eye opens the culprit dies with the fire generated form the fire. 
Be good always to keep God Shiva Happy!

Tat twam asi

Tat twam asi

“Let us understand another great truth. Tat twam asi, that thou art, or thou were always that. Here, ‘That’ is the Great Truth; God, Consciousness, but, we need to perceive this Great Truth, and it can be experienced during the deepest meditation. You experience the primordial state of Being in its purity, you are at once everything, and everything is you, yet you are light, like nothingness, and yet you still are.
So, let thy body be thy Yantra, your breath is your mantra; meditate! And your devotion shall be fulfilled.” The snake bowed at The Yogi’s great blessing.

Who kneels before Lord Shiva can stand before anyone.

Who kneels before Lord Shiva can stand before anyone.

Hail to the one Rudra, the one Siva, the Mahadeva, the Mahesvara, the beloved of parvati, Sarva, the origin of all gods.

Hail to the one Rudra, the one Siva, the Mahadeva, the Mahesvara, the beloved of parvati, Sarva, the origin of all gods.

Sivastotravali of Utpala, hymn 14, verse 2

Lord Shiva Shivlinga darshan,, tri-mandir Bhuj - kachchh

Lord Shiva Shivlinga darshan,, tri-mandir
Bhuj - kachchh

PASUPATINATH!!

PASUPATINATH!!

Of all the titles of Lord Shiva, Pasupatinath is an extremely powerful one and it signifies a lot. He is the Lord of creatures,thus too this is a declaration of Him being the creator! It is a title given to Him by Brahma , when, accoding to mythology, he took birth as Rudra.He was Brahma's mind born son. Shivji is widely known to be a forester: he lives in the mountains and jungles. This is a very subtle way of saying that He is a keen Ecologist: he never disturbs the balance of ecology, He respects Mother Nature and all shaivites worship Nature as a manifestation of the Divine Mother Parvati.
This is the whole of the Shiva lila: Shiva and Shakti are the God And His Universe, of which we are a part.
Jai PasupatiNath !!

(Painting by Abhishek Sagar)

Sri Kamanada Eswar Temple - Aragalur, TN

Sri Kamanada Eswar Temple - Aragalur, TN

Tanjavoor Lord Shiva Temple.

Tanjavoor Lord Shiva Temple.

You need not be afraid of where you're going when you know Lord Shiva is going with you.

You need not be afraid of where you're going
when you know Lord Shiva is going with you.

Lord Shiva shivlinga darshan from Mahakaleshwar Anjar, kachchh

Lord Shiva shivlinga darshan from Mahakaleshwar
Anjar, kachchh

It is an endeavor to renounce the gorgeous unreality in the quest of naked truth. ~Sw. Chidananda Tirtha

It is an endeavor to renounce the gorgeous unreality in the quest of naked truth.
~Sw. Chidananda Tirtha

Vayu Mudra or Mudra of Air

Vayu Mudra or Mudra of Air
In this Mudra, the tip of the index or 1st finger is touched to the base of the thumb and the thumb comes over the finger with a slight pressure of the thumb being exerted. Rest of the fingers remain straight as in the picture.

Benefits:
A. By the practice of this mudra, all vayu ,that is, air related afflictions, like Arthritis,Gout, Sciatica,Knee pain,and Gas are relieved. It especially benefits in neck pain and spinal pain.

Om Namah Shivay

WHAT IS PRADOSHAM?

WHAT IS PRADOSHAM?

Pradosham literally means the removal of sins. These times are the windows of opportunity to remove karma or karmic energies that limit our potential in this current life. Pradosha, also spelled Pradosh or Pradosham, falls on the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) during the waxing and waning phase of moon in the Hindu lunar calendar. Occurring between 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm on Trayodashi, the Pradosha time is propitious to pray Lord Shiva and invoke his blessings. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva at Pradosh day will relieve from sins and gives Moksha. Among the poojas performed by the devotees of Lord Shiva, the Pradosha puja is considered to be more auspicious. It is believed that during Pradosha period all the universal beings and Gods come down to earth and attend the worship. The importance of observing Pradosha is described in Pradosha Mahatmiyam from Shiva Purana and hence Shiva devotees observe Pradosha Pooja with high sanctity. Pradosha indicates the meeting of the Sun and the Moon in a horizontal line during their movement on their Axis.

Pradosha Vrat or Observing Pradosham

According to Hindu Puranas, the gods (Devas) and the demons (Asuras) were stirring the milky ocean to extract amrutam (nectar), with Vasuki (the serpent king) as a rope. As Vasuki underwent severe scratches due to the churning, she emitted a powerful poison which is capable of destroying the world. The helpless celestials pleaded Lord Shiva to save them. In order to save them, Lord Shiva swallowed the poison. Goddess Parvati stopped the poison in Lord’s throat and it is believed that his throat turned to blue. As a result of this, Lord Shiva came to be known as Thiruneelakandan or Neelakandan (the one with Blue Throat). It is said that on the Trayodhasi (thirteenth moon day) day, the gods and demons realized that they had committed a sin of not praying the God and prayed for forgiveness. Lord Shiva Shankar forgave them and danced in between the horns of the Nandhi’s (Celestial Bull) forehead. This time is called Pradhosham. It is believed that if anybody prays Lord Shiva during that time, He fulfills their wishes and gives them mukthi.

Shani Pradosham and Maha pradosham

Mahaa Pradosh Kalam comes yearly during the month of Maagh/Maashi before Mahaa Shiv Raatri. If the Mahaa Pradosha comes on Saturday, it is called Shani Mahaa Pradosha. Saturday is the day when Lord Shiva swallowed poison and this is called Shani (Sthira in Samskritam) Pradosha. It is categorized into three categories of importance depending upon the month on which Pradosha falls:

1) Uttama Sthira Pradosha - Maximum power - The Sthira Pradosha that comes during the months of Medam, Yedavam, akh,Karkadikom, Vruschikam, during the Growing Lunar Cycle (Shukla Paksha), i.e from New to Full moon period.

2) Madhyama Sthira Pradosha - Normal power - The Sthira Pradosha that comes during the months of Medam, Yedavam, akh,Karkadikom, Vruschikam, during Diminishing Lunar Cycle (Krishn Paksha), ie Full to New moon period.

3) Adhama Sthira Pradosha - Minimum power - All the other Sthira Pradosha. The Pradosh that falls on any Saturday is called MahaA Pradosha (Sthira Pradosh).

It is believed that each day of the week has different benefits during Pradosh time:

Sunday (Bhaanu Vaara Pradosha)
Peace to all (Mangalam to all)

Monday (Indu Vaara Pradosha)
Positive (perception) thinking

Tuesday (Bhauma Vaara Pradosha)
No Poverty (Prosperity to all)

Wednesday (Saumya Vaara Pradosha)
Blessings with progeny, Knowledge and education

Thursday (Guru Vaara Pradosha)
Divine blessings through the Pitru's, all dangers will be eliminated

Friday (Bhrgu Vaara Pradosha)
Nullifying (negativeness) opposition

Saturday (Sthira Vaara Pradosha)
Elevation (promotion) getting back the lost wealth.

Shani Pradosham and Soma Pradoshams occurs when one of the 13th moon days occurs on a Saturday or a Monday respectively. The planet Saturn is considered an Agent of Karma who delivers many of life's tougher lessons to help us refine and evolve our souls. Pradosham time are measured by the phases of the Moon.

Significance of Sani Pradosham

According to Hindu mythology, the day Saturday is dedicated to Lord Shani or Shaneeshwara, one of the Navagrahas or nine celestial gods. Lord Shani or Sani has always been related with troubles and ill effects. Moreover, all Hindus believing in astrology dread the effects of Shani over a person’s life. To overcome and avoid the adversities and misfortunes of Lord Shani, people observe fasts on Shanivar or Saturday. And when a Pradosh falls on a Saturday, it is termed as Shani Pradosh. To overcome the bad influence of Shani, devotees observe a vrat on Shani Pradosh and offering prayers to Shiva during the day.

The fast is observed from sunrise to sunset and ends with the evening puja. Since the name Pradosha literally means ‘a period just before sunset and after sunset’, the Pradosha period for prayers is from 1.5 hours before sunset and 1 hour after sunset. While most of the devotees prefer observing a strict fast by refraining from food and drinking only water, some devotees practice a partial fast by consuming fruits and water. Nonetheless, the strictness of the fast totally depends on the devotees. Even after offering the evening prayers, devotees eat only the Prasad and recommence with eating proper food only in the next morning. During the day of the fast, devotees visit Shiva temples and offer pujas and chant mantras.

Shanidev is karmarak.Shani is very powerful as he is son of Surya God and he is very powerful on Saturday evenings. Chaturthi and Tayadashi rahu is very powerful. Shaitarodayashi earlier one used to pray to Lord Shiva by which our earlier karmas in earlier birth gets cleaned up. Mahashivrati coming on Tuesday is very luck and auspicious as on Saturday Triyadashi means Shanipradosh. On this day one must donate Til to Shani God. As Shiv is Shanis favorite god so Mastor oil is poured on Shani Idol to reduce the effect of shanipradosh. Also praying to shani dev all evil things get reduced peace and calmness is formed in us. All bad karmas get removed and peaceful mind and memory is formed. By following all prayers to Shani god on Saturday night he fulfills our desires and wishes. On Sunday Surya God rearranges all the good effects on him.During Shanipradosh Black Til and White Til should be given to Shani God.

The mere sight of the Deity in a temple during this period will destroy all sins and bestow bountiful blessings and Grace upon the fortunate beholder. Even a single bilva leaf (leaf taken from the wood-apple tree) offered to the Lord at this unique, auspicious moment equals a hundred Mahapujas. It is usual to have special additional lights in the shrine during the Pradosha. To light even a single wick at this juncture is highly meritorious and productive of untold benefits, spiritual as well as material. Most fortunate and blessed is the person who performs the Pradosha Vrata, for upon him Lord Shiva showers His choicest Grace and blessings in a very short time.

Om Namah Shivay