Pathinettampadi (18 Holy Steps) Getting a makeover

Pathinettampadi (18 Holy Steps) Getting a makeover...news 8 hours ago..at Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple.

"Work on covering the 18 holy steps (Pathinettu Padi) leading to the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Ayyappa with 'panchaloha' was started.

People removing the present panchaloha covering of 'pathinettam padi' in Sabarimala

Panchaloha is an alloy consisting of gold, silver, lead, copper and iron. The ritual seeking the permission of the Lord for starting the work, was also held at the temple.

The ritual was held under the tutelage of the chief priest, Tanthri Kantararu Mahesh Mohanaru. The holy steps were washed, decked with lamps and then the 'Kalasa Pooja' and 'Kalasa Abhishekam' were conducted on the steps. The Kalasam (pot) was taken to the sanctum sanctorum in a procession led by Melsanthi Ezhikode Krishnadas Namboodiri.

After conducting Kalasa Abhiekham on the idol of Lord Ayyappa, permission of the deity was sought for covering the steps with panchaloha. The industrialist from Bengaluru, Ashok Kumar and the sculpture Dorai Babu who has been engaged for sculting the protective cover, repeated the oath read out by the devaswom manager Somasekharan Nair before the deity saying that the work would be completed within 41 days. This marks their commitment before the Lord to complete the work within the specified time.

The holy steps are considered to be equally significant and sacrosanct like the sanctum sanctorum itself. The steps constructed in Krishna sila (black granite stone) are centuries old. Pilgrims visiting the temple used to break coconut and light camphor on the steps and this has had caused considerable wear and tear over the years.

The permission for covering the steps with panchaloha was granted by the Travancore Devaswom Board headed by N.Bhaskaran Nair in 1985. The board had also provided adequate gold and silver for the purpose too. The metal cover was screwed into the steps. The sides of the steps were fixed with glass welding. Dismantling it is a difficult task.

The ritual seeking the permission of the Lord was conducted just before closing the temple after concluding the poojas for the Malayalam month of Kanni. Work on dismantling the cover began only early on Tuesday morning after all pilgrims who came for the monthly poojas left the temple premises and hence none of them could be a witness to it.

Work on fixing the new cover would begin only after removing the existing cover. Thiruvabharanam Commissioner P.R. Anitha would supervise the work on removing the cover. After gauging the weight of the metal cover, it would be recorded and moved to the devaswom store. About 4 tonnes of metal has been brought to Sabarimala for carving the new cover.

The work is scheduled to be completed before the temple opens for the poojas scheduled for the Malayalam month of Thulam. On completing the work, the new cover would be installed. Pilgrims will be given access only after the installation of the new cover, which would give a new look to the holy steps.

It's not essential to go to Trayambakeshwar to quell Kaalsarpa Dosh or Pitru dosh. Pooja can be performed anywhere besides a holy river (Haridwar/Rishikesh/Kashi//Allahabad) or in a temple of Shiva. Trayambakeshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a lot can be achieved by making a visit to the place.

It's not essential to go to Trayambakeshwar to quell Kaalsarpa Dosh or Pitru dosh. Pooja can be performed anywhere besides a holy river (Haridwar/Rishikesh/Kashi//Allahabad) or in a temple of Shiva. Trayambakeshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a lot can be achieved by making a visit to the place. Almighty has created planetary means to punish erring humans, but it has also provided for the means to quell it with the help of bhakti and mantras. If steps are taken to get rid of Kaalsarpa dosha, relief up to great extent is possible.
There are various means to pacify Kaalsarpa Dosha, if you can do just a few of them ~
Plant a Tulsi in your house.
Read Sarpa Sukta everyday.
Kaalsarpa Dosha can be pacified at Kaal Hasti Shiva temple near Tirupati as well. The same can be done at sangam in Allahabad, Trayambakeshwar near Nasik, Rishikesh, Haridwar and at Kedarnath as well.
Chant the mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya' everyday.
Do Nag Panchami Vrat and wear a ring with snake enshrined over it.
Establish Kalsarpa Yoga Yantra and worship it everyday.
Put peacock wings in your home and shop.
Donate fresh Radish. Throw coal pieces in a flowing water/river.
Do Mahamrityunjaya jap for 1 lakh and 25 thousand times. Also do Rahu-Ketu jap either yourself or seek the help of a priest.
Put coconut, lentil in flowing water. Offer Barley seeds to birds.
Do Shradh of forefathers properly during Pitru paksha.
Offer prayers to your family deity everyday.
Donate seven food grains on the days of Solar or Lunar eclipse.
Chant the mantra “ॐ रां राहवे नमः” for 72000 times.
Make a snake idol of wheat or lentil and worship it for one year. After this period, throw it in the flowing water/river and offer sacrifice to Nag Devta.
Chant Rahu and Ketu mantras 108 times everyday. Offer prayers to Goddess Saraswati and Lord Ganesha to appease Rahu and Ketu respectively.
Worship Shivalingam with holy water and milk and do rudra jap. On every Monday, rub curd over Shivalingam chanting “ॐ हर-हर महादेव” . Establish a shivalingam made of mercury in your Pooja room at house.

Love & Light ~ Om Namah Shivaya!

But the reality is this that if all planets are well posited in horoscope, it's kaal sarp yoga, not Dosha.

Been getting too many queries, so thought probably Pitru Paksha is the right time to post about Kaal Sarp Yoga/Dosha. So here we go!! Om Namah Shivaya!

Kaal Sarp Yoga/ Kaal Sarp Dosha. Kaal means time and Sarp means snake or serpent. Rahu is the head and Ketu is the tail of the serpent. Kaal Sarp Yoga is when all the planets of the horoscope are positioned between Rahu and ketu. But the reality is this that if all planets are well posited in horoscope, it's kaal sarp yoga, not Dosha. It will not be harmful, and can be supportive to beneficial results endowed by good positions of planets. Kalsarp dosh is inauspicious when position of planets is unfavorable in one's horoscope. Therefore, it is not wise to fear hearing just about Kaalsarp Dosh'.
A person has Kaal Sarp Dosha when planets between Rahu and ketu are placed unfavourably. One will have to face many troubles and unfortunate moments in his life. The remedies or rituals that you take up to counter this Dosha may change it to Kaal Sarp Yoga to some extent.‪ The remedies pacifies the malefic effects.
Sometimes, despite your hard work and dedication’ no matter how much you try, there is something which keeps pulling you down. This maybe because of the ill effects casted on you by Kaal Sarp Dosha. The effects of Kaal Sarp Yog will start showing gradually, you need to have patience and faith in what you do.
Some of the remedies are, chanting Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, Worshipping Lord Shiva and observing fasts for him. Following strict principles like, non alcoholism, going vegetarian. By doing all these Kaal Sarp Dosha will slowly relieve you from your ill fate. Tarpan reduces the Ill effects of kaal sarp dosha. It is believed that the rituals of Shradh are helpful in reducing the effect of Kaal Sarp Dosha. So, Pitru Paksha will help in reducing the effect of Kaal Sarp Dosha, if you preform Brahman bhoj, pind daan and observe Shradh.

Human can live about 20 days without food. About 3 days without water, 5 minutes without air, but not a second with out hope.

Human can live about 20 days without food. About 3 days without water, 5 minutes without air, but not a second with out hope. Yes, always be hopeful, set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace of divine. Unexpected results and problems are part of life. In difficult times, negative thoughts will tell you, “it’s never going to change, you’re never going to get out of this problem.” ‪But down deep you’ve gotta know, favour is headed your way. Keep reminding yourself that God is watching and he always protects his children. Hope till the end, keep believing for God’s favour. Wake up in the morning expecting it to turn around. You cannot be defeated. You may be in a tough time, but that setback is simply a setup for a greater comeback. The winds that are trying to stop you, all God has to do is shift the direction, and instead of holding you back, they will push you forward. you’re about to be thrust into the fullness of your destiny. If you will have this attitude of faith, knowing that you cannot be defeated, God will do for you what you couldn’t do on your own. You gonna rise above every obstacle and become everything God has created you to be. Just be patient and have faith!
Love, Light & Peace ~ Har Har Mahadev ~ Boom Shankar!
Namaste ~ Shubh Prabhat ~ Sarva Jana Sukhino Bhavantu!

In Varanasi you will find Shiv Lingams by the thousands

In Varanasi you will find Shiv Lingams by the thousands. Every street, every corner, every alley has numerous shrines and little temples, and all contains shivlingams. Om Namah Shivaya ~ Har Har Mahadev Shambhu Kashi Vishwanath Gange!!

TRANCES OF SHIVA

TRANCES OF SHIVA

Do not Alight
O Mahadeva,
From your mystic session
To watch Sati ablaze;
Followed by the fire in your own eye,
And then
Your frozen silence.

Do not fall asleep
After the venom at Manthana
Leaving Parvati to awaken you from the slumber
Of such chivalry.

Do not awaken O Mahadeva
To see Ganesa victorious
Kartikeya hurt, again,
Not understanding your spiritual lesson at tender age.

Do not awaken O Mahadeva
As Lakshman resuscitated on the battle field,
Chanting feverishly 'rescue mother Sita, rescue mother Sita !'
Only having to desert her,
Again.

Do not awaken Mahadeva, as Mahakala
Witnessing the myriad misery of Kurukshetra,
Listening to your own Krishna speaking in earnest to Arjun,
Teaching the indefiability to TIME,
A vital lesson and introduction to you.

Do not awaken O Mahadeva,
On crucifixion day
Watching Jesus and Judas
And the agony of knowing
Your essence was in both.

Do not awaken, O Mahadeva,
In the later forgetfulness,
As ‘SHE’ was being faded away in fervent search of God as HE;

Yet Gorakh the Natha
Running one to another,knowing both,
Divine messenger.

Do not watch O Mahadeva
Her as Lalli
Seeking you desperately in a paradise you named Kashmir
And 107 times more
As named yoginis and unnamed winds.

Or forget yourself once, as Viveka
Without her, Ananda?
And yet you smiled at the tears and gently said
O Devi, I pain too, for whose separation was greater?

Know all! Mahadeva!!
Know thyself, by any role,in any time,
But awaken here, with us all,
And take us to the fullness of your Shivohum ,
As us.

{ This poem was written in 1998. It is a description of how i have seen Shiva Mahadeva. A mystic answer to Stephen Hawking as a brief History of TIME } .

Everything in life is or can be poison, unconscious emotions – anger, fear, hate, jealousy, greed, cowardice, etc, run our life.

Shiva, Nilakantha, the Deva whose throat is blue from being able to drink poison and not be harmed by it. There is an important lesson to be drawn from Nilakantha Deva. Everything in life is or can be poison, unconscious emotions – anger, fear, hate, jealousy, greed, cowardice, etc, run our life. Or it might be more appropriate to say they ruin our life. They are unconscious because they take possession of us often for no rational reason. And they eat away our energy.

Understand the unconscious nature of these emotions, how they function, and use their energy positively, Turn a Life's poison into nector. Emotions are energies. And unconscious emotions can be transformed by the alchemy of awareness into their opposite, positive values. fear can become love, anger can become compassion, hatred can become friendliness, lust can become creativity. It is the same energy, transformed through understanding.
Meditate on HIS name, watch all the ways of the mind - greed, desire, ambition, jealousy, possessiveness ~ one day you will find they are not there. Their power was in being unconscious. They have no other reality. So as soon as you shine the light of awareness on them, they disappear. Move close to HIm. Don't try to know him, love him first..and the light will shine on you.

The massive 70 foot long and 30 feet tall "miracle boulder" that apperared out of nowhere, and lodged itself just behind the shrine, thus diverting and splitting the rampaging flood waters from sweeping away the Kedarnath Temple.

Sharing this incredible picture of Kedarnath ji.With the words:

The massive 70 foot long and 30 feet tall "miracle boulder" that apperared out of nowhere, and lodged itself just behind the shrine, thus diverting and splitting the rampaging flood waters from sweeping away the Temple.

The rest of the town all got completely swept away exactly 2 years ago in 2013, killing thousands of pilgrims who were camped there for the night.

This boulder is now considered sacred and worshiped as a manifestation of Lord Shiva's bull "Nandi" .... the one who protects his temples from harm.

Aum Namah Shivaye.

Pitra Dosha is not a curse by the forefathers or ancestors. It's the karmic debt of the ancestors, and is to be paid by the person having Pitra Dosha in the horoscope.

Pitra Dosha is not a curse by the forefathers or ancestors. It's the karmic debt of the ancestors, and is to be paid by the person having Pitra Dosha in the horoscope. Pitra Dosha is formed in the horoscope of the person, when his forefathers or ancestors have performed some mistakes, crimes or sins. Miseries in life are often because of Pitru Dosh. Pitra Dosh is affliction in horoscope that arises due to not getting Nirvana to soul of departed forefathers. It mainly occurs when dead forefathers and ancestors did not get peace or proper salvation. ‪it is believed that if anyone in the family do not offer water and food to their dead ancestors, ignore them in shradh-pooja or do not perform any custom for pacification of their soul, Pitra Dosh is formed in birth-chart.
It is believed that soul of your ancestors or departed forefathers earnestly search for Moskha, if their death was unnatural or occurred at their early age. Due to premature death, their souls do not get Nirvana and wander on earth aimlessly. Second reason is if their strong desires are not accomplished before death, they leave the earth without peace of mind and their some wishes are remained attached with the soul of the ancestors. At such situation also they do not get salvation. Third, if cremation or Antim Sanskar of dead body of the person could not be performed due to any circumstance the soul of the departed person is to be said without salvation. Fourth, evil deeds and sin also binds the person for not getting Moksha.

Due to this affliction, the married couples can see delay in birth of children. Massive and meaningless clashes among family members and disharmony in married life can be occurred due to this affliction, heavy obstacles in proper growth of career whether it is about education or profession, disturbance in path of one’s success. The financial instability and repeated shortage of money, If the person does not respect their elders and ignore to remember their ancestors in any significant occasion in life, it leads to the formation of Pitru Dosh.
If the person really wants to be free from panic effects of Pitru Dosh, the one should perfroms Shradh Pooja to pacify the soul of departed forefathers and ancestors. Shradh Pooja even can clean all sinful acts and bad deeds committed by the ancestors. It is believed that performing Shradh Pooja during Pitru Paksha on kirshna paksh of Bhadrapad-Ashwin (Septemeber-October) month is very auspicious to pacify soul of departed ancestors. Performing pooja on Pitru Paksha will certainly pacify souls of your dead ancestor.

The person afflicted with Pitra Dosh should also perform Shradh Pooja on every Amavasya (no moon day). One of the beneficial remedy to reduce effects of Pitru Dosh is putting kheer in the ash of cow dung cake during every no moon day (amavasya) and by remembering your ancestor by saying that you deeply apologise for your mistakes. This customs should be performed in South direction. Offering Pind Dan is also one of the great ways to pacify soul of departed ancestors. But, certain rituals should be performed at Shradh places while performing this custom. Offer food to dead ancestors during Shradh Pooja.

The most important point, always remember or recall your ancestors for all your significant occasion in home or life. Giving respect to elders can also be the best way to please the soul of ancestors. The person afflicted by Pitri Dosha can also feed cows and fish the rice balls made up of cooked rice and Ghee. This ritual should be performed on every Saturday. Offering prayers to Sun and chanting Gayatri mantra are other ways to strengthen position of Sun in horoscope and reduce troubles invoked by Pitra Dosh.

Om Namo Vishnave Prabhavishnave ~ Om Namah Shivaya!

Sometimes in spite of practicing self-love, noticing the infinite blessings in life, you still have days when those odd feelings sneak up on you. You just feel depressed.

Sometimes in spite of practicing self-love, noticing the infinite blessings in life, you still have days when those odd feelings sneak up on you. You just feel depressed. Perhaps all of us do, but many of us are afraid to admit it. If you feel anxious because you constantly feel like you’re missing out on something happening somewhere else, you’re not alone. like the grass is greener somewhere else at this very moment. But let me assure that you could run around trying to do everything, and travel around the world and party all night long but you could never do it all. You will always be missing something. ‪So let it go, and realise you have everything right now. The best in life isn’t somewhere else, it’s right where you are, at this moment. Celebrate the fact that you are alive right now. This moment, and who you are, is absolutely perfect. Take a deep breath, smile, and notice the green grass under your own two feet. Reach out to someone, talk to someone you are close to, don't bottle up your feelings out of fear that You would be judged. Listen to music, go for a walk, take a nap. Go to the feet of Shiva in your mind, in the temple, at your home and Pray! Pray for strength and wisdom. Chant his name endlessly. And remember Nobody is happy all of the time. It’s perfectly normal to experience considerable fluctuations in your level of happiness or your mood from day to day! Love, Light & Peace ~ Jai Shiva Shankar ~ Om Namah Shivaya!
Shubh Prabhat ~ Namaste ~ God Bless All!!

Holy places of pilgrimage where Shradh or Pitra Paksha Rituals can be performed.

Holy places of pilgrimage where Shradh or Pitra Paksha Rituals can be performed.
1- Brahman Bhoj or Tarpan or Pitru Dosha Pooja at Ayodhaya is very beneficial. According to Atharva Veda, Ayodhya is said to be "a city built by gods and being as prosperous as paradise itself."

2- Bodh Gaya is a sacred city, located in the state of Bihar. This city is considered highly auspicious by Hindu, Jains and Buddhists religions. Gaya is considered significant to Hindus from the point of view of salvation to the souls of ancestors (a ritual called pinda daan). According to Ramayana, Lord Rama came to Gaya along with Sita for Pitrupaksha (or to perform pindadaan). Is is believed that people who perform the rituals of shradh on the bank of River Falgu, their ancestors receive heaven.

3- Kashi is a Mukti Dham. Death at Varanasi brings salvation. It's said to be the ‘Spiritual Capital of India’. Varanasi or Kashi, situated amidst Ganga banks, is one of the holy Hindu seven cities (Sapta Puri) in India. This city is also known as ‘the city of temples’, ‘the city of learning’ and ‘the oldest living city on Earth’. This city is the abode of one of Jyotirlinga Kashivishwanatha. So offer Brahman Bhoj or perform Shradh rituals at this very holy abode of Lord Shiva, ‘Varanasi’ and seek peace and liberation for your ancestors.

4- Dwarka is one of the Char Dhams along with Rameshwaram, Badrinath and Puri. And Dwarakadhish temple is built here. You can perform Brahman Bhoj at this very holy abode of Lord Krishna ‘Dwarka’ and seek peace and moksha (soul liberation) for your ancestors. Pindarak is 30 kms from Dwarka in Gujarat. Here is a Sarovar where people perform Shradh rituals. It is believed that place had the ashram of Maharshi Durvasa. After Mahabharat, the Pandavas had come here to perform the Shradh rituals for all the dead ones in their family. They had made an iron pind, which started swimming in the Sarovar. Since then the all thy pinds are flown in this Sarovar.

5- You can also offer Brahman Bhoj at "Varanasi of the South" - Rameshwaram. This place holds Dual importance as, It is one among the twelve “Jyotirlingams” and It is also included in the “Chardhams”. Rameshwaram is an important pilgrimage for both Vaishnavaites and Shaivites. Lord Rama Worshipped Shiva here to get rid of Brahmanhatya.

6- Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh is famous for performing Shradh rituals. This place is famous for two things – Shradh puja and offering hair/ shaving head. Many widows also shave their heads here. According to religious beliefs, performing shradh rituals here frees the spirit of the dead one from the bondage of life and death. Allahabad or Prayagraj is the place where Sangam (meeting) of holy rivers, namely Saraswati, Yamuna and Ganges, takes place. This is the city of highest cultural value where the world famous ‘Kumbh Mela’ is hosted. According to the Vedas, Prayag existed during the Vedic Period. It is said that Brahma, the creator of Universe performed a spiritual sacrifice at the holy place of Prayag (Allahabad). It is the birthplace of sacred Vedas and famous epics – ‘Ramayana’ & ‘Mahabhartha’.

7- Brahman Bhoj or Pitru dosh Pooja or Shradh rituals can also be performed at Haridwar and Rishikesh. Haridwar, also known as Gangadwara, Gateway of Moksha, is considered as one of the seven holiest places. Haridwar literally means Gateway to God. "Hari Ka Dwaar ~ Abode of Lord Vishnu". If there is one place on Earth that brings you closest to God, it is the holy land of Haridwar.

8- Meghankar is the shrine of Lord Janardan. It is situated in Maharashtra around 75 kms from Khamgaon. Bathing here has an importance. This pilgrimage has been mentioned in scriptures like Brahmapuran, Padmapuran, etc. it is located on the banks of River Panganga. It is believed that all the dead one who had committed sins too get moksha here provided their shradh rituals are performed by their family members here.

9- brahmakapal and Kedarnatha in Uttarakhand Are holy places for performing Shradh rituals. People pray here for peace for their dead ancestors. Brahmakapal is located near Badrinath Dham. It is believed that people who perform the Shradh puja and rituals in Brahmakapal need not perform the rituals again ever as the rituals once performed here gives heaven to the departed souls. Alaknanda River flows near this place. The Pandavas had prayed for peace of their departed family members souls.

10- Pitrupaksha Pooja or Shradh rituals are also performed at Triyambakeshwar Jyotirlinga Nasik. Pooja at Triyambakeshwar is of great significance as All those who have kaalsarp dosham in their chart get rid of the dosham. And it purifies ones soul and it's believed that it takes one closer to Moksha or salvation!

Om Namo Narayana ~ Shivaya Namah Om!!

The True Importance Of Brahman Bhoj

The True Importance Of Brahman Bhoj ~
Brahman Bhoj is the ritualistic feeding of Brahmins in order to get their blessings which can have powerful effect on the lives of devotees. Brahmins are associated with the performance of all the Vedic rituals. It is said that Brahmins have taken birth from the mouth of Lord Brahma. They are highly knowledgeable about Vedic texts. It is said that unless a Brahmin prays to the Gods through chants, God cannot come and attend the puja rituals of men. Hence, donating or feeding Brahmins is considered very fruitful. Brahman bhoj is considered highly auspicious. Brahman Bhoj is practiced on diverse occasions such as child’s birth, upanayana(the sacred thread ceremony, pitrupaksh, marriage and even Death. The purpose of Brahm-bhoj is to get their blessings, gain punya and satisfy the souls of forefathers.
One legend points out the significance of feeding Brahmins. It's mentioned in Mahabharata, Karna donated a lot of material wealth as charity to the poor and downtrodden. But he had never offered food to them. When Karna had gone to heaven after his death, he was offered many riches and unbound materialistic pleasures. But he did not get any food. He understood the cause of this and prayed to Yamraja to go back to earth for a fortnight, in order to donate food to Brahmins and the needy.

These 14 days were known as Pitru Paksha and was an auspicious time for charitable donations to Brahmins. When Karna returned to heaven he was greeted with abundant food and he was quite grateful. Thus in order to gain fulfillment and spiritual peace in the afterlife, Brahman bhoj is an effective ritual. Brahmins or the messengers of God were born from Lord Brahma’s mouth. Pleasing them can please the souls of our ancestors and gain salvation or mukti for them. These ceremonies are usually performed at holy locations like Kashi, Bodh Gaya, Dakshineshwar, Kalighat and Haridwar; as they are the most effective sacred places.

Significance Of Brahman Bhoj During Shradh Ritual
1. Shradh is an important Hindu ritual performed by individuals in order to ensure salvation for the souls of one’s departed ancestors.
2. Family members of a dead person pay their respects to the dead person’s soul and offer prayers in order to liberate the departed from the cycle of life and death.
3. According to the Bhagavad Gita, all souls undergo this endless cycle of life and death, until they attain salvation or Moksha and ultimately unite with Brahman or the supreme soul.
4. Shradh removes Pitra Dosh or the absolution of sins that a soul might have committed during its past lives. This is very crucial in order for a departed soul to gain complete peace and liberation.
5. Shradh is also important in order to seek the blessings of our ancestors and remove any harmful karmic influences that might be harming their souls.
6. With the assistance and under the guidance of Brahmin priests, the relatives of a person are able to connect to the wandering souls of their dearly departed and wish their final goodbyes.
Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya Namah ~ Om Namah Shivaya!

Lord Shiva seated on a throne. This is a philosophical depiction, Shivji normally does not sit on a throne, but on a mountain stone!!

Shail Gulhati: Shiva and Mysticism.

Lord Shiva seated on a throne. This is a philosophical depiction, Shivji normally does not sit on a throne, but on a mountain stone!! It is from there that the mountain winds carry His lofty message for all mankind, From there that His fabulous revelations on life and Divinity emanate. He is the uncrowned King of His beloved Ganas, who are People who love him endlessly and would live a million lifetimes just to be near Him.
We will be writing about this in the forthcoming book SHIVA, Flight of the Ultimate time traveler.

When there is neither light nor darkness, neither form nor energy, neither sound nor matter, when there is no manifestation of phenomenal existence,

When there is neither light nor darkness, neither form nor energy, neither sound nor matter, when there is no manifestation of phenomenal existence, Shiva alone exists in Himself.! Timeless, spaceless, birthless, deathless, decayless. He is beyond the pairs of opposites. He is the Absolute Brahman. He is untouched by pleasure and pain, good and evil. He cannot be seen by the eyes...but He can be realised within the heart ...realise him now , sing his praises, be devoted to him, chant his name ~ Har Har Mahadev

JATADHARI BABA

JATADHARI BABA

One of Shivji's most evident and also attractive features in apperance, is His Hair.
And There is a belief amongst Shaivite Sadhus that all beings have emerged from Shiva's Jattas( matlock hair). Each strand represents a tribe. We all come from Him, and to Him shall we return.
This picture gives such a peaceful feeling of the Sadhus story.Does it not? smile emoticon

Pitru Paksha or Shraadh, starting September 28 and ending on October 12. Performing Tarpan in Pitru Paksha or Shraadh is a way of remembering, thanksgiving and honouring the ancestors for whatever they have given to the present generations.

Pitru Paksha or Shraadh, starting September 28 and ending on October 12. Performing Tarpan in Pitru Paksha or Shraadh is a way of remembering, thanksgiving and honouring the ancestors for whatever they have given to the present generations. It is a way of telling them that they are still an important part of the family and they still reside in our memories. Period of Shraadh is also known as Pitru Paksha. Pitru Dosha arises if one does not perform the rituals of Tarpan in Shradh.‪ The idea is to remember the ancestors with gratitude. Shradh is a Sanskrit word, which literally means "anything done with sincerity and faith." "Shradh" also means “Shraddha" which means unconditional reverence. The next life of a Jeeva is essentially determined by its previous Samskaras. Shradh, as such, is performed with the objective that a Jeeva may attain a better life in its next birth.
Every year, an important period of 16 days (Pitru Paksha or Shraadh) is dedicated to the ancestors or forefathers. Pitru Paksha is considered perfect for performing Tarpan rituals. It is believed that the rituals performed during Shraddh produces best results for pleasing the ancestors.
Shradh or Tarpan ritual is also performed on the death anniversary of the departed family member. His or her favourite food items and clothes are offered to Brahmins. Brahmins consume the food items and except the offerings and it is believed that finally they reached to our ancestors or forefathers. Pitru Paksha or Shraadh is considered as an inauspicious period for starting of any new venture and shopping of new clothes or any household item. People donate clothes and other items to Brahmins. people do not buy or wear new clothes and do not get a haircut during the period of Shradh. On the day of this ritual, male members of the family do not even shave and women do not wash their hair on that particular day. Auspicious ceremonies are not performed during Shradhs.
Anna-Daan (offerings of food) is one of the greatest Daans. Before Shradh, you do "Sankalp" which means, you are not offering this food for your own benefit but for the parents. Feeding the Brahmins is not the only way. You can feed the poor, the sick or orphans. Feeding the orphans is an excellent way to remember your ancestors. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Food offered in the Anna-Daan does not reach the dead, they get the good energies as a result of your good karmas. They, in turn send their blessings to the family!!
Om Vishnave Namah ~ Om Namah Shivaya!

"Whatever happened, happened for the good. whatever is happening, is also happening for the good. Whatever will happen will also happen for the good. You need not have any regrets for the past, worry for the future. Present is happening, live the moment!" Simple mantra for life, let go and let God! The key is detachment, letting go of the life you expected, so you can make the best of the life that’s waiting for you. Accept the truth and be grateful for the experiences that made you laugh, made you cry, and helped you learn and grow. ‪#‎TheShivaTribe‬ .Letting go is the acceptance of everything you have, everything you once had, and the possibilities that lie ahead. It’s all about finding the strength to embrace life’s challenges and changes, to trust your intuition, to learn as you go, to realise that every experience has value, and to continue taking positive steps forward. Embrace your mistakes. Life is a ride. Things change, people change, but you will always be you. So stay true to yourself and never sacrifice who you are for anyone or anything. You have to dare to be yourself, in this moment, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be. It’s about realising that even on your weakest days you get a little bit stronger. Discover thyself, you are strong! Love, Peace & Gratitude ~ Jai Shiva Shankar ~ Om Namah Shivaya!!! Shubh Somvar ~ Namaste ~ Happy & Blessed Monday !

""Whatever happened, happened for the good. whatever is happening, is also happening for the good. Whatever will happen will also happen for the good. You need not have any regrets for the past, worry for the future. Present is happening, live the moment!" Simple mantra for life, let go and let God! The key is detachment, letting go of the life you expected, so you can make the best of the life that’s waiting for you. Accept the truth and be grateful for the experiences that made you laugh, made you cry, and helped you learn and grow. ‪#‎TheShivaTribe‬ .Letting go is the acceptance of everything you have, everything you once had, and the possibilities that lie ahead. It’s all about finding the strength to embrace life’s challenges and changes, to trust your intuition, to learn as you go, to realise that every experience has value, and to continue taking positive steps forward. Embrace your mistakes. Life is a ride. Things change, people change, but you will always be you. So stay true to yourself and never sacrifice who you are for anyone or anything. You have to dare to be yourself, in this moment, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be. It’s about realising that even on your weakest days you get a little bit stronger. Discover thyself, you are strong! Love, Peace & Gratitude ~ Jai Shiva Shankar ~ Om Namah Shivaya!!!
Shubh Somvar ~ Namaste ~ Happy & Blessed Monday !Present is happening, live the moment!" Simple mantra for life, let go and let God! The key is detachment, letting go of the life you expected, so you can make the best of the life that’s waiting for you. Accept the truth and be grateful for the experiences that made you laugh, made you cry, and helped you learn and grow. ‪Letting go is the acceptance of everything you have, everything you once had, and the possibilities that lie ahead. It’s all about finding the strength to embrace life’s challenges and changes, to trust your intuition, to learn as you go, to realise that every experience has value, and to continue taking positive steps forward. Embrace your mistakes. Life is a ride. Things change, people change, but you will always be you. So stay true to yourself and never sacrifice who you are for anyone or anything. You have to dare to be yourself, in this moment, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be. It’s about realising that even on your weakest days you get a little bit stronger. Discover thyself, you are strong! Love, Peace & Gratitude ~ Jai Shiva Shankar ~ Om Namah Shivaya!!!
Shubh Somvar ~ Namaste ~ Happy & Blessed Monday !

Negative emotions can be described as any feeling which causes you to be miserable and sad.

Negative emotions can be described as any feeling which causes you to be miserable and sad. These emotions make you dislike yourself and others, and take away your confidence. Negative emotions can dampen your enthusiasm for life, depending on how long you let them affect you. It stops you from thinking and behaving rationally and seeing situations in their true perspective. This only prolongs the anger or grief and prevents you from enjoying life. ‪The longer this goes on, the more entrenched the problem becomes. Dealing with negative emotions inappropriately can also be harmful. However you should not bottle them up either, which is harmful for your body. It's important to acknowledge emotions, especially distressing ones, and airing them from time to time is as important.
A positive attitude is important in having success in life. Negative thinking can have a devastating impact on all aspects of our lives. Getting drawn into a pattern of negative thinking can be likened to building a prison in your own mind. It holds you captive. It's always possible to turn things around and cultivate inner peace and happiness. With proper understanding and a little practice you can transform your life from the inside out. If I can do it, why can't you!
Don’t blow things out of proportion by going over them time and again in your mind. Try to accept that bad feelings are occasionally unavoidable and think of ways to make yourself feel better. Recognise negative thought patterns which serve no real purpose and directly cause negative emotions, which are a reflection of our thoughts. Once you identify these thought patterns as they occur you can start to have a choice about how to react. When any bad thought arises, ask yourself "is it useful?" If not then let to go. Think of something thats pleasant. This repeated process will prevent useless thoughts from bothering you. Learn to Relax, read, walk or talk to a friend. Exercise, it lowers your level of stress and allows you to cope better with negative emotions. Avoid negative people who insist on daily drama and negative talk. They produce negative vibes and the whole aura becomes negative. Even if this includes your family, you can avoid them. Let go of the past, constantly going over negative events robs you of the present and makes you feel bad!! Love, light & Peace ~ Jai Shiva Shankar!

Nirvana Shatakam or Atma Shatakam as it is popularly known, is a śloka in six stanzas written by the great Ādi Śaṅkaracharya summarizing the basic teachings of Advaita Vedanta, or the Hindu teachings of non-dualism.

Nirvana Shatakam or Atma Shatakam as it is popularly known, is a śloka in six stanzas written by the great Ādi Śaṅkaracharya summarizing the basic teachings of Advaita Vedanta, or the Hindu teachings of non-dualism. As a young boy of eight Adi Sankara, while wandering in the Himalayas, seeking to find his Guru, encountered a sage who asked him, “Who are you?” The boy answered with these stanzas, which are known as “Nirvana Shatakam” or Atma Shatakam”. The sage the boy was talking to was Swami Govindpada Acharya, who was indeed, the teacher he was looking for. “Nirvana” is complete equanimity, peace, tranquility, freedom and joy. “Atma” is the True Self. These few verses can be of tremendous value to progress in contemplation practices that lead to Self-Realisation. The speaker of the poem is nominally Śiva, but it is generally seen as a statement by a knowing person of identity with Śiva or Brahmān. The speaker lists in the earlier verses what he (or Brahmān) is not. He is not body or mind, nor the things that attach them to each other and to the world, including the intellect, the senses, the practices of life, the occurrences of life such as birth and death. In the last verse he says that he permeates the universe, and that he is consciousness, bliss and the soul, and by implication, the Atman and Brahmān.

Ganesh visarjan: Colourful farewell to Ganpati Bappa Morya in Jammu.

Ganesh visarjan: Colourful farewell to Ganpati Bappa Morya in Jammu.

what thoughts does this vibrant image of Shivji bring to your mind?

what thoughts does this vibrant image of Shivji bring to your mind?

In life you'll realize that there is a purpose for every person you meet. Some are there to test you, some will use you, some will teach you, and some will bring out the best in you.

In life you'll realize that there is a purpose for every person you meet. Some are there to test you, some will use you, some will teach you, and some will bring out the best in you. This is One of the most valuable principles a person may ever learn in their lifetime. Some people are in your life to be your genuine friend, and to just help you become the best you that they may possibly help you to become. Some people are in your life to test you, to show you that things may not always be what you think they may seem. Some people are in your life to teach you. Sometimes we are full of gifts and talents that we have no clue that are inside of us, and some are put in our lives to help us to see these gifts out of our hearts and to develop them. Some people are in your life solely for themselves. But it is these people who will also teach you many lessons, one must be careful to let a fool bring him to their own level. Different people will teach us all different things, but in every lesson one must always remember that life is too short to hold on to anger and spite. Take the lessons you learn in your past, and use them to help the person you have become today 

O Mighty Shiva, indeed indebted to you...You take our burdens away and show us the perfect way

O Mighty Shiva, indeed indebted to you.
So also gods and demons and all life in the universe.
Even Brahma the creator and Vishnu the preserver.
An act of supreme sacrifice, you continue till date,
As we churn the ocean of life, and face the poison
Of our karmic acts, knowing not what to do, where to go,
You take our burdens away and show us the perfect way
Har Har Har Har Mahadev !! 

You grieve for those whom you should not grieve for. You grieve in vain.

"You grieve for those whom you should not grieve for. You grieve in vain. While speaking learned words, you are mourning for what is not worthy of grief. Those who are wise lament neither for the living nor the dead." Krishna ‪ Reflect on these words and These will keep worry, fear, and anxiety away from you. The world is somebody's creation. We are all somebody's creation. He who created us - not our earthly father, knows how to protect us. The wheat of which was prepared the bread you ate this morning, grew some time ago, at His bidding. He knows our needs long before they arise. We need not be anxious at all, knowing that God is omnipresent - is everywhere, omniscient - knows everything, and omnipotent - can do anything. We need not be anxious, therefore, that He is not here to protect us, that He does not know our problems, or that He may not be able to help us. "Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be." He is the maintainer of innumerable living beings, in terms of their different situations according to individual work. He is alive in the heart of every living being. One who can see, within and without, the same Supreme Lord, can actually attain to perfect and eternal peace.! Don't cloud your mind with fear and worries, give them to him, offer your sufferings to him, he will take care for he cares for you!
Love, Blessings & Peace! Hari Om Tat Sat Namah Shivaya ~ Jai Bholenath!
Namaste ~ Aapka Din Shubh Ho!

Yes, Shiva the benevolent! The Almighty Shiva, the Generous one, destroys all evils and eliminate our adversities. He help us in our progress

Khud Ko rakh lapete firte, Auro Ko Dete Dhan Dhaan. Devon ke Hith Vish Pee Dala NeelKanth Ko Koti Pranaam!" 
Yes, Shiva the benevolent! The Almighty Shiva, the Generous one, destroys all evils and eliminate our adversities. He help us in our progress if we are His deserving devotees. He loves all of us and wants to bestow all His grace upon us, but it is our infirmities, our vices that hinder or limit the flow of His blessings. His grace is like the water-laden clouds.‪ The clouds shower the treasure of rains without discrimination wherever they fall. But how much water a pond or a pot would collect from the rain depends upon its own capacity. If we deserve, we will surely be blessed by Shiva’s enormous generosity. His blessings will continue to grow as our abilities, our merits increase and we shall get everything that a true devotee of Shankar deserves. Perform jalabhishek to please Shiva. During sagar manthan when deadly poison emerged from the depth of the sea, Shiva drank this poison to save mankind. Although he did not let the poison reach his stomach, He felt the fired side effects of the poison. This is why offering water to Lord Shiva is considered good. offering water to Lord Shiva appeases him and helps us attain moksha, salvation from the cycle of birth and death. Water represents knowledge and ignorance is considered the reason behind the cycle of birth and death. Water even gives us the message that we should live in harmony with others just as water mixes with everything. Water also represents purity! Peace ~ Boom Shankar!!!

Kindness to yourself does not result in unkindness to others.

It is important to be kind to oneself, as important as kindness to others. In fact, kindness to others can only begin with kindness to yourself, you can only give what you have. Only, make sure kindness to yourself does not result in unkindness to others.

SAMADHI

Beautiful picture of Shivji just for you..
Once again, i conjoin with a poem from the book NAAM ROOP- A Tribute to the Divine

SAMADHI

Flockless
O space
I am
shepherd of here
and now
what is time?
who are lost
and
what, is found.

"He who through his mind, speech and action does work that is against his varnashrama dharma (duites as per his caste) falls into hell."

"varṇāśramaviruddhaṃ ca karma kurvanti ye narāḥ, karmaṇā manasā bācā nirayeṣu patantite " ~ Vishnu Purana. 
"He who through his mind, speech and action does work that is against his varnashrama dharma (duites as per his caste) falls into hell." 
Sins, there are many kinds. There are so many kinds mentioned in our scriptures that categorising them would be difficult. Generally, a sin is committed when the prescribed laws of the sages are violated either by mind, body or speech. So there are these main three kinds of sins, Sins committed by the body , the mind and by speech. Sins committed by body are - appropriation of un-offered wealth, slaughter without sanction and adultery.
Sins committed by speech are harsh speech, telling a lie, backbiting and idle or irrelevant talk.
Sins committed by mind are thought of injuring another by thought or deed and identification of the self with the body.
To remove these sins and purify our heart 'Tapas is advised at three levels- at the level of the body, the mind and at level of speech.‪ By the practice of penance at these three levels- the mind, the senses and the body are , as if, put on fire and "heated". Just as the impurities of gold are burnt out when it is heated by fire and the purest ore is thus obtained, even so the impurities of man are removed by performing this 'Tapas'.
By worship of God, and in observance of straightforwardness, continence and harmlessness, the sins committed by the body are removed.
By speaking speech that is beneficial, truthful and agreeable- as well as with the wholesome study of the Vedas and practice of Japa, the sins committed by speech are removed. For such a person would never lie, backbite or speak harsh speech or indulge in idle talk.
By maintaining cheerfulness of the mind, having a habit of constant meditation on God, and having control of mind ; the sins committed by the mind are eradicated. For such a person slowly weakens his identification with the body.
The penance or tapas at all these levels- can be Sattviks, Rajasika or Tamasika.
A Sattvika Tapas is done without any desire for a reward with full faith in God.
A Rajasika Tapas is performed to secure respect, for object of showing to others- and its result is transient.
A Tamasika Tapas is done through perversity with torture to the body, mind with the object of causing injury to another.
Both Sattvika and Rajasika Tapas no doubt will save a man from the commission of new sins, so long he is engaged in its practice.
Hari Om Tat Sat Namah Shivaya!!