LEARNING FROM SHIVA

 

LEARNING FROM SHIVA

We all come from Shiva tattva, the primal God energy.

But Mahadeva Shiva Himself, is the highest knower of this energy.

In the great legend of Amarnath, He tells Devi Parvati the

Srishti rahasya- secret of how creation is done.

And then, at her behest, undertakes to teach it to their children.

Starting with Kartikji and Ganeshji, everyone can learn, because again, we are all His children. But our own effort must be like the Sapt rishis, or then like the great rishis of Kashmir, Vasugupta, who learnt the Siva Sutras from Mahadeva Himself, through utmost devotion and faith .

Aum Namah Shivaye .

~ Shail Gulhati: Shiva and Mysticism.

Ganesh Chaturthi/Vinayagar Chaturthi 2025: Significance, Date and time

 

In the heart of India's vibrant festival calendar lies Ganesh Chaturthi, a joyful celebration that honours Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity. Every year, on Ganesh Chaturthi, we celebrate to honour Lord Ganesh, whom we lovingly call the remover of obstacles. The festival marks the beginning on the fourth day of the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada, which usually spans August and September. His presence brings joy and blessings, guiding us through life's challenges with grace and wisdom.

Why is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated?

In various regions, this auspicious occasion is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayagar Chaturthi, reflecting the diverse cultural traditions. During Ganesh Chaturthi, we honour the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Ganesha is affectionately known as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the auspicious god of beginnings. During this auspicious time, devotees fervently seek his blessings, believing in his power to bestow success, wisdom, and prosperity upon all who pay homage to him.

According to the Scriptures, the spread of the Bhakti movement from the 7th to the 17th century, the Ganapatya sect gained popularity, notably through figures like Sri Morya Gosavi (13th or 17th century), who propagated its teachings in the northern regions.

Later, during the Maratha Empire and under the influence of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, also known as Lokmanya Tilak, an Indian nationalist, there was a concerted effort to unite all Hindu Indians under the common deity of Ganesha. Tilak played a crucial role in promoting and expanding Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, turning it into a grand and unifying event on a mass scale. Thus, in the North region of India, this joyous festival spans over ten days, culminating in a heartfelt ritual.

In the southern regions such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, Ganesh Chaturthi is typically celebrated for one day, with similar rituals observed as in the northern regions.

Rituals and Celebrations across India

• Pranapratishtha: The deity's presence in the idol marks the sacred moment when life is ceremoniously infused into the idol of Lord Ganesha, symbolizing his divine presence among his devotees.

• Shodashopachara: A special pooja comprising sixteen traditional rituals unfolds with meticulous devotion, each step a heartfelt homage to Lord Ganesha's grace and blessings.

• Ganesh Visarjan: The poignant conclusion of the festival involves devotees bidding farewell to Ganesh idols by immersing them in water, symbolizing his return to Mount Kailash, accompanied by prayers and heartfelt farewells.

• Family Rituals: In the quiet sanctum of their homes, families come together in reverence during Ganesh Chaturthi. They perform intricate rituals, chanting sacred mantras that resonate through the air like gentle whispers of devotion. The soothing melodies of bhajans fill every corner, creating a serene atmosphere that embraces their hearts.

• Artistic Tradition: In certain southern regions of India, the artistic tradition of crafting Ganesh idols from fruits, banana leaves, and other natural materials flourishes with vibrant creativity.

How to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at Home?

• The day before Ganesh Chaturthi, clean your home and puja room. For puja, you can create an idol of Lord Ganesha with your family members using clay or turmeric, adding a personal touch to the celebration.
• Alternatively, you can purchase an idol (murti) of Ganesha from shops, which is the most popular choice for many households.
• Prepare a sacred space for Lord Ganesha in your home by setting up a raised platform on the puja altar. In front of the altar, draw a beautiful rangoli and spread a lovely cloth on the pedestal.
• Finally, place the idol of Lord Ganesha on the altar. Decorate the idol with Yearukkam Poo (Calotropis) garlands, flowers, and place Arugampul (Scutch Grass), which is considered auspicious to Lord Ganesha.
• Prepare foods to serve Lord Ganesha, such as modaks or Kolukattai (sweet dumplings), and fruits.
• Worship Lord Ganesha with your family and perform the Arti ritual to the idol.
• Share the food you prepared for the puja with neighbours and enjoy eating the prasad. At the end of the day, perform the Arti ritual again and prepare for the immersion ritual.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Date and timing

Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Wednesday, 27th August.

Chaturthi Tithi Timings:

• Begins: 26th August 2025 at 2:22 PM
• Ends: 27th August 2025 at 3:53 PM

As we immerse ourselves in rituals that symbolize the triumph of good over evil and seek blessings for prosperity and wisdom, this festival reminds us of the enduring spiritual values that guide us through life.

- https://www.omspiritualshop.com/

DEVOTION AND LEARNING

 

DEVOTION AND LEARNING

We can lead a whole life in depression, stress, anxiety, in-confidence and insecurity.

We can lead a whole life just wishing we were somehow more confident, more successful, more happy, more useful, more loved.

We can sometimes even think that no one is with us and we are not meant for this world.

Or,

We can realise that our true potential lies deep within ourselves, we need to get in touch with ourselves at a soul level and unfold our beauty and strength. We need to realise that we are our own best friend.

Deep within each of us is our Shiva Tattva, Supreme consciousness, God stuff. We need to tap and activate that through faith, devotion, learning and meditation, and let not the fears of the mundane world stop us from reaching our potential.

The rishis of ancient Kashmir learnt skills from Shiva and overcame the same situations. Times change, technology changes, but basic human situations remain the same, and so do the solutions!

We can tide over these struggles using the same skill sets as the ancient rishis. Faith, devotion, learning and meditation.

Aum Namah Shivaye.

~ Shail Gulhati: Shiva and Mysticism.

SHIVA DARSHAN

 

SHIVA DARSHAN

Those to whom Shiva gave his Darsana, came to be called rishis. These seers prayed differently from everyone else.

They became confident and trusting of life, shifting to a mode bubbling with high self-esteem. They were always at ease and seemed to know their place in the plan of things.

Not that these seers lived in a different time or place, or were exposed to a different reality: The same things that some thought were ominous, these few saw clearly, as the play of life. They had begun to penetrate beyond duality, They did see how all things arrived in pairs, like light and dark, day and night, heat and cold, but also saw beyond it all, a single source; A Oneness from where all phenomena emanated.

~ Shail Gulhati: Shiva and Mysticism. from the book SHIVA, The Ultimate Time Traveller.

MAHAKAAL- THE TIME KEEPER

 

MAHAKAAL- THE TIME KEEPER

The Sri Yantra is perhaps the greatest Yantra in Hinduism, Representative of , and dedicated to Shakti. It comprises of a base of Nine triangles which go on to make 43 triangles.

This beautiful pic showing the Sri Yantra behind Shiva seems to suggest that Shiva Himself is the greatest knower of Sri Vidya- knowledge of the Devi.

This is apt because it is only Shiva who can know the Devi not only as a Bhakta or Gyani, but also as a personal soul mate, whereas we humans have the limitation of only being a Bhakt or Gyani.

Shiva, who is the eternal consort of Mother Durga, also keeps a Damaru as His sound instrument. The damaru is interestingly shaped like an hourglass- a time keeping device.

Not only can Lord Shiva signal the end of a life and beginning of a new one, not only can he signal the end of an era, but He can verily change the Yuga itself: Such is the power of Shiva’s Dhyana that he can fast forward time itself. May We all pray to Shiva to take us safely to a great new world cycle.

Aum Namah Shivaye.

~ Shail Gulhati: Shiva and Mysticism.

LESSONS WITH SHIVA

 

LESSONS WITH SHIVA

The lessons with Shiva were endless. They had to be. His talk was profound, but so was His silence.

“You seem to be talking to me even when you are silent. Is it true or am I just too madly in love with you?”She asked.

“Silence is a language only a few understand,” said Shiva. “Those special moments when silence speaks, when stillness gives wings,” He whispered.

Even His smile was profound. Everything about Him was the embodiment of wisdom. Sati noticed that there were traces of this wisdom even when He joked.

~ SHIVA, The Ultimate Time Traveller.

Have you ever wondered why some couples always look beautiful ?

 

Have you ever wondered

why

some couples always look beautiful ?

its because love never ages..

and so you do not have to be old, even when you are timeless.

~ Shail Gulhati: Shiva and Mysticism.