People worship Lord Shiva in the form of linga from ancient times. Lord Shiva is one of the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and even considered to be supreme lord. Various Devas and Dashavataras worship him in Hindu mythology.
Snow Shivlinga
The Nirakaar Roop of Lord Shiva
The Lingam symbolizes both the creative and destructive power of Lord Shiva. Mahadev is the only God who has both form “Sakaar Roop” who we can see and pray and also “Nirakaar Roop” like Shivling.
Puranas and scriptures in Hinduism narrate in detail why people worship Lord Shiv in the form of Linga. The Shivlinga appears before Lord Brahma and Vishnu in the form of a ‘pillar of fire’, which had no end and beginning. It is one among the many symbols of Brahman. Lord Ram, Parashuram and Krishna gave importance to Shivlinga by worshipping him.
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Lord Rama worshipping Shivlinga
Importance of Shivlinga
When the mind is clear and is without prejudice, we will realize that the Linga form of Shiva is the most innocent form of Brahman that our ancestors had realized. It is pure and they got it from pure nature. Many of the forms that we worship today are the reflections of our mind, which ego, society and education corrupts. It is not pure.
As per the epic Mahabharata, ‘Know everything, which is male, to be Ishana, and all that is female to be Uma; for this whole world, animate and inanimate, is pervaded by these two bodies. Gods, seers, Gandharvas and Apsaras worship this form of Lord Shiva’ (Chapter 7, section 20, verse 22)
Shiv Purana definition of Shivlinga
The Shiva Purana describes the origin of the Lingam, known as Shivalinga. It is the one which has no beginning and no end. This is a cosmic pillar (Stambha) of fire, the cause of all causes.
Lord Shiva is emerges from the lingam. The Shivlinga is known as the cosmic pillar of fire. This proves his superiority over the gods Brahma and Vishnu. This is known as Lingodbhava. The Linga Purana also supports this interpretation of lingam as a cosmic pillar, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva.
Lingodbhava
According to the Linga Purana, the lingam is a complete symbolic representation of the formless Universe Bearer. The oval-shaped stone is the symbol of the Universe, and the bottom base represents the supreme Power that holds the entire universe in it.
Skanda Purana
“The endless sky (that great void which contains the entire universe) is the Linga, the Earth is its base. At the end of time the entire universe and all the Gods finally merge in the Linga itself.
Lord Durvasa is known for his curses. But there were times, when he was helpless before the power of a humble of follower of Lord Vishnu. One such instance was of Ambarisha. The full story goes as:
Ambarisha was a king and he was deeply into following Lord Vishnu. He and his queen used to observe various fasts over the year. On second day of Ekadashi, Ambarish had to end his fast. On that very day, Sage Durvasa paid a visit to Ambarisha.
That day was Ekadashi. Ambarish was very excited and felt privileged to service Durvasa and he invited him for the lunch. Sage Durvasa, along with his hundred disciples set off to wash themselves.
They took a long time to return and meanwhile the auspicious time of ending the fast was about to be breached. So, though he did not want to, but forced by his priests, Ambarish had to end his fast with a leaf of tulsi in absence of Sage Durvasa.
This opened a whole can of worms. This was discovered by Sage Durvasa and his disciples. Durvasa, who was the second name of anger, said to Ambarish that he will have to suffer for his misdeed and he directed a demoness to kill Ambarish.
Ambarish resigned to his fate with folded hands. But nothing happens to a person, who is helped by the Lord himself. Lord Vishnu sends his sudarshan chakra to safeguard Ambarish.
Durvasa curse to Ambarish
Soon, Sudarshan chakra burns the demoness. Now it was turn of Sage Durvasa as the chakra started to move towards Durvasa while spinning furiously. Durvasa realized that something unexpected was happening and his life was in peril. The hunter has become the hunted.
He ran for his dear life, but Sudarshan chakra was equal to the task. Durvasa approached Lord Shiva for a reprieve, but it was beyond his powers to stop the Sudarshan chakra. Durvasa kept running for a year and reached Lord Vishnu. He requested Lord Vishnu to stop the chakra. God replied that Sudarshan chakra returns after doing the assigned job. Durvasa started weeping.
Sudarshan Chakra chasing Durvasa
Lord Vishnu said that he can be saved only if he is forgiven by Ambarish. Sage Durvasa immediately went to him fell to his feet asking for forgiveness. Here Ambarish was waiting for him without taking food for a year.
He said, ”King of Sages, your falling at my feet is not right.” Durvasa replied, ”Ambarish, you are a true devotee of the Lord. I have insulted you. Please forgive me. Save me from the Sudarshan Chakra.” King Ambarish prayed to the Sudarshan Chakra and said, ”If the love and respect I have for Durvasa at this moment are the same as they were when he first came to my palace, then, Oh Sudarshan Chakra! Please return to the Lord.
After this, Sudarshan chakra returned to Vishnu and Durvasa’s life was saved.
Sunder Kand is the story of Lord Hanumana finding Sita. The most important character for this chapter is of Hanuman’s. This is the fifth chapter of Ramayana, which was originally written by Sage Valmiki. This talks about exploits of Lord Hanumana, who finds the whereabouts of Devi Sita.
Jambavant praises Hanumana
In search of Sita, Hanumana was required to cross the ocean. Due to a curse on him, he was unable to do so despite having the powers within himself. Jambavant became the guide here and he sang praises for Lord Hanumana. This made him to realize his strength and complete the task of finding Devi Sita.
Lord Hanumana and Lord Jambavant
Journey to Lanka
After Jambvant praised and advised Hanuman, he started his journey to Lanka. Mainak came forward to offer some rest, but he declined.
Hanuman and Mainak mountain
Sursa
On his way, first came Sursa. She was asked to test Hanuman’s skills and wisdom. She said that everyone has to pass through her mouth before one can resume its journey. Hanuman has Garima and Laghima skills which he applied. He first enlarged his size.
In reply, Sursa also increased her mouth. Suddenly he reduced his size and entered her mouth and came out of her nose. Sursa blessed him for his skills. By using his wisdom, he proceeded further.
Sinhika
Hanumana kills Sinhika/ Simhika
Soon, another hurdle appeared. A demon caught his shadow. The demon was Sinhika. She got the boon from Brahma that she can control anyone’s shadow. Hanuman had to overcome her before he could proceed. She managed to swallow him, but soon enough, he killed her and restarted his journey towards Lanka.
Meeting Lankini
Hanuman reaches the shores of Lanka. He found that many demons are guarding Lanka. He decides to enter lanka in night but ran into Lankini. Hanuman hit her hard. Lankini understands that end of Ravana is near as she was told by Brahma that when a monkey is cause of her pain, then it is time of end of Ravana. She praises his devotion towards Lord Rama.
Finding Mata Sita
Hanuman then searches for Sita in Lanka. He even checked Ravana’s palace.
Looking for Sita
Then he came to another palace, which was Vibhishan’s. He met him. Vibhishan told him about Sita whereabouts.
He goes to Ashok vatika and observes Sita. She was sitting alone under a tree.
Sita at Ashok vatika
At the same time, Ravana came there and threatened Sita with dire consequences, if she refuses to marry him. Trijata named demon consoles Sita. She said that she had seen in her dreams that end of Ravana is close. But Sita is still perturbed.
Hanuman then dropped the ring given by Lord Rama before Sita. Sita becomes happy by seeing and recognizing the ring of Lord Rama. He then came before Sita and explained how he has come to Lanka and ashok vatika. He pacifies Sita that Lord will come soon and then it will be end of all the problems.
With permission of Sita, Hanuman then ate fruits from Ashok Vatika and uprooted many trees. He killed many demons including Akshaykumara. They went to Ravana for help. Ravana sent his warriors but they were defeated by Hanuman. Finally, Meghnaad used Brahmastra and used Nagpaash to tie him.
Hanuman creating havoc in Ashok Vatika
Meghnaad and Hanuman (Brahmastra and Nagpaash)
Meghnaad then brought Hanuman to the Ravana’s court. Hanuman told Ravana to return Sita to Rama and live in peace. Instead, he asked to burn his tail so that a lesson can be taught to him. Hanuman made his tail become bigger. Lot of oil and clothes were required to cover the tail. Finally the tail was set to fire. Hanuman used laghima and became small. Lanka is thus burnt.
Hanuman returns to Sita and seeks permission to go back. Sita gives her ornaments and requests them to be presented before Lord Rama.
Hanuman heads back to Kishkindha. He meets Rama and Lakshman and tells them the whole story.
he meets Rama and Laxman after returning from lanka.
Then, Rama, Laxman and Hanuman, meet Sugriva and decide future course of action. After knowing the whereabouts of Sita, Rama sets out to free her. He is accompanied by Vanara Sena.
Mandodari and Ravana discussion
Demons report this to Mandodari. Mandodari reasons with ravana as Hanuman, the messenger of Rama has done so much damage. Pregnant demons suffer from miscarriage when they think of Hanuman. So this is not wise to keep Sita. Ravana does not heed to the advice.
Mandodari persuades Ravana to release Sita
Even Vibheeshana, brother of Ravana, persuades Ravana. Ravana insults him.
Vibheeshana meets Rama and requests for his companionship. Rama accepts him as his friend.
Ravana sends his spy to Rama’s abode. Shuka, the messenger, was captured and Laxman releases him with a letter to Ravana.
Shuka and Ravana
Rama requests Sea to give him way. When the sea does not listen, Rama intends to use Brahmastra. The Sagar yields and advises to consult Nal and Neela to find a way to Lanka.
Do you know that Jambavant has seen a number of avatars (incarnations) of Lord Vishnu. He even got his daughter married to Shri Krishna and there is an interesting story of his fight with Lord Krishna. You can find this story on this blog.
Narada muni is the person who is almost available everywhere in mythological texts. Who is he exactly and what is his role? He is the son of Lord Brahma and great devotee of Lord Vishnu.
Narada – The omnipresent sage
Sage Narada had blessings that he could show up anywhere, anytime and anyplace. He used these blessings and appeared in all yugas (satya, treta and dwapara) from time to time to spread the good word and help the needy. He traversed distant worlds (or planets) but never went anywhere without a purpose. He used to make his purposeful entry by chanting the name of the lord Vishnu (Narayana) and playing a veena (a musical instrument).
It is said that he could not keep any secrets and thus fuelled a lot of controversies as he would reveal secrets a bad time or spreading gossip. Therefore he was often mistaken as a quarrel-monger and a talebearer. His deeds often brought a trouble and friction among gods, demons and men.
Narada had knowledge of all vedas and puranas and he strived for welfare of human being.
Deeds of Narada
Valmiki and Narada
Narada was behind the writing of the Ramayana by sage Valmiki. Apparently he told Valmiki about Lord Rama. Valmiki was looking for a person who was perfect. After Narada told him about Rama, Valmiki saw a hunter killing krounch birds. He wanted to curse the hunter, but a shloka came out of his mouth which became the first lines of the Ramayana.
Parahlada
Prahlada was taught by Narada when he was in his mother, Kudayu’s womb. Thus, he was a devotee of Lord Vishnu even before he was born. Later, Lord Vishnu took Narsingh avatar to kill prahalada’s father, Hiranyakashyap.
Monkeyfaced Sage
Once, Narada became proud and started boasting that he had conquered Kama. Lord Vishnu taught him a lesson. The whole story is available here.
Proud Narada
Lord Vishnu’s challenge
Narada boasted that he was the most dedicated follower of lord. Vishnu asked him to carry a pot on his head and ensure that not a single drop is wasted. He obediently carried out the task. After this, Lord Vishnu asked what he was thinking when carrying the pot? He replied – of course, I was thinking that pot should be carried carefully. Lord Vishnu smiled and said, then how can you claim that you are the best devotee when you were not thinking about me? Narada learnt his lesson.
Narada and Lord Vishnu’s challenge
Inspiration to Dhruva
Dhruva, son of king Uttanpada, was determined to carve out his own place after he was scolded by his stepmother, Suruchi. His mother, Sunita consoled him and asked him not to get distraught, but Dhruva was determined. Sage Narada was pleased with Dhruva and he given him a mantra “Om Namoh Bhagwate Vasudevay” to chant. Lord Vishnu, happy with Dhruva, awarded him a special place.
Lord Shiva, one of the holy trinity of gods, is believed to play the role of the destroyer to this universe. He is father of Lord Kartikeya and Lord Ganesha and is married to Goddess Parvati. There are various names of lord Shiva with Mahadeva being the most famous. He is also called Neelkanth after he consumed poison during amrita manthan.
Names of Lord Shiva
Wedding of Shiva and Parvati
Angry Shiva
Here are 108 names of Lord Shiva with its meaning.
Aashutosh – One Who Fulfills Wishes Instantly.
Aja- Unborn.
Akshayaguna – God With Limitless Attributes
Anagha – Without Any Fault
Anantadrishti – Of Infinite Vision
Augadh – One Who Revels All The Time
Avyayaprabhu – Imperishable Lord
Bhairav – Lord Of Terror
Bhalanetra – One Who Has An Eye In The Forehead
Bholenath – Kind Hearted Lord
Bhooteshwara – Lord Of Ghosts And Evil Beings
Bhudeva – Lord Of The Earth
Bhutapala – Protector Of The Ghosts
Chandrapal – Master Of The Moon
Chandraprakash -One Who Has Moon As A Crest
Dayalu -Compassionate
Devadeva – Lord Of The Lords
Dhanadeepa – Lord Of Wealth
Dhyanadeep – Icon Of Meditation And Concentration
Dhyutidhara – Lord Of Brilliance
Digambara – Ascetic Without Any Clothes
Durjaneeya – Difficult To Be Known
Durjaya – Unvanquished
Gangadhara – Lord Of River Ganga
Girijapati – Consort Of Girija
Gunagrahin – Acceptor Of Gunas
Gurudeva – Master Of All
Hara – Remover Of Sins
Jagadisha – Master Of The Universe
Jaradhishamana -Redeemer From Afflictions
Jatin – One Who Has Matted Hair
Kailas -One Who Bestows Peace
Kailashadhipati -Lord Of Mount Kailash
Kailashnath – Master Of Mount Kailash
Kamalakshana – Lotus-Eyed Lord
Kantha – Ever-Radiant
Kapalin – One Wears A Necklace Of Skulls
Khatvangin – One Who Has The Missile Khatvangin In His Hand
Kundalin – One Who Wears Earrings
Lalataksha – One Who Has An Eye In The Forehead
Lingadhyaksha – Lord Of The Lingas
Lingaraja – Lord Of The Lingas
Lokankara – Creator Of The Three Worlds
Lokapal – One Who Takes Care Of The World
Mahabuddhi – Extremely Intelligent
Mahadeva – Greatest God
Mahakala – Lord Of All Times
Mahamaya – Of Great Illusions
Mahamrityunjaya – Great Victor Of Death
Mahanidhi – Great Storehouse
Mahashaktimaya – One Who Has Boundless Energies
Mahayogi – Greatest Of All Gods
Mahesha- Supreme Lord
Maheshwara – Lord Of Gods
Nagabhushana – One Who Has Serpents As Ornaments
Nataraja – King Of The Art Of Dancing
Nilakantha – Blue Necked Lord
Nityasundara – Ever Beautiful
Nrityapriya – Lover Of Dance
Omkara – Creator Of OM
Palanhaar – One Who Protects Everyone
Parameshwara – First Among All Gods
Paramjyoti – Greatest Splendour
Pashupati – Lord Of All Living Beings
Pinakin – One Who Has A Bow In His Hand
Pranava – Originator Of The Syllable Of OM
Priyabhakta – Favourite Of The Devotees
Priyadarshana – Of Loving Vision
Pushkara – One Who Gives Nourishment
Pushpalochana – One Who Has Eyes Like Flowers
Ravilochana – Having Sun As The Eye
Rudra – The Terrible
Rudraksha – One Who Has Eyes Like Rudra
Sadashiva – Eternal God
Sanatana – Eternal Lord
Sarvacharya – Preceptor Of All
Sarvashiva – Always Pure
Sarvatapana – Scorcher Of All
Sarvayoni – Source Of Everything
Sarveshwara – Lord Of All Gods
Shambhu – One Who Bestows Prosperity
Shankara – One Who Gives Happiness
Shiva – Always Pure
Shoolin – One Who Has A Trident
Shrikantha – Of Glorious Neck
Shrutiprakasha – Illuminator Of The Vedas
Shuddhavigraha – One Who Has A Pure Body
Skandaguru – Preceptor Of Skanda
Someshwara – Lord Of All Gods
Sukhada – Bestower Of Happiness
Suprita – Well Pleased
Suragana – Having Gods As Attendants
Sureshwara – Lord Of All Gods
Swayambhu – Self-Manifested
Tejaswani – One Who Spreads Illumination
Trilochana – Three-Eyed Lord
Trilokpati – Master Of All The Three Worlds
Tripurari – Enemy Of Tripura
Trishoolin – One Who Has A Trident In His Hands
Umapati – Consort Of Uma
Vachaspati – Lord Of Speech
Vajrahasta – One Who Has A Thunderbolt In His Hands
