Do you know when Lord Shiva was a servant of his disciple

This interesting story is found here. Bhole baba gives everything to his disciples.

Lord Shiva as a servant of Poet Vidyapati in form of Ugna

The holy month of Shravan is has arrived. In this month, Lord Shiva is worshipped in various parts of country. Here are some stories on Lord Shiva and on the month of Shravan.

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More stories on Lord Shiva

Seven unknown facts on Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva facts

Draupadi could have fourteen husbands

This story is related to Draupadi’s previous birth. She was an ambitious lady in her previous birth. This led to a situation where she would have ended up with many more husbands. 

Draupadi story of her having five husbands

Draupadi, the wife of five pandavas,  had an eventful life. She was born when Drupad performed yagya to take revenge from Drona.  She was born alongwith Dhrishtdyumna, who fought the war of Mahabharata with pandavas.

Draupadi’s penance in last life

She became the wife of all Pandavas not by an accident, but by design. Shri Krishna explained to her that she prayed to Shiva to grant her a husband with fourteen desired qualities.  Shiva, pleased with her devotion, tells her that it is very difficult to get a husband with all fourteen qualities that she desired. But she sticks to her ground and asks for the same. Then Lord Shiva grants her wish saying that she would get the same in her next birth with fourteen husbands. She asked for these qualities in her previous birth. She was Nalayani – daughther of Nala and Damayanti.

Arjuna and Draupadi in Mahabharat
Arjuna and Draupadi in Mahabharat

She queried Lord Shiva was this a boon or curse? Shiva promised that she would regain her virginity each morning when she took bath, this was the Lord Shiva’s boon to her. Thus, she had the unique quality of remain virgin throughout her life because of the boon from Shiva.

Draupadi character in Mahabharat – Katha

The fourteen qualities which she wanted were available in five Pandavas. The just Yudhisthira for his wisdom of Dharma; The powerful Bhima for his strength that exceeded that of a thousand elephants combined; The valiant Arjuna for his courage and knowledge of the battlefield; the exceedingly handsome Nakula and Sahadeva, for their love.

Akshayapatra

She also had a wooden bowl, which will always be filled with food. It was presented Draupadi when thepandavas were exiled. This bowl helped the Pandavas to survive during their exile in inhospitable forests.  It is said that Dhanyalakshmi presented Draupadi this bowl.

Draupadi refused participation of Karna in swayamvar. She refused to be the wife of a suta-putra (son of a charioteer). Though Karna could also have won the competition of pierecing the fish’s eye.

The seeds of Mahabharata war were sown by her. It is said that Draupadi said about Duryodhana that blind’s son are also blind. This happened when Duryodhan slipped in the fabulous palace of Indraprastha.

Avatar or incarnation of Goddesses

According to Narada Purana and Vayu Purana, Draupadi is the composite Avatar of Goddesses Shyamala (wife of Dharma), Bharati (Wife of Vayu), Shachi (wife of Indra), Usha (wife of Ashwins), and Parvati (wife of Shiva), and hence married their earthly counterparts in the form of the five Pandavas.

In earlier lives, she did assume important avatars. The first time was as Vedavati who cursed Ravana (who is another goddess Avatar Swaha, wife to Agni). She then came in place of Sita’s avatar, to be the cause of Ravana’s death, while Agni hid the real Sita. Her third incarnation was partial: either Damayanti (whose husband, Nala, was equivalent to Dharma, Vayu, and Indra, just like the Pandavas) or her daughter Nalayani. She married Sage Mudgala. The fifth avatar was Draupadi herself. So, we find in Draupadi, a composite avatar of Kali, Parvati, Shachi, Shyamala, Usha, Bharati, Shree, and Swaha, the eight goddesses.

Draupadi’s faith in Lord Krishna

Draupadi’s Faith in Lord Krishna: Draupadi was a devout devotee of Lord Krishna, and it was said that her faith in him helped her during her darkest moments. She also tied Rakhi to Shree Krishna. You can read it about here.

She is one of the Panchkanya’s, alongwith Kunti.

Ten unknown interesting stories about Lord Parshuram

Parshuram, Rama with an axe is believed to be sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He was born to Renuka and Jamadagni, one of a saptrishi. He is believed to be one of the immortals of Hindu mythology. According to a legend, it is believed that he still lives at Mahendragiri mountain peak in Orissa. Here are some interesting stories about Parshuram.

Lord Parshuram
Lord Parshuram

Parashuram received his famous axe named parashu from Shiva after severe penance. He also gained Shiva’s lustre which is equal to crores of astras. With his parashu he first killed Danavas.

Lord Shiva giving axe to Parshuram

Lord Shiva giving axe to Parshuram

Once kshatriya king Kartavirya went to his father’s ashram and stole the holy calf that was gifted to him by Lord Indra. Enraged by this act, Parshuram killed Kartavirya and rescued the calf. To avenge Kartavirya’s death, his son killed Jamdagni (Parshuram’s father). In return Parshuram killed all kshatriya 21 times to restore peace to the earth.

Parshuram vs Kartavirya Arjuna

He played an important role in Ramayana, he gave the bow of Shiva to Janaka for Sita’s swayamvar. This is the same bow which Lord Rama has lifted in order to win Sita Swayamvara.

Lord Rama and Lord Parshurama
Lord Rama and Lord Parshurama

He played important role in Mahabharat by serving as mentor to Bhishma, Drona and Karna. All of these warriors fought from the Kauravas side in this great war.

He killed his mother – His mother Renuka was known for her chastity and devotion for her husband. Her strength of her devotion was so strong that she was able to fetch water in unbaked clay pot. One day she was at the river she saw some gandharva, for a moment  she was filled with desire and the unbaked pot dissolved. Her husband Jamadagni came to know every thing with his yogic power he was enraged. He called his son gave him an axe and ask him to kill his mother but one by one they all refuse in return they were turned into stone. But Parshuram was very obedient and he beheaded his mother. He was granted two boon in which he asked for her mother and his brothers back to life.

Parshuram killing his mother
Parshuram killing his mother

Fight with Lord Shiva – Once Lord Shiva challenged him for a battle to test his skills in warfare. A fierce battle lasted for 21 days one day he countered and attacked Shiva with his parshu which stuck on his forehead. Lord Shiva was impressed by his amazing skill and embraced him. Thus Shiv is also known as Khanda- Parshu.

Parshuram cursed Karna that he will forget his skills at the time when he needs most. This happened when Parshuram discovered that Karna was a Kshatriya and not a Brahmin.

Parshuram and Karna
Parshuram and Karna

Once Parshuram was annoyed with Surya (Sun God). He shot several arrows in the sky when he ran out of arrows he send his wife to bring more.  Sun God focused his rays on her causing her to collapse. Surya then appeared before Parshuram and gave him slippers and umbrella.

Lord Ganesha becomes Ekdanta

Once he went to mount Kailash to meet Lord Shiva but Ganesha stops him. Parshuram throws his axe on him , Ganesha knew that the axe was given to him by his father so he allowed it to sever his left tusk thus got his name Ekdant. Later he gave him his divine axe and bless him.

Parshuram and Lord Ganesha

Parshuram and Lord Ganesha

Parshuram conducted thousands of Ashwamedha and gave the entire land conquered as an alm to sage Kashyap.

Lord Shiva’s blue throat

The Neelkantha

Lord Shiva is also known by the name of “Nilakaṇtha”, which literally means the blue-throated. Once Goddess Parvati learnt that Lord Shiva had swallowed poison, he rushed to hold his neck, so that the poison would not travel neck downwards. That’s how his neck became a deep blue.

Lord Shiva is known as Neelkanth

Lord Shiva is known as Neelkanth

 

Lord Shiva story

Mahashivaratri – Interesting story behind this festival

Neelkanth – churning of ocean

Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati

Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati

During the churning of ocean, a pot of poison (halahal) came out of the ocean. This had the potential to destruct the whole universe. Lord Vishnu advised gods to request Lord Shiva to consume the poison.
To save the mankind, Lord Shiva drank the poison after requested by gods. Goddess Parvati pressed her neck to prevent the poison reaching to stomach. Thus, the poison remained in the neck and his neck became blue. Thus the name Neelkanth. In an effort to keep Lord Shiva awake at the night,gods danced and played music. As the day broke out, Lord Shiva, pleased with their devotion blessed them all. Mahashivaratri is the celebration of this event by which Shiva saved the world.

Enjoy other stories on Mahashivaratri below.

The festival of Mahashivaratri

 

Why Is Lord Shiva Known As Kalantaka?

Lord Shiva as Kalantaka

Once there was a little boy named Markandeya. His father Mrikandu had to select one of two predetermined fates for him before he was born. The first one was that Markandeya would be a bright, knowledgeable young boy who would live till the age of 16. The second option was that he would live a long life but as a dull, foolish boy. Mrikandu chose the first fate for his son.

Thus Markandeya was destined to die before he was even born. As a child, he was quite intelligent and noble. Markandeya was also a great devotee of Lord Shiva and worshipped the Shivalingam at his home every day.

He continued worshipping Lord Shiva, even till the predetermined day of his death. Such was his unflustered devotion to Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva and Kalantaka

Lord Shiva and Kalantaka

As the moment of his death approached, Lord Yama (the God of death) sent his messengers (Yamduts) to snatch the life from Markandeya’s body. When they arrived he was still praying to Lord Shiva. The messengers failed to take away his life, as his dedicated worship continued.

This is because Markandeya had learnt the Mahamrityunjay Mantra in the recent past. He was instructed to do this by Lord Brahma, who was aware of Markandeya’s fate. This mantra of Lord Shiva is especially powerful and it even has the power to defy death.

Lord Shiva facts

Revealing the Hidden Gems of Lord Tirupati Balaji

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Tirupati is a place  Lord Vishnu chose as an alternative to Vaikunth his celestial home of Lord Venkateshwara. Tirumala temple stands on a hill range comprising seven peaks, representing & hoods of Adisesha. Lord Balaji is also called Lord of seven hills.

Lord Venkateshwara at Tirupati temple
Lord Venkateshwara or Lord Balaji at Tirupati temple

Here are some interesting and unknown facts about the  Balaji temple.

The uniqueness of Arch

The Arch at the entrance of Tirumala Hills is unique in the world. Natural arch, Tirumala Hills is a distinctive geological wonder located a km. north of Tirumala Hills temple. The Arch is also known as Silathoranam. Sila is rock and thoranam is garland  strung over a threshold connecting two vertical column as  an  arch. Arch measures 8m in width and 3m. in height. It is one of the few natural arches in Asia.

Balaji temple arch
Balaji temple arch
  • The arch resembles the hood of serpent, a conch and discus all symbol of worship in Hindu religion and considered to be source of the idol of Lord Venkateswara or Lord Balaji.
  • Main deity in Tirumala temple is of the same height as the height of the Arch.
  • Lord Vishnu is supposed to be have put his first foot down at place called Padalu, which is highest point of Tirumala hills, Second step at location of arch and thereafter next step is stated to have been placed where his idol is now worshipped in the temple at Tirumala.

Application of Green Camphor has no ill effect

A Chemical, kachcha Kapooram (Green Camphor) is a soft white chemical is applied on the idol of Balaji everyday. Fact is if this chemical is applied on granite, cracks will appear on it. But , surprisingly this is applied on Balaji every day still there is no damage to the stone.

Idol of Balaji always maintain a temperature of 110 degree F.

The temple is at a height of about 3000 feet so the climate is normally cold and also every morning at 4:30 am Abhishekam is done in which the idol is bathed with water, milk as well as other dravayam. After the bath sweat appears in form of fine water particles on the body of the idol . Sweat is wiped with silken cloth. On every thursday when ornaments are removed before sacred bath it is noticed that they are warm.

The story about Lord’s Chin

At the entrance of the main door, to the right side a stick which was used by Ananthaaivar to his Venkaleshwara Swamy is present. When this stick was used to hit the Small boy Venkateshwara his chin was hurt. Since then the practice of applying sandalwood paste on Swamy’s chin started.

Tirupati Venkateshwara chin
Lord Venkateshwara chin

Why hair is given to Lord

When Balaji lost small portion of hair after hit by shepherd, Neela devi a Gandharva princess cut a portion of her hair and implant it on his scalp. Lord Balaji promises her that all his devotees who come to his abode should render their hair to him, and she would be recipient of all the hair received . It remains a miracle that there is a real hair on the main idol of  Venkateswara Swamy. The authorities says that this hair is always silky smooth and never entangles. Nearly 1.08 crore devotee offer their hair to the Lord and nearly 1.5 crore disposable blades are used for the purpose, TTD gets an income of  200 crore per year with the sale of the offered hair.     

Tirupati - hair offerings
Tirupati – hair offerings

Dress of Lord Balaji

The length of the silken dress of Lord Balaji is around 21 arm length. (roughly one arm length is one and a half feet ), and its weight is around 6 kilogram. This can not be brought from any shop. devotee willing to offer dress submit assigned sum at the temple office towards the cost of the dress offered by the devotee. Andhra Pradesh govt. also offers one set dress twice in a year. Every friday 15 such outer garments are accepted for offering. For this there is  waiting period of at least 10 years or more.

How the garment of Lord Consort is prepared?

The inner garment of Lord Balaji’s consort  Goddess Alarmelumanga are made of cotton at a place called Kathwaal. The weaver of this garment belong to Chechu tribe and they prepare it with utmost devotion. Since this inner garment touches the body of Goddess, the weaver take bath thrice daily during the preparation of the dress, They don’t touch liquor or any non- vegetarian food.

Worship rituals

The worship of Lord Balaji is done as Mother Goddess Amba (Ambal) for 4 days, Lord Maha Vishnu for 2 days and Lord Shiva for one day in a week. Bilva leaves a must for worship of Lord Shiva are used during archana. Venkateshwara Swamy appears to be standing in the middle of the Garba Guddi. Actually, Swamy stands at the right side corner of the Garba Guddi . This can be noticed from standing outside.

Tirupati Garbhagudi
Tirupati Garbhagudi

Abhishekam of Lord

Abhishekam is performed every morning from 4:30-5:30. many items required for  Abhishekam are imported from abroad like saffron from Spain, kasturi from Nepal, Punugu from China, certain fragrance material from Paris. These items are mixed with sandal paste prepared in a golden plate. 51 small kalasam of milk is offered in Abhishekam. Then they apply Kasturi and Punugu to the idol. Specially packed roses are air-freighted from Amsterdam. Many fragrant items are sent from China to Balaji. These include chinese camphor, akila(a scented wood similar to sandalwood , sandalwood, amber, kumkum, thamalam etc.

There is also a traditional belief in vogue that Balaji has a third eye which he opens at the time of Abhishekam.

Preparation of food

The temple authority buy a mud pot daily in which curd and rice is offered to Lord. Except curd rice no other cooked or prepared  food item ever cross the  Kulasekara’s steps and enter the sanctum sanctorum. It is deemed to be big blessing indeed if any devotee gets the used mud pot and any left over of the curd and rice offered to Lord Balaji.

Lord’s ornaments

The value of ornament of Balaji is around 1000 crores (appreciates as the market rises). salagrama is golden necklace its weight is around 12 kgs, surya kadari- weighs around 500 kgs, pada kavasam (leg covering ) weighs around 375 kgs. The single blue stone that is in possession of the temple is a unique and can not be found anywhere in world.

The God with no Weapon

Normally any Hindu God idol in sathvik and shanthi posture would be depicted with at least one weapon in one of the hand. But, in case Lord Balaji has no weapon in his hand . He is Nirayudha Pani. In ancient Tamil literature he is described as Verungai Vedan, a hunter without any arms in hands.

Abhishekam water or liquids are let out through pipe into a nearby sacred tank of the temple called Pushkarani. Hence the water in the tank is also considered sacred.  It is believed that the sacred water is capable of removing one’s sin on taking a dip in it. After taking a dip people offers Arghyam.

The Garland

Flower garland worn by the idol of female devotee known as Sri Aandaal at Srivilliputhur temple of Tamil nadu is brought daily to the hills and offered to Lord Balaji. Sri Aandaal worshipped Lord Balaji as her God.

The Secret Village

There is a secret village about 22 kms from town which allows only residents of the village to enter. It is said that village has a garden of flowers from where flowers are fetched and used in the sanctum of Lord Venkateshwara. All the flowers used in garba gudi are in condition brought out. There is a waterfall behind the swamy and all the flowers used are thrown in the waterfall. There are about 1180 stone engraving in the temple at the seven hills. Out of these 50 are in Telegu / Kannada and rest 1130 are in Tamil language only. Paintings / murals  at Tirupati are over 300 years old.

Every Friday morning, a special worship is performed before the commencement of Abhishekam. One Psalm in Tamil beginning with the word Venkatam yena Petra  is sung. During special worship the idol is without any dress or flower decoration (Nirmalya / Viwaroopa Dharshanam / Dikambaram). A camphor is lighted and shown to the Lord (Karpoora Aarti). The Nayadyam is offered  to the Lord(offering of fruits etc). Once again a karpoora aartiis done.

The idol of Balaji at this time shines beautifully and is a treat to the eye.Lakshmi devi is on the heart of Swamy. On Thursday during Nijaroopa Darshanam, Swamy is decorated with white wood paste . When this decoration is taken out the imprint on Lakshmi Devi remains, This imprint is sold by temple authority.

Tirupati Lakshmi Devi
Lakshmi Devi at Lord Venkateshwara temple

The lights lit in front of Swamy are said to lit since thousands of years.

Tirupati - lights are lit for thousand years
Tirupati – lights are lit for thousand years

The Suprabhatam chanting  to wake up Lord is not played in temple during month of Dec – Jan as he never sleeps.

The Garuda Hills in Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateshwara features a natural rock formation that is in the form of Garuda. Garuda is vehicle of Lord Venkateshwara.

A similar statue of silver is built inside the sanctum sanctorum in 966 AD for the purpose of doing Abhishekam as well as beautifying with all the jewelleries. Pallava Dynasty king sakti and his wife  has donated lot of jewels and ornament to this silver idol of Balaji.

Major source of income is offerings, sale of prasadam, sale of  darshan tickets,seva ticket, sale of hair offered and receipt from choultries(place of accommodation). The gross income of TTDfor the year (14-15) ws estimated to be 2359.2 crores ie, about 6.34 crore every day.

The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 devotees daily, on special occasion or festivals like annual Brahmotsavam, the number shoots up to 500,000 or more thus making it a most visited place in world

In 1800, temple was said to be closed for 12 years. One king is said to have punished 12 people by killing them and hanging them on the wall of the temple. It is believed that at this time Swamy appeared.

Tirupati Temple was closed for twelve years
Tirupati Temple was closed for twelve years

According to Varaha Purana during treta Yuga , Lord Rama resides here along with Devi Sita and Lakshmana on his return from Lankapuri.

The Significance of Sarva Mangal Mangalye – Mantra of Devi Durga

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Sarv Mangal Mangalye is a powerful mantra that is believed to bring blessings and positivity to the person reciting it. The mantra is often recited during religious ceremonies and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The mantra is typically recited at the beginning of a new venture or project, and is believed to bring success and a smooth outcome. The mantra is believed to bring blessings from the divine and to remove obstacles and negativity. It is a powerful mantra that is believed to bring blessings and positivity to the person reciting it. It is recited as ‘Sarva Mangala Mangalye, Shive Sarvartha Sadhike, Sharanye Trayambake Gauri, Narayani Namostute’

Devi Mantra Book

Sarv Mangala Mangalye Lyrics

The most chanted mantra and powerful mantra of Maa Durga is this mantra. It is said that this mantra has immense power. Lyrics of Sarva Mangala Mangalye is shown below.

Sarva-Mangala-Maangalye Shive Sarvaatha-Saadhike |

Sharanye Trayambake Gauri Narayani Namostute ||

Maa Durga
Maa Durga

Meaning of Mantra

We bow to you O Devi Narayani. You are the the auspicious for everyone, you bring happiness . You are the one who completes every work for everyone. You are protector of everyone. You are the one with 3 eyes and a beautiful face. We salute you, O Narayani.

Om Sarva Mangala Mangalaye
Om Sarva Mangala Mangalaye

She is the most auspicious one and the one who bestows auspiciousness upon all the worlds. She is pure and holy. Maa protects those who surrender to her and is also called the three eyed one and Gauri (daughter of mountain king). I bow down to Mother Durga who is the sister of Mahavishnu.

Manifestation of Devi Durga

Goddess Durga manifested to kill the demon Mahishasura or the buffalo faced demon. Till then, the demon Mahishasura appeared invincible and was troubling all the worlds beyond compare. The heavens and the worlds suffered heavily in his evil hands. The gods and humans were praying fervently to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva seeking to put an end to the miseries they suffered in the hands of the demon. Time passed with no hopes. It was then that goddess Durga manifested in response to the prayers of all.

Maa Parvati

Information on some more mantras is given below:

Durga Stuti

Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Vishnu Maayethi Sabdita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

Meaning: Salutations again and again to the Devi (Goddess) who dwells in all living beings as power and maya of Lord Vishnu.

Mantra for warding off all the evils & mishappenings

Om Jayanti Mangala Kali, Bhadrakali Kapalini

Durga Kshama Shiva Dhatri Swaha Swadha Namoastute.

ॐ जयंती मंगला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी
दुर्गा क्षमा शिवा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोऽस्तु‍ते

Chanting and understanding the meaning of these Mantras bring fulfillment to human beings.

Sarva Mangala Mangalaye is a powerful mantra.

Shloka and Mantra for Kids

भारत के 12 ज्योतिर्लिंग

भगवान शिव की भक्ति का महीना सावन होता है। शिवमहापुराण के अनुसार एकमात्र भगवान शिव ही ऐसे देवता हैं, जो निष्कल व सकल दोनों हैं। यही कारण है कि एकमात्र शिव का पूजन लिंग व मूर्ति दोनों रूपों में किया जाता है। भारत में 12 प्रमुख ज्योतिर्लिंग हैं। इन सभी का अपना महत्व व महिमा है।

ऐसी मान्यता भी है कि सावन के महीने में यदि भगवान शिव के ज्योतिर्लिंगों के दर्शन किए जाएं तो जन्म-जन्म के कष्ट दूर हो जाते हैं। यही कारण है कि सावन के महीने में भारत के प्रमुख 12 ज्योतिर्लिंगों के दर्शन करने के लिए श्रद्धालुओं का सैलाब उमड़ता है। आज हम आपको बता रहे हैं इन 12 ज्योतिर्लिंगों का महत्व व महिमा।

1- सोमनाथ

सोमनाथ ज्योतिर्लिंग भारत का ही नहीं अपितु इस पृथ्वी का पहला ज्योतिर्लिंग माना जाता है। यह मंदिर गुजरात राज्य के सौराष्ट्र क्षेत्र में स्थित है। इस मंदिर के बारे में मान्यता है, कि जब चंद्रमा को दक्ष प्रजापति ने श्राप दिया था, तब चंद्रमा ने इसी स्थान पर तप कर इस श्राप से मुक्ति पाई थी। ऐसा भी कहा जाता है कि इस शिवलिंग की स्थापना स्वयं चन्द्र देव ने की थी। विदेशी आक्रमणों के कारण यह 17 बार नष्ट हो चुका है। हर बार यह बिगड़ता और बनता रहा है।

2- मल्लिकार्जुन

यह ज्योतिर्लिंग आन्ध्र प्रदेश में कृष्णा नदी के तट पर श्रीशैल नाम के पर्वत पर स्थित है। इस मंदिर का महत्व भगवान शिव के कैलाश पर्वत के समान कहा गया है। अनेक धार्मिक शास्त्र इसके धार्मिक और पौराणिक महत्व की व्याख्या करते हैं। कहते हैं कि इस ज्योतिर्लिंग के दर्शन करने मात्र से ही व्यक्ति को उसके सभी पापों से मुक्ति मिलती है। एक पौराणिक कथा के अनुसार जहां पर यह ज्योतिर्लिंग है, उस पर्वत पर आकर शिव का पूजन करने से व्यक्ति को अश्वमेध यज्ञ के समान पुण्य फल प्राप्त होते हैं।

3- महाकालेश्वर 

यह ज्योतिर्लिंग मध्य प्रदेश की धार्मिक राजधानी कही जाने वाली उज्जैन नगरी में स्थित है। महाकालेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिंग की विशेषता है कि ये एकमात्र दक्षिणमुखी ज्योतिर्लिंग है। यहां प्रतिदिन सुबह की जाने वाली भस्मारती विश्व भर में प्रसिद्ध है। महाकालेश्वर की पूजा विशेष रूप से आयु वृद्धि और आयु पर आए हुए संकट को टालने के लिए की जाती है। उज्जैनवासी मानते हैं कि भगवान महाकालेश्वर ही उनके राजा हैं और वे ही उज्जैन की रक्षा कर रहे हैं।

4- ओंकारेश्वर

ओंकारेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिंग मध्य प्रदेश के प्रसिद्ध शहर इंदौर के समीप स्थित है। जिस स्थान पर यह ज्योतिर्लिंग स्थित है, उस स्थान पर नर्मदा नदी बहती है और पहाड़ी के चारों ओर नदी बहने से यहां ऊं का आकार बनता है। ऊं शब्द की उत्पति ब्रह्मा के मुख से हुई है। इसलिए किसी भी धार्मिक शास्त्र या वेदों का पाठ ऊं के साथ ही किया जाता है। यह ज्योतिर्लिंग औंकार अर्थात ऊं का आकार लिए हुए है, इस कारण इसे ओंकारेश्वर नाम से जाना जाता है।

5- केदारनाथ

केदारनाथ स्थित ज्योतिर्लिंग भी भगवान शिव के 12 प्रमुख ज्योतिर्लिंगों में आता है। यह उत्तराखंड में स्थित है। बाबा केदारनाथ का मंदिर बद्रीनाथ के मार्ग में स्थित है। केदारनाथ समुद्र तल से 3584 मीटर की ऊँचाई पर स्थित है। केदारनाथ का वर्णन स्कन्द पुराण एवं शिव पुराण में भी मिलता है। यह तीर्थ भगवान शिव को अत्यंत प्रिय है। जिस प्रकार कैलाश का महत्व है उसी प्रकार का महत्व शिव जी ने केदार क्षेत्र को भी दिया है।

6- भीमाशंकर

भीमाशंकर ज्योतिर्लिंग महाराष्ट्र के पूणे जिले में सह्याद्रि नामक पर्वत पर स्थित है। भीमाशंकर ज्योतिर्लिंग को मोटेश्वर महादेव के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। इस मंदिर के विषय में मान्यता है कि जो भक्त श्रद्धा से इस मंदिर का दर्शन प्रतिदिन सुबह सूर्य निकलने के बाद करता है, उसके सात जन्मों के पाप दूर हो जाते हैं तथा उसके लिए स्वर्ग के मार्ग खुल जाते हैं।

7- काशी विश्वनाथ

विश्वनाथ ज्योतिर्लिंग भारत के 12 ज्योतिर्लिंगों में से एक है। यह उत्तर प्रदेश के काशी नामक स्थान पर स्थित है। काशी सभी धर्म स्थलों में सबसे अधिक महत्व रखती है। इसलिए सभी धर्म स्थलों में काशी का अत्यधिक महत्व कहा गया है। इस स्थान की मान्यता है कि प्रलय आने पर भी यह स्थान बना रहेगा। इसकी रक्षा के लिए भगवान शिव इस स्थान को अपने त्रिशूल पर धारण कर लेंगे और प्रलय के टल जाने पर काशी को उसके स्थान पर पुन: रख देंगे।

8- त्र्यंबकेश्वर

यह ज्योतिर्लिंग गोदावरी नदी के करीब महाराष्ट्र राज्य के नासिक जिले में स्थित है। इस ज्योतिर्लिंग के सबसे अधिक निकट ब्रह्मागिरि नाम का पर्वत है। इसी पर्वत से गोदावरी नदी शुरू होती है। भगवान शिव का एक नाम त्र्यंबकेश्वर भी है। कहा जाता है कि भगवान शिव को गौतम ऋषि और गोदावरी नदी के आग्रह पर यहां ज्योतिर्लिंग रूप में रहना पड़ा।

9- वैद्यनाथ 

श्री वैद्यनाथ शिवलिंग का समस्त ज्योतिर्लिंगों की गणना में नौवां स्थान बताया गया है। भगवान श्री वैद्यनाथ ज्योतिर्लिंग का मन्दिर जिस स्थान पर अवस्थित है, उसे वैद्यनाथ धाम कहा जाता है। यह स्थान झारखंड राज्य (पूर्व में बिहार ) के देवघर जिला में पड़ता है।

10- नागेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिंग

यह ज्योतिर्लिंग गुजरात के बाहरी क्षेत्र में द्वारिका स्थान में स्थित है। धर्म शास्त्रों में भगवान शिव नागों के देवता है और नागेश्वर का पूर्ण अर्थ नागों का ईश्वर है। भगवान शिव का एक अन्य नाम नागेश्वर भी है। द्वारका पुरी से भी नागेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिंग की दूरी 17 मील की है। इस ज्योतिर्लिंग की महिमा में कहा गया है कि जो व्यक्ति पूर्ण श्रद्धा और विश्वास के साथ यहां दर्शन के लिए आता है उसकी सभी मनोकामनाएं पूरी हो जाती है।

11- रामेश्वरम ज्योतिर्लिंग

यह ज्योतिर्लिंग तमिलनाडु राज्य के रामनाथपुरं नामक स्थान में स्थित है। भगवान शिव के 12 ज्योतिर्लिंगों में से एक होने के साथ-साथ यह स्थान हिंदुओं के चार धामों में से एक भी है। इस ज्योतिर्लिंग के विषय में यह मान्यता है कि इसकी स्थापना स्वयं भगवान श्रीराम ने की थी। भगवान राम के द्वारा स्थापित होने के कारण ही इस ज्योतिर्लिंग को भगवान राम का नाम रामेश्वरम दिया गया है।

12- धृष्णेश्वर मन्दिर

घृष्णेश्वर महादेव का प्रसिद्ध मंदिर महाराष्ट्र के औरंगाबाद शहर के समीप दौलताबाद के पास स्थित है। इसे घृसणेश्वर या घुश्मेश्वर के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। दूर-दूर से लोग यहां दर्शन के लिए आते हैं और आत्मिक शांति प्राप्त करते हैं। भगवान शिव के 12 ज्योतिर्लिंगों में से यह अंतिम ज्योतिर्लिंग है। बौद्ध भिक्षुओं द्वारा निर्मित एलोरा की प्रसिद्ध गुफाएं इस मंदिर के समीप स्थित हैं।

Unveiling the Mysteries and Fascinating World of Lord Shiva

Har har Mahadev. Lord Shiva, the god of destruction has got softer sides of him also. Here are few stories, which will definitely be of interest to you.

 Lord Shiva had six sons

Shiva’s first son is Lord Ayyapa and not Lord Ganesha or Lord Kartikeya. People often forget that Shiva had more than just two sons. Shiva had 6 sons (Ayyapa, Andhaka, Bhauma, Khuja, Ganesh, and Karthikeya/Subramanya) and one daughter (Ashok Sundari).

Lord Ayappa, Ganesha and Kartikeya – Three sons of Shiva

Of these children, Ayyappa was oldest and Ganesha and Kartikeya are actually the youngest children.
Lord Ayyappa was born out of the union between God Shiva and Mohini, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Ganesha and Kartikeya came long after Ayyappa, Andhaka, Bhauma, Khuja, and Ashok Sundari. It is believed Ashok Sundari was present at the time Ganesha was beheaded.

Lord Shiva in a smiling face is under the feet of angry Mother Kali

Perhaps the most humble lesson one can learn is from this legend. Lord Shiva, the Mahadev, is under the feet of Goddess Kali and smiling. He represents fury, anger and yet he is in his most benevolent form. Why is so? Read on.

Once upon a time, Goddess Kali was on a rampage. No demon, human or God stood a chance at stopping her blood-lust. A collective prayer was made to Lord Shiva by all beings to try to stop this Maha-Shakti form of his consort. Such was the power of the Goddess that wherever she set foot, absolute destruction followed suit.

The lord realized even he could not reason with such an elemental force. He had to reach out to her in terms of emotions. As such, he decided to lay down in the Goddess’ path. When Kali finally reached the spot where Lord was lying down, she did not notice him until she stepped on his chest.

So far, everything she was setting foot on was being destroyed. This was an exception, Kali was forced to look down and found the Lord there. Sudden realization dawned on her and she snapped out of her reverie and found herself extremely ashamed, sticking out her tongue instinctively as a sign of regret.

Maa Kali
Maa Kali

There are number of lessons here: No matter how resourceful one is, sometimes he has to deal with tact, as Lord did. Second, tricky situations can be overcome by thinking on your feet. In this story, we see shades of Lord Vishnu, when it comes to dealing with tact.

Lord Hanuman is an avatar of Lord Shiva

It is said that Bhagwan Hanuman is the eleventh reincarnation of the Lord. Also, Lord Hanuman is often recalled as Rudraavataar, or the reincarnation of Rudra and Shiva is also known as the Rudra.

The vanars or the ancestors of humans had helped Lord Rama (reincarnation of Lord Vishnu) in Ramayana.  Without their support, Rama could not have defeated Ravana.

Lord Hanuman is often worshipped for his devotion to Lord Rama and his part in the “good over evil.”  It is also depicted as the utter and infinite devotion of Lord Shiva to Lord Vishnu, as he reincarnated as a monkey and served him with all he had.

Lord Shiva and his family
Lord Shiva and his family

The Story of Amarnath cave

Amarnath cave is of utmost importance for followers of Lord. The legendary importance of Amarnath’s cave is related to the secret of immortality told to Lord Shiva’s wife Parvati. When Lord was insisted by his wife to reveal the secret of immortality, he decided to proceed towards the cave.

On his way to the cave he did a few things, which were great according to his devotees. Because of these few things, the entire way to the cave became blissful. Actually, in order to reveal the secret of amar katha, Lord left his son, vehicle, etc in various isolated places, which is why all these places seem like tirthasthal. There are two ways for Amarnath journey – Pahalgam and Sonmarg Baltal. According to mythology, Lord took the Pahalgam route to reach the cave.

Amarnath cave
Amarnath cave

Lord Shiva’s association with Nandi Bull

Lord Shiva and Nandi are inseparable. Nandi is the vehicle for the Hindu god of Shiva. In Hindu mythology, Nandi is the bearer of truth and righteousness. This story describes how Lord became associated with the bull Nandi.

One day, Surabhi, who was the original mother of all the world’s cows, began to give birth to an untold number of perfectly white cows.The milk from all these cows flooded the home of Lord.

Somewhere in the Himalaya. Angry at this disturbance to his meditation, the god struck the cows with fire from his third eye. In consequence, patches of the cows’ hides were turned brown. Still angry, the other gods sought to calm Lord down by offering him a magnificent bull – Nandi, the son of Surabhi and Kasyapa – which Shiva accepted and rode. Nandi also became the protector of all animals.

Nandi and Lord Shiva
Nandi and Lord Shiva

As Nandi is the assistant of the of Lord – he can also grant many boons. In South India – there is a tradition of talking one’s wish to Nandi’s ears that is then believed to be granted.

Powers of Nandi

Sudarshana chakra was given to Lord Vishnu by Lord Shiva

The famed Sudarshana chakra was bestowed to Lord Vishnu by Lord Shiva. Once, Vishnu was meditating Shiva’s sahasranama to please Lord. He kept thousand lotuses to please him. Lord wanted to test Lord Vishnu’s devotion and so he took one of the flower from flowers which Vishnu was using to offer it to Shivalinga on each naama.

At the thousandth name, vishnu was surprised to see he was not left with any flowers and so he took out his own eyes and offered it to Lord. As Lord Vishnu is also called Kamalnayan, his eye would serve the purpose of a Lotus flower. Shiva pleased with the level of devotion shown by Vishnu, bestowed Sudarshan chakra to Lord Vishnu.

Why Lord Shiva Covers His Body With Ash?

Lord Shiva’s body is always covered with ash and Shiv devotees wear ash tilak on forehead and hands. There is an interesting story in the Shiva Purana which narrates how Lord  came to be associated with Ash. There once lived a sage whose lineage was traced to the famous Saint Bhrigu. This sage performed intense austerities and became very powerful. He used to consume only fruits and later only green leaves and thus got the name – Pranada.

Sage Pranada continued his intense tapas and controlled all the animals and plants in the forest he lived. Once while cutting some grass to repair his hermitage, the sage cut his middle finger. But to his surprise instead of blood he saw sap of tree oozing through the cut.

Now Pranada thought that he had become so pious that instead of blood, sap is oozing through his body. Pride filled his mind and he started shouting in joy that he is the most pious man in the world now.

Lord Shiva who witnessed this event took the guise of an old man and reached the spot. When the old man asked for the reason for his uncontrollable delight, Pranada said that he has become the most pious man in the world as his blood as become quite similar to the sap of fruits and trees.

Then the old man asked what is there to be elated in this. It is just a sap. But when trees and plants are burned they turn into ash. Only ash remains that is surely the higher stage.

To demonstrate it the old man sliced his finger and suddenly ash came out of it. Sage Pranada soon realized that it was Lord standing before him and prayed to him for forgiveness for his ignorance.

It is said that ever since then Lord wears ash to remind his devotees about the ultimate reality and foolishness of getting enamored in physical beauty.

Lord Shiva tests Goddess Parvati

Few of us know that Shiva thoroughly tested Devi Parvati’s devotion before accepting her as a wife. He designed himself as a young Brahmin and told Parvati that would it be good for her to marry Lord who lived like a beggar and had nothing?

Parvati got very angry when she heard these words about Lord. She told him that she would marry no one but Shiva. Pleased with her answer, Lord came back to his real form and agreed to marry Parvati. Himavantha performed the wedding with great splendour.

Wedding of Shiva and Parvati
Wedding of Shiva and Parvati

Read the story of Lord Shiva marriage to Parvati here.

Lord Shiva stories

Lord Shiva Images

Lord Shiva Image
Lord Shiva Image of Trishul
Lord Shiva Images