Monthly Archives: April 2015

Unveiling the Mysteries and Fascinating World of Lord Shiva

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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

माँ सिद्धिदात्री

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माँ दुर्गाजी की नौवीं शक्ति का नाम सिद्धिदात्री हैं। ये सभी प्रकार की सिद्धियों को देने वाली हैं। नवरात्र–पूजन के नौवें दिन इनकी उपासना की जाती है। इस दिन शास्त्रीय विधि–विधान और पूर्ण निष्ठा के साथ साधना करने वाले साधक को सभी सिद्धियों की प्राप्ति हो जाती है। सृष्टि में कुछ भी उसके लिए अगम्य नहीं रह जाता है। ब्रह्मांड पर पूर्ण विजय प्राप्त करने की सामर्थ्य उसमें आ जाती है।

देवी सिद्धिदात्री का वाहन सिंह है। वह कमल पुष्प पर भी आसीन होती हैं विधि–विधान से नौंवे दिन इस देवी की उपासना करने से सिद्धियां प्राप्त होती हैं। यह अंतिम देवी हैं। इनकी साधना करने से लौकिक और परलौकिक सभी प्रकार की कामनाओं की पूर्ति हो जाती है।

Maa Siddhidatri

Maa Siddhidatri

भगवान शिव ने भी सिद्धिदात्री देवी की कृपा से तमाम सिद्धियां प्राप्त की थीं। इस देवी की कृपा से ही शिवजी का आधा शरीर देवी का हुआ था। इसी कारण शिव अर्द्धनारीश्वर नाम से प्रसिद्ध हुए।

मां के चरणों में शरणागत होकर हमें निरंतर नियमनिष्ठ रहकर उपासना करनी चाहिए। इस देवी का स्मरण, ध्यान, पूजन हमें इस संसार की असारता का बोध कराते हैं और अमृत पद की ओर ले जाते हैं।

देवी पुराण में ऐसा उल्लेख मिलता है कि भगवान शंकर ने भी इन्हीं की कृपा से सिद्धियों को प्राप्त किया था। ये कमल पर आसीन हैं और केवल मानव ही नहीं बल्कि सिद्ध, गंधर्व, यक्ष, देवता और असुर सभी इनकी आराधना करते हैं। संसार में सभी वस्तुओं को सहज और सुलभता से प्राप्त करने के लिए नवरात्र के नवें दिन इनकी पूजा की जाती है। इनका स्वरुप मां सरस्वती का भी स्वरुप माना जाता है।

माँ कात्यायनी

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माँ का नाम कात्यायनी कैसे पड़ा इसकी भी एक कथा है- कत नामक एक प्रसिद्ध महर्षि थे। उनके पुत्र ऋषि कात्य हुए। इन्हीं कात्य के गोत्र में विश्वप्रसिद्ध महर्षि कात्यायन उत्पन्न हुए थे। इन्होंने भगवती पराम्बा की उपासना करते हुए बहुत वर्षों तक बड़ी कठिन तपस्या की थी। उनकी इच्छा थी माँ भगवती उनके घर पुत्री के रूप में जन्म लें। माँ भगवती ने उनकी यह प्रार्थना स्वीकार कर ली।

Maa Katyayani - Sixth day of Navratri

Maa Katyayani – Sixth day of Navratri

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

माँ कात्यायनी माँ दुर्गा का छठा स्वरूप हैं| नवरात्र के छठे दिन आदिशक्ति मां दुर्गा की षष्ठम रूप और असुरों तथा दुष्टों का नाश करनेवाली भगवती की पूजा की जाती है. मार्कण्डये पुराण के अनुसार जब राक्षसराज महिषासुर का अत्याचार बढ़ गया, तब देवताओं के कार्य को सिद्ध करने के लिए देवी मां ने महर्षि कात्यान के तपस्या से प्रसन्न होकर उनके घर पुत्री रूप में जन्म लिया.

Mahishasura and Goddess Durga

 

Maa Katyayani

Maa Katyayani

Maa Katyayani story in English

शास्त्रों के अनुसार देवी ने कात्यायन ऋषि के घर उनकी पुत्री के रूप में जन्म लिया, इस कारण इनका नाम कात्यायनी पड़ गया। नवरात्र के छठे दिन देवी की पूरे श्रद्धा भाव से पूजा की जाती है। दिव्य रुपा कात्यायनी देवी का शरीर सोने के समाना चमकीला है। चार भुजा धारी माँ कात्यायनी सिंह पर सवार हैं। अपने एक हाथ में तलवार और दूसरे में अपना प्रिय पुष्प कमल लिये हुए हैं। अन्य दो हाथ वरमुद्रा और अभयमुद्रा में हैं। इनका वाहन सिंह हैं। मां कात्यायनी अमोघ फलदायिनी मानी गई हैं। शिक्षा प्राप्ति के क्षेत्र में प्रयासरत भक्तों को माता की अवश्य उपासना करनी चाहिए। मान्यता है कि यदि कोई श्रद्धा भाव से नवरात्र के छठे दिन माता कात्यायनी की पूजा आराधना करता है तो उसे आज्ञा चक्र की प्राप्ति होती है|

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

Seven important rituals of Hindu religion

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Seven Important Hindu Rituals

We are presenting another series of Hindu Rituals which explain the importance of these rituals. Their observance brings great luck and happiness to devotees.

Importance of Deepa

The deepa or diya is lit on all auspicious occasion, festivals even in daily puja. Deepa is lighted in front of deities. In some temples we can also find a akhand deep which is burnt continuously.  It is also lighted in educational and social events like inauguration.

Importance of Burning Deepak

Importance of Burning Deepak

 

It is believed that the oil of the deep symbolizes one’s base instinct (vasana) the wick the ego. So when a deep is illuminated by spiritual knowledge the base instincts get exhausted and  the ego slowly perishes. The flame of the deep always burns upward similar to a spiritual knowledge which elevates a person. Thus, lightning a deep symbolises knowledge that eradicates the darkness of ignorance.

What is the purpose of Aarati and how it is performed ?

Aarati is one of the sixteen steps of the puja ritual. It is referred to as the auspicious light. Aarti is performed at the end of every ritualistic puja. It is performed by circling the lighted lamp with the right hand in a clockwise direction before the deity. During aarti devotees sing prayer describing the glory of God, clap their hands, ringing of bells and blowing of conch shell. After aarti devotees place their palm over the holy flame and then touch them over their eyes and head to be blessed by God’s divinity.

The ritual of Performing Aarti

The ritual of Performing Aarti

 

Why Coconut is worshipped ?

In early days, animal sacrifice was in practice in yajnas, this symbolizes offering of wealth to Devas. But slowly this practice was discontinued and coconut,  which symbolizes life came is used instead.

The Coconut worship

The Coconut worship

 

Coconut is worshipped with the kalash as this symbolises prosperity and auspiciousness. It is also offered into the sacrificial fire during homa ceremony. It is also broken during worship rituals and on occasions like inauguration or opening of new buildings , factories shops etc.

The splitting of a coconut symbolises the shattering of one’s ego. The coconut water represents the base instinct (vasana) which is offered with white kernel ( the mind) to God.

What is pradakshina and why it us done ?

Pradakshina means circumambulation, its a devotional act expressing respect and honour to God’s divine presence. While circumbulating the devotee chant the name of God. This is always performed in a clockwise manner so that the deity is always on one’s right, symbolising auspiciousness.

pradakshina

 

Why do Hindu offer namaste or namaskar or dandavat pranam ?

Namaste , namaskar or dandavat pranam is a gesture of greeting and respect to God, guru, senior or even a stranger. Namaste means ”I bow to you” It also includes the sentiment of offering prostration and salutation. The Hindus say offer namaste or namaskar by folding their palms together by the and chest and bowing their heads. Bowing of the head symbolises humility and folding of hands means, may our mind meet together.

namaskar

Dandavat pranam is performed by sitting down on one’s knees with one’s head and hands touching the ground and the mind engage in humble thoughts. Dandavat pranam is performed by lying prostrate on the ground with eight parts of the body touching the floor.

dandvat

Both the pranams are performed in acknowledgement of their greatness, selfless love, service and sacrifice.  In return the guru , parents, seniors, teachers generally place their hands in benediction on the disciple, child or student’s head to allow the free flow of divine vibrations and positive energy.

Why do Hindus observe fast ?

Hindus observe fast on festivals. They fast to please God, control the senses or atone for sins.Fast is observed in various forms like some take only milk, or water or fruit juice, while some fast strictly without taking any food and water at all.

Spiritually, fasting facilitates mental proximity to God by withdrawing the senses from material objects. It also evokes feeling of gratitude and humility for all that God gives and does for our happiness, survival and sustenance. The mind become pure, poised and peaceful. Physically, fasting allows the digestive system to rest for some time and thus improve its efficiency. It also detoxifies the body.

Why do some Hindu deities have animal features?

Some Hindu deities have animal features include Ganesha , Hanuman, Vishn’s avtars like Matsya(fish), Kumra (turtle), Varah (boar), Narasimha (half man half lion) and others. Hindus believe that Paramatma or Bhagwan manifests in human and other forms for the purpose of re-establishing dharma and destroying adharma. God is free to take whichever form he desire for the purpose of fulfilling his mission. This Hindu tradition reverse all the manifestation of Bhagwan and other deities, whether in human or other forms, and believe that they are divine.

Lord Ganpati having elephant features

Lord Ganpati having elephant features

 

 

sun god

In other religions and civilizations Gods with animal features are worshipped, like in Ancient Greek civilizations, they worshipped God Pan, who had hindquaters, legs and horns of a goat. In Egyptian civilization also people worshipped Anubis, Lord of underworld, and Ra (Sun God) who are potrayed as men with falcon heads. In Christianity winged angels are portrayed as half human and half bird.

greek god

Today, many of these animal feature deities have lost their prominence and no longer remembered or worshiped. But,  in Hinduism Ancient deities are still worshiped , believing them to be divine regardless of them having animal features.