Author Archives: Ritu

Lord Nataraja

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The artistic form of Lord Shiva is Lord Nataraja. There is an interesting story telling how Lord Nataraja has manifested.

He originated near the town of Chidambaram at the confluence of two rivers, Vellar and Cooleron. In this region, lot of Sages have kept penance because this area is a thick forest.

Lord-Nataraja

Unruly Sages

A group of sages were engaged in dark rituals like black magic because they believed that God can be controlled by magic wands, rituals and mantras. Thus, they have became harmful for mankind and were troubling everybody.

Bhikshadana appears

Lord Shiva wanted to put this to an end and he became a beggar known as Bikshadana.

The appearance of Bikshadana was awesome. He was beautiful and soothing to eyes despite being naked. Lord Vishnu taken the form of Mohini, a beautiful lady and followed him.

The impact of Bhikshadana

This beauty of Bikshadana also caused the wives of the sages to follow Bikshadana. This became a problem for these sages and they started to use their magical powers on Bikshadana to no avail. Because Lord Shiva was there and the supreme God cannot be controlled by these things.

The sages intensified their attack on Bhikshadana and released dreadful serpents on the Lord. He wore them as ornaments. They also sent fierce tiger with magical powers.

Lord Shiva tore the skin of the beast with ease and used it as his loincloth. An elephant later came out of the sacrificial fires and charged the Lord but was ripped to death by Bhikshadana.

Apasmara was sent to neutralize Bhikshadana

Then the sages became highly concerned of the developments and submitted all their powers and gave birth to a demon named Apasmara. He was a symbol of arrogance and ignorance. But Lord effortlessly stepped on the demon’s back and started dancing beautifully.

Tandava or ecstatic dance by Lord Nataraja

This dance is known as Tandava or the ecstatic dance of Lord Shiva. Then realization dawned on the sages. The divine vision removed their arrogance and made them understand that it was none else then Lord Shiva and they had been resorting to bad ways so far.

This miracle happened at the famous temple of Chidambaram. With the help of several rulers and dynasties, the temple was developed in a grand manner. The temple has been one of the most popularly visited places for the devotees of Lord Shiva and was also visited and sung by many Shivite saints. Lord Nataraja thus dances ecstatically in order to remove the ignorance and bondage of humans.

The Origin of Lord Shiva

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According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is one of the three supreme gods. There is an interesting story behind the of appearance of Lord Shiva. One day, Brahma and Vishnu were arguing which among them is more powerful. At the same time, a massive, fiery pillar appeared. The roots and branches of the tree extended beyond the view of the earth and sky.

wedding-shiva-parvati-shivaratri

Both Vishnu and Brahma ran to find the start and end of the pillar. Brahma turned himself into a goose and flew to the top of the pillar and Vishnu turned into a boar and dug the earth to look for the roots.

Just then, Lord Shiva emerged from an opening in the pillar. Recognizing Lord Shiva’s great power, Both Brahma and Vishnu accepted that Shiva is the third Supreme God, who is true ruler universe.

Unveiling the Mysteries and Fascinating World of Lord Shiva

 

Lord Krishna and Rukmini devi marriage

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Lord Krishna’s eight wives are known as Ashtabharya. Out of these, Devi Rukmini was believed to be most devoted towards the Lord. Following is the fascinating story of how Rukmini got married to Lord Krishna

Rukmi and Shishupala

Devi Rukmini was daughter of Bhismak, who was king of Vidarbha. Rukmi was brother of her, who wanted her to marry Shishupal. Upon hearing this Narada went to Bhismak and narrated the life of Lord Krishna and the grandeur of Dwarka. Bhismak heard the tale with full attention and wanted her to marry Lord Krishna. His daughter too enjoyed the tale. But Rukmi had a strong opposition against Lord Krishna. Ignoring the wish of his father, he was not ready to get his sister married to Lord Krishna. So he invited Shishupal, who came to marry Rukmini.

Lord Krishna and Rukmini Devi

Lord Krishna and Rukmini Devi

Rukmini sends request to Lord Krishna

 

Rukmini was determined to marry Lord Krishna. She sent a letter to Krishna through a loyal Brahmin and declared a fast unto death. The letter said that She has declared him as her husband and will not accept anyone else. This is upto the Lord to save her. The messenger returned to Kundanpur with an assurance from Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna too called the charioteer and set out at once for Kundanpur. There in Kundanpur, Rukmini after getting the assurance from the Brahmin was thus waiting for Lord Krishna‘s arrival.

 

Preparation of wedding

Preparations for Rukmini’s marriage with Shishupala were on with full swing in the city. All houses, streets and lanes were cleaned and sprinkled with scented water. All the men and women folk donned new clothes and ornaments. King Bhismak worshipped his ancestors and gods and welcomed the everyone. Princess Rukmini was given ceremonial bath and donned with auspicious clothes and bracelets.

Rukmini waits for Lord Krishna

All these while, she was eagerly awaiting for Lord Krishna. She had received the news that Dwarakadhish (Krishna) had planned to take her away. She was feeling overwhelmed in her heart. Seeing Lord Krishna arrived intently in the marriage ceremonies of his daughter, her father welcomed him. Seeing him, even the common people of Vidarbh prayed “May our princess Rukmani get Sri Krishna as her husband. At the same time, She emerged from her palace to go to the temple of Ambikadevi, soldiers were guarding her. In the temple, Rukmani prayed peacefully: “O Mother Ambika I greet you and Ganapati, who is sitting in your lap. I seek your blessing that may my wish be fulfilled and may I receive Sri Krishna as my husband.”

Lord Krishna obliges

On her way back, Rukmini was walking very slowly for she was awaiting Lord’s arrival, which was due in any moment. Just then, Lord Krishna appeared before her. Before she could ride her chariot Lord lifted her from amidst the crowd. And in the presence of hundreds of kings, Krishna and Balarama eloped away with bride.

Rukmi is defeated and Lord Krishna marries Rukmini

Hearing that Krishna has eloped with bride, Rukmi and all other kings present there became angry. Accompanied by their huge armies, they decided to give them a chase. But Yadav soldiers were brave and they defeated everyone. All the kings like Jarasandh fled for their lives.

Lord Krishna and Rukmi

Lord Krishna and Rukmi

Rukmi had vowed that without getting his sister released from Krishna’s captivity, he would not return to his city. He chased Lord Krishna but was defeated by him and got his head shaved. Thus defeating all the kings, Lord Krishna brought his bride to Dwarka. There they got married formally. Everyone was in great joy to see Lakshmi as Rukmini with her husband Lord Krishna.

 

Also read: Shri Krishna marriage to Satyabhama and Jambavati

Maa Chandraghanta

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The third manifestation of goddess Durga is Devi Chandraghanta and on the third day of the Navratri goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped by the devotees.

Maa Chandraghanta rides on Tiger, who is endowed with intense anger and violence and is known by this name because bell shaped mark of moon is present on her forehead. She has ten hands which hold weapons like trident, chakra, bow and arrow, paash, sword etc. Goddess Chandraghanta is the married form of Goddess Parvati. After getting married to Lord Shiva, Parvati started adorning her forehead with half Chandra (half moon).

The third day of Navratri is considered to be the most important day of nine divine days and nights. Worshipping goddess Chandraghanta on this day eradicate all the problems and troubles of life.

She is the image of bravery. The frightful sound of her bell terrifies all villains and demonic incarnations. She is also the giver of supreme knowledge and bliss and is depicted as having golden skin with the half circular moon on her forehead, glowing. She is worshipped in this form in Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) India.Srisailam Devasthanam also is a temple of Ma Chandraghanta.A very popular legend associated with Maa Chandraghanta is the story of Raja Harischandra as her devotee.

Maa Chandraghanta

Maa Chandraghanta

The complexion possessed by Maa Chandraghanta is golden. She possesses ten arms which wield weapons and missiles like the sword, the bow, the mace, the arrows and the like. During the battle between the gods and the demons, the horrible sound produced by her ghantaa had sent thousands of wicked demons to the abode of the Death-god. She is ever in a warring posture which shows her eagerness to destroy the foes of her devotees so that her devotees may ever live in peace and prosperity. Divine vision is acquired by her grace. If a devotee happens to enjoy divine fragrance and hears diverse sounds, he is said to be blessed by the Mother.

Maa Chandraghanta should be adores and worshipped with great purity in mind and heart observing all the rites properly. Having acquired her grace, we get rid of all worldly turmoil and enjoy Supreme bliss. Devotees should always have her gentle form in their minds while meditating on her.

Darshan of Lord Kashi Vishwanath

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भगवान विश्वनाथ

वाराणसी, उत्तर प्रदेश, में स्थित मंदिर शायद हिन्दू धर्म में सबसे पवित्र तीर्थ है। हिंदू पवित्र तीर्थ यात्रा के लिए कम से कम करने के लिए वाराणसी जाने की संभावना है लोगों को अपने जीवनकाल में। मुख्य देवता भगवान विश्वनाथ और पवित्रतम सभी शिव मंदिरों की है। यह पश्चिमी पवित्र नदी गंगा के तट पर स्थित है।

 

How Arjuna came into possession of Gandiva

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We know that Arjuna used the famous bow called Gandiva. This is an interesting story on how Arjuna came into possession of Gandiva bow.  The Gandiva was made by Brahma and it could be used to One lakh enemies at a time. Later it came into possession of Indra, then to Chandra and then Varuna.

Arjuna with Gandiva

The whole story goes here.

There was a kingby the name Swetaki who was known for performing very long yagnas. His priests assisted him for a long time until they  became frail. Once, Swetaki desired to conduct a one hundred years long yagna.

His priests, tired from the hardships done earlier, pretended to be angry and told the King to approach Rudra for help. Swetaki was disappointed  but he anyway meditated upon Rudra for a while in the ranges of Kailash.

Finally, Lord Shiva appeased with Swetaki and agreed to help Swetaki under the condition that the King should first lead a life of Brahmachari for twelve years and  he should continue to pour Ghee (clarified butter) into sacrificial fire without intermission for the whole period.

gandiva

Swetaki did as advised, and a Lord Shiva appointed Durvasa as his priest who officiated the grand hundred-years long yagna. Swetaki, due to his virtuous nature, later ascended to the heavens.

This created a problem for Agni, who developed indigestion because of ghee feeding into fire for twelve years. Lord Brahma advised him to burn Khandava forest, this will cure his indigestion. Agni tried to burn the forest but failed as many as seven times but could not burn the Khandava forest.

Agni again asked Brahma for help, who advised him to approach Nara & Narayana, who were on earth in the form of Arjuna and Krishna.

Agni approached  Arjuna and Krishna, who were living in the woods in the vicinity of the Yamuna. In exchange for their help, Agni requested for Varuna to give Krishna the mace by the name Kaumodaki and the Discus Chakrayudha that had a pole attached to it in the center. Varuna also offered Arjuna the bow Gandiva, two inexhaustible quivers and a chariot made by Viswakarma that had Hanuman in its banner. He also gave him white steeds that were born in the region of Gandharvas. This  was the chariot in which Soma (Chandra) had earlier vanquished the Danavas.

This is how Arjuna received Gandiva and Krishna received Kaumodaki.

ॐ श्री चित्रगुप्ताय नमः – The Important Mantra of Lord Chitragupta

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चित्रगुप्त भगवान की उत्पत्ति

चित्रगुप्त भगवान हिंदू धर्म में देवताओं के एक सचिव हैं। वे भगवान यमराज के सचिव होते हैं और लोगों के कर्मों की जांच करते हैं। चित्रगुप्त भगवान का जन्म भगवान ब्रह्मा के मनस पुत्रों में से एक हैं।

चित्रगुप्त की उत्पत्ति के बाद, ब्रह्मा ने उन्हें दक्षिण दिशा के राजा बनाया था। उन्होंने यज्ञों की व्यवस्था की और लोगों के उपयोग के लिए भोजन तैयार किया।

एक दिन, चित्रगुप्त को भगवान यमराज ने अपने सचिव के रूप में नियुक्त किया। उन्हें कहा गया कि वे लोगों के कर्मों की जांच करें और उन्हें स्वर्ग या नरक के अनुसार दंड दें। चित्रगुप्त ने यमराज की अधिकृति में काम करते हुए, सभी लोगों के कर्मों की जांच की और उन्हें उनके योग्य स्थान पर भेजा।

ॐ श्री चित्रगुप्ताय नमः, जय चित्रांश

Chitragupta Story

हिंदुओं के हिन्दी संवत् मास चित्रमास है जो अपभ्रंश होकर चैत्रमास हो गया है। यह मास चित्रगुप्तजी के नाम से है। इसी चित्रमास के पूर्णिमा को चित्र (चित्रा) नक्षत्र में ब्रह्माजी जी द्वारा 11000 साल की तपस्या करने के उपरांत उनकी काया से श्री चित्रगुप्तजी भगवान मध्यप्रदेश के उज्जैन जिले में उज्जैन की क्षिप्रा नदी के तट पर उत्पन्न हुए थे।

चित्रगुप्त मंदिर – उज्जैन

उज्जैन में ही काफी पौराणिक चित्रगुप्त मंदिर भी है जहाँ प्रसाद के रूप में कलम, दवात चढ़ाया जाता है जिससे प्रसन्न होकर श्री चित्रगुप्त भगवान अपने भक्तो को मनवांछित फल प्रदान करते हैं, साथ ही कायस्थ के चार तीर्थो में उज्जैनी नगरी में बसा श्री चित्रगुप्त भगवान का ये मंदिर पहले नंबर पर आता है।

Chitragupta

चित्रगुप्त पूर्णिमा

चित्रमास की पूर्णिमा चित्र पूर्णिमा अर्थात् चित्रगुप्त पूर्णिमा कही जाती है।

चित्रगुप्त मंदिर – कांचीपुरम्

कांचीपुरम् चेन्नई में चित्रगुप्तजी का प्राचीन मंदिर है। पूरे दक्षिण भारत में चित्र पूर्णिमा के दिन को चित्रगुप्तजी का जन्मदिन मनाया जाता है और चित्र पूर्णिमा से वैशाख पूर्णिमा तक यम नियम का पालन किया जाता है। इस मास में केतु ग्रह की शान्ति करायी जाती है क्योंकि केतु ग्रह के अधिदेवता चित्रगुप्तजी हैं। इस पूरे मास को चित्रगुप्तजी के नाम से ही चितरई मास कहा जाता है।

Lord Chitragupta Temple at Kanchipuram



🚩जय श्री चित्रगुप्त नमः🚩

श्री चित्रगुप्त मंत्र

Chitragupta Mantra - mashibhajan sanyukta
Chitragupt puja mantra (shloka)

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

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Maha Mrityunjay Mantra
One of the oldest mantra in Vedas, the Maha mrityunjay mantra, is a verse from Rig Veda, and addresses the Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva. It unification of three hindi words, Maha- great, Mrityun- death and Jaya- victory; the one who victor the death. According to Hindu mythology, the mantra is also referred as Mrita-Sanjivini mantra because of its “life-restoring” practice.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, the powerful mantra of Lord Shiva is a source of  enlightenment. Chanting of this mantra purifies the karmas of the soul at a deep level. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra (Mantra of Great Victory Over Death) is one of the most well known mantras.
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is a life-giving mantra (sanjivini mantra). It is a mantra that is said to rejuvenate, bestow health, wealth, long life, peace, prosperity and contentment. It wards off death and accidents of all descriptions. Besides, it has a great curative power. It is also known as Moksha mantra.

Om tryambhakam yajamahe, sugandhim pushtivardhanam,

urvarukamiva bandhanan, mrityor mukshiya maamritat.

Mantra English Maha Mrityunjay
“O praise to the Three-Eyed One, who increases prosperity, who has a sweet fragrance, who frees the world from all disease and death – liberate me, as the cucumber is easily severed from the vine. O Shiva, grant me immortality!”

Mahaganpati – Lord Ganesha – Ashtavinayak temple

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Mahaganpati Temple is the eighth and final temple to be visited in Ashtavinayak yatra. The temple is 50 kms from Pune on the Pune Ahmednagar highway in the village of Ranjangaon.

About Idol and Temple

Ganesha idol as Mahaganpati in this temple is in sitting position with crossed legs and is facing towards east. The trunk is pointing to the left, has a broad forehead adorned with ruby in eyes and naval.

Statue of Riddhi and Siddhi is on both side of Ganesha idol. The temple is so designed that when sun rises its rays falls directly on the statue. Mahaganpati Temple at Ranjangaon is the most powerful representation of Lord Ganesha.

Mahaganpati - Ashtavinayak Lord Ganesha temple at Ranjangaon

Mahaganpati – Ashtavinayak Lord Ganesha temple at Ranjangaon

Legend

There was a sage named Gritsamad. One day he sneezed and from this was created a young boy. Sage brought him as his own son. He taught him Ganesha mantra. The boy started meditating intensely and pleased Lord Ganesha. Ganesha appeared before him and blessed him with three pura-s of gold, silver and iron. Thus the boy got the name Tripur, as he was owner of three pura-s. Ganesha also made him most powerful and he could not be defeated by any one except Lord Shiva himself. With this boon Gritsamad conquered Netherworld and headed towards heaven to conquer it. Gods were scared Lord Brahma hide in lotus and Lord Vishnu in Kshirsagar. Tripur took over mount Kailash and became the king of all the three world.  God were wondering how to get rid of Tripurasur. Lord Narad advised them to seek help of Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha agreed to help them.

Ganesha disguised as  brahmin went to Tripurasura and told him that he is very enlightened brahmin, he could make three planes for him so that he would be able to go any where he wished to within minutes. Lord Ganesha also asked him to bring statue of Chintamani from mount kailash.

Tripurasur went to get the statue but, Shiva refused to give the statue. This made Tripurasura angry. There was a fierce battle between the two. Lord Shiva too realised that he was unable to defeat Tripurasura because he did not paid his respect to lord Ganesha.

Then Lord Shiva invoked Ganesha and on dong so from his mouth emerged Gajanan, and granted him boon. Ganesha directed Shiva how he could kill Tripurasura.

Shiva was asked to recite the Sahastranam and then direct an arrow at the 3 pura-s of Tripurasur. Lord Shiva followed the instruction and finally Tripurasura was defeated and the place where Lord Shiva invoked Ganesha he created a temple for him. The place where Lord Shiva himself sought blessing of Ganesha and destroyed Tripurasura is called Ranjangaon.

 

This concludes the Ashtavinayak story of Lord Ganesha. Hope you have enjoyed. Please do send your comments.