Ashoka Sundari is a Hindu goddess and the daughter of Lord Shiva and Parvati. She is mentioned in Hindu scriptures and is considered to be one of the many forms of the divine feminine in Hinduism. According to Hindu mythology, Ashok Sundari was born as a result of Lord Shiva’s and Parvati’s intense devotion and tapasya (austerities). She was said to be so beautiful and graceful that she was known as the goddess of beauty and grace.
Ashok Sundari is often depicted as a young and beautiful woman, surrounded by flowers and holding a lotus flower in her hand. She is said to bring happiness and joy wherever she goes, and is associated with the power of love, compassion, and beauty.
Unknown facts about Ashok Sundari
Temples: There are several temples dedicated to Ashokasundari in India, especially in Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states. Some of the most famous temples dedicated to her are the Ashokasundari Temple in Kanchipuram, the Ashokasundari Temple in Chidambaram, and the Ashokasundari Temple in Thiruvanaikaval.
Associated with Victory: Ashokasundari is often associated with victory, and is believed to bestow her devotees with the power to overcome their challenges and attain success in their lives.
Power of Love: Ashokasundari is considered to embody the power of love, compassion, and beauty, and is revered as a symbol of the divine feminine.
Meditation: Devotees of Ashokasundari often meditate on her image and chant her mantra as a way to tap into her divine blessings and attain inner peace and happiness.
These are some of the lesser-known facts about Ashokasundari.
Lord Shiva also had two more daughters, there pictures are produced below.
Here are some very common asked questions about Lord Shiva. We try to give answers on the same.
How do I worship Lord Shiva in a temple?
Here are five ways when We can worship Lord Shiva in a temple.
Offer flowers: Start by offering fresh flowers to Lord Shiva. This is a way to show your devotion and respect to the deity.
Light a lamp: Light a ghee lamp or diya and place it in front of the Lord Shiva’s idol. The flame symbolizes the light of knowledge and the divine.
Chant mantras: Chant mantras such as “Om Namah Shivaya” or “Om Tryambakam Yajamahe” to invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Offer Prasad: Offer fruits, sweets, or other food items as prasad to Lord Shiva. This is a way to show gratitude and ask for blessings.
Meditate: Finally, spend some time in quiet meditation in front of Lord Shiva’s idol. This helps to connect with the divine and receive blessings.
Lord Shiva worship by Lord Rama and Lakshmana in The Ramayana
Why is Shiva a destroyer worshipped?
Worship of Lord Shiva as the destroyer is a way of acknowledging the importance of change and transformation in our lives, and of seeking the blessings of the Lord for success in these endeavors. Lord Shiva is also considered the ultimate yogi, who has transcended all material desires and attachments, and this aspect of his nature is also celebrated in his worship.
What is the reason why lord Shiva wears snakes around his neck?
The story of Lord Shiva wearing snakes around his neck is mentioned in Hindu mythology and is associated with the story of the “Serpent King” named Vasuki.
According to the legend, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the gods and demons, Vasuki, the king of snakes, was used as the rope to churn the ocean. While churning, the serpent king Vasuki released poison that threatened to destroy all of creation. Lord Shiva, out of compassion for the universe, drank the poison to save the world, but it remained in his neck and caused him immense pain. The gods then approached Lord Vishnu for a solution, and he advised them to adorn Lord Shiva’s neck with the serpent king Vasuki, to neutralize the effects of the poison.
Why does Lord Shiva always meditate?
The story of Lord Shiva’s meditation is associated with his nature as a ascetic and his detachment from the material world. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is the ultimate yogi who has transcended all material desires and attachments, and achieved a state of supreme spiritual enlightenment through his meditative practices.
One story tells of how Lord Shiva meditated in the Himalayas for thousands of years, completely absorbed in his own inner world and oblivious to the outside world. The gods and demons grew worried that the universe would come to an end if Lord Shiva did not open his eyes, so they sought the help of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu took the form of a beautiful woman and approached Lord Shiva, singing and dancing to attract his attention. Slowly, Lord Shiva opened his eyes, and upon seeing the beauty of the universe, decided to marry her, thus ending his long meditation.
Another story tells of how Lord Shiva meditated so deeply that he became completely still and appeared to be dead. The gods and demons then began to fear that the universe would come to an end, and they approached Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu decided to use his divine power to bring Lord Shiva back to life, and he did so by creating a divine disturbance that shattered Lord Shiva’s concentration.
Meditation by Lord Shiva
How can I be a true devotee of Lord Shiva?
Study and understand the ancient scriptures, such as the Puranas and the Mahabharata, which contain stories and teachings about Lord Shiva. Regularly perform puja (worship) to Lord Shiva, either at home or at a temple, with devotion and sincere intention. Offer flowers, incense, and/or food to the Lord as a symbol of your devotion. Chant the names of Lord Shiva, such as “Om Namah Shivaya” or “Om Shri Mahadevaya Namah,” as a form of meditation and to invoke his blessings. Fast on Mondays, which is considered an auspicious day to worship Lord Shiva. Visit Lord Shiva temples and participate in the daily aarti (worship ceremony) and pujas.Follow a moral and ethical code of conduct, such as non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion. Cultivate a meditative and contemplative mindset, focusing on the ultimate reality and transcending material desires.
Is Lord Shiva the greatest devotee of Lord Vishnu?
In Hinduism, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are considered two of the greatest and most revered deities. While Lord Vishnu is revered as the preserver of the universe, and Lord Shiva is revered as the destroyer, both are also considered to be aspects of the same ultimate reality.
In some traditions and stories, Lord Shiva is considered to be a great devotee of Lord Vishnu, and is said to have a deep devotion and respect for the Lord. For example, in the Vaishnavite tradition, Lord Shiva is said to have once been a devotee of Lord Vishnu, and to have attained his divine nature through his devotion and worship of the Lord.
Why did Lord Shiva destroy Tripura?
Lord Shiva destroyed Tripura, the three cities of the demons, because the demon kings who ruled the cities were causing trouble for the gods and the people. Lord Shiva saw this as a threat to the balance and stability of the universe and decided to take action to restore order.
Why is Lord Shiva called Rudra?
Lord Shiva is called Rudra because the name Rudra is associated with his fierce and destructive aspect. In Hinduism, Rudra is considered to be an earlier form of Lord Shiva, associated with storms, hunting, and the hunt.
The word “Rudra” is derived from the Sanskrit root word “rud,” which means “to cry or howl.” It is said that Lord Rudra was so named because of his fearsome roar, which was said to shake the mountains and bring terror to his enemies.
In the Vedas, Rudra is described as a fierce and powerful deity, associated with hunting, storms, and the hunt. Over time, the Vedic Rudra evolved into the Hindu Lord Shiva, and the name Rudra was retained to refer to his fierce and destructive aspect.
Who are the family members of Lord Shiva?
Family of Lord Shiva
The members of Lord Shiva’s family include: Parvati – Lord Shiva’s wife and consort, Parvati is considered to be the goddess of power and devotion. Ganesha – Lord Shiva and Parvati’s son, Ganesha is considered to be the god of wisdom, learning, and new beginnings. Kartikeya – Lord Shiva and Parvati’s son, Kartikeya is considered to be the god of war and courage. Ashokasundari – Lord Shiva’s daughter and the goddess of beauty and grace. Nandi – Lord Shiva’s faithful bull mount, who is considered to be a symbol of strength, devotion, and steadfastness.
What is Lord Shiva’s divine weapon?
Lord Shiva is associated with several divine weapons in Hinduism. The most famous of these are:
Trishula – Lord Shiva’s trident, which symbolizes his power over the three realms of existence (heaven, earth, and the underworld).
Damaru – Lord Shiva’s hourglass-shaped drum, which he uses to produce the sound of creation and destruction.
Pinaka – Lord Shiva’s bow, which he uses to protect the universe and destroy demons.
Naga – Lord Shiva is often depicted wearing serpents, representing his control over the forces of nature and his power to destroy the ego and ignorance.
Jata – Lord Shiva’s matted hair, which symbolizes his wild and unbridled nature and his ability to destroy the universe and recreate it.
Which quality of Shiva fascinates you the most?
Lord Shiva’s ability to destroy ignorance and bring about transformation is considered to be a fascinating aspect of his divine nature by many devotees in Hinduism.
What does happen when Lord Shiva opens his third eye?
When Lord Shiva opens his third eye, it is said to have the power to destroy anything in its path and bring about transformation, serving as a symbol of Lord Shiva’s power to destroy ignorance and ego.
What is the story behind Lord Shiva’s birth?
The origins of Lord Shiva’s story can be traced back to the ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas and Puranas. Lord Shiva is considered to be one of the oldest deities in Hinduism and is mentioned in many of the oldest Hindu texts, such as the Rigveda and the Atharvaveda.
Is there any hidden meaning in the Shiva linga structure?
The Shiva linga, which is a symbol representing Lord Shiva, is said to have both physical and spiritual meanings, symbolizing the union of the individual self with the divine and the cyclical nature of creation and destruction.
Who is the supreme (first) Lord shiva or Lord Vishnu or Lord Brahma?
This can be best answered in the following article.
Kailash Dham, also known as Mount Kailash, is considered the abode of Lord Shiva . It is a sacred peak in the Himalayas, located in Tibet and considered to be the center of the universe. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva resides at the top of the mountain in eternal meditation. The mountain is considered a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon religion. It is believed that circumambulating the mountain brings good fortune and blessings, and bathing in the nearby Lake Manasarovar purifies the soul.
Kailash Dham is a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is believed to have been established in ancient times and is mentioned in many Hindu scriptures.
Kailash Parvat
Who built Kailash Dham
According to Hindu mythology, Kailash Dham was built by Lord Shiva himself. It is said that Lord Shiva meditated in the temple for many years and that the temple was created as a result of his divine powers. The temple is considered one of the most important spiritual centers in India and is visited by millions of devotees each year.
Pandavas visited Kailash Dham
In the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, it is said that the Pandavas visited Kailash Dham during their exile and were granted blessings by Lord Shiva. It is also believed that the temple has been visited by many great sages and saints over the centuries and that it continues to be a source of spiritual inspiration for people of all ages.
The story of King Dhruva and Kailash
Another popular story associated with Kailash Dham is the story of King Dhruva. According to Hindu mythology, King Dhruva was a young prince who was deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu. When he was denied the throne by his stepmother, he went on a journey to find Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings. After a long and arduous journey, he finally reached Kailash Dham and meditated for many years in the temple. Lord Vishnu was so impressed by his devotion that he granted him a place in the heavens as a constellation.
These stories and others continue to inspire devotees who visit Kailash Dham and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Despite the passage of time, the temple remains a vibrant center of spiritual energy and continues to be a place of pilgrimage for people from all walks of life.
Despite its revered status, Mount Kailash has never been climbed and remains off-limits to climbers due to its religious significance.
Mysteries of Kailash Dham
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva meditates at the top of the mountain, which is considered to be the center of the universe. The mountain holds immense religious significance for Hindus, and it is believed that circumambulating the mountain brings blessings and good fortune. Pilgrims from around the world travel to Mount Kailash each year to make the journey, which is considered a spiritual experience.
One of the most intriguing mysteries of Kailash Dham is its age. Despite being an ancient temple, its exact date of construction is not known and there is no clear historical record of when it was built. Some historians believe that the temple may have been built thousands of years ago and that its origins go back to a time when Hinduism was just beginning to take shape.
Another mystery of Kailash Dham is its unusual architectural design. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology. Some of these carvings are so detailed and complex that they have puzzled experts for centuries. The exact method used to create these carvings is not known, and many believe that they were created using ancient technology that has since been lost.
There is also a mysterious energy associated with Kailash Dham that continues to be felt by many people who visit the temple. It is said that the temple has a powerful aura that can be felt by those who enter, and that it has the ability to heal and bring peace to those who seek its blessings.
Despite its many mysteries, Kailash Dham remains a place of pilgrimage for people from all walks of life and continues to be a source of inspiration and spiritual renewal for generations to come.
Lingodbhava is a significant event in Hindu mythology that marks the emergence of Lord Shiva as the supreme god. This phenomenon is “The Emergence of the Linga,” and it is a representation of the cosmic energy that pervades the universe.
The Churning of Ocean and Emergence of Linga – Lingodbhava
According to Hindu mythology, once upon a time, the gods and demons decided to churn the cosmic ocean to obtain the elixir of immortality. During the process, many things emerged from the ocean including the goddess of wealth. The moon, and a mysterious pillar of light also appears in this process. The gods decide to seek the help of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to identify this pillar of cosmic energy.
Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu went to investigate the pillar of light and found that it was emanating from a fiery linga. They were amazed by the sight and decided to investigate further. Lord Brahma decided to fly up to find the top of the linga and Lord Vishnu decided to delve down to find the bottom of the linga.
After many years, Lord Brahma returns and claims to have found the top of the linga, but Lord Vishnu returned empty-handed and admitted that he could not find the bottom of the linga.
Lord Shiva, who was hidden within the linga, emerged from it and declared himself to be the supreme god, the creator, and the destroyer of the universe.
Significance of Lingodbhava
The Lingodbhava story is a significant event in Hindu mythology that represents the emergence of Lord Shiva as the supreme god. The linga, also known as the cosmic pillar, is said to be a representation of the cosmic energy that pervades the universe and is considered to be the source of all energy. Lord Shiva is often depicted as being in a meditative state, seated on top of the linga, and this is said to be his formless form, as the linga represents the formless nature of the universe.
The event of Lingodbhava is seen as a symbol of the oneness of the universe. It represents the idea that all things in the universe are connected and that the universe is one whole entity.
Festivals related to Lord Shiva – Mahashivaratri
Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati
In Hinduism, Lingodbhava is also celebrated as a festival called Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated annually on the 13th night or 14th day of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna. On this day, devotees of Lord Shiva fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. It is believed that by doing so they will receive blessings from Lord Shiva and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Lingodbhava – Lord Shiva as a creator of universe
Thus, Lingodbhava is a significant event in Hindu mythology that marks the emergence of Lord Shiva as the supreme god. It represents the unity of the universe and the idea that all things are connected. The linga, a symbol of the cosmic energy that pervades the universe, is the source of all energy. This story also serves as a reminder that Lord Shiva is not just the destroyer but also the creator and the preserver of the universe. The festival of Maha Shivaratri, is an important occasion for the devotees of Lord Shiva to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Mahashivaratri is a Hindu festival that is celebrated annually in honor of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism and is celebrated with great devotion and fervor. Here are some lesser-known facts about Mahashivaratri. The word “Mahashivaratri” means “great night of Lord Shiva” and is celebrated on the 13th night/14th day of the Hindu month of Phalguna (February/March).
According to Hindu legend, Lord Shiva performed the “Tandava” dance on this night, which represents the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction.
It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a Linga on this night, which is why the festival is also known as “Lingodbhavamurti.” Many devotees observe a fast on this day and stay awake all night in devotion to Lord Shiva. Special prayers, rituals and puja are performed in Shiva temples throughout India, and devotees offer fruits, flowers, and milk to Lord Shiva’s Linga. The festival is also celebrated with the lighting of lamps and the distribution of prasad, which is a sweet offering made to the deity.
In some parts of India, devotees also perform a “Shodashopachara Puja” which is a 16 step worship ritual.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva granted salvation to the sage and hunter, Markandeya, on this night. This is why many devotees also perform the Rudrabhishekam, a special ritual to Lord Shiva, seeking blessings and salvation.
In Nepal, the festival is celebrated as “Mahashivaratri” or “Shiva Ratri” and is one of the most important festivals for the Hindu community, where people gather in Pashupatinath Temple to offer prayers and perform rituals.In South India, the festival is celebrated as “Maha Shivaratri” and is an important festival for the Shaiva sect.
In some parts of India, a special ritual called “Abhishekam” is performed, which involves pouring milk, honey, and yogurt over the Linga, symbolizing the purification of the mind and soul. In some parts of India, the festival is also celebrated by married women, who perform the “Shivaratri Vrata” and pray for the well-being of their husbands and family.
Many Hindu communities also organize “Shivaratri Mela” fairs, where devotees gather to offer prayers, perform rituals and participate in cultural activities. It is also believed that Lord Shiva grants blessings to those who perform special rituals and puja on this night, which is why many people also perform the “Mahashivaratri Vrat” and fast for the whole day and night.
Some devotees also perform the “Bilva Patra Puja” which is the worship of the Bilva tree, which is considered sacred to Lord Shiva. In conclusion, Mahashivaratri is a significant festival in Hinduism that is celebrated with great devotion and fervor in honor of Lord Shiva. It is a time for spiritual reflection, purification of the mind and soul, and the seeking of blessings and salvation. Many rituals, puja and cultural activities are performed, and the festival brings people together in devotion and celebration.
Lord Shiva is a major deity in Hinduism, known as the destroyer and transformer within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu. While many people are familiar with some of the more well-known aspects of Lord Shiva, there are also a number of lesser-known facts about this powerful god.
Lord Shiva is also known as “Nataraja” which means “King of Dancers”, Shiva’s Tandava dance creates and destroys the universe.
Lord Shiva is also known as “Rudra” which means “the one who causes tears”. It is believed that his fierce and destructive aspect brings both good and bad, and cause people to cry tears of joy or sorrow.
Lord Shiva is has blue throat. According to Hindu mythology, once the poison produced during Samudra Manthan or Churning of the ocean was about to destroy the world, Lord Shiva drinks this and saves the world.
Lord Shiva is known as the “Adi Guru” or the “First Guru” in Hinduism. He is the first yogi, who gave the knowledge of yoga to humanity.
Lord Shiva holds a trident, which is a symbol of his power and ability to destroy the universe. The trident also represents the three aspects of time: the past, the present, and the future.
Lord Shiva is also known as “Bholenath” which means “the innocent Lord”. He is easy to please and easy to appease.
Mundmala or Garland of Skulls
Lord Shiva wears a garland of skulls, which is known as the “mala of rudraksha beads”. The garland represents the cycle of birth and death, and the power of Lord Shiva to transcend it. In Shiva’s iconography, the mundamala represents the continual creation and destruction cycles of human existence.
Various names of Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva is “Mahadeva” which means “the greatest god”. Shaivite sect considers Lord Shiva as the supreme deity.Another name of Lord Shiva is “Ashutosh” which means “the one who is easily pleased”. Even the smallest offerings made to Lord Shiva with devotion is accepted.
Lord Shiva is “Vishwanath” which means “the lord of the universe”. He is the ultimate reality, and the ultimate source of all energy and power in the universe.
In summary, Lord Shiva is an important deity in Hinduism, known for his destructive and transformative powers. He has many names and has many aspects to his character. Lord Shiva is the master of yoga and the first guru, his dance represents the cycle of creation and destruction. People know him as the “Adi Guru” and as “Mahadeva” as the Supreme deity, He is also known as easy to please deity and is symbolized by trident and skull garland.
Haritalika Teej is a famous festival which is celebrated on the third day of Shukla Paksha. This is celebrated by married women in the honour of Goddess Parvati and the observer has to fast for three days.
The story behind this festival
The word Haritalika is made by joining the words ‘harat’ meaning abduction and ‘Aalika’ means one who is a good female friend. According to a story, it was on this day incarnation of Goddess Parvati was abducted by her friends to stop her marriage to Lord Vishnu, and ultimately she was married to Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati was in form of Maa Shailputri.
Goddess Parvati was performing penance for Lord Shiva. During this time, Narada Muni approached Parvati’s father, Parvata Raj, with a marriage proposal for Parvati from Lord Vishnu. Parvata Raj was very happy with the proposal and gladly accepted it. When Parvati heard about this proposal, she started weeping. Her friends then advised and abducted her so that her marriage to Lord Vishnu can be stopped.
On the third day of the bright half of Bhadrapad, Goddess Parvati made a Shiva lingam out of her hair and prayed. Lord Shiva was so impressed that he gave his word to marry Goddess Parvati. Eventually, Goddess Parvati was united with Lord Shiva and was married to him with her father’s blessing. Since then, the day is referred to as haritalika teej as Goddess Parvati’s female (aalika)friend had to abduct (harit) her in order for the Goddess to achieve her goal of marrying Lord Shiva.
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.
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.
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,
“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!”
As per the Shiva Purana, Once, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu once had an argument over who was better.Lord Shiva pierced the three worlds as an endless pillar of light, the jyotirlinga and asked them to find out the source of it.
Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma decide to travel along the pillar downwards and upwards respectively, to find the end of the light. Both of gods did not find the start or end of the pillar. Brahma lied that he had found the end, while Vishnu conceded his defeat.
Then Lord Shiva appeared as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshipped till the end of eternity. The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. The jyotirlinga shrines, thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light.
शिव पुराण की ‘कोटि-रुद्र संहिता’ के सोलहवें अध्याय में तृतीय ज्योतिर्लिंग भगवान महाकाल के संबंध में सूतजी द्वारा जिस कथा को वर्णित किया गया है, उसके अनुसार अवंती नगरी में एक वेद कर्मरत ब्राह्मण रहा करते थे। वे अपने घर में अग्नि की स्थापना कर प्रतिदिन अग्निहोत्र करते थे और वैदिक कर्मों के अनुष्ठान में लगे रहते थे। भगवान शंकर के परम भक्त वह ब्राह्मण प्रतिदिन पार्थिव लिंग का निर्माण कर शास्त्र विधि से उसकी पूजा करते थे। हमेशा उत्तम ज्ञान को प्राप्त करने में तत्पर उस ब्राह्मण देवता का नाम ‘वेदप्रिय’ था। वेदप्रिय स्वयं ही शिव जी के अनन्य भक्त थे, जिसके संस्कार के फलस्वरूप उनके शिव पूजा-परायण ही चार पुत्र हुए। वे तेजस्वी तथा माता-पिता के सद्गुणों के अनुरूप थे। उन चारों पुत्रों के नाम ‘देवप्रिय’, ‘प्रियमेधा’, ‘संस्कृत’ और ‘सुवृत’ थे।
उन दिनों रत्नमाल पर्वत पर ‘दूषण’ नाम वाले धर्म विरोधी एक असुर ने वेद, धर्म तथा धर्मात्माओं पर आक्रमण कर दिया। उस असुर को ब्रह्मा से अजेयता का वर मिला था। सबको सताने के बाद अन्त में उस असुर ने भारी सेना लेकर अवन्ति (उज्जैन) के उन पवित्र और कर्मनिष्ठ ब्राह्मणों पर भी चढ़ाई कर दी। उस असुर की आज्ञा से चार भयानक दैत्य चारों दिशाओं में प्रलयकाल की आग के समान प्रकट हो गये। उनके भयंकर उपद्रव से भी शिव जी पर विश्वास करने वाले वे ब्राह्मणबन्धु भयभीत नहीं हुए। अवन्ति नगर के निवासी सभी ब्राह्मण जब उस संकट में घबराने लगे, तब उन चारों शिवभक्त भाइयों ने उन्हें आश्वासन देते हुए कहा- ‘आप लोग भक्तों के हितकारी भगवान शिव पर भरोसा रखें।’ उसके बाद वे चारों ब्राह्मण-बन्धु शिव जी का पूजन कर उनके ही ध्यान में तल्लीन हो गये।
Jai Mahakal
सेना सहित दूषण ध्यान मग्न उन ब्राह्मणों के पास पहुँच गया। उन ब्राह्मणों को देखते ही ललकारते हुए बोल उठा कि इन्हें बाँधकर मार डालो। वेदप्रिय के उन ब्राह्मण पुत्रों ने उस दैत्य के द्वारा कही गई बातों पर कान नहीं दिया और भगवान शिव के ध्यान में मग्न रहे। जब उस दुष्ट दैत्य ने यह समझ लिया कि हमारे डाँट-डपट से कुछ भी परिणाम निकलने वाला नहीं है, तब उसने ब्राह्मणों को मार डालने का निश्चय किया।
उसने ज्योंही उन शिव भक्तों के प्राण लेने हेतु शस्त्र उठाया, त्योंही उनके द्वारा पूजित उस पार्थिव लिंग की जगह गम्भीर आवाल के साथ एक गडढा प्रकट हो गया और तत्काल उस गड्ढे से विकट और भयंकर रूपधारी भगवान शिव प्रकट हो गये। दुष्टों का विनाश करने वाले तथा सज्जन पुरुषों के कल्याणकर्त्ता वे भगवान शिव ही महाकाल के रूप में इस पृथ्वी पर विख्यात हुए। उन्होंने दैत्यों से कहा- ‘अरे दुष्टों! तुझ जैसे हत्यारों के लिए ही मैं ‘महाकाल’ प्रकट हुआ हूँ।
इस प्रकार धमकाते हुए महाकाल भगवान शिव ने अपने हुँकार मात्र से ही उन दैत्यों को भस्म कर डाला। दूषण की कुछ सेना को भी उन्होंने मार गिराया और कुछ स्वयं ही भाग खड़ी हुई। इस प्रकार परमात्मा शिव ने दूषण नामक दैत्य का वध कर दिया। जिस प्रकार सूर्य के निकलते ही अन्धकार छँट जाता है, उसी प्रकार भगवान आशुतोष शिव को देखते ही सभी दैत्य सैनिक पलायन कर गये। देवताओं ने प्रसन्नतापूर्वक अपनी दन्दुभियाँ बजायीं और आकाश से फूलों की वर्षा की। उन शिवभक्त ब्राह्मणों पर अति प्रसन्न भगवान शंकर ने उन्हें आश्वस्त करते हुए कहा कि ‘मै महाकाल महेश्वर तुम लोगों पर प्रसन्न हूँ, तुम लोग वर मांगो।’
महाकालेश्वर की वाणी सुनकर भक्ति भाव से पूर्ण उन ब्राह्मणों ने हाथ जोड़कर विनम्रतापूर्वक कहा- ‘दुष्टों को दण्ड देने वाले महाकाल! शम्भो! आप हम सबको इस संसार-सागर से मुक्त कर दें। हे भगवान शिव! आप आम जनता के कल्याण तथा उनकी रक्षा करने के लिए यहीं हमेशा के लिए विराजिए। प्रभो! आप अपने दर्शनार्थी मनुष्यों का सदा उद्धार करते रहें।’
भगवान शंकर ने उन ब्राह्माणों को सद्गति प्रदान की और अपने भक्तों की सुरक्षा के लिए उस गड्ढे में स्थित हो गये। उस गड्ढे के चारों ओर की लगभग तीन-तीन किलोमीटर भूमि लिंग रूपी भगवान शिव की स्थली बन गई। ऐसे भगवान शिव इस पृथ्वी पर महाकालेश्वर के नाम से प्रसिद्ध हुए।
