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.
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.
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?
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.
