THOUGHTS ON LORD SHIVA – OUR OWN BHOLA JI (CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL ON MAHASHIVRATRI ON 4TH MARCH 2019)

THOUGHTS ON  SHIVA – OUR OWN BHOLA JI

(CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL FOR MAHASHIVRATRI on 4^th MARCH)

Lord Shiva has himself told the deities that he had manifested in the form of Pillar of Fire’ in the month of Agahan and during the constellation of Ardra. Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati (Nature – Prakriti) are really difficult to be understood by a normal human being. Both love their creations; it may be normal humans or demons (Lord Shiva’s liking for Demon King Ravana as a great Bhakta of Shiva is well known), ghosts, spirits (which Lord Shiva took with him at the time of his marriage with Parvati), amongst all the creations. They are adoring, simplistic, pleasing in bestowing their graces with slightest of prayers, enigmatic, recluse, forgiving, artistic, greatest preachers, greatest scientist etc. Therefore, we should not only to dwell on their union in marriage but also their compassionate NATURE which we should try to emulate.  I have tried to cover some of His aspects. Kindly appraise – although these are not complete because SHIV PURANA contains everything that a human should know and emulate in our life for peace and prosperity and bring about happiness and ultimately MOKSHA (LIBERATION).

SHIVA

THOUGHTS ON LORD SHIVA

The Great Night of Shiva – our most loved Godhead

When Shiva and Parvati got  united in the marriage considered most sacred

Parvati is the daughter of King Himachal

And the sister of Goddess Ganga

The sacred promises of marriage were exchanged

To be kept in mind while living the life together

While reminiscing the marriage of the greatest Souls.

Lord Shiva is the in charge of destruction

And subsequently to be created again.

Goddess Parvati is the Goddess of fertility

Love and devotion along with power (Shakti)

She has been called variously by 100 names

She is part of Trinity amongst Goddesses

Lakshmi, the Lorddess of wealth and prosperity

Lordess of knowledge an learning is Saraswati.

For Lord Shiva it is essential to be aware of

Satyam Shivam Sundaram

Where Satyam relates to truth

Which could be tested

Shivam means giving for growth

From infancy onwards

Sundaram means aesthetic beauty

Inculcated through giving knowledge (Gyan)

But without expectation in return

We  seek oneness of ourselves with that of Divine.

Thenceforth Divine Couple appeared in the form of Ardhanarishwa

This way, complementing each other

As Shiva and Shakti to bless all the creation

Lord Shiva is known by 1008 names as per Shiv Purana

Mahadeva, Maheshwara, Ardnarishwara

Devadeva, Gurudeva, Lingaraja, Natraja, et al

There are many form and manifestation of Lord Shiva

Our Shiva Ji is the greatest and majestic mystic

Hr is enigmatic, non-perceivable God

Disarmingly Naïve or Bhalla to the core

A greatest master and a great teacher

The One who forgives Ashutosha, Baireva

A dynamic dancer Natraja

Who ingests even poison to save others

A greatest scientist of repute

Who loves each and every forms of creations

In fact he is product and amalgamation

Of all which exist in this world and beyond

And what not

Who displays His prowess just

Differently at different points of times

Sometimes he is Bhola or Rustic  recluse

Sitting in Smadhi posture even in cremation grounds

Other times he is  sitting in Smadhi posture

In majestic Himalayan Kailash Parvat

Emanating profuse aura and inner Shakti

Lord Shiva himself tells His deities

That He manifested himself

In the form of Pillar of Fire

Which is famously termed as Longasthan

With stark resemblance

To Mountain of Fire

Famously termed as Arunachal.

One who worships Lord Shiva

In the month Agahan

And also during the constellation of Ardra

Including  Shivratri Day in His Form as Linga

Is more dear to Him than His own son Kartikeya.

Shiva is the greatest of all the educators

He taught Barhmaji – the incharge of Creation

And Vishnuji – the incharge of evolution

The  five duties (Panchakritya) of theirs

On which the affairs and significance of the world function

Shrishti – the Creation

Sthithi – position

Samhar  – Annihilation

Tirobhav – concealment

Anugrah – Obligation or compassion.

The origin of this world is due to Sarga or Nature

Of Shakti or power which is essential for any action

The establishment of this world is Stithi or position

The earth is important for habitation

The  destruction of this world is Samhar

Which is essential for fresh creation

The absence of this world is concealment or  Tirobhav

Essential for recreation

For continuation of living being

Moksha is the liberation from births and deaths or Anugrah

Shiva took the duties of destruction for further creation

The job of Sanhar & Tiribhav

Including finally the Anugrah is the giver of salvation

Task of Sarga (Nature) is for nurturing for its survival

Through its vegetation and other bounties

Available in abundance for use by the creation.

Subsequently, Lord Shiva explains about the meaning of OMKAR

It is the power of Shakti (Nature) and Shiva

Reciting OMKAR  gives the person concerned

The Moksha or Libration from birth and death.

Also the importance of Shivalinga was explained

It could be made mud, metal or stone

Then appropriate place of installation has to be chosen

And process of performing the Shodasopachar

Or purification to be undertaken accordingly

Where it could be worshipped routinely

With the prayer OM NAMAH SHIVAY

Without any obstruction which may come in the way.

How best to worship Lord Shiva meaningfully.

Worshipping done at night time is considered most appropriate

For getting full connectivity with Lord Shiva

Worshipping Shiva dissolves the sins of a worshippers

And if the worshipping is done with utmost sincerity

It could bestow us Moksha or Libration

From births and deaths

Besides bestowing us the place in His Abode for good.

For famous temples of Shiva

Are located on the banks of sacred rivers

Such as Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati, Godavari

Narmada, Kaveri, Sarayu, Tungabhadra et al.

THEN it is recognized by the Shiva Bhaktas

That a person should be known by the Karmic deeds

One does in thoughts and action.

A person is not known  by the family he/she is born

But the Karma which one does in person

A Brahman who is engaged in criticizing irrationally

Could be termed as Shudra Brahmina

A Kshatriya who is serving others

Could be termed as Brahmin Kshatriya.

The Dharma too is of two types

Dharma performed by matter and materials

Performance through Yagya or Yagna

Amongst it is Agni-Yogya

By offering Havan Samagri

Materials such as til, barley fragrance

Mixed with  cow-ghee is put in the fire

With great reverence

Amid chanting of Vedic Mantra

Along with reciting of Shiva Mantra – OM NAMON SHIVAYE

Conducting this in the evening hours brings about prosperity

And doing this in the morning brings about longevity.

Then Dharma performed by  physical activities

Like performing pilgrimage to the places known to us

Could bring about prosperity and peace of mind.

Meditational methodology pursued in various Yugas must be known

During Satya-Yuga

The meditation was done to for self-awareness

In Treta-Yuga, it was done through penance for benefit of self

During Dwapara Yuga it was attained through Yagaya

While in Kali Yuga Idol Worship is being followed

For attaining self-realisation.

Amongst everything else that is known

Righteousness brings about happiness

Opposite brings about sorrows and unhappiness.

The various days of week are then known differently

By the names of different deities

Attributing for Shiva Himself, Sunday as the auspicious day

Monday Maa Durga – the Shakti have immense prowess

Tuesday, Skand the son of Lord Shiva

Wednesday – Lord Vishnu the God responsible for evolution

Which has been created by the Lord of Creation

Thursday – Lord Yama the lord of death

Foor the one who is born on earth

Friday – Lord Brahma the lord of creation

For continuity of civilization

Saturday – Lord Indra the Rain God

Which hept maintain the greenery in tact

Worshipping on these days

Gives a worshipper prosperity and happiness

Worshipping on different places give different gains

Cowshed worshipping bestows virtue

On the banks of river gives ten times more virtues than the first one

Worshipping in the temple graces a Bhakta still more virtues

On the seashore profuse virtues

On the peak of mounts more than preceding one

Worshipping with huge focus the best results are attained.

Even the earthen idol of Shiva gives benefits

The idol should be washed with pure water

Thence with milk added to it

Performing abhishek to idol

Bestows purification of body and soul

Offering fragrance gives virtues of highest order

Offering Naivedya helps increase longevity

Incense of dhoop gives prosperity

Worshipping with burning wick

Gives knowledge to the devotee

Beetal leaves gives magnificence.

Worshipping in the month of Magha

And Krishna Chaturdashi bestows longevity

Worshipping Him with sincerity

and with focus gives joy and Moksha or salvation finally

During Kartik gives disease free existence.

The unifying powers of Shiva & Shakti

Give impetus to annihilate the sins

Pervading in the humans.

Chanting of OMKAR and Hari Shiva Pranav

Having the sounds A, U and Ma

Symbolizing the Trinity

Helps in libration from the eight  bondages

Which are Nature, Intelligence,

Qualitative, ego, senses

Touch, taste, smell, sound & sight

The thoughts and actions

Performed on the basis of these bondages

Are termed as the Karma

And a man reaps the harvest of his own Karma

Good karma gives pleasure

And bad one gives sorrow and displeasure

The soul take birth or gets liberation

Based on the Karmic deeds or misdeeds

Eight Chakras are nothing

But the eight forms of  Nature

Lord Shiva is beyond the realm of these Eight Chakras

A man desirous of attaining happiness and liberation

Should worship Shiva Linga

We rejoice this occasion and seek His Ultimate blessings
with the immensity of reverence in our inner recesses of being
For our spiritual health and inner peace

AND WITH A SOLEMN PRAYER TO RID THIS WORLD OF EVILS

IN ANY FORM OR MANIFESTATIONS.

  ON LORD SHIVA – SHIVRATRI

MAHA SHIVRATRI IS THE PIOUS NIGHT

Before delving more on the MAHA SHIVRATRI, it is relevant to understand the true meaning of SATYAM SHIVAM SUNDARAM

The Trinity amongst Gods (Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu & Lord Shiva) are responsible variously:-

Lord Bhrama is in charge of creation.

Lord Vishnu is in charge of maintenance and evolution.

Lord Shiva is in charge of destruction (Sanghaarkarta) and subsequently for rebirth.

The Trinity of Goddesses and their responsibilities are;-

Goddess Parvati is the Goddess of fertility, love, devotion, and power (Shakti).

Goddess Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of knowledge and learning.

Satyam connotes essence or truth or reality – whose results could be tested and attested at any time and anyplace with similar results. In other words, these results could be confirmed scientifically.

Shivam means giving. This may be in the form of Gyan (knowledge) or any other agent of change which may help an individual’s growth in various stages of growth from childhood onwards.

Sundaram means that one ensures to receive information required for growth and development and wellness of the child without any expectation. This function is performed by the family and the society at large.

MAHA SHIVRATRI

Maha Shivratri is celebrated on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi in the month of Phalguna as per Hindu calendar which is in the month of February. This is an annual feature which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence. This is the holiest day since this day is associated with the sacred marriage of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati (the daughter of Himalaya) – in fact coming together of Shiva & Shakti.

It is pertinent to mention the background as to how Shiva and Parvati had their first meeting. Parvati had seen Shiva while she was only eight years old. She formed an opinion that she will marry him only when she grows up while he was in a meditative trance. When she grew up, she told her father (Himavan) that she wanted to marry Shiva but he always remained in meditative consciousness. She was also fully determined to make him realize her love for him. She used to take leaves only and after a while, she left eating anything and thereafter even drinking water. Then finding the suitable opportunity, her father made mention about the state of health of his daughter to Shiva.

Mysticism of it all is that Shiva wanted to test her love for him still more. He went to her in the form of a handsome young man and asked her why she wanted to marry Shiva who, more often than not, remains in a meditative trance and always remains in the cremation grounds amongst ghosts etc with ash smeared on his body. He offered himself to marry her. Parvati straight away refused to marry him and was adamant that she will marry Shiva only and no one else. This way, he came back to his old form and asked Parvati for a boon. She asked Shiva to marry her.

Shivaratri means the night of Shiva. On this day devotees observe the strict fast and keep themselves awake during the night time, immersed in Lord’s prayers for deriving maximum benefits out of these sacred rituals.

Shivratari Lord Shiva’s most favorite day/night. When the earth was created, Shakti (Lordess Parvati) asked Shiva which day was the dearest and favorite one for Him. Shiva replied that 14th night of the new moon in the month of Phalguna was most pleasing to Him. Parvati thus repeated these words amidst the company of friends and others and thus the word spread far and wide to the multitudes and since then this day is being celebrated with great adoration.

Maha Shivratri is associated with the marriage of Shiva and Shakti. The devotees (Bhakta) know the significance of this day since it is very dear to Lord SHIVA. On this day, the devotees in different age groups (young & old) take the early bath in some sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna etc and offer prayer (pooja) in temples and also make offerings of bel patra and other leaves including berries also pour water on the Shiva Linga. Before washing the Lingum (the symbol of Lord Shiva) with utmost reverence with milk, ghee, honey, rose water etc people chant mantras. As Lord Shiva is known for His austere living he likes simple things and simple offerings in the form of herbs and leaves for pleasing Him. Devout perform prayers with immense pleasure and devotion.

There is also another legend attached to this day. At the time of the churning of the sea by the Godheads and the Demons (Rakshas) there surfaced a vessel full of poison amongst other enchanting objects like Kamdhenu (Wish-fulfilling cow, white horse, white elephant, Kalpavriksha (Wish-fulfilling tree), Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth), Dhanvantri (Divine Physician) and finally the vessel of Amrita (nectar). To save the world from the devastating effects of poison, Lord Shiva consumed the pot of poison and kept the same in his throat with his Yogic Powers and that is why

He is also called NEELKANTHA or Blue Throated with immense reverence. By doing so, LORD SHIVA saved the world from being annihilated.

SHIVA OR SIVA means ‘that what is not’ or which is beyond anything or everything. It is comparable to the nothingness of vast cosmos/nothingness of space with galaxies, planets, etc. That which is propitious, pure, simple, gracious, benevolent and full of beauty. In Vedic scriptures/literature, Shiva also connotes liberation or emancipation. He is the auspicious deity who is creator, reproducer, and destroyer of the forces of negativism and darkness. Shaivism also represents beliefs and practices of Hinduism. Shiva is not affected by three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas). He is called Supreme Lord. He is a great Yogi. One who is beyond any limit of appreciation – nothingness which can absorb anything and everything.

A great Yogi who gave us Yoga and method of living – living as mystic  Yogi but not oblivious of the family bondings. His contribution as a recluse and the householder is the phenomenon and cannot simply be ignored. The complexity of His traits as a deity cannot be comprehended if we do not delve deep into his life. In the earlier years, he used to wander in the Himalayan region and subsequently an ascetic who is always absorbed in Yogic meditation. This was proved right when the barat (marriage party) was received. Strange as it looked: Shiva as a groom, rode a bull, with matted hair, ash smeared all over the body, was a part of koupina or loincloth., a garland of bones and skulls, as usual, a trident in one hand and damru (drum) in the other hand.. There was the beating of drums and the mixed sound of trumpets – a terrific sound indeed. Amongst the baratis Marriage party) were Gods and Demi-Gods Not to speak of this, his marriage barati’s consisted of the ganas, ghosts and other strange and fearful witches, vampires etc. The marriage receiving party

A  MYSTIC WHO COULD BE PLEASED EASILY

We always say him in meditative posture – completely immersed in contemplation. He is Yogi with a difference who could be termed as the deity who could be pleased with bel patra and fruits. Simple sincere prayer can earn His bounties – that is why He is called as Bhole Shankar.

ULTIMATE WHEN FEROCIOUS

When Shiva is provoked beyond a limit, when He was in trance, as was done by Cupid or Kamadeva,  He opened His third eye and reduced him to ashes in a fit of anger.

There are 12 Jyotirlingas (Lingas of Light) which are held sacred by the devotees. They offer prayers at these holy places.

Devout chant Mantra OM NAMON SHIVAYE and also Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra to get special benefits since this day falls in the most appropriate planetary positions in the Northern hemisphere; helps devotee raise his / her spiritual energy vigorously. The prayers are answered if these are done with sincerity. This day is also celebrated because on this night Shiva performed His cosmic dance (Tandava). This dance was enjoyed even by other Godheads.

Lord Shiva’s abode is mount Kailasha. He bearer of sacred river Ganga on his head besides a serpent named Vasuki. His devotee Nandi is the carrier of Lord Shiva.

In Shiv Purana, it has been mentioned that Shiva prayers should be done in the following manner to get maximum benefit:-

1. SHIV LINGA. Shiva means auspiciousness and lingam means a symbol and when to put together it means: ‘a symbol of the great God of the universe who is all-auspicious’. It also means ‘the One in whom the whole of creation sleeps after dissolution. The worship of Shiva in the form of Longa is most prominent. It represents as a symbol God Himself. Shiva lingam is to be bathed in water, milk, and honey. For purification of these, bel patra should also be added. Vermilion paste represents virtue, after bathing the Shiva Linga with water, honey, curd etc with utmost devotion vermilion paste is applied on it.
2. Natural fruits like berries are very dear to the Lord, hence these are offered. Fruits are also the sign of fulfillment of our desires and hence should be offered.
3. Forgetting His grace and bounties offerings when dhoop (incense) is ritualistically burnt give maximum benefits.
4. The lamp is lighted. The lamp symbolizes knowledge and wisdom and keeps away our ignorance. If this is lighted with devotion and offered to the Lord, we can derive maximum benefits.
5. Finally, betel leaves are offered which symbioses the satiation of our worldly desires besides keeping our spiritual onward march intact.

ATTRIBUTES OF LORD SHIVA

It is important to know the attributes of Lord Shiva which are depicted variously as: benevolent, pious with huge reserves of compassion, easy to be pleased, honourable, delightful with brilliance, innocent, easy to be pleased, invincible, having huge prowess, fearful or ferocious when hugely provoked, Wrathful, violent and dangerous, destructive, autistic (Yogi Raj).

SHIVSHAKTI

Shiv-shakti Shiv is called Kala (the eternal time) and Parvati the consort of Shiv is also called Kali meaning ‘Time’ or ‘death’ (two mixed together means the ‘time has come’). Various people worship Shakti or Kali represents the feminine force whereas Shiva is the masculine force along with the power of peace.

LORD SHIVAJI FAMILY

Lord Shiva has two aspects. Firstly as an ascetic (Yogi) shown meditating and also as a householder – having family performing the dual functions wonderfully well. He has a consort named Parvati (the daughter of King Himalaya). The family consisted of the following:-

(a) Parvati. She is the Consort of Shiva, variously described as, Shakti (Divine Energy), Devi, Divine Mother along with Goddess Tripura Sundari, Durga, Minakshi, Kamakshi etc. She is also identified with Nature, creative energy, Ardhanarishvara (dynamic extension of Shiva without whom Shiva is incomplete.

(b) Ganesha.  Ganesha is the deity in a human form but with the head of an elephant which represents the power of the Supreme Being that removes obstacles. .He was created out of the remains of smut from the body of Parvati and further infused life into it. He is worshipped with great devotion, before starting any prayer or starting any business or new job His name is taken. He is said to the remover of Lord of removal of obstacles (vegan Karta), Lord of beginning. No Yagna or any ritual is incomplete without beginning with prayers to Lord Ganesha.

(c) Kartikeya. He was assigned with the responsibility of protecting the Gods and Demi-Gods. He is worshipped in South India by various names such as Murugan, Subramanya, Shanmugan and in North India as Skanda and Kartikeya.

(d) Ashok Sundari. While Parvati felt very lonely, she created Ashok Sundari from a tree to remove her monotony and loneliness because Shiva remained in meditation most of the time.

(e) Manasa Devi. She is considered kind to the devotees who worship her. Due to her bad temper and unhappy disposition, Mansa was rejected by Lord Shiva. She is termed as the goddess of snakes and worshipped in North India. She is also described as the destroyer of poison.

(f) Ayyappan. In the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as a woman named Mohini, Lord Shiva was charmed by her beauty and through the union of the two Ayyappan was born. He is specially worshipped in South India.

(g) Then there are other children of Lord Shiva named Andaka and Jalandhar and Mangala.

Names of Lord Shiva. According to Shiva Purana, there are 1008 names of Lord Shiva. Some of these are given below:-

NATARAJA

There is a description in the Puranic period that Lord Shiva is also termed as the Lord of Dance or Eternal Dancer. The two most renowned dances are Tandava (which is the powerful and masculine dance) and is associated with the destruction while Lasya which is very graceful and exhibits delicacy of emotions and is attributed to Parvati and associated with creation. Both destruction and creation are the important factors in the universe and the world at large.

DAKSINNAMURTI

Represents the form of Shiva Murti facing South. This represents aspects as a teacher of yoga, music, and wisdom.

ARDHANARISHVARA

It represents the combination of two; Shiva and Shakti (Parvati) depicting half male (Shiva) and half female (Parvati). It is due to the fact that Lord Shiva was hugely pleased by the austere traits of Parvati and granted her the boon of becoming part of his body.

Tripurantaka. In this Lord Shiva is depicted with four arms having bow and arrow in the at of destroying Demon named Tripura.

AVATARS OF SHIVA. In the description, in Linga Purana there are 28 forms of Shiva. Hanuman is known as Rudra Avtar (Rudra is a name of Shiva) as eleventh Avatar.

Ashutosh – One who fulfills wills.
Akshayaguna – With limitless attributes.
Anantadrishti – With an unrivaled vision.
Bholenath – One who is benevolent.
Bhooteshwara – one who is Lord of ghosts.
Bhudeva – One who is Lord of Earth
Mahadeva – Greatest God
Devadeva – Lord of the Lords
Gurudeva – Lord of all
Ingaraja – Lord of Lingas
Vishveshwara – One who is the Lord of Universe.

There are 12 Jyotirlingas (Lingas of Light) which are held sacred by the devotee. They offer prayers at these holy places. These are mentioned below:

1. Somnath ( Lord of the Nectar of Knowledge)
   2. Nageshwar or Nagnath (Lord of 5 headed snake):
   3. Kedarnath ( Lord of Kedar):
   4.Vishwanath ( Lord of the Universe), Banaras-UP:
   5.Mahakaleswar ( The Lord of Death) Ujjain, MP:
   6. Amaleshwar (Lord of Purity) : Lord Shiva the purifier of all sins.
   7. Trayambkeshwar ( Lord of Third Eye ), Maharashtra:
   8. Ghrishneshwar (Lord of Positive Energy obtained from Churning of divine Knowledge), Maharashtra:
   9. Vaidyanathan (Lord of Vaidya/Ayurveda), Maharashtra:
   10. Bheemashankar (Mighty & Powerful Lord), Maharashtra:
   11. Mallikarjun ( Lord ), Andhra Pradesh:
   12. Rameshwaram (Ram worshiping Lord Shiva), Tamilnadu:

It has been observed that this earth and what it contains, the universe and all that it possesses (the sun, the moon, countless stars, etc) are the wonders which have been created by our Creator. These are created only by some SUPREME BEING to whom we can feel if we have the right attitude and all the other fine-tuned attributes like love, trust, etc. He has fathered us for a purpose and it is our duty to fulfill the assigned tasks in whatever way we can – by helping those who are not able to help themselves, doing good to others, forgiving others’ follies etc.

In conclusion, I am of the opinion that in Shiv Purana, mention has been made about the various aspect, about Karma philosophy, origin of Nature and the creation of the universe, the function of the Trinity, the practical aspect of segregation of professions, the meditation and the benefits derived from this, how best to perform various rituals including Shiva and Linga Sututi, the origin of Lord Shiva, function of Nature (Prakriti), et al. Kindly apprise the poem and the other contents.