Essence of Siva Purana

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ESSENCE OF SIVA PURANA

Preface

Yaacchiva Puranam hi Paramam Sastram uttamam / Siva Rupam Kshitau Jneya Seva-

niyam cha Sarvatha / Pathanaat chhravanaadasya Bhaktimannarasathamah / Sadyah

Siva paada praptim snabhatey Sarva Sadhanaat.

(This Siva Purana is a highly commended Scripture. Consider it as Lord Sivas own

manifestation on Earth and observe devotion to it always. Those who read or hear thePurana shall be blessed instantly and shall attain Siva loka).

In a congregation of Sages at the Holy Forest of Naimisharanya headed by Sage

Saunaka, Suta Maha Muni (the Sage-in-Chief) described the fruits of Pathanam

(reading), Sravanam (hearing) and Mananam (cogitating) of Siva Purana. He declaredthat only a person who had the blessings of previous births on account of past fruitful

deeds could become associated with the Holy Purana; similarly those who aspire toacquire the blessings of Bhagavan Siva in future too could be associated with the Purana.

Siva Purana has an open and easy access, irrespective of any consideration to one all and

Bhagavan Siva, who had a history of easy and quick award of boons is pleased with smallservices like reciting even half of a Stanza of the Purana- let alone reading the entire

Purana for the best results. Bhagavan Siva would readily absolve even the meanest sins

of varying descriptions if only a human being resolves to purify oneself with truthfulnessand dedication till the final stage of ones life. Asked by Sage Saunaka, Suta Muni

informed that Bhagavan Siva Himself authored the Purana originally and Maharshi VedaVyasa sought the permission of Sanatkumar for the benefit of posterity and Vyasas

disciple Romaharshana (alternatively Lomaharshana) recited this Great Kalpataru or the

Boon yielding Celestial Tree) to wash off the perennial sins of Kali Yuga. Siva Purana

contains Six Samhitas (Volumes) entitled Vidyesvara Samhita, Rudra Samhita, ShataRudra Samhita, Koti Samhita, Uma Samhita, Kailasa Samhita and Vayavaya Samhita;

each of these Samhitas is divided into chapters and even a condensed version duly read

would yield fruitful outcome.

Adyanta mangalam-ajata Samaana bhaavam-aryam tam-Esham-Ajaram-Atma Devam /

Panchananam Pancha Vinoda Sheelam Sambhaavaye manasi Shankaram-Ambikesham

(Let the Purana be evenly spread with propitiousness from the beginning till the end with

heartfelt prayers soliciting the benevolence of the Birthless, Five Faced, Five-sported, andShankara Deva united with Ambika.) Veda Vyasa prefacing Sri Siva Purana.

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Bhagavan Siva describes Super Force as a Unified Entity of Trimurthis

At the very beginning of the Universe, manifestation of Lord Vishnu afloat on an endless

water surface was in Yoga Nidra (a state of Yogic Slumber) and from His navel sprouteda Lotus stem on top of which was lying Brahma.The latter wondered who He was and

tried to ascertain the center of the Lotus and the its root for hundreds of years but in vain.

There came a Celestial Voice commanding Brahma to perform Tapasya and finally,there appeared Lord Vishnu and sought to endear the former as His own creation. But

Brahma did not acknowledge Vishnu as a senior but defied and even fought with Him.

Meanwhile an Analstambha (a Pillar of Fire) representing Lord Siva appeared and bothBrahma and Vishnu agreed to discover the colossal Fiery Pillars height and depth ahead

of the other as a challenge to determine their mutual superiority; Brahma took the form of

Swan and flew high while Vishnu sported the form of a boar and travelled

down the massive Linga to find out the depth. Brahma while travelling up and up

caught hold of a Ketaki flower falling from above and made the flower lie to announcethat Brahma had discovered the top of the Pillar and provide evidence in His favour to

Vishnu. Bhagavan Siva Himself appeared and displayed His anger on Brahma and theKetaki flower. At the same time He was pleased with Vishnu for His truthfulness; Vishnu

even admitted that Brahma was greater on the basis of the wrong claim and the

misleading evidence of the Ketaki flower. Siva thus accorded the same status to Vishnubut punished Brahma by slicing one of his erstwhile five heads looking upward; He also

cursed Brahma as ineligible for future worship by the Universe. As Brahma entreated

Bhagavan Siva, the latter obliged Brahma as the Presiding Deity at Yajnas (Sacrifices).He banned Ketaki flower for pujas (Worship), but on its repentance approved of the

flower at Pujas to Vishnu. As all this drama happened on this specific night and allconcerned prayed to Bhagavan Siva for His Benevolence; the night had been observed as

Siva Ratri ever since.That was the first time that Bhagavan Siva assumed the Linga

form ( a cylindrical column) for worship. He affirmed that whoever worshipped Him thatnight (Chaturdasi night of Magha Month in the Krishna Paksha) and the following day

would be blessed with the boon of a year long of worship to Him and would even be

pleased better than His affection for His Son Karthikeya!

Panchakrityas (Five Duties) of Main Deities prescribed by Siva

Bhagavan Siva advised Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra would all be of the same status. Theyare essentially of the manifestations of His origin. They would carry out Panchakritya

or Five Duties viz. Srishti (Creation), Sthithi (Preservation) and Laya (Destruction),

Tirobhav (Concealment and Revival) and Anugraha (Providing Salvation). Srishtiwould be performed by Brahma, Sthithi by Vishnu, and Laya by Rudra; the fourth task,

viz. Tirobhav would be performed by Mahesa, who would be yet His fourth

manifestation and finally the most significant task of Anugraha would be the exclusive

dispensation by Himself. After defining the first four duties as Sarga (Nature),Bhagavan Siva taught the Mantra OM as the combined power of Himself and Shakti and

the extraordinary potency of the recitation of the Mantra.

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The Mighty Power of Omkara and Panchakshari Mantras

Bhagavan Siva affirmed: Omkaro mammukhajjaagney pradhamam matprabhodhakah /

Vachakoyamaham vaachyo mantroyam hi madaatmakah/ tadananusmaranam nityam

mamanusmaranam bhavet.( The word Omkaram emerged from Me first; whoever recites this Mantra always is on

My own track); A kara uttarapurvam u karah Paschima -ananat / Mkaro dakshina

mukhaad bindhuh pranamukhastatha / nado madhya mukha devam panchadhasau

vijrumbhitah / ( The letter A represents My Northward Face, U represents the

Westward, M stands for Southern Face, the Bindu connecting the three words A-U-M

is the Middle Faced Deva and the Fifth Face is over-awing.) A Singular Deity is thusmanifest as Omikakshara or as Siva Sakti that is all-pervasive and omni-potent.

Bhagavan Siva declared that continuous recitation of the Mantra Raja OM summing up

all the Vedas and Scriptures and representative of His Five Faces is a definite means of

Happiness during ones life time and Salvation thereafter. Omkara Mantra, thus

originated from the root letters of Akara, Ukara, Makara, Bindu and Nada (Sound) orPanchakshariis the saviour Mantra gifted to Humanity which could be recited as Om

Sivaya namaha or the Siva Panchakshari as the Deergha Mantra or Gross Mantra orsimply as Hrasva Mantra in the word OM. In any case, the Triumvirate viz. Brahma,

Vishnu and Mahesa are amply displayed in the three letters A, U and M and together with

the fuller Panchakshari the complete display of Bindu and Nada, the fullerdemonstration of Siva Skati becomes prominent. Also, the Most Potent word of OM has

to be certainly used before any recitation of Vedas or Mantras as an unavoidable Starter!

By chanting Pranava Mantra nine crore times, it is said that one secures the power ofcontrolling the Pancha Bhutas or the Five elements of Nature and even breaks the basic

eight bondages of life viz. the Panchatanmatras (five sensory reactions of touch, smell,sound, taste and appearance) as also control Nature, Intelligence and Ego.

Worship method of Siva Lingas

Bhagavan Siva advocated the methodology of worshipping Siva Linga, which could be

made of mud, rock or metal and be either Chara ( mobile) Linga or Sthira ( fixed)

Linga as per convenience. A movable Linga, which can be carried to places if needed,should have a breadth of twelve times of the thickness of a hand finger of the concerned

devotee and twenty five times the thickness of the finger of the height and should have a

pedastal always.The Linga shoud be consecrated by continuosly reciting the Mantra OmNamah Sivaya during the construction and consecration times. It is said that worship of

the Linga at midnight time is considered preferable. Recitation of the above Mantra five

crore times is considered highly fruitful.Worship along with Shodasopacharas orsixteen kinds of Services is to be performed. [The Services are: Asana or Seating,

Padyam water for washing the Deitys feet, Arghya or water for sipping, Snana or

Body wash, Anulepana smearing the Deitys Body with Ash, Gandham etc.; Dhupam

or Inscense, Dipam offering lights with oil-soaked cotton vicks, Naivedyam oroffering Food and fruits, Tambula or betel leaves and nuts, Paneeya offer of Ganges

water / coconut water, Vastram or clothing, Alankaram or ornamentation by holy

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leaves of Bilva, flowers etc; Gandham or Sandal paste, Achamaniya Ganga water for

sipping and Arati or camphor lighting and finally the most important Mantra Pushpaor Vedic Chanting and Stotras as well as Vedic Hymns of Namakam and Chamakam/

Mahanyasam.] The worships are commended specially on the banks of Holy Rivers like

Ganga, Sindhu or Sarasvati or at the Temples on the banks of any other Rivers like,

Yamuna, Narmada, Godavari, Kaveri, and so on. Worship at Sacred Places like Badari,Kedar, Kasi and at other Dvadasa Linga Kshetras is highly recommended. On Sundays

such worships are notably recommended for Siva Pujas, while Mondays are significant

for Durga, Tuesdays for Kartikeya, Wednesdays for Vishnu, Thursdays for Lord Yama,Fridays for Brahma and Saturdays for Indra and other Planetary Heads. While Siva Linga

Pujas performed at the Puja-designated places in ones residence are nodoubt significant,

such worships at Cow-sheds are ten times more beneficial; the Pujas conducted inTemples in the precincts of Tulasi ( Basil plant) are ten times more fruitful; further ten

times more beneficial with multiplier effect at Sea shores, mountain tops, and so on. But

the best worship is with Bahyantara Suchi or Physical and inner purity! The most

auspicious timings for the Worship of Siva Lingas are the days coinciding Surya

Sankranti, Tula and MeshaSankrantis, as also Lunar and Solar Eclipse days. In thenormal course, Siva Linga Pujas are best performed during the Magha month and on

every Krishna Chaturdasi days. On every day of Kartik Month, a full fledged worshipalong with Agni Homas are specifically fruitful for ensuring excellent health, particularly

related to long standing diseases? Most importantly, regular Siva Linga Pujas on every

Sundays would bless the devotees with Happiness in their life times and Salvationthereafter!

Major kinds of Siva Lingas are Svayambhu Linga, Bindu Linga, Pratishtha Linga,Chara Linga, and Guru Linga. Again, there are Lingas of Gross Nature, devotion of

which is meant for fulfillment of Material desires and also Subtle Lingas aiming atSpiritual Bliss and Salvation. The Parthiva Lingas are however the most commended,

especially suited for Kali Yuga just as Ganges is the best of the Rivers, Kashi is the best

place of pilgrimage and Omkara is the best Mantra. Getting clean in physique and mind,wearing Rudraksha mala by neck and Bhasma on forehead, chanting names of Siva like

Hara, Mahadeva, Soolapani, Pinakadhrik, Pasupati and Mahesa, the Parthiva Linga is

immersed in a river or a water body, or placed on a pedestal in a forest area or a

mountain. One should keep on reciting Siva Panchakshari, viz. Om Namaha Sivaya andperform worship as prescribed in the Scriptures. Starting from Ganesh Puja and Planetary

Heads, Devi Bhagavati and the Ultimate Deity of Siva, the worship is best performed

facing North, along with the Sixteen Services with high devotion and commitment forfulfillment of desires ranging from good health, longevity, wealth and nishkama

moksha. The service of bilva puja, abhisheka( Vedic bath of milk, coconut water and

finallyof ash or bhasma and so on along with Naivedya are an integral part of theworship. More specifically, each service be designated by addressing the Lord as follows:

Om Namah Sivaya- Prokshana (sprinkling of water) on various Puja materials; Om

Namah Rudraya-Kshetra Suddhi (Purification of surroundings); Om Namah

Nilagreevaya-Panchamrita prokshanam (sprinkling of mixture of milk, curd, sugar,honey, fruit); Om Mahesaya Namah-Asanam ( Seating); Om Paramesvaraya Namah-

Nyasamor identification of self with by Paramesvara by offering the entirety to Him;

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Om namah Visvarupaya-Padyam or water for cleaning His feet; recitation of Rudra

Gayatri [ Om Bhur Bhuvah Svaha Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Maha Devaya DheemahiTanno Rudrah prachodayaat]; Om Ghrishnaya Namah- Uttareeyam ( clothing); Om

Parthaya Namah-Bilva Patra Puja; Om Kapardineya Namah-Dhupam ( incense sticks);

Om Jyeshthaya Namah-Dadhyanna or curd rice Naivedyam; Om Rudraya Namah-

Phalam or fruits; Om Vrajaya Namah- Sakalam or every thing; Om Hiranya GarbhayaNamah- Dakshina or Present to the Pandit performing the worship; Om Devasya Namah-

Abhishekam; Om Sambho namah- Neerajanam or Aarathi; Om Parama Sivaya

Namah- Sashtanga Namaskara and offerings of Siva Mudras]. Keeping in mind theFive Faced Bhagavan with the names of Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurusha and

Esana, one concludes the worship by reciting:Bhavaya, Bhavanasakaya, Mahadevaya,

Dhimahi / Ugraya, Ugranasaya, Sarvaaya, Sashi Mouliney!

While performing the Worship to Siva Lingas, significance is attached of applying

Bhasmas or wearing Rudrakshas. Maha Bhasmas are to be applied only after

securing the burnt cow dung cakes in Agneya Bhasmas ( homams) or in the course of

Yagnas while reciting Mantras and only the former varietyis used for Tripundrasinvariably by Brahmanas and Svalpa Bhasmascould be used by others with devotion.

Rudrakshas are available in a wide variety from the trees which in the days of yoresprouted from the tears of Siva Bhagavan- which eventually became large water bodies

when He concentrated with wide eyes open for several years to create a powerful

weapon known as Aghora to destroy a Demon called Tripurasura. This special treeyielded beads which are the Rudrakshas now worn by devotees for excellent results,

depending on the number of cuts on the bead- faces and the corresponding Devatas

giving away boons the desired virtues or results. Eka Mukhi Rudraksha is considered asBhagavan Siva Himself providing the greatest boons of destroying even the worst sins

including Maha Patakas.(Eka vaktram Sivah Sakshat Vimukti Phala pradam).Two-Faced Rudraksha is represented by Deva and Devi; the Three Faced one bestows all kinds

of Vidyas; The Four Faced one is Brahma; the Fifth Faced is Rudra; the Sixth is

Kartikeya; the Seventh is Manmadha; eighth is Bhairava; ninth is Durga, Ten- Faced isJanardana; Eleventh is Paramesvari; Twelfth is Aditya; Thirteenth is Visva Deva and

Fourteenth is Parama Siva Himself. The Mantras that the persons wearing the Faces

respectively are: Eka Mukhi: Om Hrim Namah; 2) Om Namah 3) Om Kleem Namah 4)

Om Hreem Namah 5) Om Hreem Namah 6) Om Hreem Hum Namah 7) Om Hum Namah8) Om Hreem Hum Namah 9) Om Hreem Hum Namah 10) Om Hreem Namah Namah

11) Om Hreem Hum Namah 12) Om Kraum Kshaum Roum Namah 13) Om Hreem

Namah and 14) Om Namah.

Yashya Nisvasitam Vedah (Who exhaled Vedas?)-Super Energy creates Vishnu

While concluding Vidyesvara Samhita and openingRudra Samhita, Veda Vyas

described Srishthi Kanda (Process of Creation) as was narrated by Suta Muni to Sages.

At the stage of Maha Pralaya or the Great Dissolution of Universe, there was nothing

except Bhagavan Siva. He assumed His Power as Bhagavati Amba and together theycreated Maha Vishnu. As a child the latter enquired of the cause of His existence and

Siva provided His breathing as Vedas and their full knowledge to Vishnu. He also

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commanded Vishnu to carry out penance, which the latter did for twelve years but could

not visualize Siva and Amba again. A voice was heard that Vishnu should continuepenance again. Eventually Vishnu found self lulled into yogic sleep and got floated on a

huge sheet of Ocean which emerged as fountains from Bhagavan Sivas skin- pores in all

directions; Vishnu was named Narayana. He created the Basic Five Elements of Earth,

Fire, Sky, Wind and Water; the Thee Gunas(attributes) of Satvic, Rajas and Tamasnature, besides Ahamkara or Ego; the Five Tanmathras viz. Sparsha(Touch), Sabda

(sound), Rupa (Colour and Form), Rasa (taste) and Gandha (smell); the Five

Jnanendriyas(Skin, Ears, Eyes, Tongue and Nose) and Five Sensesviz. (Touch, Hear,See, Taste and Breath). In total, there were twenty four features thus created by Maha

Vishnu. As ordained by Bhagavan Siva a Lotus Flower sprouted from Vishnus navel in

Yoga Nidra and on top of the lotus stalk there was Brahma on the top who sought totravel down the hollow stalk but failed and returned to Vishnu and fought Him to assert

His superiority over Vishnu.Thus followed the Drama of Analstambha appearing, the

cheating by Brahma, Bhagavan Siva cutting one of the Five Heads of Brahma as a

punishment, declaring Maha Vishnu as the Senior, alloting the tasks to Brahma to create,

Vishnu to preserve and Rudra to Dissolve, and so on. Then emerged the Omkara Mantra -A signifying Creation, U for Preservation and M for destruction. The sum of the

word OM manifested as a Golden Egg was submerged in waters for thousands of yearsand when Bhagavan Siva cut the Egg into two parts, one half appeared as Earth and the

other half as heaven. From Sivas physique emanated the vowels and consonants and

Vishnu discovered the Forty Eight Lettered mantras from Omkara the most significantDuel Mantra Expressions viz. Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Maha Devaya Dhimahi Tanno

Rudrah Prachodayatand Tatsavitur varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyoyona

Prachotayat. Therafter emerged the following Mantras :- The Mrutyunjaya Mantra: OmJoong sah; Hraung Hring Joong Sah and Trayambakam Yaja mahe; Namah Sivaya; the

Chintamani Mantra Kshayaum; the Dakshina Murti Mantra : Om Namo BhagavateDakshina Murthaye Mahyam Megham Prayaccha Swaha; Tatvamasi and so on.

Trinitys Consorts and their Ages

Bhagavan Siva demonstrated that His left half was Vishnu and His right half was

Brahma who also created Rudra for the purpose of Destruction. Bhagavan Siva then

revealed Bhagavati Uma as His consort or Nature or Maya (The Great Illusion);Lakshmi as Lord Vishnus Consort and Sarasvati as Brahmas Consort.Bhagavan Siva

also indicated the Ages of Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra: Brahmas one day consists of

four thousand eras and additionally one night comprises another four thousand eras. Hisage being one hundred years, Brahmas one day and night are multiplied by three

hundred sixty five days. His life time is eight thousand eras multiplied by three hundred

sixty five day/nights further multiplied by one hundred years! One day/night of Vishnu isone year of Brahma and the formers age is hundred years too. As regards Rudra, His one

day/night is that of Vishnus one year and Rudras age too is of the duration of hundred

years.

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Brahma creates Rudra and Universe

Once Bhagavan Siva made the rudimentary aspects of Srishti (Creation) like Vishnu and

Brahma, carved out the responsibilities of Trinity, their Consorts and ages as also the

Pranava Mantra, Five Basic Elements, The Three Gunas, the Pancha Tanmatras, the

Five Sensory Organs, and so on and disappered. Brahma created water and a Huge Egginto which Vishnu provided consciousness to the Egg and sat in. Creation proceeded

further as Kailash Mountain and the Seven Worlds. Brahma being still unsatisfied at His

performance, He used Tamo Guna to create all static things and four footed animals,Satvika Guna to produce Deities and, Rajas Guna to produce Human beings. Each time,

Brahma accomplished a part of Creation; He was lost in penance intermittenly and thus

carried on the task. With the approval of Bhagavan Siva, Lord Brahma created Rudrafrom His eyebrows, half of Rudra being Ardhanareesvara or Half Man and Half-

Woman. Rudra in turn created Rudra Ganas (all resembling Himself) and as requested by

Brahma, created mortals since that was a task of annihilation meant for Rudra Himself.

Brahma then created Sages Marichi from His eyes, Bhrigu from heart, Angira from head,

Pulah from Vyana Vayu, Pulasthya from Udana Vayu, Vasishtha from SamanaVayu,Kratu from Apana Vayu, Atri from ear, Daksha Prajapati from Prana Vayu, Narada

from lap, Kardama and Dharma from His shadows, and Manasa Putras viz. Sanaka,Sananda, Sanatana, Sanath Kumars, two halves of His body as Manu and Satarupa and

they gave birth to Priyavratha and Uttanapad as sons respectively; Satarupa also gave

birth to Akuti married to Sage Ruchi, Devahuti to Sage Kardama, and Daksha Prajapati toPrasuti. The various Sages and others thus created by Brahma procreated progenies and

filled in the entire World eventually. For instance, Marichis son Kashyapa who married

thirteen of the sixty daughters of Daksha, had procuced several clans of the Universeincluding Daityas, Serpents and vicious species born of Diti and Devas from Aditi.

Bhagavan Siva decided to reside at Kailash nearby Kuberas abode

Narada Devarshi sought explanations from Brahma as why did Bhagavan Siva decide to

reside in Kailasa? Brahma explained thus: A Brahmana named Yogadutta, an expert inperforming Soma Yajna, had a son Gunanidhi a Scholar but got attracted to evil ways like

gambling.Yogadutta became angry and abandoned Gunanidhi and even his wife. Having

become highly remorseful, Gunanidhi left his home and on one night reached a templewhere Sivas devotees were observing the Sivaratri fast and heard the Stories of Sivas

greatness and hymns. But being hungry he sought to steal some fruits and light up a lamp

which was almost dim by tearing his cloth and re-lighting it. But the devotees caughthim, mistook him as a thief, thrashed him up and he died. The Yamabhatas or the

followers of Lord Yama arrived and planned to take away the soul of Gunanidhi; but

Sivaganas were happy with Gunanidhi and took him to Sivaloka instead since he spentSivaratri fasting in a Siva temple, observed the whole night hearing Sivas stories and

hymns and even lit up a lamp with his own cloth piece as a vick. In the next birth,

Gunanidhi became a King of Kalinga as Dama and a staunch devotee of Siva, ordered his

subjects to observe Siva Pujas and Sivaratri fasts compulsory and thus got endeared byBhagavan. In the subsequent birth Gunanidhi/ Dama became Kubera as the King of

Alkapuri. During the next Kalpa named Meghavahan, the same Gunanidhi of the

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previous births, became the King of Alkapuri as Vishravan, (the grandson of Sage

Pulastya-Brahmas manasa putra) and as an unparalleled Devotee of Bhagavan Siva didpenance for lakhs of years; Siva and Bhagavati Uma were pleased and appeared before

Gunanidhi / Kubera / Vishravan but the radiance of their appearance blinded him and

when he regained the yogic sight the devotee became instantly so possessive of Bhagavan

that even Uma should not be so near to Bhagavan! Immensely pleased, Bhagavan decidedto shift His residence to Kailash Mountain which was nearby Alkapuri and ordered

Visvakarma to build His permanent residence there!

Links of Devis Sandhya- Arundhati- Sati and Girija

Lord Brahma replied to another question of Sage Narada as to how Lord Rudra a SuperYogi married Devi Sati. As a preface to the reply, Lord Brahma described a bit of His

own auto-biography about His Manasic (mind born) children viz. Sandhya and

Manmadha. He got infatuated with Sandhya and Rudra Deva chastised Brahma, who felt

bad at the reprimand and was on the look out for an opportunity to prove that Rudra Deva

too should one day be a victim of passion. Lord Vishnu advised against such attempts asRudra Deva was far above such a mind-set. Meanwhile Sandhya could not overcome the

feeling of shame caused to her by Brahma and did penance for thousands of years underthe tutelage of Sage Vasishtha (who disguised as a Brahmana, named Medatithi, at the

instance of Lord Brahma) and prayed to Bhagavan Siva with the Potent Mantra Om

Namo Shankaraya Namaha Omas also the method of worship to Bhagavan Siva. Sinceher prayers were not responded, she prepared herself to jump into the Agni kunda (Fire

Pit) of a Yagna being then performed by Medatithi, her Guru. Rudra Deva made His

vision to Sandhya and asked her for boons. She desired that none in her clan shouldbecome a victim of lust, that she should be an example of a chaste woman and that her

husband should never cast an evil eye on another woman. Rudra Deva agreed to herboons and advised her to fall in the fire pit thinking of a person whom she desired as her

husband in her next birth. He further blessed Sandhya that in the birth subsequent to her

next birth, she would be born as Sati Devi to Daksha Prajapati and her further birththereafter would be the daughter of Himaraja as Girija Devi Herself! Having heard Rurda

Deva about His supreme blessing about the future vision, Devi Sandhya leapt into the fire

pit thinking of Medathithi as her next husband; indeed Medatidhi was actually Sage

Vasishtha himself! The Prana Vayu or the Vital Air of Sandhyas burnt body in the firepit was absorbed by Bhagavan Himself and the fire of the Yagna was carried to the Solar

System and Sun God transformed it as Pratas Sandhya, Madhyahnika Sandhya and

Sayam Sandhya or the Morning, afternoon and Evening timings of a Day. The Sages atthe Yagna were awe-struck that Sandhya Devi was reborn as a girl child in the Fire pit

itself , named Arundhati and when she attained of age, she was married to Sage Vasishta

as the function was attended by Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesa themselves. Devi Arundhatiis a unique example of chastity in the annals of History till date. [The practice of Vedic

weddings continues even now and all the new couples as a part of the Rituals are shown

the Star of Arundhati as an ideal example].

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Sati Devis wedding to Rudra Deva

Brahma gave a boon to His son Manmadha or Pushpavan with the powers of turning

passionate any victim with the use of Pancha Pushpa Banas(Five Flowery Arrows)

called Harshan, Rohan, Mohan, Soshan and Maran. The test-run was performed by

Manmatha on Brahma and he got victimised in respect of Sandhya and hence thechastisement received from Rudra Deva. Brahmas ill-feeling over Rudra was still not

forgotten inspite of Lord Vishnus advice that Rudra Deva would never be disturbed by

Manmadhas arrows. At this juncture, Daksha Prajapati offered his daughter, Rati Devi towed Manmadha, which was appreciated by all concerned as the couple looked that they

were made for each other. Brahma prevailed His son Daksha Prajapati to beget a

daughter with Devi Bhagavatis Amsa (part manifestation) and Daksha prayed to Herfor thousands of years. Devi Bhagavati blessed Daksha to beget Sati Devi and that she

would also be wedded to Rudra Deva. But, Sati Devi would perform penance for

thousands of years and once she would be married, she would not brook insults to Rudra

Deva and if anybody did so, then She would end up her existence by Yoga-agni!

Daksha had got already sixty daughters all married - ten to Dharma, thirteen to Kashyap,twenty seven to Moon, two to Bhutaganas, and two to Kushashva and six to Garuda. The

sixty first daughter now blessed by Bhagavati was Sati Devi from Virani Devi. As Saticame of marriagable age, she had already fixed Her mind on Rudra and performed severe

tapas. Rudra agreed to wed Sati, Brahma proposed formally to Daksha and the marriage

was executed with pomp and show. After the auspicious wedding, Sati and Rudra shiftedfrom Kailash to Himalayas for ten thousand Deva years and Bhagavan enlightened and

exchanged views with Sati on many matters of Spiritual significance including the

naunces of Yantra, Tantra and Yoga.

Destruction of Daksha Yagna by Virabhadra

In the mean time, Dakshas jealousy towards Bhagavan gradually picked up momentum

and at a Yagna organised by the former, there was no place for the usually reservedHavis or a major part of the Yagna in favour of Lord Siva; the seat reserved for Siva

was unoccupied and Sage Dadhichi pointed out the lacuna but was ignored. Sati Devi felt

that Her father made a mistake and despite the denial of Bhagavan proceeded to the

Yagna to ascertain the position.Very reluctantly, Bhagavan agreed and Sati was escortedby Nandi and Rudraganas. Daksha ignored his daughters entry and of the Rudraganas

into the Yagna Place. When confronted by Sati about Her husbands absence, Daksha

had openly ridiculed Siva as an uncouth, ill- deserving and uncivilised personality. DeviSati could not take the insults about Her husband and thus produced Yogic Fire and

ended Herself to unite with Bhagavan. As Nandi informed Siva of the tragedy, the latter

threw a few of His hairs against a mountain in a heightened rage and the energy createdthus broke the mountain into two parts; one half of it produced Virabhadra and another

Bhadrakali whom Siva instructed for the destruction of Daksha Yagna, Daksha and

whoever else attended the Yagna too. Virabhadra appeared at the site of the Yagna

instantly along with a huge army of Sivaganas including Dakini, Bhairava and Kapaliniwhile Bhadrakali entered the Place with the nine incarnations of Bhagavati like

Katatyani. As Daksha got terrified of the consequences of the situation, he took refuge at

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Maha Vishnu who expressed His helplessness and reprimanded Daksha for his

foolishness in provoking his own daughter to take away Her life. Vishnu Himselfattended the Daksha Yagna and several Devatas too. Vishnu had to fight Virabhadra and

Bhagavans party. It was rather ironical that this happened. A celestial voice confirmed

that Virabhadra was invincible but meanwhile several Devas too were killed and Vishnu

too desisted from the battle. Virabhadra severed Dakshas head and threw it in theAgnikunda (Fire pit) and returned to Rudra Deva along with his entourage.The irony of

Vishnus fighting Virabhadra to defend Himself and the Devas many of whom were all

killed and He himself had to be defensive had a background; indeed Vishnu was aware ofthis. A King called Kushva and Sage Dadhichi were good friends earlier but the ego

(Ahamkara) of each other turned out to be mighty enemies. Kushva prayed to Vishnu and

Dadhichi looked to Siva for help. Vishnu was pleased with Kushvas penance and agreedto punish Sage Dadhichi and even used Sudarshana Chakra which proved futile, as

Dadhichi was fortified with several years of devotion and Sacrifice along with constant

Japa (meditation) of Mritunjaya Mantra under the guidance of Sukracharya. Finally,

Dadhichi condoned Kushva but did not excuse Vishnu and his Deities and gave the curse

that they would all be turned as ash in a fight with Sivas part- incarnation (Virabhadra).Eventually, Lord Brahma approached Maha Deva to pardon and revive the lives of

Vishnu and Devas who were burnt in the battle with Virabhadra. A sobered and evermerciful Siva conceded to the prayers of Brahma that not only Vishnu be pardoned but

those Devas who were burnt off in the cross fire with Virabhadra be revived but also

allow a revitalized Daksha Prajapati with life by placing the Yagnas Goat- head on toDakshas severed head thrown out by Virabhadra in the Fire pit and thus Daksha had a

Goat- head thereafter. The ever grateful Daksha begged of Maha Deva for his pardon and

prayed to Him with great sincerity and devotion everafter. He then performed a Yagnaagain with Maha Deva on the High Seat and with all the Devas to receive their blessings!

Devi Parvatis wedding with Bhagavan Siva

Of the sixty daughters of Daksha Prajapati, Svadha was married to Pitras and gave birthto Maina, Dhanya and Kalavati. The three of them after coming of age decided to have a

Darshan ( casual view) of Lord Vishnu at Svethadvipa and among the visitors in-

waiting were the Highly respected Sanaka Brothers but the three girls could not recognise

them as they were offended and cursed them to take births on earth. Indeed the girls didnot recognise them and begged of the Sages to lighten the curse. Since the girls were

indeed unaware of the background of the illustrious Kumars, they blessed Maina to

become the wife of King Himavantha and beget Jagadisvari Herself; Dhanya wouldwed King Janaka and bless them with Devi Sita to wed Sri Rama; and Kalavati would

marry Vrishabhan and bless Radha Devi as the special devotee cum beloved of Lord

Krishna. Accordingly Maina Devi became the wife of Himavanta. Vishnu blessed theHimavanta couple with hundred virtuous sons and a daughter that the couple would

indeed be proud of as She would be the Jadamba Herself! The Sons were born with wings

but out of envy, Indra clipped the wings of all of them, except Minak who hid inside the

Ocean as a mountain [who helped Lord Hanuman while crossing the Ocean to reachLanka in His reconnaisance trip to find Devi Sita in the bondage of Ravana Asura.] The

only daughter of Himavanta viz. Devi Parvati even from childhood became an intense

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devotee of Bhagavan Siva and had constant dreams of Her worship to Him in person.

Both Himavanta and Queen Maina too had similar dreams regularly. Meanwhile,Bhagavan Siva like a lunatic became a restless globe trottrer after Sachis Yogic end for

several years and resettled at Himavan Mountain for severe Tapasya. In the process of

His meditation, He had memories of Sati and perspired and from His sweat was born

Bhauma and Bhu Devi nurtured the child and eventually Bhuma became a high devoteeand attained a position in the Solar System as Mangala Devaor Mars. Parvati requested

her parents to seek a blessing from Siva to allow Her in His Seva (Service) without

disturbing Him at all. Siva did not agree but Parvati Herself emboldened to argue withSiva that She was Prakriti or Nature and Siva was the Maha Purusha ( Almighty), that

His meditation would have speedy results if Prakriti too served Almightys efforts as a

supplement and that He could therfore agree to allow Her service to the Almighty and soon. Siva was impressed with her Spiritual knowledge and had agreed; every day Parvati

used to up-keep Sivas meditation- surroundings, fetch flowers and other requirements

useful for the meditation and Puja by Bhagavan.

It was at that juncture that a powerful Demon Tarakasura became a major menace to theWorld, especially Devas and Indra. He was the son of Vajrang, a son of Diti-wife of

Kashyap, who had the deep-seated animosity against Indra in particular and Devas ingeneral; Diti was pregnant with a wish to beget a powerful male issue who would

conquer Indra and Devas and occupy heavens, since she had several of her descendants

destroyed. But Indra used his mystic powers to kill the foetus which was cut into fortynine pieces and thus produced Marudganas. She became pregnant again and delivered

Vajrang whose son was Tarakasura, the most dreaded Demon of the date. Tarakasura

was fortified with the boon from Brahma that excepting Sivas son, none else should beable to kill him in the entire Universe! Knowing of the invincibility of Takasura, there

was a great desire that Sivas son must soon arrive and Devi Parvatis wedding beexpedited. As advised by Brahma, a big delegation of Devas was sent to Manmadha and

Rati so that their good offices were utilised to kindle desires in Siva in favour of Devi

Parvati, who is already in the vicinity of Siva in meditation.Thus prompted by Devas,Manmadhaused his Kama bana(Arrows of Love) when Bhagavan felt a slight change

in His attitude in favour of Parvati but soon recovered from His thoughts quickly and

noticed that Manmadha was at work, became highly provoked and in a fit of immense

fury opened His Third Eye and as a result, Manmadha was burnt as ash and indeed was adreadful and instant action which stunned all Devas, Brahma, Vishnu, Devi Bhagavati

and indeed the entire World. The Nirvikara (Reaction-less) Maha Siva resumed His

Tapasya as though nothing had happened, but Rati was inconsolable, Parvati wasmystified and decided to take up rigorous meditation. There were group prayers by

Vishnu, Brahma, Indra, their consorts and the whole lot of Devas; Bhagavan Siva got

gradually cooled down a bit, as it was explained to Him that it all happened due to theirown reasons of self- protection and defencelessness and narrated the matter in full. He

gave the boon that in the next births, Manmadha would be born as Pradyumna to Lord

Krishna and Rukmini Devi and even a few days of the childs birth, a Demon named

Shambara would throw the child in the Sea and eventually kill the demon and marry RatiDevi as Mayavati. Manmadha would join Sivaganas and be visible only to Rati Devi,

and she should await her rebirth in Dvapara Yuga. Parvati Devi performed severe

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not bear the inflammation. Maha Deva Himself advised the pigeon to inject the drops into

a woman of immense virtue. Agni identified Six Women of Great Virtue and injectedthem into the pores of hairs on their bodies. They too could not bear the extreme

effervescence and as directed by Himalaya relocated it into the violent flow of Ganges

which carried to the bushes of reed (Sarkanda) and there appeared a Boy of mysterious

radiance. Even while this sequence of events was happening, Devi Parvati was extremelyfurious that Her privacy was disturbed and worse still Bhagavans semen was being

wasted and in that fit of anger cursed the wives of Devas who accompanied their

husbands in the delegation to become barren!

The birth of Kartikeya on the Lunar Calendar of the Sixth Day of the bright fortnight of

Margasira Month (Krittika Nakshatra of Shashthi Tidhi of Suddha Paksha of MargasirshaMasa) brought the greatest joy to Devi Parvati and Maha Deva, unbelievable relief and

sense of liberation to all Devas, and a feeling of frustration and apprehension of the

Demons and followers of Takasura. Sage Visvamitra appeared at the spot and named

Him as Guha, bestowed the Totality of Vedic Knowledge, endowed Him with the Title

of Brahmarshi and blessed Him to lead Indra and Devas. Agni Deva gifted Him a Divineweapon Shakti. Six Goddesses arrived at the scene and all of them tried to feed breast

milk but the miracle Boy solved the problem of assuming Six Heads and mouths. He wasthus known as Shanmukha. As He grew a year or two, He became restless and moved

on to Krouncha Mountain and demonstrated His valour by crumbling it ; innumerable

Demons got shaken and killed. Indra tested His valour by fighting it out with theformers Vajraudha; Indra hit on Kartikeyas left, right and central portions and out

came three powerul entities viz. Shakh, Visakha and Naegam. In the meantime,

Sivaganas located Kartikeya and brought Him to Bhagavan and Parvati, who knew nobounds of elation that He was finally home. Kartikeya was crowned as the King of

Kailashpuri and various Deities gifted away their weapons and powers and was declaredas the Senapati - Commander in Chief. Now was the time that Tarakasura was destined

to be destroyed; the Deities including Brahma and Vishnu could not with stand the fury

of the Demon. Finally, Tarakasura was challenged by Kartikeya, the Demon ridiculedDevas and said that they were seeking to keep a mere boy as a shield and fight behind

him. But the wizard boy attacked the huge Asura with warm-up weapons initially and

ultimately at an opportune time when the Demon was caught unawares applied the Shakti

weapon deftly and hit on the Demons chest even as the biggest menace on earth at thetime breathed his last instantaneously. Kartikeya continued His battle escapades further

on by hitting Banasura as the target from Kailasa Mountain to Kraucha Mountain as a

simple feat and recalling the weapon Shakti back therafter. He set up three Siva Lingas atthe Krouncha by His mystic vision viz. Kumareshwar, Pratigyeshwar and Kapileswar to

please His father Bhagavan Siva. Yet another time, when a Demon Pralambtried to

create obstacles to Devas, especially Brihaspati and Seshanags son Kumud who tookrefuge from Himself, Kartikeya repeated the miracle of destroying the Demon without

even facing him.

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Anecdotes of Kartikeya and Ganesha

There were different Avatars (incarnations) of Kartikeya and Ganesha in various

Kalpas. In Sveta Varaha Kalpa, the two anecdotes about Kartikeya and Ganesha- the

Illustrious Sons of Siva and Parvati- were narrated by Lord Brahma to His Son Devarshi

Narada. As both the Brothers came of marriageable age, the question arose as to whoshould be married first and the parents decided that whosoever could circumambulate the

entire Universe first would get the choice. Kartikeya flew off by His carrier- a peacock-

without even waiting for a minute, Ganesha who applied His mind and recalled whatVedas stated that a single Pradakshinaof ones parents would yield the fruit of Bhu

pradakshina. Even half way through the full circle of the World, Sage Narada

intercepted Kartikeya and conveyed that Ganeshas wedding with Siddhi and Riddhi wasin progress already (they were blessed with two sons Kshema and Labha eventually).

Kartikeya felt cheated by the parents and retired at Krouncha Mountain and the parents

brought Him back by cajoling the dear son who felt hurt! It is on this day of Kartika

Pournami, Kartikeyas darshan is considered as most auspicious.

The Story of Ganeshas birth is indeed popular. When Nandi was asked to bar entry into

the Interior Place of Parvati as She was taking bath, Nandi no doubt prevented butBhagavan still entered and She was not amused. She decided to create an idol of a boy

which was infused with life and empowered Him to challenge anybody with the

necessary powers. The boy followed the instruction and did not allow entry even to Siva.The Pramadha ganas were asked to teach a lesson to the boy by Siva but they were

defeated in no time. Siva Himself decided to force His entry but to no avail. Finally, an

irritated Bhagavan snapped the boys head and Parvati became furious and Her angrymanifestations surprised Siva Himself. She insisted that the boy be brought to life forth

with. Siva suggested locating anybody sleeping in the northern direction and theSivaganas were able to trace only an elephant. The severed head of the boy was fixed

with that of the elephant and He was revived. The assembly of Deities who first fought

with the boy and witnessed the entire scene earlier decided that any function in the Worldought to be commenced with worship of Ganesha foremost as He is the Lord of

preventing impediments and of providing success. Ganeshas worship on Bhadrapada

Sukla Chathurdhi is a must all over Bharatadesa as one is dreaded of becoming a victim

of undeserving blames since Moon God received a curse from Ganesha that whoeversaw the Moon on the particular Chaturdhi night without worshipping Him would become

a sure target!

Series of Sivas victories over Demons

Pursuant to Kartikeyas victory over Tarakasura, the three sons of the slain Demon-Tripurasuras or the three-some brothers viz.Tarkasha, Vidyunmali and Kamalaksha

who performed severe meditation for a number of years to Lord Brahma and secured

boons of undestroyable forts made of gold, silver and iron in the Skies, Earth and the

Lower world. The Demon Brothers were highly virtuous and flawless in their ethicalbehaviour in general but at the same time were never forgetful of the killing of their

father by Kartikeya. They had the constant grudge against the Devas and hence kept up

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approached Her. Sometime later Vishnu impersonated like Jalandhar and pretended as

her husband and on learning of the truth she ended her life while cursing Vishnu that Hiswife would also face a similar situation. [Indeed this did happen likewise when Ravana

abducted Sita and Rama was searching for Her all over!] Jalandhar provoked the Demon

Brothers Sumbh and Nisumbh to challenge Siva who reataliated almost killing them and

warned them that not long later Bhagavati Herself kept the task of destroying them.Jalandhar himself entered the battle field with Bhagavan and He slit the Demons head

with a fiery chakra produced from His toe! The Deities hailed Bhagavan for this

memorable action and prayed to Him in great relief and gratitude. While Devas weredelighted at the termination of Jalandhar, Lord Vishnu was suffering a guilt complex

about the self immolation executed by Vrinda, the wife of Jalandhar. He applied the ashes

of her burnt body all over His body and started performing penance. The Devas wereconcerned about His condition and approached Maha Siva, who in turn asked Parvati to

rally the support of Lakshmi and Sarasvati in this context. The three Devis gave the seeds

of three trees viz. Amla, Tulsi and Malati to the Deities and spray the seeds at the place

where Vrinda immolated.The seeds manifested as plants which were forwarded to

Vishnuloka as tokens of blessings to Vrindas soul at Vaikuntha.

Sankhachooda was a powerful Demon dreaded by Devas. In his earlier birth, he wasSudama, the Chief Attendant of Lord Krishnas Rasa Mandali and a Jatismara ( a

person who knew about his earlier birth), cursed by Devi Radha to become a Demon in

the ensuing birth. Sudama he fell in love with Devi Tulasi (also a Jatismara) who wasalso cursed by Devi Radha for an indiscretion; happily Sankhachooda and Tulasi were

united in the current birth again. Already fortified with Narayana Kavacha even from

his earlier life, Sankhachooda practised penance of a high order and secured boons ofinvincibility from Lord Brahma. He defeated Devas in fierce battles and dislodged Indra

and Devas from thier thrones. Devas went into hiding and later on approached LordsBrahma, Vishnu and finally to Maha Deva with their woes. Siva despatched a Messenger

Pushpadanta to warn the Demon who had the audacity inviting Siva Himself. Sivaganas

were sent in the lead but to no impact. Bhadrakali was asked to battle along with Herarmy but again to no avail! All the Devas were involved in the fierce battle with

Kartikeya and Ganesha in the lead; Mahendra was pitted against Vrishaparva, Bhaskara

against Viprachitti, Agni Deva against the Demon Gokarna, Kubera against Kalakeya,

Yama to Samhara, Sanesvara against Raktadhara, Eleven Rudras against ElevenBhayankaras and so on. The Illustrious Sons of Maheswara were controlled by Maya.

Lord Brahma utilised Brahmastra the Powerful Arrow whose usage is executed only

under exceptional circumstances and that too paled away. Lord Vishnu spread out a coverof Illusion (Maya) and approached Sankhachooda in the form of a Brahmana and asked

the Narayana Kavacha, the most potent spiritual armoury from his body, as charity and

the Demon gave it away under the influence of Maya. Vishnu also advised Lord Sivaagainst utilising the Pasupatastra for fear of collosal destruction of the Universe but

gifted to Eswara a Trisula (Trident) with which Siva finally devastated the dreadful

Demon Sankachooda. Even as the army of the Demon ran helter-skelter in fright and self-

defence, the blanket of Maya of Lord Vishnu was still in operation as He assumed theForm of the Demon who entered the Interior Chamber of Devi Tulasi who was

immensely pleased that her husband returned with Victory from the battle field. Though

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initially rejoiced, Tulsi came to learn of Vishnus unforgivable deceit and disguise, but

Her chastity was spoilt by that time already! Not only she lost her husband but even herchastity and thus she sacrificed her life, while cursing Vishnu to turn as a Stone! Vishnu

blessed Tulsi to welcome her to Vishnu loka and accepted her as one of His Consorts as

also become immortal as Tulasi Tree worthy of daily worship along with Salagramas or

Lord Vishnus manifestation- the Stones- as cursed by Tulasi! The spiritual and evenmedicinal uses of Devi Tulasis leaves are immense and popular; the contemporary belief

is that if a dying person is administered a leaf of Tulsi, preferably with Ganga water has

access to Vishnu loka!

Lord Brahma also narrated the account of another Demon Andhakasura to Narada.

When Devi Parvati was playful with Maha Deva by closing His eyes tightly, the latterperspired on His forehead and a boy of muscular strength was created whom Parvati

named as Andhaka. She nurtured the boy with affection under Her personal care. As the

Demon Hiranyaksha meditated for several years to seek longevity and unconquerability,

Lord Siva gave the boons and also gifted Andhaka to assist the Demon as his son.

Together, both Hiranaksha and Andhaka conquered the Three Worlds- the Heaven, Earthand the Nether world. Lord Vishnu had to take the form of a Boar as Varahavatara to

save Vedas by plunging the Scriptures into the deep Seas, destroyed Hiranyaksha andcrowned Andhaka as a the King of the Nether World. In course of time, Andhaka made

Tapasya to Brahma and secured a boon that none excepting his father Siva could destroy

him. Empowered with the boon, he tormented Devas and became arrogant even ignoringDevi Parvati and Maha Deva Himself, let alone Vedas and Sages.

Earlier to this, Danava Guru, Sukracharya noticed that the strength of Danava Army wasfast dwindling as each time a powerful Danava made attempts to occupy the Indraloka by

virtue of severe Tapasyaor Sacrifice by pleasing Brahma or Siva, Indra and Vishnucommenced maneuverings; in the process of the big Danavas getting killed, thousands of

supporting and less powerful Danavas perished, but the strength of Devas on the other

hand had been intact as they had the advantage of Amrit that made Devas live for ever!Therefore Sukracharya made exterme Tapasya to Lord Siva for thousand years to Lord

Siva to give the boon of Mrita Sanjivani Mantra (Providing the dead to come alive) to

such lesser valued demons who were fodder to the Devas Astras. Highly gladdened by

the persistent penance, Lord Siva not only gave away the Mantra but also provided aberth in the Planetary Region as an Entity-the Sukra Graha or the Planet of Venus.As

Andhakas arrogance was turned into unbridled ambition and occupied the Devalokas,

Maha Deva sent His Sivaganas to reprimand Andhaka. The Demons companion calledVidhas swallowed several Deities engaged in the fight and simultaneously Sukracharya

brought back to life the dead Danavas. A fiery Siva Himself appeared and devoured

Sukracharya for the betrayal and misuse of His boon of Mrita Sanjivini Vidya. TheDanava Guru who kept on reciting Om Namah Sivaya Mantra as a gesture of his regret,

Siva released the Danava Guru from His semen. Then Siva applied His Trident to kill

Andhaka but for each drop of blood, there was another Andhaka born; Maha Deva

ordered Devi Chandika to suck each drop of blood and expanded her tongue for till theDemons body was drenched out of blood. Later on Siva lifted the bloodless body of

Andhaka, but the Demon prayed to Siva to admit him among the Sivaganas after death.

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Lord Brahma narrated the tale of Gajasura too to Narada Muni. As Durga Devidestroyed Mahishasura, his son Gajasura did incredible penance to the Creator Brahma

and received the advantage that none excepting a Jitendriya (Controller of Senses)

could kill him. He took advantage of the boon and created havoc in the Three Worlds,

especially by distressing Deities, Maharshis, and Brahmanas. He coerced that he shouldbe worshipped and none else. The cimax came when the Demon forced the devotees at

Kasi to worship him and Maha Deva appeared and terminated Gajasura. While being

killed the Demon realised his sins and as a death wish entreated Siva to wear his skin onHis body. As He obliged the asura, Maha Deva is praised as Gajambaradhari. The Lord

ordered that at the spot of the Demons end there must be a Siva Linga with His

manifestation as Krittiveseshvar.

When Hiranaksha was killed, Diti was deeply grieved and Nirhad Daitya,the maternal

uncle of Prahlada, decided that the root cause of all the tribulations for the Daityas were

Vedas and Mantras. As Brahmanas were the performers of Yagnas and the Vedic Rites,

the Demon took the form of a tiger in a forest nearby and during the course of a Yagna atKasi which is the Center of Vedic activities, he used to kill as many Brahmanas as

possible in the nights and after the success of this experiment, more Daityas followedsuit.But, when several Brahmanas assembled worshipping a Siva Linga on a Sivaratri, a

tiger appeared and Lord Himself gave a powerful blow and terminated the Daitya in the

form of another tiger.

Yet another incident described by Brahma to Narada related to the death of two Demons

named Vidal and Utpal. They too performed penance to Lord Brahma and afterobtaining boons harassed the virtuous and the learned. The Deities complained to Brahma

and He confirmed that the the terminl stage of theirs was closeby. The demons took theform of Sivaganas when Siva and Parvati were engrossed in a ball game. Siva indicated

to Parvati about the Demons in the form of Sivaganas and the ball with which the Super

Gods were playing hit hard the Demons to instant death and the ball took the shape of aHoly Sivalinga.

[Such Leelas or Playful acts by Bhagavan, as narrated by Brahma to His Manasa Putra

Narada, were several, each of which vindicating victory of Virtue over Evil, faith overnon-belief and truth over illusion. Interestingly, there had been a pattern in the

happenings as the demoniac tendency of the Evil-doers was camouflaged with superficial

penance and sacrifice, only with the end-objective of executing evil deeds withdeliberation and design. As soon as boons are granted, the Devils tend to become

arrogant, egoistic and berserk without fear or restraint. At the end, all such happenings

end up as triumphs of Inner Beauty versus inherent beastliness. Another facet of thenarrations is a common phenomenon of Danavas seeking boons for wrong objectives and

the boon-granters like Brahma or Siva were indeed not unaware of the consequent run-up

of blatant acts of injustice being perpetrated by the evil persons. But apparently the

narrations are designed to teach lessons and alert the generations of posterity that despiteinitial results, the long run realities would assert themselves bringing out the basic fact of

Satyameva Jayatey or Truth Triumphs in the Long Run!]

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Five basic incarnations of Bhagavan Siva

While narrating the contents of Shata Rudra Samhita of Siva Purana of Maharshi Veda

Vyasa, Suta Muni addressed the congregation of Sages commencing the five major

incarnations of Bhagavan Siva: Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Tatpurusha, Aghoresha and Isana.

The Sadyojata incarnation of Bhagavan in white colour was to bless Lord Brahma toinitiate the process of Srishti(Creation), looking Westwardand the Invocation of

relevance is: Sadyojatam prapadyaami Sadyojathaayavai namo namah/ bhavey

bhaveynaati bhavebhasvamaam Bhavodbhavayanamah/ From the body of Sadyojata,four disciples were created viz. Sunad, Sunandan, Visvanandan, Upanandan. Greetings to

Sadyojata Siva are: Vandeham Salalam kalankarahitam Sthonormukham paschimam.

The Vamadeva incarnation of Siva has red complexion, looksNorthwardin deepmeditative posture and is along with four sons created from His physique viz. Viraj,

Vivah, Vishok and Visvabhavan for blessing Lord Brahma to preserve and heal the

objects of Creation.. Invocation to Him states: Vamadevaya namo Jyeshthaya namah

Jyeshthayanamo Rudraya namah Kalaaya namah kalavikaranaya namo balavikaranaya

namo balaaya namo balapramadhanaya namah Sarva bhuta damanaaya namomanonmanaaya namah. Greetings to Vamadeva are: Vandey Purna Sasaanka mandala

nibham Vaktram Harasyottharam. Sivas incarnation of Aghoresha looks South and ofblue complexion representing destructive/ regenerative energy and Invocation to Siva

states:Aghorebhyo thagorebhyo ghora ghoratarebhyaha/ Sarvebhyassarva sarvebhyo

namasthe astu Rudra rupebhyah.The sons of Aghora Siva are Krishna, Krishna Sikha,Krishna Mukha and Krishna Kantha dhari. Greetings to Aghora states: Vande Dakshina -

meeswarasya kutila bhrubhanga Roudram Mukham. Tatpurusha is the Eastward

incarnation of Maha Siva being of yellow complexion and of deluded or misled Purusha.Invocation to Tatpurusha states: Tat Purushaya vidmahe Maha Devaaya dhimahi tanno

Rudrah Prachodayaath.Salutation to this aspect of Siva is: Vande Siddha Suraasurendranamitam Purva Mukham Sulinaha. Finally, Easana facing South East is Sada Siva who is

Eternal, Omni Potent and Omni Present. The Prayer to Him states:Esanassarva

Vidyanam Eswarassarva Bhootanam Brahmadhi patir Brahmanodhi pathir Brahma

Sivemo astuh Sada Sivom!

While many Incarnations of Siva are cited, the most significant additions to the Pancha

Mukhas or Five Faces of Siva are described as Ashta Murtis (Eight Idols) viz. Sharva,Bhava, Rudra, Ugra, Bhima, Pasupati, Isana, Maha Deva. Bhava, Rudra and Sharva

represent the Five Elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Ether, Sky as also Sun, Moon, and

Kshetragya or the Supreme Soul. Bhagavan Siva is Sharva and omniscient. He is Bhavaor the bestower and merciful.He is Rudra the corrector or punisher, if need be. He is

spread out the whole Universe and is present Bahyantara or inside-out of each being

thus manifested as Ugra rupa. He who fulfils the wants of every animate or inanimatebeing and destroys all kinds of difficulties is called Bhima. To those who are unable to

pull out themselves from their worldly chains of desires, relationships, senses of earthly

belongings and so on, Bhagavan manifests as Pasutpati. That Siva who is noticeable in

the most radiant form of Sun on the Skies and stands evidence to every beings actionsand sufferings is called Isana. Siva who provides coolness and happiness to every being

as manifested in Moon is known as Maha Deva.

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The Ardhanariswar is another significant manifestation of Bhagavan. When LordBrahma was faced with a major limitation in the context of Creation of various species

including human beings and the process of creation was extremely slow, since Brahma

had to exert and create the living beings mainly in a Manasic way or from various parts

of His body, a celestial voice was heard that He should perform Tapasya to BhagavanSiva. Not too late, Siva manifested in half form as Purusha and half as Prakriti. He then

provided a solution to Brahma as to how the process of creation could be rapidly sped up.

Devi Prakriti bestowed the knowledge of the Secret of creation as also gave away theboons to men and women to procreate. This solution had indeed greatly facilitated Lord

Brahma whose task was lightened as only the guidelines of the beings to be born were

still to be decided by way of fate lines and account-keeping of pluses and minuses and soon, but creation process became mechanical as the body parts of men and women came

into existence eversince. Another interpretation of learned persons of course is that

Paramatma is only one and has no age, time, Tatvas, Gunas or sex but is Unique and

everlasing!

In the Current Seventh Manvantara comprising Four Yugas each repeating twelve times

cyclically, the Sveta Varaha Kalpa which is now ongoing has manifested various Avatarsof Siva; during the current First Phase of Kali Yuga, nine entries were registered and the

successive dwars (segments) witnessed manifestations of Lord Siva, as Sveta, Sutra,

Daman, Suhotra, Kanka, Lokakshi, Jaijisatya, Dadhivahan, and Rishabhadeva.Interestingly, Veda Vyas existed in all the nine segments as Satya, Bhargava, Angira,

Savita, Mrityu, Indra, Vasishtha and Sarasvat. The most reputed disciples in the

corresponding segments were Lord Brahma Himself, Dundubhi, Vishoka, Sumukh,Sanak, Sudhama, Sarswat, Kapil and Parashar.

Nandikeswar is a partial expansion of Lord Siva Himself. Sage Shailada meditated to

Bhagavan for several years and secured a boon for a son of unprecedented Spiritual

Knowledge and therafter in a Fire Sacrifice appeared a Child with four hands and threeeyes who became a prodigy of Vedic comprehension within a short span of seven years.

The Sage was extremely delighted and proud. But, two Brahmanas arrived at their abode

and prophesied that the child was fated to die soon. As the Sage heard the tragic news,

the son was not perturbed but performed high order of penance and Bhagavan Himselfappeared and blessed the boy with eternal life. He took out a garland worn by Him to let

Him imbibe His powers and sprinkled water from His locks as the water flowed as

Panchanad or Five Rivers. He also appointed the boy as the Chief of Sivaganas. DeviParvati brought him up as Her own son and gave Nandiswara full freedom in the

Household. Nandi wedded Suyasha, the daughter of Marut.

Bhairav was created from Bhagavan Sivas third eye as He decided to snip the fifth head

of Brahma who annoyed the Lord for the sin of temptation with his own daughter. But

the sin of removing a head of Brahma construed as Brahma hatya (killing a Brahmana

that too of the stature of Brahma) haunted Bhairava and he wished to atone the sin bybegging alms in the skull of the dropped Head. He reached Vaikuntha and Lakshmi Devi

gifted a Vidya or learning called Manorath or fulfilment of ones mental wishes. Lord

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Siva dropped oegrass (a plant in sea akin to elephant grass) in the skull-bowl and directed

Bhairava to Kasi as this sin of Brahmahatya could not enter the Temple but he went toPatalaloka intead. As Bhairava dropped the skull, he got rid of the sin for-ever.The place

where the skull fell is regarded as that of Kapala Moksha or Salvation of the Skull.

Sharabheswar is another incarnation of Maha Deva, in the curious form of a giant birdwhich is part-lion and part-human [depicted as a figure in the Temples of South India].

When Lord Vishnu assumed the incarnation of Narasimha (Man-Lion) and devastated the

Demon Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahlada- the die-hard devotee of Vishnu, Narasimhacontinued His fury for a long time and various efforts including Prahlads prayers and

even Veerabhadras intervention in the form of a mighty fight proved futile. The Giant

Bird was able to control Narasimha and flew the latter away held by its beak. On way,Lord Vishnu recovered His normalcy and praised Siva for averting a universal havoc.

The body of Narasimha was destroyed and its Lions Head was worn in a garland of

Sharabhevara or Lord Siva.

Lord Sivas ten incarnations corresponding to those of Shakti

Corresponding to Ten Maha Vidyas of Shakti, Lord Siva assumed Ten Incarnations. Thefirst Incarnation was that of Mahakal and the counterpart Maha Vidya was of Maha Kali.

The next was that of Tar and the corresponding Shaki was Tara. The third incarnation of

Siva was Bhuvaneswar and the complement was Bhuvanewari while the fourth wasSodash or Sri Vidyesh and the matching Shakti was Sodashi or Sri. Parameswaras fifth

Avatar was Bhairav and the balancing Shakti was Bhiravi. Chhinnamastak Siva was the

counter part of Chhinnamasta in the Sixth Incarnation. Dhumavan and Dhumavati wereSiva and Shakti of the Seventh while the Eighth Avatars manifested as Bhagala Mukh

and Bhagalamba. Matang and Matangi are the corresponding names of Siva and Shakti inthe Ninth Incarnation and finally the Avatars of Siva and Mahavidyas were Kamal and

Kamala.

Lord Sivas 'Ekadasa Rudra manifestations

As Daithyas were constantly distressing Devas, the latter approached Sage Kashyap. The

Sage too felt quite upset with the evil actions prepetrated by the Demons and desired tosecure a lasting solution to punish the Demons. He executed a rigorous Tapasya to the

most merciful Shankara who appeared and rewarded with a windfall that soon the

tribulations by Daityas would vanish as He would bless Devi Surabhi with ElevenExpressions as Eakadasa Rudras ( Eleven Rudras) to wipe out the Daithyas engaged in

the tortures by the Demons. The Ekadasa Rudras were: Kapali, Pingal, Bheem,

Virupaksha, Vilohit, Shastra, Ajapaada, Ahirbudhya, Shamshu, Chand and Bhava. Awhole generation of Demons was indeed wiped out by the Grace of Maha Deva.

Trinity blesses Sage Atri and Anasuya with triplets

Lord Brahmas Manasa Putra (Mind-born son), Sage Atri performed a very powerful

Sacrifice to Bhagavan Siva to bless a divinely son. The severity of the penance was such

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that the extreme heat from the Fire pit radiated all over the World and Devas approached

Lord Brahma who along with Lord Vishnu conferred with Bhagavan Siva. They agreedwith each other that they would all appear before Atri and blessed him to let Anasuya

Devi ( Atris wife- a highly pious and chaste woman) conceive three boys, with the

Amsas ( partial manifestations) of all the three; from Brahmas amsawould emerge

Chandra; Dattatreya as the manifestation of Maha Vishnu and Durvasa from LordSiva. Indeed Anasuya (literally meaning Unenvious) had the unique distinction in the

entire World of begetting three children with the amsas of Tri Murtis!

An interesting happening was narrated by Sage Suta to the congregation of Rishis about

Maharshi Durvasa: King Ambarisha was highly virtuous and pious who was in the habit

of observing fasts and worship to Bhagavan on every Ekadasi (eleventh) day of a monthand on the next day of Dvadasi (twelfth) day, he would break the fast only after a

Brahmana or more would commence their food. It was on a Dwadasi day that along with

several of his disciples, Durvasa made a sudden appearance, agreed to join for mid day

meals and took away all his Sishyas for taking bath in a river nearby. Just at the nick of

time when Dwadasi was nearing its end, Durvasa and disciples did not return; the Kinghad to cut-short the fast and took one sip of water and precisely at that split second

Durvasa and others arrived. Durvasa became furious that the King did not wait for himbut had a sip of water already; he pulled out a lock of hair which became a flame and

would have turned the King into ash but for the instantaneous appearance of Sudarshan

Chakra (since the King was a very high devotee of Lord Vishnu) which not only put offthe fire but chased the Sage. A celestial voice was heard not to hurt the Sage as he was of

part embodiment of Bhagavan Siva and that he was only testing Ambarisha.The King

beseeched Durvasas sincere pardon and so did Sudarshan Chakra too. There were manyother instances when Sage Durvasa used to test the real characteristsics of illustrious

personalities- apparently to enlighten the posterity - like Sri Rama who was once orderednot to be disturbed by anyone but Lakshmana had to do so since Durvasa arrived and as

an atonement discarded even Lakshmana for his wrong action; when Durvasa was taking

bath in Ganga naked by intention or mistake, Draupadi tore a part of her sari to cover theSage, and he blessed her that at the time of Vastrapaharanam ( Draupadis disrobing) in

an open Court, the piece of cloth would come to her rescue as Dussasana tried to disrobe

her; and finally saved another great embarrassment to Pandavas and Draupadi by the

sudden arrival of Durvasa with many disciples while she was unable to cook so much offood for all of them, but Lord Krishna arrived and suppressed the hunger of all of them as

a morsel of rice remained in the utensil and that turned to be plentiful to Durvasa and

disciples!

Many other incarnations of Lord Siva

Nandikeswara was quoted to have recounted innumerable incidents of Sivas forms. He

appeared as Yakshewarato humble Devas as they became arrogant as they secured

Amrit after churning Ocean and asked them to cut pieces of grass and they were so

mighty but they failed and realised that He was Maha Deva Himself; He incarnated asHanuman when Lord Siva was infatuated with Mohini, Saptarishis carried His semen to

Anjana Devi through Vayu Deva, as a child swallowed Sun God to release him only after

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Deities requested the child when Sun agreed to be Hanumans teacher, joined Lord Rama

as His devotee, assisted Rama to locate Sita as also destroyed Ravana along with his clanand had became immortal eversince; He assumed the form of Mahesha along with Girija

since Bhairava, the door keeper of Kailasa, made Parvati unhappy causing Her to curse as

mortal named Vetal who performed penance of such intensity that pleased Siva and

Parvati; He embodied as Vrishabha ( Appearance of an Ox) to enter the lower lokas(nether worlds) with the aim of punishing Vishnus wicked sons but when they were

destroyed Vishnu fought with Vrishabha not knowing the Ox-like form was of Sivas;

when Vishnu prayed to Siva the latter presented Sudarsan Chakra to Vishnu. Lord Sivadisguised as a Yatinathto test the depth of devotion by a Bhil couple named Ahuk and

Ahuka and sought resting place overnight but even while Ahuk said that their hut was

just enough for two persons, Ahuka agreed to sleep outside to let the guest sleep insidethe hut, while a wild animal killed Ahuk yet Ahuka quietly tried to jump in the husbands

funeral pyre when Lord Siva manifested and blessed that the couple to become Nala and

Damayanti in the next birth as the Lord would appear as a Hamsa ( Swan) to unite

them; Sivadisguised as a beggar to another poor woman who was hesitating to look

after an orphan boy as she had her own child too, yet advised the woman to bring up boththe kids, since the orphan boy was the son of King Satyarath who was killed by enemies

while the Queen went to forest along with the just born child but was killed by acrocodile in a river thus prevailing on the poor woman not to abandon the orphan and

eventually found a pot of gold to her surprise; Lord Siva appeared as Sureshwara in the

guise of Indra when child Upamanyu performed concentrated penance to Bhagavan tobecome rich as he did not have enough money to buy milk when his poor mother said

that Siva could only provide money but as a result of his penance Indra appeared and not

Siva which disapponted Upamanu to resume the Tapasya with far higher devotion andSiva Himself appeared; and Bhagavans Incarnation as Kirat (hunter) when a forest

bound boar ( actually a Demon Mookasura sent by Duryodhana) killed by Arjuna andKirata simultaneously was claimed by both ending up in a mutual fight and finally a

victorious Siva was impressed by Arjunas valour and gifted Pasupatastra, the most

potent arrow of the World!

Description of Dvadasa (Twelve) Jyotirlingas

Kedaro Himavatprushthe Daakinyaam Bhimasankarah /Vaaranaasyam cha

Viswestriumbako Gautami thatey/ Saurashtrey Sommanathasva Srisaile Mallikarjunah /

Ujjainyam Maha Kala Omkare cha Amaresvarah / Vaidyanathaaschitha bhumo Nagesho

Daarukaananey / Sethu bandhe cha Ramesho Ghrusneswara Siva lingo/

Avatara Dvadasakamethchhambhoh Paramatmana/

Nandiswara described the Most Celebrated Twelve Jyotirlingas of Maha Deva as follows:Kedarnath in Himalayas, Bhima Sankar in Dakinya, Viswesvara in Varanasi, Triambaka

on the banks of River Gautami, Somnatha in Saurashtra, Mallikarjuna in Sri Sailam,

Maha Kala in Ujjain, Amareswara at Omkara, Vaidyanatha in Chitha Bhumi, Nagesa at

Daruka, Rameswara at Setu Bandhana, and Ghrishneswara. [ Kedarnath in Uttaranchal,Bhima Shankar near Pune in Maharashtra, Visveswara in Varanasi, Somnath in Gujarat,

Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, Maha Kala in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkara also in

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Madhya Pradesh, Vaidhyanath at Deogarh (Bihar), Nagesha near Dwaraka in Gujarat,

Rameswara in Tamilnadu, and Ghrishneswar near Ellora Caves in Aurangabad inMaharashtra]

Somnath:

Prajapati Daksha married away twenty seven of his daughters to Chandra Deva (Moon)

but Chandra had great infatuation for Rohini to the neglect of other wives. Daksha

warned Chandra about this but to avail. Finally Daksha cursed Chandra who appealed toLord Brahma, and in turn asked to perform Tapasya to Bhagavan Siva. Chandra observed

penance at Prabhasa on the banks of River Sarasvati. On His appearance Lord Siva sorted

out the problem with a compromise that the first bright fortnight of a month (SuklaPaksha) Moon would wax and the Krishna PakshaMoon would wane. He also blessed

Moon to be near Him and Parvati always. Being a Sparsha(Touch) Jyotirlinga-

Somachandra- stated to be the first in the series, it would remove away all physical

ailments particularly tuberculosis and leprosy and bathing in the Water body Chandra

kund washes off all the sins committed by human beings. Known as Prabhat Kshetra[near Veraval in Kathiawad District of Saurashtra in Gujarat], Lord Krishna is believed to

have performed his Leelas (Miracle Acts). [An ever burning light in a cave of the Templeis witnessed till date].

Srisailam:

Stated to be the Second in the Series of Jyotirlingas on the Sri Parvat ( in Andhra

Pradesh, some 230 Km. from Hyderabad) on the banks of River Krishna, Lord Sivasmanifestation as Mallikarjuna along His Spouse Devi Bhramaramba is famed

mythologically as the place of penance when Kartikeya was unhappy and felt cheated asGanesha was wedded earlier despite the Agreement that whoever arrived first after full

Bhu Pradakshina (circumambulation of the World) would win, but Ganesha took

advantage of a Provision of the Scriptures and performed a Pradakshina of his parents

and attained the advantage of the Pradakshina. Siva and Parvati visited the KrounchaMountain to pacify Kartikeya but to no avail and thus moved over to the Mountain from

Kailasa.As Vrishabha Deva Siva Parvatis Carrier-did Tapasya to the Maha Devas, they

appeared as Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba at this Holy Spot. Lord Rama is said to haveinstalled a Sahasralinga and Pandavas set up Pancha Pandava Lingas in the Temple

surroundings. In a tiny hole inside the temple of Devi Bhramaramba, one could still hear

the buzz of bees as the Devi assumed the form of bees all over Her Body and killedMahishasura. Adi Shankara is reputed to have scripted his well known Work named

Sivananda Lahari at this Temple.

Ujjain:

The only Svayambhu (Self-born) Jyothirlinga of Lord Siva in the form of Mahakal

originating Mantra Shakti (Power of Mantras) from within is indeed a unique specimenamong all the Jyotir- Lingas on the banks of River Kshipra. This is the only Temple of

various Jyotirlingas maintained on Tantrik Principles. While Mahakaleswar faces south

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as a Dakshina murthi, the Idols of Ganesh, Parvati, Kartikeya and Nandi are installed on

West, North, East and South respectively. Shree Yantra is perched upside down at theCeiling of Garbha Griha where the Main Linga is situated. The Temple has five levels

including an underground and on the third level is installed the idol of Nagchandreswar

open for public view only on Nag Panchami days. Experience at the time of very early

morning Bhasmabhishekhasor the spread of ash along with the loud chanting ofMantras of the Deity and with the thrilling and reverberating sounds of various

percussion and bronze gong instruments takes one to devotional ecstasy. [It is stated that

the Bhasmabhishekas are performed by using the ashes of the first dead bodies of theprevious day, sanctified by Mantras from the holy waters of River Kshipra. Ladies are not

allowed to enter the Sanctum at the time of the Bhasmabhishekas although they could

witness the proceedings on Close Circuit TVs.]The mythological background of theTemple was that there was a pious Brahmana well versed in Vedas and Scriptures had

four learned sons named Devapriya, Priyamedha, Survita and Suvrata. A demon named

Dushana lived nearby on a hill Ratnamala who could not tolerate the very concept of

Vedas and its applications and particularly hated the Brahmana brothers. One day the

Demon decided to destroy the brothers who were unfazed and continued their worship ofMaha Siva. As the Demon and his cruel followers were about kill the brothers there was

such a Hunkaror roaring sound of Mahakal which itself took away the breath of theentire band of Danavas headed by Dushan instantly. The Brahmana brothers prayed to the

Lord who appeared on the spot and implored His manifestation of Mahakala to stay put

for the greatest benefit of posterity and conducted daily worship from generation togeneration.[ Ujjain, the erstwhile Capital of Avanti, had considerable importance of

Indias ancient history ruled in the past by Mauryas and Guptas. Memories of King

Vikramaditya still linger in the City till date.His Nine Gems of Poets especially Kalidasawho scripted famed Works like Megha Sandesam, Abhijnana Shakuntalam and so on, the

other Gems being Dhanvantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasimha, Sankhu, Vetala Bhatta,Ghatakopara, Varahamihira and Vara Ruchi. Bhartruhari the step brother of King

Vikramaditya became an ascetic and the Caves of Bhartruhari are on the tourist map of

the City as many believe that a person entering the maze of the Caves seldom returns!Kalbharava Temple too is an interesing feature; as much of liquor poured as Naivedya

(offerings) in the Deitys throat (in the form of a Dog), half of it is returned as Prasad!

Ujjain is one of the Seven Mukti Sthalas (Salvation Places) of India, besides Ayodhya,

Mathura, Haridwar, Benares, Kanchipuram and Dwaraka.]

Omkareswar:

Situated in the banks of River Narmada on the Mandhata (Shivapuri) Island formed in the

shape of OM in Sanskrit, Omkareswar is one of the Jyotirlingas besides another

Amareswar Linga. The Legend was that Sage Narada visited Vindhya Raja and the latterbragged that Vindya was the highest and most powerful Mountain in the entire World.

Narada replied that perhaps Meru was the greatest in terms of height and might. Vindhya

Raja felt jealous and executed severe Tapasya and pleased Maha Siva and requested

that He should always be present in the Vindhyas and establish a Linga of Bhagavan onthe banks of Narmada near to Vindhya. Hence the Omkara Jyotirlinga there. Puffed by

Sivas presence there, Vindhya Raja grew taller and taller to compete with Sumeru. This

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obstructed Sun Gods routine circumambulation of the Universe and He had to return half

way turning half of the Universe dark. Bhagavati asked Sage Agastya from Kasi to visitVindhya Raja who out of veneration bent down to touch the feet of Agastya who asked

Vindhya to be in that position till he returned and he never came again from the South!

Kedareshwara:

Flanked by breath taking views of snow-clad peaks of Himalayas at a height of 3585 m

from Sea level on the banks of River Mandakini, Kedareswar is the highest point whereMaha Devas presence is indeed felt in the manifestation of a famed Kedareswara Jyotir

Linga as spread out as a fairly large expanse of black stone with an inclined elevation in

the middle portion. Being inaccessible excepting by a difficult 14km trek by foot, orhorse back or dolis( palanquins) carried by two or four humans from Gaurikund, the

Temple is open only during end April through November since residents, let alone

pilgrims, have little access to the Mountain Top Temple during heavy snowfall in the

intervening period. [A helicopter service is available now from Agastya Muni to Phata to

reach Kedarnath]. The incarnations of Lord Vishnu in the form of two Sages Nara andNarayana meditated to Bhagavan Siva for several years and as the latter appeared and

said that the incarnations of Vishnu Himself executed the penance without any basicreason excepting the welfare of humanity and thus agreed to manifest Himself as a Jyotir

Linga at that hallowed place. Nara and Narayana are believed to have assumed their

forms as hallowed mountains nearby. According to Puranas, Pandavas performedpenance at the Temple and even in the opening Hall of the Temple at the entrance of the

Sanctum, there are idols of Pandavas, Lord Krishna, Nandi and Veerabhadra. The belief

is that Pandavas were chasing a Bull- Lord Siva Himself- and Bhima continued the chaseto subdue the animal by holdindg its tail and the Pandavas attained Salvation finally from

the Temple surroundings. It is also believed that Adi Shankara attained His Salvationfrom this Place and there is a Samadhi of His behind the Temple. A distinct feature at

the entrance gate of the Temple is the head of a man carved in a triagular stone as facia

and a similar triangular facia is displayed in another Temple where Siva-Parvati weddingwas fabled to have taken place. Udakmand is mentioned in Siva Purana as a union of

Seven Seas and its water is everfresh. In fact the Homa Kund of the Wedding is also

visioned alive. On way to Kedar a number of Pigrimage Centers dot the route including

Agastyamuni, Ukhimath, Phali-Pasalat Devi, Kalimath, and Triguni Narayan not far fromSonprayag.

Bhima Shankar:

Located some 110 km from Pune in Maharashtra State in the Ghat region of Sahyadri

Hills near the head of Bhima River which merges with Krishna River too, the fifthJyotirlinga Bhima Shankar is the appearance Maha Siva who exterminated Demon

Bhima, son of Kumbhakarna (Ravans brother). Demon Bhima on knowing from his

mother Kartaki wanted to avenge the death of his father by Lord Rama, who was Maha

Vishnus incarnation and performed penance to Lord Brahma to receive boons to conquereven mighty opponents. He defeated Indra and Devas and what provoked Lord Siva most

was the tormenting of a great Siva Bhakta King Kamarupeshwara insisting that the latter

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should pray to himself rather than Siva Linga. As the Demon was about to destroy the

Sivalinga by his sword, Lord Siva appeared and destroyed the Demon and His mightyanger caused sweat which flowed as River Bhima. The Jyotirlinga thus manifested is a

powerful representation of Ardhanariswara in the Temple provides proof of instant

fulfillment of all desires thus attracting thousands of devotees, especially on all Mondays

and definitely on Sivaratri festivals. As in certain other cases like at Ujjain, theSwayambhu Jyotirlinga is set at a level lower than the normal Ground; also there is a

speciality here that there is a constant flow of water from the Linga! The Bhima Shankar

Temple is also associated with the killing of Demon brothers Tripurasuras along withDevi Parvati in Her manifestation as Kamalaja whose temple is also nearby the main

Temple. Devi Kamalaja was worshipped by Brahma and hence She was called so. Sakini

and Dakini were among those whose contribution was significant in the battle againstTripurasuras and their worship too is performed at the Temple. Mokshakund Tirtha, the

Holy Waterbody adjacent the Bhimashankar Temple is associated with Sage Kausika.

[Maratha Rulers especially Nana Phadnavis who built the Temple Sikhara and Sivaji

who made donations to its maintenance were intensely associated with the progress of

this illustrious Temple].

While the above version of the location of Bhimashankar is convincing, Siva Puranawhich is relevant in the context of the current source states in Rudra Samhita:

Dakininam Bhimashankara while outlining the broad references of the Dwadasa

Jyotirlingas; more clearly the Koti Rudra Samhita states:Bhimashankara sanjnaastu

Shashtha Shambho Maha Prabho/ Avataro Maha leeloBhimasuravinashanah/

Sudakshinabhida Bhaktam Kamarupeshwaram vrisham / yoraraakshasadbhutam

hatvasaram tha bhakta duhkhadam/Bhimashankara naamaa sa daakinyam samsthitaha

swayam/ Jyotirlinga Siva rupena prarthesena Sankarah/ The sixth incarnation of

Shambu and His Leela( miracle) was the killing of Bhimasura and saving of KingSudakshina of Kamarupwhose grateful prayers resulted in the manifestation of Siva at

Dakini. The belief is the Bhimashankar Temple at Bhimapur Hill near Guwahati in

Assam is the one where the King Sudakshina was saved and the Jyotirlinga wasconsecrated. Sivaratris are celebr

Essence of Siva Purana

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