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Mahashivaratri

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Contents

1-Mahashivaratri Festival. ..................................................................................................... 2

1.1-Why Celebrate Maha Shivratri? ............................................................................... 3

1.2-When is Shivaratri? ....................................................................................................... 4

1.3-Shivaratri Rituals. .......................................................................................................... 5

1.4-Shivaratri Pooja. ............................................................................................................. 6

1.5-Shivaratri Celebrations. .............................................................................................. 8

1.6-Shivaratri Fast. ................................................................................................................ 9

1.7-Significance of Shivratri. .......................................................................................... 11

2-Mahashivaratri Legends. .................................................................................................. 12

2.1-Marriage of Shiva and Shakti. ................................................................................ 12

2.2-Samudra Manthan. ...................................................................................................... 14

2.3-Legend of Shiva Linga. .............................................................................................. 15

2.4-The Legend of Lubdhaka. ......................................................................................... 17

2.5-The Legend of Ganga. ................................................................................................ 19

2.6-Lord Shiva′s Assurance. ............................................................................................ 20

3-About Lord Shiva. ................................................................................................................ 20

3.1-About Goddess Parvati. ............................................................................................. 20

3.2-Shiva Tandava. .............................................................................................................. 22

3.3-Shiva Linga. .................................................................................................................... 24

3.4-Shiva Aarti. ..................................................................................................................... 25

3.5-Shiva Chalisa.................................................................................................................. 27

3.6-Shiva Prayer. .................................................................................................................. 31

3.7-Maha Mrityunjay Mantra. ......................................................................................... 33

3.8-Different Names of Lord Shiva. ............................................................................. 34

4-Shiva related links. ............................................................................................................. 39

1-Mahashivaratri Festival.

Mahashivaratri Festival or the ‘The Night of Shiva’ is celebrated with devotion and

religious fervor in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the deities of Hindu Trinity. Shivaratri

falls on the moonless 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun,

which corresponds to the month of February - March in English Calendar. Celebrating

the festival of Shivaratri devotees observe day and night fast and perform ritual

worship of Shiva Lingam to appease Lord Shiva.

Legends of MahashivratriThere are various interesting legends related to the festival

of Maha Shivaratri. According to one of the most popular legends, Shivaratri marks

the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Some believe that it was on the auspicious

night of Shivaratri that Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava’, the dance of the primal

creation, preservation and destruction. Another popular Shivratri legend stated in

Linga Purana states that it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested himself in

the form of a Linga. Hence the day is considered to be extremely auspicious by Shiva

devotees and they celebrate it as Mahashivaratri - the grand night of Shiva.

Traditions and Customs of ShivaratriVarious traditions and customs related to

Shivaratri Festival are dutifully followed by the worshippers of Lord Shiva. Devotees

observe strict fast in honor of Shiva, though many go on a diet of fruits and milk

some do not consume even a drop of water. Devotees strongly believe that sincere

worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri, absolves a person of sins

and liberates him from the cycle of birth and death. Shivaratri is considered especially

auspicious for women. While married women pray for the wellbeing of their husband’s

unmarried women pray for a husband like Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the ideal

husband.

To mark the Shivratri festival, devotees wake up early and take a ritual bath,

preferably in river Ganga. After wearing fresh new clothes devotees visit the nearest

Shiva temple to give ritual bath to the Shiva Lingum with milk, honey, water etc.

On Shivaratri, worship of Lord Shiva continues all through the day and night. Every

three hours priests perform ritual pooja of Shivalingam by bathing it with milk,

yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water amidst the chanting of â€œOm Namah

Shivaya’ and ringing of temple bells. Nightlong vigil or jaagran is also observed in

Shiva temples where large number of devotees spend the night singing hymns and

devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva. It is only on the following morning that

devotee break their fast by partaking prasad offered to the deity.

1.1-Why Celebrate Maha Shivratri?

Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Shiva, occurs on the 14th night of the new

moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna (Feb / March) when Hindus offer

special prayer to the lord of destruction.

Here're three reasons to celebrate Shivratri:

1. The absolute formless God, Sadashiv appeared in the form of "Lingodbhav Moorti"

exactly at midnight on Maha Shivratri. That is why all Shiva devotees keep vigil during

the night of Shivratri and do "Shivlingam abhishekham" (coronation of the phallic

idol) at midnight.

Did You Know?

God in his manifestation as Vishnu made his appearance as Krishna at Gokul at

midnight, 180 days after Shivratri, commonly known as Janmashtami. Thus, the

circle of one year is divided into two by these two auspicious days of the Hindu

calendar.

2. Lord Shiva was married to Devi Parvati on Shivratri. Remember Shiva minus

Parvati is pure 'Nirgun Brahman'. With his illusive power, (Maya, Parvati) He becomes

the "Sagun Brahman" for the purpose of the pious devotion of his devotees.

3. It is also believed that on Shivratri, Lord Shiva became 'Neelkantham' or the blue-

throated by swallowing the deadly poison that came up during the churning of "Kshir

Sagar" or the milky ocean. The poison was so deadly that even a drop in His stomach,

which represents the universe, would have annihilated the entire world. Hence, He

held it in His neck, which turned blue due to the effect of poison. Shivratri is therefore

also a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for protecting us from annihilation.

The 14th shloka of Shivmahimna Stotra says: "O three eyed Lord, when the poison

came up through the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons, they were all

aghast with fear as if the untimely end of all creation was imminent. In your kindness,

you drank all the poison that still makes your throat blue. O Lord, even this blue mark

does but increase your glory. What is apparently a blemish becomes an ornament in

one intent on ridding the world of fear."

1.2-When is Shivaratri?

Shivaratri 2015 is on February 17, Tuesday

Auspicious festival of Mahashivaratri falls on the 13th or the 14th night of the new

moon during Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Phalgun. The Sanskrit term,

Krishna Paksha means the period of waning moon or the dark fortnight and Phalguna

corresponds to the month of February - March in English Calendar. Shivaratri Festival

is celebrated on a moonless night.

According to Hindu mythology, Shivaratri or ‘Shiva's Great Night’ symbolizes the

wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Many however, believe, Shivaratri is the night

when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya - the dance of primordial creation,

preservation and destruction. Celebrating the festival in a customary manner,

devotees give a ritual bath to the Lingam with thepanchagavya - milk, sour milk,

urine, butter and dung. Celebrations of Shivaratri Festival mainly take place at night.

Devotees of Lord Shiva throng Shiva temples across the country and spend ‘the Night

of Lord Shiva’ by chanting verses and hymns in praise of the Lord. The festival holds

special meaning for the ladies. They pray to Goddess Parvati also called ′Gaura′, the

giver of ′suhag′ for good husbands, marital bliss and a long and prosperous married

life.

1.3-Shivaratri Rituals.

Devotees of Lord Shiva observe the Shivaratri Festival by following the prescribed

rituals with sincerity and devotion. All through the day, devotees abstain from eating

food and break their fast only the next morning, after the nightlong worship. Ritual

baths of Shivalinga in the numerous Shiva temples by Shiva worshipper, mainly

women, is another significant feature of Shivratri customs and traditions. Devotees

strongly believe that ritual worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri

absolves them of past sins and they are blessed with Moksha.

Rituals observed on a Shivaratri Morning: As a tradition devotees wake up early

in the morning of the Mahashivratri day and take a ritual sunrise bath, preferably in

the holy waters of river Ganga. They also offer prayers to the Sun God, Vishnu and

Shiva as a part of a purification rite observed on all-important Hindu festivals. After

wearing fresh new clothes devotees visit the nearest Shiva Temple to give the

customary bath to the Shivalinga.

On a Shivratri day, Shiva temples are thronged by devotees, mainly women, who

come to perform the traditional Shivalinga pooja and seek blessings from the god. At

times there is so much rush in the temples that devotees have to wait for their turn

to observe pooja. At their turn for worship, devotees circumambulate the Shivalinga,

three or seven times, and then pour water over it. Some also pour milk. Sounds of

bell and shouts of ‘Shankarji ki Jai’ or (Hail Shiva) reverberate in the temple premises.

Ritual Bath of Shivalinga: Following the rituals prescribed in the Shiva Purana,

every three hours, Shivalingam is given a special bath with milk, yoghurt, honey,

sandalwood paste and rose water. Puja, meditation and chanting of ‘Om Namah

Shivaya’ accompany the ritual bath. Following the bath, vermilion paste is applied on

the linga. Traditionally, leaves of a forest tree Aegle marmelos (bilwa, maredu, wood

apple) are used for Shiva puja. Thereafter, Bilwa leaves, which have to be a stalk

with three leaves, is kept on top of the Shivalinga. Ber or jujube fruit is a special

offering to the god on this day. Beetle leaves are also offered by some. Some also

offer bilwa leaves in the belief that the Goddess Lakshmi resides in them. Others

believe it is offered for its cooling effects on the hot-tempered deity. Many devotees

also decorate the linga with flowers and garlands and offer incense sticks and fruit.

Significance of Puja Items

According to the Shiva Purana, there is a special significance of the six

essential puja items used in the Shiva worship.

Bathing of Shivalinga with water, milk and honey and wood apple or bel leaves

added to it, represents purification of the soul.

The vermilion paste applied on the linga after the ritual bath represents virtue.

Offering of fruits symbolizes longevity and gratification of desires.

Burning of incense sticks yields wealth.

The lighting of the lamp symbolizes attainment of knowledge.

Offering of betel leaves marks satisfaction with worldly pleasures.

All-Night Shiva Worship: Worship of Lord Shiva continues all through the night on

Shivaratri Festival. Devotees stay awake all night and spend the night in Shiva

temples in worship of Lord Shiva. Singing of hymns and verses in praise and devotion

of Lord Shiva besides the intense chanting of Om Namah Shivay, the mantra that

is said free people from all their sins, continue through the night on Shivaratri.

Special worship of Shiva by priests continues through the nightlong prayer vigil.

During this ritual worship, Lord Shiva is offered special food made from the fruits of

the season, root vegetables and coconuts. Those observing the Shivaratri

Fast break their fast the next morning by consuming the prasad offered to Shiva.

1.4-Shivaratri Pooja.

Shivaratri Pooja has been given tremendous significance in Hindu mythology. It is

said that ritual worship of Lord Shiva on a Shivaratri day pleases Lord Shiva the most.

Devotees further believe that by pleasing Lord Shankara on the auspicious Shivaratri

day, a person is absolved of past sins and is blessed with Moksha or salvation.

Merits of Shivaratri Puja: According to Shiva Purana, sincere worship of Lord Shiva

yields merits including spiritual growth for the devotees. It also provides extensive

details on the right way to perform Shivratri Puja.

Shiva Purana further says that performing abhisheka of ShivaLinga with six

different dravyas including milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water while

chanting Sri Rudram, Chamakam and Dasa Shanthi pleases Lord Shiva the most.

According to the mythology, each of these dravya used in the abhisheka blesses a

unique quality:

Milk is for the blessing of purity and piousness.

Yogurt is for prosperity and progeny.

Honey is for sweet speech.

Ghee is for victory.

Sugar is for happiness.

Water is for purity.

Besides, worship of Lord Shiva on Shivratri is also considered to be extremely

beneficial for women. While, married women pray to Shiva for the wellbeing of their

husbands and sons, unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, who is

considered to be the ideal husband.

Getting Ready for Shivratri Puja: To perform the worship of Lord Shiva on

Shivratri, devotees wake up early and take a ritual bath, preferably in the holy waters

of river Ganga. This is followed by worship to Sun God, Vishnu and Shiva in

accordance with the purification rite observed on all-important Hindu festivals.

Devotees then wear fresh new clothes and pay a visit to the nearest Shiva temple.

As a tradition, devotees observe a fast on a Shivaratri day. Some do not consume

even a drop of water.

Performing Maha Shivaratri Pooja: Following the method prescribed in Shiva

Purana, priests perform ritual puja of Shiva Linga every three hours all through the

day and night of Shivaratri Festival. During this pooja, chants of Om Namah Shivaya

and sounds of bells reverberate in the temple. Following the bath with milk, yoghurt,

honey, ghee, sugar and water that helps in the purification of the soul a vermilion

paste is applied on the Linga as it represents virtue. These six items form an

indispensable part of Shivaratri, be it a simple ceremony at home or grand temple

worship

After this, Bilwa leaves, which have to be a stalk with three leaves, is kept on top

of the Shivalinga to cool the hot-tempered deity.Ber or jujube fruit is also offered to

Lord Shiva, as it is symbolic of longevity and gratification of desires. Some devotees

also offer the auspicious betel leaves to Lord Shiva marking satisfaction with worldly

pleasures. Garlanding of Linga with flowers and garlands is also a part of the ritual

Shivaratri Puja. Devotees also burn incense sticks as is said to yield wealth. Many

also light lamps to symbolize attainment of knowledge. It is said that by offering

water, hugging the Linga, lighting the diya and incense andringing the temple bells,

devotees call into focus all their senses, making them acutely aware of themselves

and the universe to which they belong.

This ritual worship of Lord Shiva continues through the day and night of Shivaratri.

Devotees stay awake and spent the night in Shiva temples by chanting ‘Om Namah

Shivaya’ and singing hymns and verses in praise of Lord Shankar. Devotees observing

vrat on Shivaratri break it only the next morning by partaking prasad offered to Lord

Shiva.

1.5-Shivaratri Celebrations.

Shivaratri Celebrations in India are marked with devotion and religious fervor. Joy

is writ large on the faces of millions of Lord Shiva devotees as they start preparing

for the biggest Lord Shiva festival in advance. Celebrations of Shivaratri began with

the break of the dawn on the Shivratri day and continue all though the night.

Devotees observe fast and spend the day in devotion and worship of Lord Shiva.

Many worshippers also participate in the jaagran or the night vigil organized in

various Shiva temples across the country. Devotees believe that sincere observance

of Shivaratri puja and all night worship of Lord Shiva will absolve them of all their

sins and liberate them from the cycle of birth and death.

Shivaratri Celebrations in TemplesAfter the ritual bath, preferably in the sacred

waters of river Ganga, devotees pay a visit to the nearest Lord Shiva temple

carrying the traditional puja items like milk, water, bel leaves, fruits, incense stick,

oil lamp etc. Due to massive popularity of the festival several stalls selling puja

items come up outside the temple and do a thriving business.

In the bigger and more popular Shiva temples there is massive rush of devotees.

Long queues can be noticed as devotees, mostly women, wait for their turn to

perform puja. Since, bathing of Shiva Linga with milk is part of the Shivaratri Puja

tradition; little rivers are formed due to the excessively overflowing milk and fruit in

the Shiva temples on this day.

Ritual worship of Shiva Linga is done by temple priests every three hours all

through the day and night of Shivaratri Festival. Shouts of ‘Shivaji ki Jai’, chanting

of the mantra, ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and ringing of temple bells make the

atmosphere religious and devotional.

Nightlong vigil on Shivratri or the Jaagran is celebrated by singing of devotional

hymns and songs in worship of Lord Shiva. And, it is only in the following morning

that the devotees break their fast by consuming prasad offered to the Lord.

Shivaratri Celebrations by WomenShivratri Festival is particularly awaited by

Hindu women. On Shivaratri, married and unmarried women perform puja with

great faith, as Goddess Parvati who is also called ′Gaura′, is regarded as the giver

of ′suhag′ - good husbands, marital bliss and a long and prosperous married life.

One can therefore see find women enthusiastically observing the fast and

performing the rituals Shiva Pujas on the day.

Tradition of Drinking ThandaiSince Lord Shiva is regarded as an ascetic god,

Maha Shivratri is very popular with ascetics. Thandai, a drink made with bhang

(cannabis), almonds, and milk, is essentially drunk by the devout on the day as

cannabis is said to have been very dear to Shiva.

1.6-Shivaratri Fast.

Shivaratri Fast is considered to be the most important fast for the devotees of Lord

Shiva. Shiva Purana goes on to say that if a devotee observes Shivaratri Vrata with

sincerity, pure devotion and love he is blessed with the divine grace of Lord Shiva.

Every year devotees observe Maha Shivaratri fast with devotion and sincerity. Though

many go on a diet of fruits and milk, some do not consume even a drop of water all

through the day and night of Shivaratri Festival.

Merits of Mahashivratri Vrat: According to Hindu mythology, observance of

mahashivratri Vrat with discipline helps a devotee to control the two great natural

forces that afflict a man, rajas guna (the quality of passionate activity) and tamas

guna (the quality of inertia). When a devotee spends an entire day in the Feet of Lord

and worships with sincerity, his motion is controlled and evils like lust, anger and

jealousy, born of Rajas are ignored and subdued. Besides, when a devotee observes

vigil throughout the night (jaagran) he manages to conquer the evils of Tamas Guna

too. It has also been mentioned that when a devotee observes a round of worship

every three hours, the Shivaratri Vrata becomes perfect.

Devotees of Lord Shiva believe consider Shivratri fast to be extremely auspicious and

rate it equal or more than performing an Ashwamedha Yagna. Some believe that a

devotee who observes a Shivaratri Fast with sincerity and utters the name of Lord

Shiva with perfect devotion is absolved from all sins. Such a devotee reaches the

abode of Lord Shiva and lives there happily. He is also liberated from the cycle of

birth and death.

Customs and Traditions of Shivaratri Fast: As a tradition, devotees who are on

a strict fast on Shivaratri take bath with the water that is boiled with black sesame

seeds to wash away bodily impurities. After putting on fresh new clothes, a devotee

visit the nearest Lord Shiva temple to perform the ritual Shiva Linga bath with milk,

honey etc. While bathing the Lingam a devotee prays, "O Lord! I will bathe Thee with

water, milk, etc. Do Thou kindly bathe me with the milk of wisdom. Do Thou kindly

wash me of all my sins, so that the fire of worldliness which is scorching me may be

put out once for all, so that I may be one with Thee-the One alone without a second."

Following the sacred bath, devotee applies haldi-kumkum on the lingum and place a

garland of white and pink lotus flowers on it. Bel leaves are also placed at the top of

the Lingum. Aarthi and bhajans in praise of Lord Shiva are also sung to invoke his

blessings. Devotee also light incense stick and ring temple bell to invoke the blessing

of the large-hearted Lord Shiva.

It may be noted that unlike most other festivals, where after performing the Puja of

the deity a feast follows, a Shivratri fast continues all through the day and night.

Devotees observe an all-night vigil while chanting the mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya"

and singing devotional hymns and songs. Even during the night, Shiva Lings is given

the holy bath every three hours. An offering of fruits is also made to the deity. There

is also the tradition to listen to the recital of various legends and stories related to

Shivaratri and Lord Shiva and to understand its deeper meanings. It is only in the

following morning that a devotee breaks the fast by consuming the prasad offered to

Lord Shankar.

1.7-Significance of Shivratri.

Festival of Mahashivaratri is the most important festival for the millions of devotees

of Lord Shiva. The festival has been accorded lot of significance in Hindu mythology.

It says that a devotee who performs sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious

day of Shivratri is absolved of sins and attains moksha.

Significance of Shivaratri in HinduismFestival of Mahashivaratri has tremendous

significance in Hinduism. According to sacred scriptures, ritual worship of Lord Shiva

on Shivratri festival that falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of

Phalgun pleases Lord Shiva the most. This fact is said to have been declared by Lord

Shiva himself, when his consort Parvati asked him as to which ritual performed by

his devotees pleases him the most.

Even till date, devotees of Lord Shiva perform the ritual worship of Shivratri with care

and devotion. They observe day and night fast and give sacred bath to Shiva Linga

with honey, milk, water etc. Hindus consider it extremely auspicious to worship Lord

Shiva on a Shivaratri as it is believed that worship of Lord Shiva with devotion and

sincerity absolves a devotee of past sins. The devotee reaches the abode of Lord

Shanker and lives there happily. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death

and attains moksha or salvation.

Significance of Shivaratri for WomenMahashivratri Festival is also considered to

be an extremely significant festival by women. Married and unmarried women

observe fast and perform Shiva Puja with sincerity to appease Goddess

Parvati who is also regarded as ‘Gaura’ - one who bestows marital bliss and long

and prosperous married life. Unmarried women also pray for a husband like Lord

Shiva who is regarded as the ideal husband.

2-Mahashivaratri Legends.

2.1-Marriage of Shiva and Shakti.

The legend of marriage of Shiva and Shakti is one the most important legends related

to the festival of Mahashivaratri. The story tells us how Lord Shiva got married a

second time to Shakti, his divine consort. According to legend of Shiva and Shakti,

the day Lord Shiva got married to Parvati is celebrated as Shivaratri - the Night of

Lord Shiva.

The Legend: Legend goes that once Lord Shiva and his wife Sati or Shakti were

returning from sage Agastya’s ashram after listening to Ram Katha or story of Ram.

On their way through a forest, Shiva saw Lord Rama searching for his wife Sita who

had been kidnapped by Ravana, the King of Lanka. Lord Shiva bowed his head in

reverence to Lord Rama. Sati was surprised by Lord Shiva’s behavior and inquired

why he was paying obeisance to a mere mortal. Shiva informed Sati that Rama was

an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Sati, however, was not satisfied with the reply and

Lord asked her to go and verify the truth for herself.

Using her power to change forms, Sati took the form of Sita appeared before Rama.

Lord Rama immediately recognized the true identity of the Goddess and asked, "Devi,

why are you alone, where′s Shiva?" At this, Sati realized the truth about Lord Ram.

But, Sita was like a mother to Lord Shiva and since Sati took the form of Sita her

status had changed. From that time, Shiva detached himself from her as a wife. Sati

was sad with the change of attitude of Lord Shiva but she stayed on at Mount Kailash,

the abode of Lord Shiva.

Later, Sati’s father Daksha organised a yagna, but did not invite Sati or Shiva as he

had an altercation with Shiva in the court of Brahma. But, Sati who wanted to attend

the Yagna, went even though Lord Shiva did not appreciate the idea. To hre great

anguish, Daksha ignored her presence and did not even offer Prasad for Shiva. Sati

felt humiliated and was struck with profound grief. She jumped into the yagna fire

and immolated herself.

Lord Shiva became extremely furious when he heard the news of Sati’s immolation.

Carrying the body of Sati, Shiva began to perform Rudra Tandava or the dance of

destruction and wiped out the kingdom of Daksha. Everybody was terrified as Shiva’s

Tandava had the power to destroy the entire universe. In order to calm Lord Shiva,

Vishnu severed Sati′s body into 12 pieces and threw them on earth. It is said that

wherever the pieces of Shakti’s body fell, there emerged a Shakti Peetha, including

the Kamaroopa Kamakhya in Assam and the Vindhyavasini in UP.

Lord Siva was now alone undertook rigorous penance and retired to the Himalayas.

Sati took a re-birth as Parvati in the family of God Himalaya. She performed penance

to break Shiva’s meditation and win his attention. It is said that Parvati, who found

it hard to break Shiva’s meditation seeked help of Kamadeva - the God of Love and

Passion. Kaamadeva asked Parvati to dance in front of Shiva. When Parvati danced,

Kaamadeva shot his arrow of passion at Shiva breaking his penance. Shiva became

extremely infuriated and opening his third eye that reduced Kaamadeva to ashes. It

was only after Kamadeva’s wife Rati’s pleading that Lord Shiva agreed to revive

Kaamadeva.

Later, Parvati undertook severe penance to win over Shiva. Through her devotion

and persuasion by sages devas, Parvati, also known as Uma, was finally able to lure

Shiva into marriage and away from asceticism. Their marriage was solemnized a day

before Amavasya in the month of Phalgun. This day of union of God Shiva and Parvati

is celebrated as Mahashivratri every year.

Another Version of the Legend According to another version of the legend,

Goddess Parvati performed tapas and prayers on the auspicious moonless night of

Shivaratri to ward off any evil that may befall her husband. Since then, womenfolk

began the custom of praying for the wellbeing of their husbands and sons on

Shivaratri day. Unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, who is considered

to be the ideal husband.

2.2-Samudra Manthan.

This very popular Shivaratri legend from Puranas explains why people stay awake all

night on Shivaratri. Besides, it also tells us why Lord Shiva is also known as

Neelakantha.

Legend Behind Samudra Manthan: Once Indra - the King of Gods, while riding on

an elephant came across Durvasa Muni who offered him a special garland. Indra

accepted the garland but put in on the trunk of the elephant. The elephant was

irritated by the smell and it threw the garland on the floor. This enraged the sage as

the garland was a dwelling of Sri (fortune) and was to be treated as prasada. Durvasa

Muni cursed Indra and all devas to be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune.

In battles that followed this incident, devas were defeated and asuras (demons) led

by Bali gained control of the universe. Devas sought help from Lord Vishnu who

advised them to treat asuras in a diplomatic manner. Devas formed an alliance with

asuras to jointly churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality and to share it among

them. Lord Vishu told Devas that we would arrange that they alone obtain the nectar.

The Churning of the Ocean: The churning of the milk - ocean was an elaborate

process. Mount Mandara was used as churning rod and Vasuki, the King of

Serpents, became the churning rope. Lord Vishnu himself had to intercede in so many

ways to aid the Devas. All kinds of herbs were cast into the ocean and many great

beings and objects were produced from the ocean and were divided between asuras

and gods. It is said that following things emerged from the Samudra Manthan

Sura or Varuni - Goddess and creator of wine

Apsaras - various divine nymphs

Kaustubha - a rare diamond said to be the most valuable jewel in the world

Uchhaishravas - the divine white horse

Kalpavriksha - the wish-granting tree

Kamadhenu - the wish fulfilling cow

Airavata - the white elephant

Lakshmi - the Goddess of Fortune and Wealth. Vishnu and Her were reunited

after having been separated for many ages.

Haalaa-Hala - the PoisonDuring the Sagar Manthan by the gods and demons,

haalaa-hala, a pot of poison also came out of the ocean. This terrified the Gods and

demons as the poison was so toxic that it effects would have wiped out the entire

creation. On the advice of Lord Vishnu, Gods approached Lord Shiva for help and

protection as only he could swallow it without being affected. On the request of gods

and out of compassion for living beings, Lord Shiva drank the poison. However,

Parvati - Lord Shiva’s consort pressed his neck so that the poison does not reach his

stomach. Thus, it stayed in his throat neither going up nor going down and Shiva

remained unharmed. The poison was so potent that it changed the color of Lord

Mahadeva’s neck to blue. For this reason, Lord Shiva is also called Neelakantha (the

blue-necked one) where ‘Neela’ means blue and ‘Kantha’ means neck or throat.

As part of the therapy, doctors advised gods to keep Lord Shiva awake during the

night. Thus, Gods kept a vigil in contemplation of Lord Shiva. To amuse Shiva and to

keep him awake, the gods took turn performing various dances and playing music.

As the day broke out, Lord Shiva, pleased with their devotion blessed them

all. Shivaratri is the celebration of this event by which Shiva saved the world. Since

then, on this day and night - devotees fast, keep vigil, sing glories of Lord and

meditate.

Churning Out Divine NectarAt last, Dhanvantari - the Divine Physician appeared

with a pot of Amrita (nectar of immortality) in his skilful hands. Fierce fighting ensued

between devas and asuras for the nectar. To protect the nectar from asuras, devas

hid the pot of nectar at four places on the earth - Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar,

Ujjain and Nasik. At each of these places, a drop of the nectar spilled from the pot

and since then, it is believed that these places acquired mystical power. Grand Kumbh

Mela is celebrated at the four places after every 12 year for this reason.

Eventually, Lord Vishnu took the form of a beautiful woman, Mohini. While her beauty

bewildered the asuras, Mohini seized the nectar and returned it to the Devas, who

drank it immediately.

2.3-Legend of Shiva Linga.

The legend of Shiva Linga or Lingodbhavamurthy is deeply related to Mahashivaratri.

The legend narrates the story of vain search by Brahma and Vishnu to discover the

Aadi (beginning) and the Antha (end) of Lord Shiva. The legend thus proves the

supremacy of Lord Mahadeva over other Hindu Gods and explains why the lingam is

believed to be one of the most potent emblems in Hindu ideals. The story is stated

in the three of the puranas - the Kurma Purana, the Vayu Purana and Shiva Purana

The Legend: According to Puranas, once the other two of the triads of Hindu Gods,

Brahma and Vishnu were fighting over each other’s prowess. Horrified at the intensity

of the battle, the other gods asked Shiva to intervene. To make them realize the

futility of their fight, Lord Shiva assumed the form of a flaming Linga in between

Brahma and Vishnu and challenged both of them by asking them to measure the

gigantic Linga (phallic symbol of Lord Shiva).

Awestruck by its magnitude, Brahma and Vishnu decided to find one end each to

establish supremacy over the other. Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and went

upwards while Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Varaha - a boar and went into the

earth towards nether land. Both searched for thousands of miles but neither could

find the end.

On his journey upward, Brahma came across Ketaki flower. Exhausted and

bewildered with his search to find the uppermost limit of fiery column, Brahma made

Ketaki assent to lie that he had seen the top of the column where the flower had

previously resided. Accompanied by his accomplice, Brahma confronted Vishnu and

asserted that he had indeed discovered the origin of the cosmic column.

At this point, the central part of the pillar split open and Shiva revealed himself in his

full glory. Overawed, both Brahma and Vishnu bowed before him accepted lord

Shiva’s supremacy. Lord Shiva also explained to Brahma and Vishnu that both of

them were born out of him and that the three were then separated out into three

different aspects of divinity.

However, Lord Shiva was angry with Brahma for making a false claim. The Lord

cursed Brahma that no one would ever pray to him. (This legend explains why there

is hardly any Brahma temple of significance in India.) Lord Shiva also punished the

Ketaki flower for testifying falsely and banned her from being used as an offering for

any worship.

Since it was on the 14th day in the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna that Shiva

first manifested himself in the form of a Linga, the day is extremely auspicious and

is celebrated as Mahashivaratri - the grand night of Shiva. To celebrate the occasion,

devotees of Lord Shiva fast during the day and pray to the Lord throughout the night.

It is said that worshipping of Lord Shiva on Shivaratri bestows one with happiness

and prosperity.

2.4-The Legend of Lubdhaka.

The legend of Lubdhaka is deeply related to Mahashivaratri and explains the popular

custom of all-night worship of Lord Shiva on the festival. As a tradition devotees

recite the legend of Lubdhaka while they observe fast in worship of Lord Shiva on

Mahashivaratri. And, it is only after observing an all-night fast that devotees eat the

prasad offered to Shiva.

There is yet another version of this legend, which is popular as the legend of King

Chitrabhanu. This legend has been narrated by Bhishma in Shanti Parva of the

Mahabharata and has been discussed later in this article.

Story of Lubdhaka: Story goes that Lubdhaka - a poor tribal man and a devout

worshipper of Lord Shiva once went into the deep forests to collect firewood. As the

darkness engulfed the jungle, Lubdhaka lost his way and could not find his way home.

He became extremely terrified as deep growls of animals began to fill the jungle.

Seeking protection till daybreak, Lubdhaka climbed the nearest bel tree and sought

safety and shelter in its branches. Since Lubdhaka was perched on the branch of a

tree he was afraid that if he dozed he might fall off from the tree. To keep himself

awake all night, Lubdhaka decided to pluck one leaf from the bheel tree and drop it

while chanting the name of Shiva. By sunrise, the devout tribal realized that he had

dropped thousands of leaves on to a Shiva Lingam, which he had not seen in the

darkness. Lubdhaka’s all night worship pleased Lord Shiva and by his divine grace

tigers and other wild animals went away. Thus, Lubdhaka not only survived but was

also rewarded with divine bliss.

According to Puranas, ever since that day, the story of the tribal Lubdhaka has been

recited every year on the night of Mahashivaratri. This popular legend also form the

basis of the popular custom of offering bhel (Aegle marmelos) leaves to Lord Shiva

on Shivaratri.

Different Version of the Legend - Story of King Chitrabhanu: Shanti Parva of

the Mahabharata, talks about the legend of King Chitrabhanu observing the festival.

The story, as told by Bhishma while resting on the bed of arrows and discoursing on

Dharma, says that once King Chitrabhanu of the Ikshvaku dynasty who ruled over

the whole of Jambudvipa was observing a fast with his wife, it being the day of Maha

Shivaratri. The sage Ashtavakra came on a visit to the court of the king and inquired

the king about reasons for keeping a fast.

Answering the sage’s query, King Chitrabhanu who had the gift of remembering the

incidents from his previous birth said that in the past birth he was a hunter in Varanasi

and his name was Suswara. His livelihood was to kill and sell birds and animals. One

day while he was roaming through the woods in search of animals, he was overtaken

by the darkness of the night. To seek shelter from wild animals, Suswarna seeked

shelter in the branches of nearest tree, which happened to a bael. Suswarna has also

shot a deer that day but had no time to take it to home. So he bundled it up and tied

it to a branch on the tree. Hunger and thirst tormented Suswarna and kept him awake

all night. Feeling sad that his poor wife and children were starving and must be

anxiously waiting for his return, Suswarna began to shed profuse tears. To pass away

time, Suswarna engaged himself in plucking bael leaves and dropping them down

onto the ground.

Having passed the night thus, next morning, Suswarna sold the deer and bought

some food for himself and his family. But, the moment he was about to break his

fast, a stranger came to him begging for food. Humbly, Suswarna served food to

stranger first and then had his own.

Later, at the time of his death, Suswarna saw two messengers of Lord Shiva who

were sent down to conduct his soul to the abode of Lord Shiva. It was then that

Suswarna learnt for the great merit he had earned by the unconscious worship of

Lord Shiva during the night of Shivaratri. The divine messengers told Suswarna that

there was a Lingam at the bottom of the tree on which he spent the night. The leaves

he dropped therefore fell on the Lingam. While his tears, which he had shed out of

sorrow for his family, fell on the lingam and washed it. Besides, he had observed a

fast all day and all night. Thus, Suswarna had unconsciously worshiped the Lord

Shiva.

Concluding the story, the King said that he lived in the abode of the Lord and enjoyed

divine bliss for long ages. Now, he has reborn as Chitrabhanu.

2.5-The Legend of Ganga.

The legend of Ganga’s descent from the heavens into the earth has been narrated in

the Hindu mythological epic of Ramayana. The legend explains the popular custom

of giving bath to Shiv Linga on Shivaratri festival.

The Legend: Once King Sagar - the ruler of Ayodhya and an ancestor of Lord Rama

successfully performed the Ashwamedha Yagya for 99 times. Each time, he sent the

horse around the earth it returned to the kingdom unchallenged. However, Indra -

the King of God’s became jealous of King Sagar’s success. So when King Sagar

performed the sacrifice of the 100th time, Indra kidnapped and hid the Yagya horse

in the hermitage of Kapila Muni

In search of the horse, sixty thousand princes from Ayodhya reached Kapil Muni’s

hermitage. They mistook the sage to be the abductor and attacked him. An enraged

Kapila Muni burnt the 60,000 princes to ashes. On hearing about the plight of his

father and uncles, King Bhagiratha - one of the grandchildren of King Sagar requested

Kapila Muni to grant a solution to the problem. Kapila Muni advised that the waters

of the river Ganga would miraculously bring back the dead princes to life.

King Bhagirath left his kingdom and began to mediate for the salvation of the souls

of his ancestors. It is said that Bhagirath observed a penance to Brahma for a

thousand years, requesting Ganga to come down to earth from heaven and wash

over his ancestor′s ashes to release them from a curse and allow them to go to

heaven. Pleased with the devotion, Brahma granted Bhagirath’s wish but told him to

pray to Lord Shiva, as he alone could sustain the weight of her descent.

Accordingly, Lord Shiva held out his thick matted hair to catch the river as she

descended. The meandering through Shiva’s lock softened Ganga’s journey to the

earth and the holy waters of river Ganga thus washed away the ashes of Bhagirath’s

ancestors. A modified version of the legend says, what reached the earth were just

sprinkles from Lord Shiva’s hair. The Ganga, thus, became an attribute of Shiva. This

manifestation of Shiva is known as Gangadhara.

The legend is re-enacted by devotees of Lord Shiva as they give a bath to the linga

during worship. And for this reason, many devotees prefer to take a dip in the holy

water of river Ganga on a Shivaratri day.

2.6-Lord Shiva′s Assurance.

The legend of Lord Shiva’s assurance explains the popularity of Shivaratri festival

amongst the devotees. Besides, it also tells us why we observe fast in the name of

the Lord and perform ceremonial baths on a Shivaratri day.

The Legend: Story goes that after creation was complete, Lord Shiva began to live

on top of the mount Kailash with his consort Parvati. One day, Goddess Parvati asked

Shiva that his devotees perform many rituals to please the Lord, but which one

pleases him most. To this, Lord Shiva replied that the 14th night of the new moon,

during the month of Phalgun is his favorite day. The day is celebrated as Shivaratri.

On this day, devotees observe strict spiritual discipline and worship Shiva in four

different forms during each of the four successive three-hour periods of the night.

Lord further said that the devotees offer him bel leaves on the day and that those

leaves were precious to him than the precious jewels and flowers. Explaining the right

way of worshipping to Shiva, the Lord said, devotees should bathe me in the milk

during the first period, in curd at the second, in clarified butter in the third and in

honey in the fourth and the last period. Lord Shiva further added that next morning

devotees must feed the Brahmins first and, only after following the prescribed ritual

must he break the fast. Shiva further told Parvati that rituals of Shivaratri could not

be compared with any other.

Goddess Parvati became deeply impressed with Lord Shiva’s speech and she narrated

it to her friends. Through them the word spread all over the creation. Hence, Shiva

devotees began to celebrate Shivaratri by fasting and by performing the ceremonial

baths and making an offering of bel leaves.

3-About Lord Shiva.

3.1-About Goddess Parvati.

Goddess Parvati is regarded as the power and divine consort of Lord Shiva - the

Destroyer. Like her consort Shiva, Goddess Parvati is said to have both mild and

terrible aspects

Goddess Parvati is known by different names like Lalita, Uma, Gauri, Kali, Durga,

Haimavati etc. Two of her fierce but very powerful forms are Durga (Goddess beyond

reach) and Kali (Goddess of Destruction). As the mother of the universe, Parvati is

known as Amba and Ambika, which means ′mother′. As Lalita, she represents the

aspect of beauty.

Appearance of Goddess Parvati

When shown along with Shiva, Goddess Parvati has only two hands, the right one

holding a blue lotus and the left hanging loosely by the side. When represented

independently, Parvati Ma is shown with four hands, two hands holding red and blue

lotuses and the other two exhibiting the varada and Abhaya mudras.

Goddess Parvati has a charming personality. Married women adore Parvati for her

happy married life. Picture of Lord Shiva, Parvathi and their sons Ganesha and

Kartikeya depicts an ideal example of family unity and love.

Parvati as Sati or Dakshayani: According to Puranas, in her first incarnation,

Parvati Devi was Sati or Dakshayani, the daughter of Daksa and was married to Lord

Shiva. Once, Daksha performed a great yagna or sacrifice and insulted Lord Shiva by

not inviting him or Sati. Even then, Sati went to attend the yagna. To her great

disappointment, Daksha did not acknowledge her presence and did not offer prasad

for Lord Shiva. Utterly depressed by the treatment meted out to her, Sati ended her

life by igniting herself through the fire of yagna.

After the death of Sati, Lord Shiva became very sad and depressed. He renounced

the world and went into deep meditation in the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas.

Meanwhile, the demons lead by Taraka, rose from the netherworld and drove devas

out of the heavens. The gods sought a warrior who would help them regain the

celestial realm. Lord Brahma said, only Shiva can father such a warrior, but he is

oblivious of the world.

At the persistence of the Gods, Sati agreed to take a re-birth as Parvati, the daughter

of Himavan and Mena. It was only after performing intense austerities that Goddess

Parvathi succeeded in pleasing Shiva and making him accept her again as his consort.

The Divine Homemaker: With Parvati by his side, Shiva became a family man.

Inspired by her beauty, Shiva became the fountainhead of the arts, dance and drama.

But he did not abandon his ways as a hermit and continued to meditate. His carefree

attitude and his refusal to shoulder household responsibilities sometimes angered

Parvati. But then she would come to terms with his unconventional ways and make

peace. The consequent marital bliss between Shakti and Shiva ensured harmony

between Matter and Spirit and brought stability and peace to the cosmos. Parvati

thus became Ambika, Goddess of the household, marriage, motherhood and family.

Ten Aspects of Parvati

Given here are the ten aspects of Parvati, termed as Dasamahavidyas. These

are the representations of transcendent knowledge and power.

The first is Kali who is the goddess of time that destroys everything.

The second one, Tara is the power of golden embryo from which the universe

evolves. She also stands for void or the boundless space.

The third one Sodasi literally means ′one who is sixteen years old’. She is the

personification of fullness and perfection.

The fourth, Vidya Bhuvanevari represents the forces of the material world.

The fifth one, Bhairavi stands for desires and temptations leading to

destruction and death.

The sixth Vidya Chinnamasta represents the continued state of self-

sustenance of the created world in which is seen continuous self-destruction

and self-renewal, in a cyclic order. She is a naked deity holding her own

severed head in hand and drinking her own blood.

Dhumavati, the seventh one personifies the destruction of the world by fire,

when only smoke (dhuma) from its ashes remains.

The eighth, Vidya Bagala is a crane - headed goddess. She represents the

ugly side of living creatures like jealously, hatred and cruelty.

Matangi, the ninth Vidya is the embodiment power of domination.

The tenth and the last Vidya Kamala is the pure consciousness of the self,

bestowing boons and allaying the fears of the supplicants. She is identified

with Lakshmi, the Goddess of Fortune.

3.2-Shiva Tandava.

Lord Shiva is also known as Nataraj, the Dancing God. This divine art form is

performed by Lord Shiva and his divine consort Goddess Parvati. The dance

performed by Lord Shiva is known as Tandava. Shiva’s Tandava is a vigorous dance

that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. Tandava

depicts his violent nature as the destroyer of the universe.

Characteristics of Tandava Dance: According to scholars, ‘Characteristics of the

Tandava Dance’ have been described in the fourth chapter of Bharat Muni’s Nata

Shastra, which is referred to as fifth Veda and an expression of Lord Shiva’s eternal

dance - Tandava. It says that Shiva’s Tandava is embellished with 108 karanas and

the 32 anghaharas - the composite parts of the dance. Bharat Muni further says

that Lord Shiva conceived the dance, as he was very much fond of dancing every

evening. Shiva further mentioned that 108 karnas included in tandava could be

employed in the course of dance, fight, and personal combats and in other special

movements like strolling.

Types of Tandava: Some scholars believe that there are seven different types of

Tandava. The tandava performed with joy is called Ananda Tandava and that which

is performed in violent mood is called Rudra Tandava. The other types of tandava

identified are Tripura Tandava, Sandhya Tandava, Samara Tandava, Kaali Tandava,

Uma Tandava and Gauri Tandava. However, there are few people who believe that

there are 16 types of Tandava.

Significance of Shiva′s Tandava Nritya: According to religious scholars, the

cosmic dance of Shiva, called ′Anandatandava,′ meaning, ‘the Dance of Bliss’

symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm

of birth and death. The dance is a pictorial allegory of the five principle manifestations

of eternal energy - creation, destruction, preservation, salvation, and illusion.

According to learned scholar, Coomerswamy, the dance of Shiva also represents his

five activities namely,

′Shrishti′ - creation, evolution

′Sthiti′ - preservation, support

′Samhara′ - destruction, evolution

′Tirobhava′ - illusion

′Anugraha′ - release, emancipation, grace

The overall temper of the image is paradoxical, uniting the inner tranquillity, and

outside activity of Shiva.

Lasya: The dance performed by Goddess Parvati is known as Lasya. In Lasya, the

movements are gentle, graceful and sometimes erotic. Some scholars call Lasya, the

feminine version of Tandava. Lasya is of two kinds - Jarita Lasya and Yauvaka Lasya.

According to the Puranas, Shiva dances a wild and vigorous (tandava) dance in the

cremation grounds at night but dances a soft and graceful (lasya) dance in the

tranquillity of the twilight.

3.3-Shiva Linga.

Shiva Linga is the holy symbol of Lord Shiva that is considered sacred by the devotees

of Lord Shiva. The word, ‘Lingum’ in Sanskrit means, ‘symbol’. Shiva Lingum,

therefore means symbol of Lord Shiva and is therefore considered most sacred by

Shaivaites. Siva Linga has been worshipped in Hinduism since ages. Worship of Shiva

Linga is regarded sacred and superior Shiva Mahapurana. This is because the form

makes worship simple while maintaining the truth that God does not have any definite

form.

Structure of Shiva Linga: Most prevalent icon of Shiva and virtually found in all

Shiva temples, Shiva Linga is a rounded, elliptical, an-iconic image that is usually set

on a circular base or peetham. According to some scholars the Peetham represents

Parashakti, the manifesting power of God.

Shiva Lingas are usually made of stone that may either be carved or naturally existing

- svayambhu, such as shaped by a swift-flowing river. Shiva Lingas may also be made

of metal, precious gems, crystal, wood, earth or transitory materials such as ice.

Some scholars say that transitory Shiva Linga may be made of 12 different materials

such as sand, rice, cooked food, river clay, cow dung, butter, rudraksha seeds, ashes,

sandalwood, darbha grass, a flower garland or molasses.

Various Interpretation of Shiva Linga: Besides regarding Shiva Linga as the

symbol and form of Lord Shiva, religious scholars have given various interpretations

of Shiva Linga. Here is the brief description of some of the popular theories and

interpretations related to Shiva Linga and its origin:

Worship of the Phallus: According to some scholars, worship of Shiva Linga in

effect means worship of the reproduction function. For, they say that the other

meaning of the Sanskrit word ‘Linga’ is gender in general and phallus (the male

reproductive organ) in particular. They believe that the base of the Lingam

corresponds to the Yoni which mean vagina or the female reproductive organ.

Correspondence of Linga and Yoni in a Shiva Linga is therefore interpreted as the

representation of the process of copulation. Scholars further opine that the Kalash

(container of water) that is suspended over the Shiva Linga from which water drips

over the Linga also correspond to the idea of intercourse.

Connecting the origin of Shiva Linga to the early Indus Valley civilization, scholars

opine that tribes of the Indus Valley took to the togetherness of Lingam and Yoni in

a Shiva Linga as the point of energy, creation and enlightenment.

Interpretation in Tantra: According to Tantra, Lingam is a symbol of Shiva′s

phallus in spiritual form. They say, the lingam contains the soul-seed within which

lies the essence of the entire cosmos. The lingam arises out of the base (Yoni) which

represents Parvati according to some or Vishnu, Brahma in female and neuter form

according to others.

Interpretation in Puranas: Puranas, especially the Vamana Purana, Shiva Purana,

Linga Purana, Skanda Purana, Matsya Purana and Visva-Sara-Prakasha attribute the

origin of Shiva Linga to the curse of sages leading to the separation of and installation

of the phallus of Lord Shiva on earth. Some also refer to the endlessness of the

lingam to be linked to the egos of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.

Interpretation of Shiva Linga as an Abstract Symbol of God Some scholars of

the Hindu scriptures say that Linga is merely an abstract symbol of the God. They

point towards several legends in Hinduism where a sundry rock or even a pile of sand

has been used by as a Lingam or the symbol of Shiva. Citing a particular instance

they say, Arjuna once fashioned a linga of clay when worshipping Shiva. Scholars of

Puranas, thus argue that too much should not be made of the usual shape of the

Lingam. Scholars say that the interpretation of Shiva Linga as an abstract form of

God is also consonant with philosophies that hold that God may be conceptualized

and worshipped in any convenient form. The form itself is irrelevant, as the divine

power that it represents is all that matters. Scholars thus say that Sivalinga represent

the formless Nirguna Brahman or the formless Supreme Being.

3.4-Shiva Aarti.

Recite Lord Shiva Aarti on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri to invoke divine

blessings of Lord Shiva. For better understanding, meaning of the Shiv Arti has been

provided in English along with the verses.

Jai Shiv Onkara Har Shiv Onkara,

Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv Arddhagni Dhara.

Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...

Meaning: Glory to you, O Shiva! Glory to you, O Omkaara! May Brahma, Vishnu

and the assembly of other gods, including the great LordShiva, relieve me of my

afflictions!

Ekanan Chaturanan Panchanan Rajai,

Hansanan Garudasan Vrishvahan Sajai.


Meaning: Being the Absolute, True being, Consciousness and Bliss, you play the

roles of all the three Gods - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. As Vishnu, you have but

one face, as Brahma four and as Shiva five. They gladden the sight of all who

behold them. As Brahma you prefer the back of the swan for your seat, as Vishnu

you like to ensconce yourself on the back of Garuda (A large mythological eagle -

like bird believed to be the vehicle of Lord Vishnu) and as Shiva you make the

sacred bull your conveyance; all these stand ready. O Great Lord, pray rid me of

my afflictions!

Do Bhuj Char Chaturbhuj Das Bhuj Te Sohai,

Tinon Roop Nirakhta Tribhuvan Jan Mohai.


Meaning: As Brahma, you possess two arms, as Vishnu four and as Shiva

(Dashabaahu) ten, all of which look matchlessly lovely. No sooner do the inhabitants

of the three spheres behold you than they are all enchanted. O great Lord Omkaara,

pray rid me of my afflictions.

kshaymala Vanmala Mundmala Dhari,

Chadan Mrigmad Sohai Bhale Shashi Dhari.


Meaning: You are, O great Lord Omkaara, wearing a garlandof Rudraaksha,

another of forest flowers the third of skulls; your forehead, glistening in the

moonlight which it holds, is smeared with sandal-paste and musk. Pray rid me of

my afflictions.

Shvetambar Pitambar Baghambar Ange,

Sankadik Brahmadik Bhootadik Sange.


Meaning: O great Lord Omkaara, your body is attired in white and yellow silken

clothes and in tiger skin, while in your company are troops of goblins, gods like

Brahma and divine seers like Sanaka. Pray rid me of my afflictions.

Kar Men Shreshth Kamandalu Chakra Trishooldharta,

Jagkarta Jagharta Jag Palankarta.


Meaning: O great Lord Omkaara, you hold akamandalu (the mendicants water-jar)

in one of your hands and in another a trident; you bring joy to all, destroy all

distress and sustain the whole world. May you rid me of all my afflictions!

Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv Janat Aviveka,

Pranvakshar Ke Madhye Yah Tinon Eka.


Meaning: The ignorant (unwise and stupid) know Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva as

three individual gods, but they are all indistinguishably fused into a single mystic

syllable ‘OM’. Pray rid me of my afflictions.

Trigun Shiv Ki Aarti Jo Koi Nar Gave,

Kahat Shivanand Swami Manvanchhit Phal Pave.

Om hara hara Mahaadevaa..

Meaning: Says Swami Shivananda, â€œHe who recites this Arti to the Lord of the

three gunas-sattva, rajas and tamas - attains fulfillment of his heart’s desireâ€•. O

great Lord Omkaara, may you rid me of my afflictions.

3.5-Shiva Chalisa.

Shiva Chalisa is a prayer for Lord Shiva - one of the Gods of Hindu trinity, the other

two being Brahma and Vishnu. Shiva Chalisa praises the Lord and asks for his help

in removing hardships and obstacles in devotee′s life. It is said that devotees seeking

blessings of Lord Shiva must recite Shiva Chalisa with devotion and sincerity. It is

suggested that devotees should focus their mind on Lord Shiv or his image and then

recite Shiv Chalisa.

Here, Lord Shiv Chalisa is presented along with English Translation for better

understanding.

Lord Shiv Chalisa English Translation

Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan

Mangal Mul Sujan

Kahat Ayodhya Das Tum Dev

Abhaya Varadan

Glory to Lord Ganesh, the Divine Son of

Goddess Girija, the cause of all

auspiciousness and intelligence. Ayodha

Dass (the composer of these verses)

humbly requests that every one be blessed

with the boon of being fearless.

Jai Girija Pati Dinadayala

Sada Karat Santan Pratipala

Bhala Chandrama Sohat Nike

Kanan Kundal Nagaphani Ke

O Glorious Lord, consort of Parvati You are

most merciful. You always bless the poor

and pious devotees. Your beautiful form is

adorned with the moon on Your forehead

and on your ears are earrings of snakes′

hood.

Anga Gaur Shira Ganga Bahaye

Mundamala Tan Chhara Lagaye

Vastra Khala Baghambar Sohain

Chhavi Ko Dekha Naga Muni

Mohain

The holy Ganges flows from your matted

hair. The saints and sages are attracted by

Your splendid appearance. Around Your

neck is a garland of skulls. White ash

beautifies Your Divine form and clothing of

lion′s skin adorns Your body.

Maina Matu Ki Havai Dulari

Vama Anga Sohat Chhavi Nyari

Kara Trishul Sohat Chhavi Bhari

Karat Sada Shatrun Chhayakari

O Lord, the beloved daughter of Maina on

Your left adds to Your splendid appearance.

O Wearer of the lion′s skin, the trishul in

Your hand destroys all enemies.

Nandi Ganesh Sohain Tahan

Kaise

Sagar Madhya Kamal Hain Jaise

Kartik Shyam Aur Ganara-U Ya

Chhavi Ko Kahi Jata Na Kauo

Nandi and Shri Ganesh along with Lord

Shiva appear as beautiful as two lotuses in

the middle of an ocean. Poets and

philosophers cannot describe the wonderful

appearance of Lord Kartikeya and the dark

complexioned Ganas (attendants).

Devan Jabahi Jaya Pukara

Tabahi Dukha Prabhu Apa Nivara

Kiya Upadrav Tarak Bhari Devan

Sab Mili umahi Juhari

O Lord, whenever the Deities humbly

sought Your assistance, You kindly and

graciously uprooted all their problems. You

blessed the Deities with Your generous help

when the demon Tarak outraged them and

You destroyed him.

Turata Shadanana Apa Pathayau

Lava-Ni-Mesh Mahan Mari

Girayau

Apa Jalandhara Asura Sanhara

Suyash Tumhara Vidit Sansara

O Lord, You sent Shadanan without delay

and thus destroyed the evil ones Lava and

Nimesh. You also destroyed the demon

Jalandhara. Your renown is known

throughout the world.

Tripurasur Sana Yudha Machayi

Sabhi Kripakar Lina Bachayi

Kiya Tapahin Bhagiratha Bhari

Purva Pratigya Tasu Purari

O Lord, Purari, You saved all Deities and

mankind by defeating and destroying the

demons Tripurasura. You blessed Your

devotee Bhagirath and he was able to

accomplish his vow after rigorous penance.

Danin Mahan Tum Sama Kou

Nahin

Sevak Astuti Karat Sadahin

Veda Nam Mahima Tab Gayaee

Akatha Anandi Bhed Nahin Payee

O Gracious One, devotees always sings

Your glory. Even the Vedas are unable to

describe Your greatness. No one is as

generous as You are.

Pragate Udadhi Mantan Men

Jvala

Jarat Sura-Sur Bhaye Vihala

Kinha Daya Tahan Kari Sahayee

Nilakantha Tab Nam Kahayee

Lord, when the ocean was churned and the

deadly poison emerged, out of Your deep

compassion for all, You drank the poison

and saved the world from destruction. Your

throat became blue, thus You are known as

Nilakantha.

Pujan Ramchandra Jab Kinha

Jiti Ke Lanka Vibhishan Dinhi

Sahas Kamal Men Ho Rahe Dhari

Kinha Pariksha Tabahin Purari

When Lord Rama worshipped You, He

became victorious over the king of demons,

Ravana. When Lord Rama wished to

worship Thee with one thousand lotus

flowers, the Divine Mother, to test the

devotion of Shri Ram, hid all the flowers at

Your request.

Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheu Joi

Kushal-Nain Pujan Chaha Soi

Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu

Shankar

Bhaye Prasanna Diye-Ichchhit

Var

O Lord, You kept on looking at Shri Ram,

who wished to offer His lotus-like eyes to

worship Thee. When You observed such

intense devotion, You were delighted and

blessed Him. You granted His heart′s

desire.

Jai Jai Jai Anant Avinashi

Karat Kripa Sabake Ghat Vasi

Dushta Sakal Nit Mohin Satavai

Bhramat Rahe Mohin Chain Na

Avai

Glory be unto You O Gracious, Infinite,

Immortal, All-pervading Lord. Evil thought

torture me and I keep on travelling

aimlessly in this world of mundane

existence. No relief seems to be coming my

way.

Trahi-Trahi Main Nath Pukaro

Yahi Avasar Mohi Ana Ubaro

Lai Trishul Shatrun Ko Maro

Sankat Se Mohin Ana Ubaro

O Lord! I beseech Your help and seek your

divine blessing at this very moment. Save

and protect me. Destroy my enemies with

Your Trishul. Release me from the torture

of evil thoughts.

Mata Pita Bhrata Sab Hoi

Sankat Men Puchhat Nahin Koi

Svami Ek Hai Asha Tumhari

Ava Harahu Aba Sankat Bhari

O Lord, when I am in distress, neither my

parents, brothers, sisters nor loved ones

can relieve my suffering. I depend only on

You. You are my hope. Eliminate the cause

of this tremendous torture and bless me

with Your compassion.

Dhan Nirdhan Ko Deta Sadahin

Jo Koi Janche So Phal Pahin

Astuti Kehi Vidhi Karai Tumhari

Kshamahu Nath Aba Chuka

Hamari

O Lord, You bless the downtrodden with

prosperity and grant wisdom to the

ignorant. Lord, due to my limited

knowledge, I omitted to worship Thee.

Please forgive me and shower Your grace

upon me.

Shankar Ho Sankat Ke Nishan

Vighna Vinashan Mangal Karan

Yogi Yati Muni Dhyan Lagavan

Sharad Narad Shisha Navavain

O Lord Sankar, You are the destroyer of all

miseries. You remove the cause of all

obstacles and grant Your devotees eternal

bliss. The saints and sages meditate upon

Thy most beautiful form. Even celestial

beings like Sharad and Narad bow in

reverence to You.

Namo Namo Jai Namah Shivaya

Sura Brahmadik Par Na Paya

Jo Yah Patha Karai Man Lai

Tapar Hota Hai Shambhu

Sahayee

O Lord, prostration to You. Even Brahma is

unable to describe Thy greatness.

Whosoever recites these verses with faith

and devotion receives Your infinite

blessings.

Riniyan Jo Koi Ho Adhikari

Patha Karai So Pavan Hari

Putra-hin Ichchha Kar Koi

Nischaya Shiva Prasad Tehin Hoi

Devotees who chant these verses with

intense love become prosperous by the

grace of Lord Shiva. Even the childless

wishing to have children, have their desires

fulfilled after partaking of Shiva-prasad

with faith and devotion.

Pandit Trayodashi Ko Lavai

Dhyan-Purvak Homa Karavai

Trayodashi Vrat Kare Hamesha

Tan Nahin Take Rahe Kalesha

On Trayodashi (13th day of the dark and

bright fortnights) one should invite a pandit

and devotedly make offerings to Lord

Shiva. Those who fast and pray to Lord

Shiva on Trayodashi are always healthy

and prosperous.

Dhupa Dipa Naivedya Charhavai

Anta Vasa Shivapur Men Pavai

Kahai Ayodhya Asha Tumhari

Jani Sakal Dukha Harahu Hamari

Whosoever offers incense, prasad and

performs arti to Lord Shiva, with love and

devotion, enjoys material happiness and

spiritual bliss in this world and hereafter

ascends to the abode of Lord Shiva. The

poet prays that Lord Shiva removed the

suffering of all and grants them eternal

bliss.

Nitya Nema kari Pratahi

Patha karau Chalis

Tum Meri Man Kamana

Purna Karahu Jagadish

Om Shivaya Namaa

O Universal Lord, every morning as a rule I

recite this Chalisa with devotion. Please

bless me so that I may be able to

accomplish my material and spiritual

desires.

Om Shivaya Namaa

3.6-Shiva Prayer.

For the devotees of Lord Shiva here is a collection of Lord Shiva Prayers with

meaning! Devotees seeking blessings of Lord Shiva must recite Shiv Prarthana with

sincerity and faith.

Lord Shiva Prayer –

IOm Sarva Mangal Manglaye Shivay Sarvaarth Sadhike

Sharanye Trayambake Gauri Narayaani Namostu Te

Meaning:Oh the divine couple Shiva Parvati!O! Thee, the protectors of this universe,

Along with Lords Brahma and Vishnu We pray to you for our well-being, prosperity

and the enlightenment of our souls.

Lord Shiva Prayer - IIThis mantra is a prayer to Lord Shiva who is addressed as

Sankara and Trayambaka. Sankara means giver of blessings: (sana = blessings, Kara

= the Giver). Trayambaka is the three eyed one, where the third eye signifies the

giver of knowledge, which destroys ignorance and releases us from the cycle of death

and rebirth.

Om Namastestu Bhagavan

Visvesaraya Mahadevaya

Trayambakaya Tripurantakaya

Trikagni - Kalaya

Kalagni - Rudraya Nil - Kanthaya Mrityunjaya

Sarvesvaraya Sadadhivaya

Sriman Mahadevaya Namah.

Meaning: Om. I bow down to Lord Shiva, who is the creator and protector of the

universe, who is the greatest among Gods, who has three eyes, who is the annihilator

of all the three worlds, one whose throat is blue, who is the conqueror of death, who

is the Lord of all, who is propitious who is possessed of all marks of greatness and

who is the greatest among Gods. To him my prostration.

Lord Shiva Prayer –

IIINaagendra haaraaya thriloochanaaya bhasmaangadhaaraaya

maheshwaraaya

Nityaaya shudhdhaaya digambaraaya tasmai nakaaraaya namahshivaaya

Meaning:Salutations to Shiva who wears a serpent as garland, who is three-eyed,

whose bare body is covered with ashes, who is forever pure and the very

embodiment of sacrifice.

Shiva DhunShivo Bhokta, Shiva Bhojya

Shivo Karta, Shivah Karma

Shivah Karanatmakah

Meaning: Shiva is the experiencer and the highest object of experience. Shiva is the

goal of Sadhana. There is nothing apart from Shiva. There is nothing other than

Shiva. Whatever there is, is Shiva. There is nothing, which is not Shiva. There is no

place, which is not Shiva. There is no time, which is not Shiva. To be aware of this is

to be aware of Shiva.

3.7-Maha Mrityunjay Mantra.

The Maha Mrityunjay Mantra or Lord Shiva Mantra is considered extremely powerful

and significant by the Hindus. Also known as the Moksha Mantra of Lord Shiva,

chanting of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is said to create divine vibrations that heals.

Devotees of Lord Shiva further believe that Maha Mrityunjay evokes the Shiva within

human beings and removes the fear of death, liberating one from the cycle of death

and rebirth.

Significance of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

Devotees strongly believe that proper recitation of the Maha Mrityunjaya

rejuvenates, bestows health, wealth, long life, peace, prosperity and contentment.

It is said that chanting of Shiva Mantra generates divine vibrations that ward off all

the negative and evil forces and creates a powerful protective shield. Besides, it is

said to protect the one who chants against accidents and misfortunes of every kind.

Recitation of the mantra creates vibration that pulsates through every cell, every

molecule of human body and tears away the veil of ignorance. Hindus believe that

recitation of the mantra ignites a fire within that consumes all negativity and

purifies entire system. It is also said to have a strong healing power and can cure

diseases declared incurable even by the doctors. Many believe Maha Mrityunjay

Mantra to be a mantra that can conquer death and connect human beings to their

own inner divinity.

The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra: The following Maha Mrityunjay Mantra has been

taken from the Sukla Yajurveda Samhita III. 60. The Mantra is addressed to Lord

Shiva and is a centuries old technique of connecting one to pure consciousness and

bliss.

Om Tryambhakam Yajamahe

Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam |

Urvarukamiva Bandhanan

Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat ||

Meaning:

Om. We worship The Three-Eyed Lord Shiva who is fragrant and who increasingly

nourishes the devotees. Worshipping him may we be liberated from death for the

sake of immortality just as the ripe cucumber easily separates itself from the binding

stalk.

Explanation:

The mantra is a prayer to Lord Shiva who is addressed as Sankara and Trayambaka.

Sankara is sana (blessings) and Kara (the Giver). Trayambaka is the three eyed one

(where the third eye signifies the giver of knowledge, which destroys ignorance and

releases us from the cycle of death and rebirth).

Best Time to ChantChanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra with sincerity, faith and

devotion in Bramha Muhurata is very beneficial. But one can also do Maha

Mrityunjaya japa anytime in a pure environment with great benefit and discover the

happiness that′s already within.

3.8-Different Names of Lord Shiva.

One of the most important Hindu deities, Lord Shiva is known by several names. The

Shiva Purana list 1008 names for Lord Shiva. Each of these names in Sanskrit

signifies certain attribute of the Lord. Given here are 108 names of Lord Shiva with

their meaning.

108 Names of Lord Shiva

S

No Lord Shiva Name Meaning

1 Aashutosh One who fulfills wishes instantly

2 Aja Unborn

3 Akshayaguna God with limitless attributes

4 Anagha Without any fault

5 Anantadrishti Of infinite vision

6 Augadh One who revels all the time

7 Avyayaprabhu Imperishable Lord

8 Bhairav Lord of terror

9 Bhalanetra One who has an eye in the forehead

10 Bholenath Kind hearted Lord

11 Bhooteshwara Lord of ghosts and evil beings

12 Bhudeva Lord of the earth

13 Bhutapala Protector of the ghosts

14 Chandrapal Master of the moon

15 Chandraprakash One who has moon as a crest

16 Dayalu Compassionate

17 Devadeva Lord of the Lords

18 Dhanadeepa Lord of Wealth

19 Dhyanadeep Icon of meditation and concentration

20 Dhyutidhara Lord of Brilliance

21 Digambara One who has the skies as his clothes

22 Durjaneeya Difficult to be known

23 Durjaya Unvanquished

24 Gangadhara Lord of River Ganga

25 Girijapati Consort of Girija

26 Gunagrahin Acceptor of Gunas

27 Gurudeva Master of All

28 Hara Remover of Sins

29 Jagadisha Master of the Universe

30 Jaradhishamana Redeemer from Afflictions

31 Jatin One who has matted hair

32 Kailas One Who Bestows Peace

33 Kailashadhipati Lord of Mount Kailash

34 Kailashnath Master of Mount Kailash

35 Kamalakshana Lotus-eyed Lord

36 Kantha Ever-Radiant

37 Kapalin One who wears a necklace of skulls

38 Khatvangin One who has the missile khatvangin in

his hand

39 Kundalin One who wears earrings

40 Lalataksha One who has an eye in the forehead

41 Lingadhyaksha Lord of the Lingas

42 Lingaraja Lord of the Lingas

43 Lokankara Creator of the Three Worlds

44 Lokapal One who takes care of the world

45 Mahabuddhi Extremely intelligent

46 Mahadeva Greatest God

47 Mahakala Lord of All Times

48 Mahamaya Of great illusions

49 Mahamrityunjaya Great victor of death

50 Mahanidhi Great storehouse

51 Mahashaktimaya One who has boundless energies

52 Mahayogi Greatest of all Gods

53 Mahesha Supreme Lord

54 Maheshwara Lord of Gods

55 Nagabhushana One who has serpents as ornaments

56 Nataraja King of the art of dancing

57 Nilakantha The one with a blue throat

58 Nityasundara Ever beautiful

59 Nrityapriya Lover of Dance

60 Omkara Creator of OM

61 Palanhaar One who protects everyone

62 Parameshwara First among all

gods First among all gods

63 Paramjyoti Greatest splendor

64 Pashupati Lord of all living beings

65 Pinakin One who has a bow in his hand

66 Pranava Originator of the syllable of OM

67 Priyabhakta Favorite of the devotees

68 Priyadarshana Of loving vision

69 Pushkara One who gives nourishment

70 Pushpalochana One who has eyes like flowers

71 Ravilochana Having sun as the eye

72 Rudra The terrible

73 Rudraksha One who has eyes like Rudra

74 Sadashiva Eternal God

75 Sanatana Eternal Lord

76 Sarvacharya Preceptor of All

77 Sarvashiva Always Pure

78 Sarvatapana Scorcher of All

79 Sarvayoni Source of Everything

80 Sarveshwara Lord of All Gods

81 Shambhu Abode of Joy

82 Shankara Giver of Joy

83 Shiva Always Pure

84 Shoolin One who has a trident

85 Shrikantha Of glorious neck

86 Shrutiprakasha Illuminator of the Vedas

87 Shuddhavigraha One who has a pure body

88 Skandaguru Preceptor of Skanda

89 Someshwara Lord of All Gods

90 Sukhada Bestower of happiness

91 Suprita Well pleased

92 Suragana Having Gods as attendants

93 Sureshwara Lord of All Gods

94 Swayambhu Self-Manifested

95 Tejaswani One who spreads illumination

96 Trilochana Three-Eyed Lord

97 Trilokpati Master of all the Three Worlds

98 Tripurari Enemy of Tripura

99 Trishoolin One who has a trident in his hands

100 Umapati Consort of Uma

101 Vachaspati Lord of Speech

102 Vajrahasta One who has a thunderbolt in his hands

103 Varada Granter of Boons

104 Vedakarta Originator of the Vedas

105 Veerabhadra Supreme Lord of the Nether World

106 Vishalaksha Wide-eyed Lord

107 Vishveshwara Lord of the Universe

108 Vrishavahana One who has bull as his vehicle

4-Shiva related links.

Lord Siva The First Siddhar - Tamil ---->12.30 mins.

http://goo.gl/b5st18

Who is Shiva? 1of4 Truth about God-Supreme Soul-Ocean of Peace Love Purity

Happiness Power Bliss ----> 10.30 mins

http://goo.gl/G7FGC0

Shiva Suprabatham Tamil---> 20.47 mins.

http://goo.gl/oADQIR

Lord Shiva Suprabhatham in tamil--> 4.07 mins.

http://goo.gl/TzK2B4

Popular Shri Rudram Chamakam & Mantra videos 200 in this link

http://goo.gl/xfWuno

Popular Vedic chant & Shri Rudram Chamakam videos 37 in all in this link

http://goo.gl/7f55cq

Shiva Rudram Full Namakam-Chamakam Devanagari Sanskrit --->13 videos in this

link

http://goo.gl/b6zaBE

Rudram chamakam---> 16 videos

http://goo.gl/6tZcWN

Sri Rudram, Chamakam And Sukthas---> 11 in this link

http://goo.gl/jFpYCV

Lord Shiva Tamil Songs - Siva Sthuthi -01 hr 25 mins

http://goo.gl/p0zDms

Lord Shiva Songs - Nama Sivaaya - S.P.Balasubramaniam - 01 hr 30 mins

http://goo.gl/qGVumk

Lord Shiva Tamil Songs - Siva Mayam ---->01 hr 44 mins.

http://goo.gl/lLdCKk

Siva Stuthi Jukebox (Sivan) - Songs Of Lord Siva - Tamil Devotional Songs----> 01

hr 54 mins

http://goo.gl/uKjGsK

Lord Siva Slokas ---> 53 in all in this link

http://goo.gl/fVx4cZ

http://goo.gl/b5st18

http://goo.gl/G7FGC0

http://goo.gl/oADQIR

http://goo.gl/TzK2B4

http://goo.gl/xfWuno

http://goo.gl/7f55cq

http://goo.gl/b6zaBE

http://goo.gl/6tZcWN

http://goo.gl/jFpYCV

http://goo.gl/p0zDms

http://goo.gl/qGVumk

http://goo.gl/lLdCKk

http://goo.gl/uKjGsK

http://goo.gl/fVx4cZ

Lord Shiva Tamil Songs - Kalabhairava Ashtakam - Varios languages lyrics

too...09.13 mins.

http://goo.gl/3w1pAx

Lord Shiva Songs - Chandrasekhara Ashtakam - Various language option Lyrics ----

> 7.19 mins

http://goo.gl/M9mX6k

MAHA SHIVARATRI STORY AND POOJA--->6.46 mins.

http://goo.gl/0UL9dc

Popular Omkareshwar & Jyotirlinga videos--->68 videos

http://goo.gl/O1x82J

Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling--->14 videos.

http://goo.gl/GEqbjA

Bhasma Aarti Full Shri Mahakal Jyotirling Temple Ujjain with Shringar, Poojan, &

Aarti---->01 hrs 27 mins

http://goo.gl/8e2cwq

Indrakshi Stotram and Shiva Kavacham ---> 03 videos in this link

http://goo.gl/xFujp5

Indrakshi Stotram | Sanskrit Devotional Song | Thanjavur S Radhakrishna

Sastrigal-->10.55 mins

http://goo.gl/I3weOp

12 JYOTIRLINGA DARSHAN----> 50 videos

http://goo.gl/O7wSZW

Shiva Tandava Stotram

http://goo.gl/yKccAG

M S Subbulakshmi Siva panchakshari stothram--->3.07 mins.

http://goo.gl/L4Y336

SHIVA ASTHORA SATHANAMAVALI-SANSKRIT SPRITUAL

http://goo.gl/k5ZFwL

Yesudas on Shiva ashtothram etc --> 50 videos

http://goo.gl/fk8kKx

Shiva Ashtottara Shatanamavali - 108 Names of Lord Shiva

http://goo.gl/4tHbok

BILWASHTOTHARA SHATHANAMAVALI - LORD SHIVA -->35 mins.

http://goo.gl/ZOiCC0

http://goo.gl/3w1pAx

http://goo.gl/M9mX6k

http://goo.gl/0UL9dc

http://goo.gl/O1x82J

http://goo.gl/GEqbjA

http://goo.gl/8e2cwq

http://goo.gl/xFujp5

http://goo.gl/I3weOp

http://goo.gl/O7wSZW

http://goo.gl/yKccAG

http://goo.gl/L4Y336

http://goo.gl/k5ZFwL

http://goo.gl/fk8kKx

http://goo.gl/4tHbok

http://goo.gl/ZOiCC0

Shiva Ashtothram.wmv

http://goo.gl/Sh4Neq

SHIV SAHASRANAAM {1008 Names}--55 mins

http://goo.gl/cwzW2F

Omkara bindu shiva sadakshari stotram TAMIL Lyrics - Lord Shiva--> 4.04 mins.

http://goo.gl/Ibw8uB

Lord Shiva Songs - Arulum Annamalai - Tamil ---->55 mins.

http://goo.gl/pIM2dT

Lingashtakam Lyrics - Telugu - Hindi - English - Tamil - BHAKTHI

http://goo.gl/cZo1Wu

Sivan kavasam Tamil--->20.24 mins.

http://goo.gl/IKcZgU

Lord Shiva Songs - Bilvashtakam - Tamil lyrics--->10.00mins.

http://goo.gl/9XYL6h

Sulamangalam sisters songs -----> 99 in this link

http://goo.gl/Jks0AQ

Shiva Panchakshari Stotram With Tamil Lyrics - Lord Shiva--->6.04 mins.

http://goo.gl/apzOv1

Lord Shiva Songs - Shivashtakam with Lyrics in Tamil---> 3.37 mins.

http://goo.gl/tZx75X

Om Jai Shiv Omkara Aarti by SP Balasubramaniam - Shiva Aarti - With Lyrics - Sing

Along--->5.42 mins.

http://goo.gl/DzKI26

Shiv Aarti | Lata Mangeshkar, Shanker Mahadevan--> 5.20 mins.

http://goo.gl/CPfWwm

Shiv aarti---> 8 videos

http://goo.gl/FRlNAK

"Om Jai Shiv Omkara" - Lord Shiva Aarti---> 5.35 mins

http://goo.gl/ah511T

ABOORVASS Dr Paramasivam speech about pradosham-->23 mins

http://goo.gl/ZKoOfO

Most Important Day to Remove Karma- Maha Pradosham in English ---> 9.26 mins.

http://goo.gl/iqmlLM

Pradosham 06.10.2014 at BMaha Periyava "Brindavanam" lasting 02 hrs 55 mins.

http://goo.gl/C2eL1Q

http://goo.gl/Sh4Neq

http://goo.gl/cwzW2F

http://goo.gl/Ibw8uB

http://goo.gl/pIM2dT

http://goo.gl/cZo1Wu

http://goo.gl/IKcZgU

http://goo.gl/9XYL6h

http://goo.gl/Jks0AQ

http://goo.gl/apzOv1

http://goo.gl/tZx75X

http://goo.gl/DzKI26

http://goo.gl/CPfWwm

http://goo.gl/FRlNAK

http://goo.gl/ah511T

http://goo.gl/ZKoOfO

http://goo.gl/iqmlLM

http://goo.gl/C2eL1Q

Pradosham at Changi Village Ramar Temple,Singapore.---> 39 mins.

http://goo.gl/ffLMDh

Pradosham at Thanjavur - December 2012---> 25 mins.

http://goo.gl/Xd90C7

Pradosham related chants..---> 12 videos

http://goo.gl/PY8G8U

Pradosham related ---> 7 videos

http://goo.gl/YhZzMW

Pradhosha Mahimai - Sri. Suki Sivam----> 59 mins.

http://goo.gl/yD698x

Pradhosham Song by Veeramanidasan ---> 14 mins

http://goo.gl/ygvM0q

Popular Pradosha & Shiva videos 55 in all in this link

http://goo.gl/mos1QO

Popular Mylapore & Kapaleeshwarar Temple videos---> 190 in this link

http://goo.gl/0Cn7Py

http://goo.gl/ffLMDh

http://goo.gl/Xd90C7

http://goo.gl/PY8G8U

http://goo.gl/YhZzMW

http://goo.gl/yD698x

http://goo.gl/ygvM0q

http://goo.gl/mos1QO

http://goo.gl/0Cn7Py

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