Shiva Puja

Kalaatitata-kalyaana-kalpanta-kaari, Sadaa sajjanaa-nanda-daataa purarih

Chidaananda-sandoha-mohaapahaari, Prasida praslda prabho manmathaarih

‘Hei Shiva, you are without parts and blessed. You are but the cause of universal destruction and the conception. Hei Shiva, you are of purest heart. A slayer Tripura, you rule the conscious and unconscious with eternal bliss.  A dispeller of illusion and enemy of lust, Hei Shiva, please have mercy on my soul.’

He is known by many names like Rudra, Bholenath – the kind hearted, Mahadev – the greatest Lord and even Mahakaal – Lord of eternal time. Shiva is the essential power of the transformer in the kaal-chakra of Trimurti that drives the cosmos. He is the Adiyogi- the first yogic guru, leading the path of spiritual discovery.

Many of us pray to Lord Shiva for marital bliss, financial stability and success. But even beyond that, worshipping Lord Shiva leads us on a path of salvation from worldly desires through self awakening that transcends our souls in perpetual bliss. While Monday is a dedicated day for Shiv puja, it can still be offered any day.

Lord Shiva is usually worshipped in a linga form with ancient Hindu rites and rituals. Puja rituals as described in Puranas involve six broad stages – Dhyaana, Asanam, Achamaniyaan, Abhishekam, Deepam with Naivaidyam and Aarti. Of all, abhishekam is of prime importance in Shiva Puja. It is said that after Shiva gulped all the poison that emerged out of the ‘Samudra-manthan’ and did not calm down due to the intense burning sensation in his throat, the only respite he got was from a stream of continuous water the gods poured over his body to soothe him. Hence, in any Puja or religious offering, abhishekam is dearest to Lord Shiva.

One of the commonly performed puja for Shiva – Rudra Abhishekam, is of paramount significance. It is believed to help us rid our souls of past sins along with its bad afflictions and bring in peace, wealth and success to our lives. It mimes the puja performed by Lord Rama by establishing Shiva Linga at Rameshwaram before crossing the seas to bring back his beloved Sita.

The more elaborate form of Rudra Abhishekam is Ekadasha Rudra Abhishekam – the one performed with eleven Shiva Lingas. The puja is performed by eleven pandits – one consort for each Shiva Linga, as they each recite Shri Rudrastak or Rudra Sukta eleven times. That makes the total recitals of Shri Rudrastak 121 times while performing continuous abhishek with eleven different ingredients like Curd, Honey, Milk, Panchamruta, Ghee, Sugar, Water, Haldi, Sandal wood, Vibhuti and Bael Patra, each symbolising our prayers for things we want.

An elaborate, once-in-a-lifetime Yagna, Ati Maha Rudra Yagna is also performed by firm devotees, seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings to remove all horoscope or planetary hindrances like Rahu Dosha, Nag Dosha and Visha Dosha, apart from bringing other material benefits. This Yagna is considered most sacred and a challenging task for pandits and devotees alike. It is an important form of reverence of Lord Shiva as a source of the cosmic energy and creation. The Yagna involves extensive recitations of religious and other texts including all four vedas, Ramayana, excerpts from Shrimad Bhagwat, Nava Graha Japa, ShivPuran and others. A Vedic yagna accompanies the continuous abhishek performed on Shiva Linga. Ati Maha Rudra Yagna is performed by 108 scholarly pandits for 11 continuous days. All the while, Shri Rudrastak is chanted to invoke all the avataars of Shiva for worship.

Shiva Puja, in any form, is believed to grace us with his blessings for a happy content life filled with internal accord and worldly success apart from freeing our souls from the past misdeeds.

Om tryambakam yajaamahe, sugandhim pushthivardhanam

Urvaarukamiva bandhanaan, Mrityormuksheeya maamritaat

I worship you Lord Shiva, O’ the three-eyed one, who is in the state of supreme bliss as fragrance and sustains one and all. Please free us from the shackles of endless cycle of birth and death and show us the path to immortality.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/shiva-puja

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Parama Ekadashi

“Hay Jagannath, Why are we bestowed such misfortunes? We always led our lives with gratitude and kindness, observing charity to others around us. Then why are we now faced with such adversity and forced to leave behind the life filled with riches and comfort? – Yudhishtira pleaded to Lord Krishna, unable to contain his dismayed heart, when Pandavas lost everything in the game of Chaupar and were renounced to exile.

Hearing his plea, Krishna replied – “This world only gives back what one gives to it Yudhishtira. Often our misfortunes are a play of our bad karmas in past lives, and we feel shackled with its consequences in current life. If one failed to observe charity in his previous lives, he would feel the deficit of wealth and grains in his current life.”

The answer humbled Yudhishtira who further enquired “Hay Hari, Is there a way I can liberate myself from my past sins?“

Lord Krishna smiled and replied – “Yes Yudhishtira, All our karmas in past and current lives are interlinked. You can receive forgiveness from your past misdeeds to have your past glory and riches back.”

Krishna continues to enlighten – “On the 11th day of the Krishna Paksh of Adhik Mas during the leap year in Purshottam month, falls Parama Ekadashi. This day is dedicated to my Mool Avataar Lord Vishnu, as he is the Parama God omnipresent across the past, present and the future. Anyone who observes the fast during Parama Ekadashi is relieved of his sins during previous births, liberating their souls. Fasting on this day bestows wealth, fortune and blesses one with the peace and accord in his mortal life.”

Krishna looks at a perplexed Yudhishtira and insistently continues – “Now I will tell you a story. There was once a pious Brahmin, Sumedha who lived with his wife Pavitra, in the city of Kampilya. They suffered extreme poverty. No matter how hard Sumedha tried to fulfil his duties as a providing husband, he failed. He went door to door each day collecting alms to feed his wife and himself. Each passing day was a struggle for survival. Through all the adversities Pavitra remained a faithful wife.”

Attentively Yudhishtira listened to Krishna as he says – “Once a great sage, Kaumdinya Muni visited Kampilya. He was highly praised for his austerities and learnings. The entire city flocked for his Darshan. Sumedha also visited him along with Pavitra and invited him to his humble abode. They fed Muni with a scrumptious meal prepared from whatever grains they had. Later the couple chatted with Muni regarding his great learnings and abruptly asked how they can get rid of his poverty-stricken life. Muni advised Sumedha to observe Parama Ekadashi fast and told them how to follow it. The fast can be observed as normal Ekadashi fast, whether by consuming one meal or only fruits as suited. Only the fast continues till five days along with observing abstinence. One can donate a pot filled with water to a Brahmin reaping the same merit of donating the entire planet in charity. One can also donate a pot filled with sesame seeds to assure their place in Vaikuntha after death. Sumedha and Pavitra observed Parama Ekadashi as directed to redeem their past misdeeds and lived rest of their life in abundance.“

Krishna smiles as he says – “Anyone who observes this fast becomes closer to Parama Lord Vishnu and is bestowed with great riches in life.”

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/parama-ekadashi

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Lord Shiva Stories – Lord Shiva and Kamdev

‘How can I live in this wretched worldly life anymore? How can I breathe another breath without my beloved Sati?’

Lord Shiva whispers these words to himself in angst when Devi Sati took a plunge into fire sacrificing herself, after her father King Daksha publicly disgraced him. Dejected, he leaves Mount Kailash, abandoning his worldly duties and assumes a state of deep meditation.

Just about the same time, at another place, a demon king, Tarakasur was offering penance, devoting his prayers to Lord Brahma. Pleased, Lord Brahma appears in front of Taraksur asking him to demand his two boons.

Bowing his head, Tarakasur pleads “Hail to Lord Brahma, I pray to you with all my heart and soul. My first wish is to become the most powerful person in the world.”

“Granted”. Lord Brahma nods raising his hand in varada mudra, offering his blessings.

Pleased with his success so far, Taraksur smartly places his next wish. “My second wish is that my death can only be through the hands of Lord Shiva’s son.”

“Granted”.  Lord Brahma hesitantly agrees to the second request.

Knowing that Lord Shiva may never marry again after Sati’s death, Tarakasur smirks arrogantly and lauds his success in tricking Lord Brahma. As he engages in a destructive riot, Tarakasur gains foothold with his mindless rampage, creating havoc on earth and heaven. His power grows with his immunity.

Sensing the trouble brew beyond control, Lord Brahma reaches Parvati who also wanted to marry Shiva. He encourages her to woo Lord Shiva, as only his child can defeat Tarakasur.

In the skies above, Lord Indra is left fazed and worried in his heavenly abode, unable to assure his own and Devgana’s safety anymore. He immediately summons Kamdev at his court to work up a plan.

Curious to unearth the reason of such abrupt call, Son of Sri, Kamdev decides to visit Indralok. All eyes turned to the court entrance as a handsome, young man with a glowing emerald green skin enters the Devsabha. His hands firmly hold a bow made of sugarcane and a string of honey bees. A quiver of bows on his back is armed with exotically fragrant five arrows made from flowers of Ashoka tree, Blue and white Lotus, Jasmine and Mango tree flowers. His mere sight and a glimpse of his aura is enough to invoke desire in the most pious souls.

“Invoke Lord Shiva from his meditation immediately and lure him to Parvati for consummating their union” commanded Lord Indra.

Driven by the mission, Kamdev with his wife Rati reaches the barren mountains where Shiva sat amidst harsh cold breeze in the trance meditative state. Picking the white lotus arrow from his quiver, he shoots an arrow, which hits Lord Shiva, breaking his concentration.

Enraged Shiva opens his third eye, burning Kamdev with his wrath in an instant. Rati watched the entire scene converge in front of her eyes and started crying inconsolably as Brahma and Indra rushed to the venue. Once Shiva regains his composure, he realises that Kamdev was only playing his part in what was needed.

He instantaneously revives Kamdev in a spirit form. The entire aura around the cosmos gets filled with the sentiments of love and adoration, which makes even Lord Shiva smitten with Parvati’s beauty and join her in union.

Their first son Kartikey born out of this loving unison slays Taraksur, bringing an end to his evil reign.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/lord-shiva-stories-lord-shiva-and-kamdev

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Stories Related to Elephant Head of Ganesh

Ekdantam Mahakayam Lambodharam Ganananam |

Vighnanasakaram Devam Herambam Pranamamyaham ||

With one tooth, a great body, a big belly, an elephant’s face, he is the destroyer of all obstacles; a God to whom we bow with all our devotion.

Our beloved Ganesha represents wisdom, discriminative authority and fidelity with his elephant head. The fables of how Lord Ganesha got the elephant head are both intriguing and epic.

One goes as –

It was a beautiful spring morning at the Kailash mountain, when Lord Shiva was away for saadhana and Devi Parvati was about to take a bath. She instructed Nandi to guard the door and not let anyone in. But when Shiva returned, Nandi allowed him to pass through the gates. Angry with this slight, she decided to find someone who would be more loyal to her.

As she prepared for her bath the next day, Parvati created Ganesha – a body with turmeric paste and mud, breathing life into it. Adoring him as her own son, she instructed Ganesha to guard the door. “Do not let anyone enter” – she said to Ganesha who agreed nodding his innocent head. When Lord Shiva arrived, Ganesha confronted him and did not allow him to enter his own home. Lord Shiva, furious with rage ordered his army to destroy the child. When they failed to do so, Shiva violently struck Ganesha with his trident, severing his head.

Enraged Parvati vowed to invoke all yoginis to destroy the entire universe. Lord Brahma pleaded to her to not do so. She agreed on one condition that Ganesha is brought back to life. Shiva asked his clan to bring back the head of first creature lying with his head facing north. They returned with a giant elephant head which Shiva placed on Ganesha’s body and brought him back to life.

Another story from Brahma Purana suggests a different version. Pravati longed to bear a child and observed a yearlong fast to please Lord Vishnu to grant her a son.

Content with Parvati’s penance, Vishnu announced – “I will reincarnate myself as your son.” And Ganesha was born. Thrilled parents invited all Gods to visit Kailash and bless the new-born. As everyone blessed Ganesha, Shani was hesitant to look at his face. When he did look at him upon Parvati’s insistence, Ganesha’s face fell off.  Both parents were stunned in silence with grief.

Lord Vishnu rushed to the banks of Pushpa Bhadra River and brought back the head of a young elephant which was joined to Ganesha’s body, reviving him back to the life.

Yet another famous fable is that of a mighty Asura named Gajasura who bore an elephant head. A devotee of Shiva, he observed stern ‘Tapa’. Pleased by his repentance, Shiva asked for his request.

He replied – “Lord, I want you as inherent part of me and desire you to inhabit my stomach.’ Shiva obliged.

Unable to find her husband anywhere, Parvati felt dejected and seeked Lord Vishnu’s help. He assumed the appearance of a flutist and transformed Nandi into a dancing bull. Staging an exhilarating performance, he enthralled Gajasura. Gajasura asked him what he wanted in return.

“Liberate Shiva from your stomach” – He commanded. Realising that he is no ordinary flutist, Gajasura released Shiva and asked for forgiveness. Gajasura pleaded Shiva –“I only want to be remembered lovingly for my elephant head after my death.”

Shiva acknowledged Gajasura as his devotee, and replaced his son, Ganesha’s head with Gajasura’s elephant head.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/stories-related-to-elephant-head-of-ganesh

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Lord Shiva

Of many gods worshipped in India, the importance of holy trinity is said to be on the highest dais. Lord Bramha, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva forms this trinity. Lord Bramha is known to be the creative force behind the universe. Lord Vishnu is the preserver of the universe and Lord Shiva is traditionally known to be the destroyer. But it would be more appropriate to call him ‘Transformer’.

Lord Shiva is also called Mahadev, which means he is greatest of all Gods. He is known among his devotees with various names which define his true nature. He is satyam, that is the only truth, shivam, that is, someone who is auspicious and sundaram, that is everything which is beautiful and holy. He is Pashamukta – the one who is free from bondages.

In yogic culture, he is worshipped as an Adi yogi or the first yogi. He is also known as Ashutosh. The word Ashutosh means someone who can be delighted with little efforts.  Pleased with little things, He has childlike innocence and hence also addressed as Bholenath or Shiv Bhola by His devotees. Even Abhisheka is enough to propitiate Lord Shiva. It is a normal sight in any Shiva temple to see a copper pot or a brass pot, with a hole in it, hung over the linga of Lord Shiva. It is made sure that water falls on the lingam throughout the day.

The consort of Lord Shiva is Parvati. She is the Shakti, She is Jagadamba, also known as the divine mother of the universe. It is believed that the whole universe is the result of union of Lord Shiva and Parvati.  The holy river Ganga resides in the matted locks of Lord Shiva. Nandi, the bull is his ride. And hence at the entrance of every Shiva temple, we will find a statue of Nandi.

Most Hindus believe that whosoever worshipped Shiva with an earnest heart will get his desires fulfilled. Lord Shiva is also worshipped him to attain moksha, that is the liberation from cycles of birth and death.

Lord Shiva is a compilation of many characteristics which are contradictory to each other. He is the master of ghosts, demons; He is also known to be ‘Nataraj’ which means king of dance. The credit of creating first Damaru goes to Lord Shiva; he did so with an intention of producing spiritual sounds that create and regulate the universe.

Shaivites believe that Lord Shiva is the ultimate or the Supreme Being. Which means – He is the only creator, preserver and transformer. He represents everything that is pure, holy and serene. Those who are blessed by Shiva have nothing more to ask for!

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/the-eternal-god-lord-hanuman/

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The Eternal God – Lord Hanuman

No other God embodies such faith. No other commands such reverence. He personifies devotion himself, just as he invokes it with the same vigour in the minds of his followers.

Manojavam Maruta Tulya Vegam,
Jitendriyam Buddhi Mataam Varishtham
Vaataatmajam Vaanara Yooth Mukhyam,
Shree Raama Dootam Sharnam Prapadye

“I pray to Lord Hanuman, who is swift as a thought, and more powerful than the wind, who has conquered all the senses and is supreme among all intelligent beings. He is the son of the wind-god and commander of the army of Vaanara clan. Oh the messenger of Lord Rama, the unequalled Lord Hanuman, please accept me under your wing as I surrender my prayers at your feet.”

A reincarnation of Lord Shiva himself, Lord Hanuman was born to Vaanara clan. His mother Anjani was an Apsara who was cursed by a learned Vaanara – a monkey, meditating in a jungle. Amused Anjani ridiculed him and started pelting stones which angered the monkey.

“Stop you fool”. The monkey said in the high-pitched angry voice.” You shall pay for your arrogance. I curse you. You shall turn into a Vaanara this instant. Your angelic beauty will be gone and shall return only when you give birth to a Vaanara who will be Shiva’s incarnation.”

The curse turned Anjani into a monkey instantly. This made her repent and resort to meditation, going without food or water. Shiva pleased with her devotion granted her the child who will be his reincarnation. He ordered Vayu- the wind god, to bring Anjani some food. Vayu, with a swirl of the wind, picked the payasam kept at Raja Dasharatha’s balcony for his wife to beget a son and dropped it in front of Anjani. As she ate it, Vayu admitted that it was him who brought the child by bringing her payasam and that he is the rightful father. In due time, Anjani gave birth to Hanuman and returned to heaven with her resumed beauty. Vayu raised him as his own son. He is since fondly regarded as – ‘Vayuputra Hanuman’

Lord Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama is a pure emblem of service, proven with unwavered dedication to Rama all through his life. His legends in epic Ramayana inspire courage, undeterred faith and above all loyalty.

It is for his selfless and incontestable service, Rama bestowed him with a boon of being Chiranjeevi and said –

“I will forever be indebted to you for your noble and courageous deeds when you want nothing in return. You restored Sugriva’s kingdom to him and helped Vibhishana become king of Lanka.
You helped us win the war against mighty Ravana and even saved mine and my brother’s life.

I give you the boon of everlasting life. All will honour and worship you each time they worship me. Your idol will adorn my temples always and your glory will be sung before Mine.”

His heroic tales of valour and intelligence are numerous. Whether it is stuffing the whole burning sun in his mouth as a mischievous child or crossing over the gigantic waves of abyssal oceans to find Sita. Battling the army of soldiers alone to burn the city of golden Lanka to ashes or even moving mountains on his back across continents to bring back Sanjeevani and revive Rama and Lakshman. He renders the undoable possible, not only with his might but also witty mind.

One look at Lord Hanuman captures the hearts of devotees, with the heavenly stillness on his face and the unmistaken storm in his eyes. His name crushes all the fears in the mind as he vows to protect truth and just against all adversity.

He is aptly called ‘Mahaveer’ – The bravest of the brave.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/the-eternal-god-lord-hanuman/

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Kurma – An Incarnation of Lord Vishnu

Shaanta kaaram Bhujagashyanam Padma Naabham Suresham
Vishwaa dhaaram Gaganasadrasham Meghvararnam Shubhaangam
Lakshmi kantam Kamal nayanam Yogibhirdhayaanagamyam
Vande Vishnum Bhavbhayharam Sarvalokaika naatham

Such is the beauty of great Lord Vishnu. He holds the dharma and universe in his hands; and envisions beyond the time and space; he is filled with goodness; the ultimate saviour, he is master of universe, the entire creation. The mesmerizing roop of Lord Vishnu is simply beyond words.

Lord Vishnu is known to be one of the Trimurtis (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh) of the Hindu religion. He is the preserver of mankind and nature as we know. Also known as Hari or Narayana, the supreme deity is one of the prime forms of the Smarta tradition. Kurma, the second incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was in the form of tortoise belonging from the Satya Yuga.

The legendary tale goes somewhat like this –
Lord Indra, the king of Devas, was offered a garland by Durvasa (a sage) which was a gift to him from Lord Shiva. Lord Indra placed the garland around Airawat; his elephant, which was sooner thrown away by the elephant causing an insult to the Lord Shiva and the sage. Durvasa cursed Indra and the other Lords that they would be deprived of their immortality, divine powers and strength. The power slowly drifted away to King Bali; the king of Demons.

Lord Indra rushed to Lord Vishnu in utter dilemma to seek help. Lord Vishnu guided him to the nectar of immortality that would present itself after churning the Ocean of Milk which was an elaborate process and required Mount Mandara. Vasuki, the king of serpents that embraces Lord Shiva’s neck was used as a rope to churn.

While churning the sea with the huge mountain in order to retrieve the nectar of immortality, Mount Mandara started to sink.. Hence, Lord Vishnu decided to take form of a “Tortoise” and hold the mountain on his back to support it from sinking. Lord Vishnu’s act helped the Devas in retrieving the nectar of immortality and regain their lost powers.

And this is how Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Kurma saved the human race from what he could foresee as a terrible end.

Source:https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/kurma-an-incarnation-of-lord-vishnu/

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