Jai Bholenath

Lord Shiva, Shiva, God Shiva, All Shiva, Shambhu, Shankar, Shiv, Shiva

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 11:06:00 +0000

His name means The Auspicious One. He is Pure Consciousness, Chidanandaroopa - the form of joy that pure consciousness takes. He is the oldest god known to mankind, and more interestingly is perhaps the oldest living god, tracing a genealogy of worship that is easily five thousand years old. Naturally, therefore, he is described as the God with no lineage. Like Yahweh, who may be his only contemporary, his name was not to be taken in vain. In fact his name was not to be uttered at all. He is the howler, Rudra, when he first appears to us in the Rig Veda. He is Raudra Brahman, the wild God of the Hymns. He is also Nataraja, the elegant King of the Dance, and in fact of all the fine arts. He is the Lord of yoga, the culmination of the universe, the cause of its dissolution - yet always transcending such petty events.

To attempt an overview of Shiva in one essay is an act of extreme idiocy. I shall therefore seek to communicate some of the flavors that are associated with Shiva, trusting that time will be vouchsafed us to explore him in detail as we grow as a web-site. Shiva has been around for so long that entire encyclopedias on him are necessary to get just a bird's eye view. This god is perhaps the single most important influence on the arts and culture of the Indian subcontinent. In a very real sense, you find Shiva all over the country, he is in fact the country, so closely interwoven are the myths of his actions with the culture and geography of the land. So strong is Shiva's hold on the imagination that all local area gods which seek to gain in prestige, or are sought to be subverted to the main body of the Hindu religion, end up being described as various manifestations of Shiva. If the god lives on a hill, a forest or a cave then there is no way he escapes being but one more aspect of Mahadeva - the great god who loves to linger in hills, forests and caves. This is what has happened to Khandoba in Maharashtra, Skanda in Tamil Nadu and Ayyapan in Kerala to give the three most common examples. In fact another manner of accommodating these local religions was to decree the gods to be sons of Shiva.

The Rig Vedic Shiva was known as Rudra. He was a grim mysterious god, living on the fringes of Vedic society, a god who was so much of an outsider that he was not even entitled to a share in the fire sacrifices. Yet the Vedic pantheon was clearly in awe of this self sufficient Hunter-God. The hymns praise him in all-too-visible anxiety that his strange powers may be aroused, and his name as mentioned was never to be invoked. "We live in dread, and pray that you pass us by", quavers the Rig Vedic verse. Yet it immediately goes on to add that He is the Awakener, who when touched by pleas, grants a thousand kinds of balm that heal.

In a sense Rudra was too much a part of the Life-Force, too acutely felt to be just a god. Rudra punishes Prajapati for the first primordial act of incest and in a sense he is the defender of Dharma ever since. He is also a slayer of a brahmana, Prajapati, in the service of a higher morality, a fact that has caused much anguish to medieval commentators who were busy trying to show brahmanas were gods on earth as well as in heaven. Rudra-Shiva is thus always about living an authentic life, with utter disdain for convention.

This Vedic manifestation of Shiva was thought to be the earliest known(1500 B.C.) before he became the great God of later Hinduism. Then came the discovery of a few seals from the Harrapan civilization (2750 B.C.) and the picture changed completely. The seals show a figure who is so manifestly Shiva that it had to be acknowledged as such, even though it smashed the nice theory that was emerging of invading Aryans destroying the cities of the Indus valley. It is known as the proto-Shiva seal. However, for those who can read the signs and can decode the evidence, this figure is far more important.

He is surrounded by animals, which directly links him up with the Rudra-Pashupatinatha of the Vedas. The tiger, the elephant, and the bull depicted here, all play prominent parts in the Shiva mythology. Even more importantly he is shown in a typical yogic posture, which would indicate the knowledge of the ancient art.

This posture is the Udharva Linga posture (and not the ithyphallic posture as is so easily assumed) and it indicates the triumph over the sexual impulse.. The balls of the feet press into the sacral region behind and beneath the testicles as is shown. The lingam is erect and it presses into the navel, signifying the complete conquest of the sexual energy. He is now Udharva Retas, "he whose semen flows upwards". In the yogic system when you do not dissipate semen through ejaculation, it transforms itself into a food for the brain called ojas, vital energy, and is the source of the creative force that alone can provide you with the fuel to break through into enlightenment. This posture is commonly practiced even today and the udharva linga experience is not uncommon for many spiritual practitioners. Even the founder of Kriya yoga has left an account of precisely this linga entering the navel and the subsequent freedom from all thoughts and desire of lust.

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:02:00 +0000

Shiva has many forms, which are visible in his Panchavaktra form with 5 heads, a combination of all Shiva energies : Aghora (resides in the creamation grounds), Ishana (most often appears as the shivalingam), Tat Purusha (meditating), Varna Deva (the eternal Shiva) and Saddyojat or Braddha Rudra (the old wrathful form). The last also forms the connection to the Rudraksha mala - a rosary made of the dried fruits of the Rudraksha tree.

Another form is the Nataraj. Shiva Nataraj's dance represents both the destruction and the creation of the universe and reveals the cycles of death, birth and rebirth. His Dance of Bliss is for the welfare of the world. In the pose of Nataraj, the King of Dance is giving darshan to his beloved devotees within the "Hall of Consciousness", which is the heart of man. Under his feet, Shiva crushes the demon of ignorance called Apasmara Purusha, caused by forgetfulness. One hand is stretched across his chest and points towards the uplifted foot, indicating the release from earthly bondage of the devotee. The fire represents the final destruction of creation, but the dance of the Nataraj is also an act of creation, which arouses dormant energies and scatters the ashes of the universe in a pattern that will be the design of the ensuing creation.

God Shiv, Maha SHiv, Bhole Shiv, Rudra Shiv, Shiv, Pinaki SHiv, Ugra SHiv, Shant Shiv, Rudra Shiv

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:17:00 +0000

Shiva is the god of the yogis, self-controlled and celibate, while at the same time a lover of his spouse (shakti). Lord Shiva is the destroyer of the world, following Brahma the creator and Vishnu the preserver, after which Brahma again creates the world and so on. Shiva is responsible for change both in the form of death and destruction and in the positive sense of destroying the ego, the false identification with the form. This also includes the shedding of old habits and attachments.

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 04:04:00 +0000

Worship Of Shiva

On the day of Shivaraatri one should surely accomplish the worship of Lord Shiva.
Lord Sadaashhiva is the Lord of all deities due to whose grace the entire universe exists. Lord Shiva is also called Aughad-daani i.e. one who bestows his grace on the Sadhaks and instils into them fearlessness and power. Lord Shiva is a deity who lives with his family. He is worshipped along with his entire family. Included in this divine family are Mother Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Kaartikeya and Nandi , the bull.
Worship of Lord Shiva is accomplished by the family man for comforts and prosperity in family life, by unmarried young girls for early marriage, by old and infirm for perfect health, by those under some threat for fearlessness and by Yogis and Sanyaasis for spiritual success of the highest order. In other words everyone worships Lord Shiva for fulfilment of respective wishes.
There is none who accomplishes Sadhana of Lord Shiva and whose wishes are not fulfilled. Lord Shiva remains ever eager to bestow boons on his devotees. This is why even Gods, Gandharvas, spirits and Apsaras worship him.
Mahaashivaraatri is a special day on which Lord Shiva is worshipped. The first Shivaling originated in the night of Shivaraatri. It was also in this night that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. This is why the day is also called Shiv Gouri Divas. It is festival of joy. Every person, young or old, man or woman, Yogi or family man should worship Lord Shiva on this day. Lord Shiva is easily pleased even by an offering of a tumbler of water. But more delightful is the worship of the Lord according to the process prescribed by scriptures.
This year Mahaashivaraatri is on 21 February, Wednesday. Every 13th day of both fortnights of the lunar month is also a special day for worshipping Lord Shiva. Monday too is the favourite day of the Lord. One should keep ready sweets, water, milk, curd, sugar, ghee, Panchaamrit (mixture of water, milk, curd, sugar, ghee), sandalwood paste & Bel leaves etc. for the worship. For Sadhana on this day one should have a Siddhi Pradayak Shivaling, Ekadash Rudra Ratna, Paarvati Kriyamaann, Aananad Saafalya and Siddheshwar Rudraksh rosary.
Sadhana Procedure
In the night of Shivaraatri try this Sadhana with the whole family. Place the Shivaling in a large plate. In other plate place Paarvati Kriyamaann along with Aanand Saafalya. All around them place the 11 Rudra Ratnas which represent the Ekadash Rudras or the 11 forms of Lord Shiva. Offer vermilion, rice grains, saffron and Panchaamrit on the articles. Make a mark of sandalwood paste and saffron on the Shivaling. First of all propitiate Lord Shiva by chanting the following Aavaahan Mantra -

Om Namaste Rudra Manyav Uto Ta Ishawe Namah. Baahubhyaamut Te Namah.Eh-yehi Goureesh Pinaakapaanni Shashaankmoule-vrishabhaadhiroodd. Devaadhidevesh Mahesh Nityam Grihaann Poojaam Bhagwan Namaste. Aavaahayaami Devesh-maadimdhyaant-varjitaya. Aadhaaram Sarvalokaanaam-aashritaarth Pradaayinam. Om Umaa-maheshwaraabhyaam Namah Aavaahanam Samarpayaami.

Offer rice grains on Lord Shiva. Then place flowers under the Shivaling chanting -

Om Yaate Rudra Shivaatanoor-aghoraa Paapkaashini. Tayaanastannavaa Shantamayaa Giri-shantaabhichaak-sheehi.

Neivedya
Place sweets on a Bel leaf or flower petals and offer to the Lord chanting thus.

Om Tatpurushaay Vidmahe Mahaadevaay Dheemahi Tanno Rudra Prachodayaat.

Offer sandalwood paste chanting thus.

Om Umaamaheshwaraabhyaam Namah Karodwartnaarthem Chandanam Samarpayaami.

Offer betel leaf chanting thus.

Om Namast-aayudhaayaanaatataay Ghrishnnave. Ubhaabhyaamut Te Namo Baahubhyaantav Dhanvane. Om Umaamaheshwaraabhyaam Namah Mukhshuddhayaarthe Taamboolam Samarpayaami.

Offer some money chanting thus.

Om Hirannyagarbhah Samavart-taagre Bhootasya Jaatah Patirek-aaseet. Sadaadhaar Prithiveendhyaamutemaad Kasmei Devaay Havishaa Vidhem. Om Umaamaheshwaraabhyaam Namah Saangataa Siddhayarthe Hirannyagarbh Dakshinnaam Samarpayaaami.

Offer some water chanting -

Om Id (Goom) Havih Prajananme Astu Dashveer (Goom) Sarvagann (Goom) Swastaye. Aatmasani. Prajaasani Pashusani Lokasanyabhayasanih. Agnih Prajaam Bahulaam Me Karotvannam Payo Reto Asmaasu Dhatsa. Om Umaamaheshwaraabhyaam Namah Neeraajanam Darshayaami.

Offer flowers chanting thus.

Om Yagyen Yagyamayajant Devaastaani Dharmaanni Prathamaanyaasan. Teh Naa Kam Mahimaanah Sachant Yatra Poorve Saadhyaah Santi Devaah. Om Raajaadhiraajaay Prasahyasaahine Namo Vayam Veishravannaay Kurmahe Sa Me Kaamaan Kaamkaamaay Mahyam. Kaameshwaro Veishravanno Dadaatu Kuberaay Veishravannaay Mahaaraajaay Namah.

Offer your prayers chanting thus.

Om Namah Shambhavaay Cha Mayobhavaay Cha Namah Shankaraay Cha Mayaskaraay Cha Namah Shivaay Cha Shivataraay Cha. Tav Tatvam Na Jaanaami Keedrishosi Maheshwar. Yaadrishosi Mahaadev Taadrishaay Namo Namah. Trinetraay Namastubhyam Umaadehaardh-dhaarinne. Trishooldhaarinne Tubhyam Bhootaanaampataye Namah. Gangaadhar Namastubhyam Vrishabh-dhwaj Namostu Te. Aashutosh Namastubhyam Bhooyo Bhooyo Namo Namah.

Put some flowers, fragrance, Bel leaves in water and offer to the Lord. Also offer fruit chanting thus .

Anyathaa Sharannam Naasti Tvamev Sharannam Mam. Tasmaat Kaarunnya Bhaaven Raksh Maam Parameshwar. Raksh Raksh Mahaadev Raksh Treilokyarakshak. Bhaktaanaam Abhayankartaa Traataa Bhav Bhavaarnnavaat. Varad Tvam Varam Dehi Vaanchhitam Vaanchhitaarthad. Anen Safalaarghyen Phaladostu Sadaa Mam.

Take water in which milk has been mixed in a tumbler and pouring a thin stream on the Shivaling chant

Om Namah Shivaay

for fifteen minutes. Those who know Rudra Ashtaadhyaayi can chant it.
Then pray to Lord Shiva thus.

Gatam Paapam Gatam Dukham Gatam Daaridrayamev Cha. Aagataa Sukh Sampati Punnyaani Tav Darshanaat. Devo Daataa Cha Bhoktaa Cha Devroopmidam Jagat. Devam Japati Sarvatra Yo Devah Sohamev Hi. Saadhuvaasaadhu Vaa Karma Yadhyadaacharitam Mayaa. Tat Sarvam Kripayaa Dev Grihaannaaraadhanam Mam.

After this sing the following Aarti

Karpoor Gouram Karunnaavataram Sansaar Saaram Bhujgendra Haaram. Sadaa Vasantam Hridyaarvrinde Bhavam Bhavaani Sahitam Namaami.

Jaya Shiva Om Kaaraa, Bhaj Shiva Om Kaaraa.
Brahmaa Vishnnu Sadaashiva Ardhaangi Dhaaraa .1.

Om Har Har Har Mahaadev !

Ekaanan Chaturaanan Panchaanan Raje.
Hansaanan Garudaasan Vrishvaahan Saaje .2.

Om Har Har Har Mahaadev !

Do Bhuj Char Chaturbhuj Dash Bhuj Ati Sohe.
Teeno Roop Nirakhataa Tribhuvan Jan Mohe. .3.

Om Har Har Har Mahaadev !

Akshmaalaa Vanmaalaa Roondmaalaa Dhaari.
Tripurnaath Muraari Karmaalaa Dhaari. .4.

Om Har Har Har Mahaadev !

Shwetaambar Peetaambar Baaghaambar Ange.
Sankaadik Garudaadik Bhootaadik Sange. .5.

Om Har Har Har Mahaadev !

Kar Madhye Ek Mandal Chakra Trishul Dhartaa.
Sukhkartaa Dukh-harataaa Sukh Me Shiv Rahataa. .6.

Om Har Har Har Mahaadev !

Kaashi Me Vishwanaath Viraaje Nandi Brahmachaari.
Nit Utth Jyot Jalaavat Din Din Adhikaari. .7.

Om Har Har Har Mahaadev !

Brahmaa Vishnnu Sadaa Shiva Jaanat Avivekaa.
Prannavaakshar Ke Madhye Ye Teeno Ekaa. .8.

Om Har Har Har Mahaadev !

Trigunn Swaami Kee Aarati Jo Koi Nar Gaave.
Jyaaraa Man Shuddh Ho Jaave,
Jyaaraa Paap Paraa Jaave,
Jyaaraa Sukh Sampati Aave,
Jyaaraa Dukh Daaridraya Jaave,
Jyaaraa Ghar Lakshmi Aave,
Bhannat Bholaanand Swaami, Ratat Shivaanand Swaami
Ichhaa Phal Paave. .9.

Om Har Har Har Mahaadev !

While singing Aarti of Lord Shiva, move lamp (placed in a plate) in vertical circles clockwise first near his holy feet four times, then near his navel two times, then near his face once and then over his entire form seven times. Thus total fourteen times move lamp thus. Then take water in a Shankh (conch shell) or copper tumbler and sprinkle it all around with a flower chanting thus.

Om Dhyou (Hoo) Shaantirantariksham (Goom) Shaanti (Hi) Prithivi Shaanti Raap (Ha) Shaantiroshadhaya (Ha) Shaanti (Hi) Vanaspataya (Hi) Shaantirvishvedevaa (Ha) Shaanti (Hi) Brahmaa Shaanti (Hi) Sarva (Goom) Shaanti (Hi) Shaanti Rev Shaanti (Hi) Saa Maa Shaanti Redhi.

After Aarti bow before the Lord. Offer flowers to Lord Shiva, Mother Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Kartikeya and seek their blessings. Next chant thus .

Yaani Kaani Cha Paapaani Gyaataagyaat-kritaani Cha. Taani Sarvaanni Nashyanti Pradakshinnam Pade Pade.

If Shiva Mantra is chanted throughout the night then it proves to be a very divine accomplishment. If this is done then early morning sing Guru Aarti and Shiva Aarti. Offer water offered on Shivaling in roots of a Peepal (fig) tree.
Let Shivaling and other articles remain in the worship place.
For fulfilment of various wishes the following mantras of Lord Shiva can be chanted.

Om Shreem Namah Shivaay Om Shreem.

(for wealth)

Om Hreem Gloum Namah Shivaay.

(for riddance from problems)

Om Joom Sah Paalay Paalay Sah Joom Om.

(for riddance from diseases and for longevity)

Om Hreem Hroum Kaarya Siddhim Namah Shivaay.

(for fulfilment of some wish)

These can be chanted while pouring a thin stream of water on the Shivaling.

Bholenath Mantra, Bhole Nath Mantra, Bholenath Aarti

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:21:00 +0000

Lord Shiva Aarti

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 Lord Shiva, relieve me of my afflictions!

Ekanan Chaturanan Panchanan Rajai,
Hansanan Garudasan Vrishvahan Sajai.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...

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.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...

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.

Akshaymala Vanmala Mundmala Dhari,
Chadan Mrigmad Sohai Bhale Shashi Dhari.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...

Meaning - You are, O great Lord Omkaara, wearing a garland of 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.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...

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.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...

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.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...

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, “He who recites this Aarti to the Lord of the three gunas-sattva, rajas and tamas - attains fulfillment of his heart’s desire”. O great Lord Omkaara, may you rid me of my afflictions.

The prediction of Islam as given in the Bhavishya Purana

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:50:00 +0000

From the third part of the Pratisarga Parva

Shri Suta Gosvami said: In the dynasty of king Shalivahana, there were ten kings who went to the heavenly planets after ruling for over 500 years. Then gradually the morality declined on the earth. At that time Bhojaraja was the tenth of the kings on the earth. When he saw that the moral law of conduct was declining he went to conquer all the directions of his country with ten-thousand soldiers commanded by Kalidasa.

He crossed the river Sindhu and conquered over the gandharas, mlecchas, shakas, kasmiris, naravas and sathas. He punished them and collected a large ammount of wealth. Then the king went along with Mahamada (Mohammad), the preceptor of mleccha-dharma, and his followers to the great god, Lord Shiva, situated in the desert. He bathed Lord Shiva with Ganges water and worshipped him in his mind with pancagavya (milk, ghee, yoghurt, cow dung, and cow urine) and sandalwood paste, etc. After he offered some prayers and pleased him.

Suta Goswami said: After hearing the king's prayers, Lord Shiva said: O king Bhojaraja, you should go to the place called Mahakakshvara, that land is called Vahika and now is being contaminated by the mlecchas. In that terrible country there no longer exists dharma. There was a mystic demon named Tripura, whom I have already burnt to ashes, he has come again by the order of Bali. He has no origin but he achieved a benediction from me. His name is Mahaoda and his deeds are like that of a ghost. Therefore, O king, you should not go to this land of the evil ghost.

By my mercy your intelligence will be purified. Hearing this the king came back to his country and Mahamada came with them to the bank of the river Sindhu. He was expert in expanding illusion, so he said to the king very pleasingly: O great king, your god has become my servant. Just see, as he eats my remnants, so I will show you. The king became surprised when he saw this just before them. Then in anger Kalidasa rebuked Mahamada, "O rascal, you have created an illusion to bewilder the king, I will kill you, you are the lowest..."

That city is known as their site of pilgrimage, a place which was Madina or free from intoxication. Having a form of a ghost (Bhuta), the expert illusionist Mahamada appeared at night in front of king Bhojaraja and said: O king, your religion is of course known as the best religion among all. Still I am going to establish a terrible and demoniac religion by the order of the Lord. The symptoms of my followers will be that they first of all will cut their genitals, have no shikha, but having beard, be wicked, make noise loudly and eat everything. They should eat animals without performing any rituals. This is my opinion. They will perform purificatory act with the musala or a pestle as you purify your things with kusha. Therefore, they will be known as musalman, the corrupters of religion. Thus the demoniac religion will be founded by me. After having heard all this the king came back to his palace and that ghost went back to his place.

The intelligent king, Bhojaraj established the language of Sanskrit in three varnas - the brahmanas, kshatriyas and vaisyas - and for the shudras he established prakrita-bhasha, the ordinary language spoken by common men. After ruling his kingdom for 50 years, he went to the heavenly planet. The moral laws established by him were honored even by the demigods. The arya-varta, the pious land is situated between Vindhyacala and Himacala or the mountains known as Vindhya and Himalaya. The Aryans reside there, but varna-sankaras reside on the lower part of Vindhya. The musalman people were kept on the other side of the river Sindhu.

On the island of Barbara, Tusha and many others also the followers of Isamsiha were also situated as they were managed by a king or demigods.

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:16:00 +0000

Mantra

SOUND THE SEED OF MATTER
A MANTRA is a mystical energy encased in a sound structure. Every mantra contains within its vibration a certain power. Upon concentration and repetition of a given mantra, its energy is liberated and takes form

There are different types of mantras. Some called Bija (Seed) mantra. They have no exact meaning but act directly on the nerves of astral body. The other type of mantras, having a combination of words, and having some meaning also set up powerful vibrations in the body.

Most common, however is the deity mantras, in which a specific form with attributes is visualized along with the repetition of the sound.

Initiation - If possible, before attempting Japa one should seek out a guru and receive mantra initiation from him. Only those who are themselves pure can give initiation to others. Therefore it is important to find a qualified guru to successfully implant the mantras in the disciples body. If no guru can be found, one may select any mantra that seems appropriate to fulfil his desires, assuming Lord Shiva as his guru and start repeating it with mentally with faith and devotion everyday.

The efficiency of the japa is accentuated according to the degree of concentration. The mind should be fixed on the source or the related YANTRA (please see yantra section for details). Then only you will realize the maximum benefit of a mantra.

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 12:18:00 +0000

"जब शहीदों की अर्थी उठे धूम से ,देश वालो तुम आँसू बहाना नहीं ,पर मनाओ जब आजाद भारत का दिन ,उस घडी तुम उन्हें भूल जाना नहीं,लौट कर आ सकें ना जहाँ में तो क्या याद बन के दिलों में तो आ जायंगे ",ये वीर कितने महान हैं जिन्होंने इस देश की महानता को आदर्श का रूप दिया ,महान है ये देश जिसमें ऐसे वीरों ने जनम लिया ,कितनी महान है इस देश की माँ की ममता जिसने ऐसे महान वीरों को जनम दिया ,जिन्होंने इस देश पर आपना सर्वस्व निछावर कर के
वीरगति प्राप्त की ,अमर हो गए ,हम सब नमन करते हैं ,नत मस्तक हैं इस देश के
सभी माँ बाप पर जिन्होंने ऐसे वीरों को जनम दिया ,ऐसे गुरुओं को जिन्होंने
उन्हें शिक्षा दी ,जिस देश पर वो मर मिटे ,उन सभी वीरों को जिन्होंने हमें
आजादी का दिन दिखने के लिए आपनी प्राणों की आहुतु दी ,उन सभी वीर योधाओं को जो रोज सरहद पर -50°C पर हमारी सीमाओं की रक्षा करते हैं , उन सभी भारत
के नागरिकों को जो आपना हर प्रकार से भारत की उन्नति में अपना योगदान
देते हैं.आप सभी मित्रो को हिन्दुस्तान की आजादी की बधाई एवं शुभकामनायें,जियें और जीने दें ,भारत माता की जय ,जय जवान जय किसान ,जय हिंद जय हो..

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:10:00 +0000

Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva is very simple.He becomes happy with his devotees by a simple method of worshipping i.e, by pouring water,by telling only twice OM NA MAH SHIVAY.He is available to all whether he is a good person or bad person.He always remain sitting cool and calm like a simple person,simple cloth,simple style of living.He always helps the worshippers without any condition.He becomes active only at the time of Tandav that creates Tsunami,Earthquake etc and he is supposed to be Destroyer of the universe while angry due to the misdeeds of livings

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 04:26:00 +0000

Shiva is one of the most well-known Hindu deities. His many forms take shape in art and statues all over the world. He is known as "The Destroyer," but don't judge Shiva too quickly based on that label. Shiva destroys anything that is standing in the way of a person discovering his or her true self. He highlights and removes the obstacles in our spiritual path; therefore, he is an appropriate deity to invoke if one is just beginning a spiritual practice and would like assistance moving forward.

Shiva is 'shakti' or power, Shiva is the destroyer, the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and one of the godheads in the Hindu Trinity. Known by many names - Mahadeva, Mahayogi, Pashupati, Nataraja, Bhairava, Vishwanath, Bhava, Bhole Nath - Lord Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities. Hindus recognize this by putting his shrine in the temple separate from those of other deities.

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:34:00 +0000

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.

Meaning of Mantras

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:32:00 +0000

Mantras" derived from the Sanskrit 'man', meaning 'to think'. Mantra literally means 'instrument of thought'. Mantras are hymns, which are believed to benefit that chants them. Vedic mantras are said to have been divinely 'heard' (shruti) by ancient sages. These hymns are mostly invocations to the gods for protection against evil, or for assistance in performing one's duties or specific functions. The effectiveness of the mantras is said to depend on the mental discipline involved in its correct recitation, and the accompanying mode of breathing. According to the Agni Purana, if a mantra is recited quietly or in the mind, it is very effective. We here describe some of the most commonly used mantras & shlokas in our daily life.

II Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra II

Om Tryambakam yajamahe

Sugandhim pushti-vardhanam

Urvarukamiva bandhanan

Mrityor mukshiya mamritat

This is a very powerful chant dedicated to Lord Shiva. This mantra is believed to be the death conquering mantra and is found in the Rig Veda. The mantra is sometimes also referred to as the Mrita-Sanjivini mantra as it has the power to restore life in a dying person. In this potent mantra the lord is referred to as the three eyed god. It is a plea to him to restore life in the dying body. Worshipping the lord will liberate one from death just like the ripe cucumber is separated from the binding stalk.

II Shiva Mantra II

"Mrutyunjayaaya Rudraaya

Neelakantaya Shambhave

Amriteshaaya Sarvaaya

Mahadevaaya Te Namaha"

O Lord Shiva you are the one who has conquered death and are responsible for destruction of the Universe to let life again prevail on earth. O lord you are Neelkantha as you have a blue throat. We pay obeisance to you O lord with are hands folded in namaskar.

आरती क्यों और कैसे?

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:22:00 +0000

पूजा के अंत में हम सभी भगवान की आरती करते हैं। आरती के दौरान कई सामग्रियों का प्रयोग किया जाता है। इन सबका विशेष अर्थ होता है। ऐसी मान्यता है कि न केवल आरती करने, बल्कि इसमें शामिल होने पर भी बहुत पुण्य मिलता है। किसी भी देवता की आरती करते समय उन्हें 3बार पुष्प अर्पित करें। इस दरम्यान ढोल, नगाडे, घडियाल आदि भी बजाना चाहिए।
एक शुभ पात्र में शुद्ध घी लें और उसमें विषम संख्या [जैसे 3,5या 7]में बत्तियां जलाकर आरती करें। आप चाहें, तो कपूर से भी आरती कर सकते हैं। सामान्य तौर पर पांच बत्तियों से आरती की जाती है, जिसे पंच प्रदीप भी कहते हैं। आरती पांच प्रकार से की जाती है। पहली दीपमाला से, दूसरी जल से भरे शंख से, तीसरा धुले हुए वस्त्र से, चौथी आम और पीपल आदि के पत्तों से और पांचवीं साष्टांग अर्थात शरीर के पांचों भाग [मस्तिष्क, दोनों हाथ-पांव] से। पंच-प्राणों की प्रतीक आरती हमारे शरीर के पंच-प्राणों की प्रतीक है। आरती करते हुए भक्त का भाव ऐसा होना चाहिए, मानो वह पंच-प्राणों की सहायता से ईश्वर की आरती उतार रहा हो। घी की ज्योति जीव के आत्मा की ज्योति का प्रतीक मानी जाती है। यदि हम अंतर्मन से ईश्वर को पुकारते हैं, तो यह पंचारतीकहलाती है। सामग्री का महत्व आरती के दौरान हम न केवल कलश का प्रयोग करते हैं, बल्कि उसमें कई प्रकार की सामग्रियां भी डालते जाते हैं। इन सभी के पीछे न केवल धार्मिक, बल्कि वैज्ञानिक आधार भी हैं।
कलश-कलश एक खास आकार का बना होता है। इसके अंदर का स्थान बिल्कुल खाली होता है। कहते हैं कि इस खाली स्थान में शिव बसते हैं।
यदि आप आरती के समय कलश का प्रयोग करते हैं, तो इसका अर्थ है कि आप शिव से एकाकार हो रहे हैं। किंवदंतिहै कि समुद्र मंथन के समय विष्णु भगवान ने अमृत कलश धारण किया था। इसलिए कलश में सभी देवताओं का वास माना जाता है।
जल-जल से भरा कलश देवताओं का आसन माना जाता है। दरअसल, हम जल को शुद्ध तत्व मानते हैं, जिससे ईश्वर आकृष्ट होते हैं।
नारियल- आरती के समय हम कलश पर नारियल रखते हैं। नारियल की शिखाओं में सकारात्मक ऊर्जा का भंडार पाया जाता है। हम जब आरती गाते हैं, तो नारियल की शिखाओं में मौजूद ऊर्जा तरंगों के माध्यम से कलश के जल में पहुंचती है। यह तरंगें काफी सूक्ष्म होती हैं।
सोना- ऐसी मान्यता है कि सोना अपने आस-पास के वातावरण में सकारात्मक ऊर्जा फैलाता है। सोने को शुद्ध कहा जाता है।
यही वजह है कि इसे भक्तों को भगवान से जोडने का माध्यम भी माना जाता है।
तांबे का पैसा- तांबे में सात्विक लहरें उत्पन्न करने की क्षमता अधिक होती है। कलश में उठती हुई लहरें वातावरण में प्रवेश कर जाती हैं। कलश में पैसा डालना त्याग का प्रतीक भी माना जाता है। यदि आप कलश में तांबे के पैसे डालते हैं, तो इसका मतलब है कि आपमें सात्विक गुणों का समावेश हो रहा है।
सप्तनदियोंका जल-गंगा, गोदावरी,यमुना, सिंधु, सरस्वती, कावेरीऔर नर्मदा नदी का जल पूजा के कलश में डाला जाता है। सप्त नदियों के जल में सकारात्मक ऊर्जा को आकृष्ट करने और उसे वातावरण में प्रवाहित करने की क्षमता होती है। क्योंकि ज्यादातर योगी-मुनि ने ईश्वर से एकाकार करने के लिए इन्हीं नदियों के किनारे तपस्या की थी। सुपारी और पान- यदि हम जल में सुपारी डालते हैं, तो इससे उत्पन्न तरंगें हमारे रजोगुण को समाप्त कर देते हैं और हमारे भीतर देवता के अच्छे गुणों को ग्रहण करने की क्षमता बढ जाती है। पान की बेल को नागबेलभी कहते हैं।
नागबेलको भूलोक और ब्रह्मलोक को जोडने वाली कडी माना जाता है। इसमें भूमि तरंगों को आकृष्ट करने की क्षमता होती है। साथ ही, इसे सात्विक भी कहा गया है। देवता की मूर्ति से उत्पन्न सकारात्मक ऊर्जा पान के डंठल द्वारा ग्रहण की जाती है।
तुलसी-आयुर्र्वेद में तुलसी का प्रयोग सदियों से होता आ रहा है। अन्य वनस्पतियों की तुलना में तुलसी में वातावरण को शुद्ध करने की क्षमता अधिक होती है।

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:48:00 +0000

Shiva Mantra

Lord Shiva is hailed as the destroyer amongst the trinity of Hindu gods. Known by many names like Rudra, Neelkantha, Shankar, Bholenath , the Lord is believed to be the one who is responsible for destruction of the world to create a new world and once again begin the cycle of creation and pro creation. Shiva is one of the unique gods who is both a symbol for ascetics as well as householders. The mantras dedicated to the lord are a way of praying to him. Given below are some of the Shiva mantras with their meanings.

II Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra II
Om Tryambakam yajamahe
Sugandhim pushti-vardhanam
Urvarukamiva bandhanan
Mrityor mukshiya mamritat

This is a very powerful chant dedicated to Lord Shiva. This mantra is believed to be the death conquering mantra and is found in the Rig Veda. The mantra is sometimes also referred to as the Mrita-Sanjivini mantra as it has the power to restore life in a dying person. In this potent mantra the lord is referred to as the three eyed god. It is a plea to him to restore life in the dying body. Worshipping the lord will liberate one from death just like the ripe cucumber is separated from the binding stalk.

II Shiva Mantra II
"Mrutyunjayaaya Rudraaya
Neelakantaya Shambhave
Amriteshaaya Sarvaaya
Mahadevaaya Te Namaha"

O Lord Shiva you are the one who has conquered death and are responsible for destruction of the Universe to let life again prevail on earth. O lord you are Neelkantha as you have a blue throat. We pay obeisance to you O lord with are hands folded in namaskar.

Shiva Panchakshara Stotram

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:21:00 +0000

Nagendra haraya Trilochanaya,
Basmanga ragaya maheswaraya,
Nithyaya shudhaya digambaraya,
Tasmai 'Na'karaya namashivaya.

Mandakini salila chandana charchithaya,
Nandeeswara pramadha nadha maheswaraya,
Mandra pushpa bahu pushpa supoojithaya,
Tasmai 'Ma'karaya namashivaya.

Shivaaya gowri vadanara vinda,
Sooryaya daksha dwara naasakaya,
Sri neela kantaya vrisha dwajaya,
Tasmai 'Si'karaya namashivaya.

Vasishta kumbhodhbhava gowthamadhi.
Munendra devarchitha shekaraya,
Chandrarka vaiswanara lochanaya,
Tasmai 'Va'karaya namashivaya.

Yaksha swaroopaya jada dharaya,
Pinaka hasthathaya sanathanaya,
Divyaya devaaya digambaraya,
Tasmai 'Ya'karaya namashivaya.

Phalasruthi

Panchaksharamidham punyam,
Ya padeth Shiva sannidhou,
Shivaloka maapnothi,
Shive na saha modathe.

Shiva Aarti

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:20:00 +0000

Aarti

Reciting Lord Shiva Aarti on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri is believed to invoke divine blessings of Lord Shiva. This aarti is sung in the praise of the Lord and is recited by Shiv bhakts (devotees) around the world. If daily recited at the time of puja, the aarti is said to provide you the special blessings of the Lord and help you liberate yourself from all the sins. It is also believed that this aarti makes the Lord happy and in return, He fills your live with happiness and prosperity. For better understanding of this aarti, we are providing English translation, along with the Hindi verses Aarti.

Lord Shiva Aarti

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 Lord Shiva, relieve me of my afflictions!

Ekanan Chaturanan Panchanan Rajai,
Hansanan Garudasan Vrishvahan Sajai.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...

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.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...

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.

Akshaymala Vanmala Mundmala Dhari,
Chadan Mrigmad Sohai Bhale Shashi Dhari.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...

Meaning - You are, O great Lord Omkaara, wearing a garland of 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.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...

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.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...

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.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...

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, “He who recites this Aarti to the Lord of the three gunas-sattva, rajas and tamas - attains fulfillment of his heart’s desire”. O great Lord Omkaara, may you rid me of my afflictions.

God Shiv

noreply@blogger.com (Sandeep Srivastava) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:40:00 +0000

Shiva is the destroyer of the world, following Brahma the creator and Vishnu the preserver, after which Brahma again creates the world and so on. Shiva is responsible for change both in the form of death and destruction and in the positive sense of the shedding of old habits. In Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram or Truth, Goodness and Beauty, Shiva also represents the most essential goodness.

Shiva is the god of the yogis, self-controlled and celibate, while at the same time a lover of his spouse (shakti). Shiva's first wife was Sati and his second wife was Parvati, also known as Uma, Gauri, Durga, Kali and Shakti. His sons are Ganesha and Kartikeya. Shiva lives on Mount Kailasa in the Himalayas.

Shiva's main attributes are the trident that represents the three gunas and the snakes that show he is beyond the power of death and poison and also stand for the Kundalini energy. The vehicle of Shiva is the white bull called Nandi (the joyful). He is often seated on a tiger skin or wears a tiger skin, with the tiger representing the mind.

Shiva Nataraj's dance represents both the destruction and the creation of the universe and reveals the cycles of death, birth and rebirth. His Dance of Bliss is for the welfare of the world. In the pose of Nataraj, the King of Dance is giving darshan to his beloved devotees within the "Hall of Consciousness", which is the heart of man. Under his feet, Shiva crushes the demon of ignorance called Apasmara Purusha, caused by forgetfulness. One hand is stretched across his chest and points towards the uplifted foot, indicating the release from earthly bondage of the devotee. The fire represents the final destruction of creation, but the dance of the Nataraj is also an act of creation, which arouses dormant energies and scatters the ashes of the universe in a pattern that will be the design of the ensuing creation.

Shiva is conceived in his unborn, invisible form as the Lingam. It is always accompagnied by the Yoni, which is the female principle, surrounding the base of the Lingam. The Lingam represents the male creative energy of Shiva.

When Ganga incarnated on Earth, Shiva captured her in his hair to avoid that she would flood all of Earth (See the Life of Ganga).

Shiav worshippers are among India's most ascetic yogis, their body smeared with ashes, dressed in saffron colors and wearing a Rudraksha mala.