What is Lord Shiva's Bhakti?
How do I revel in Shiva Bhakti?
OM NAMAH SHIVAY
Shiva is a God of many, often contrasting, characteristics. He is associated with the creative energy of the universe and at the same time with its destruction.
Literally his name means 'One in whom the universe sleeps after destruction and before the next cycle of creation'. All that is created must one day disintegrate; this disintegration is a return to the formless void from which creation may once again spring forth. Shiva is the dynamic power behind this endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
Lord Shiva is the master of Tantric yoga, an esoteric science of sexuality, and also the Lord of ascetics, renunciates and yogis. He is the god of the battlefield, the cremation grounds, and inauspicious crossroads, and he is accompanied by demons, ghosts, and evil spirits. An oftern frightening deity, Shiva is also the exponent of the arts and the creator of dance.
Lord Siva represents the destructive aspect of Brahman. That portion of Brahman that is enveloped by Tamo-Guna-Pradhana Maya is Lord Siva who is the all-pervading Isvara and who also dwells in Mount Kailas. He is the Bhandara or store-house for wisdom. Siva minus Parvati or Kali or Durga is Nirguna Brahman Himself. With Maya-Parvati He becomes the Saguna Brahman for the purpose of pious devotion of His devotees. Devotees of Rama must worship Lord Siva for 3 or 6 months before they take to worship of Rama. Rama Himself worshipped Lord Siva at the famous Ramesvaram. Lord Siva is the Lord of Ascetics and Lord of Yogins, robed in space (Digambara).
God Śiva is a yogi who has notice of everything that happens in the world and is the main aspect of life. Yet one with great power lives a life of a sage at Mount Kailāṣa.In the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism, Śiva is seen as the Supreme God. In the Smarta tradition, he is regarded as one of the five primary forms of God. Followers of Hinduism who focus their worship upon Śiva are called Shaivites or Shaivas (Sanskrit Śaiva). Shaivism, along with Vaiṣṇava traditions that focus on Viṣhņu and Śhākti traditions that focus on the goddess, is one of the most influential denominations in Hinduism. Lord Śiva is usually worshipped in the abstract form of Shiva linga. In images, He is represented as a handsome young man immersed in deep meditation or dancing the Tandava upon Apasmara, the demon of ignorance in his manifestation of Naţarāja, the Lord of the dance, goodness, humility, and every good quality a human should have. It is said that He looks like an eternal youth because of his authority over death, rebirth and immortality. He is also the father of Gaņeśa, Murugan (Kartikeya), and Ayyappan (Dharma Sastha).
His Trisul (trident) that is held in His right hand represents the three Gunas—Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. That is the emblem of Sovereignty. He wields the world through these three Gunas. The Damaru in His left hand represents the Sabda Brahman. It represents OM from which all languages are formed. It is He who formed the Sanskrit language out of the Damaru.The crescent moon indicates that He has controlled the mind perfectly. The flow of the Ganga represents the nectar of Immortality. Elephant represents symbolically pride. His wearing the skin of the elephant denotes that He has controlled pride. Tiger represents lust; His sitting on tiger’s skin indicates that He has conquered lust. His holding a deer on one hand indicates that He has removed the Chanchalata (tossing) of the mind. Deer jumps from one place to another swiftly. His wearing of serpents denotes wisdom and eternity. Serpents live for a large number of years. He is Trilochana, the three-eyed One, in the centre of whose forehead is the third eye, the eye of wisdom.
‘Hoam’ is the Bija Akshara of Lord Siva.
Shiva is also known as Maheshvar, the great Lord, Mahadeva, the great God, Shambhu, Hara, Pinakadhrik, bearer of the axe and Mrityunjaya, conqueror of death. He is the spouse of Shakti, the goddess. He also is represented by Mahakala and Bhairava, the terrible, as well as many other forms including Rudra. Shiva is often pictured holding the damaru (sound file .wav format: 190K), an hour-glass shape drum, shown below with his trishula. His usual mantra is om namah shivaya.
In the image top left, Shiva is shown as a sadhu, a yogin. He is the Lord of Yoga. On his matted locks is a crescent moon, from which streams the river Ganga. Around his neck and arms are serpents, while he also wears the rudraksha beads sacred to him. He is smeared with ash, as that is all that remains at the dissolution of the universe, which he presides over. This dissolution of the universe comes when his third eye opens, the whole metaphor referring to the realisation of one's own consciousness, which is Shiva. His right hand shows the mudra dispelling fear, while in his left he holds the trident, symbol of the three worlds, on which is bound the damaru. He sits on a tiger skin and on his right is a water pot.
Shiva is fivefold, his five faces being Ishana, Tatpurusha, Aghora, Vamadeva and Sadjyojata, and eightfold (see puja below) as the eight directions. Shiva-Shakti also have a form called Ardhanarishvara, the meditation image showing the devi as red coloured and voluptuous, as one half of the body, the deva as the other half having a terrifying and fierce aspect. Mahadeva Shiva is also lord of all beings of the underworld, including bhutas (elementals), pretas (ghosts), and pishachas (flesh eaters) and the rest. He is sometimes pictured on a horse, followed by his retinue of siddhas (accomplished ones), bhairavas (terrifying forms of Shiva), yogis and the rest. As Rudra, he is identified with the star Sirius (Sothis), and is the supreme hunter.
Shiva is a God of many, often contrasting, characteristics. He is associated with the creative energy of the universe and at the same time with its destruction.
Literally his name means 'One in whom the universe sleeps after destruction and before the next cycle of creation'. All that is created must one day disintegrate; this disintegration is a return to the formless void from which creation may once again spring forth. Shiva is the dynamic power behind this endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
Lord Shiva is the master of Tantric yoga, an esoteric science of sexuality, and also the Lord of ascetics, renunciates and yogis. He is the god of the battlefield, the cremation grounds, and inauspicious crossroads, and he is accompanied by demons, ghosts, and evil spirits. An oftern frightening deity, Shiva is also the exponent of the arts and the creator of dance.
Lord Siva represents the destructive aspect of Brahman. That portion of Brahman that is enveloped by Tamo-Guna-Pradhana Maya is Lord Siva who is the all-pervading Isvara and who also dwells in Mount Kailas. He is the Bhandara or store-house for wisdom. Siva minus Parvati or Kali or Durga is Nirguna Brahman Himself. With Maya-Parvati He becomes the Saguna Brahman for the purpose of pious devotion of His devotees. Devotees of Rama must worship Lord Siva for 3 or 6 months before they take to worship of Rama. Rama Himself worshipped Lord Siva at the famous Ramesvaram. Lord Siva is the Lord of Ascetics and Lord of Yogins, robed in space (Digambara).
God Śiva is a yogi who has notice of everything that happens in the world and is the main aspect of life. Yet one with great power lives a life of a sage at Mount Kailāṣa.In the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism, Śiva is seen as the Supreme God. In the Smarta tradition, he is regarded as one of the five primary forms of God. Followers of Hinduism who focus their worship upon Śiva are called Shaivites or Shaivas (Sanskrit Śaiva). Shaivism, along with Vaiṣṇava traditions that focus on Viṣhņu and Śhākti traditions that focus on the goddess, is one of the most influential denominations in Hinduism. Lord Śiva is usually worshipped in the abstract form of Shiva linga. In images, He is represented as a handsome young man immersed in deep meditation or dancing the Tandava upon Apasmara, the demon of ignorance in his manifestation of Naţarāja, the Lord of the dance, goodness, humility, and every good quality a human should have. It is said that He looks like an eternal youth because of his authority over death, rebirth and immortality. He is also the father of Gaņeśa, Murugan (Kartikeya), and Ayyappan (Dharma Sastha).
His Trisul (trident) that is held in His right hand represents the three Gunas—Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. That is the emblem of Sovereignty. He wields the world through these three Gunas. The Damaru in His left hand represents the Sabda Brahman. It represents OM from which all languages are formed. It is He who formed the Sanskrit language out of the Damaru.The crescent moon indicates that He has controlled the mind perfectly. The flow of the Ganga represents the nectar of Immortality. Elephant represents symbolically pride. His wearing the skin of the elephant denotes that He has controlled pride. Tiger represents lust; His sitting on tiger’s skin indicates that He has conquered lust. His holding a deer on one hand indicates that He has removed the Chanchalata (tossing) of the mind. Deer jumps from one place to another swiftly. His wearing of serpents denotes wisdom and eternity. Serpents live for a large number of years. He is Trilochana, the three-eyed One, in the centre of whose forehead is the third eye, the eye of wisdom.
‘Hoam’ is the Bija Akshara of Lord Siva.
Shiva is also known as Maheshvar, the great Lord, Mahadeva, the great God, Shambhu, Hara, Pinakadhrik, bearer of the axe and Mrityunjaya, conqueror of death. He is the spouse of Shakti, the goddess. He also is represented by Mahakala and Bhairava, the terrible, as well as many other forms including Rudra. Shiva is often pictured holding the damaru (sound file .wav format: 190K), an hour-glass shape drum, shown below with his trishula. His usual mantra is om namah shivaya.
In the image top left, Shiva is shown as a sadhu, a yogin. He is the Lord of Yoga. On his matted locks is a crescent moon, from which streams the river Ganga. Around his neck and arms are serpents, while he also wears the rudraksha beads sacred to him. He is smeared with ash, as that is all that remains at the dissolution of the universe, which he presides over. This dissolution of the universe comes when his third eye opens, the whole metaphor referring to the realisation of one's own consciousness, which is Shiva. His right hand shows the mudra dispelling fear, while in his left he holds the trident, symbol of the three worlds, on which is bound the damaru. He sits on a tiger skin and on his right is a water pot.
Shiva is fivefold, his five faces being Ishana, Tatpurusha, Aghora, Vamadeva and Sadjyojata, and eightfold (see puja below) as the eight directions. Shiva-Shakti also have a form called Ardhanarishvara, the meditation image showing the devi as red coloured and voluptuous, as one half of the body, the deva as the other half having a terrifying and fierce aspect. Mahadeva Shiva is also lord of all beings of the underworld, including bhutas (elementals), pretas (ghosts), and pishachas (flesh eaters) and the rest. He is sometimes pictured on a horse, followed by his retinue of siddhas (accomplished ones), bhairavas (terrifying forms of Shiva), yogis and the rest. As Rudra, he is identified with the star Sirius (Sothis), and is the supreme hunter.
How to perform Rudrabhishekham?
Rudrabhishekam Pooja : Lord Shiva is worshiped in His Rudra form, is hailed by all Vedic scriptures as one of the greatest Poojas to remove all evils, to attain all desires and for all round prosperity.
We can perform the Rudrabhishekham of SHIVA LINGAM in the temple within our home.
This worship involves prayers while bathing the shiva linga with milk, yogurt, butter etc, before the Shiva Linga is decorated with flowers, rudraksha etc. and finally presented to the devotees for worship and getting His blessings.
At the temples, there is a price tag if you want to participate (paid at the end of the worship). But you don’t necessarily have to participate in the actual Rudrabhishekam, and just be a passive observer, revel in the divine experience of watching a rudrabhiskham, while you meditate – that will be perfectly fine. If we get there early, we can sit in the inner chamber. The experience is much better sitting in the inner chamber.
We will need to be quiet during the proceedings. During this ritual, we will hear many mantras and shlokas, while milk, yoghurt, water, butter, honey, sugar, fruit juices, bhasma powder etc are poured over the shiva lingam in pacifying the hot and fiery Shiva and invoking his blessings. The curtains will be drawn shielding the Shiva Lingam from our eyes – during two portions of this ritual worship.
During the Rudrabhiskeham, the following offerings are made to Lord Shiva
Here is the mantra during this worship - OM NAMAH SHIVAY
say it as many times as you want - usually in sets of 108, but not necessary.
If you need a visual imagery - visualize on the seated meditating Shiva
This is the Shiva, seated in HIS SELF, and readily bestowing favors on his devotee.
OM NAMAH SHIVAY This is the magic mantra – and Lord Shiva is easily pleased with the chanting of this mantra. Lord Shiva is known for granting wishes easily; can pray to him for all success. Lord Shiva represents the aspect of the Supreme Being and is considered to be the destroyer of evil and sorrow. Shiva is 'tri netra' or three eyed, and is 'neela kantha' - blue necked. Shiva - Nataraja is the Divine Cosmic Dancer. Shiva - Ardhanareeswara is both man and woman. He is the source of fertility in all living beings. He has gentle as well as fierce forms. Shiva is the greatest of renouncers as well as the ideal lover. He destroys evil and protects good. He bestows prosperity on worshipers although he is austere. He is omnipresent and resides in everyone as pure consciousness. Lord Shiva is the Lord of mercy and compassion. He protects devotees from evil forces such as lust, greed, and anger. He grants boons, bestows grace and awakens wisdom in His devotees. Lord Shiva is the third member of the Hindu Trinity, the other two being Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Owing to His cosmic activity of dissolution and recreation, the words destroyer and destruction have been erroneously associated with Lord Shiva.
Rudra Abhishekam is performed by a priest at the temple; is done with the Rudraksha beads and is done for the fullfilment of our desires and invocation of His divine blessings. The Laghunyasa is recited. The Shivopasana mantra and the 108 names of Lord Shiva are recited. Then Sri Rudram (chapter 16 & 18 of Yajur Veda) is recited and the Shiva Linga abhishekam is done with the prescribed 11 ingredients. Chanting of the Sri Rudram in rhythm purifies the entire atmosphere. In Kaivalya upanishad it is said that “Rudra Japam” can wipe out all sins and acts is a ‘Prayaschitham’ for all. Sri Rudram is also called as Rudra Upanishad and Satha Rudriyam. The Sri Rudram identifies 346 desires of human beings to be fulfilled to have a peaceful daily life and invokes Lord Rudra to fulfill all of them. The Astrology scriptures have repeatedly prescribed this as a remedy for several planetary Doshas. Whether you want peace or prosperity, progeny or progress in profession, health or wealth the Rudrabhishekam Pooja is the ideal one.
The various purposes of doing this Puja are:
We can perform the Rudrabhishekham of SHIVA LINGAM in the temple within our home.
This worship involves prayers while bathing the shiva linga with milk, yogurt, butter etc, before the Shiva Linga is decorated with flowers, rudraksha etc. and finally presented to the devotees for worship and getting His blessings.
At the temples, there is a price tag if you want to participate (paid at the end of the worship). But you don’t necessarily have to participate in the actual Rudrabhishekam, and just be a passive observer, revel in the divine experience of watching a rudrabhiskham, while you meditate – that will be perfectly fine. If we get there early, we can sit in the inner chamber. The experience is much better sitting in the inner chamber.
We will need to be quiet during the proceedings. During this ritual, we will hear many mantras and shlokas, while milk, yoghurt, water, butter, honey, sugar, fruit juices, bhasma powder etc are poured over the shiva lingam in pacifying the hot and fiery Shiva and invoking his blessings. The curtains will be drawn shielding the Shiva Lingam from our eyes – during two portions of this ritual worship.
During the Rudrabhiskeham, the following offerings are made to Lord Shiva
- Milk
- Buttermilk
- Yoghurt
- Honey
- Sugar
- Orange Juice
- Ashes or Vivuddhi or Bhasm
- Yellow powder (sandlewood)
- Oil
Here is the mantra during this worship - OM NAMAH SHIVAY
say it as many times as you want - usually in sets of 108, but not necessary.
If you need a visual imagery - visualize on the seated meditating Shiva
This is the Shiva, seated in HIS SELF, and readily bestowing favors on his devotee.
OM NAMAH SHIVAY This is the magic mantra – and Lord Shiva is easily pleased with the chanting of this mantra. Lord Shiva is known for granting wishes easily; can pray to him for all success. Lord Shiva represents the aspect of the Supreme Being and is considered to be the destroyer of evil and sorrow. Shiva is 'tri netra' or three eyed, and is 'neela kantha' - blue necked. Shiva - Nataraja is the Divine Cosmic Dancer. Shiva - Ardhanareeswara is both man and woman. He is the source of fertility in all living beings. He has gentle as well as fierce forms. Shiva is the greatest of renouncers as well as the ideal lover. He destroys evil and protects good. He bestows prosperity on worshipers although he is austere. He is omnipresent and resides in everyone as pure consciousness. Lord Shiva is the Lord of mercy and compassion. He protects devotees from evil forces such as lust, greed, and anger. He grants boons, bestows grace and awakens wisdom in His devotees. Lord Shiva is the third member of the Hindu Trinity, the other two being Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Owing to His cosmic activity of dissolution and recreation, the words destroyer and destruction have been erroneously associated with Lord Shiva.
Rudra Abhishekam is performed by a priest at the temple; is done with the Rudraksha beads and is done for the fullfilment of our desires and invocation of His divine blessings. The Laghunyasa is recited. The Shivopasana mantra and the 108 names of Lord Shiva are recited. Then Sri Rudram (chapter 16 & 18 of Yajur Veda) is recited and the Shiva Linga abhishekam is done with the prescribed 11 ingredients. Chanting of the Sri Rudram in rhythm purifies the entire atmosphere. In Kaivalya upanishad it is said that “Rudra Japam” can wipe out all sins and acts is a ‘Prayaschitham’ for all. Sri Rudram is also called as Rudra Upanishad and Satha Rudriyam. The Sri Rudram identifies 346 desires of human beings to be fulfilled to have a peaceful daily life and invokes Lord Rudra to fulfill all of them. The Astrology scriptures have repeatedly prescribed this as a remedy for several planetary Doshas. Whether you want peace or prosperity, progeny or progress in profession, health or wealth the Rudrabhishekam Pooja is the ideal one.
The various purposes of doing this Puja are:
- This puja is considered to be the destroyer of all evil forces and possible dangers related to various aspects of life be it happiness at home, success in career and job, relationship harmony, and many more.
- It helps you in getting rid of bottlenecks in your career and to achieve success and growth in professional life.
- For maintaining matrimonial harmony and sound love relationships.
- For Graha Shanti (For bringing peace and harmony to home).
- It is done to remove health related problems.
- It is performed to get rid of any financial problems.
Philosophy of Rudraabhishekam
Salutations and adorations to the blissful Lord Siva, the lover of Uma or Parvati, the Lord of all beings (Pasupati).
“Alankarapriyo Vishnuh, Abhishekapriyah Sivah--Lord Vishnu is very fond of Alankara (fine dress, beautiful ornaments, etc.); Siva is fond of Abhisheka.” In Siva temples, a pot made up of copper or brass with a hole in the centre is kept hanging over the image or Linga of Siva, and water is falling on the image throughout day and night. Pouring over the Linga, water, milk, ghee, curd, honey, cocoanut water, Panchamrita, etc., is Abhisheka. Abhisheka is done for Lord Siva. Rudra is chanted along with the Abhisheka. Lord Siva is propitiated by Abhisheka.
Lord Siva drank the poison that emanated from the ocean and wore the Ganga and moon on His head to cool His head. He has the fiery third eye. Constant Abhisheka cools this eye.
The greatest and the highest Abhisheka is to pour the waters of pure love on the Atmalinga of the lotus of the heart. The external Abhisheka with various objects will help the growth of devotion and adoration for Lord Siva and eventually lead to internal Abhisheka with pure abundant flow of love.
Abhisheka is a part of Siva Puja. Without Abhisheka, worship of Siva is incomplete. During Abhisheka Rudra, Purushasukta, Chamaka, Maha-mrityunjaya Japa, etc., are chanted in a particular rhythm and order. Monday is very important day for Lord Siva and the thirteenth day of the fortnight (Pradosha) is very sacred. On these days, devotees of Siva worship Him with special Puja, Abhisheka with Ekadasa-Rudra, Archana, offering plenty of Prasad, and illumination.
In Ekadasa-Rudra Abhisheka, every Rudra is chanted with distinctive articles for Abhisheka. Ganga water, milk, ghee, honey, rose-water, cocoanut water, sandal paste, Panchamrita, scented oil, sugarcane juice and lime juice are made use of for Abhisheka. After every Abhisheka, pure water is poured over the head of Siva. When Rudra is repeated once, the different articles of Abhisheka are made use of after every stanza of the Rudra. The Abhisheka water or other articles used for Abhisheka are considered very sacred and bestow immense benefits on the devotees who take it as the Lord’s Prasad. It purifies the heart and destroys countless sins. You must take it with intense Bhava and faith.
When you do Abhisheka with Bhava and devotion, your mind is concentrated. Your heart is filled with the image of the Lord and divine thoughts. You forget your body and its relation and surroundings. Egoism gradually vanishes. When there is forgetfulness, you begin to enjoy and taste the eternal bliss of Lord Siva. Recitation of Rudra or Om Namassivaya purifies the mind and fills it with Sattva.
If you do Abhisheka with Rudrapatha in the name of a person suffering from any disease he will be soon freed from that disease. Incurable diseases are cured by Abhisheka. Abhisheka bestows health, wealth, prosperity, progeny, etc. Abhisheka on Monday is most auspicious.
By offering Panchamrita, honey, milk, etc., to the Lord, thoughts of your body diminish. Selfishness slowly vanishes. You derive immense joy. You begin to increase your offerings unto the Lord. Therefore, self-sacrifice and self-surrender come in. Naturally, there is an outpouring from your heart, “I am Thine, my Lord. All is Thine, my Lord”.
Kannappa Nayanar, a great devotee of Lord Siva, a hunter by profession, did Abhisheka with the water in his mouth for the Linga at Kalahasti in South India and propitiated Lord Siva. Lord Siva is pleased by pure devotion. It is the mental Bhava that counts and not the outward show. Lord Siva said to the temple priest: “This water from the mouth of Kannappa, my beloved devotee, is more pure than the water of the Ganga”.
A devotee should be regular in doing Abhisheka for the Lord. He should get by heart Rudra and Chamakam. Ekadasa Rudra is more powerful and effective. In Northern India, every man or woman takes a lota of water and pours it on the image of Siva. This also causes beneficial results and brings about the fulfilment of one’s desire. Abhisheka on Sivaratri day is very effective.
May you all recite Rudrapatha which describes the glory of Lord Siva and His manifestations in every living being, in every animate and inanimate being! May you do Abhisheka daily and thus obtain the grace of Lord Siva! May Lord Visvanatha bless you all!
“Alankarapriyo Vishnuh, Abhishekapriyah Sivah--Lord Vishnu is very fond of Alankara (fine dress, beautiful ornaments, etc.); Siva is fond of Abhisheka.” In Siva temples, a pot made up of copper or brass with a hole in the centre is kept hanging over the image or Linga of Siva, and water is falling on the image throughout day and night. Pouring over the Linga, water, milk, ghee, curd, honey, cocoanut water, Panchamrita, etc., is Abhisheka. Abhisheka is done for Lord Siva. Rudra is chanted along with the Abhisheka. Lord Siva is propitiated by Abhisheka.
Lord Siva drank the poison that emanated from the ocean and wore the Ganga and moon on His head to cool His head. He has the fiery third eye. Constant Abhisheka cools this eye.
The greatest and the highest Abhisheka is to pour the waters of pure love on the Atmalinga of the lotus of the heart. The external Abhisheka with various objects will help the growth of devotion and adoration for Lord Siva and eventually lead to internal Abhisheka with pure abundant flow of love.
Abhisheka is a part of Siva Puja. Without Abhisheka, worship of Siva is incomplete. During Abhisheka Rudra, Purushasukta, Chamaka, Maha-mrityunjaya Japa, etc., are chanted in a particular rhythm and order. Monday is very important day for Lord Siva and the thirteenth day of the fortnight (Pradosha) is very sacred. On these days, devotees of Siva worship Him with special Puja, Abhisheka with Ekadasa-Rudra, Archana, offering plenty of Prasad, and illumination.
In Ekadasa-Rudra Abhisheka, every Rudra is chanted with distinctive articles for Abhisheka. Ganga water, milk, ghee, honey, rose-water, cocoanut water, sandal paste, Panchamrita, scented oil, sugarcane juice and lime juice are made use of for Abhisheka. After every Abhisheka, pure water is poured over the head of Siva. When Rudra is repeated once, the different articles of Abhisheka are made use of after every stanza of the Rudra. The Abhisheka water or other articles used for Abhisheka are considered very sacred and bestow immense benefits on the devotees who take it as the Lord’s Prasad. It purifies the heart and destroys countless sins. You must take it with intense Bhava and faith.
When you do Abhisheka with Bhava and devotion, your mind is concentrated. Your heart is filled with the image of the Lord and divine thoughts. You forget your body and its relation and surroundings. Egoism gradually vanishes. When there is forgetfulness, you begin to enjoy and taste the eternal bliss of Lord Siva. Recitation of Rudra or Om Namassivaya purifies the mind and fills it with Sattva.
If you do Abhisheka with Rudrapatha in the name of a person suffering from any disease he will be soon freed from that disease. Incurable diseases are cured by Abhisheka. Abhisheka bestows health, wealth, prosperity, progeny, etc. Abhisheka on Monday is most auspicious.
By offering Panchamrita, honey, milk, etc., to the Lord, thoughts of your body diminish. Selfishness slowly vanishes. You derive immense joy. You begin to increase your offerings unto the Lord. Therefore, self-sacrifice and self-surrender come in. Naturally, there is an outpouring from your heart, “I am Thine, my Lord. All is Thine, my Lord”.
Kannappa Nayanar, a great devotee of Lord Siva, a hunter by profession, did Abhisheka with the water in his mouth for the Linga at Kalahasti in South India and propitiated Lord Siva. Lord Siva is pleased by pure devotion. It is the mental Bhava that counts and not the outward show. Lord Siva said to the temple priest: “This water from the mouth of Kannappa, my beloved devotee, is more pure than the water of the Ganga”.
A devotee should be regular in doing Abhisheka for the Lord. He should get by heart Rudra and Chamakam. Ekadasa Rudra is more powerful and effective. In Northern India, every man or woman takes a lota of water and pours it on the image of Siva. This also causes beneficial results and brings about the fulfilment of one’s desire. Abhisheka on Sivaratri day is very effective.
May you all recite Rudrapatha which describes the glory of Lord Siva and His manifestations in every living being, in every animate and inanimate being! May you do Abhisheka daily and thus obtain the grace of Lord Siva! May Lord Visvanatha bless you all!
Form of Shiva and the significance
Hara Maheshvara Shulapani Pinakadhrik Pashupati Shiva Mahadeva
He is Sivam (auspicious, Subham), Sundaram (beautiful), Kantam (effulgent). “Santam Sivam Advaitam” (Mandukya Upanishad).
I bow with folded hands crores of times at the lotus-feet of that Lord Siva who is non-dual, who is the Adhishthana, or support for the world and all minds, who is Sat-Chit-Ananda, who is the Ruler, the Antaryamin, the Sakshi (silent witness) for everything, who is self-effulgent, self-existent and self-contained (Pari-purna), who is the remover of the primitive Avidya and who is the Adi-Guru or Parama-Guru or Jagad-Guru.That Lord Siva I am in essence. Sivoham, Sivoham, Sivoham.
Snake On The Body Of Siva-Serpent is the Jiva or the individual soul which rests upon Siva, the Paramatman or the Supreme Soul. The five hoods mean the five senses or the five Tattvas, viz., earth, water, fire, air and ether. They also represent the five Pranas, which hiss in the body like the serpent. The inhalation and exhalation are like the hissing of the serpent. Lord Siva Himself became the five Tanmatras, the five Jnanendriyas, the five Karmendriyas and other groups of five. The individual soul enjoys the worldly objects through these Tattvas. When the individual attains knowledge through control of the senses and the mind, he finds his eternal resting abode in Lord Siva, the Supreme Soul. This is the esoteric significance of Lord Siva wearing the snake on His body.
Lord Siva is absolutely fearless. Srutis declare, “This Brahman is fearless (Abhayam), Immortal (Amritam).” Worldly people are afraid even at the very sight of a snake but Lord Siva is wearing serpents as ornaments on His body. This indicates that Lord Siva is absolutely fearless and immortal.Generally serpents live for hundreds of years. Wearing of serpents by Lord Siva signifies that He is Eternal.
Significance of Bhasma, Nandi, Etc. OmNamassivaya is the Mantra of Lord Siva. ‘Na’ represents earth and Brahma; ‘Ma’ represents water and Vishnu; ‘Si’ fire and Rudra; ‘Va’ Vayu and Mahesvara; ‘Ya’ Akasa and Sadasiva and also the Jiva.
Lord Siva has white complexion. What is the significance of white colour? He teaches silently that people should have pure heart and entertain pure thoughts and should be free from crookedness, diplomacy, cunningness, jealousy, hatred, etc.
He wears three white-lined Bhasma or Vibhuti on His forehead. What is the significance of this? He teaches silently that people should destroy the three impurities, viz., Anava (egoism), Karma (action with expectation of fruits), and Maya (illusion), and the three desires or Eshanas, viz., desire for landed property, desire for woman, desire for gold, and the three Vasanas, viz., Lokavasana, Dehavasana and Sastravasana, and then attain Him with a pure heart.
What does the Balipitha or altar which stands in front of the sanctum sanctorum of the Siva’s temple represent? People should destroy their egoism and mineness (Ahamta and Mamata) before they attain the Lord. This is the significance.
What does Nandi or the bull which is in front of Sivalinga represent? Nandi is the attendant or doorkeeper of Siva. He is the vehicle of Lord Siva. He represents Satsanga. If you make association with the sages, you are sure to attain God-realisation. Sages will show you the way to reach Him. They will remove pitfalls or snares that lie on your path. They will clear your doubts and instil in your heart dispassion, discrimination and knowledge. There is no other safe boat than Satsanga to reach the other shore of fearlessness and immortality. Even a moment’s Satsanga or association with the sages, is a great blessing to the aspirants and the worldly-minded persons. They get firm conviction in the existence of God through Satsanga. The sages remove the worldly Samskaras. The company of sages is a formidable fortress to protect oneself from the temptations of Maya.
Lord Siva represents the destructive aspect of the Godhead. He is seen absorbed on the mountain peak of Kailas. He is an embodiment of serenity, renunciation and indifference to the world. The third eye in the centre of His forehead represents His destructive energy which when let loose destroys the world. Nandi is His favourite. He is the door-Keeper. He is seen hushing all nature, so that the Lord may not be disturbed in His Samadhi. The Lord has five faces, ten hands, ten eyes, two feet.
Vrishabha or the bull represents Dharma Devata. Lord Siva rides on the bull. Bull is His vehicle. This denotes that Lord Siva is the protector of Dharma, is an embodiment of Dharma or righteousness.
Deer represents the Vedas. Its four legs are the four Vedas. Lord Siva is holding the deer in His hand. This indicates that He is the Lord of the Vedas.
He has sword in one of His hands. This signifies that He is the destroyer of births and deaths. The fire in one of His hands shows that He protects the Jivas by burning all fetters.
The symbolic significance of Shiva's body :
· His arms: In one of his upper arms, Siva holds the kettle drum( damroo) whose sound symbolizes creative energy. The other upper arm holds the fire pot of destruction. The lower right hand shows abhaya (Do not fear) mudra . The lower left hand points to the Lord's lifted foot saying "Your salvation lies in worshipping my feet !"
· At the base of the crown of hair on Siva's head is a skull - this is symbolic of Siva's destroying energy.
· River Ganga on his head denotes fertility.
· The crescent moon on his head ( Siva is Chandrasekhara) signifies Siva's grace and also Time.
· The cobra on his head indicates Kundalinishakti at Sahasrara-chakra
· His third eye stands for omniscience or wisdom.
· On his right ear, Siva wears makara-kundala, signifying the male principle and on the left, the tatanka ( being Ardhanarisa) denoting the female principles.
· His necklace of skulls of Brahma, Vishnu and others proclaim that he is the arbiter of numberless creations and destructions
· The ashes smeared all over his body are symbolic of purity. It reminds us that in the love of transient Samsara we should not lose sight of the God. The body will end up in ashes.
· Beads of Rudraksh he wears represent the solidified tears of pity Shiva sheds at the woes of his bhaktas.
· He wears the Upavita or the sacred thread consisting of 96 strands representing the 96 tatvas , this represents that he is the arbiter of all actions.
· The Tiger skin he wears on his loins tells us that we must strip ourselves of ahankara or pride which is equated to the tiger
He is Sivam (auspicious, Subham), Sundaram (beautiful), Kantam (effulgent). “Santam Sivam Advaitam” (Mandukya Upanishad).
I bow with folded hands crores of times at the lotus-feet of that Lord Siva who is non-dual, who is the Adhishthana, or support for the world and all minds, who is Sat-Chit-Ananda, who is the Ruler, the Antaryamin, the Sakshi (silent witness) for everything, who is self-effulgent, self-existent and self-contained (Pari-purna), who is the remover of the primitive Avidya and who is the Adi-Guru or Parama-Guru or Jagad-Guru.That Lord Siva I am in essence. Sivoham, Sivoham, Sivoham.
Snake On The Body Of Siva-Serpent is the Jiva or the individual soul which rests upon Siva, the Paramatman or the Supreme Soul. The five hoods mean the five senses or the five Tattvas, viz., earth, water, fire, air and ether. They also represent the five Pranas, which hiss in the body like the serpent. The inhalation and exhalation are like the hissing of the serpent. Lord Siva Himself became the five Tanmatras, the five Jnanendriyas, the five Karmendriyas and other groups of five. The individual soul enjoys the worldly objects through these Tattvas. When the individual attains knowledge through control of the senses and the mind, he finds his eternal resting abode in Lord Siva, the Supreme Soul. This is the esoteric significance of Lord Siva wearing the snake on His body.
Lord Siva is absolutely fearless. Srutis declare, “This Brahman is fearless (Abhayam), Immortal (Amritam).” Worldly people are afraid even at the very sight of a snake but Lord Siva is wearing serpents as ornaments on His body. This indicates that Lord Siva is absolutely fearless and immortal.Generally serpents live for hundreds of years. Wearing of serpents by Lord Siva signifies that He is Eternal.
Significance of Bhasma, Nandi, Etc. OmNamassivaya is the Mantra of Lord Siva. ‘Na’ represents earth and Brahma; ‘Ma’ represents water and Vishnu; ‘Si’ fire and Rudra; ‘Va’ Vayu and Mahesvara; ‘Ya’ Akasa and Sadasiva and also the Jiva.
Lord Siva has white complexion. What is the significance of white colour? He teaches silently that people should have pure heart and entertain pure thoughts and should be free from crookedness, diplomacy, cunningness, jealousy, hatred, etc.
He wears three white-lined Bhasma or Vibhuti on His forehead. What is the significance of this? He teaches silently that people should destroy the three impurities, viz., Anava (egoism), Karma (action with expectation of fruits), and Maya (illusion), and the three desires or Eshanas, viz., desire for landed property, desire for woman, desire for gold, and the three Vasanas, viz., Lokavasana, Dehavasana and Sastravasana, and then attain Him with a pure heart.
What does the Balipitha or altar which stands in front of the sanctum sanctorum of the Siva’s temple represent? People should destroy their egoism and mineness (Ahamta and Mamata) before they attain the Lord. This is the significance.
What does Nandi or the bull which is in front of Sivalinga represent? Nandi is the attendant or doorkeeper of Siva. He is the vehicle of Lord Siva. He represents Satsanga. If you make association with the sages, you are sure to attain God-realisation. Sages will show you the way to reach Him. They will remove pitfalls or snares that lie on your path. They will clear your doubts and instil in your heart dispassion, discrimination and knowledge. There is no other safe boat than Satsanga to reach the other shore of fearlessness and immortality. Even a moment’s Satsanga or association with the sages, is a great blessing to the aspirants and the worldly-minded persons. They get firm conviction in the existence of God through Satsanga. The sages remove the worldly Samskaras. The company of sages is a formidable fortress to protect oneself from the temptations of Maya.
Lord Siva represents the destructive aspect of the Godhead. He is seen absorbed on the mountain peak of Kailas. He is an embodiment of serenity, renunciation and indifference to the world. The third eye in the centre of His forehead represents His destructive energy which when let loose destroys the world. Nandi is His favourite. He is the door-Keeper. He is seen hushing all nature, so that the Lord may not be disturbed in His Samadhi. The Lord has five faces, ten hands, ten eyes, two feet.
Vrishabha or the bull represents Dharma Devata. Lord Siva rides on the bull. Bull is His vehicle. This denotes that Lord Siva is the protector of Dharma, is an embodiment of Dharma or righteousness.
Deer represents the Vedas. Its four legs are the four Vedas. Lord Siva is holding the deer in His hand. This indicates that He is the Lord of the Vedas.
He has sword in one of His hands. This signifies that He is the destroyer of births and deaths. The fire in one of His hands shows that He protects the Jivas by burning all fetters.
The symbolic significance of Shiva's body :
· His arms: In one of his upper arms, Siva holds the kettle drum( damroo) whose sound symbolizes creative energy. The other upper arm holds the fire pot of destruction. The lower right hand shows abhaya (Do not fear) mudra . The lower left hand points to the Lord's lifted foot saying "Your salvation lies in worshipping my feet !"
· At the base of the crown of hair on Siva's head is a skull - this is symbolic of Siva's destroying energy.
· River Ganga on his head denotes fertility.
· The crescent moon on his head ( Siva is Chandrasekhara) signifies Siva's grace and also Time.
· The cobra on his head indicates Kundalinishakti at Sahasrara-chakra
· His third eye stands for omniscience or wisdom.
· On his right ear, Siva wears makara-kundala, signifying the male principle and on the left, the tatanka ( being Ardhanarisa) denoting the female principles.
· His necklace of skulls of Brahma, Vishnu and others proclaim that he is the arbiter of numberless creations and destructions
· The ashes smeared all over his body are symbolic of purity. It reminds us that in the love of transient Samsara we should not lose sight of the God. The body will end up in ashes.
· Beads of Rudraksh he wears represent the solidified tears of pity Shiva sheds at the woes of his bhaktas.
· He wears the Upavita or the sacred thread consisting of 96 strands representing the 96 tatvas , this represents that he is the arbiter of all actions.
· The Tiger skin he wears on his loins tells us that we must strip ourselves of ahankara or pride which is equated to the tiger
25 Lilas of Lord Shiva
The Twentyfive Lilas of Lord Siva The following are the 25 Lilas (sportive plays) or manifestations of Lord Siva:
1.Wearing of moon on the head,
2.Living with Uma Devi,
3.Riding on ox,
4.Tandava dance with Kali,
5.Marriage with Parvati,
6.Begging,
7.Burning of Manmatha or the God of Love,
8.Victory over Yama or the God of Death,
9.Burning of Tripuras,
10.Killing of Jalandarasura,
11.Killing of Gajasura,
12.Incarnation of Virabhadra,
13.Harihara,
14.Ardhanarisvara,
15.Transforming into Kirata, (hunter),
16.Assuming the form of Kankala,
17.Blessing Chandisvara,
18.Drinking poison,
19.Giving of Chakra to Lord Vishnu,
20.Destroying of obstacles,
21.Having sons of Uma Devi with Him,
22.Becoming Ekapada Rudra,
23.Being in easy pose (Sukhasana),
24.Assuming the form of Dakshinamurti, and
25.Assuming Linga form.
1.Wearing of moon on the head,
2.Living with Uma Devi,
3.Riding on ox,
4.Tandava dance with Kali,
5.Marriage with Parvati,
6.Begging,
7.Burning of Manmatha or the God of Love,
8.Victory over Yama or the God of Death,
9.Burning of Tripuras,
10.Killing of Jalandarasura,
11.Killing of Gajasura,
12.Incarnation of Virabhadra,
13.Harihara,
14.Ardhanarisvara,
15.Transforming into Kirata, (hunter),
16.Assuming the form of Kankala,
17.Blessing Chandisvara,
18.Drinking poison,
19.Giving of Chakra to Lord Vishnu,
20.Destroying of obstacles,
21.Having sons of Uma Devi with Him,
22.Becoming Ekapada Rudra,
23.Being in easy pose (Sukhasana),
24.Assuming the form of Dakshinamurti, and
25.Assuming Linga form.
Maha ShivaRatri
Link here
The word Shivratri literally translates into "the night of Shiva.” This is because the ceremonies take place chiefly at night. A daylong fast, a nightlong vigil, and the reverberating rhythm of sacred chants mark the day. This is a festival observed in honor of Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on this auspicious day. The Shiva Lingam is worshipped throughout the night by washing it every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., whilst the chanting of the Mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” continues. Offerings of bael leaves are made to the Lingam. Bael leaves are very sacred, for it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi resides in them. .
A lot of people fast on this day and if you google for shivaratri fasting recipes you will find some. Popular ones are SABUDANA KHICHDI and
Read more about ShivaRatri here
The word Shivratri literally translates into "the night of Shiva.” This is because the ceremonies take place chiefly at night. A daylong fast, a nightlong vigil, and the reverberating rhythm of sacred chants mark the day. This is a festival observed in honor of Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on this auspicious day. The Shiva Lingam is worshipped throughout the night by washing it every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., whilst the chanting of the Mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” continues. Offerings of bael leaves are made to the Lingam. Bael leaves are very sacred, for it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi resides in them. .
A lot of people fast on this day and if you google for shivaratri fasting recipes you will find some. Popular ones are SABUDANA KHICHDI and
Read more about ShivaRatri here
