Ramanisblog

Category: Hinduism

  • Become Invisible In Pond Thiruvellarai Oldest Vishnu Temple

    There are a few places in India which are reported to be quiet ancient, some of them to Billion years!
    And these have been dated scientifically.
    For example Thiruvannamalai 3.94 billion years, Thirupati 2100 million years.
    Please read my posts on these places and more places similar to them.
    And now there is an addition to this list.

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    The Temple for Vishnu at Srirangam ,is reported to be built by Rama,though many state that it was built earlier.
    This period belongs to Treta Yuga, some 4,32,000 ago according to Indian Texts.
    Historical dating of Lord Rama is around 5114 BC.
    We may safely state that Srirangam belongs to 5114 BC, if not earlier.
    References are found in Indian Texts that there is another temple which was built earlier by Lord Rama’s ancestor, King Sibi.
    The same Sibi is mentioned as the one who parted with his Flesh to feed a Dove.
    This has been mentioned in Tamil Sangam Literature, which is dated around 3000 BC.
    But  the date of Sangam literature is pushed back by at least by 20,000 subsequent finding of the ruins of Poompuhar,Tamil Nadu.
    Poompuhar’s period was much later than Sangam period!
    The Tamil Cholas are referred to as the descendants of Ikshvaku Clan,to which Lord Rama belonged.
    So the refernce to a temple earlier to that of Srirangam gains credibility.
    The Temple of Pundarikaksha(Vishnu) is mentioned in Sangam Classics and also referred to in King Rajaraja’s inscriptions.

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    Rajaraja built the Thanjavur Big Temple.
    He belongs to 1039 AD.
    The place where the temple is was called Thiruvellarai. Even now it is called so.
    Thiruvellarai is about 19 km from Srirangam and bus facilities are available.
    Nearest Airport.  Thiruchirapalli.
    Railway Station. Thiruchirapalli/Srirangam.
    It is recorded in Srimad Bhagavadham that Rakshsas of the South,Rakshasa being a powerful race mostly settled in now sunk Lemuria, were inciting rebellion in the south of King Sibi’s Kingdom.
    Sibi proceeded with his army to annihilate the Rakshasas but was thwarted by a wild Boar(Swetha Varaha, an Avatar of Lord Vishnu).
    Sage Markandeya who was in meditation there advised Sibi that Sibi’s descendent (Rama)would take care of the Rakshasas and Sibi should build  temple for Vishnu and have His darshan.
    This Sibi did and this is the Thiruvellarai temple.
    Temple timings. 6 to 12 noon. 4 pm to 8 pm.
    Contact. SRI Kannan +91 8760732566
    As the Bhattars in charge of pooja perform duties by turn I have provided the permanent staff  number at the temple

    The Main Deity is Pundaikakshan( Lotus eyed Vishnu).
    ‘ Goddess: Shenbagavalli, also called as Periya Piraattiyaar Lakshmi Devi. Seperate sannadhi for Thaayar. Utsavar thaayar is named as Pangajavalli.
    Mangalasasanam: Periyalwar – 11, Thirumangai Alwar – 13, a total of 14 Paasurams. Perialwar – 71, 192 – 201, Thirumangaialwar – 1368-77, 1851, 2673, 2674
    Prathyaksham for Periya Thiruvadi Garudan, Sibi chakravarthy, Bhoodevi (Bhoomi Piratti), Maarkandeya Maharishi, Lord Brahma, Rudhran (Lord Shiva).
    Sri Pundarikakshan, Bhoomi Piratti, Periya piratti, Suriya and Chandiran and Aadisheshan are in human forms in the Moolavar Place.
    Other shrines: Krishna, Vishwaksenar, Nammazhwar, Chakarathazhwar, Nadhamunigal, Kulasekara Azhwar, Thondarippodi Azhwar, Andal, Ramanuja and Manavala Mamunigal.
    At the very entrance are the 18 steps reminding one of the 18 chapters of Bhagvat Gita given to us byPundareekakshan.
    After this, one comes across 4 steps that are considered equal to the 4 Vedas to reach the Bali Peetam.
    From here, one enters the Perumal sannidhi by ascending 5 steps representing the PanchaBhoothams (Fire, Water, Space, Air and Earth) and crossing theNaazhi Kettaan Vasal.
    Here there are 2 gates Dakshinaayana Gate and Utharaayana Gate which are alternately used during the Dakshinayana/ Utharayana 6 month periods.
    One climbs further 8 steps remind one of Ashtaaksharam
    Thereafter one comes to the 24 steps reminding one of Gayathri Mantram to arrive at the sanctum sanctorum,where Senthaamarai Kannan (Pundareekaakshan) stands with His consort Pankayacchelvi Naacchiyaar.
    Legend has it that all the Vaishnavas who perform daily poojas in temples in south are originally from Thiruvellarai.
    The sanctum sanctorum has two entrances namely Utharayana Gate and the Dakshinayana Gate as in the Sarangapani temple at Kumbakonam. Utharayana Gate is open from the Tamil month of Thai (Capricorn) until the month of Aadi (Cancer), i.e., from Jan 15 to June 15 approximately and from then on, the Dakshinayana Gate is open.
    In the human life, there are two separate entrances, one for entering into the life and the other for exiting out of it. We would be able to feel the presence of Paramaathma in both – while entering into the life and while exiting out of it. The two gates represnt this. The Utharayana Gate is the entrance through which all the Jeevathmas enter into the world as a human-being or as a non human-being and is the place of “Lord Guberan”, the God of wealth. The Dhakshinayana Gate is the entrance to the death and it is the place of Lord Yama, the king of Naragam. The Lord is ‘Suriya Narayanan’ during Utharayanam and is ‘Govindan’ during Dakshinayanam.
    Apart from Utharayana and Dakshinayana Gates, the sanctum sanctorum has one more entrance called ‘Naazhi Kettaan Vaayil’ where it is believed that the Lord was intercepted and questioned by his consort, upon his returning home later, after his sojourn. Even today, during the festivals, after completing the trip outside, Perumal has to account for his time to his consort by informing the time he started, the places he visited etc., at this gate in order to gain entry into the temple.
    A Temple tank Swastik Kulam (pond) or Maamiyaar -Maattu Penn (Mother in law – Daughter in law) 3, maintained by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is outside the temple on the south-eastern side. The Swasthik shape of the tank makes it possible that people bathing at one ghat cannot view any other ghat. There are beautiful sculptures in the pillars above the steps.


    In front of big pillar in this temple, when we make any sound, it replicates and echo around the temple in the inner prakaram. Because of this, some of the paasurams in Divyapprabhandhams are recited for 2-3 times.
    There are two cave temples in the rocks, one of them belongs to the period of `Pallava Malla’ Nandivarman II and another belongs to the period of Rajaraja 1. There is another cave temple carved out of a rock known as Swedhagiri where Lord Siva, known as `Vada Jambunathar’ and Pundarikaksha are enshrined.

    I have noticed that as one enters the Artha Mandapa,one can feel a cool breeze blowing ,though the temperature outside makes one sweat and there is no source for the cool air inside.

    Thiruvellarai Brief detailshttps://youtu.be/_Jpwu1m2An8

    Citation and reference.
    https://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/2007/10/24/thiruvellarai/

    Thiruvellarai Pundarikaksha temple.

  • Ruby Shiva Embraces Vishnu accompanies Shiva Nagappattinam

    I have noticed a few things as I traveled south from Tiruchi through the coastal belt of the bay of Bengal on Tamil Nadu.
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    1.The perceived difference between Shiva and Vishnu is replaced it one of amity and Vishnu and Shiva mix together!

    2.The sages of the north seem to have a preference to go deep down to south to worship Deities.

    3. The Goddesses, specifically the spouses of Vishn and Shiva gain more prominence than Vishnu and Shiva, as in Thiruvellarai and in Thirukkadavur.

    These have historical significance and i shall be writing on this.

    Near the tip of the eastern coast of India is Nagappatinam.

    It is also called as Thirukkaaronam.

    It means that instead of the individual soul merging with the Universal Soul, the Universal soul descends and merges with the Individual Soul.

    The Kaayarohanar Temple of Shiva demonstrates this.

    Lord Shiva embraced His devotee here.

     

    Sage Pundarika as advised by Sage Kanwa performed penance on Lord Shiva seeking salvation.  Granting His darshan, Lord embraced the sage and granted salvation.  As a rule, the soul merges with the Lord attaining salvation.  But in this case Lord embraced with the body (Kayam in Tamil) with that of Sage (Aaroganam). Hence Lord is named Kaya (body) Aarogana (embracing) Easwarar-Lord – Kayaroganeswarar.

     

    King of serpents prayed to Lord and got a girl child.  It had three breasts in birth itself.  The king was sad to see this abnormality.  Lord Shiva assured the king that one breast will disappear when a king of Surya dynasty visited his place.  When king Shalisuhan came there, one breast of the girl disappeared.  Happy Naga king gave his daughter to Shalisuhan in marriage.  As Naga king worshipped here, the place came to be known as Nagai Karonam. Now it is Nagapattinam.’

    Vishnu meets and travels with Shiva.

    ‘

    During festival procession, Lord goes round the Mada Veedhis (Streets) and return to the temple.  But Lord beginning his procession from this temple, goes to seven places – Poigainallur, Poravacherry, Sikkal, Palur, Vadagudi, Thethi and Nagoor.  Maharaja Salija worshipped Lord Shiva and performed puja in these seven places.  The present system is to remember this history.

    Nagappatinam is one of the Saptha Vidanga sthalas.

    Please read my article on Satha Vidanga Sthalas.

    As a Saptha Vidanga Sthala one finds a Ruby Shiva Linga in addition to a self formed Shiva Linga.

     

    Against the practice of Lord coming in the Vrushab vahan on Pradosham days, Lord Vishnu too accompanies Lord Shiva in the guise of Mohini.  When the milk ocean was churned, Nectar came out and was served by Lord Vishnu to Devas.  Devas failed to pray to Lord Shiva who swallowed the Halahala poison to save the world.  Realizing their folly, they begged the pardon of the Lord.  Showing His mercy to them, Lord Shiva danced on Nandhi.  This dance took place at the Pradosham time.  Lord Vishnu’s Mohini Avtar took place a little before this time.  This Vishnu darshan is available to the devotees on Pradosham day only.

     

    Emperor Dasaratha came to know that Planet Saturn would be splitting the Rohini star causing severe famine in his country.  He planned to fight Saturn to prevent him from doing so.  Sun God advised Dasaratha to drop his plan but to beg Saturn to change his transit route in public interest.  Saturn also admired the earlier plan of the emperor to meet him in war for the sake of his subjects without any selfish motive personally. The planet yielded to the emperor’s wish.  Remembering this event, all the planets (Navagrahas) in the temple are facing west-the Lord.

    Other special features.

    The eyes of Mother Ambica is blue in colour as sea showing Her mercy as vast and deep as sea.  Hence, named Neelayadakshi-blue eyed.  She is also Karundhadanganni.  She has Her own shrine with a flag post-Kodi Maram. Ambica graces as a virgin.  Aadi Pooram is very grandly celebrated in the temple.  Her shrine is designed as a Rath.  On the festival day, Mother comes in procession in a Rath made purely in crockeryware.

     

    As Ambica is a virgin, Lord sent Nandhi Deva to be Her guard.  But Nandhi expressed his wish to be with Lord for ever seeing Him.  Lord said that he can have His darshan though with Ambica. Nandhi in the temple is seen with its neck turned towards Lord with one eye on Ambica and other on the Lord. Hence, the Nandhi is known as Twin View Nandhi (Irattai Parvai in Tamil). Those having vision problems pray to this Nandhi.

     

    Generally, temples are closed if a death occurs in a nearby place.  In this place, the garlands and the clothes – vastras used for the Lord is placed on corpse.  A fisherman, Adhipathar attained salvation with the grace of Lord Shiva in this place.  Remembering this event, as a mark of respect to the community, this practice is followed in this temple. The body is placed before the temple without closing the doors.  The garland and the vastras used for the Lord are placed on the body.

    Moolavar. Kaayaroganrswar.
    CONSORT. Neelayadakshi.
    Ganesha Subrahmanya Thiagaraja present.
    Nagappatinam is around 2 hours drive from Myiladuthurai. .
    Buses available from all district head quarters.
    AIRPORT. Thiruchirapalli, Pudhucherry.
    Among many other places to visit in Tamil Nadu,Nagapattinam is the one that must not be skipped.Nagapattinam is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses.There are regular trains from other major cities of the country to Nagapattinam.Instead of Nagapattinam you can a get flight to Civil Airport on regular basis.

  • Regain Lost Status Position Thiruppanjeeli Shiva

    I have found,during my research into the so-called legends/stories(?) In Hinduism ,that the persons/events narrated in totally different contexts check out to be facts.

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    For example the 196 places visited by Lord Rama checks out when one hears the local legends and temple histories.

    One such is the Temple at Thiripaingeli, about 20 km from Thiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India.

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    Shiva In Thiruvannamalai.

    Thirukkadavur , Tamil Nadu where Lord Shiva stripped Yama , the God of Death, of post to save His( Shiva) Devotee Markandeya who was destined to die at the age of 16, from Death, is also the Abode of Goddess Abhirami.
    Now that the God of Death is stripped off his power to take away Lives as determined by Fate, how can people die?
    The answer lies in Thirupaingeli, where Lord Shiva restored God of Death, Yama’s post so that the affairs of the world could continue.
    In Hinduism, though it is stressed that even God can not change Fate,which is dtermined by one’s actions, there areinstances where God seems to interfere to shower His Blessings on His Devotee.
    Again if one were to check the Puranas, one shall find a justification for this interfetence.
    Seeming contradictions are lost in the larger scheme of things in the Universe.
    In this case to create an Immortal to spread Dharma.
    This temple is about 25 km from Srirangam, 23 km from Thiruchirapalli and is Just 6 km from Thiruvellarai ,where there is Temple built by Lord Rama’s ancestor Sibi Chakravarthi.
    These two temples lie in the same route.
    Buses bound for Thanjavur pass through Thiruvellarai.
    One has to have either provate transport or engage an auto from Thiruvellarai.
    This might cost Rs 150 to 200 to go to Thiruppaingeli and back to Thiruvellarai.
    Buses are available at frequent intervals from Thiruchirapalli to Thanjavur or from Srirangam.
    As this is the place where Yama regained his position, one may worship Shiva here to regain their lost their position,job and status.
    ‘Gneli, means Plantain tree.
    It is a special plantain tree called Kalvaazhai, barren plantain.
    There are a couple of huge plantain trees in a separate enclosure in the temple.
    Legend has it and people who have followed it, assert that if a boy or unmarried girl performs parihara in the form of tying Thasli or Mangal Sutra to the tree their marriage plans shall fructify.
    They have to do this and worship Shiva as Sotruvana Natha(one who is amidst a forest of Food).
    This parihara is being performed everyday between 8 am and 12 noon.
    There is also the interesting idol of Somaskandha along with Yama and Shiva in the Sanctum
    This is quite rare.
    Devi is called Thirupaingeli Amman.
    The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli.
    Railway station Tiruchirapalli and Srirangam.
    ‘ There is Rathina Sabha in this temple also like Chidambaram. One time, Viyakirapatha munivar and Pathanjali Munivar went to Kailasam to see Shiva’s dance, that time shiva told, go to Chidambaram, there I will give my Nataraja Darshan. As per shiva’s words, they went to Chidambaram, Shiva gave his darshan to them on the day of thaipoosam. By hearing this incident, Vasista Munivar asked Shiva, “When I will see this Darshan in Chidambaram?” Shiva told him, “I will give Nataraja Dharshan to you in Gneelivanamagiya Thirupangneeli”. As per that, Shiva gave Nataraja Dharshan to Vasista Munivar in Rathina Sabha of this temple. …
    Vayu Bhaghvan and Adiseshan had a dispute to find out who is superior, to prove the superiority adiseshan encircled the Kailasam, Vayu tried to remove this encircle by creating santamarutham (Twister). Because of the santamarutham, 8 kodumudigal (parts) fell from kailasam into 8 different places which are Thirugonamalai, Thirukalahasti, Thiruchiramalai, Thiruenkoimalai, Rajathagiri, Neerthagiri, Ratnagiri, and Suwethagiri. In this Suwethagiri is called as Thirupangeeli. Because this place came from Kailasam, it is called as Thenkailasam in Tamil.
    To give boon to Markendaya to live forever, Shiva killed Yamadharman in Thirukadaiyur. Since yama died, people started living without death, world became over populated, there was no poojas in temple, all caste people forgot their duties, Bhoomadevi (Bhoodevi) codn’t bear the weight, entire world started suffering. But, Poojas were happening in only Thirupangeeli temple and no issues here. So Mahavishnu, Bramha, Bhoomadevi, and Shiva disciples all came to this temple and worshipped & requested Shiva to give Birth to yama. As per their prayer, Shiva gave rebirth to yama through pilathuvaram on the day of Thaipoosam. Shiva gave power to yama again, so he also called Adikaravallavar. (In Tamil, athikaram means power.)

    Citation and reference.
    <a href="http://www.gneelivaneshwarartemple.tnhrce.in/history

  • Bhogar Explains Gayatri Mantra New Approach

    The interpretation of the Gayatri Mantra depends on one’s spiritual status and his enlightenment level.

    I have written a few articles on the meaning of the Gayatri Mantra, including the explanation by Adi Shankaracharya.

    The interpretation  depends on one’s system of Philosophy/Faith.

    Whatever the interpretation  is the core meaning and the power of Gayatri remains unchanged.

    Siddhas are Realized souls who are timeless.

    Gayatri Mantra.jpg
    The Gayatri Mantra.

    Their interpretation of the Gayatri Mantra provides a different and novel Perspective.

    One might notice that no deity is mentioned in the Gayatri mantra.

    This is like the Ganesha Mantra,

    suklambratharam vishnum sasi varnam chatur bhujam,

    prasanna vadnam dhyayeeth sarva vignopasanthaye.

    The term Vishnu means the one who supports.

    Siddhas refer to Reality the Brahman as Nirguna, Without Attributes.

    And the mention Siva  mostly in the sense of attribute-less reality as auspicious.

    Siva means auspiciousness.

    An interesting explanation of the Gayatri Mantra is provided by Bhogar,a Siddha on par with sage Agastya.

    He occupies the second list of Siddhas after Siva and is among the top of the eighteen Sidddhas.

    Bhogar explains,

    The sound ‘o’ expanded by an explosion into the sounds of ‘A’,’U’ and ‘M’

    These three sound became the Motion.

    This in turn expanded into the Five Elements,

    Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether.

    These in turn combined to form four different wombs and seven births.

    This expands as the Universe.

    This power is in many Forms

    This Power Impels our Mind to function.

    Let us Pray to Light the most potent of this Power .

    Seven births indicate the number of births one has to undergo.

    As to four wombs (Yonis) one explanation can be the three genders,Male, Female and Neuter.

    In this case what does Bhogar indicate?

    The other explanation is the essence of Saiva Siddhantha.

    Pasu, ( Jivatma, individual soul)

    Pathi (Paramatma, the Brahman, Universal Soul without Attributes.

    Paasam, the bond akin to Maya/Avidya of Advaita.

    I am trying to get clarification on this

     

    ‘ஓ என்ற புள்ளியாகிய இறைவன் ஓம் என்ற பிரணவமாக பெரு வெடிப்பானான் . இந்த பிரணவம் அகார உகார மகார என்ற சக்தியாக விரிவானது . இந்த ஓங்காரம் விரிவடைந்து அகார உகார , மகர நாத விந்து சக்தியானது . . இது பஞ்ச வித்தாக , பஞ்ச பூதமாக விரிவானது . பஞ்ச பூதங்கள் நால்வகை யோனி எழுவகை பிறப்பாக இப்பிர பஞ்சமாக விரிவானது . இந்த பஞ்சபூத இறை சக்தி நமது புத்தியை செயல் படவைக்கிறது. இந்த இறை சக்தி பல வடிவாக இந்த பிரபஞ்சதில் உள்ளது அவற்றுள் மிக சிறந்த வடிவான ஒளி வடிவத்தில் இறைவனை தியானிப்போம் . இந்த விளக்கத்தில் காயத்திரியும் இல்லை சூரியனும் இல்லை

    Reference and citation

    http://www.siddharyogam.com/siddharphilosopies/gayathrimanthra

  • I Am My Great Grand Father Lord Shiva

    I Am My Great Grand Father Lord Shiva

    Lord Shiva, not to be confused with Rudra, who is an Amsa of Shiva, is called ,

    Anaadi, without a Beginning,

    Ayonija, one who does not stay in the womb.

    He, as an Avatar,appears from nowhere and disappears in a flash, unlike Vishnu, who in His avatars was born of a human being.

    Some of my researches show that Lord Shiva lived as a Human being before being elevated into Godhood, but this needs additional proof( I am working on it)

    One also finds that Parvati, Shiva’s wife is called,

    Poorvaja, beyond beginning, elder to the beginning, Poorva Plus Aja.

    Aadya. the Beginning.

    Lord Vishnu is described as

    Anaadi,

    ‘Anaadi nidhano dhatha, vidhaatha dhathuruthamaha  -Vishnu Sahasranama.

    What do the Vedas say?

    Despite the Polytheism of the Vedas, the core message is that the Reality is

    without Attributes,

    without name and Form and is a

    Principle.

    The Upanishads spend the whole text on this point.

    However, as Hinduism is aware of the fact that it is difficult for the mind to concentrate on a Vacuum, allows the worship of personal Gods as a tool for Self Realization.(Iswara)

    Patanjali speaks of this in his Yoga Sutras as Iswarapranidhaana.

    Please read my post  Does God have Name and Form

    Necessity of God in Yoga Sutra

    However one finds one God being placed ona higher pedestal than the others in Hindu texts.

    This is called Henotheism.

    This is to instill a higher degree of faith to the deity one is inclined to worship.

    So we find various gods being praised as being Superior to the others, while the Reality Brahman is without name and Form.

    As to Shiva , when compared to other Deities he is more often described as The One who is without a Beginning.

    Tamil calls Him as Piravaa Yaakaip Periyon,

    The Eldest who is Never Born.

    But as I said earlier each Purana Praises One God.

    Many mistake the birth of Rudra to that of Shiva.

    Excerpt fro Srimad Bhagavatham(SB)

    SB 3.12.4: In the beginning, Brahma created four great sages named Sanaka, Sananda, Sanatana and Sanat-kumara. All of them were unwilling to adopt materialistic activities because they were highly elevated due to their semen’s flowing upwards.
    SB 3.12.5: Brahma spoke to his sons after generating them. “My dear sons,” he said, “now generate progeny.” But due to their being attached to Vasudeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, they aimed at liberation, and therefore they expressed their unwillingness.
    SB 3.12.6: On the refusal of the sons to obey the order of their father, there was much anger generated in the mind of Brahma, which he tried to control and not express.
    SB 3.12.7: Although he tried to curb his anger, it came out from between his eyebrows, and a child mixed blue and red was immediately generated.
    SB 3.12.8: After his birth he began to cry: O destiny maker, teacher of the universe, kindly designate my name and place.
    SB 3.12.9: The all-powerful Brahma, who was born from the lotus flower, pacified the boy with gentle words, accepting his request, and said: Do not cry. I shall certainly do as you desire.
    SB 3.12.10: Thereafter Brahma said: O chief of the demigods, you shall be called by the name Rudra by all people because you have so anxiously cried.
    SB 3.12.11: My dear boy, I have already selected the following places for your residence: the heart, the senses, the air of life, the sky, the air, the fire, the water, the earth, the sun, the moon and austerity.
    SB 3.12.12: Lord Brahma said: My dear boy Rudra, you have eleven other names: Manyu, Manu, Mahinasa, Mahan, Siva, Ritadhvaja, Ugrareta, Bhava, Kala, Vamadeva and Dhritavrata.
    SB 3.12.13: O Rudra, you also have eleven wives, called the Rudranis, and they are as follows: Dhi, Dhriti, Rasala, Uma, Niyut, Sarpi, Ila, Ambika, Iravati, Svadha and Diksh.
    SB 3.12.14: My dear boy, you may now accept all the names and places designated for you and your different wives, and since you are now one of the masters of the living entities, you may increase the population on a large scale.’

    Now there is video that explains the birth of Shiva quoting a text which says that Shiva declared  that Brahma to be His father, Vishnu ,Grandfather and he ( Shiva) is his great Grand father.(Posted at the beginning of the Post)

    While this makes an interesting read, there is no authentic source for this.