Tag: Lord siva

  • Five Types Of Shiva Name Panchakshara

    Mantras contain sounds grasped from Ether by the Rishis, Sages.

    These sounds in the written form are called Aksharas.

    Lord Shiva seated.jpg
    Lord Shiva seated in Yoga Posture

    This corresponds to Alphabets, yet more than Alphabets.

    The specialty in Sanskrit is that  the term Akshara means limitless, A+Kshara.

    Sound is limitless.

    Five letters of Shiva.
    The Five letters of Shiva.

     

    ( Imagecredit.

    http://www.4rissa.com/ebay6/braceletcopperomshivaya/omnamahshivaya.png)

    The basic sounds according to Hinduism are,

    A, that raises from the Mouth,

    U, raises from the Throat and

    M raises from the pit of the stomach.

    Correct pronunciation can be from Sanskrit letters.

    Listen.

    These three sounds are the basis of life and Motion.

    The galaxies hum this sound.while in Motion and they are constantly in Motion.

    Please read my article on this.

    These three sounds make the Pranava  OM/AUM.

    Each God is assigned the Aksharas.

    Shiva has five Aksharas assigned to Him.

    This is called the Panchakshara.

    The letters are,

    Na,

    Ma,

    Si,

    Vaa, and

    ya.

    नम:शिवाय.

    This mantra is a maha mantra and is kept as a secret in the Sri Rudram in the Veda.

    The intention is not to prevent some from knowing it, but enable one who is spiritually qualified and has the welfare of the world at heart.

     

    The Panchakshara Mantra of Lord Shiva, like Mantras in general and the Maha Mantras in particular will not yield good results, but might yield unpleasant ones, if chanted  by one who does not fulfil the above mentioned criterion.

     

    These Maha Mantras are to be taught by a Guru in person, not Online.

     

    And there are strict procedures including Diet, daily routine and behaviour.

     

    How is Maha Mantra, Panchakshara is protected and kept secretively in the Vedas?

     

    The name of Shiva , the Panchakshara is in the Yajur Veda.

     

    The Middle portion of the fourth Kanda has a  middle portion.

     

    The Fifth Prasna.

     

    This is Sri Rudram.

     

    In the middle of the Sri Rudram occurs the name of Shiva,

     

    Nama: Sivaaya’

     

    In the Middle of this ( when written in Sanskrit), lies the name of Siva, the two letters of Shiva.

     

    This is called the Jiva Ratna, The precious Jewel of Life

    Shiva Name Kept as a Secret

    Shiva pooja is a difficult one to perform.

    The Panchakshara  of Shiva is to be initiated by a Guru.

    There are Five Types of Panchaksharas.

    1.Sthula(Gross) Panchakshara.(Letters)

    नम:शिवाय.

    2.Sukshma(Subtle) Panchaksharam

    शिवाय नम:

    3.Karana ( Active/submission by senses) Panchakshara.

    शिवाय शिव

    4.Mahakarana( senses and their roots) Panchakshara.

    शिवाय

    and

    5.Mukthi(Liberation) Panchakshara.

    शि

    For Tamil Readers.

    நமசிவாய = ஸ்தூல பஞ்சாட்சரம்
    சிவாயநம = சூட்சும பஞ்சாட்சரம்
    சிவாயசிவ = கரண பஞ்சாட்சரம்
    சிவாய = மகா கரண பஞ்சாட்சரம்
    சி = முக்தி பஞ்சாட்சரம்

  • Boisterous Ganesha Sun Moon Bathe Shiva Melkadambur

    There is no limit to the marvels of Indian Temple architecture.

    Melkadambur temple designed as Chariot.jpg
    Melkadambur temple designed as Chariot.

     

    And the closeness with which Hindus regard their Gods.

     

    There is a temple near Kattumannar Koil on the banks of River Kollidam.

     

    It is  Amritakadeswarar temple in Melkadambur, five kilometers from Kattumannar Koil.

     

    The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

     

    The temple is deigned like a Chariot on wheels.

     

    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Amirtha kadeswarar facing east and his consort Vidhyujyothi Nayaki Amman in different sanctum. Sun rays falls on Siva Lingam on 3, 4, and 5, of Panguni Month (March and April).

    Moon rays falls on Siva Lingam in the Month of Iyppasi full- moon day.

    Temple Legend.

    Sthala Purana says Devas and Indra, realized their mistake and worshipped Lord Siva in this place and received the nectar from Him.

    Lord Siva stayed back in this place as Amirthakadeswarar.

    When Indra was not able to lift the chariot temple from this place he worshipped Lord Vinayaka to help him.

    Vinayaka agreed and asked Indra to install one Crore Lingam and he accepted the challenge. Due to his pride he failed in his attempt.

    Indra worshipped Lord Siva who asked him to make a Siva Lingam chanting his name thousand times. Indra made Rudrakoteeswara and worshipped him.

    Lord Amirthakadeswarar appeared before him and he said he wished to stay back in this place. It is believed that Indra worships Lord Siva of this temple daily.

    When Devas churned the Ocean, pot of nectar was given to Indra.

    They tried to consume the Amirta without worshiping Lord.

    Ganesha  took away the nectar pot to teach them a lesson.

     

    Ganesha is called Aaravara Vinayagar, Boisterous Ganesha.

     

    When Ganesha was passing through this place a drop of nectar fell down and this formed as Siva Lingam.

     

    Hence the Shiva here is known as Amirtakadeswarar.

     

    Lord Subramanya received the Bow from Shiva to fight Soorapadma.

     

     

    He received His Spear, Vel, from His mother at Sikkil.

     

     

     

     

    Aththi, mother of Devas worshiped Shva here.

    Indra he Chief of Devatas did not like it.

    He wanted to take away the Lord Amirthakadeswar  Heavens.

    He turned the temple as Chariot and pulled it.

    Ganesha wanted to teach him a lesson by pressing the Chariot.

    The left wheel was struck to earth.

     

    Citation and Image credit.
    http://ancientindiantemple.blogspot.in/search/label/Aravara%20Vinayakar

  • Six Systems Of Vedic Worship Sankaracharya

    Hinduism is like a Doctor, prescribes , but it leaves it to the individual to choose. as Hinduism is highly individualistic.

    There are thoughts from the Vedic Times which include Atheism of Charvaka,Materialism.

    Shanmatha
    Shanatha Of Sankaracharya

    One is left to choose what suits him the best.

    Even the Vedas have Karma Kanda(Details of Duties),Gnana Kanda(Path Of Knowledge)

    There is no recommendation of Idol Worship in The Vedas.

    This was a later development.

    All this had such an effect that people were following innumerable Gods and Goddesses,Minor Deities.

    There were no system of worship.

    To add to this muddle was the influence of Mimaamsa Philosophy which spoke of only Karma Kanda , with no reference to God.

    Then there was Buddhism and Jainism advocating Godlessness, Nireswaravada.

    Sankaracharya  came and reorganized the systems of worship.

    As indicated in my earlier post, they are six in number,

    Ganapathyam, The Worship of Loed Ganapathy,Ganesh.

    Ganapathy is referred to in the Vedas and we have Ganoponishad

    This has been given priority by Sankaracharya.

    Next is Soumaaram, Worship of Lord Suryanarayan, the Sun God.

    Surya is called’ ‘Prathyaksha Brahma’ ‘The Visible God’

    One tidbit on this.

    The concluding portion of Sandhyavandan , which is performed daily, was not found in the original text.

    ‘Nama Savitre Jagadeka Chakshushe…Kesavam Prathi gachchathi”

    This was included by Lord Krishna, when he performed the Grahana Tharpan, when it was not due and was taught to Yudhishtir>

    Kaumaaram, Worship of Lord Subramanya,

    Lord Subramanya is not mentioned in the Vedas.

    But Skanda is mentioned, this later became Subramanya.

    The meaning of the word Subramanya is The Best Brahmin , Brahmin being the one who realized The Reality,Brahman, for it was Lord Subramanya who explained Pranava , Om,to Lord Siva.

    Saivam,Woship of Lord Siva.

    Lord Siva is not mentioned directly n the Vedas, but Rudra is.

    In the Rudra Prasna the moola Mantra of Lord Siva is kept secretly in the Namakam in the middle of the eleven Anuvaakas, that too in the middle of the sloka

    ‘Nama Sivaya Ca, Sivadhrayaca,’

    Saktam, Worship of Goddess Uma ‘Parvati’

    Shakti is worship is mentioned elaborately in the Vedas by referring in the Durga Suktham,Sri Suktam,Neela Suktham.

    One important reason that Sakthi worship is considered superior is the fact that the word UMA contains all the letters of the Pranava, OM

    ‘Akaaram, Ukaaram and Makaaram”

    Vaishnavism, Worship of Lord Vishnu.

    Lord Vishnu is mentioned in the Vedas.

    The term Vishnu means ‘ one who supports’, from the word ‘Jishnu’, supporting.

    Vishnu is considered to be an Amsa  a part of Naranayana,

    Narayana means one sets example for Men as to How to Live ‘Nara Ayana’for Men How to Live(path)

    Another meaning is ‘ one who Lies in Water”

    The we have Purusha Suktham, which many people take it to refer Lord Vishnu.

    It is not.

    Purusha Suktham refers to and explains Universal Evolution and Cosmic Principles.

    Thus we have Purusha Suktam,Narayan Suktham and Vishnu Suktham, each denoting a different, yet One Entity.

    Thus the Six Systems of Hindu Worship was organised by Shankaracharya.

    However there are  more Deities and they fall under the Category of Minor Deities,  Town”Village Deities .

    I shall post about this later.

    http://ramanisblog.in/2013/06/16/six-gods-to-worship-sankaracharya/

  • God As Mother

    As I have been mentioning in my posts, Hinduism relates to God in a very personal way, though The Vedas declare that The Reality .is Formless, Attribute-less’

    Yet Worship of  Personal God(Iswara) is encouraged as it disciplines the mind to shed off its encumbrances.

    And Hindus relate to God in  very intimately.

    God is seen as Mother, Father,Lover,Child, Preceptor and Friend.

    As there are many individuals , all of them being unique, so are their dispositions.

    You feel close to your father, Mother, Lover or friend.

    You relate to God at that level.

    Mother!

    Goddess Lalitha
    Goddess Lalitha

    Who can replace Mother?

    One who suffered, at the time of pregnancy, forsakse her pleasures for us,

    Gave us her food,

    Never slept when we were awake or asleep,

    Made us eat when she had nothing to eat,

    Weathered the storms of Life,

    Suffered when we were in Pain,

    Never left us even as we kick her around,

    We remain  her infants even when we become grand parents,

    Would we ever replace her?

    Having Borne (me) for ten months braving all discomforts, happy at having
    begotten (me) taking me in both her arms and giving her precious breastfeed, such a
    one will I ever see in any other birth?
    2. Having borne me for 300 days after doing penance to Lord Shiva day and night, can
    I apply fire to such a mother?
    3. Fondling me on the cot in her lap, on her person with love, protecting me always,
    how can I light the pyre to such a mother?
    4. Having Borne (me) bearing the pain at delivery and giving me her milk cheerfully
    day and night protecting me, how can I apply fire to such a body?
    5. How can I, instead of getting happy with rich offerings to her, offer rice to the
    mouth which lovingly called me as honey, nectar, fragrant flower etc.?
    6. After showering rice on mother’s head how can I place the burning ember on it
    without flinching , which lovingly kissed me, calling me endearingly “my son”.
    7. The earliest fire lit was to Tripura, the next one was in Lanka, and third was the
    spark lit in the mother’s womb, let the fire lit by me now be over.
    8. Alas! The hand that fondled me is now being roasted in fire. What a cruel sinner I
    am?
    9. O Lord of “Shonagiri”, has she been burnt and taken refuge at Your Feet, one who
    did penance to you ‘day and night’ to beget me?
    10.Mother was alive yesterday at home or in the street, today she is consumed by fire
    and has become ashes. Come ye, one and all without hesitation, to sprinkle milk.
    Every thing in the world is Shiva’s Form (Shiva Mayam). – Pattinathar

    That’s Mother.

    Can there be anything more natural than identifying God as Mother?

    When we can say thus about a Human Mother, what can we say about the Mother who gives Birth to the Universe?

    She is the One who creates The Universe within a fraction of batting of an eyelid.

    ‘Unmesha nimishodhpanna Vibanna Bhunavali” lailitha Sahasranama.

    She reaches to you even as you disown Her.

    When your Mother leaves you, she reaches out to you as she did for Gnana Sambandar whom she gave her Milk, which she didd not to her son, Lord Subramanya!

    Lord Siva reached out to a woman in Labor when she called out to Him !

    Lord Subramanya called out to Avvaiyar, a Tamil Saint ‘Mother’.

    Lord Vishnu made ‘Vakula Devi, as his Foster Mother(In Lord Balaji of Tirupati Avatar) for he wanted to repay the debt of having been brought up by Deakai in Krishnavatara.

    He was both a Mother  and Father to Dhruva.

    Lord Siva is called  Muniye Mukknnappa( Yogi ,My Father with the Third Eye)

    The Great Kalidasa calls Kali as ‘Matha, marakathasyama’ in Shymala Dandakam.

    Lalitha Sahasranama starts with ‘Sri Matha

    Abirami Bhattar calls her mother in His Abirami Andhadhi.

    Such is his devotion to Lord Abirami as His mother,

    He calls her as ‘ My father’s wife’சுந்தரி எந்தை துணைவி ‘

    Father is difficult to approach.

    As children we approach our Mother to intercede on our behalf for getting any thing done.

    Sri Vaishanavas call Lakshmi as ‘Thayaar’ , Mother. as they are convinced it is She who can represent us to Him.

    Abirami Bhattar leaves evry thing to her saying,

    ‘ I have given everything to you, even if I were to be stranded in the midst of an Ocean to see me ashore is Yours”

    If one were to have such Faith?

    Listen to Abirami Andhadi by Sirkazhi here.

    http://www.hummaa.com/player/player.php

    http://www.hummaa.com/music/album/abirami-andhadhi-vol1/24028

     
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  • Where Siva’s Cosmic Dance Was Performed

    There are five places where Lord Siva , legend  has it, performed the Thandava, The Cosmic Dance.

     

    Universe  is Motion, in the ultimate analysis.

     

    The developments in the field of Astrophysics and Astronomy will vouch for it.

     

    The Motion is what sustains the Universe.

     

    Please some images in this post under Images and Astrophysics to see Universe in Motion.

     

    The Trinity of Hinduism represents the three states of Energy.

     

    Brahma, Potential Energy,He produces as it were the Universe-Srushti,Creation, Unleashing.

     

    Vishnu, Kinetic Energy, He sustains,Sthithi,Stability,Sustenance.

     

    And Rudra, The Potentio-Kinetic Energy, He apparently destroys to recreate later-Samhaaram, Thirodhaanam and Anugraham,Apparent destruction, Concealment, and Grace.

     

    Lord Siva is said to have performed Five types of The Cosmic Dance at,

     

    Ponnambalam, Golden Assembly-Chidambaram.

     

    Velliyambalam, Silver Assembly, Madurai,

     

    Tamira Sabaai, Copper Assembly. Nelliappar Temple, Thirunelveli,

     

    Chitra Sabahai,Thirukkutralam, Assembli of Arts and at

     

    Ratna Sabahai,Thiruvavaduthurai,Assembly of Gems.-Thiruvalangadu.

    The place is about 16 kms SW of Mailaduthurai, on the banks of River Cauvery.The main Raja gopuram is of five storey and three prakarams inside.

     

    Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arul Migu Gomuktheeswarar and his consort known as OPilA Ammai. Sthala vruksham is Palm tree. Teertham isGomukhi teertham.

    Thruvalankadu Temple
    Thruvalankadu Temple

    Purana says Uma Devi worshipped Lord Siva in this place in the form of a cow. She was blessed by Lord Siva and she turned into her original form, and took her in him.

    Importance: Devas and Muni’s requested Lord Siva, to bless them by performing his Siva Thandavam, in which they were interested. Lord Siva fulfilled their wish here under the Sthala Vruksham. Muni’s and Brahma got their Upadesam of Siva Gyanam in this place. 
    Chittars were granted Athama Siddhi.

    According to Sthala Puranam, Thiru Moolar composed 3000 hymns known as“Thiru Mandiram” in this place.

    Thiru Gyana sambandhar, Sundarar, and Thiru Navukkarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.

    The temple is under Thiru Kailaya Thiruvavaduthurai Adeenam. The building of Adeenam is adjacent to the temple.

     

    The Five places where Lord Siva danced.
    The Five places where Lord Siva danced.

     

    Thiruvalangadu, Temple details.
    Thiruvalangadu, Temple details.

     

    http://ancientindiantemple.blogspot.in/2010/05/thiruvavaduthurai-temple.html

     

    Rare Posture  where Lord Siva has Parvati on His lap
    Rare Posture where Lord Siva has Parvati on His lap

    How to reach Thiruvavaduthurai.

    Day 1 (270 Km) Day’s Directions: Chennai –> Thiruvavaduthurai

    http://www.distancesfrom.com/directions-from-Thiruvavaduthurai-to-Chennai/DirectionHistory/126461.aspx?IsHistory=1&GMapHistoryID=126461

    Useful information on The Five Sabhas at  http://www.distancesfrom.com/directions-from-Thiruvavaduthurai-to-Chennai/DirectionHistory/126461.aspx?IsHistory=1&GMapHistoryID=126461