age of shiva sivaom

5 Lesser known avatars of Bhagwan Shiv

Every one of us is quite familiar with the different avatars of Lord Vishnu, but did any of us ever wonder about the different avatars of Lord Shiva? Coming closer to the truths of the god, it is said that there are 19 different avatars of Lord Shiva. Each of the different avatars of Lord Shiva has a specific purpose and is known to serve a precise purpose.

Here are 5 of the lesser known avatars of Lord Shiva.

Bhairav Avatar


When Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had a fight over superiority, Lord Shiva had to take this avatar. Lord Shiva took the form of Bhairava and cut off Lord Brahma’s fifth head. Been guilty of cutting off the head of a Brahmin, Lord Shiva had to carry the skull of Lord Brahma for next twelve years.

Sharabha Avatar


Sharabha Avatar of Lord Shiva is known for its half bird and half lion body. According to facts and history, Lord Shiva took the form of Sharabha in order to kill Narasimha, the half lion avatar of Lord Vishnu.


Keerat Avatar


It is said that lord Shiva took the form of Keerat or hunter while Arjuna was meditating. Duryodhan had sent a demon named Mooka to kill Arjuna. He heard the loud noise of the demon while meditating. He and Lord Shiva struck the boar at the same time and then Arjuna challenged Keerat, the avatar of Lord Shiva as who would strike the board first. Impressed by Arjuna Vellore, Lord Shiva gifted him his Pashupata.

Tat Purusha


During the 21st Kalpa on earth, Lord Brahma wore yellow clothes. His deep meditation and prayers resulted in the radiant entity when Lord Brahma started chanting the Shiva Gayatri mantras. On completion of chanting, Lord Brahma observed there were several new avatars born- all wearing yellow clothes.

Ishan


When Lord Brahma desired about the son he started meditating on Shiva mentally. Due to core prayers and meditation, Saraswati manifested herself as an avatar of Vishwarupa after which Ishan came into being. Ishan is known for its crystal-like pure brilliance. After Ishan, Lord Bhrama created four more sons in collaboration with his strong Energy.

Considered as the supreme God in the Hinduism, Lord Shiva is known for having taken a variety of the avatars and incarnations. These were few among the unknown avatars of Lord Shiva.
 

Hanuman

The Connection Between Bhagwan Hanuman And Bhagwan Shiv

Bhagwan Shiv ji gave Hanuman ji powers like him. 

Indeed, the sacred writings tell that Bhagwan Shiv ji is beyond time (Mahakaal) and knows everything. Bhagwan  Shiv ji could see Bhagwan Ram Ji’s lifetime. He realized that once in life, I need Ram Ji keeping in mind the end goal to spread welfare on earth. For this he believes that his monkey avatar will help Bhagwan Ram ji. Along these lines, in Hanuman ji’s incarnation, Bhagwan Shiv ji puts all his powers. This type of Kaliyug will cross the armada of the world. Bhagwan Shiv ji additionally realized that he will not be found in Kali Yuga nor will anybody see Bhagwan Ram ji. At that point no incarnation will be conceived and won’t go to Earth. That is the reason Bhagwan Shiv ji brought forth an effective avatar which would be Ajar-Amar in Kali Yuga and expel the despondency of the general population of the earth society. 

This was the narrative of  Shiv ji’s Avatar Bhagwan  Hanuman ji-so thusly Bhagwan Shiv ji grasped Hanuman ji. Prior this incarnation introduced Bhagwan Shiv ji to Bhagwan Ram ji. Later Bhagwan  Hanuman ji was called as the preeminent devotee of Bhagwan Ram ji and turned out to be the most supportive in the Ramayan War against his own incomparable follower the devil king Ravan. After this war, the Bhagwan Hanuman ji avatar of Bhagwan Shiv ji in Kali-Yuga keeps on being the world’s interest. 

In this manner, devotees still present the reasoning of Hanuman ji. There have been many confirmation that Hanuman ji is as yet present on earth. It is said that on the off chance that somebody recollects Hanuman ji with a genuine heart in Kali Yuga, then Hanuman shows up at the time to the enthusiast. 

Through our sadhna we attempt to get to Bhagwan Shiv ji with the goal that we may pick up moksha and turn out to be free from this unending cycle of anguish and karma. To reach bhagwan Shiv ji is to achieve his swaroop of standard brahm param brahmeshwar.


Om Namah Shivay ॐ नमः शिवाय
Har Har Mahadev हर हर महादेव 
Jai Shiv Shankar Shambhu जय शिव शंकर शमभू

Here are some mantras to please Bhagwan Hanuman ji and remove negativity and darkness from your life

Hanuman Moola Mantra
ॐ श्री हनुमते नमः॥
Om Shri Hanumate Namah॥

Hanuman Gayatri Mantra
ॐ आञ्जनेयाय विद्महे वायुपुत्राय धीमहि। 
तन्नो हनुमत् प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Anjaneyaya Vidmahe Vayuputraya Dhimahi। 
Tanno Hanumat Prachodayat॥

Manojavam Marutatulyavegam Mantra
मनोजवम् मारुततुल्यवेगम् जितेन्द्रियम् बुद्धिमताम् वरिष्ठम्। 
वातात्मजम् वानरयूथमुख्यम् श्रीरामदूतम् शरणम् प्रपद्ये॥
Manojavam Marutatulyavegam Jitendriyam Buddhimatam Varishtham। 
Vatatmajam Vanarayuthamukhyam Shriramadutam Sharanam Prapadye॥Source: 

Image courtesy – Karanvir  DeviantArt

om namah shivay sivaom

The Mysticism of Mantra

A “mantra” Sanskrit: मंत्र is a sacrosanct expression, a numinous sound, a syllable, word or phonemes, or gathering of words in Sanskrit accepted by experts to have mental and profound forces. A mantra could conceivably have syntactic structure or exacting significance. The Sanskrit word mantra-(likewise n. mantram) comprises of the root man-“to think” (additionally in manas “mind”) and the postfix – tra, assigning apparatuses or instruments, thus a strict interpretation would be “instrument of thought”

The utilization, structure, capacity, significance, and sorts of mantras change as per the school and theory of Hinduism and of Buddhism. Mantras serve a focal part in tantra. In this school, mantras are thought to be a hallowed recipe and a profoundly individual custom, viable simply after start. 

Mantras come in many structures, including ṛc (verses from the Rigveda for instance) and sāman (melodic serenades from the Sāmaveda for instance). They are normally melodic, numerically organized meters, accepted to be thunderous with numinous qualities. At its most straightforward, the word ॐ (Aum, Om) fills in as a mantra. In more modern structures, mantras are melodic expressions with otherworldly elucidations, for example, a human yearning for truth, reality, light, everlasting status, peace, love, information, and activity. 

Mantra japa is a practice of repetitively uttering the same mantra for an auspicious number of times, the most popular being 108, and sometimes just 5, 10, 28 or 1008. Japa is found in personal prayer or meditative efforts of some Hindus, as well during formal puja (group prayers). Japa is assisted by malas (bead necklaces) containing 108 beads and a head bead (sometimes referred to as the ‘meru’, or ‘guru’ bead); the devotee using his/her fingers to count each bead as he/she repeats the chosen mantra. Having reached 108 repetitions, if he/she wishes to continue another cycle of mantras, the devotee turns the mala around without crossing the head bead and repeats the cycle. Japa-yajna is claimed to be most effective if the mantra is repeated silently in the mind (manasah).

Notable Hindu mantras

Guru Mantra – Om Namah Shivay ॐ नमः शिवाय​​​​​​​
Its translation is “salutations (namas) to Shiva”, preceded by the mystical syllable “Om”. The syllable “ya” at the end of the mantra denotes an offering. Thus the mantra Om Namah Sivaya actually means “I offer to Siva a respectful invocation of His Name”, and not merely “I respectfully invoke His Name”. Om Namah Shivaya mantra is sung by devotees in prayers and recited by yogis in meditation. It is associated with qualities of prayer, divine-love, grace, truth, and blissfulness.

Traditionally, it is accepted to be a powerful healing mantra beneficial for all physical and mental ailments. Soulful recitation of this mantra brings peace to the heart and joy to the [Ātman] or Soul. Sages consider that the recitation of these syllables is sound therapy for the body and nectar for the soul [Ātman]. The nature of the mantra is the calling upon the higher self; it is the calling upon Shiva, the destroyer deity, to aid in the death (destruction of ego) and rebirth achieved during meditation. This goes generally for mantras and chants to different gods, which are different aspects of the higher self.

Gayatri Mantra
The Gayatri mantra is considered one of the most universal of all Hindu mantras, invoking the universal Brahman as the principle of knowledge and the illumination of the primordial Sun. The mantra is extracted from the 10th verse of Hymn 62 in Book III of the Rig Veda.
ॐ भूर्भुवस्व: | तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यम् | भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि | धियो यो न: प्रचोदयात्
Oṁ Bhūrbhuvaswaha Tatsaviturvarenyam bhargo devasya dhīmahi dhiyo yo naḥa prachodayāt,
“Let us meditate on that excellent glory of the divine Light (Vivifier, Sun). May he stimulate our understandings (knowledge, intellectual illumination).

Pavamana mantra
असतोमा सद्गमय । तमसोमा ज्योतिर् गमय । मृत्योर्मामृतं गमय ॥ asato mā sad gamaya, tamaso mā jyotir gamaya, mṛtyor māmṛtaṃ gamaya.
(Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad 1.3.28)
“from the unreal lead me to the real, from the dark lead me to the light, from death lead me to immortality.

Shanti mantra
Oṁ Sahanā vavatu
sahanau bhunaktu
Sahavīryam karavāvahai
Tejasvi nāvadhītamastu
Mā vidviṣāvahai
Oṁ Shāntiḥ, Shāntiḥ, Shāntiḥ.

“Om! Let the Studies that we together undertake be effulgent;
“Let there be no Animosity amongst us;
“Om! Peace, Peace, Peace.
– Taittiriya Upanishad 2.2.2

There are numerous other important mantras.

spiritual india sivaom

If you do yoga then Adi Shanracharya is the legend you should be thankful to

When Ādi Śhaṅkaracharya was eight years old and wandering on the banks of the River Narmada, he saw Govindapada who asked him, “Who are you?” The boy responded with these stanzas, which are known as “Ātma Ṣhaṭakam”. It describes Adi Shankaracharya’s philosophy of Advaita Vedanta in short. Read it with an open mind, it may change the way you look at the world as it did with me when I first read it a few years back. 

मनोबुद्धयहंकार चित्तानि नाहं न च श्रोत्रजिव्हे न च घ्राणनेत्रे । न च व्योम भूमिर्न तेजो न वायुः चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ।। 1 ।। 

“I am not the mind, nor intellect, nor ego, nor the reflections of inner self (citta). I am not the five senses. I am beyond that. I am not the ether, nor the earth, nor the fire, nor the wind (the five elements). I am That eternal knowing and bliss, I am Shiva- love and pure consciousness.

न च प्राणसंज्ञो न वै पंचवायुः, न वा सप्तधातुः न वा पञ्चकोशः । न वाक्पाणिपादौ न चोपस्थपायु, चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ।। 2 ।।

 2) Neither can I be termed as energy (prāṇa), nor five types of breath (vāyus), nor the seven material essences, nor the five sheaths(pañca-kośa). Neither am I the organ of Speech, nor the organs for Holding ( Hand ), Movement ( Feet ) or Excretion. I am indeed, That eternal knowing and bliss, the auspicious Shiva- love and pure consciousness.

न मे द्वेषरागौ न मे लोभमोहौ, मदो नैव मे नैव मात्सर्यभावः । न धर्मो न चार्थो न कामो न मोक्षः, चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ।। 3 ।। 

3) I have no hatred or dislike, nor affiliation or liking, nor greed, nor delusion, nor pride or haughtiness, nor feelings of envy or jealousy. I have no duty (dharma), nor any money, nor any desire (kāma), nor even liberation (mokṣa). I am That eternal knowing and bliss, I am Shiva- love and pure consciousness.

न पुण्यं न पापं न सौख्यं न दुःखं, न मन्त्रो न तीर्थो न वेदा न यज्ञ । अहं भोजनं नैव भोज्यं न भोक्ता, चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ।। 4 ।।

4) I have neither merit (virtue), nor demerit (vice). I do not commit sins or good deeds, nor have happiness or sorrow, pain or pleasure. I do not need mantras, holy places, scriptures (Vedas), rituals or sacrifices (yajñas). I am none of the triad of the observer or one who experiences, the process of observing or experiencing, or any object being observed or experienced. I am indeed, That eternal knowing and bliss, I am Shiva- love and pure consciousness.

न मे मृत्युशंका न मे जातिभेदः, पिता नैव मे नैव माता न जन्मः । न बन्धुर्न मित्रं गुरूर्नैव शिष्यः, चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ।। 5 ।।

5) I do not have fear of death, as I do not have death. I have no separation from my true self, no doubt about my existence, nor have I discrimination on the basis of birth. I have no father or mother, nor did I have a birth. I am not the relative, nor the friend, nor the guru, nor the disciple. I am That eternal knowing and bliss, I am Shiva- love and pure consciousness.

अहं निर्विकल्पो निराकार रूपो, विभुत्वाच सर्वत्र सर्वेन्द्रियाणाम् । न चासङत नैव मुक्तिर्न मेयः, चिदानन्दरूपः शिवोऽहम् शिवोऽहम् ।। 6 ।। 

6) I am all pervasive. I am without any attributes, and without any form. I have neither attachment to the world, nor to liberation (mukti). I have no wishes for anything becaI am everything, everywhere, every time, always in equilibrium. I am That eternal knowing and bliss, I am Shiva- love and pure consciousness.

~Adi Shankaracharya.

har har holi

Holi – The Holy Hindu Festival of Colours

har har holi
Mata Parvati playing Holi with Bhagwan Shiv

The Hindu festival of Holi, also called the “festival of colours” or the “festival of love”, takes place in India and Nepal during spring. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, the start of spring, the end of winter, and a day of celebration to connect with others, have fun, forgive and forget, mend broken relationships, and express gratitude for a bountiful harvest. It takes place over a span of two days, beginning on the Purnima (Full Moon day) during the month of Falgun in the Bikram Sambat Hindu Calendar, which typically falls between late February and mid-March in the Gregorian calendar. The initial day is called Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi, and the second is known as Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti, Dhulandi, or Dhulivandan.

Relation of Holi to Bhagwan Shiv ji

Holi’s significance in Hindu traditions, including Shaivism and Shaktism, is closely tied to Bhagwan Shiv ji. The story goes that goddess Parvati, desiring to reunite with Shiva, called upon the assistance of the Hindu god of love, Kama, on Vasant Panchami. As the love god shoots arrows at Shiva, the yogi’s third eye opens and engulfs Kama in a blazing inferno. The news of this deeply upsets both Kama’s wife Rati (Kamadevi) and his own wife Parvati. After performing her own meditative asceticism for forty days, Rati captures the attention of Shiva, who, out of compassion, forgives her and restores the god of love. On the 40th day following the Vasant Panchami festival, Holi commemorates the return of the god of love. The Kama legend, with its many variant forms, holds great significance to Holi, especially in South India.

Relation of Holi to Bhagwan Vishnu

In honor of Hindu god Vishnu and his follower Prahlada, Holi is celebrated as a festival of colors, and there exists a symbolic legend to elucidate this tradition. King Hiranyakashipu, according to a legend found in chapter 7 of Bhagavata Purana, was the king of demonic Asuras, and had earned a boon that gave him five special powers: he could be killed by neither a human being nor an animal, neither indoors nor outdoors, neither at day nor at night, neither by astra (projectile weapons) nor by any shastra (handheld weapons), and neither on land nor in water or air. Hiranyakashipu grew arrogant, thought he was God, and demanded that everyone worship only him.

However, Hiranyakashipu’s son, Prahlada, remained devoted to Vishnu, which angered his father. Despite cruel punishments, Prahlada’s resolve remained unshaken. Eventually, Holika tricked Prahlada into sitting on a pyre with her, wearing a cloak that protected her from fire while Prahlada was unprotected.. As the flames engulfed them, a divine gust of air flew and as a result, the cloak flew from Holika to Prahlada, who survived while Holika perished in the fire. The Holika bonfire and Holi signifies the celebration of the symbolic victory of good over evil, of Prahlada over Hiranyakashipu, and of the fire that burned Holika.

Bhagwan Vishnu then manifested as Bhagwan Narasimha, a half-human, half-lion avatar, appearing at dusk, neither day nor night, and took Hiranyakashipu onto a doorstep, neither indoors nor outdoors, where he slew the king with his lion claws, neither handheld nor projectile weapons, neither on land, water, nor air, thus restoring Dharma.

Bhagwan Shri Krishan ji
Bhagwan Shri Krishan ji

Relation of Holi to Bhagwan Krishan

In the Braj region of India, where the Hindu deity Bhagwan Krishan grew up, people celebrate the festival until Rangpanchmi in commemoration of Radha’s divine love for Bhagwan Krishan. The festivities officially mark the onset of spring, with Holi celebrated as a festival of love. There’s a symbolic myth behind honoring Bhagwan Krishan as well. As a baby, Bhagwan Krishan acquired his characteristic dark blue skin color when the she-demon Putana poisoned him with her breast milk. In his youth, Bhagwan Krishan fretted over whether fair-skinned Radha and other girls would accept him because of his skin color. His mother, tired of his despair, instructed him to approach Radha and color her face in any hue he desired. He did so, and Radha and Bhagwan Krishan became a couple. Since then, the playful act of coloring Radha’s face has been commemorated as Holi.

surya bhedi pranayam

What Yoga means for a Real Yogi ॐ

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Yoga is definitely not what you want it to be, there is a specific prescribed path with rules and observances and various other guidelines. Yoga is a big part of Sanatan Dharm (what the west and modern people call the Hindu religion). There is a whole branch of dedicating oneself to God, called bhakti and it’s an integral part of yoga without which yoga just cant be yoga. Another 2nd important branch of yoga which is called karma yoga is based upon the morals and guidelines laid down in manu Shastra (read it). Then it’s Gyan/jnan yoga which is based upon all the holy books like Ved – Upanishad – Ramayan – Mahabharat – Holy Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.

Asans just make you healthy so that you can pursue the other higher goals of yoga- which is to connect to Bhagavan Vishnu Narayan Ji or Bhagavan Shiv Ji. Just by changing the perception about Yoga and view in its true essence,  that Bhagavan Shiv Ji is considered as the giver of yoga to this world and later Bhagavan Krishna summarised the knowledge of yoga in the holy Shrimad Bhagavad Gita should end all disputes regarding this. But time and time again someone comes and tries to take this validation more like a factual statement out, take religion out of yoga and you’re left with an exercise regiment which is closer to gymnastics.

Most yogis become yogis to connect with Bhagavan Shiv Ji or Bhagavan Vishnu Narayan Ji (not the western and modern Instagram self-proclaimed yogis) Everything you do in yoga has the purpose to connect the human to the soul and then connect the soul to shiv consciousness, and the end goal is to liberate yourself and become free from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Again we emphasize that the whole knowledge of yoga has been given to the world first by Bhavan Shiv Ji and then later summarized by Bhagavan Krishan Ji should end any doubt, this is why a yogi is given initiation by a guru and has to complete a mentorship program of 12 years which starts at Mauni Amavasya at Mahakumbh and not some 200 or 300 or 500-hour teacher training program. Yoga itself is a much larger term that can only be formulated with a combination of various elements and branches, asanas or Pranayam itself is not yoga, and yoga is not just asanas and Pranayam only. When you want to talk about your commercial interests what you should do, is mention asanas only because that would not come under religious or other guidelines.

“Cultural appropriation is a term that defines the adoption of a minority’s culture by the dominant culture. The dominant culture takes the minority’s culture, or a part of it, and makes it seem menial, without any of the significance that it was supposed to have.

Even though many people think that adopting aspects of another culture can be thought of as “sharing,” that doesn’t justify not respecting what that object means in the actual culture it was stolen from. And the reason it is so frustrating is that the dominant culture does not have to suffer any racism because of it. The argument that people are just “honoring” them is ridiculous because, at one time in history, the natives were considered filth and slaves as the hero of England douchelord Winston Churchill said.

Trying to adopt the Indian culture while not understanding the significance of that culture is wrong. It is important to think twice before wearing garments and practicing traditions of another culture; it is necessary to understand that these items can really mean something to the people of that culture and this must be respected and followed.” – Fatima Farha

When Swami Vivekananda, the man credited with bringing yoga to the West, said that all the mud on the bottom of the Indian Ocean could not balance the filth that had been thrown at India, it was not an exaggeration. In order to justify their colonization of India, the British employed racist and orientalist narratives that created a social, cultural, political, and religious hierarchy with European Christians on top, and Indian ‘heathens’ at the bottom. Years of political, cultural, and religious humiliation, and yet, what a day we live in, defending myself from a colonial hangover and clutches is called arrogance and judgment and ego…

Please spread the right and complete knowledge
OM NAMAH SHIVAY

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Shakti asks Shiva – What is Energy?

Devi asks: My lord “What is vibrational energy ? what are these vibrations? Where do they come from ? why should we be aware of this ? Shiva replies: “My deartest one , they are the kind that meditation or mantras generate everywhere . light heat and sound are the result of vibrational energy. These vibrations are the kind that resonates with the vibrations of nature.
Devi asks lord shiva : my lord ” Energy flows where attention goes” what is the significance ? Shiva answers: Devi , it is about the universal polarities of the univers. positive and negative. opposites attract. it is the nature of energy. If your attention is not here it is elsewhere. chasing her. instead we have to withdraw into the self. Through our sense organs. withdrawal of the senses , from the dynamic shakti to shiva the static . opposites attracting. from negative to positive. it is through the vibrations we create. IT is the product of human imagination . there are many techniques. From the form to the formless. From shakti to shiva. freedom from our own thoughts. look inside.

Nikola Tesla observed that the universe is a sea of energy. Today, physicists know that matter is a form of energy, vibrating at different frequencies. Energy comprises 98% of the Universe and “matter” only 2%. We live in a universe of spiritual, psychic, and physical energy by virtue of which all living things exist through their ability to transmute this universal energy into something individual. We become endowed with the ability to transmit our own energy field, our individual unit of power.

Humans are energy transformers; we are alive and developing in proportion to how much of this universal energy we accept and how freely it flows through us. The better we transmit this energy or allow it to flow through us, the higher grade we occupy; the more alive and contented and effective we become. it has to be experienced. we too have to understand how to harness this universal energy from which we come from. Formless and shapeless. Nirakar. Nirgun, the infinite. The pure unconditioned energy !Source: 

Source: Adiyogi शम्भू, Cultofshiva

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Mahashivratri – The holy night of Shiv and Shakti

An Introduction to Mahashivratri: A Yogic Celebration Honoring Bhagwan Shiv

Mahashivratri stands as a pinnacle among the holiest days, revered globally for its significance in the yogic tradition. Mahashivratri translates as “the Great Night of Shiv,” and it holds exceptional reverence. This annual festival commemorates Bhagwan Shiv, the epitome of cosmic consciousness and the ultimate yogi. While Shivaratri occurs monthly in the Hindu calendar, Mahashivratri is observed once a year during late winter, preceding the arrival of spring.

In ancient Indian culture, people celebrated 365 festivals annually. These festivities were not merely occasions for merriment; they served as opportunities to immerse oneself in various spiritual practices such as yoga, meditation, chanting mantras, kirtan, and the pursuit of truth. Whether driven internally or externally, participation in these rituals was valued for its contribution to meaningful karma.

Unifying Yogic Discourse

Despite the diverse purposes of these festivals, they shared a common thread: the discourse conducted during these events often centered around yogic principles, serving as a medium for spiritual exploration and enlightenment.

The Significance of Mahashivratri

Among these festivals, Mahashivratri stands out as a cosmic event of unparalleled importance. It transcends the realm of ordinary celebrations to offer a unique opportunity for individuals to unite with Shiva, the divine entity. As the night unfolds, it reveals profound yogic experiences, fostering a transformative shift toward spiritual enlightenment within each participant.

Stories and legends

Numerous stories and legends surround Mahashivratri, illustrating its profound significance. Whether recounting the divine marriage of Bhagwan Shiva with Mata Shakti, his resurrection of Chandra Dev, the purification of Earth by Mata Ganga, or the dissemination of yoga knowledge, these narratives underscore the sacredness of the occasion. Some even suggest that by observing Mahashivratri, one may accrue the merits of a million years of meditation and potentially attain a state akin to Shiva himself.

Significance of Mahashivratri

Rooted in Hinduism, Mahashivratri signifies a solemn remembrance of transcending darkness and ignorance prevalent in life and the universe. Devotees engage in various practices, including prayers, fasting (Vrat), yoga, and meditation. They focus on virtues like self-restraint, honesty (Satya), nonviolence (Ahimsa), and forgiveness. Throughout the night, ardent worshippers remain awake and chant mantras and do meditation. Yet there are others who embark on pilgrimages to Shiva temples or sacred Jyotirlingams, fostering a deep spiritual connection.

Shiv Shakti Unon in Mahashivratri

Bhagvan Shiv: The Divine Yogi

Bhagvan Shiv revered as the first yogi (ādiyogi) and guru (ādiguru), imparted timeless wisdom to the saptrishis (seven sages) on the banks of Lake Mansarovar in the Himalayas. This profound knowledge of yoga transcended borders, spreading across continents over millennia. Bhagvan Krishan’s rendition of this knowledge through the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita further solidified his status as Yogeshwar, the god of yoga.

Rituals and Practices

The observance of Mahashivratri involves fasting, with devotees abstaining from solid foods, and consuming only water. The night is spent in reverent prayer, often chanting “OM NAMAH SHIVAY” as a devotional practice. The following morning, the fast is broken with fruits, milk, or water, symbolizing surrender to Mahadev and the eternal cycle of creation and dissolution.

The Supreme Shiv Consciousness
The Supreme Shiv Consciousness

Universal Reverence for Shiv

The reverence for Shiv transcends time and geographical boundaries. Shiv temples and jyotirlingas stand as symbols of divine light and universal presence across the world. From ancient India to distant lands like Egypt and Mesopotamia, Shiv’s worship resonates across cultures. This is reflective of the universality of his divine essence.

The Supreme Shiv Consciousness - union of shiva shakti on Mahashivratri sivaom
The Supreme Shiv Consciousness – union of shiva shakti on Mahashivratri sivaom

Seeking Spiritual Enlightenment

On Mahashivratri, devotees bask in Shiv’s infinite brilliance. Yogis do fasting and worship throughout the day and night, seeking liberation from past karma and enlightenment. The sacred chants of “ॐ नमः शिवाय” (Om Namah Shivay) and “हर हर महादेव” (Har Har Mahadev) are the main mantras. They can be heard from a distance as the echos of devotion to the supreme lord of yoga, Bhagwan Shiv.

Mahashivaratri transcends mere ritualistic observance, inviting seekers on a transformative journey. It is a night dedicated to spiritual awakening, self-realization, and divine communion with Bhagwan Shiv.

rudraksha

Rudraksha – How to wear, Important Rules & Precautions

In antiquated Hindu society, rudraksh is connected with the tears of Bhagavan Shiv ji, (Rudra + aksa). You must’ve seen numerous yogis, sages, babes, and babes wearing rudraksh. Its a mala as well as its entire power field of vitality, it’s not just a style embellishment but as well as an assistant to the spirit, paying little heed to your motivations to wear the rudraksh, there are particular Rules to Wear and if not remembered the rudraksh can bring about genuine harm to your prosperity.

Normally the dots of Rudraksha are hung together as a mālā. Customarily, it is trusted that the quantity of dots utilized ought to be 108 in addition to one. The additional dab is the bindu or “guru dab”. On the off chance that the mālā does not have a bindu, the vitality is said to end up recurrent and wearers who are touchy may get to be unsteady.

At the point when the dots are hung, it is prudent to do as such with either a silk or a cotton string. It is then encouraged to change the string at regular intervals to keep it from snapping and the 109 globules from disseminating. The Rudraksha mālā may likewise be hung with either copper, silver or gold, commonly by a diamond setter. A typical issue with mālās set up with such metals is the mālā being tied too firmly. This may bring about the internal parts of the Rudraksha seeds splitting and disintegrating from intemperate weight. Along these lines, it is important to guarantee that the mālā is tied freely.

Somebody who truly wants to leave undesirable propensities and carry on with an existence of virtue can wear Rudraksh’s and may get themselves free not long after in the wake of wearing it . This has happened to numerous. It might transpire likewise, on the off chance that you will unequivocally. Rudraksh force is more than any jewels, yantra, tantra, mantra and Jantra. By and large the wearer and the admirer of Rudraksh is honored with flourishing, peace and wellbeing. However there are sure safeguards to be taken to keep away from the addition of sins. These safety measures are, for example:-

  • Rudraksh must be worn after Sidhhi (method of purification & charging with Mantra), performing the prayers and ritual rites for its sanctification and Hawan, etc. It should be worn on auspicious day, Monday or Thursday. Rudraksh Mantra and Rudraksh Origin Mantra is to be chanted daily 9 times while wearing in the morning and after removing before going to bed. Rudraksh must be removed before going to sleep and must be kept at the puja place.)
  • Rudraksha, being organic, is preferably worn in ways that do not involve metal
  • Rudraksh can be worn in the morning after having a Bath. It can be worn after reciting the mantra as above and incense/ ghee lamp etc must be used. It must not be touched before bathing. One should clean his hands properly after using the toilet.
  • The wearer of the Rudraksh should not eat non-vegetarian food and should not take alcohol. He should speak truth always and must go to Lord Shiva temple for his blessings.
  • Rudraksha must not be taken to the cremation grounds and funerals. Also, it must not be taken to the place while visiting a newborn baby.
  • NEVER wear the Rudraksh while having sex.
  • WOMEN must not wear the Rudraksh during their menstrual cycle.
  • ALWAYS keep your Rudraksh clean. Dust and dirt can settle in the pores of the bead. Clean these as frequently as possible with something with soft, fine bristles. If the thread becomes dirty or worn out, change it. After cleaning, wash your Rudraksh with some blessed holy water. This helps maintain its sanctity.
  • ALWAYS keep the Rudraksh oiled… After regular cleaning, oil the bead and treat it with incense. This is of UTMOST importance. especially when not using the bead for sometime, or storing it for a while.
  • Many get confused with the shape and size. One should not seriously worry about it. Just see that the Mukhi is well defined, corns and contours are natural, and there are no cracks near the central hole. Normally the buyer gets a feel when Rudraksh is kept in the palm. He/She feels that this is the one which was wanted.
  • Rudraksh is hot in nature. Some people just can’t wear it. Their skin shows signs of allergy. They can never wear any gold, silver, or thread chain. So better not to use it. Keeps the beads in the Puja room and offer daily prayers.