Hindu Deities Archives - Tirumala Tirupati Yatra

The Most Used Names of Lord Shiva

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Names of Lord Shiva

The month of Magha is meant for the worship of Siva, Vishnu, Surya, Devi and Ganesha. Particularly the last week of this month is devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva. It is the much-awaited annual holy festival of Lord Shiva for all the Devotees of this supreme God.

This is the most auspicious and greatest day for the devotees. The Object of worship, the worshipper and the process of worship are all the three essential things in every kind of worship. Similarly on this Mahasiva Ratri Day also it is essential to know about all these three things.

This present writing sheds focus on various magnanimous aspects of Siva the object of worship of Maha Sivaratri. It is known to all that Shiva has several thousands of names as available in the Mahabharata, Markandeya Purana, Skanda Purana and in the other Agama Texts.

Out of all these the following few names are much heard and very frequently found in most of the common prayers. These names have both phenomenal and philosophic meanings. A brief introduction is given to these names.

Rudra

Rudra is that aspect of Lord Shiva which clears away the ruja (disease) and duhkha (sorrow). Rudra is God dissolution. At the end of the creation, all the beings merge in Rudra. Hence he is called Layakara.

Another sense of this word is who makes all living beings to weep or to shout with pangs of separation of their relatives who were graced by Rudra to leave their mortal bodies. Thus the relieved souls merge in Him. The rest of the beings lament for the departed ones.

Shankara

One who makes the life auspicious is Shankara. Usually, Lord Shiva is believed to be the God of Dissolution. But all kinds of auspicious elements spring from this God. Hence he is called Shankara. Sham – means Auspiciousness. As he brings auspiciousness He is known by the name Shankara.

Sthanu

Phenomenally Sthanu means a pillar. As he is the single supporting pillar of the world (Samsara) he is called Sthanu.

Kapardi

A God of matted hair is called Kapardi. The inner meaning is that he is called Kapardi because of retaining the entire Divine River in his tight closed matted hair and released on the request of Bhagiratha.

Trilochana / Tryambaka

One who has three eyes is known as Trilochana or Tryambaka. His three eyes are The Sun, The Moon and The Fire. The Third Eye of Fire is the Eye of Fire like Pure Knowledge.

Shiva

As all the beings at the time of dissolution rest in this Supreme God he is called Lord Shiva. The other meaning of the word Shiva is the Auspicious one.

Adibhikshu

One meaning of this is the First Seeker of Alms. The inner meaning of this is that he begs for the six vices Kama (Desire), Krodha (Anger), Lobha (Greed), Moha (Infatuation), Mada (Intoxication) and Matsarya (Jealousy) in his devotees and blesses them with great boons for their upliftment.

Tripurantaka

The killer of the Three Cities of Demons was known as Tripurantaka. But one who dissolves the three tendencies in human beings: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas are called Tripurantaka.

Garalakantha

The word Garala means the poison. One who swallowed the dreadful poison Kalakuta is called Garalakantha. Here symbolically the worldly attractions are called poison. The human senses are attracted by worldly attractions and victimise human beings.

For protecting the devotees lord Shiva swallows the poison of worldly attractions and saves the devotees. Hence he is called Garalakantha.

Nagabhushana

Whose ornaments are snakes he is Nagabhushana. Here Lord Shiva adorns himself with snakes of the six inner enemies Kama (Desire), Krodha (Anger), Lobha (Greed), Moha (Infatuation), Mada (Intoxication) and Matsarya (Jealousy) of the human world.

Hence Lord Shiva is praised with the epithet Nagabhushana.

Bhashmadharin

Lord Shiva besmears his body with the ashes from the burial ground. Hence he is called Bhashmadharin. Philosophically the ashes on the body of Lord Shiva are compared to the ashes of Karma (The past deeds) burnt by the Fire of Jnana (Knowledge).

Adi Kirata

Adi Kirata means the First Hunter. Lord Shiva is the hunter who chases after wild animals in the form of lust in human beings. Hence he is called Adi Kirata or the First Hunter as one has to suppress the inner desires before conquering the world.

Digambara

The word Digambara means undressed. Lord Shiva by nature is the form of pure knowledge without any adjectives. Hence such a form of pure knowledge is known as Digambara.

Vrushabhavahana

The word Vrushabha in Sanskrit is a representation of Dharma. Sometimes metaphorically Dharma is said to have been in the form of Vrushabha. As a Vrushabha has four feet and moves on four feet Dharma also lays on four feet and moves on four feet. Hence this resemblance.

Here Nandisvara, the vehicle of Shiva is considered as the divine manifestation of Dharma. Hence Shiva is called Vrushabhavahana as He is pervasive everywhere through Dharma.

Trisulin

He is the wielder of Trident. This trident is the symbol of the three Gunas Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. As he bears all these three Gunas in Him He is called Trisulin. According to another interpretation, the three edges of the Trident are Peace, Dispassion and Realization.

Hence He, Lord Shiva, is called Trisulin.

Chandrasekhara

One who bears the crescent of the moon on his forehead is called Chandrasekhara. According to the second meaning, he sheds the rays of Nectar. So he is called Chandrasekhara.

Arthanarishvara

Both the forms of Purusha (the Consciousness) and Prakrti (The World) are the very forms of Lord Shiva. Hence known as Artha Nari and Artha Easwara together called Arthanarishvara.

Nataraja

Natya is Jnana of both the world and the cause of the world. As Lord Shiva does bestow Jnana he is extolled as the king of Natya or Nataraja.

Pashupati

All the beings (Jivas) are beasts (Pasus in Sanskrit). Mother Goddess Parvathi is the snares of the world that binds the beings (Pasa in Sanskrit) and Shiva is the ruler of all beings (Pasupati or Pasusasaka in Sanskrit).

In addition to the above important names, the following eight names have prominence in worshipping Lord Siva.

Sarva

The Ekmaranatha of Kanchipura is Lord Shiva of Prithvi Tattva or the Earthen Element and is recommended to be worshipped in the form of Sarva.

Bhava

Jambukesvara of Jambukesvaram at Sriranga Kshetra is the manifestation of the Jala Tattva or the Water Element and to be worshipped in the form of Bhava. Hence Bhava (The world the physical manifestation of Lord Shiva is known by the name Bhava).

Rudra

Arunachalesvara of Arunachala is said to be worshipped by the name Rudra and he is the Agni Tattva (The Element of Fire) aspect of Shiva.

Ugra

Lord Shiva at Srikalahasti is popular as Sri Kala Hastisvara. He is the manifestation of Vayu Tattva or the Element of Air. He is recommended to be worshipped by the name Ugra.

Bhima

Chidambaresvara of Chidambaram in Tamilnadu is the manifestation of the Akasa Tattva or the element of Ether. He is known by the name Bhima.

Pashupati

Pashupatinatha of Nepal is the Kshetrajna or the Supreme Consciousness in every individual due to whose presence Jiva becomes Shiva in the absence of whom Jiva remains a Sava (a mere corpse).

Isana

He is the presiding deity in all the Sun temples in India. Mahadeva- He is Somanatha in the Prabhasa Tirtha in Gujarat. He is said to be worshipped by the name Mahadeva the presiding deity of the Moon.

Thus having known these meanings of various names of Lord Siva if one worships Lord Siva the devotional discipline in every individual will lead him/her towards perfection as a human being in the spiritual journey.

108 Names of Lord Shiva with Meanings

Andal Thiruvaadipooram

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Andal Thiruvaadipooram (Birthday of Andal or GodaDevi)

Goda Devi – Incarnation of Bhumi Devi

Goda Devi, hailed as Sri Andal is an incarnation of Bhumi Devi. She was bought up by Perialwar named Vishnuchittar in the temple town of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu. She is considered one of the 12 Vaishnava Saints known as Alwars who are devoted to Lord Vishnu.

Click here for the Google Maps Location of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu

Adding auspicious to Aashada month, she came to earth as a cute baby girl lying near the Tulasi plant. Perialwar was extremely happy to get the girl and brought up with care. She was raised like a Gopika of Vrindavan.

Andal Thiruvaadipooram – Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star

In Tamil, the birthday of Goda Devi is celebrated as “Thiruvaadipooram” means “Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star”, this little superstar was born to eradicate all our ignorance in our lives.

Andal Thiruvaadipooram is celebrated by walking up early in the morning, cleaning the house, putting nice kolams, decorating that with flowers, and then taking a holy bath.

Clean the puja room and decorate it with flowers. Sri Andal is decorated with a new dress especially green as she is Mother Earth, offering flowers Sandal Paste and Scented water. As Andal has lengthy hair, the hairdressing for Andal is made in a style.

She also carries a parrot in hand, so one can make a parrot out of leaves to decorate her. Then, offer her with bangles and donate to women. Fortunate to get those bangles as they give prosperity, a good family, good progeny, health and blessings.

Andal Thiruppavai & Goda Stuti

“Kalkandu Rice”, sugar candy rice can be prepared to be offered to Goddesses and distributed to devotees. “Andal Thiruppavai”, “Goda Stuti” etc can be recited. Young girls dress up like Andal and perform “Kolaatam” with sticks and dance with garlands in praise of Lord Krishna and Sri Andal.

Sri Villiputtur, Sri Rangam and many Vishnu Temples celebrate with pomp and glory.

One Among 12 Alwars

“Thiruppavai” and “Naachiyaar Thirumoli” sung by little Goda Devi were the essence of all the philosophies to attain Lord Krishna. Eleven Alwars were men, but Sri Andal was the only girl Sri Vaishnava Saint who surpassed all of them as her songs reached out even to the common people.

The simple style and positivity of the verses boost our minds with more self-confidence, energy and enthusiasm. That is the reason, “Thirupaavai” is famous and recited by all of them.

It is a known incident, where Goda Devi used to decorate herself as a Gopika and wear the garland that is meant for “Vatapatrasayee Perumaal”. When Vishnuchittar found this, he was very much upset.

But Lord himself told, that he loved the garland that is worn by Sri Goda Devi. She is hailed as “Andal” because she ruled the Lord. She decided not to get married to a human and started observing “Kartyayani Vrata”.

Thiruppavai

“Thiruppavai” has 30 songs that talk about the Vrata, way of living, hails Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, prosperity of the mother earth, how one should always be united and the blessings to be celebrated in groups highlighting the “Bhaagavatha Sangamam” – “Union of Satsang -the wise”.

The second set of Paasurams is “Naachiyaar Thirumoli”, where she talks about the Lord’s beauty, the weapons of the Lord, the Divine Marriage through a dream, Vrindavan’s infant-Little Krishna, the messenger, the Divya Desams etc.

As she is the incarnation of Mother Earth – Bhumi Devi, always wanted the residents of Earth to be happy. She was born to show us how easily one can get the blessings of the Lord. In Varaha Avatara, Bhumi Devi gets a promise from the Lord Varaha that he should always bless the devotees despite their time. Thus, is the affection shown by Bhumi Devi to her children.

Paasuram’s of Andal talks about

The paasuram’s of Andal talks about the Supreme Lord who prevails everywhere. Hence, all are prosperous, and she prays for the well-being of all. The verses say about the good rain which makes the crops grow healthily, ultimately fills the fields with plants where humans are hunger-free, and the animals and birds enjoy nature flooded with food which finally leads to a healthy environment.

The animals serve humanity by giving good milk in terms that give more health. She says, getting up early in the morning is good. Taking a bath early in the morning is good. Doing good things with friends, and teaching friends all good things that each of us knows leads to a healthy society.

She describes the beauty of nature, flowers blooming, flooded rivers, clear waterfalls, honey overflowing, cows milking themselves without a milkman, crops growing tall, churning of buttermilk, and temple bell sound during naivedhyam.

To complete the Vrata, she says, she will dress up nicely, decorated with flowers, adorned with ornaments and will eat jaggery rice filled with ghee flowing from her hand to elbow. She enjoys going with her friends and calves to the forest to graze cows, shares food with her friends, and prays to Lord Krishna to be with her always.

She proudly says that she is the daughter of Vishnuchitta and as per his guidance (as Guru), she overcame this mundane life. Thus, Goda Devi talks only about the positivity that is needed for today’s life to come out of depression.

Final Word

As per Sri Andal’s wishes, let this World be filled with Joy, let this World be filled with prosperity, let this World be filled with Devotion, let this World be filled with Peace and Harmony.

Thiruvaadipooram of Sri GodaDevi

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Thiruvaadipooram (Birthday of GodaDevi)

Goda Devi – Incarnation of Bhumi Devi

Goda Devi, hailed as Sri Andal is an incarnation of Bhumi Devi. She was bought up by Perialwar named Vishnuchittar in the temple town of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu. She is considered one of the 12 Vaishnava Saints known as Alwars who are devoted to Lord Vishnu.

Click here for the Google Maps Location of Sri Villiputtur, Tamil Nadu

Adding auspicious to Aashada month, she came to earth as a cute baby girl lying near the Tulasi plant. Perialwar was extremely happy to get the girl and brought up with care. She was raised like a Gopika of Vrindavan.

Thiruvaadipooram – Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star

In Tamil, the birthday of Goda Devi is celebrated as “Thiruvaadipooram” means “Auspicious Aadi month Pooram Star”, this little superstar was born to eradicate all our ignorance in our lives.

Thiruvaadipooram is celebrated by walking up early in the morning, cleaning the house, putting nice kolams, decorating that with flowers, and then taking a holy bath.

Clean the puja room and decorate it with flowers. Sri Andal is decorated with a new dress especially green as she is Mother Earth, offering flowers Sandal Paste and Scented water. As Andal has lengthy hair, the hairdressing for Andal is made in a style.

She also carries a parrot in hand, so one can make a parrot out of leaves to decorate her. Then, offer her with bangles and donate to women. Fortunate to get those bangles as they give prosperity, a good family, good progeny, health and blessings.

Andal Thiruppavai & Goda Stuti

“Kalkandu Rice”, sugar candy rice can be prepared to be offered to Goddesses and distributed to devotees. “Andal Thiruppavai”, “Goda Stuti” etc can be recited. Young girls dress up like Andal and perform “Kolaatam” with sticks and dance with garlands in praise of Lord Krishna and Sri Andal. Sri Villiputtur, Sri Rangam and many Vishnu Temples celebrate with pomp and glory.

One Among 12 Alwars

“Thiruppavai” and “Naachiyaar Thirumoli” sung by little Goda Devi were the essence of all the philosophies to attain Lord Krishna. Eleven Alwars were men, but Sri Andal was the only girl Sri Vaishnava Saint who surpassed all of them as her songs reached out even to the common people.

The simple style and positivity of the verses boost our minds with more self-confidence, energy and enthusiasm. That is the reason, “Thirupaavai” is famous and recited by all of them.

It is a known incident, where Goda Devi used to decorate herself as a Gopika and wear the garland that is meant for “Vatapatrasayee Perumaal”. When Vishnuchittar found this, he was very much upset.

But Lord himself told, that he loved the garland that is worn by Sri Goda Devi. She is hailed as “Andal” because she ruled the Lord. She decided not to get married to a human and started observing “Kartyayani Vrata”.

Thiruppavai

“Thiruppavai” has 30 songs that talk about the Vrata, way of living, hails Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, prosperity of the mother earth, how one should always be united and the blessings to be celebrated in groups highlighting the “Bhaagavatha Sangamam” – “Union of Satsang -the wise”.

The second set of Paasurams is “Naachiyaar Thirumoli”, where she talks about the Lord’s beauty, the weapons of the Lord, the Divine Marriage through a dream, Vrindavan’s infant-Little Krishna, the messenger, the Divya Desams etc.

As she is the incarnation of Mother Earth – Bhumi Devi, always wanted the residents of Earth to be happy. She was born to show us how easily one can get the blessings of the Lord. In Varaha Avatara, Bhumi Devi gets a promise from the Lord Varaha that he should always bless the devotees despite their time. Thus, is the affection shown by Bhumi Devi to her children.

Paasuram’s of Andal talks about

The paasuram’s of Andal talks about the Supreme Lord who prevails everywhere. Hence, all are prosperous, and she prays for the well-being of all. The verses say about the good rain which makes the crops grow healthily, ultimately fills the fields with plants where humans are hunger-free, and the animals and birds enjoy nature flooded with food which finally leads to a healthy environment.

The animals serve humanity by giving good milk in terms that give more health. She says, getting up early in the morning is good. Taking a bath early in the morning is good. Doing good things with friends, and teaching friends all good things that each of us knows leads to a healthy society.

She describes the beauty of nature, flowers blooming, flooded rivers, clear waterfalls, honey overflowing, cows milking themselves without a milkman, crops growing tall, churning of buttermilk, and temple bell sound during naivedhyam.

To complete the Vrata, she says, she will dress up nicely, decorated with flowers, adorned with ornaments and will eat jaggery rice filled with ghee flowing from her hand to elbow. She enjoys going with her friends and calves to the forest to graze cows, shares food with her friends, and prays to Lord Krishna to be with her always.

She proudly says that she is the daughter of Vishnuchitta and as per his guidance (as Guru), she overcame this mundane life. Thus, Goda Devi talks only about the positivity that is needed for today’s life to come out of depression.

Final Word

As per Sri Andal’s wishes, let this World be filled with Joy, let this World be filled with prosperity, let this World be filled with Devotion, let this World be filled with Peace and Harmony.

Sudarshan Chakra – Protector of the Good

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Sudarshan Chakra

Sudarshan Chakra is the most powerful weapon of Lord Vishnu in the form of a rotating disc with sparkling spikes to protect the righteous and destroy the evil-minded people. The literal meaning of the weapon is that it is a “wheel with an auspicious vision which is always in motion.”

Lord Vishnu as Protector of the Universe used the wheel to protect His devotees and punish those who harm His followers. During the incarnation of Lord Krishna in Dwaparayuga, He adorned the same weapon to protect the Pandavas.

Click here to learn about Sudarshana Chakra Snanam

Stories

Here are a few stories where Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna used this magnificent weapon.

The story of Ambarisha

King Ambarisha was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu who religiously followed the rituals of ‘dharma.’ He was performing the auspicious “Ekadasi Vrata” on each Ekadasi day. As per the ritual, the devotee should be fasting on Ekadasi and should consume the food before the next star (day) Dwadashi.

On one occasion, when Ambarisha was about to consume his food on Dwadashi day, Rishi Durvasa came to his court and said that he would receive food from him. He left to take his bath. He did not return in time and Ambarisha observed that the period of Dwadashi would not last long.

On the advice of his ministers and ‘gurus’, he drank a few drops of water to complete the ‘Ekadasi Vrata’. He found Durvasa entering his place and saw him taking food in the form of water without feeding the guests whom he invited. Angered by this action, Durvasa in a fit of anger created a demon and ordered him to kill the king.

Lord Vishnu became furious. He ordered His Sudarshan Chakra to kill the demon to protect the king. The Wheel of Lord Vishnu after killing the demon, chased Durvasa. The rishi went to Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva requesting them for protection from the Sudarshan Chakra.

When none were giving refuge to him, he approached Ambarisha to pray to the Sudarshan Chakra to save the life of the sage. Ambarisha prayed to the Lord to withdraw Sudarshan Chakra.

He prayed:

“O Sudarsan Chakra, You are fire. You are the most powerful Sun and the Moon, the Master of all Luminaries. You are the water, the earth and the sky. You are the air. You are the five senses sound, touch, sight, taste and smell.

Please forgive the ‘rishi.’ The sage Durvasa was saved.

The Story of Shisupala

Lord Vishnu in His incarnation as Lord Krishna used the Sudarshan Chakra as His magnificent weapon. Owing to a vow given to His aunt, Lord Krishna has to spare Shisupala for the one hundred mistakes he committed.

During Lord Krishna’s visit to Duryodhana’s court to bring peace between the brothers, Shisupala started blaming Lord Krishna once again and crossed his limit of a hundred mistakes. Then Lord Krishna used Sudarshan Chakra to kill Shisupala.

The story of Sati

Aggrieved by the decision of his father, Daksha, not to invite Lord Shiva to the ‘yagna’ performed by him, Sati immolated herself. Lord Shiva out of love and affection towards his wife carried the charred body of Sati all around the world and was not allowing anyone to separate the body from him.

Lord Vishnu to remove the illusion of Lord Shiva ordered the Sudarshan Chakra to cut the body of Sati into pieces. The charred body was made into 51 pieces which fell at various places in the world. Those holy places are called ‘Sakti Peetams’ and are being worshipped in reverence to Sati and Lord Shiva.

The story of Rahu and Ketu

Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini and distributed the ‘amrita’ churned out of the Milky Ocean between the ‘devatas’ and the demons. She distributed the entire ‘amrita’ to the ‘devatas.’

Two demons, Rahu and Ketu noticed this and mixed in the line of the Devatas. They were also served the ‘amrita’ by Mohini. Before they gulp it, Lord Vishnu noticed the mischief of the demons and cut their throats with the Sudarshan Chakra. Thus, He protected the ‘devatas’ from the devastating effect of the demons.

The Story of Jayadrath

During the war at Kurukshetra, Abhimanyu was killed by Jayadrath when he entered the Padmavyuha laid down by the Kauravas as a strategy to kill all the Pandavas who entered the riddle. Angered by the death of his son, Arjuna vows to kill Jayadrath before sunset.

All the Kauravas hid him in a place where Arjuna could not find him. Lord Krishna mastered a plan and hides the Sun with His Sudarsan Chakra. Jayadrath comes from the hiding place presuming that it is already sunset and he could not be killed by Arjuna. Lord Krishna removes His Wheel. Immediately, Arjuna kills Jayadrath.

Final Word

Sudarshan Chakra always adorns the right hand of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu protects His devotees and safeguards them with His blissful vision and with His marvellous weapons.

Panchabhoota Kshetras

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Panchabhootas

Bhoomi (Earth),
Neeru (water),
Agni (fire),
Vaayu (air), and
Aakasam (sky) are called Panchabhootas.

‘Pancha’ means five and ‘Bhoota’ means compound. These five elements which are very important for life have been worshipped since the olden days.

Siva, the God of Destroyer within the Trimurthis, manifested himself as Panchaboothas in the form of panchabhoota lingas. Where the panchabhoota lingas offered pujas are called ‘Panchabhoota Kshetras‘. Lord Siva appears in different elements in every kshetram.

Panchabhoota kshetras are

Pruthvilingam – Sri Ekambareswara Swamy – Kanchipuram
Jalalingam – Sri Jambukeswara Swamy – Jambukeswaram
Agnilingam – Sri Arunachaleswara Swamy – Thiruvannamalai
Vayu Lingam – Sri Kaalahasteeswara Swamy – Srikalahasti
Akasa Lingam – Sri Natarajaswamy – Chidambaram

Pruthvi Lingam – Sri Ekambareswara Swamy – Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram is located 76 km from Chennai, Tamilnadu. According to the Sthalapuranam, in the olden days, Goddess Parvathi turned into a small girl growing up in Kathyana Maharshi Ashram. She wished to marry Lord Siva. With the Suggestion of Maharshi Sri Katyani Devi reached the present Kanchipuram and made Sivalingam with sand and worshipped Lord Siva in the form of Pruthvi Lingam.

When Parvathi Devi was worshipping Pruthvi Lingam, the Kampa river overflowed and threatened to engulf the Siva Lingam. At that critical movement, Goddess Parvati embraced the Lingam. When Lord Siva touched Goddess Parvathi, He identified Goddess Parvathi as his consort and married her.

The Lingam which was created by Goddess Parvathi is being worshipped now in the name of Ekambareswara Swamy and Goddess Parvathi is worshipped as Sri Kamakshi Devi, who is one of the Ashtadasa Shakthis.

Jala Lingam – Sri Jambukeswara Swamy – Jambukeswaram

Jambukeshwaram is the second of the Panchabhuta Linga temples. Jambukeshwaram is located at a distance of 11 km from Trichy in Tamil Nadu. Jambukeshwaram is also known as Thimevakai and Thiruvanaikaval. This means that Lord Shiva was worshipped here by elephants.

In the olden days, this place was famous for its jambu trees (white apricot trees). A sage named Shambhu lived here. The sage was a devotee of Lord Shiva who would not even receive fresh water without worshipping the Lord. As time went on, Shambhu once had a desire to worship Lord Shiva directly. Thus he began to do penance to please Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appreciated his penance, appeared before him, and granted him a boon.

JALALINGAM - SRI JAMBUKESWARA SWAMY – JAMBUKESWARAM — JALALINGAM – SRI JAMBUKESWARA SWAMY – JAMBUKESWARAM

Shambhu sought the blessing of direct worship of the Lord. Bhola Shankara agreed and said that he would appear in the form of a linga, and Shambhu would worship Him in the form of a jambu tree. Jambukeshwar is located on the banks of the holy river Cauvery.

The locals call this river Ponni. Ponni in Tamil means gold. The locals believe that bathing in the river Cauvery is the best way to worship Lord Shiva as Jambukeshwar. Swamivari Deveri is Sri Akhilandeswari Devi.

Agnilingam – Sri Arunachaleswara Swamy – Thiruvannamalai

Thiruvannamalai is located in the State of Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Arunachalam. In the olden days once there was an argument between Brahma and Sri Mahavishnu about superiority between them.

At that time, Lord Siva appeared in the form of Agni Linga and asked Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to find the beginning and the ending of the Agni Lingam. They both failed to find and pray to Lord Siva and then Lord Siva transformed into Sri Arunachaleswara and became Agni Lingam (Tejo Lingam). Sri Arunachaleswara Swamy’s Consort is Sri Unnamalai Devi.

Vayu Lingam – Sri Kaalahasteeswara Swamy – Srikalahasti

Srikalahasthi is situated 36 km away from Tirupati on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River in the state of Andhra Pradesh. In the olden days at the time of celestial Siva Parvathi Kalyanam, a large number of Gods, Maharshis attended for Marriage and the earth leaned to one side.

Then sage Agasthya prayed to Lord Siva in the bank of Swarnamukhi to balance the earth and Lord Siva settled in the form of Vayu Lingam. Afterwards, Lord Siva gave salvation to the spider, elephant, and serpent who were ardent devotees of Lord Siva located here, and the Lingam is named after these three and Sri Kalahastheeswara Swamy.

Lingam is the incarnation of Vayu the evidence is two lamps in the Garbhalayam move always. Swamivari Consort is Sri Gnanaprasunaambaa Devi.

Akasa Lingam – Sri NatarajaSwamy – Chidambaram

In Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram is situated 250 Km away from Chennai. In the olden days, Adisesha, who was born in Pathanjali was wandering in various places and finally, he reached Chidambaram. He spent a few days meditating with Lord Siva. At this time Lord Siva appeared in the form of Nataraja Swamy and as per Patanjali’s wish, he settled in Chidambaram. The primary deity in this temple is Natarajaswamy.

By the side of the Natarajaswamy, there is a room. In this room, there is a Yantram on the wall. It is always closed with curtains. It appears only at the time of Harathi. Everyone will have different experiences and they don’t know exactly what it is. Some may feel like the sky and the sky itself is Lord Siva. Swamivari Deveri is Sivakama Sundari Devi.

NANDI – Vahanam of Lord Siva

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Nandi Vahanam

As we have vehicles to call our own, the gods and goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon too have some such thing to call their own. Like ours, theirs too differ in shapes and sizes, and they take pride in riding upon them.

While the pot-bellied and elephant-faced Lord Ganesa chose a mouse for a vehicle (vahanam),
Lord Indra chose an elephant.
While goddess Durga prided herself on riding a lion,
Goddess Lakshmi preferred a floating lotus and an owl.
And Lord Siva, the chief of the Trinity had a bull for his vehicle. And this bull of Lord Siva is known as ‘NANDI’.

Nandi is of a milky white colour though in several temples he is dark as the rock he is made of. As we park our costly vehicles outside our dwelling places, Nandi too becomes conspicuous by his position before the temples of Lord Siva.

The Chamberlain of Lord Siva, Nandi is also the chief of the Lord’s attendants, known as ‘Ganapatis’. And like the several names of Lord Siva, he too has a plethora of names by which he is called during worship. It is mandatory to say that these much-honoured and more revered vehicles of the deities are also worshipped by the devotees as they are especially dear to their lords.

Siva Family and Their Vahanams Vehicles — Bull, lion , rat, peacock ; The vehicles of Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya and the snakes worn on Shiva’s body

Siva temples – Stone Image of Nandi

As Nandi is the gate-guardian deity of Mt. Kailasa, the abode of Lord Siva, almost all Siva temples flaunt the stone images of a seated Nandi, generally facing the sanctum sanctorum, so that Nandi may perpetually gaze on the Lord. Since waiting is considered the greatest virtue in our culture, Nandi facing the Lord symbolizes eternal waiting.

This is not to say that he is waiting to take commands from the Lord. But he is only waiting…waiting forever, that forms the very essence of receptivity. And it is this receptivity that made Nandi, Lord Siva’s closest accomplice.

Nandi – Meaning

Speaking etymologically,

the word ‘Nandi’ comes from the Tamil root word, ‘Nandi’ meaning “to grow, to flourish, or to appear”.
The Sanskrit root word ‘Nandi’ means “happiness, joy and satisfaction”.

Either way, the character of Nandi fulfills these root meanings.

Some interesting stories from Siva Purana

Vayu Purana describes Nandi as the son of Kasyapa and Surabhi. Siva Purana tells the interesting story of how Nandi became Lord Siva’s closest accomplice.

Shilada, a sage, loved children but did not have any to call his own. He decided to adopt one and so meditated upon Lord Siva for many years. At last, Lord Siva listened to the sage’s prayer.

One fine morning the sage went to his field to plough and his great surprise, he found a charming baby behind the plough. Shilada was in a fix.

He then heard a voice from the sky, “He is a special child. Care for him. Bring him up to your satisfaction”.

Happy at heart, the sage took the baby home and named him Nandi. As he grew up, he proved to be a very precious child learning everything fast. The sage was very proud of the boy.

A few years rolled by. One day two rishis Mitra and Varuna visited Shilada. Shilada made their stay comfortable by entrusting the work to Nandi. Nandi too played his part well.

When it was time for the Rishis to continue with their pilgrimage, Shilada and Nandi prostrated before them to receive their blessings. “Have a long and happy life, Shilada. We enjoyed your stay”. But to Nandi, they said, “Be well…be learned.”

Shilada was taken aback. “Oh, beloved Rishis! Why didn’t you bless my son with a long life?”

The Rishis replied: “How can we? Nandi is destined to die when he is eight years old. It is fated thus”. They left with sorrow-laden faces.

Shilada felt his heart crumble at the words of the Rishis. But Nandi began to console his father. He told him that as an ardent admirer and devotee, he would pray to Lord Siva and beg Him to rewrite his fate.

“To meet Lord Siva is not as easy as you think. I meditated for a thousand years before I could get a darshan of him. You are already seven and how do you expect to meet Siva in the one year that is left to you?” asked the depressed father.

“I will manage. I will wait with devotion and faith”, so saying Nandi jumped into River Bhuvana and began his underwater prayers. His prayers were quickly answered. Pleased with the boy’s efforts to meet Him, Lord Siva appeared before him and asked what he wanted.

“I love you so much Lord that I want to remain devoted to you forever. Do not let me be born again, and die of old age.”

Pleased with the words of Nandi, Lord Siva granted his request by allowing him and his father to become residents of His Sivaloka. He transformed Nandi into half man and half bull and granted him immortality.

Apart from retaining Nandi as his perpetual companion, he made him ‘Ganapati’, the chief of His companions, known by the name ‘ganas’. And as a welcome gift, the Lord gave Nandi a wonderful garland to wear. Once it adorned his neck, Nandi became resplendent with three eyes and four hands.

Since then Nandi has become Lord Siva’s companion, door-man, and vehicle. It was by sheer devotion and waiting with faith, Nandi was able to overcome his fate. He rewrote it.

Nandi – the greatest devotee

Once it so happened that when the Devas and the Asuras churned the milky ocean for nectar with Mt. Mandara for the churning staff and serpent Vasuki for the rope, the first thing that emerged was the deadly poison called halahala. It could have easily destroyed the world, had not Lord Siva jumped into the fray. He collected the poison in his hand and swallowed it.

Panic-stricken Goddess Parvathi, Lord Siva’s consort, grasped her husband by his throat and thereby stored the halahala there so that the poison would not affect him. Lord Siva’s throat turned blue. However, a small quantity of poison slipped out of Lord Siva’s hands and fell to the ground. Following his master, Nandi licked and swallowed it up. Shocked stood the Devas for they were witnesses to Nandi’s action.

Nothing happened to Nandi. Lord Siva smiled and said to the Devas thus: “Nandi is my greatest devotee. All my powers are his too and my wife’s protection will go to him too.” Such was the affection Nandi commanded from his master Siva.

This story also proves that Nandi had immense strength and immunity, the gift of the Lord. No wonder the gifted bull is worshipped too. It is said that the pooja of Lord Siva would be incomplete without Nandi’s worship.

Conveyed the message

Once Parvathi lost her memory which very much disturbed her husband. Lord Siva started meditating with the noble intention of probing into the causes of her illness. Nandi too joined the meditation to ensure that he is connected with the Lord. This is why he sits in front of the Lord even today.

Jalandhar, an enemy of Lord Siva, stole this opportunity to abduct Goddess Parvathi. Neither was Lord Siva aware of this nor his companion Nandi. But the other deities who stood witness to the incident were unable to convey this news to Lord Siva. Hence they searched for Ganesa and hurried him up. But Ganesa failed to pull his father out of His meditation. An idea struck him. He went near Nandi and whispered all that he wanted to in his ears.

Nandi conveyed to his Lord all that he had heard from Ganesa. And Lord Siva came out of his deep meditation. Perhaps the custom of whispering into the ears of Nandi came into force from that day on.

Turned the curse into a blessing

Nandi played many roles in the lives of the divine couple, to whom he was attached. Here is another interesting story.

The divine couple were playing a game of dice and the faithful Nandi played umpire (act as a judge). The game was over. Though Goddess Parvathi was a clear winner, the umpire declared that Lord Siva had won. Surely, he was partial to his Master.

Enraged, Parvathi cursed him. Grieved Nandi apologized and said, “My actions arose from devotion to my Master. Please be kind enough to release me from the curse”.

Goddess Parvathi finding a method in his madness sympathized with Nandi. She finally said: “Want a release from the curse? Then go and offer my son Ganesa all his favorite items and revere him on his birthday.”

Nandi faithfully followed the advice of Goddess Parvathi and turned the curse into a blessing. He pleased the elephant-headed Lord by offering him green grass (Darbha) on Ganesa Chaturthi day.

Since Nandi’s strength of mind and body was beyond question, he fought battles to help Lord Siva to be the victor. The Lord’s youngest son, Karthikeya who himself was a great warrior took Nandi’s advice before he entered any battle.

Thus Nandi became the favourite of Lord Siva’s entire family. It is in fitness of things that Nandi is given a place of great importance in all Lord Siva’s temples, especially in the South. He is seen as a humped white bull sitting on a raised platform and facing the entrance door of the shrine.

The message is that the soul (Nandi) should always be focused on the supreme power (Siva). The people have such a strong faith in Nandi that they believe he would come when they die and guide their souls to the holy land of Mt. Kailasa. Therefore, next time you come across a bull do not forget to feed him with green grass. Is not the purpose of this birth to achieve divine consciousness?

The Divine Vahanas of gods and goddesses

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– Smt. T.S. Rajalakshmi

Divine Vahanas

Vahana in Sanskrit means “that which carries,” a vehicle for Gods and Goddesses. All Gods and Goddesses have their vehicles (Divine Vahanas or Vahanams). The vehicle may be a bird or an animal. Yet, they too are considered with high respect and offered prayers.

They become vehicles to serve them out of devotion. They are staunch devotees who are ready to serve the Almighty at any point in time.

Lord Ganesha – Mooshika

“Mooshika” (mouse), is the vehicle for Lord Ganesha who is worshipped first in all types of worship in the Hindu Tradition. The interesting story is that “Mooshika” was Gandharva Krauncha in his previous birth and due to a curse he was born in the rat family. He was disturbing everybody in the hermitage of Sage Parashara. Gajanana who was there caught hold of him and warned him of dire consequences.

Mooshika surrendered to Gajanana and offered to serve him as his vehicle always. Ganesha is also known as “Mooshika Vahana” and is sung as “Mooshika Vahana Modhaka Hastha”. Lord Ganesha mounted on Mooshika teaches us that one should not be distracted by whatever he sees and be wavering in his mind and that one can be controlled by the grace of the Lord.

Lord Subramanya – Surapadma

“Surapadma–the Peacock”, is the vehicle of Lord Karthikeya. Surapadma was a cruel Asura who was torturing the angels. When Lord Muruga fought with Surapadma vigorously, the latter took the form of a tree. Lord Muruga split the tree into two halves turning one half into Peacock and the other into a rooster (which is the symbol for Muruga’s flag).

Surapadma surrendered to Lord Muruga and became his vehicle. Lord Muruga is known as “Mayil Vahana”. There is a famous poem as “Erumayil EriVilayaduMugam” in which the vehicle is primarily called upon along with the Lord. Lord Muruga riding on a peacock teaches that even though one takes pride in one’s beauty, he has to submit to the Lord.

Lord Siva – Nandeeswara

“Nandi”, the divine bull, is the vehicle for Lord Siva. He is also the Dwarapalaka of Lord Siva. Nandi means happiness, joy, and satisfaction. He was the son of Sage Shilada who was an ardent devotee of Lord Siva. He wanted a son to be born to serve Lord Siva. Thus, with the Lord’s blessings, Nandi was born to serve as his gatekeeper.

Special Abhishekam and Alankaram is performed during the early hours (Pradosha kaala). He is considered to be the chief of Siva Ganas and a primary Guru. He was a preceptor to Patanjali and Thirumulainathar as well and hence called Nandikeshwara. All Siva temples have Nandi in the front-facing Lord Siva. It is believed that if anyone confides his wishes in Nandi’s ears, he would convey them to Lord Siva and Mother Parvati and get them fulfilled.

“Bairava” who is also the manifestation of Lord Siva has a dog as his vehicle. One can identify Siva temples from the outside by seeing Nandi idols on the walls of the temple.

Many Siva temples have very big Nandi idols as

Rameshwaram temple,
Brihadeeswara temple and
Gangaikonda Chozhapuram temple in Tamil Nadu,
Lepakshi temple,
Virupaksha temple in Hampi,
Chamundeshwari Temple at Chamundi Hills,
Hoysaleshwara Temple at Halebid in Karnataka,
Bhanjanagar temple at Orissa and
Mahanandiswara temple in Kurnool.

Devotees recite the shloka on Nandi during Lord Siva’s darshan: “Nandikesha Mahaabhaaga Sivadhyaana”. A Great Saiva Devotee named Nandanar was not able to view Lord Siva (Sivalokanathar) at Thirupunkur in Tamil Nadu as Nandi was obstructing the darshan.

Lord Siva commanded Nandi to move aside to enable Nandanar to have His Darshan. Nandi complied with the orders and moved aside. Thus, Nandi aids other devotees to get the blessings of the Lord irrespective of caste and creed. The message from Nandi shows that every Jeevatma should focus only on serving the Lord.

Goddess Parvathi – Simha

“Simha – the Lion” is the vehicle for Goddess Parvathi. Durga kills Mahishasura by mounting on the Lion. The vehicle depicts the power of a woman who controls anger and pride and saves the world from the wicked.

Lord Vishnu – Garuda

“Garuda –the Divine eagle” is the vehicle for Lord Vishnu. He was the son of Sage Kashyapa and Vinata. To liberate his mother from slavery, he went to heaven and brought back ambrosia for his stepmother, thus performing the toughest job. Such is the power of Garuda. He symbolizes speed and power.

Natural Stone Garuda Formation – Tirumala Ghat Road

Many ancient texts praise Garuda as Pakshiraja–the King of Birds. Garuda Purana is one of the puranas categorized as Saatvik Purana. It has the dialogue between Garuda and Lord Vishnu. Garuda is praised in many puranas as a savior because he takes the Lord with great speed to enable him to save the devotees in time.

A classic example is Gajendra Moksha where the Lord mounted on Garuda saves the elephant. It is believed to be auspicious to remember Garuda Seva and Gajendra Moksham while waking up in the morning.

Garuda also symbolizes the Vedas. It is also said that the wings of Garuda always sound Vedic hymns. He is also praised as Suparna, Vainateya, Nagari, Jitantak, Nagbhishan, Garutman, Vishari, Vrihadtantrasaar, Ajit, Vishwaroopi, Khagshresta (best among birds) and Kashyap Nandan. One can identify the Vishnu temple from the outside by seeing Garuda’s statue on the walls of the temple.

Some temples are famous for Garuda. Naachiyaar Kovil near Kumbakonam is famous for Stone Garuda (Kal Garuda). This is the place where Garuda arranged for the marriage of Vanjulavalli Devi and Lord Srinivasa. Here, during Garuda Seva, Garuda becomes heavier when going out of the temple and becomes lighter when entering the temple. Garuda Seva in Kanchipuram, Tirumala, and Sri Rangam is very famous. Amrutha Kalasam offered to Garuda cures various diseases.

Garuda Seva with Umbrellas during Brahmotsavam — Garuda Seva – Tirumala

A few villages near Tirunelveli have a practice of performing special Abhishekam and dressing (Sattai Sathal) for one of the Garuda Statues seen on the top of the temple wall. During annual Brahmotsavas, the Garuda flag is hoisted on the main mast and it is called “Dwajarohanam”. Sri Rangam Garuda is quite huge and magnificently painted with beautiful natural colors. Garuda wore snakes as his ornaments.

There are many songs mentioning Garuda like “Garuda Gamana, Garuda Dhwaja” etc.

Famous Shloka “Mangalam Bhaghavan Vishnu Mangalam Garudadhwaja” praises the Lord along with Garuda. Garuda was born as Perialwar, father of Sri Andal. Hence, Srivilliputtur’s inner shrine has Garuda along with Lord Rangamannar and Sri Andal. “Pallandu Pallandu” divya prabhandam was sung by Perialwar when he saw the Lord with his consorts mounted on Garuda and gave him darshan. The Garuda Flag of Lord Vishnu indicates the “Speed, Power and Dharma”.

It is also believed that the darshan of Garuda will cure diseases and bring prosperity.

Goddess Mahalakshmi – Elephant

“Elephant” is the vehicle for Goddess Mahalakshmi. We can see mostly Mahalakshmi in a sitting posture with two elephants on either side at the entrance of a temple or house as it is considered very auspicious. An elephant is a symbol of power and prosperity.

Goddess Lakshmi is also known as Gaja Lakshmi. Gaja Vahana seva is auspicious to Goddess Padmavati Devi in Tiruchanur as Garuda Seva to the Lord. The Paraphernalia from the Lord of Seven Hills is brought on the elephants to Goddess Padmavathi Devi during Panchami theertham during Brahmotsavas.

Lord Brahma-Hamsa

“Hamsa–the Divine Swan” is the vehicle for Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswati. The word Hamsa is a combination of two words “Aham” +” Sa” which is “I am He”. This reveals that one can get enlightened by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Knowledge, wisdom, purity, peace, and truth are imparted.

Lord Indra – Airaavatha

“Airaavatha – the white Elephant” is the vehicle for Lord Indra, King of Heaven. He is praised to be a king of elephants. It stands at the entrance of (Svarga) heaven. Some texts reveal that Airaavatha emerged during the churning of the Milky Ocean. Airaavatha in Puranas is praised as a symbol of protection and success.

Vahana symbolizes a strong relationship between Paramatma and Jeevatma like that of Master and Servant. They may appear two different individuals but the truth is that Jeevatma is controlled by Paramatma. The vahana is the foremost Bhakta who helps other Bhaktas in getting the blessings of the Lord by carrying him to them. It also shows the loyalty towards the Lord. It points to the easiest way to approach the Lord and get his blessings.

All the Vahanas have a special power of cleansing the mind, body and giving us positive energy. Let’s be blessed more when we get the Darshan of the Lord in these vahanas. We should also look forward to every moment to get the opportunity to serve the Lord like Vahanas.

Panchamrut – 5 Elements

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Everything about Naivedhyam and Panchamrut

The timeless relevance of our religion, Hinduism is that the fundamental principles of spirituality are holistically enmeshed in simple, easy to practice and very scientific rituals that serve continuously to enrich the mind, body, and soul.

These practices are so convenient to integrate into one’s lifestyle that personal upliftment is very effortless and gradual but at the same time, it is sustainable and long-lasting.

Man has always found numerous ways of expressing his love and adoration towards the Lord. Man in his limited resourcefulness has used music, literary enterprise, sculpture, culinary efforts, and art of all kinds to depict different aspects of Divine Benevolence and Grace as well as his servitude.

Hence, for the student of Hinduism, it is a singularly enriching experience to recognize that the all-encompassing superiority of Hinduism presents the “Prasadam” or “Naivedhyam” or culinary offering in a Pooja or worship ritual as a consortium of nutritionally rich components which safeguard the health of the devotee as he strives to make himself one with the Creator.

Naivedhyam

It is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘offering to God’ in the stricter sense of the word. It could be any offering, tangible or intangible. A resolution, a promise, or even a willingness to do, perform a service, or restrict oneself from certain things can also be connoted as an offering to God.

Naivedhyam means a food offering to the Lord as part of a worship ritual, before eating it. As such, tasting during preparation or eating the food before offering it to God is forbidden. The food is placed before a deity and pujas are offered. Then the food is consumed as a holy offering (Prasadam).

The offerings may include cooked food, sugarcane, fruits, etc. whatever we have. Recognition, acknowledgment, and adoration of our Lord, the prayers we offer to Him, and our wishes are all aspects of the manifestation of our unreserved faith in Him and our untiring belief in His Greatness and hence an offering to God is an extension of this belief.

However, one needs to differentiate Naivedhyam from ‘Prasadam’. Prasadam is actually what one gets from God. This is usually attributed to food which we invariably offer to and receive from the house of Gods in the form of eatables.

It is the practice of the Hindus to offer Food to the Almighty before consuming the same. Then Water in a vessel (Pancha Patra) is taken and in a specially designed Spoon (Palli) and sprinkled around the Panchapatra three times with the chanting of these Mantras –

OM ….. Praanaaya swaahaa.. apaanaaya swaahaa….
Vyaanaaya swaahaa… Udaanaaya swaahaa…
Samaanaaya swaahaa.. Brahmane swaahaa

It is a very educative enterprise that we recognize the scientific significance of this very ritual of offering food to the Lord. We, as human beings, subsist on the things that we eat from the bounty of Nature.

The food offering to the Lord is our way of thanking Him. Interestingly, this is a Universal truth. Our Hindu Shastras declare that eating Food without first offering to the Lord, amounts to pilferage. Another reason is that food that is made of natural resources contains impurities, which nowadays also contain hazardous chemicals and pollutants.

Additionally, it is important to realize that the food we eat is the result of the laborious efforts of a lot of people who may not even have been adequately compensated for their toiling. When we offer Naivedyam, He takes away the impurities and the consequences born out of the anger and anguish of the producers.

The food then becomes amenable to our body and we gainfully move towards wellness and good health. After all, we are because of what we think and what we eat.

Panchamrut

Panchamrut (Devanagari from Sanskrit panchamruta), also spelled ‘Panchamrut’ is a mixture of five foods used in Hindu worship and puja, usually honey, sugar, milk, yogurt and ghee. Panchamrut is considered to be the nectar for offering to Gods on various religious occasions in Hindu culture. Panch – is five in Sanskrit and Amrut is nectar.

At the end of the Pooja, a little bit of panchamrut is offered to all who have attended the pooja as part of the Prasadam. Make sure to add one Tulsi leaf before offering to God. Appropriate quantities of Milk (only cow milk), Yogurt, Honey, Sugar and Ghee are mixed.

However, there may be certain regional variations in ingredients.

Most South Indians add ripe bananas instead of sugar.
In Palani Murugan temple (Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple), Tamil Nadu, Panchamrut is used in abhisheka and distributed as prasad in huge quantities. The banana used here is the ‘Virupachi’ variety, specific to that location.

Panchamrut is an ayurvedic preparation until 1890, bananas were not used. It is used as an offering during poojas. It is used as a liberation during Abhishekam. It is also used as a skin cleanser and boosts immunity.

Five elements

According to Hindu mythology, the five elements of this sweet concoction have symbolic meaning. Milk represents purity, Yoghurt gives us strength, Honey depicts unity because it is prepared jointly by bees, sugar adds sweetness and Ghee is meant for nourishing the body.

Legend – Samudra Mathan

To study the origin of Panchamrut, the Story of ‘Samudra Mathan’ (Reference from the Mahabharata: Section XVIII of Astika Parva) should be studied. During the churning process, there emerged Dhanvanthri (Supposed to be known as the God of Ayurvedic Medicine) with a pot in his hand that contained the nectar.

The demons and devas were hassling with each other to get an opportunity just to sip the nectar pot and fly away with it. Rahu, one of the demons, somehow got hold of the nectar pot. The devas were terrified of the scene and sought the help of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Vishnu disguised himself as Mohini, who is said to be a very beautiful and elegant woman. She distracted the demons took away the nectar pot from them and gave it to the devas. The devas drank the nectar. Amidst this scene, Rahu disguised as one of the devas and drank the nectar as well. The switching of sides of Rahu was observed by the Sun and Moon Gods, and they informed Mohini about this.

Mohini wanted to kill Rahu before the nectar could pass through his throat. She cut off his neck with her Sudarshana Chakra (A Sharp blade-like wheel). But he had already swallowed the nectar and hence he did not die. His body was in two parts then, his head was called Rahu, and his body as Ketu. In the end, the devas who got back their powers defeated the demons, and remained immortals thereafter!

Churning of the Milky Ocean and Mohini Murti is narrated in detail in Bhagavat Purana, 8th Canto.

The primordial matter, Prakriti, consisting of three modes of nature (sattva, rajas, and tamas), generates four groups of five.

The first group is elementary; earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
The second group is tan-matra, the subtle sense of objects; sound, touch, form, taste, and smell.
The third group is the five sense organs for acquiring knowledge; eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin.
The fourth group is the five working senses; speech, hands, feet, anus, and genitals.

Panchamrut therefore stands for offering all material elements back to Sri Vishnu by bathing Him with milk, yogurt, ghee, jaggery, and honey, and thus engaging the mind, intellect, and self in a conscious practice of puja. Just like Ganga which springs from Sri Vishnu’s lotus feet, panchamrut becomes charanamruta and purifies internally and externally. It is a blessing for a spiritual elevation, individually and as a community.

Immortality comes from the contact with the source of everything, not from the compatibility of the elements themselves. Milk, yogurt, and ghee come from cows. They are pure and Sattvik, Jaggery, and honey increase their deliciousness.

Krishna is the protector and friend of cows. Therefore, any yajna is incomplete without milk products. Here we offer “milk to get peace of mind yogurt” “long life ghee” “gnana or tejassu honey” “good health sugar” good people and good thoughts around us. All religious Hindu Pooja and functions are incomplete without the Panchamrut prasadam.

Panchamrut or Charnamrut

It is a milk and curd diluted offering to the Gods and is considered auspicious and highly pleasing to the deities. “Panchamrut” or “Charnamrut” as it is popularly called is the 5 Nectars mixed, namely; Milk, Curd, Ghee (clarified butter), Honey, and Sugar. Some Tulsi or Holy Basil leaves or banana pieces are also put in it for a different taste.

All these 5 ingredients have lots of health benefits and when it is combined in the right quantity, the extremely nourishing Panchamrut is made. One can have Panchamrut even if one does not have any puja at home.

Benefits of Panchamrut

It has a lot of benefits which is why Panchamrut is also called food for God. * Panchamrut prepared with the right proportion is also considered to be a healthy recipe for brain function. * Good food for healthy hair.

Hence, the activity of offering Panchamrut is laden with Scientific reasons: The activity may be changed into sacrifice. This reminds us that food is not merely intended to appease our taste. This also purifies the food as this food is digested smoothly.

Mantra

The following mantras are recited before partaking in this divine blessing:

Brahmapanam Brahma havir brahmaagnou brahmanaayutham

Brahmaiva taena gantavyam Brahma karma samaadhina

The ladle is God, the oblation is god, and it is offered by God in the fire, which is God. God shall be attained by him who is absorbed in God as the act of such sacrifice.

Brahma Muhurta

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Brahma Muhurta or Brahma Muhurtham or Braamhi Muhurtha

This article touches upon the role and importance of ‘Brahma Muhurtham’ or ‘Braamhi Muhurtha’, especially in the ‘Abode of God Venkateswara’ and its importance, to perform the poojas during the same time in Tirumala. This article also covers the role of the aforesaid, for the students and also the life of students from all walks of life apart from professionals of any field.

The fourteen worlds (14 Bhuvana Bhandams) are controlled and organized by the ‘time’, as mentioned in the Rig Veda. Naturally, the entire ‘nature’, life cycle and activities of all living beings are also controlled by ‘time’.

Apart from past, present, and future to categorize time, there is one more model to classify time as Brahma Muhurtham, Shubha Muhurthas, and Dur Muhurthas. A few more models are there that will classify time into other categories based on their utility.

(The popular examples from these are Rahu Kala, Ketu kala, Guli Kala and Guru hora, Shukra hora to name a few)

But this article confines only to Brahma Muhurtham and its applications from Kaliyuga Vaikuntam to Kaliyuga Pruthvi matha.

The Sun god, nature, living beings, athma, and paramathma are inseparable points of a chain or network of ‘time’. The best example from the lower end of this chain, we can quote under this phenomenon, is the sun god, sunflowers and cocks are interrelated to perform their daily activities. The cock, almost all the birds and animals wake up before sunrise, and sunflowers, Prosopis Cineraria (Jammi/Shami tree/Khejri tree/Spunge tree) open up/wake up with ‘Nascent Sun Light’.

Contrary to our ‘nature’al / natural, people living in villages, the city or urban or semi-urban people are living without a link with TIME attached to the sun. (It may be due to the supporting jobs connected to the Western world in the global village or mimicking the living style or lifestyles of other parts of the world. But these ‘Westernized Indian populations’ are paying big penalties for the same).

The Brahma or Brahmi muhurta is believed to be the time prescribed by ‘the creator’ Brahma to Himself to create auspicious things and new creations. Every animal, plant, and human being is created with ‘creative capabilities’ and creates something or other for themselves and others as well. According to science It has been proven phenomenon that, energy levels and creative powers will be at their best in this ‘Brahma Muhurtha’.

Brahma Murhuta Period

In our world, the Brahma Muhurtha is usually a forty-eight (48) minute period (two, twenty-four minutes slots together). This auspicious period starts ninety-six minutes (four, twenty-four minutes slots) before sunrise and ends forty-eight (48) minutes before sunrise. To have a better understanding, it is worth quoting an example.

If sunrises at 6 AM on a particular day, the Brahma Muhurtha of that day is 4.24 AM and spreads up to 5.12 AM. (Of course, the sun’s rising time differs from day to day in a year).

The Vedas themselves prescribed the Veda Vucharana (pronouncing) and learning of Vedas to happen in the Brahma Muhurtha. Similarly, all the students who are learning a variety of subjects are also advised to practice the learning process or study in this ‘Brahma Muhurtha’. This applies from farmers to scientists.

It is common to see farmers going to farm in the Brahma Muhurtha as a tradition from their ancestors and a culture of agriculture. A Potter starts his work again in the Brahma Murtha unknowingly to ‘create’ a few ‘creative’ pieces with ‘pruthvi’ (mud) an important element of nature. It’s a common phenomenon to see many successful scientists have invented many ‘innovations’ during Brahma Muhurtham.

In addition to these, excellent music composers, authors, and philosophical preachers have experienced the same phenomenon regarding the Brahma Muhurtha. From any profession to self-help activities like Yoga, self-enlightenment acts like Meditation, divine dips in rivers or oceans, or sacred baths or Poojas are to be practiced only in Brahma Muhurthas.

Nevertheless, a few other activities like Naivedhyam (not prasadam) will be offered just a few seconds before or just after sunrise to follow certain ‘Vedic Principles’. Coming to The science behind the Brahma Muhurtha could be better described by bringing factors like ‘nascent’ oxygen in the air, oxyhemoglobin, normal blood pH values, settled dust, and pollution-creating particles in the weather to name a few.

The conclusion of this article is to draw the attention of devotees, students, professionals, and any common man to make use of this Brahma Muhurtham every day to utilize their creative powers for the very best healthy, professional, and spiritual journey.

Brahma Muhurtham article by – Dr. Venkata Harshavardhan

Maha Vishnu – Srinivasa

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Lord Maha Vishnu

All the Vedas unanimously declare that Lord Vishnu is prominent among the Vedic Gods. Agni is considered to be the last and Mahavishnu the Highest.

Lord Vishnu is eulogized as one who demonstrated the celebrated three strides (Vikrama) Trivikrama and consequently acquired the honorific name as Trivikrama throughout Vedic literature, He is figuratively mentioned as the sacrifice itself ‘Yagno Vaivishnuh’ which categorically signifies that He is the Supreme Deity to be propitiated.

Everywhere He is much praised for His extreme goodness of disposition towards His devotees and acknowledged as the only deity who pervades, preserves, and controls the whole universe.

The Vedas (Samhitas and Brahmanas) enumerate Vishnu as one of the important deities. The later portions namely the Upanishads and Vedantas identify Him with Parabrahman, the life-giving and life-sustaining center which is responsible for the evolution (sristi) preservation (sthithi), and involution (laya) of the entire Universe.

The terms Vishnu and Brahman are synonymous by their respective deviations. Brahman means that which is un-surpassingly great in form possession of virtues and Vishnu connotes that which is all pervading. That the terms Vishnu and Brahman are synonymous can be evidenced by the concluding aphorisms of Devata kanda of Kasa Krishna.

Brahman is characterized as Satyam Jnanam and anantam and the characteristics of all pervasiveness connected by the term Vishnu is indicated by the attribute anantam which means freedom from the limitations of time, space, and conditions.

Lord Vishnu held in high esteem and special emphasis held or laid that the ultimate goal of human life reaches the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu where eternally unbound souls (suris or nitya suris) see Him and enjoy Him.

(Tadvisho paramapadam). In the ultimate chapters of the Vedas, Lord Vishnu who is identical with Brahman is characterized as the highest personality equal to whom and higher than whom there is nothing. He is inseparably related to the Universe (Jagat) consisting of the animate and the inanimate (chetana and Achetana). The Universe is considered to be His body (Sarira) of which He is the only Soul (Saririn).

Thus it can be deduced that every entity that attains the characteristic of substances (Vastutva) is God-filled and that the import conveyed by that Vastu shall primarily mean Him as He is the owner of the world (Isavasyamidam Sarvam).

It is with careful study of the Upanishads about the significance of words and their imports our forefathers have wisely named us Krishna, Gopala, Srinivasa, Ranganatha or Venkatesa to make us realize at every step that the individual soul which has no individuality without Him should be named after Him who is the real owner of all the animate and inanimate.

Vishnu who is identified with Brahman is again identified with Srimanarayana, who is the abode or resting place of men. One of the Rigvedic texts declares that He is one with Sri or Lakshmi and that Brahman signifies dual deity or Divya dampathi or divine couple.

Srimannarayana who is supposed to manifest Himself in fivefold modes such as para, vyuha, vibhava Antaryami, and Archa, has assumed His archa mode in this attractive resplendent, blissful, and auspicious form and stationed Himself on the peak of Sesha hill to be visible to one and all.

Lord Vishnu is considered to be the Lord of all mountains and this is the reason why he selected this sacred hill for His abode (Vishnuhu Parvatanam Adhipathihi). click here for seven hills.

It is stated in Venkatachala mahatmyam that para manifestation of the Lord is shifted to His Sankalpa to the terrestrial world (Mayavee Paramanadam Tyaktva Vaikuntamuthamam) It is also stated that Lord Krishna roamed about on this hill (Evam Sri Krishna rupena kreeditam venkatachala).

The Lord on the hill is Srimannarayana or Lord Vishnu who though all pervasive assumes a loveable and beautiful form to manifest His Divinity in this Kaliyuga by removing the afflictions of His Devotee and granting boons to the extent of attaining Him in His abode which is Kaliyuga Vaikuntam or Parampada.

He is the only Lord to Protect His devotees and save them from all difficulties. Devotees throng to Lord Srinivasa at Tirumala temple, and day by day the rush of the devotees increases as He calls them to have His Blessings and redeem them from all types of Bondage.

*Source: Saptagiri Magazine