Sunday, May 15, 2011

SHIVA

Shiva

Characteristics :

Destroyer, Kind Hearted

Other Names :

Shambhu Nath, Bhole Shankar, Shiv Shankar

Principal Scriptures:

Shiva Mahapurana

Consort :

Parvati

Sons :

Ganesha, Kartikay

Abode :

Mount Kailash

Vahana (Vehicle) :

Nandi (The Bull Representing Strength and Happiness)

Mula Mantra :

Om Namah Shivaye

Shiva Gayatri Mantra:

Aum Panchvakraye Vidmahe
Mahadevaye Dheemahi
Tanno Rudra Prachodayat

Lord Shiva or Siva is considered as the destroyer of the world. Shiva is one of the most popular gods of the Hindu religion. Lord Siva forms the part of the Trimurti (Trinity), the other being Brahma, the creator and Vishnu, the preserver. Shiva is known for the complexity of his nature, representing contradictory qualities. He is the destroyer and the restorer, the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality, the kind herdsman of souls and a wrathful avenger.

Lord Shiva- The Role
Lord Shiva represents the vital goodness in the form of Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram i.e.; Truth, Goodness and Beauty .Lord Shiva performs a celestial role of dissolution and recreation of the universe, that's why; he is mostly associated with the words, like destroyer and destruction. The role of Shiva is often confused with these terms and the difficulty arises, when the significance of his celestial role is not understood.

Lord ShivaThe conception is clear itself by a slight balance between the opposing forces of good and evil. When this balance gets disturbed and continuation of life becomes unfeasible, Lord Shiva dissolves the universe. This is known as '' pralay '' and it is done in order to create another cycle .So that the unliberated souls will get another opportunity to liberate themselves from the bondage of the material world. To put succinctly, Siva protects the souls from pain and suffering that is generated by the unhealthy universe.

Shiva - The Giver
Lord Shiva is known as the ''giver god'', lord of mercy and kindness. He always protects his devotees from evil forces like lust, greed and anger. He is the most kind -hearted God who grants boons and bestows grace to his devotees.

Shiva - The Image
Lord Shiva has the unclad body covered with ashes symbolizing the transcendental aspect of the universe. Siva's three matted locks represent the integration of the mental, physical and spiritual energies. The crescent moon becomes the part of lord's ornament symbolizing the time cycle through which creation evolves from the beginning to the end. The three eyes of Lord Shiva suggest: the Sun is his right eye, the Moon is the left eye and fire, the third eye.

The Snake around his neck symbolizes the yogic power, which he uses to dissolve and recreate the universe. The Rudraksha necklace worn by the lord shows that he uses his celestial powers without compromise,to maintain law and order. The trishula (trident), symbolizes the Lord's three fundamental powers of will (iccha), action (kriya) and knowledge (gyana).The damaru (drum) and its two sides separated from each other symbolizes the two entirely dissimilar states of existence, invisible and evident.

The bull, Nandi is linked with Shiva and it is considered as his vehicle. The bull symbolizes both power and ignorance. Tiger's skin makes Lord Shiva's clothing and his seat, which illustrates the idea that he is the source of potential energy during the dissolution of the universe. Thus, Lord Shiva is well-regarded as the ultimate organizer of the birth and death in the corporeal world.

Shiva - The Lingam
Shiva is worshipped in his invisible and an unborn form, known as the lingam. Lingam is always accompanied by the Yoni, which is the female part, adjoining the base of the lingam. The lingam symbolizes the male creative power of Shiva.

Shiva Chalisa

Shiva Chalisa is a "forty verse" prayer. Verses are recited or chanted by groups. The acts and deeds of Shiva are recalled in these verses to aid the devotee to meditate on virtuous and noble qualities.


Lord Shiva

ll Doha ll
Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Mool Sujaan l l
Kahat Ayodhyadas Tum, Dehu Abhaya Vardan l


ll Chaupai ll
Jai Girijapati Deen Dayala, Sada Karat Santan Pratipala
Bhal Chandrama Sohati Neeke, Kanan Kundal Nag Phani Ke

Ang Gaur Shiv Ganga Bahaye, Mundamal Tan Kshar Lagaye
Vastra Khaal Baghambar Sohe, Chhavi Ko Dekh Nag Muni Mohe

Maina Matu Ki Priya Dulari, Bam Ang Sohat Chhavi Pyari
Kar Trishul Sohat Chhavi Bhari, Karat Sada Shatrun Shaykari

Nandi Ganesh Sohe Tanha Kaise, Sagar Madhya Kamal Hain Jaise
Kartik Shyam Aur Gana Raau, Ya Chhavi Ko Kahi Jaat Na Kaau

Devan Jabhee Jaaye Pukara,Tabahin Dukh Prabhu Ap Nivaara
Keen Upadrava Taarak Bhari, Devan Sab Mili Tumhee Pukari

Turat Shadanan Ap Pathayo, Luv Nimesh Mahi Mar Girayo
Ap Jallandhar Asur Sanhara, Suyash Tumhar Vidit Sansara

Tripurasur Sang Yuddha Machayi, Sabahin Kripa Kari Leen Bachayi
Keeya Taphin Bhagirath Bhari, Purahi Pratigya Tasu Purari

Darpa Chhod Ganga Tab Ayee, Sewak Astuti Karat Sadahee
Ved Naam Mahima Tav Gayaee, Akath Anadi Bhed Nahin Payee

Pragati Udadhi Manthan Mein Jwala, Jare Surasur Bhaye Vihaala
Mahadeva Tab Kari Sahayee, Neelkantha Tav Nam Dharayee

Poojan Ramchandra Jab Keenha, Lanka Jeet Vibhishan Deenha
Sahas Kamal me ho rahe dhaari, Keenha Pareeksha Tabahi Purari

Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheu johee, Kamal Nayan Poojan Chahin Soyee
Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu Shankar, Bhaye Prasanna Deya Icchhit Var

Jai Jai Jai Ananta Avinasi, Karat Kripa Sab Ke Ghatvasi
Dushta Sakal Mohi Nitya Sataven, Bhramita Rahe Mohe Chain Na Aave

Trahi Trahi Main Nath Pukaro, Yeh Avasar Mohi Ani Ubaro
Lai Trishool Shatrun Ko Maro, Sankat Se Mohi Ani Ubaro

Mata Pita Bhrata Sab Hoi, Sankat Mein Poochat Nahi Koi
Swami Ek Hai Aas Tumhari, Aaye Harahu Mam Sankat Bhaari

Dhan Nirdhan Kon Det Sadaee, Arat Jan Ki Peer Mitaee
Astuti Kehi Vidhi Karahu Tumhari, Shamhu Naath Ab Chook Hamari

Shanker Ho Sankat Ke Nashan, Vighna Vinashan Mangal Kaaran
Yogi Yati Muni Dhyan Lagave, Sharad Narad Sheesh Navave

Namo Namo Jai Namah Shivaye, Sur Brahmadik Par Na Paaye
Jo Yeh Path Kare Man Layee, Tapar Hot Hain Shambu Sahayee

Riniya Jo Koi Ho Adhikaari, Paath Kare So Paavanhaari
Putra Heen Ichha Kar Koi, Nishchaya Shiv Prasad Tehi Hoi

Pandit Triyodashi Ko Lave, Dhyan Poorvak Hom Karave
Triyodashi Vrata Kare Hamesha, Tan Nahi Take Rahe Kalesha

Dhoop Deep Naivedya Chadhavai, Shanker Sanmukha Path Karavahi
Janam Janam Ki Pap Nasave, Anta Vaas Shivpur Men Paave

Hey Shankar Hai Aas Tumhari, Dukh Peera Ab Harahu Hamari


ll Doha ll
Nit Nem Kar Praatha Hee ,Paath Karo Chaalis l
Tum Meri Manokaamna, Puran Karo Jagdeesh ll
Magsar Chhati Hemant Ritu, Sanvat Chausadh Jaan l
Astuti Chaalisa Shivhi, Puran Keen Kalyaan ll

Shiva Legends

Shiva is considered as the destroyer of the universe, in Hinduism. Shiva is a complex god, in terms of nature and represents contradictory qualities, being the destroyer and the restorer simultaneously. There are numerous legends surrounding Lord Shiva and his powers. Here're a few popular stories of Lord Shiva.

Story of Shiva Lingam - Why Shiva is worshipped in the Phallic Form
This is an interesting story regarding the worship of Lord Shiva in the phallic form. It is believed that once Brahma and Vishnu, the two deities of the Trinity, got into an argument regarding their supremacy. Lord Brahma declared himself to be more admired, being the creator. While the preserver, Vishnu, pronounced that he commanded more admiration. Just then a huge pillar of fire (lingam), called as Jyotirlinga, appeared in flames, before them. This Lingam enthralled both Brahma and Vishnu, with its hastily increasing size.

Legends of Lord Shiva With this incident, they forgot their quarrel and decided to find its size. Vishnu took the form of boar and went to the netherworld. Brahma assumed the form of a Swan and flew to the skies. However both of them were unsuccessful in completing the self-assumed tasks. At that time, Shiva appeared out of the lingam and acknowledged that he was the progenitor of both, Brahma and Vishnu. So, he should be worshipped in his phallic (lingam) form, and not in the anthropomorphic form.

Story of Shiva and the Hunter
Here is one more interesting story of Lord Shiva, showing his merciful nature. Once a hunter was wandering in a dense forest, to chase a deer and suddenly he found himself on the banks of river Kolidum, where he heard the roar of a tiger. In order to defend himself from the tiger, he climbed up a tree close by. The Tiger sat on the ground below the tree without the purpose to leave.

The huntsman stayed at the tree whole night and to keep himself awake, he plucked one leaf after another from the tree and threw it down. There was a Shiva Lingam under the tree and gracefully the tree turned out to be a ''bilva'' tree (leaves of this tree are adored by Shiva). Without any knowledge, the huntsman had delighted the deity by pouring Bilva leaves all night. With the arrival of the sun, the hunter looked down and found the tiger gone. In its place, Lord Shiva was standing and he prostate before the lord. With Shiva's blessings, he attained salvation from the bondage of the material world.

Different Names of Shiva

Lord Shiva is considered as the destroyer of the Universe as per the Hindu Mythology. Shiva is one of the most popular gods of the Hindus. Lord Shiva is a complex god like goddess Kali, being destroyer and restorer at the same time. Shiva is also known as Bhole Shankar, the innocent god, who gets appeased easily. Shiv Shambhu is also recognized as an ascetic, as he resides on Mount Kailash in meditation. God Shiv is worshipped usually in his phallic (Lingam) form. Special Worship of Shiva can be seen during the month of Saawan (July-August) of Hinduism. Lord Shiva is known by many different names. This list contains 108 names of Lord Shiva with their meanings:


Names

Meanings

Aashutosh

One Who Fulfills Wishes at once

Aja

Unborn

Akshayaguna

God with Numberless Attributes

Anagha

Without Any error

Anantadrishti

of Infinite Vision

Augadh

One Who Revels All the Time

Avyayaprabhu

Everlasting Lord

Bhairav

Lord of Terror

Bhalanetra

One Who Has an Eye in the Forehead

Bholenath

Kind Hearted Lord

Bhooteshwara

Lord of Ghosts and Evil Beings

Bhudeva

Lord of the Earth

Bhutapala

Protector of the Ghosts

Chandrapal

Master Of The Moon

Chandraprakash

One Who Has Moon As A Crest

Dayalu

Compassionate

Devadeva

Lord Of The Lords

Dhanadeepa

Lord Of Affluence

Dhyanadeep

Icon Of Meditation And Concentration

Dhyutidhara

Lord Of Radiance

Digambara

Ascetic Without Any Clothes

Durjaneeya

Difficult To Be Known

Durjaya

Unvanquished

Gangadhara

God Of River Ganga

Girijapati

Husband Of Girija (Parvati)

Gunagrahin

Acceptor Of Gunas

Gurudeva

Master Of All

Hara

Remover Of Sins

Jagadisha

Master Of The Universe

Jaradhishamana

Redeemer From Afflictions

Jatin

One Who Has Knotted Hair

Kailas

One Who Bestows Peace

Kailashadhipati

Lord Of Mount Kailash

Kailashnath

Master Of Mount Kailash

Kamalakshana

Lotus-Eyed Lord

Kantha

Ever-Radiant

Kapalin

One WhoWears A Necklace Of Skulls

Khatvangin

One Who Has The Missile (Khatvangin) In His Hand

Kundalin

One Who Wears Earrings

Lalataksha

One Who Has An Eye In The Forehead

Lingadhyaksha

Lord Of The Lingas

Lingaraja

Lord Of The Lingas

Lokankara

Maker Of The Three Worlds

Lokapal

One Who Takes Care Of The World

Mahabuddhi

Exceptionally Intelligent

Mahadeva

Greatest God

Mahakala

Lord Of All Times

Mahamaya

Of Great Illusions

Mahamrityunjaya

Great Victor Of Death

Mahanidhi

Great Storehouse

Mahashaktimaya

One Who Has Infinite Powers

Mahayogi

Supreme of All Gods

Mahesha

The Almighty

Maheshwara

Lord of the Lords

Nagabhushana

One Who Has Snakes as Ornaments

Nataraja

King of the Art of Dancing

Nilakantha

Blue Necked Lord

Nityasundara

Ever Beautiful

Nrityapriya

Lover of Dance

Omkara

Originator of OM

Palanhaar

One Who Protects Everyone

Parameshwara

First among All Gods

Paramjyoti

Greatest Splendor

Pashupati

Lord of All Living Beings

Pinakin

One Who Has a Bow In His Hand

Pranava

Originator of the Syllable of OM

Priyabhakta

Favorite of the Devotees

Priyadarshana

of Loving Vision

Pushkara

One Who Gives Nourishment

Pushpalochana

One Who Has Eyes like Flowers

Ravilochana

Having Sun as the Eye

Rudra

the Dreadful

Rudraksha

One Who Has Eyes like Rudra

Sadashiva

Eternal God

Sanatana

Eternal Lord

Sarvacharya

Preceptor of All

Sarvashiva

Always Chaste

Sarvatapana

Scorcher of All

Sarvayoni

Source of Everything

Sarveshwara

Lord of All Gods

Shambhu

One Who Bestows Prosperity

Shankara

One Who Gives Happiness

Shiva

Always Pure

Shoolin

One Who Has a Trident (Trishool)

Shrikantha

of Magnificent Neck

Shrutiprakasha

Illuminator of the Vedas

Shuddhavigraha

One Who Has a Pure Body

Skandaguru

Preceptor of Skanda

Someshwara

Lord of All Gods

Sukhada

Bestower of Happiness

Suprita

Well Pleased

Suragana

Having Gods As Attendants

Sureshwara

Lord Of All Gods

Swayambhu

Self-Manifested

Tejaswani

One Who Spreads Illumination

Trilochana

Three-Eyed Lord

Trilokpati

Master of All the Three Worlds

Tripurari

Enemy of Tripura

Trishoolin

One Who Has a Trident in His Hands

Umapati

Husband of Uma (Parvati)

Vachaspati

Lord of Speech

Vajrahasta

One Who Has a Thunderbolt in His Hands

Varada

Granter of Boons

Vedakarta

Creator of the Vedas

Veerabhadra

Supreme Lord of the Nether World

Vishalaksha

Wide-Eyed Lord s

Vishveshwara

Lord of the Universe

Vrishavahana

One Who Has Bull as His Mount



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