Category Archives: Shiva Puranas

RITUALS OF THE WORSHIP OF SHIVA—SACRED PIGRIMAGES

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RITUALS OF THE WORSHIP OF SHIVA—SACRED PIGRIMAGES On the request of the sages, Suta describes about the methods of worshipping Shivalinga. He says– “One should construct a Shivalinga either of mud, rock or metal and establish it in such a place where it can be worshipped daily without any hindrance.” “The ‘Char’ (mobile) Linga should be small in size and the Sthira (fixed) linga should be large. The Linga should be constructed along with the pedestal. The rule for constructing a Shivalinga has been specifically described. The breadth of thickness … Continue reading →

THE METHODS OF WORSHIPPING SHIVA

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THE METHODS OF WORSHIPPING SHIVA On the request of the sages, Suta retold the preaching which had been narrated by Brahma to Narada. Describing the method of Shiva worship he says- “A devotee should get up early in the morning and contemplate on Shiva, who gives benediction. After  that,  he  should  finish  his  daily routing  work  and  perform  rituals  like  ‘Sandhya’  and Vandana  etc.   After  that,   he  should   worship  Shivalinga  according   to   vedic  rites  like Panchopachar, Sodashopachar etc. He should also perform ‘Abhiseka’ with various offerings. At last, the should … Continue reading →

IMPORTANCE OF RUDRAKSHA

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Rudraksha is very dear to lord Shiva and hence all the sins of a man get destroyed if he chants the name of Lord Shiva using a Rudraksha beads. He also attains salvation after his death. It is believed that the origin of Rudraksha is connected with Shiva penance. Once while Sadashiv was performing his penance, his eyes opened due to some disturbances. He was so remorseful that tears rolled down from his eyes. These tear-drops are believed to be the origin of the Rudraksha trees. Rudraksha of specific colours … Continue reading →

THE IMPORTANCE OF BHASMA (ASH) IN SHIVA’S WORSHIP

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Bhasma are of two types:-1) Maha Bhasma and 2) Swalpa Bhasma. ‘Shrota’ (listener), ‘Smart; (rites according to the smritis) and Laukik (worldly) are considered to be the Maha Bhasma. There are many types of Swalpa Bhasma. ‘Shrota’ and ‘Smart’ are meant only for the brahmins. For the rest of the castes, ‘Laukik Bhasma’ is appropriate. A brahmin must apply Bhasma, only after initiating it with the mantras. The ashes which remains after burning dry cowdung is called Agneya Bhasma. Applying ‘Tripunda’ on the forehead with the ashes after the completion … Continue reading →

IMPORTANCE OF NAIVEDYA AND BILVA-LEAVES

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IMPORTANCE OF NAIVEDYA AND BILVA-LEAVES Suta then described about the important of Naivedya offered to Lord Shiva. “A devotee gets liberated from all of his sins merely at the sight of the Naivedya, which have been offered to lord Shiva. He attains great virtues by having the Prasada.” A man must not accept the Prasada if the worship have been done under  supervision of a ‘Chandala’, but some of the Shivalingas like Banlinga, Siddhalinga and Swayambhu Linga are exceptions to this rule. The prasada which has been offered to the … Continue reading →

SHIVA GOES TO KAILASH

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SHIVA GOES TO KAILASH When Rudra – the Ansha of the Almighty Brahma, heard about the tremendous penance, Kubera was doing he started to play his ‘damaru’ (drum), the sound of which reached all the three worlds. Rudra then reached the place where Kubera was doing penance.” “Hearing  the  sound  of  his  damaru,  all  the  deities  including  Brahma,  Vishnu  and  Sadashia appeared before him.” “When Kubera saw lord Rudra before himself, he offered his seat to him and worshipped him. He also worshipped the other deities. Rudra was so pleased … Continue reading →

THE ORIGIN OF KAILASH AND VAIKUNTH

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THE ORIGIN OF KAILASH AND VAIKUNTH Brahma revealed to Narada how the process of creation commenced- “After Lord Shiva vanished from our sight, I transformed myself into the appearance of a swan and Vishnu transformed his appearance into that of a boar with the purpose of commencing the process of creation. First of all, I created the water. I poured a palmful of water into it and an egg manifested which consisted of all the twenty four elements. This egg was very enormous in size which  made  me  confused.  I … Continue reading →

THE IMPORTANCE OF BHASMA (ASH) IN SHIVA’S WORSHIP

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THE IMPORTANCE OF BHASMA (ASH) IN SHIVA’S WORSHIP Bhasma are of two types:-1) Maha Bhasma and 2) Swalpa Bhasma. ‘Shrota’ (listener), ‘Smart; (rites according to the smritis) and Laukik (worldly) are considered to be the Maha Bhasma. There are many types of Swalpa Bhasma. ‘Shrota’ and ‘Smart’ are meant only for the brahmins. For the rest of the castes, ‘Laukik Bhasma’ is appropriate. A brahmin must apply Bhasma, only after initiating it with the mantras. The ashes which remains after burning dry cowdung is called Agneya Bhasma. Applying ‘Tripunda’ on … Continue reading →

THE WORSHIP OF PARTHIVA LINGA

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THE WORSHIP OF PARTHIVA LINGA Suta then explains the greatness of worshipping a Parthiva Linga-: “Parthiva Linga is the most supreme among all the Shivalingas. All the aspirtions of he deities as well as men are fulfilled by the worship of Parthiv linga. During  the era of Satya, jewel was considered to be of prime importance, where as during Treta Yuga and Dwapar  Yuga, gold and mercury had the prime importance respectively. In the present era of Kali, a Parthiva Linga holds this place of honor. The worship of Parthiva … Continue reading →

IMPORTANCE OF RUDRAKSHA

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IMPORTANCE OF RUDRAKSHA Rudraksha is very dear to lord Shiva and hence all the sins of a man get destroyed if he chants the name of Lord Shiva using a Rudraksha beads. He also attains salvation after his death. It is believed that the origin of Rudraksha is connected with Shiva penance. Once while Sadashiv was performing his penance, his eyes opened due to some disturbances. He was so remorseful that tears rolled down from his eyes. These tear-drops are believed to be the origin of the Rudraksha trees. Rudraksha … Continue reading →