Purva Phalguni Nakshatra – 13° 20′ to 26° 30′ Leo ’

The eleventh lunar mansion resides entirely within the body of Leo the Lion. Called “the former reddish one,” it consists of two stars, Leonis and Zosma, found at the rear flank of the Lion. Purva Phalguni means the “fruit of the tree.” It is also known as Pubba. It is represented by a swinging hammock representing rest and recuperation. Its deity is Bhaga, the God of good fortune and prosperity. Bhaga protects marital happiness and bestows family inheritance. Lord Shiva started on his marriage procession under this star. The Shiva … Continue reading

Magha Nakshatra – 0° 00’to 13° 20’Leo

■ The tenth nakshatra, Magha, resides entirely within the constellation of Leo the Lion. It is composed of a sickle-shaped group of six stars. The brightest is the fixed star Regulus, which is said to be one hundred times as luminous as the Sun. Magha means “the mighty one” or “the great” and is located near the forehead of the Lion. Its symbol is a palanquin, the royal seat upon which the king was carried through the towns he ruled. The ruling planet of Magha is Kelu, with the Sun … Continue reading

Ardra Nakshatra – 6° 40’to 20° 00’Gemini

The sixth nakshatra is named Ardra. It resides entirely within the sign of Gemini, the Twins. Ardra is the bright star Betelgeuse in the constellation of Orion. It is also associated with the fixed star Sirius. Ardra is symbolized by a human head, reflecting the emphasis on the mind or thinking capacity. Although its ruling planet is Rahu, Mercury’s rulership of Gemini is also prominent throughout this lunar mansion. Thus, a deep feeling nature combined with passionate thinking may be experienced in Ardra. The presiding deity is Rudra, the lord … Continue reading

Ashwini Nakshatra – 0° to 13″ 20′ Aries

The first of the 27 lunar mansions is called Ashwini, which resides entirely with the sign of Aries the Ram, ruled by Mars. The nakshatra itself is ruled by Ketu. the South Node of the Moon. Thus, a Mars/Ketu mixture of energy is experienced by planets which inhabit it. Dynamism, tenacity, fierce activity and a thirst for life are reflected by this combination of forces. Activation of primordial energies with the awakening of consciousness is associated with this asterism. The symbol of this nakshatra is a horse’s head. It consists … Continue reading

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 the forehead with the ashes after the completion … Continue reading

IMPORTANCE OF NAIVEDYA AND BILVA-LEAVES

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

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

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

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

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