Lord Rishabeswara !! An incarnation of Lord Shiva !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lord Vishnu was in Yoganidra and Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi was immersed at observing the captivating beauty of Lord at Sri Vaikundam.  In a moment, she had an earnest desire to visit her father Samudrarajan.  Soon, she revealed her sincere wish to Lord Vishnu and obtained the permission of Lord, she immediately left Sri Vaikundam. 

 

Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi arrived on the Earth and found her father Samudrarajan was worriedly seated on the seashore.  Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi was deeply moved to see her father in a miserable state.  She enquired the reason for his unhappiness.  Samudrarajan dejectedly responded that after churning the milky ocean he has left with nothing, all the treasures were distributed amongst the deities and   Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi has got the Supreme Lord as her husband.  But her five sisters Suvesha, Sukesi, Samechi, Sumitra and Vedha remained with nothing.    They were totally disconsolate at the state of happenings with their father and left to Patal Loka and continued severe penance worshipping Lord Vishnu to attain him as their husband.  Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi was horrified at her sister’s choice, her father waveringly advised her to be with Lord Vishnu at all times.   Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi sorrowfully returned to Sri Vaikundam.

 

At Sri Vaikundam Lord Vishnu was immersed in Yoganidra, forgot to notice the arrival of Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi.  She noticed a striking smile on the face of Lord; it added the frustration in her.  Lord got out of the Yoganidra, found Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi seated next to him as ever willing at his service.  Lord was pleased to see her back and enquired about the happenings at her father’s place and about her sisters.  Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi was irritatingly answered to his queries and shot back with a discreet question to Lord about who was in his heart at all times? Who was he praying to while in Yoganidra? Who dominate his thoughts? etc..  Lord Vishnu was amazed to her queries and patiently answered her that Lord Shiva occupies in his thoughts most of the time and prayers will be offered to him always, rest of the time Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi and his dear devotees would dominate his thoughts.  Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi did not expect this answer from her beloved Lord; she was sincerely wished to hear that she dominates his thoughts.    She was well aware of the fact that Lord Vishnu offer prayers to Lord Shiva most of the time, but she was unhappy to listen that Lord would bear her thoughts in his mind while thinking of his dearest devotees.  In a mounted anger she refused to be with him, instructed him to erase her position from his chest and left Sri Vaikundam. 

 

In the mean time, Lord Vishnu realized that the five sisters of Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi (Suvesha, Sukesi, Samechi, Sumitra and Vedha) decided to take away their lives after a long penance worshipping Lord Vishnu.  The five sisters were disillusioned in their inability to attain Lord Vishnu as their husband.  They decided to jump on the blazing Lava in Rasa Thala and sacrifice their lives.  Instantaneously Lord Vishnu appeared before them and instructed them to ask for a boon.   The five sisters chorally replied that they desired to have Lord Vishnu as their husband.  Lord Vishnu encouraged them to ask for some other boon, as he was already married to their elder sister and eventually provided her a precious place on his chest.  But Suvesha, Sukesi, Samechi, Sumitra and Vedha were so adamant to think about anything else other than this particular boon.  Finally, Lord Vishnu has to yield for their selfish desire.  They put forward a condition that Lord Vishnu should erase all the memories and functions of Trinities and live with them as their ever-loving husband.  At last, Lord Vishnu had no choice left other than satisfy his devotees, agreed to the self-centeredness of the five sisters and married them.    Lord Vishnu was turned out ineffective as Trinity, erased all the memories of Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi from his heart and lived an ordinary life to please his devotees (Bakthaparadheenan).

 

Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi arrived on Earth and went to meet her father Samudrarajan.  Her father was aghast to see her in a miserable state.  Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi narrated the happenings at Sri Vaikundam.  Samudrarajan was deeply distraught at this incident, pointed out that the insecurities in her married life made her responsible for this situation. 

 

The entire universe was turned out unrewarding without the function of the Trinities.  Lord Shiva realized the menace to the universe and also found that Lord Vishnu was trapped into the fantasy of sisters of Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi.   Soon there appeared Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi and Samudrarajan seeking help from Lord Shiva at mount Kailash, she narrated the heart-breaking incident.  Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi realized her ridiculousness, she was completely inconsolable and firm to get back her husband from the risk.   The compassionate Lord Shiva consoled them and left Mount Kailash with a vow to return with Lord Vishnu.

 

Lord Shiva transformed into a giant sized Rishabeswara (Face of Rishaba/Bull and body of a human) and entered in Patal Loka.  The moment Rishabeswara dived into the Patal Loka caused tremulousness.  Lord Vishnu who was under the capture of the five sisters was annoyed at the shuddering of his palace.  Lord Vishnu came out of the palace to fight against the giant Rishabeswara.  The fierce battle between Lord Vishnu and Lord Rishabeswara continued for several years, as the two equal and powerful forces were meeting the toughest time in war field.  Goddess Sri Parvati was devastated at the separation of Lord Shiva for several years; Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi was in a shock of guilt for creating a war between the two entities.  Finally, Lord Ganesha appeared on the war field and put all his efforts to bring back the memories of Lord Vishnu, but everything ended in vain.  At last, Lord Ganesha approached Suvesha, Sukesi, Samechi, Sumitra and Vedha to advise them.  Lord Ganesha gracefully narrated the consequences of the endless war between Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva that may result in the destruction of the Universe and it also causes them to remain virgin forever.    They realized their folly and selfish desire to detain the Supreme Lord who was worshipped by the entire Universe and who has the responsibility to preserve the Universe.    Soon, they appeared before Lord Vishnu at the battle field and requested to pardon them and take back the vow he has given to them. Thus, Lord Vishnu regained the memories and once again reunited with Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi.   The bull headed incarnation of Lord Shiva with the head of a bull and the body of a man known as ‘Rishabeswara’.

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

The method of Worship - Shiva Maha Puranam !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!



Sage Shaunaka expresses his heartfelt desire to his brother Shuka to describe one of the sacred scriptures which is capable to purify all the sins of mankind at the Kali era and provide ultimate bliss ‘Salvation’.  Shuka delightfully describes the divinity of Shiva Maha Puranam narrated by Lord Shiva himself, later it was composed by Maharishi Veda Vyasa and it is supreme qualities to provide all the virtues to the listener and provides highest of the merits.  It provides the listener the highest of the pieities attained by the performance of Yagas and Yagnas and the devoutness of charities.

Shuka continues, listening to the glories of Shiva Maha Puranam and singing its glories provides the worshipper the fruit of ‘Kalpataru’ (A divine tree which has the capabilities to fulfuil the desires of the worhsipper). Shuka continued to narrate the method of listening to the glories of Shiva Puranam at the request of Shaunaka.

Shiva Maha Puranam contains 24,000 verses in 7 Samhithas.

Vidhyeshwara Samhitha

Rudra Samitha

Shatarudra Samhitha

Koti Rudra Samhitha

Uma Samhitha

Kailasha Samhitha

Vayavya Samhitha

Sage Shaunaka requests Sage Shuka to explain the austerities and method of Shiva Maha Puranam Parayana Krama. 

Shiva Puranam Parayana should be conducted in the Temples, pilgrim places or in the houses under the strict supervision of a Vedic scholar on any of the auspicious days.  Vedic Brahmins and peoples should be invited with due respect and honor.  The place of worship should be clean without any impurities. As any other rituals, this divine act should be performed with the worship of Lord Ganesha.  The Scholar who initiates the reading of Shiva Puranam should be capable to clear all the doubts in the mind of listeners, there should not be any distraction and the listeners should have utmost faith and devotion in order to get the entire devoutness through this divine act.  Listening to this glorious scripture requires purity of mind and body.  Whoever listens to the glorious sacred scriputures should follow severe austerities.  They should follow austerities like keeping away from all the sensual pleasures, restricted intake of food, control over the senses etc.. Last but not the least, at the time of conclusion the worshipper should perform fire sacrifices.  The Vedic Scholar who performs the duty of reading Shiva Puranam and the assembled Brahmins should be provided with alms abundantly.  These are the devout act which provides undiminishing virtues to the worshipper.

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Shiva Puranam - Birth of Viradha - The demon !! Amavasya on 4th March, 2011 !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!



Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Shiva Puranam describes an incident which caused the denial of Champaka flowers for worshipping  Lord Shiva .

Once, Maharishi Narada was on his way to visit the temple of Lord Shiva in the city of Gokarna.  On his way to the temple, Maharishi found a Champaka Tree fully bloomed with flowers  of  pulsating fragrance.  He paused to admire its beauty.  In the mean time, Maharishi Narada met a Brahmin who arrived there to pluck the Champaka flowers.  The brahmin hesitated to pluck any flowers in the presence of Maharishi Narada.  The Brahmin lied to Maharishi Narada that he was in search for alms and hurriedly prepared to leave. The Maharishi continued walking to temple.  On the way back from the temple, Maharishi met the same Brahmin.  Maharishi enquired the Brahmin where he was hurrying now.  The Brahmin lied to Maharishi that he could not find any alms for the day so he was going back home.  The Brahmin's continous lies aroused curiosity in Maharishi Narada's mind.

Maharishi Narada came down to the Champaka Tree and questioned, "Did any Brahmin pluck flowers?. ' The Champaka tree lied to Maharishi that no one had come down to pluck any flowers.  The Maharishi went back to the temple and found fresh Champaka flowers on top of the Shivalinga.  After seeing this, Maharishi agitatedly enquired Lord Shiva why had He accepted the Champaka flowers from an unworthy brahmin.  Lord Shiva answered Maharishi that He was always pleased with  anyone who worships Him with Champaka flowers.

Instantly, there arrived a Brahmin woman who came rushing to tell a heart breaking story. The Brahmin who worshipped Lord Shiva with Champaka Flowers was a member of the King's ministry.   Her husband was ill and the family was going through  crucial financial difficulties.  As they approached the King, the King donated them with some money to marry off their daughter and  offered a cow for their livelihood.   The  wicked Brahmin who was working in the King's ministry greedily claimed half of the money donated .  Now he is claiming the half of the cow donated by the King.  The heart broken Brahmin woman came running to find a solution to her problem.

Maharishi Narada cursed the Champaka Tree that no one should use its flowers  for  worshipping Lord Shiva.  The Brahmin was also cursed to be born as a demon called Viradha as he was a great devotee of Lord Shiva in this birth, the demon - Viradha would be killed by Lord Rama and would take rebirth as a Brahmin.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Shiva Puranam - Maha Shivaratri Vratam !!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

Shiva Puranam describes the significance of Maha Shivaratri Vratham.

 

 

 

 

There was a righteous Brahmin lived in the city of Avanthi; he had two sons Sunidhi and Vedhanidhi.  The second son Vedhanidhi was a wicked fellow.  The King of Avanthi was pleased at the righteousness of Brahmin and gave him a precious bangle as a reward.  He safely took the bangle to home and instructed his wife to keep the bangle securely.  Unfortunately, Vedhanidhi happened to see the valuable bangle and in no time he got it in his custody.  Later he gifted to a dancing girl, his immoral associate. 

 

The King arranged an entertainment program in the palace and as usual the dancing girl was also took part in it.  During the performance, the King's eyes fell on the bangle of the girl who was dancing enthusiastically.  He immediately realized that it was the gift he had donated to the Brahmin for his righteousness.  After series of enquiries King understood it was one of Vedhanidhi's immoral acts.  The King ordered the girl to return the bangle immediately; she followed the King’s order with utter guilt and shame, King ordered the Brahmin to produce the bangle before the court at once.

 

The Brahmin rushed back to his house and informed his wife to get the bangle.  Alas! They did not find the bangle in the safe locker.  Later, they came to know that the bangle was stolen by his son Vedhanidhi and gifted to his unscrupulous companion.  Finally, Vedhanidhi was thrown out of the house as a punishment for the sin he had committed.

 

Vedhanidhi wandered all through the city to make a living.  One day he did not find anything to eat and he was tired of hunger and thirst, fortunately that day was happened to be a Maha Shivaratri.  On his way he found some people fervently walking towards the Temple of Lord Shiva with fruits and various offerings in their hands.    He followed them with a wicked thought of stealing those offerings as soon as they fall asleep.  He waited patiently watching them and waited for an opportunity to get hold of the offerings.  Once he realized that everyone gathered were deeply engrossed in meditation he crawled towards the Linga at a snail's pace where the offerings were kept for the Lord.  He reached near the earthen lamp which was giving out dull light, he tore a piece of cloth from his own dress and stuffed it on the earthen lamp to make it glow brighter so that he could have clear view of the surroundings.  Soon, the people encircled him, he began to run.  Finally, the crowd chased him and shot him with an arrow that killed him instantly.

 

 

Lord Yama's servants assembled to take Vedhanidhi to Hell.  Lord Shiva's Ganas also were present to take him to the Abode of Lord Shiva.  At last, Vedhanidhi was taken to the Abode of Lord Shiva due to the intrinsic worth he had achieved through fasting on the day of Maha Shivaratri, keeping awake in the night and lightening the earthen lamp in front of the deity.  Though he performed every act without any faith or devotion, still it could saved him from the clutches of Lord Yama and attain the Abode of Lord Shiva.

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Shiva Puranam - Maha Shivaratri Vratam II !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Shiva Puranam describes the glory of Maha Shivaratri Vrata.   The Significance of this day is that Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu worship Lord Maheshwara on this auspicious day.  Thus, worship of Lord Shiva with severe austerity, fasting on this day and staying awake in the night of Maha Shivaratri brings abundance of merits. 

There was a hunter named Rurudruha who hound animals in the forest and made his living.  He was very cruel natured and engaged himself in all the evil activities.    Rurudruha's family consisted of his old parents, wife and children.  One fine day of Maha Shivaratri, his family insisted him to bring some meat so that they could save them from hunger.   He went out in search of prey. As it was evening he did not find any animal.   Finally, he saw a water-hole and a tree (Bilwa) nearby and thought that some animal would turn up to quench its thirst.  He climbed up the Bilwa tree with a pot of water, in case if he felt thirsty in the middle of night.   And he waited for hours and hours.

Soon Rurudruha found a dove near the water-hole.  He aimed his arrow at it and during this act the pot of water he had kept for him shook and a few drops of water along with the Bilwa leaves fell on top of the Linga which was positioned under the tree.  Rurudruha didn't notice anything; he aimed only at the dove.  The mother dove requested the hunter to spare her for a few minutes as she wanted to say goodbye to her husband and her children.   The dove promised to be back soon after she had bade farewell to her family.  Hesitatingly, the hunter granted her wish.  While he was waiting for another prey, once again he found another dove.  He aimed at the prey and once again the water from his pot and Bilwa leaves fell on the top of Linga.  The dove begged the hunter to spare him for sometime so that he could bid farewell to his family and come back.  Irritatingly, the hunter let the dove go.  Soon a deer turned up to drink water.  Rurudruha decided not to leave the prey and excitingly aimed at the deer.  The same action was repeated as the water from his pot shook and fell down along with some Bilwa leaves on the top of Linga.  The deer requested Rurudruha to spare him for a while and promised that he would be back after bidding farewell to his family.  Rurudruha left all his prey and waited for them to come back.  Soon, all three came along with their families to Rurudruha and requested to kill any one of them and spare the family so that the rest of the members of the family could take care of their children.  The children started to weep for their parents to be with them.  The turn of events made Rurudruha confused and the water from the pot along with some Bilwa leaves fell on top of Lingam once again.

Lord Shiva felt pity on the hunter and removed all the evil thoughts from his mind.  Rurudruha spared all his preys with the blessings of Lord Shiva.  The Lord himself appeared before him and blessed Rurudruha that he would be known as ‘Guha’.  During Threytha Yuga Lord Rama paid a visit to him and blessed him to attain salvation.

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Shiva Puranam - 1000 Names of Lord Shiva !! Names for your Baby Boy !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shiva Puranam describes the thousand names of Lord Maheshwara.

Shiva, Hara, Mrida, Rudra, Pushkara, Pushpalochana, Arthigamya, Sadachara, Sharva, Shambhu,Maheshvara, Chandrapida, Chandramouli, Vishva, Vishvamareshvara, Vedantasara-sandoha, Kapali, Nilalohita, Dhyanadhara, Aparicchedya Gouribharta, Ganeshvara, Ashtamurti, Vishvamurti, Trivargasvargasadhana, Jnanagamya, Dridaprajna, Devadeva, Trilochana, Vamadeva ,Madadeva, Patu, Parivrida, Drida, Vishvarupa, Virupaksha, Vagisha, Shuchisattama, Sarvapramanasamvadi, Vrishanka,Vrishavahana, Isha, Pinaki, Khatvanga, Chitravesha, Chirantana, Tamohara, Mahayogi, Gopta, Brahma,Dhurjati, Kalakala, Krittivasah, Subhaga, Pranavatmaka, Unnadhra, Purusha, Jushya, Durvasa, Purashasana,Divyayudha, Skandaguru, Parameshthi, Paratpara, Anadimadhyanidhana, Girisha, Girijadhava, Kuberabandhu, Shrikanatha, Lokavarnottama,Mridu, Samadhivedya, Kodandi, Nilakantha, Parashvadhi, Vishalaksha, Mrigavyadha, Suresha, Suryatapana, Dharmadhama, Kshamakshetra, Bhagavana, Bhaganetrabhida, Ugra, Pashupati, Tarkshya, Priyabhakta, Parantapa, Data, Dayakara,Daksha, Karmandi, Kamashasana, Shmashananilaya, Suksha, Shmashanastha, Maheshvara, Lokakarta, Mrigapati, Mahakarta, Mahoushadhi, Uttara, Gopati, Gopta, Jnanagamya, Puratana, Niti, Suniti, Shuddhatma, Soma, Somarata, Sukhi, Sompapa, Amritapa, Soumya, Mahatejah, Mahadyuti, Tejomaya, Amritamaya, Annamaya,Suhapati, Ajatashatru, Aloka, Sambhavya, Havyavahana, Lokakara, Vedakara, Sutrakara, Sanatana, Maharshi,Kapilacharya, Vishvadipti, Vilochana, Pinakapani, Bhudeva, Svastida, Svastikrita, Sudhi, Dhatridhama, Dhamakara,Sarvaga, Sarvagochara, Brahmasrika, Vishvasrika, Sarga, Karnikara, Priya, Kavi, Shakha, Vishakha,Goshakha, Shiva, Bhishaka, Anuttama, Gangaplavodaka, Bhaya, Pushkala, Sthapati, Sthira, Vijitatma,Vishayatma, Bhutavahana, Sarathi, Sagana, Ganakaya, Sukirti, Chinnasamshaya, Kamadeva, Kamapala, Bhasmoddhulita-vigraha,Bhasmapriya, Bhasmashyai, Kami, Kanta, Kritagama, Samavarta, Nivritatma, Dharmapunja, Sadashiva, Akalmasha,Chaturvahu, Durvasa, Durasada, Durlabha, Durgama, Durga, Sarvayudhavisharada, Adhyatmayoganilaya, Sutantu, Tantuvardhana,Shubhanga, Lokasaranga, Jagadisha, Janardana, Bhasmashuddhikara, Meru, Ojasvi, Shuddhavigraha, Asadhya, Sadhusadhya,Bhrityamarkatarupadhrika, Hiranyareta, Pourana, Ripujivahara, Bala, Mahahrada, Mahagarta, Vyali, Siddhavrindaravandita, Vyaghracharmambara,Mahabhuta, Mahanidhi, Amritasha, Amritavapu, Panchajanya, Prabhanjana, Panchavimshatitattvastha, Parijata, Para-vara, Sulabha,Suvrata, Shura, Brahmavedanidhi, Nidhi, Varnashramaguru, Varni, Shatrujita, Shatrutapana, Ashrama, Kshapana, Kshama, Jnanavana, Achaleshvara,Pramanabhuta, Durjneya, Suparna, Vayuvahana, Dhanurdhara, Dhanurveda, Gunarashi,Gunakara, Satyasatyapara, Dina, Dharmaga, Ananda, Dharmasadhana, Anantadrishti, Danda, Damayita, Dama,Abhivadya, Mahamaya, Vishvakarma, Visharada, Vitaraga, Vinitatma, Tapasvi, Bhutabhavana, Unmattavesha, Pracchanna ,Jitakama, Ajitapriya, Kalyanaprakriti, Kalpa, Sarvalokaprajapati, Tarasvi, Tavaka, Dhimana, Pradhanaprabhu, Avyaya,Lokapala, Antarhitatma, Kalpadi, Kamalekshana, Vedashastrarthatattvajna, Aniyama, Niyatashraya, Chandra, Surya, Shani, Ketu, Varanga, Vidrumacchavi, Bhaktivashya, Anagha, Parabrahm-amrigavanarpana, Adri, Adryalaya, Kanta, Paramatma,Jagadguru, Sarvakarmalaya, Tushta, Mangalya, Mangalavrita, Mahatapa, Dirghatapa, Sthavishtha, Sthavira Dhruva, Aha, Samvatsara, Vyapti, Pramana, Parmatapa, Samvatsarakara, Mantra-pratyaya, Sarvadarshana, Aja, Sarveshvara,Siddha, Mahareta, Mahabala, Yogi, Yogya, Siddhi, Mahateja, Sarvadi, Agraha, Vasu,Vasumana, Satya, Sarvapaphara, Sukirti, Shobhana, Shrimana, Avanmanasagochara, Amritashashvata, Shanta, Vanahasta,Pratapavana, Kamandalundhara, Dhanvi, Vedanga, Vedavita, Muni, Bhrajishnu, Bhojana, Bhokta, Lokanantha,Duradhara, Atindriya, Mahamaya, Sarvavasa, Chatushpatha, Kalayogi, Mahanada, Mahotsaha, Mahabala, Mahabuddhi,Mahavirya, Bhutachari, Purandara, Nishachara, Pretachari, Mahashakti, Mahadyuti, Ahirdeshyavapu, Shrimana, Sarvacharyamanogati,Vahushruta, Niyatatma, Dhruva, Adhruva, Sarvashaska, Ojastejodyutidara, Nartaka, Nrityapriya, Nrityanitya, Prakashatma,Prakashaka, Spashtakshara, Budha, Mantra, Samana, Sarasamplava, Yugadikrida, Yugavarta, Gambhira, Vrishavahana,Ishta, Vishishta, Shishteshta, Shalabha, Sharabha, Dhanu, Tirtharupa, Tirthanama, Tirthadrishya, Stuta,Arthada, Apamnidhi, Adhishthana, Vijaya, Jayakalavita, Pratishthita, Pramanajna, Hiranyakavacha, Hari, Vimochana,Suragana, Vidyesha, Vindusamshraya, Balarupa, Vikarta, Balonmatta, Gahana, Guha, Karana, Karta,Sarvabandhavimochana, Vyavasaya, Vyavasthana, Sthanada, Jagadadija, Guruda, Lalita, Abheda, Bhavatmatmasamsthita, Vireshvara,Virabhadra, Virasanavidhi, Virata, Virachudamani, Vetta, Tivrananda, Nadidhara, Ajnadhara, Tridhuli, Shipivishta,Shivalaya, Balakhilya, Mahachapa, Tigmamshu, Badhira, Khaga, Adhirma, Susharana, Subrahmanya, Sudhapati,Maghavana, Koushika, Gomana, Virama, Sarvasadhana, Lalataksha, Vishvadeha, Sara, Samsarachakrabhrita, Amoghadanda, Madhyastha, Hiranya, Brahmavarchasi, Paramartha, Para, Mayi, Shambara, Vyaghralochana, Ruchi, Virinchi,Svarbandhu, Vachaspati, Aharpati, Ravi, Virochana, Skanda, Shasta, Vaivasvata, Yama, Yukti,Unnatakirti, Sanuraga, Paranjaya, Kailashadhipati, Kanta, Savita, Ravilochana, Vidvattama, Vitabhaya, Vishvabharta,Anivarita, Nitya, Niyatakalyana, Punyashravanakirtana, Durashrava, Vishvasaha, Dhyeya, Duhsvapnanashana, Uttarana, Dushkritiha,Vijneya, Duhsaha, Bhava, Anadi Bhurbhuvakshi, Kiriti, Ruchirangada, Janana, Janajanmadi, Pritimana, Nitimana, Dhava, Vasishtha, Kashyapa, Bhanu, Bhima, Bhimaparakrama, Pranava, Satpatchachara, Mahakasha,Mahaghana, Janmadhipa, Mahadeva, Sakalagamaparaga, Tattva, Tattavit, Ekatma, Vibhu, Vishvavibhushana, Rishi,Brahmana, Aishvaryajanmamrityujaratiga, Panchayajnasamutpatti, Vishvesha, Vimalodaya, Atmayoni, Anadyanta, Vatsala, Bhaktalokadhrika, Gayatrivallabha,Pramshu, Vishvavasa, Prabhakara,, Shishu, Giriraha, Samrata, Sushena, Surashatruha, Amogha, Arishtanemi,Kumuda, Vigatajvara, Svayamjyoti, Tanujyoti, Achanchala, Atmajyoti, Pingala, Kapilashmashru, Bhalanetra, Trayitanu, Jnanaskandamahaniti, Vishvotipatti, Upaplava, Bhaga, Vivasvana, Aditya, Yogapara, Divaspati, Kalyanagunanama, Papaha,Punyadarshana, Udarakirti, Udyogi, Sadyogi, Sadasanmaya, Nakshatramali, Nakesha, Svadhishthanapadashraya, Pavitra, Paphari,Manipura, Nabhogati, Hrit, Pundarikasina, Shatru, Shranta, Vrishakapi, Ushna, Grihapati, Krishna, Paramartha, Anarthanashana, Adharmashatru, Ajneya, Puruhuta, Purushruta, Brahmagarbha, Vrihadgarbha, Dharmadhenu,Dhanagama,Jagaddhitaishi, Sugata, Kumara, Kushalagama, Hiranyavarna, Jyotishmana, Nanbhutarata, Dhvani, Araga, Nayandyaksha,Vishvamitra, Dhaneshvara, Brahmajyoti, Vasudhama, Mahajyotianuttama, Matamaha, Matarishva, Nabhasvana, Nagaharadhrika, Pulastya, Pulaha, Agastya, Jatukarnya, Parashara, Niravarananirvara, Vairanchya, Vishtarashrava, Atmabhu, Aniruddha, Atri, Jnanamurti, Mahayasha, 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Ayuhshabdapati, Vegi, Plavana, Shikhisarathi, Asamsrishta, Atithi,Shatrupreamathi, Padapasana, Vasushrava, Pratapa, Havyavaha, Vishvabhojana, Japaya, Jaradishamana, Lohitatma, Tanunapata,Vrihadashva, Nabhoyoni, Supratika, Tamisraha, Nidagha, Tapana, Megha, Svaksha, Parapuranjaya, Sukhanila, Sunishpanna, Surabhi, Shishiratmaka, Vasanta, Madhava, Grishma, Nabhasya, Vijavahana, Angira, Guru, Atreya, Vimala, Vishvavahana, Pavana, Sumati, Vidvana, Travidya, Naravahana, Manobuddhi, Ahamkara,Kshetrajna, Nishshreyahpatha, Shaila, Gaganakundabha, Danavari, Arindama, Rajanijanaka, Charuvishalya, Lokakalpadhrika, Chaturveda, Chatrubhava, Kshetrapalaka, Jamadagni, Balanidhi, Vigala, Vishvagalava, Aghora, Anuttara, Yajna, Shreye,Chatura, Chaturapriya, Amlaya, Samamlaya, Tirthavedashivalaya, Vahurupa, Maharupa, Sarvarupa, Charachara, Nyayanirmayaka,Nyayi, Nyayagamya, Nirantara, Sahasramurddha, Devendra, Sarvashastraprabhanjana, Munda, Virupa, Vikranta, Dandi,

 

 

 

Danta, Gunottama, Pingalaksha, Janadhyaksha, Nilagriva, Niramaya, Sahasravahu, Sarvesha, Sharanya, Sarvalokadhrika, Padmasana, Paramjyoti, Parampara, Paramfala, Padmagarbha, Mahagarbha, Vishvagarbha, Vichakshana, Characharajna, Varada,Varesha, Mahabala, Devasuraguru, Deva, Devasuramahashraya, Devadideva, Devagni, Devagnisukhada, Prabhu, Devasureshvara,Divya, Devasuramaheshvara, Devadevamaya, Achintya, Devadevatmasambhava, Sadyoni, Asuravyaghra, Devasimha, Divakara, Vibudhagravara,Shreshtha, Sarvadevottamottama, Shivajnanarata, Shrimana, Shikhi-shriparvatapriya, Vajrahasta, Siddhakhadgi, Narasimhanipatana, Brahmachari, Lokachari, Dharmachari, Dhanadhipa, Nandi, Nandishvara, Ananta, Nagnavratadhara Shuchi, Lingadhyaksha, Suradhyaksha, Yogadhyaksha,Yugavaha, Svadharma, Svargata, Svargakhara, Svaramayasvana, Vanadhyaksha, Vijakarta, Dharmakrit, Dharmasambhava, Dambha, Alobha, Arthavit, Shambhu, Sarvahbutamaheshvara, Shmashananilaya, Tryksha, Setu, Apratimakriti, Lokottaras-futaloka, Trymbaka,Nagabhushana, Andhakari, Makhaveshi, Vishnukandharapatana, Hinadosha, Akshayaguna, Dakshari, Pushadantabhit, Dhurjati, Khandaparashu, Sakala, Nishkala, Anagha, Akala, Sakaladhara, Pandurabha, Mrida, Nata, Purna, Purayita,Punya, Sukumara, Sulochana, Samageyapriya, Akrura, Punyakirti, Anaymaya, Manojava, Tirthakara, Jatila,Jiviteshvara, Jivitantakara, Nitya, Vasureta, Vasuprada, Sadgati, Satkriti, Siddhi, Sajjati, Kalakantaka, Kaladhara, Mahakala, Bhuasatyapraryana, Lokalavanyakarta, Lokottarasukhalaya, Chandrasanjivana, Shasta, Lokaguda, Mahadhipa, Lokabandhu, Lokanatha, Kritajna, Krittibhushana, Anapaya, Akshara, Kanta, Sarvashastrahadvara, Tejomaya, Dyutidhara, Lokagranti, Anu, Shuchismita, Prasannatma, Durjjeya, Duratikrama, Jyotirmaya, Jagannatha, Nirakra, Jaleshvara, Tumbavina,Mahakopa, Vishoka, Shokanashana, Trllokapa, Trilokesha, Sarvashuddhi, Adhokshaja, Avyaktalakshana, Deva, Vyaktavyakta,Vishampati, Varashila, Varaguna, Saramandhana, Maya, Brahma, Vishnu, Prajapala, Hamsa, Hamsagati,Vaya, Vedha, Vidhata, Dhata, Srashta, Harta, Chaturmukha, Kailasashikharavasi, Sarvavasi, Sadagati,

 

 

Hiranyagarbha, Druhina, Bhutapa, Bhupati, Sadyogi, Yogavit, Yogi, Varada, Brahmanapriya, Devapriya,Devanatha, Devajna, Devachintaka, Vishamaksha, Vishalaksha, Vrishada, Vrishavardhana, Nirmama, Nirahamkara, Nirmoha,Nirupadrava, Darpha, Darpada, Dripta, Sarvabhutaparivartaka, Sahasrajit, Sahasrarchi, Prabhava, Snigddhaprakriti, Sahasrarchi, Prabhava, Snigddhaprakritidakshina, Bhutabhavyabhavannatha,Bhutinashana, Artha, Anartha, Mahakosha, Parakaryaikapandita, Nishkantaka, Kritananda, Nirvyaja, Vyajamardana, Sattvavana,Sattvika, Satyakirti, Snehakritagama, Akampita, Gunagrahi, Naikatma, Naikakarmakrit, Suprita, Sumukha, Suksha, Sukara, Dakshinaila, Nandiskandhadhara, Dhurya, Prakata, Pritivardhana, Aparajita, Sarvasattva, Govinda, Adhrita,Sattvavahana, Svadhrita, Siddha, Putamurti, Yashodhana, Varahabhringadhrika, Bhringi, Balavana, Ekanayaka, Shrutiprakasha,Shrutimana, Ekabandhu, Anekakrit, Shrivatsalashivarambha, Shantabhadra, Sama, Yasha, Bhushaya,Bhushana, Bhuti,Bhutakrit, Bhutabhavana, Akampa, Bhaktikaya, Kalaha, Nilalohita, Satyavrata, Mahatyagi, Nityashantiparayana, Pararthavritti,Vivikshu, Visharada, Shubhada, Shubhakarta, Shubhanama, Shubha, Anarthita, Aguna, Sakshi, Akarta.

 

 

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

Goddess Sri Parvati Thirukalyanam - Part II - Shiva Puranam !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

Hara Hara Sankara Jaya Jaya Sankara !!

 

As desired by Lord Shiva and Goddess Sri Parvati, the Saptharishis were assigned the task of informing the propitious pronouncement to King Himavan.    King Himavan was delighted at the presence of the Saptharishis in his Kingdom and the messages conveyed by them was brought King Himavan and Menavathi in an ecstasy.  Finally, the day for the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati was announced.

 

 

 

 

 

On the auspicious day of wedding, all the deities and Sages were assembled at Mount Kailash to take part on this divine marriage, the Gandharvas /celestial singers and the Apsaras /celestial dancers were performed exceptional programs to entertain the guest. All the deities, Sages, Rishis and Ganas were prepared to follow the marriage procession/Vari Yatra of Lord.  Mount Himalaya was also grandly decorated to welcome Lord Shiva and the royal wedding procession.  At last the grand procession arrived at Himalaya, Menavathi mother of Parvati with lots of expectation about her would be son-in-law rushed out with a great anxiety.   Menavathi was thought that her son-in-law would be exceptionally handsome because her daughter underwent severe penances and had undergone several hardships to obtain him as her husband.

 

 

Menavathi's eyes fell on King Vishvavasu, King of the Gandharvas, later she was recorected that he was just an celestial singer who was supposed to entertain Lord Shiva.  Menaka's anxiety had no boundaries, then she looked at Lord Kubera , Lord of Wealth.   In this way, Menavathi continued staring on each deities and each time her predictions were went wrong.   She stared at Lord Yama, Lord Varuna, Lord Chandra, Lord Surya and Lord Indra and admired their attractiveness.  Maharishi Narada explained to Menavathi that they are just the members of Lord’s assembly.

 

 

After seeing the prestigious guests for the wedding Menavathi’s joy has no bounds.   Menavathi got the wrong impression after observing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Brihaspathi as Lord Shiva, each time Narada had to intervene and explain to her that she was wrong in her assumption. Finally, Lord Shiva arrived on the sight and Narada pointed out him as her would be son-in-Law.    Menaka was startled to see Lord Shiva and fell unconscious at the very sight of him.

 

 

 

Lord Shiva was surrounded by his companion of Ghosts and spirits. His eyes were fierce looking, his complexion was too dark, hair was matted and he was wearing snakes around his neck instead of jewels.  He has three eyes and five head.  He was smeared ashes all over his body.  The moon was adorned beautifully on the matted hair, he was dressed in tiger skin and has no ornaments to wear other than a skull garland.  He was seated on an old bull.

 

 

Menavathi regained her consciousness, she lamented at the choice of her daughter and her severe penance. She grieved over the misfortune of her daughter and she argued to her daughter King Himavan and Maharishi Narada for the wrong selection of bride-groom. All the deities tried to pacify Menavathi, but she was too adamant to accept Lord Shiva as her son-in-Law.  She went on and on jabbering that she would not let her daughter to marry Lord Shiva, instead she would give poison to her or kill her by throwing her in a well or in the sea.   Parvati was firm on her decision to marry Lord Shiva.   Lord Vishnu was tried to pacify Menavathi but nothing was seemed fruitful. At last, Maharishi Narada earnestly prayed to Lord Shiva to expose his ever charming form.   Lord Shiva revealed his personification as Lord Chandrasekhara, everyone assembled were witnessed the enthralling form of Lord at their heart content.

 

 

Menavathi was astounded to see the most stunning form of her would be Son-In-Law.  He was shining like 1000 Adithyas and sparkling crown added his beauty. His splendid clothes and the luster of jewels created an extra-ordinary vividness to the atmosphere. Menavathi requested to pardon her and marry her daughter Parvati.    The divine marriage was taken place in the celestial supervision of Lord Brahma.  Shortly, the divine couple Lord Shiva and Goddess Sri Parvati returned to their Abode at Mount Kailash.

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Goddess Sri Parvati Thirukalyanam Part I - Shiva Puranam !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

 

Kara Charana Krutham Vak Kayajam Karmajam Va

Sravana Nayanajam Va Manasam Va Aparadham

Vihitham Avihitham Va Sarvamethath Kshamaswa

Jaya Jaya Karunabdhey Sri Mahadeva Sambo

 

 

 

Shiva Puranam describes Goddess Parvati's severe penance worshipping Lord Shiva and the divine marriage of the celestial couple.

 

 

Goddess Parvati was born to King Himavan and Menavathi.  Years passed by Parvati grown into a beautiful young maiden.  Maharishi Narada advised her to undergo severe austerities to attain Lord Shiva as her husband also narrated the significances and methods to please the Lord.  Therefore, Goddess Parvati obtained permission from her parents; leaving all the comforts and luxuries she underwent severe austerities.

 

 

As an initial method of penance she gave up all the royal attire and ornaments to deer skin and continued penance at Gourishikhara/Gouri Kund in the Himalayas where the meditation was an extremely difficult task to perform.  She undertook meditation underneath the water during the winter and during the monsoon she sat on the ground, in this way she continued penance for several years.  The wild beasts were dared to reach her due to the powerful rays emitted from her penance.  All the deities and Rishis were assembled to watch her penance and they also prayed to Lord Shiva to show compassion on her.

 

Lord Shiva disguised as an old Brahmin and arrived at the hermitage of Goddess Sri Parvati. Parvati received the old Brahmin with all reverence and paid obeisance.  She served the Brahmin with flowers and fruits. The Brahmin enquired the reason for her meditation under the extreme weather conditions in Himalayas.  Goddess Parvati revealed her wish to get Lord Shiva as her husband. The Brahmin started verbally abusing Lord Shiva; it was her foolish thought to marry him in the first place.   He insisted her to marry any other deities such as Lord Indra or anybody else instead of Lord Shiva.  The Brahmin criticized the physical features of Lord that he has three eyes and five faces. He was adapted to snakes around neck, he has no affluence to take care of her, he smears ashes all over the body and he has matted hair locks, he wanders around on an old bull, he has ghosts and spirits as warriors and finally he has no knowledge about his parents.  He prefers to reside in the funeral grounds and he has a bluish throat contains Halakala poison.   Finally he added that Parvati has been wasting her life to marry such a deity.

 

 

Goddess Sri Parvati was mounted with anger at the remarks of Brahmin and cursed the Brahmin, regretted for receiving him with great honor.  She stated that Lord Shiva is the one who she has chosen to be wedded in all her life.  She was not willing to comment anything more about it and left the place abruptly.

 

 

Lord Shiva assumed his own very captivating form and asked Goddess Sri Parvati not to leave the place. Goddess Parvati was astonished to see Lord Shiva in place of old Brahmin, Lord insisted her to ask for a boon.   Goddess Sri Parvati exposed her long cherished desire to marry him with all the rituals as prescribed in the Sastra & Puranas.   Eventually Lord Shiva was agreed to Goddess Sri Parvati.

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!