Shiva Ashtapadi !! Ashtapadi – 5 !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Shiva Gitimala was composed by Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi ( 62^nd Seer of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peedam), it consists of 20 enthralling verses known as Ashtapadi praising the pleasurable moments of Lord Ekamreshwarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi.  This beautiful composition portraits the desperation, devotion and dedication, of individual soul/Jeevathma, attain union with the Supreme soul/Paramathma in order to achieve eternal bliss.  Shiva Ashtapadi/Shiva Gitimala begins with the veneration of Lord Ganesha.  The entire verses illustrate the miserable state of separation of Goddess Parvathi from Lord Shiva.  Goddess Sri Parvati underwent severe penance on the river banks of Kampa in order to unite with the Lord Shiva.  The divine couple undergoes unbearable pain of separation; Lord Shiva came down to Earth and resides under a mango tree where Goddess Sri Parvati undertakes penance was observed by faithful companion of Goddess and was duly informed.  The state of remorsefulness, desertion, guilt and the messages exchanged through the companion of Godess Sri Parvati etc.. are beautifully depicted in the Ashtapadi.  Ultimately Lord Shiva appears before Goddess Sri Parvati and apologizes profusely, after an initial harshness between the couple and blissfully unites.

Om Nama Shivaya

Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Virachith

|| Shiva Ashtapadi ||

Ashtapadi – 5

Jalaruha Shikhara Virajitha Himakara Shankhitha Karnakharamam

Ruchira Radhana Kirana Bhara Saridhiva Shonadhadhara Shobham

Seve Nigama Rasala Nivasam – Yuvathi Manohara Vividha Vilasam Sevey ||

Goddess Sri Parvati describes the mesmerizing features of Lord Shiva who resides under the mango tree represents Veda and whose enthralling beauty is capable to lure the hearts of young maidens, shining of his finger nails as the moon on the top of lotus, his dazzling teeth like the sacred Ganga and his beautiful red lips has the brilliance of river Sona.

Shubha Thanusourabha Lobha Vibhushana Kaithava Mahitha Bhujangam

Mukuda Virajitha Himakarashakala Vinirgaladhamrutha Sithangam Sevey ||

Goddess Sri Parvati desirously speaking about the serpents in guise of ornaments in the charismatic body of Lord Shiva taking pleasure from the auspicious fragrance of His body and his beautiful limbs are wet with the nectar from the crescent moon settled in the matted hair locks.

Makuda Paribhramadhamara Dhuni Nakha Vishathashangitha Chandram

Urasi Vilepitha Malayaja Panga Vimardhitha Shubhathara Chandram Sevey ||

Goddess Sri Parvati desirously speaking about the brightness of finger nails of Lord Shiva due to the glee of Ganga who is intertwined in the matted hair lock of Lord.  The enthralling fragrances of various auspicious mixtures like camphor and sandalwood of Mount Malaya on the chest of Lord Shiva are highly desirable.

Pannaga Karna Vibhushana Mouliga Mani Ruchi Shonakapolam

Aganitha Sarasija Sambhava Mouli Kapala Nivedhitha Kalam Sevey ||

Goddess Sri Parvati desirously speaking about the crimson colored cheeks of Lord Shiva due to the luster of gems from the head of the serpents worn as jewels on his ear and the offerings of Mundamala/garland of skulls of innumerable Brahmins by Lord Kala is highly eye-catching.

Haridhanu Pala Suresha Padhonnathimupanamatho Vitharantham

Anavadhi Mahima Chiranthana Muni Hrudayeshu Sadha Viharantham  Sevey ||

Goddess Sri Parvati reveals her devotion and reverence to Lord Shiva who praise his worshippers such as Lord Hari, Lord Indra , Prajapathi etc…and who is constantly immersed in the hearts of prominent sages.

Narada Parvatha Varamuni Kinnara Sannutha Vaibhava Jatham

Andhaka Suraripu Gandha Sindhura Vibhanga Mrugadhiparitham Sevey ||

Goddess Sri Parvati reveals her veneration to Lord Shiva who is the vanquisher of Andhakasura and the pride of hermits of Darkavana and  whose eternal glory is praised by Sage Narada, Parvatha and Kinnaras,

Vishaya Viratha Vimalashaya Kosha Maha Dhana Charana Sarojam

Dhana Thara Nijathanu Manjjulatha Pari Nirjjitha Niyutha Manojam Sevey ||

Goddess Sri Parvati reveals her veneration to Lord Shiva who is extremely attractive with stunning charisma capable to defeat millions of Manmathas and whose Lotus feet are the eternal abode of liberated souls.

Sri Siva Bajana Manoratha Chandra Sikhamani Yathi Vara Githam

Shrothu Mudhashritha Kouthuka Mavirathamamara Vadhu Pari Geetham Sevey ||

In this verse Sri Chandrasekharendra Yativara, who is a passionate devotee of Lord Shiva express his earnest desire to listen the above sung glorious words of Goddess Sri Parvati incessantly.

Sahachari Mukham Chetha: Pratha: Praphulla Saroruha-

Prathimamanagham Kantham Kanthasya Chandrashikhamane: |

Smarathi Parithoshtithushta Thathakruthi Madhuri-

Gathi Vishayini Vani Thasya Bravithi Gunodhayam ||

Goddess Sri Parvati takes pleasure in her unblemished love for Lord Shiva whose extraordinary charisma has the resemblance of full blown lotus in the early hours of dawn.  Goddess Sri Parvati reverentially speaks about the virtues of Lord Shiva to her female companion in an extreme delight.

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thiruppungur Thiru Shivalokanathar Temple !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thiruppungur is one of the 275 Thevaram Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Thiruvazhuvur,  Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu.  In this temple Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of a self-manifested Linga.

 

Presiding deity – Sri Shivalokanathar with his consort Goddess Sri Chokkanayaki/Soundarya Nayaki

 

Mangalasasanam – Thirunavukkarasar, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, Sundarar

 

Worshipped by – Lord Indra, Lord Brahma, Lord Surya, Lord Chandra, Sage Agastya, Sage Patanjali, Sage Vyagrapadha, Sapthakanyakas, Monkey warriors accompanied Lord Rama in search of Goddess Sita.

 

Sthalavruksham – Punga

 

Theertham – Indra Theertham, Rishabha Theertham, Punga Theertham/Nandanar Theertham is the sacred pond constructed by Thirunalaipovar/Nandanar, one of the passionate devotees of Lord Shiva with the assistance of Lord Ganesha.

 

Significance:

This is one of the sacred temples of Lord Shiva where Sage Agastya witnessed the celestial marriage of Lord Shiva.

 

Panchalingam worshipped by Goddess Sri Parvati

 

Thirunalaipovar/Nandanar visited this temple and found Lord Nandikeshwara was completely obstructed the view of the deity, Nandanar earnestly prayed to Lord.  Lord Shiva instructed Nandikeshwara to move away, consequently provided a clear view of Lord to Nandanar.

 

Life of Thirnalai Povar/Nandanar:

http://indiatempletour.blogspot.ae/2012/01/63-nayanmars-life-of-thirunalai-povar.html

 Lord Ganesha assisted Nandanar to create pond in this temple.

 

Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara/Bruhath Nandi, Lord Subramanya with his consorts Goddess Sri Valli & Deivayanai,  Panchalinga, Lord Nataraja & Goddess Sivakami, Panchamukha Linga, Nandanar, Nalvar & Kalikkamar, Somaskandhar, Agni Linga, Brahma Linga, Linga worshipped by Thathpurusha, Aghora, Vamadeva, Sadhyojatha & Lord Subramanya, Navagraha,  Lord Surya, Lord Chandra, Bhairava, Goshtamurtham-Lord Ganesha, Bikshadanar, Sage Agastya, Lord Dakshinamurthi, Lord Brahma, Goddess Sri Durga, Ardhanareeshwara,  Lingodhbhavar, Bhairava,

 

Festivals – Masi Makam, Maha Shivaratri, Arudra Darisanam, Markazhi, Aippasi Annabhishekam, Panguni Uthiram,  Vaikasi Vishakam,

                                                  

This temple remains open from 6.00 AM to 12.00 PM in the morning and 4.00 PM to 9.00 PM in the evenings.

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Maha Shivaratri on 27th February, 2014 !! The legend of Lord Nandikeshwara !!

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lord Nandikeshwara is superior amongst Siddhars who is well – versed in the philosophy of Shaiva Siddhantha/Shivagamas.  Nandikeshwara attained the highest of the pieties to become the celestial vehicle of the Supreme Lord Shiva.  It is evident in all shrines of Lord Shiva that Lord Nandikeshwara positioned before the main deity, the lungful air which represents the Dharma/righteousness/Veda released through the nose of Lord Nandikeshwara creates powerful waves that immerse in the navel of the supreme Lord as life support and it should flow immaculately without any hurdle.  Therefore, it has become a strict practice that the worshipper should not cross these powerful waves during their temple visit.    The holy texts and scriptures praise Lord Nandikeshwara in different names such as Rudra, Shailadhi, Agniroopa, Mrudanga Vadhya Priyan, Shiva Vahana, Karunakara Murthy, Veeramurthi, Dhanapriyan, Kanakapriyan, Shivapriyan etc..

 

 

Sage Vedahavya committed a sin during his childhood; he mischievously tossed stones in place of alms in the vessel of a devotee of Lord Shiva.  Later, Sage Vedahavya realized with his yogic powers that it was predestined after his death he should spend another birth in the form of a rock to get released from the sin committed, so he determined to remain rock/motionless in present life, consequently Sage Vedahavya famously known as Sage Shiladha.  Sage Shiladha was remained ascetic for several years, due to this he lacked successor to perform homage to ancestors.  Later, he was married to a chaste woman Chithravathi to have a progeny to please his ancestors; unfortunately this couple had no offspring for quite some time.  Sage Shilada was distressed at the thought of lack of offspring.   He was a passionate devotee of Lord Shiva in Thiruvaiyar /Ayyarapar.  Sage Shiladha underwent severe austerities and worshipped Lord Shiva to have a virtuous offspring.  Lord was pleased at the devotion of sage Shiladha, a mysterious voice instructed Sage Shiladha to conduct Putrakameshti Yaga to have a child like Lord Shiva, also proclaimed that the child will live only up to sixteen years.   Sage Shiladha was delighted at the compassion of Lord, he arrived at the hills of Srishailam following the divine instruction of Lord Indra, while preparing the land for Yaga arena an marvelous golden box emerged from the Earth,   it was contained a striking child, it has four shoulders, three eyes, matted hair locks embellished with the crescent moon has the resemblance of Lord Shiva.  Sage Shiladha was in a state of ecstasy prostrated before the child.  Instantly a mysterious voice commanded Sage Shiladha to close the box at once and open.  Amazingly, this time Sage Shiladha and his wife Chithravathi witnessed a stunning boy child in the box, they named the child Nandi,provider of eternal happiness.  The couple was extremely delighted at the birth of Nandi.

 

 

Nandi was brought to the temple of Lord Shiva at Thiruvaiyar/Aiyyarappar and naming ceremony was performed and called Jepeshwar.  The divine child of Lord attained profound knowledge in Veda/Vedanta and Sastra in the early years of childhood.  In the meantime Mithra and Varuna visited Sage Shilada and reminded him that Nandi has another year to live on Earth.  Sage Shiladha was devastated at the misfortune of young Jepeshwar who was extremely intelligent and charming.  Jepeshwar pacified his parents and left to the temple of Lord Shiva/Aiyyarappar.  He took holy bath in the temple pond and underwent severe penance worshipping Lord Shiva and prayed for long life to serve his old parents, his penance continued for several years and the water creatures started to consume his body little by little.  Lord was pleased at the austerities, devotion and dedication of Japeshwar and appeared before him and blessed him with long life as he was desired, eventually Japeshwar regained his health and mesmerizing features with the brilliance of Lord Surya.

 

Sage Shiladha desired to get Japeshwar married to virtuous young maiden, Swayamprakasha who was the Granddaughter of Sage Vashishta, daughter of Sage Vyagrapadha, and sister of Sage Upamanyau.  The grand marriage ceremony was held in Thirumazhaippadi, one of the prominent temples of Lord Shiva on an auspicious day of Panguni – Punarvasu in the presence of Lord Aiyyarappar with his consort Goddess Sri Aramvalartha Nayaki.  Finally, Japeshwar with his severe austerities, devotion and dedication to Lord Shiva attained highest of the merits such as the celestial vehicle of Lord Shiva & Goddess Sri Parvati, supreme amongst the mentors of Shaiva Siddhantha and chief of Lord Shiva’s Ganas honored with the title Nandikeshwara.

 

Please click the link below to read :

 

Saptha Sthana Kshetram !! Thiruvaiyaru Thiru Aiyyarappar Temple !!

 

http://indiatempletour.blogspot.ae/2013/02/saptha-sthana-kshetram-thiruvaiyaru.html

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !! 

Abhimana Kshetram !! Vellecharam/ Sri Velleswarar Temple

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vellecharam/ Sri Velleswarar Temple is one of the Abhimana Kshetram of Lord Shiva located in South Mada Street, close to Sri Kapaleeswara Temple, Mylapore, Chennai.

 

Presiding deity – Sri Velleswarar/Shukreswarar and his consort Goddess Sri Kamakshi

 

Theertham – Shukra Theertham

 

Subshrines – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nanikeshwara, Lord Subramanya/Muthukumaraswamy, Lord Surya, Lord Arunachaleswara with Goddess Unnamulaiammai, Shulini Durga, Goddess Prathyangira, Lord Veerbhadra, Lord Sharabheswara, Lord Vishwanatha, Lord Nataraja with his consort Goddess Sri Sivakami, Sekkizhar, Nalvar, Navagraha,

 

Festivals – Maha Shivaratri, Masi Makam, Markazhi, Thiruvathira, Arudra Darisanam, Aippasi Annabhishekam, Panguni Uthiram, Vaikasi Visakam Brahmmostavam,

 

Worshipped by – Lord Agni, Shukracharya,

 

The legend has that Shukracharya genuinely desired to create impediments while King Mahabhali was offering alms to Lord Vamana and was well aware that the dwarf/ Brahmin was none other than Lord Vishnu, he disguised in the form of a bee and settled in the mouth of a vessel contained water to perform rituals.  Lord Vamana realized the ruse of Shukracharya and pierced the mouth of the vessel with a sacred grass.  Eventually, Shukracharya lost his eye sight, later he visited many shrines of Lord Shiva to get back his eye sight.  This is the sacred temple of Lord Shiva where Shukracharya regained his eye sight.

 

This temple remains open from 6.00 AM to 12.00 PM in the morning and 4.30 PM to 8.30 PM in the evenings.

 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

Vijaya Ekadashi on 25th February, 2014 !!

 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please follow the link below to read the glories of Vijaya Ekadashi :

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://indiatempletour.blogspot.ae/2011/02/vijaya-ekadashi-on-28th-february-2011.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Shiva Ashtapadi !! Ashtapadi - 4 !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Shiva Gitimala was composed by Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi ( 62^nd Seer of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peedam), it consists of 20 enthralling verses known as Ashtapadi praising the pleasurable moments of Lord Ekamreshwarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi.  This beautiful composition portraits the desperation, devotion and dedication, of individual soul/Jeevathma, attain union with the Supreme soul/Paramathma in order to achieve eternal bliss.  Shiva Ashtapadi/Shiva Gitimala begins with the veneration of Lord Ganesha.  The entire verses illustrate the miserable state of separation of Goddess Parvathi from Lord Shiva.  Goddess Sri Parvati underwent severe penance on the river banks of Kampa in order to unite with the Lord Shiva.  The divine couple undergoes unbearable pain of separation; Lord Shiva came down to Earth and resides under a mango tree where Goddess Sri Parvati undertakes penance was observed by faithful companion of Goddess and was duly informed.  The state of remorsefulness, desertion, guilt and the messages exchanged through the companion of Godess Sri Parvati etc.. are beautifully depicted in the Ashtapadi.  Ultimately Lord Shiva appears before Goddess Sri Parvati and apologizes profusely, after an initial harshness between the couple and blissfully unites.

Om Nama Shivaya

Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Virachith

|| Shiva Ashtapadi ||

Dwithiya Sarga: – 2

Ashtapadi - 4

Pragalbhathara Mamini Shiva Charithra Ganamrutha-

Prabhuthanava Manjari Surabhi Gandhi Mandhanile |

Rasala Tharumoolagaspuritha Madhavi Mandape

Mahesa Mupadharshayanthya Sahrudhaha Gourimasou ||

The gentle breeze which carries the fragrance of various flowers of overflowing nectar has the resemblance to praising the glories of Lord Shiva.  The close associate of Goddess Sri Gouri informs the presence of Lord Shiva in a hermitage made of Madhavi creepers under the foot of the mango tree.

Avirala Kumkuma Panga Karambitha Mrugamadha Chandravilepam

Nitila Visheshakamasuravahi Vilochana Kruthapurathapam

Shashi Mukhi Shaila Vadhoo Thanye Vilokaya Haramatha Kelimaye Shashimukhi ||

Oh ! Goddess Sri Parvathi, daughter of Himavan who has the striking face which has the resemblance to Lord Chandra, observes Lord Shiva who burned the cities of Tripura with His third eye, whose attractive forehead is beautifully smeared with Kumkum and other fragrant pastes.

Yuvathi Janashaya Madhana Sharathitha Shubha Thara Nayana Vilasam

Bhuvana Vijurbhitha Gana Thara Thimira Nishoodhana Nijathanu Masam Shashimukhi ||

Oh ! Goddess Sri Parvathi/Shashimukhi, look at the pleasing eyes of Lord Shiva shines like the arrows of Lord Manmatha which is capable to mesmerize the young maidens, the brilliance from His body drives away the darkness engulfed in the Universe.

Pani Saroja Mrugi Parishangitha Bala Thrinali Galabham

Youvatha Hrudaya Vidharana Paduthara Dharahasithamitha Shobham Shashimukhi ||

Oh ! Goddess Sri Parvati/Shashimukhi, look at the attractive neck of Lord Shiva adorned with the garland of bale leaves and beautiful lotus hands.  His charming smile is capable to break the hearts of young maiden. 

Charana Saroja Lasannmani Noopura Ghosha Vivrutha Padhajatham

Gagana Dhuni Samathanu Ruchi Samhathi Karitha Bhuvana Vibhatham Shashimukhi ||

Oh ! Goddess Sri Parvati/Shashimukhi, look at the gem-studded ornament worn around the ankle which makes attractive sound,  Akasha Ganga adorned on the matted hair locks of Lord shines brilliantly reveals the sunbeams at the time of daybreak to the entire Universe.

Nikhila Vadhu Jana Hrudaya Samahathi Paduthara Mohanrupam

Munivara Nikara Vimukthi Vidhayaka Bhodha Vibhavana Deepam Shashimukhi ||

Oh ! Goddess Sri Parvati/Shashimukhi, look at the enthralling face of Lord Shiva which is capable to steal the heart of young maidens, His is the epitome of knowledge, imparting wisdom to Sages and Rishis that will lead to salvation.

Vikacha Saroruuha Lochana Sakrudhavalokana Krutha Shubha Jatham

Bhujaga Shiromani Shonarucha Parimitha Mrugi Samupetham  Shashimukhi ||

Oh ! Goddess Sri Parvati/Shashimukhi, look at Lord Shiva who has the wide blossomed lotus like eyes which provides all the auspiciousness.  The deer in his hand is frightened at the brilliance of the gem set on the forehead of the serpents.

Rajatha Mahidhara Sadhrusha Mahavrusha Dhashta Purovani Bhagam

Sanaka Sanandana Muni Pari Shobhitha Dakshina Thadhithara Bhagam Shashimukhi ||

Oh! Goddess Sri Parvati/Shashimukhi, look at Lord Shiva who has the celestial vehicle bull/Lord Nandikeshwara resembles the snow-covered mountains of Kailash and the great sages Sanaka and Sanandana on the left side of Supreme Lord.

Sri Shiva Paricharana Vrutha Chandra Shikhamani  Niyamadhanena

Shiva Charitham Shubhagitamitham Krutamudhayathu Bodhadhanena Shashimukhi ||

Oh! Goddess Sri Parvati/Shashimukhi, May these sacred verses of Chandrasekharendra Yati, a passionate devotee of Lord Shiva, provide profound knowledge about the supreme Lord.

Madhana Kadhana Shanthyau Phulla Malli Prasoonou:

Virachitha Vara Shayamapungava Bindhumouli |

Mrudhu Malaya Sameeram Manyamana: Spulingan

Kalayathi Hrudhaye Thwamanvaham Shaila Kanye ||

Oh! Goddess Sri Parvati/Shaila Kanye/ Parvatha Rajakumari !  Lord Shiva approached the flourishing bed of jasmine in order to surmount the cupid arrows of Lord Manmatha, the gentle breeze does not serve its purpose due to the despair caused by the separation from you, and instead it creates extreme distress in Lord Shiva who always carries you in His heart.

Ithi Sahachari Vanimakanya Sapi Sudhajari

Achala Dhuhitha Nethu: Shruthvami Rupya Gunodhayam |

Virahajanithamathri Durichakara Hrudhi Sthitham

Dhayitha Nihitha Prema Kamam Jagadha Mitha: Sakhim ||

Goddess Sri Parvati after hearing the above words of her faithful companion regarding the countenance, charm and virtues of Lord Shiva, those were elixir of nectar capable to appease her heart from the pain caused out of separation. Eventually, Goddess Sri Parvati reveals her eternal love for Lord Shiva to her companion.

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!