Lord Kotilingeshwara - Koti Linga !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Linga denotes the Phallic Symbol.  It  is an artistic style of Phallus rest on the stylized ‘Yoni’ (women’s re-productive organ). Linga and Yoni together represents ‘The Power of Creative Energy’.  Lingas made out of Clay, Stone, Precious Gems, Metal, Wood should have precise size, height, width and curvature.  There are three types of Lingas can be seen, Mukha Linga, Lingodhbava Murthi and Swayambhu Linga.  Mukha Linga symbolizes Lord Shiva’s face carved on the Linga, Lingodhbava Murti is a fierce form of Lord Shiva as Linga to prove the equality of the three entities as Creator, Preserver and Destroyer.   Some Lingas intertwined with the Serpent characterize the Kundalini Chakra.  The Swayambhu Lingas are self – manifested and not manmade.

Kotilinga Temple located in a village called Kammasandra in Kolar District, in the state of Karnataka.  This temple is situated 90 km away from Bangalore.  The presiding deity of the temple is Kotilingeshwara, 33 ft (108 mt) tall Siva Linga is believed to be one of the tallest Siva Linga in Asia. There is a huge statue of Nandi 35ft (11 mt)  tall in front of the temple which stands majestically as ever. There are Sannidhis for  Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu,  Lord Venkataramani Swamy,  Goddess Annapoorneshwari, Lord Panduranga ,  Lord Panchamukha Ganapathy ,  Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita , Lord Anjaneya and  Goddess Karumari Amman.

Within the temple premises positioned a separate Sannidhi for Goddess Kannika Parameshwari with Lord Shiva in the form of Linga known as Shiva Panchayati along with Lord Ganesha, Lord Kumaraswamy, Goddes Parvati and Nandikeshwara also can be viewed.

There are several thousands of Lingas of 1 to 3 ft height stands colonially inside the temple premise, amongst them the 108FT tall Linga of the presiding deity Kotilingeshwara is one of the main attractions of this temple.   There are Sanndhis of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva – reveals the three equal entities of Creation, Preservation and Destruction can be seen here. 

The devotees can offer prayers to Lord Shiva by installing Lingas within the premises with a minimum cost.  This temple has a guest house constructed exclusively for the devotees can stay here free of cost.  There is a mid-day meal facility - ‘Annadhanam’ for the devotees carried out by the temple authorities for the past few years. 

Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Apara Ekadashi !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Brahmanda Puranam describes the glory of Apara Ekadashi which falls on the wanning period of moon.  Lord Krishna explains the glory to King Yudhishtira and the piety of worshiping Lord Trivikrama on the day of Apara Ekadashi.

Lord Krishna narrates the sinful activities such as : Brahma Hatya, Killing of cow, Killing an embryo from mother’s womb,  criticize and hurt others by words and action,  illicit relationship with women,  stand as false witness out of greed, spreading lies, improper utilization of Veda and insulting the sacred scriptures, misuse of one’s profession such as Doctors and Astrologers, run away from the responsibilities out of fear and lack of courageousness,  insulting Acharyas after receiving invaluable knowledge from them etc.. The above dreadful sins can be get released by observing Apara Ekadashi. 

Lord Krishna continued, all the above said sins would be eradicated by observing Apara Ekadashi with utmost faith and devotion.  The piousness accumulates by observing this Ekadashi includes the holy dip in the sacred rivers named Pushkar/Prayag/Gautami/.  It provides the merits of observance of Shivaratri at the sacrosanct place Kashi and performance of ritual bath to Lord Vishnu at Gaya.  It also brings the merits equivalent to  dip in the holy rivers at Kurukshetra – The Land of righteousness.   Fasting on this day and worship of Lord Hari brings the piousness equivalent to giving away Elephant, cow, Gold, and Land as charity.   The observance of Apara Ekadashi brings the devoutness equal to witnessing Kumbhamela in Kedarnath. 

Whoever worships Lord Trivikrama on this day and whoever listens or read the glory of Apara Ekadashi would attain abundance of virtues and it eradicates all their sins committed thereby attain the Abode of Lord Vishnu.

 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Sri Jayadeva Ashtapadi - Gita Govinda Mahakavyam !! Ashtapadi - XIX!!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Radhey Krishna !!

Bhagavad Anugraha Prakatanam

Athrantharey Masruna Roshavashadha Seema-

Nishwasa Nissaha Mukhim Sumukhim Upethya

Savreeda Meekshitha Sakhi Vadhanam Nidhanthey

Sanandha Gadhgadha Padham Haririthyuvacha

Ashtapadi - 19

Mukhari - Jampa

Vadhasi Yadhi Kinchithapi Dhantha Ruchi Koumudhi

Harathu Dharathimiram Athi Ghoram

Spuradhara Seedhavey Thava Vadhana Chandrama

Rochayathu Lochana Chakoram

Priye Charuseeley Priye Charuseeley

Muncha Mayi Manam Anidhanam

Sapadhi Madhananalo Dhahathi Mama Manasam

Dhehi Mukha Kamala Madhu Panam

Priye Charuseeley Priye Charuseeley

Sathyamevasi Yadhi Sudhathi Mayi Kopini

Dhehi Ghara Naghara Sharaghatham

Ghadaya Buja Bandanam Janaya Radha Gandanam

Yena Va Bavathi Sukha Jatham

Priye Charuseeley Priye Charuseeley

Thwamasi Mama Bhushanam Thwamasi Mama Jeevanam

Thwamasi Mama Bava Jaladhi Ratnam

Bavathu Bavatheeha Mayi Sathatham Anurodhinee

Thathra Mama Hrudaya Mathi Yathnam

Priye Charuseeley Priye Charuseeley

Neela Nalinabha Mapi Thanvi Thava Lochanam

Dharayathi Kokanadha Roopam

Kusuma Shara Bana Bavena Yadhi Ramjayasi

Krishna Midha Methadhanu Roopam

Priye Charuseeley Priye Charuseeley

Spurayathu Kucha Kumbhayo Rupari Mani Manjari

Rajjayathu Thava Hrudaya Dhesham

Rasathu Rasanapi Thava Khana Jaghana Mandley

Khoshayathu Manmatha Nidhesham

Priye Charuseeley Priye Charuseeley

Sthala Kamala Bajanam Mama Hrudaya Ramjanam

Janitha Rathi Ranga Para Bagam

Bana Masruna Vani Kara Vani Charanadhwayam

Sarasa Sadhalakthaka Saragam

Priye Charuseeley Priye Charuseeley

Smaragarala Khandanam Mama Shirasi Mandanam

Dhehi Mudha Pallava Mudharam

Jwalathi Mayi Dharuno Madhana Kadhananalo

Harathu Thadhu Pahitha Vikaram

Priye Charuseeley Priye Charuseeley

Ithi Chadula Chadu Padu Charu Mura Vairino
Radhikamadhi Vachana Jatham

Jayathu Padmavathee Ramana Jayadeva Kavi

Barathi Banithamithi Geetham

Priye Charuseeley Priye Charuseeley

Parihara Kruthathangey ! Shangam

Thwaya Sathatham Khana -

Sthana Jakhanaya Kranthey Swanthey

Paranavakasini

Vishathi Vithanoranyo Dhanyo

Na Kopi Mamantharam

Sthana Bara Paree Rambarambey

Vidhehi Vidheyatham.

Mugdhey Vidhehi Mayi Nirdhhaya Dhantha Dhamsam

Dhorvalli Bandha Nibida Sthana Peedanani

Chandi ! Thwameva Mudha Manjaya Pancha Bana -

Chandala Kanda Dhalanadha Sava ! Prayanthu

Sasimukhi ! Thava Bathi Bangurabru:

Yuva Jana Moha Karala Kala Sarpi

Thadhudhitha Baya Banjanaya Yunam

Thwadhadhara Sheedhu Sudhaiva Sidha Manthra:

 

Bandhukadyuthi Bandhavoyamadhara:

Snigdho Madhukacchavi:

Ganda : Chandi ! Chakasthi Neela Nalina-

Sree Mochanam Lochanam

Nasanvethi Thila Prasoona Padhaveem

Kundhabha Dhanthi Priye !

Prayasthuvanmukha Sevaya Vijayathey

Vishwam Sa Pushpayudha:

Vyadhayathi Vrudha Mounam Thavi !

Prapanchaya Panchamam

Tharuni ! Madhuralapai: Thapam

Vinodhaya Drushtibhi:

Sumukhi ! Vimukhi Bavam Thavad

Vimuncha Na Muncha Mam

Swayamathisaya Snigdho Mugdhey

Priyoya Mupasthitha:

Drishou Thava Madhalasey

Vadhana Mindhu Mathyunnatham

Gathirjjana Manorama

Vidhutha Ramba Moorudhwayam

Rathisthava Kalavathi Ruchira

Chithra Lekhey Bruvou

Aho Vibudha Youvatham

Vahasi Thanvi Prithveem Gatha

Preethim Vasthanutham Hari:

Kuvalaya Peedeyna Sardham Raney

Radha Peena Payodhara Smarana Kruth

Kumbhena Sambhedhavan

Yathra Svidhyathi Meelathi Kshanamatha

Kshipthey Dhvipepi Kshanath

Kamsa Syala Mabujjitham Jitha Mithi

Vyamoha Kolahala:

Ithi Sri Gita Govindhey Srungara Mahakavye
Sri Krishnadasa Jayadevakruthou Radha Varnaney

Chathura Chathur Bujo Nama Dasama Sarga:

Radhey Krishna !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Brahma Vaivarta Puranam - Sage Markandeya !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Brahma Vaivarta Puranama describes Sage Markandeya a fervent devotee of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

When there was Pralaya, (destruction - deluge) there was no sun or moon, everywhere in the Earth was covered with darkness.  The thunder and lightening crushed the mountains into powder. There were brief streak of lights from meteor.  All the water sources were dried up.  The entire universe and its living beings burnt into fire and the fire slowly gulped the three world.  At this incident, deities and demons were also evacuated.  At this point of time, Sage Markandeya only survived in the Universe, since he was completely engrossed in Tapasya (penance).   Though he felt hunger and thirst due to the gigantic burst out of fire, it dared to swallow him.  Sage Markandeya realized that there was a banyan tree which was untouched by the mass of fire.  He moved under the shade of the Banyan tree and started to pray to Lord Vishnu.

The weather has changed abruptly, the thick clouds started to pouring down heavily.  It created massive flood and the heavy rain continued for twelve years.  Sage Markandeya started to float on the water and continued to pray to Lord Vishnu.  Lord Vishnu replied  ' I will protect you Markandeya'.   Markandeya did not understand where the reply comes from.  Suddenly he noticed a Banyan leaf was floating on the water and a baby boy in a  Nidra (pretend to Sleep).  The baby boy addressed Sage Markandeya and asked him to take shelter in His body.  As soon as the Sage Markandeya entered into the body of the baby boy through his mouth, he could see the Seven world, Seven ocean, Seven region, mountains and kingdoms along with the living beings. 

Markandeya continued to pray to Lord Vishnu, he came out of the baby boy's body through his mouth and there he could envision Lord Vishnu.  Lord Vishnu pleased with the prayers of Markandeya and offered him boon.  Sage Markandeya requested Lord Vishnu that he wanted to build a temple for Lord Shiva - Bhuvaneshwara ( The Lord of the Universe) in Purushothama Kshetram in order to reveal His devotion to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu  thereby divulge the  Eternal Truth  to the world that Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are one and the same.

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam - Kamya Vrutham !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Varaha Puranam describes ' Kamya Vrutham' for the fulfilment of desires in one's life.

It is believed that worship of Lord Karthikeya on the bright half of the month - Pausha brings abundance of piety which includes the fulfillment of all the desires in one’s life.  As a part of the austerity observe fasting by consuming fruits on the Sixth day of the month - Pausha.  Whoever continues to perform fasting on the Sixth day of Pausha (bright half of the month) through out the year and concludes the same by giving alms to Brahmin and serve them with food, acquire the piousness which is capable to fulfill all their desires. 

Jai Sriman Narayana !!