The story of Shiva consuming the deadly poison to save the Universe and establishing the new doctrine –
He who has a power; has a responsibility
(Translated from the original version Hindi version at http://shivalaya.vnc.in/shiva-is-sunya.html )
Often we compare light with truth, knowledge, pious and every thing that is positive and in the analysis we treat darkness as an icon of negative elements. Can the darkness, which is without any origin or end and is omnipresent, be mere an icon of negative forces? Continue reading
From the time immemorial, innumerable astakas (prayer with eight stanza) have been written praising the glory of Shiva, the ultimate creator and sustainers and recycler of the universe. These astakas have been popularly known as Lingastak, Rudrastak, Bilvastak and Shivastaka. There are many which are named as Shivastaka. The one presented here is written by Adi guru Shankaracharya himself and praises the parambrahma Shiva.
Namah Shivai (नम: शिवाय) is the most sacred and powerful mantra to please Lord Shiva. The Five letter mantra (containing Na, Ma, Shi, Va, Ya ) has great effect on the body and the soul which is discussed in the article Aum Namah Shivaya.
Shiva Panchakshar Stottram is one of the beautiful stottram glorifying Lord Shiva and the the five letter maha-mantra (Na-Mah-Shi-Va-Ya).
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Aum Namah Shivai (ॐ नमः शिवाय) is the foremost mantra for lord Shiva and is chanted by millions of devotees every day. In the simplest meaning Aum namah shivai simply means
I bow to Shiva or Salutation to Shiva
But then, the mantras significance goes far beyond its literal meaning. The subtle meaning, the resonance of its sound makes this mantra a maha mantra. Continue reading
Lord Brahma, one of the members of the triad, praised the supreme being Shiva in this prayer. Continue reading
Shiva is worshipped in varied forms. Shiva as the devine and universal being is worhsipped in form of Lingam. This is the most popular for of Shiva's worship. Continue reading
Lord Shiva is the universal teacher, the ultimate creator and the great cosmic dancer. The world comes into being by his cosmic dance – Anand Tandav and goes back to him by his Raudra Tandav. This strottam is dedicated to the Natraaj aspect of Shiva. Continue reading
One of the prominent aspects of Shiva is Shakti. Shakti is the feminine aspect of the divine – parambrahm. Hindu philosophy is probably the only religious doctrine in the world that realizes and emphasizes on the motherhood of the God. Devi sukta appears in the tenth mandal of the Rigveda. This of course often creates a debate on singularity and gender of the supreme power. Continue reading
One of the popular tales of Mahashivartri is that of a hunter who completed the puja rituals unconsciously and the Lord granted him the fruits of the worship. The conclusion – "Lord Shiva is innocent (Bholenath) enough to grant boons even if the rituals are performed unconsciously, without realizing or meaning it. Is it really the case? Continue reading
