|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter – 12– The significance of Sri Shiva Mahapuran – 6

Sakala Guna Vibhedhair Nithyam Aspashtaroopam  Jagathi Cha Bahir  Antharathma Samanam Mahimna | Manasi Cha  Bahirantharvangamano Vriththiroopam  Parama Shivam Anantham Anandhasandhram Prapadhye ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Sutha, the Bhramins who participate in the recital of Sri Shivamahapuran should be received with great respect, offer an abundance of charities, and serve them with a sumptuous meal, there should be a performance of singing and dances as an offering to Lord Shiva at the end of the recital of Sri Shivamahapuran.  Oh! Mune, if the Shivakatha was arranged by an ascetic, there should be arrangements made for the recital of Shiva Gita which was narrated by Lord Shiva to Lord Rama.  If the Shivakatha was organized by a householder, there should be a performance of fire sacrifices, using an abundance of cow’s ghee.  Oh! Mune, there should be a recital of every single verse of Rudrasamhitha, Gayathri Manthra, and the performance of fire sacrifice while conducting Shivamahapuran.  The fire sacrifices can be performed with the Panchakshara Manthra, if the householder is not in a position to perform fire sacrifices, he/she should offer the ingredients of fire sacrifices to a pious Bhramin.  The recital of Shivamahapuran should be conducted with the recital of Shivasahasranama, it would remove all the impurities and sins of the worshiper.  Whoever conducts the recital of Shivamahapuran following the above rules and regulations would attain an abundance of meritorious reward, which is commendable in the three worlds.  At the end of the recital of the Shiva Katha, eleven Bhramanas should be invited with great respect, and served them with honey and milk porridge, and offer an abundance of charities.  If the Shivakatha is organized by a wealthiest, he should install a golden idol of lion weighing twelve Tholas, in which the important verses of Shivapuran engraved on it, after conducting the worship of the idol, it should be offered as a charity.  An intelligent one should offer rich costumes, ornaments, rich fragrant scents, flowers etc.as charity to virtuous Bhramin.  Oh! Shaunak, the performance of abundance of charities would wash off all the impurities and sins; it would bring eternal grace of Lord Shiva, and relieve the worshiper from the worldly bondage.  Oh! Mune, listening to the glorious Sri Shiva Mahapuran following austerities and rules and regulations mentioned above would bring commendable merits to the worshiper, ultimately it would provide Moksha to the worshiper.  I have elaborately described the rules and regulations of listening to the glorious Shiva Mahapuran, which fulfills all the desires of the worshiper, Oh! Mune, what would you like to hear from me?  The Sri Shiva Mahapuran is one of the supreme scripture which is dear to Lord Shiva.   The recital of Sri Shivamahapuran pleases supreme Lord who provides happiness while living on the Earth, ultimately Moksha to the worshiper.  Whoever devoted to Lord Shiva and offers veneration with intense faith and devotion, and sung in praise of glories of supreme Lord Shiva, would easily cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence.  Oh! Paramashiva, Oh! Anantha Oh!Anandsandhra/ocean of bliss, I shall take refuge at the lotus feet of Supreme Lord Shiva, who is all-pervading, symbolizes Rajasik, Sathvik, and Thamasic qualities; he resides as supreme soul in living beings, and illuminates the whole Universe with his brilliance, he is beyond comparison or perception, he is the source of intellect and mind as well.”