|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter –6– The significance of Sri Shivamahapuran – The legend of Chanchula -3

 Gathva  Thathra Mahadevam Sa Dhadharsha  Thrilochanam | Vishnu Bhramadhibhirdevai: Sevyamanam Sanathanam || Ganesha Bhringhi Nandhisha Veerabhadhresharadhibhi: | Upasyamanam Sadhbhakthya Kotisurya Samaprabham || Neelaghreevam Panchavakthram Thrayambakam Chandrashekharam | Vamange Bhibhratham Gaurim Vidhyuth PUcchaSamaprabham|| Karpoora Gauram Gaurisham Sarvalankara Dharinam | Sitha Bhasmalasathdheham Sithavasthram Mahojjwalam ||

Sutha Pauranika continues “Thus, the Bhramin scholar continued recitation of Sri Sivamahapuran in the shrine, in this way he showered grace upon her.  Chanchula was pleased and listened to the glorious myths of supreme Lord Shiva with tears overflowing.  Chanchula said “ Oh! Mahashaiva ! Oh! Dhvija, who is selfless, imparts the knowledge of supreme Bhramam, your kind words are capable to invoke Vairagya in me.  Kindly, protect me from heaving into hell. I have already started feeling detached from worldly matters, and devotion raptures in my heart.” In this way, Chanchula prayed to the scholarly Bhramin and revealed her desire to the stories of Sri Shivamahapuran, she also informed her willingness to serve him.  The Bhramin who is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva began to give lectures on Sri Shivamahapuran in the shrine, eventually Chanchula transported to a world of the bliss of  Bhakti, Gnana, and Vairagya.  Chanchula with the help of the preceptor elevated her soul contemplating upon the supreme Lord Shiva, she blissfully engaged in meditation for several hours.  She took daily bath in the sacred river of Gokarna, gradually she has developed matted hair locks, attired in simple black garment, smeared in sacred ashes, adorned in Rudraksha, recited several thousands of Panchakshara, observed vow of silence, and consumed little meal, in this way Chanchula sincerely followed the advises of her preceptor and pleased supreme Lord Shiva.  Oh! Shaunak, she has continued the austerities for several years, enriched with Bhakti, Gnana, and Vairagya, eventually left her mortal coil.  She was carried in a decorated celestial vehicle by the emissary of Lord Shiva who had the resemblance of Rudra, they have taken her to Shivapuri, in the assembly of  Chandhrashekhara and Ma Gauri.  On her way, Chanchula achieved a divine body; she had supreme brilliance, adorned in various precious ornaments, attired in magnificent clothes. As soon as she arrived in the supreme abode of Lord Mahadeva who is Thrilochana and Sanathana, she could witness Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and deities are serving him.  Lord Mahadeva who has the brilliance of crores of Surya was surrounded by Lord Ganesha, Bhringi, Nandikeshwara, and Veerabhadhra.  Chanchula saw the supreme Lord Mahadeva who has a bluish throat, he has five faces, three eyes on each face, adorned in a crescent moon, was seated with Ma Gauri seated on his left and she has the brilliance of lightning.  Chanchula witnessed the supreme Lord Shiva who is the Lord of Ma Gauri adorned in various precious ornaments, his body has the complexion of camphor, he has supreme brilliance, attired in a white crisp garment, and he was smeared in sacred ashes on the body.  Chanchula repeatedly prostrated before the supreme Lord Mahadeva along with Ma Parvathi, she felt extremely fortunate, with tears overflowing and folded hands continuously prostrated before the divine couple.  Lord Mahadeva and Ma Parvati affectionately called her and asked her to sit before them.  Ma Parvati heartily announced Chanchula as one of her attendants, in this way Chanchula started living happily in the abode of supreme Lord Shiva.