||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 30 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 17 -2

Gurupadhesham Sangasya Sukhavase Subhoothale | Poorvapakshe  Samarabhya Krishnabhoothavadhi Dhvija: || Panchaksharam Panchalaksham Japeth Shivamanusmaran |Padmasanastham Shivadham Ganga Chandhra Kalanvitham ||Vamorusthitha Shakthya  Cha Virajantham Mahaganai: |Mrigadangadharam Devam Varadha Abhayapanikam || Sadhanugrahakarththaram Sadhashivamanusmaran | Sampoojya Manasa Poorvam Hridhiva Suryamandale ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Dhvija, being close to the association of a preceptor would provide happiness in the life.  The months of Bhadhrapadha and Magha is considered as highly propitious for all the recitation of Manthra Japam, following strict austerities, consuming little quantity of food that too once in a day, perfect control over sense and vow of silence.  The worship of Pithrus, recitation of Panchakshara Manthra at least thousands of times in a day would help for self-purification.  The recitation of Panchakshara Manthra for five lakh times, contemplating supreme Lord Shiva who has adorned in sacred river Ganga and crescent moon on matted hair locks, would provide welfare to the worshiper.  The recitation of Panchakshara should be conducted after the worship of Lord Surya,  envision the supreme Lord Shiva who is seated with Goddess Parvathi on his left, and surrounded by Ganas.  The Supreme Lord Shiva who is Varadha showers abundance of piousness to the worshiper, attired in the skin of a leopard, holding kettle drum, and one hand in Abhayahastha posture, that provides shelter to the worshiper who is surrendered at his lotus feet.  The Panchakshara Manthra is recited after the performance of the daily rites on the day of Krishna Chathurdhashi, taking a seat in a sanctified area facing the east.  Whoever worships the Linga form of Lord Shiva without any desires would attain higher abodes.  Whoever worships all the deities except Lord Shiva would attain lower abodes.  The Nirgunalingopasana is considered more superior than the Sagunaupasana of Linga.  Whoever worships supreme Lord Shiva with intense devotion and faith would get liberated from Kalachakra/Adharmam Mahisharoodam.   The celestial bull represents Dharma and celibacy, its four legs represent Dharma, two horns represent forgiveness, its ear symbolizes peace where the Vedic chants reverberate, its eyes represents faith, and it breathes represent supreme wisdom.  The Supreme Lord Shiva who is beyond ‘Time’ mounted on the bull/ Dharma always.

Shivalayam Idham Proktham Shivasya Paramathmana: | Parashakthya  Samayukthasthathraiva Parameshwara: || Shrishti: Sthithishcha  Samhara Sthirobhavoapyanugraha| Panchakrithyapravinoasau Sacchidhanandha Vigraha: ||

The shrine of Lord Shiva is where the supreme Lord Paramathma Parameshwara resides with Goddess Shakthi.  He symbolizes Sacchidhananda/supreme bliss who undertakes Panchakrithya known as Shrishti, Sthithi, Samhara, Thirobhava, and Anugraha.  He showers abundance on grace upon his ardent devotees who follow righteousness, simplicity, kindness, compassion and contemplate upon him.  The devotion and faith upon supreme Lord Shiva can be achieved by following the daily rites and worship; eventually, the worshiper would attain Shivaloka.  The Mukthi is permanent bliss that can be achieved through Japa/recitation of scriptures and Veda and Upanishads, Thapa/following strict austerities and vows, Gnana/Wisdom, meditation and following Dharmic rites.  The Shivadharshanam would remove the darkness of ignorance in the worshiper like the Sun removes the darkness.  The worshiper attains supreme wisdom with the compassionate grace of Shambhu, which is the pathway of Moksha.