|| 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.”

|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter – 9– The significance of Sri Shiva Mahapuran -3

Sutha! Sutha!  Mahaprajja! Vyasashishya ! Namosthuthe | Dhanyasthvam Shaivavayoasi Varnnaneeya  Mahathguna: ||

Shaunaka speaks “ Oh! Sutha, Oh! Mahaprajja, Oh! The disciple of Maharishi Veda Vyasa, you have commendable virtues. I shall repeatedly prostrate before you, Kindly narrate the method of conducting the recital of Sri Shiva Mahapuran, so that all the listeners could achieve an abundance of piousness.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunak, I shall narrate the method of conducting the recitation of Sri Shiv Mahapuran to attain the highest of the propitious reward.  The Sri Shiva Mahapuran Katha should be organized after discussing the auspicious hours for  the recitation with your family priest, receive the priest in your house with honor and offer him an abundance of Dhakshina/Charity,  discuss with all your family members and their availability, the news of the program of  recitation of Sri Shivamahapuran should be sent across the villages so that the people desirous of listening would join to obtain piousness,  women, men, Shudras, and people from all caste and creed should be informed  to attain the supreme knowledge of Lord Shiva.   Some people may stay away from listening to Harikatha would be invited to attend the same so that they may obtain the meritorious rewards of listening and reading the same.  The ardent devotees of Lord Shiva should be received with great respect; ascetics should be invited to make the recitation of Shivamahapuran auspicious and more successful.  The recitation of Shivamahapuran is nectar-like should be consumed with a pleasant and devoted heart.  If the people do not find time to attend the whole recital, at least they should be present for a while, opportunities like these are rare to obtain.  The invitation for the recitation of Shivamahapuran should be sent to all, and the people attended should be received with great honor.  A beautiful Mandap/hall should be decorated with flowers in a sacred place or one’s own house.  The place where the Shivakatha conducted should be purified, decorated with auspicious marks and Rangoli.  The Mandap should be clean without the daily household equipment; Mandap should be decorated with fruits, flowers, flags, banners of Lord and plantain tree.  A sanctified place in the Mandap where Lord Shiva’s veneration is conducted, a raised seat should be arranged for Vaktha/orator.  Oh! Mune, separate seats should be provided for listeners and ascetics.  Oh! Shaunak, it is compulsory that the listeners should be free from the discussion of worldly matters.  The orator should be seated facing north, and the listeners should be seated facing east.  The listeners should be seated their legs folded across, and there should be no speech that rouses the emotion of others.  The speaker should be seated facing the listener, while the speaker narrates the Shivamahapuran from the Vyasapeed, no one should disturb him or no one should pay salutations to him.  The speaker can be of any age of child, young man or elderly person, rich or poor, the listeners should give utmost respect to the speaker no matter his age or status.  The person who is well-versed in Purana should not be looked down, his words spoken has the effects of Kamadhenu which fulfills all the desires of the worshiper.  People are born with the piousness of their previous births are considered as preceptor, the one who is profound in Purana is considered as the best among them.  The Jiva’s born on the Earth has to undergo numerous miseries and sorrows of worldly existence after taking births in crores of Yonis, therefore the speaker showers nectar-like Purana which leads to salvation is considered as a supreme preceptor.  The orator of Sri Shivamahapuran should be compassionate and kind, he/she should be clever,  pleasant, free from jealousy and pride, should be noble-hearted, and should have thorough knowledge in Shiva Mahapuran is considered as an excellent speaker.  He/she should conduct the lecture from the morning to the end of three and a half  Praharas.  Sri Shivamahapuran should not be recited before the wicked natured, morally wrong, swollen with pride and jealous, ego, disrespecting others and finding pleasures in hurting others.  The recitation of Sri Shivamahapuran should not be performed before the wicked, thieves, and deceitful people.”

|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter – 11– The significance of Sri Shiva Mahapuran -4

“ Srimad Shivapuranakhya: Prakthyakshasthvam Maheshwara: | Shravanartham Sweekrithoasi Santhushto Bhava Vai Mayi || Manoratho  Madheeyoayam Karthavya: Saphalasthvaya | Nirvighnena Su Sampoornnam Katha Shravanamasthu Mey || Bhavabdhi Magnam Dheenam Mam Samudhdhara Bhavarnnavath | Karmagraha Griheethango Dasoaham Thava Shankara: ||”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “  The recitation of the Sri Shivamahapuran should be stopped for a while in the afternoon, in order to refresh the mind and body and continue to ponder over the thoughts on the supreme Lord.  The orator should have his hair cut on the previous day of the recital; daily rites like sun worship should be performed without any hindrance.  The speaker should have an assistant, who is having equal qualifications of the orator, should be able to clear the doubts of the listeners.  The recital of the Sri Shivamapuran should begin with the initial worship of Lord Ganesha and the sacred scripture of Sri Shivamahapuran.  The noble-minded should listen to the recital of Sri Shivamahapuran with intense devotion and faith so that the listener's mind and body would get purified.  The listener whose mind is engaged in various worldly matters, filled with Kama and Krodha, lust and wickedness could not achieve any of the merits of listening to the Purana.  The pious who is completely free from worries and miseries of worldly bondage, wealth, possessions, status, richness, and listens to the recital of Sri Shivamahapuran with intense faith and devotion would achieve an abundance of reward, eventually, get purified their mind and body.  The people who listen to it with no devotion and faith or without contributing anything even though well capable to do so, or without worshiping the Lord and preceptor, would not get purified, instead, they will turn pauper.  The people who roam around without any devotion or discipline in the place of recital would be born without a wife, children, and richness.  The listeners who wear a turban and listen to it would have immoral children, listeners who chew betel leaves while listening to it would be forced to eat their secrete by the emissary of Lord Yama after their death.  A person, who listens to the Shivakatha seated on a higher seat than of the Vyasapeeda, would be born as a crow or poisonous tree on their next birth, after going through hellish torture in the hell.  A person who listens to the Shivakatha without offering salutations to the orator or the scripture would be born as Arjuna tree after death.  People who listen to the Shivakatha lying on the bed even though free from an ailment, would be born as python in their next birth after going through the hellish torture after death.  People who occupy seats equivalent to the Vyasapeeda would attain the sin of humiliating one’s own preceptor.  The people who disrespect the orator, as well as the Purana, would be born as dogs on their next birth after suffering hellish torture. Whoever criticizes the Purana and the orator would be born as donkey after suffering hellish torture.  The people who create obstacles to the recitation of Sri Shiva Mahapuran would be born as a pig that eats human secretes after going through hellish torture.  The listeners, as well as the speaker, should be attentive and devoted while the recitation of Shivamahapuran takes place.  The veneration of Lord Ganesha, planets and Lord Surya, deities and the text of Shivamahapuran should be performed to avoid the obstacle in the recitation of the Puran.  The initial prayer “ Oh! Shankara, I shall adore the sacred scripture Sri Shivamahapuran as supreme Lord Mahadeva, Oh! Bhagavan, kindly bless me to listen to your sacred scripture and shower your grace on us.  Kindly fulfill our desires, and bless us to listen to the glorious myths of Sri Shivamahapuran without any obstacles,  Oh! Shankara I am completely drenched in worldly matters and bondage, I am drowning in the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence, kindly elevate our soul to cross the ocean of worldly existence.”  The veneration of Maharishi Vedavyasa should be performed with flowers, clothe, grains, fruits, earthen lamp, and incense.   The listeners should strictly follow the rules and regulations prescribed in the scripture to attain the meritorious rewards.  The listeners should offer salutation to the speaker who imparts the highest of the knowledge of Shivamahapuran which removes the darkness of ignorance, in the meantime, five Bhramins should be arranged to recite the glorious Vedic chants praising the splendor of Lord Shiva.”

Sutha Pauranika concluded “ Oh! Shaunak, Oh! Mune, I have explained the proper ground rules and regulations should be followed by the listener as well as the speaker while the recital of Sri Shivamahapuran takes place.  What else would you like to hear from me?”

|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter –10 – The significance of Sri Shiva Mahapuran - 5

Shaunaka speaks “  Oh! Sutha who is a prominent one, you are the foremost among the devotees of Lord Shiva, whatever you have described are quite surprising as well as propitious as well. Oh! Mune, kindly narrate the rules for the recital of Sri Shivamahapuran conducted for the welfare of the Universe and its living beings and the performance of austerities.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “  Oh! Shaunak, listening to the glorious Shiva Mahapuran following strict austerities would bring an abundance of piousness; it is advisable to receive Manthra Deeksha from the preceptor before listening to the recital of Shiva Mahapuran.  The listener should observe strict austerities like celibacy, should sleep on the floor, and consume a single meal in a day, and fruits on the leaf.  If the listener is healthy, he/she could follow fast for the entire day, can consume ghee or milk and listen to the recital of Shivamahapuran with intense devotion and faith.  The Vaktha should follow the same austerities, consuming a single meal and fruits in a day.  If it is impossible to fast, the listener can have a light meal.  The heavy meal made of pulses, boiled food, kidney beans; stale food should not be consumed.  The vegetables like Brinjal, watermelon, snake guard, radish, pumpkin, coconut, onion, garlic, intoxicating drinks, etc. should be avoided by the listener.  The listener should not perform sins, should not be under the influence of passion, greed, anger, wickedness, lust, desire, etc.., and should not disrespect women, Bhramin, and noble people.  The listener should avoid contact with a woman who is having menstruation, wicked and jealous people, Bhramin who are not entitled to recite Vedas.  The listener should follow truthfulness, compassion, kindness, nobility, simplicity, and purity and keep silence of vow.  The listener is a Kamarththi who desires to fulfill wishes would get all the wishes fulfilled if the listener is a Mokshartthi who desires to attain liberation from worldly existence would attain the same.  The destitute, helpless, sinful, unfortunate and orphan should compulsorily listen to the recital of Shiva Mahapuran.  The woman who consequently undergoes abortion should listen to it.  Oh! Mune, all the men, and women should listen to the recital of Sri Shivamahapuran with intense devotion and faith to attain propitious reward.  The day of the recital of Sri Shivamahapuran is considered as highly auspicious, equivalent to the performance of crores of Yagnas.  Listening to the recital of Shivamahapuran even with little devotion would bring an abundance of reward if the austerities followed after performing daily rites and listens to the Shivakatha would bring commendable rewards.  Listening to the Shivakatha with no desires would be considered as the highly pious deed.  The scripture of Shivamahapuran should be adorned in silk clothes and venerates with intense devotion, it is considered as ‘Swayam Hi Paramathma/Maheshwara’, and the orator should be honored with great respect.  Whoever provides charity of silk clothes for the scripture of Shiva Mahapuran would enjoy all the pleasures in many lives and obtain wisdom as well, the orator should be honored with an abundance of charities, clothes, valuables, and ornaments.  People whoever performs charities like blankets, deerskin, silk clothes, and wooden crest to adorn the book of Shivamahapuran, would enjoy all the pleasures of heaven, and achieve Bhramapadha for a Kalpa, ultimately attain the abode of Lord Shiva.  The person who assists the orator should be honored with respect while offering Dhakshina, he/she should be awarded  lesser than the orator.”

|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter –7– The significance of Sri Shivamahapuran – The legend of Chanchula -4

Shaunaka speaks “ Oh! Sutha,  Oh! Mahabhaga,  Oh! Fortunate one, you have well narrated the legend that enhances Bhakti. We are thankful to you for describing the wonderful legend that increased devotion to Lord Shiva.  Oh! Mahamathe, you have mentioned Chanchula attained the abode of Lord Shiva after leaving the mortal coil.  Kindly tell us about her husband Binduka, what happened to him?”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Chanchula offered a wonderful prayer eulogizing Ma Parvathi, “ Oh! Girije, Oh! Skandhamatha, Oh! Bhramaswaroopini, Oh! Shubhapriye, Oh! Sarvasaukhyapradhe, you are worshiped by all.  You are worshiped by Lord Vishnu, Lord Bhrama and deities, you symbolize Nirguna and Saguna as well, You represent Prakrithi, you have subtle nature, you are Sacchidhanandaswaroopini who is eternal bliss.  You are the cause for Shrishti, Sthithi and Laya, You represent Thriguna/Sathvik, Rajasik, and Thamasik, you are the shelter place of deities in the three worlds, Oh! Parambhramaswaroopini,  you have established Bhrama, Vishnu and Mahesha.”  Oh! Sutha, Chanchula eulogized the glories of Maheshani and attained Moksha, with tears overflowing, she paused for a while.  Goddess Parvathi, who is beloved of Lord Shankara, spoke these compassionate words “ Oh! Chanchule, I am extremely pleased with your prayers, Oh! Sundhari, what would you like to have boon?”  Chanchula with folded hands repeatedly offer prostration to Ma Parvathi and said “ Oh! Matha, I am anxious about the condition of my husband.  Where is he? How is he? Oh! Mahadevi, Oh! Maheshani, I would like to unite with him once again.  Oh!  Dheenavathsale, he was into all immoral deeds and had an illicit relationship with women while he was alive. Oh! Anaghe, Oh! Kalyani,  kindly describe what happened to him.” Chanchula requested Ma Parvathi who is always compassionate to her devotees, said “ Oh! Chanchule, Oh! Daughter, your husband has committed several sins, wicked, lived with several women, is in hell.  He had gone through several tortures in the hell, after that he has achieved the body of Pishacha and living in the Mount Vindhyachala, leading a miserable life living in the air.” Chanchula felt extremely sorry for her husband and shed tears.  Chanchula speaks “ Oh! Maheshwari, Oh! Mahadevi,  Kindly liberate my husband from the miseries and grief, kindly shower your compassionate grace upon us. I shall repeatedly prostrate before you kindly advise me how can I liberate my husband from the miserable condition.”  Goddess Parvathi was delighted to hear the kind words of Chanchula for the goodness of her husband, speaks “ Oh! Chanchule, listen to me carefully, whoever listens to the legends of  auspicious Sri Shivamahapuran would get an abundance of piousness, would get  liberated from the severest sins in their lives.”  Chanchula repeatedly prostrated before Ma Parvathi, and decided to bring solace to her husband who is roaming in the form of Pishacha in the Vindhyachala Mountain, she heartily wished her husband should get an opportunity to listen the highly auspicious Shivakatha. Chanchula attained an abundance of piousness with her constant devotion and service to  Maheshi who is Bhakthavathsala. 

|| 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.

|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter –5– The significance of Sri Shivamahapuran – The legend of Chanchula -2

Sutha Pauranika continued “ Oh! Shaunak, Chanchula who was fallen at his feet of Bhramin, the intelligent Bhramin pacified and said “ Oh! Dhvija Pathni,  it was your fortune you could listen to the glorious Sri Shivamahapuran,  it was Lord Shiva’s compassionate grace on you made regret your previous sins and sprouted  Vairagya, you have changed your mind from the sinful deeds.  This glorious Purana is capable to bring salvation to the listeners and readers as well.  Therefore don’t be afraid, take complete surrender to supreme Lord Shiva, you will be relieved from all the sins with the grace of Lord Shiva.  I shall describe the life of supreme Yogi Lord Shiva that would provide comfort to you, with this legend you would remain free from all the sins, listening to the legend itself would purify your intellect and repent for the sins committed in life. You will get relieved from all the sins with a sense of regret, even though there are several austerities to perform as atonement for the sins.  Oh! Dhvija Pathni, listening to the legends of Sri Shivamahapuran is the supreme penance to get rid of the sins committed, with the constant listening to the glories of supreme Lord Shiva, the mind becomes spotless like a mirror.  Whoever listens to the glorious myths of Sri Shivapuran would attain the eternal presence of Supreme Lord Shiva along with Ma Parvathi in their hearts, eventually, their presence would make the listener freed from sins, ultimately attain the abode of Lord Shiva.  Therefore everyone should listen to the myths of Lord Mahadeva, it could cultivate intense devotion at the lotus feet of Mahadeva who is the Lord of Ma Parvathi, with the constant practice of meditation, one could attain the supreme knowledge of oneness-in-all, and the presence of the Supreme Lord as soul, definitely, it will lead them to Moksha.  The listening to the glorious Shivamahapuran and meditation upon supreme Lord would bring salvation, with the constant practice of listening to this scripture would bring the mind and intellect wedged on the feet of Lord Shiva, eventually, it would get purified.  This was practiced by the sons Lord Ganesha and Lord Karthikeya of supreme Lord Shiva and Ma Parvathi, with the constant contemplation upon supreme Lord Mahadeva, they have cultivated intense devotion.  Therefore, Oh! Dhvijapathi, listen to the legends of supreme Lord Shiva on a daily basis, it would free your mind from impurities, and worldly matters, eventually purify your sins.  Hence, listen to me carefully, whoever meditates upon supreme Lord Shiva and take shelter upon his lotus feet would be liberated in this birth itself.”

|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter –4– The significance of Sri Shivamahapuran – The legend of Chanchula -1

 Sutha ! Sutha ! Mahabhaga! Sarvajjoasi Mahamathe | Thvath Prasadhath Kritharththyoaham Puna: Puna: || Dhanya Dhanya Katha  Shambhosthavam  Dhanyo Dhanya  Yevacha | Yadha Karnenamathrena  Shivalokam Vrajen Nara: ||

Shaunaka speaks “Oh! Sutha, Oh! Mahabhaga, you have profound knowledge of scriptures, you have described the significance of Sri Shiva Mahapuranam brilliantly, we are grateful to you.  We repeatedly offer our salutations to you. We are extremely delighted to listen to the glorious legend of supreme Lord Shiva, kindly narrates another legend that enhances the devotion at the lotus feet of supreme Lord Shiva.  The people who engage in immoral deeds, consumption of intoxicating drinks would never attain salvation, but the nectar-like legend of Lord Shiva would easily bring salvation to them as well, we are fortunate to listen to the marvelous description of the legend of supreme Lord Shiva,  mere listening to these glorious myths would provide the abode of supreme Lord Shiva. ”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Vedaviththama who is profound in Veda, listen to me carefully, although the legends of supreme Lord Shiva are highly confidential, I would like to recite the entire myths before you because you are the foremost disciple of Lord Shiva/Shivabhakthanam Agrani.  There was a village named Bhashkala located on the shores of a vast ocean, where people were not interested in the Vedic way of life, wicked natured, engaged in various deceitful deeds, unfortunate and evil natured, earned a livelihood by farming, they were skilled in the usage of the weapon for their selfish motive, they were ill-mannered to their wives.  They were isolated from Bhakti, Gnana Vairagya, which is the source of the welfare of all.  They were illiterate, behaved like animals, they have no faith or beliefs, they madly followed in made-up stories, these people did not know Varnna or Ashrama Dharma, always engaged in worldly matters.  The women of the village are quite displeased, ill-mannered, and short-tempered, engaged in various immoral deeds, freely moved at their own will.  There was a Bhramin Binduka who was exactly virtue less like the other inhabitants of Bhaskala, engaged in various disrespectful deeds, even though he had a beautiful wife named Chanchula.  Bhramin Binduka was lustful, forced his wife to follow illicit relationships with men, therefore the wives of Bhramins in the same village isolated Chanchula who was virtuous before, meanwhile,  Binduka took great pleasure in the association of prostitutes, and Chanchula forced to work for other men. Thus the husband and wife engaged in lustful deeds for livelihood.  Later, Binduka started abusing her physically; she could not bear the torture of Binduka.  She refused to be with him, she became lustful and angry over her husband’s company with other women.  Binduka forced her to take money from the people who enjoy bodily pleasures with her, and he would enjoy the company of other women with the money earned by his wife.  Thus, the husband and wife mutually agreed and started living an utterly disgraceful life.  Several years have passed, Binduka reached latter years of age and died of an incurable illness.  Chanchula spends her youthful days with men and lived in her son’s house.  Finally, the youthful days have passed, once she had to travel to the glorious land Gokarna with her relatives.  She had a dip in the sacred river and started wandering around aimlessly; she found a shrine in which a Bhramin was reciting wonderful legends of Sri Shiva Mahapuran.  The Bhramin was explaining the hellish tortures to the people who take pleasure in the illicit relationship, women who neglect to serve their husbands and enjoys bodily pleasures with other men would undergo tortures by the emissaries of Lord Yama, they will be taken to the hell and blazing rode of iron would be thrust in their womb.  Chanchula was horrified listening to this legend explained by the intellectual Bhramin, instantly it multiplied Vairagya in her.  Thus, the recital of Srishivamahapuran was concluded on that day.  The Bhramin scholar was about to leave the shrine, Chanchula ran after him and confessed all her terrible sins before him, shed tears of extreme agony, and begged to relieve from the sins and ignorant deeds.  The widow Chanchula was extremely pain-stricken, regretted the life she had followed all these years.  She has realized that she had forgotten her noble path and heaved to the disgraceful ways that accumulated various sins due to her excessive lust and greed for a few pennies. She was terrified and ashamed of her deeds, various thoughts splashed her mind, and how could I face the emissaries of Lord Yama after the death? How could I bear the tortures of hell?.    She was broken down with extreme fear and guilt, she understood that there is no atonement for her sins, even the hundreds of Ashwamedha Yaga, or bathing in the sacred river Ganga for hundred years won’t bring any relief to her.  She was terrified, various thoughts were crossing her mind, who will protect me from my sins? She felt like drowning once again in the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence.  She has fallen at the feet of Bhramin scholar and cried with folded hands “ Oh! Noble Bhramin, I shall take refuge at your feet, kindly protect me from the hellish tortures, you are my preceptor, therefore kindly protect this miserable woman before you.”

|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter – 3– The significance of Sri Shivamahapuran – The legend of Devaraja

Dhanya  Shivapuranasya  Katha  Parama Pavani | Yasya: Shravanamathrena  Papiyanapi Mukthibhak || Sadhashiva Mahasthanam Param Dhama Paramampadham | Yadhahurvadhavidhwasa:  Sarvalokopari Sthitham ||

Shaunaka speaks “  Oh! Sutha, Oh! Sutha,  Oh! Mahabhaga, you have a thorough knowledge of Supreme philosophy, you have described several glorious legends that destroy all the sins, purify the mind and intellect of the listeners and readers in the Kali era.  Kindly repeat the same for us.”

 Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunak, in the Kali era, people tend to forget their responsibilities and duties, engage in sinful deeds, remains passionate in worldly matters.  Listening or reading to the glorious legends of Shivamahapuran would purify them, it is considered as Gnana Yajja, with the merit attained they can live a comfortable and happy life on Earth, and ultimately attain salvation.  The recitation of Sri Shivamahapuran pleases Lord Shiva, and destroys all the sins of the worshiper in the Kali era.  The listening of recitation Sri Shivamahapuran benefits people with impure intellect, people who do not follow Varna Ashrama Dharma, people are swollen with pride, guilt, greed, lust, desire, etc. people who disgrace their parents, wicked and people commit grave sins like Bhramahathya and stealing the wealth of twice-born would get relieved from all the sins. I shall describe the legend of a Bhramin Devaraj who was lived in the city of Kirata, he was illiterate, did not follow any of the Bhraminic rites, and he was suffering from extreme poverty.  He was not interested in performing any Dharmic rites, or visiting shrines or learning scriptures or Veda,  he earned a livelihood by selling intoxicating drinks, performing the duty of a Vaishya, he did not do any noble deeds or sun worship, he engaged in wicked and selfish deeds. He quarreled with people of all Varna and snatched their wealth, in this way he has accumulated wealth but did not spend a penny on any religious or spiritual rite.  Once, he went to take a bath in a nearby pond, found a woman Shobhavathi who engages in an illicit relationship with men.  He looked at her lovely appearance, instantly they both fallen for each other, eventually got married to her.  They both indulged in various passionate sports and forgot the world.  Several years have passed, Devaraj’s parents advised their son to stay away from evil deeds, and he did not follow any of their words.  One night while his parents were asleep, he killed them with the assistance of his wife and took all their wealth.  Devaraj was madly in love with her, he ate the leftover a meal of her, consumed intoxicating drinks, he ate all that prohibited to a Bhramin.   Once, Devaraj had to conduct a trip, fortunately, he arrived in the city Prathishtana and found a shrine of Lord Shiva where a large number of ascetics assembled.  As soon as he entered the city, he was infected high fever could not travel further, so he decided to stay in the shrine itself, where the ascetics were listening to the recital of Sri Shivamahapuran.  In a month’s time, Devaraj’s died of severe infection.  The emissaries of Lord Yama prepared to take him to the abode of Lord Yama, soon there arrived the emissaries of Lord Shiva attired in white garments, smeared in sacred ashes all over the body, adorned in Rudraksha, holding a trident.  The emissaries of Lord Shiva had a series of an argument with the emissaries of Yama, eventually took Devaraj in a celestial vehicle to the abode of Lord Shiva.  Lord Yama saw the emissaries of Lord Shiva, greeted them reverentially.  They took Devaraja to Kailash and produced him before Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.  Whoever listens to the legend of Devaraja would get relieved from all the sins, ultimately attain salvation.  The place where the recitation of Sri Shivamahapuran held would be considered as Sadhashiva Mahasthana /Paramapadham/ Paramdham.  Devaraja like wicked and immoral got freed from the repeated births by listening to the recitation of Sri Shivamahapuran.

|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter – 2– The significance of Sri Shiva Mahapuran -2

Shaivam Puranam Amalam Shaiva  Sarvavamadharath |Sevaneeyam  Prayathnena Parathrehasukhepsuna|| Chathurvargapradham Shaivam Puranam Amalam  Paramam | Shrothavyam Sarvadha  Preethya  Padithavyam Visheshatha: ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Munishardhoola, You have shown great interest to listen to the myths of the supreme Lord, therefore I shall narrate the legends from the sacred scripture Sri Shivamahapuran.  The legend from this sacred scripture would enhance devotion, it would please the supreme Lord Shiva, eventually attain an abundance of meritorious rewards, Oh! Vathsa, listen to me carefully, these legends are like nectar to ears.  It would remove the venomous serpent-like fear of death, it is superior among the Puranas which was described, Lord Shiva to Maharishi Vedavyasa.  Later, it was retold by Maharishi Vedavyasa to Sanathkumara for the welfare of the people in the Kali era.  This sacred scripture is one of the remedies to cure the evilness of Kali, it would remove impurities of the mind of the people.  Oh! Mune, only fortunate ones would get the opportunity to read or listen to this sacred scripture, with the piousness earned from the abundance of righteous deeds performed in their previous births. This sacred scripture describes the splendor of living Lord on Earth Lord Shiva, therefore it should be recited or listened and contemplate upon it.  Whoever reads or listens to it with intense devotion and faith would attain the supreme abode of Lord Shiva.  The worshiper would live a contented and pleasant life on Earth, it would fulfill all the desires of the worshiper.  Listening to this sacred Purana would remove all the sins of the worshiper, it would provide immense happiness and pleasures of the world, ultimately the worshiper would achieve the supreme abode of Lord Shiva.  The merits of listening to this Purana provides the merit of the performance of  Rajasooya Yajja and Agnishtoma.  Oh! Mune, whoever listens to the glorious Purana praising the glories of Lord Shiva would be considered as Rudras, therefore the dust particles from the feet of the persons who listens or reads the glorious Purana would be considered as sacred as equal to holy places.  People who are desirous of visiting sacred places on the Earth should listen to it with devotion and contemplate on it.  Oh! Munisaththama, if a person could not listen or read the entire scriptures, he could listen or read to it for two Muhurththa with utmost dedication or he could listen to it on auspicious months or a Muhurtha or half Muhurtha or for a moment, so that they need not face any misfortune in his life.  Oh! Munisaththama, whoever listens to this Purana would burn dense wood-like their sins, eventually, they would cross the ocean of worldly existence at ease.  Listening or reading to the Shiva Purana would provide the merits of the performance of abundance of charity and fire sacrifices.  The reading and listening to the glory of supreme Lord Shiva is the highest of the righteous deed/Dharma which could provide Moksha in the Kali era, it is Kalpavriksha that fulfills all the desires of the worshiper.  This sacred scripture was composed by Lord Shiva, bearing in mind of the people of the Kali era, for the welfare of the people who tend to stay away from the religious and spiritual rites.  The nectar could make the people immortal who consumed it, but listening to this glorious Purana would make the people and their entire families immortal.   It is divine nectar should be recited daily, that could purify listeners as well as their families, eventually, Lord Shiva resides in the hearts of people who recites or listen to it.”

Sutha Pauranika continues “ Oh! Mune, the sacred Shiva Mahapuran has twenty-four thousands of verses comprise seven Samhithas, it imparts the knowledge of Bhakti, Gnana, and Vairagya.  The Seven Samhitas are Vindhyeshwara Samhitha, Rudra Samhitha, Shatharudra Samhitha, Koti Rudra Samhitha, Uma Samhitha,  Kailasa Samhitha and Vayavya Samhitha.   This sacred describes the splendor of supreme Lord Shiva who is the absolute Bhramam and provider of Moksha.  Whoever reads or listens to it would be relieved from worldly bondage.  The houses where the recitation of Shiva Mahapuran held would become sacred Theertha, and the people living in the homes would be freed from sins.  The recitation of this sacred scripture would bring an abundance of meritorious rewards that excels hundreds of Vajapeya Yagnas, and thousands of  Ashwamedha Yaga.  Oh! Munisaththama, whoever reads or listens to it would earn piousness that excels, the holy dip in the  sacred rivers Ganga, Godavari, Yamuna, Saraswathi, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri, and piousness of living in holy cities like  Ayodhya, Mathura, Mayapuri, Haridwar, Kashi, Kanchi, Avanthika and Dwaraka.  Whoever desires for Moksha would read the verses and its meanings, he/she would become a noble soul.  Whoever listens to the Shiva Mahapuran at the time leaving the Earth would attain the abode of supreme Lord Shiva.  Whoever worship and venerate the sacred scripture Shiva Mahapuran covered in silk clothe would enjoy the pleasures on the Earth and attain the abode of Lord Shiva after death.  Listening and reading this sacred scripture with devotion and faith would bring the purity of intellect, removes lethargy, it removes all the sins of the worshiper, it provides Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.  This sacred scripture is considered as the essence of Veda and Vedantha, it removes all the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence,  It provides an abundance of welfare, hence it is beloved of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and all the deities.  I shall adore the sacred scripture Sri Shiva Mahapuran, with intense faith and devotion, I shall earnestly pray to supreme Lord Shiva to shower his grace and bestow intense devotion at his lotus feet.”

|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter – 1 – The significance of Sri Shiva Mahapuran

The sacred scripture Sri Shiva Mahapuran was written by Maharishi Vedavyasa, it is considered as the jewel of all the scriptures, it is the essence of Veda and Vedanta.  Whoever reads or listens to it with intense devotion and faith would attain nearness of Lord Shambhu, eventually attain Paramamgathi.  It was initiated from the face of Lord Mahadeva, considered as the essence of Veda. It provides Bhakti, Gnana and Vairagya.  It has seven cantos such as Vindhyeshwara Samhitha, Rudrasamhitha, Shatha Koti Rudrasamhitha, Koti Rudrasamhitha, Uma Samhitha, Kailasha Samhitha, and  Vayavya Samhitha. 

Hey Hey  Sutha !  Mahaprajja !  Sarvasidhdhanthavith Prabho | Akhyahi Mey Kathayasaram Purananam Visheshatha: ||

Rishi Shaunaka speaks “ Oh! Sutha, Oh! Mahaprajja, who is profound in all scriptures and Shasthras, philosophies, kindly narrate the splendor of greatest among the scriptures.  Kindly describe 1) How did people who are in the Grihasthashrama, immersed in worldly matters, performs various righteous deeds, meticulously follow the rules and regulations prescribed in scriptures would enhance their devotion? How do they overcome the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence? 2) How did people can get rid of the influence of the evil effects of the Kali era?  People have turned out with demonic nature in the Kaliyuga, how could they get rid of the evilness? 3) Which is the highly righteous deed/Paramam Shreyasam that could purify the people? 4) How did people get rid of their sins and attain the grace of supreme Lord Shiva?”