||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 46 – Rudra Samhitha/Shrishti Kanda – 5

Muni:  Prathyaya Kashim  Sa: Sarvopari  Virajitham | Shivapriyam  Shambhusukhapradham  Shambhuswaroopinam || Dhrishtva Kashim  Kritharththoam Mukthakashinatham Dhadharsha Ha | Anarcha Paramapreethya  Paramanandha Samyutha: ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Vipra, Maharishi Narada received advice from Lord Vishnu to conduct the worship of Shivalinga, recite his glorious names and visit the prominent shrines of Lord Shiva on the Earth. Thus, Maharishi Narada conducted the worship of Shivalinga with intense devotion and visited several sacred shrines of Lord Shiva. The two Shivaganas who have got cursed by Maharishi Narada came to know about the visit of Mahrishi Narada on the Earth. They approached the Sage, reverentially prostrated before him, they wanted to get rid of the curse, and spoke with folded hands “Oh! Bhramaputhra, Oh! Surarishi, kindly listen to our pleas, we are Vipras we did not do anything harmful to you. Oh! Vipra, we have met you in the Swayamvaram of Vishwasundari and saw you besieged with the Maya of Lord Shiva, you have got annoyed with our sarcastic comments and cursed us. We have been patient to you in the assembly; it was no one’s fault, Oh! Sage, kindly get us relieved from your curse.” Sage Narada repented on his deed watching the pitiable state of the Shivaganas, he spoke affectionately “Oh! Mahadevagana, you are most venerable, and noble, kindly listen to me, I am completely out of that realm of fancy now, I have acted out of my ignorance, as I was under the clutches of the powerful Maya of Lord Mahadeva. I have been foolish and confused; therefore I have pronounced the curse on you. Oh! Mahadevagana, even though I have cursed out of my foolishness, the words pronounced cannot be untrue, I shall describe the remedy to get rid of the curse, kindly forgive my sin. Oh! Mahadevagana, as I have cursed you will take birth as the son of an ascetic, in the demon clan and you will have great prowess and fame. You both will rule the entire Universe, and will be an ardent devotee of the supreme Lord Mahadeva, and conduct several penances; at the end, you will return to the abode of Lord Mahadeva.”

 

Sutha pauranika speaks “ Oh! Vipra, listening to the compassionate words of Maharishi Narada, the highly pleased Mahadevaganas returned to their respective abodes. Maharishi Narada conducted visit to several shrines of Lord Shiva, reciting his endless glories and conducted the worship of the Shivalingas on the Earth. Finally, Maharishi Narada arrived in the glorious city of Kashi, which is the permanent dwelling place of Lord Shiva resembles Lord Shiva and the favorite of ShivA/Goddess Parvathi. Maharishi Narada was immensely pleased as soon as he reached this sacred city and worshiped the Lord of Kashi Lord Mahadeva with great respect. Maharishi Narada stayed in the Kashi for some time, he contemplated and meditated  on the supreme Lord Mahadeva and sing in praise of  his endless virtues, eventually it enhanced the devotion at the lotus feet of Mahadeva, he returned to Bhramaloka with the purpose to achieve the highest of the knowledge and philosophies of Lord Mahadeva. Maharishi Narada visited Bhramaloka, reverentially prostrated before Lord Bhrama and eulogized him, and expressed his desire to know the supreme knowledge and highest philosophies of Lord Mahadeva.”

 

Maharishi Narada spoke “Oh! Bhrama, Oh! Bhramaswaroopa, Oh! Pithamaha, Oh! Jagathprabho, I have learned the splendor of Lord Vishnu, and the path of devotion with your grace, I have learned the types of austerities and Tapas should be followed, and charities to be performed and shrines to be visited, etc. Oh! Prabho, I have been so ignorant without the knowledge of that supreme Lord Mahadeva and his highest philosophies, and the method of worship, Oh! Prabho, kindly describe the splendor of Lord Mahadeva. How the supreme Lord Shiva did appear as Sagun and Nirguna Bhramam? I have been persuaded by the Maya of that Lord and was unaware of his Thaththva. Oh! Prabho, kindly describe the legend of Shambhu, how did the creation has begun? How did the deluge take place at the end of Yuga? The supreme Lord Shankara is benevolent and most promising to Universe and its living beings, how can I make him pleased? Oh! Prabho, kindly enlighten me with the knowledge to make Lord Shiva pleased, and explain how did he get pleased with his devotees?. I have heard that supreme Lord Mahadeva easily gets pleased with his devotees, he is an ocean of mercy, cannot bear to see his devotees in distress. The Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheshwara are the essences of Lord Shiva and Lord Mahesha is Swayam Lord Shiva, kindly narrate the origin of Lord Shambhu and Uma, how did Lord Shiva got married to Devi Uma? Kindly narrate the supreme Lord Shiva and his various amusements as a householder, Oh! Prabho, kindly narrate the birth of Lord Shiva, and Devi Uma as well, kindly describe the legend on the birth of Guha/Karthikeya,  Oh! Jagathprabho, though I have listened to those from several sources, I am not satisfied yet, I have taken refuge at your lotus feet, kindly shower your compassionate grace and narrate them elaborately.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 45 – Rudra Samhitha/Shrishti Kanda – 4

 

The Rishis speaks “Oh! Sutha, Oh! Mahaprajja, you have brilliantly narrated the story of the Shambhavi Maya, which is powerful, influences the living and non-living things as well. What did Narada do after leaving the palace of King Sheelanidhi and the Shivaganas?”

 

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Vipra, Maharishi Narada was besieged with the unconquerable Maya, was perplexed, cursed the Shivaganas as desired by Lord Mahadeva, and took a look at his image on the water. Alas! It was the will of Lord Mahadeva, the Sage did not understand the Maya of Vishnu. Maharishi Narada got enraged and departed to the Vishnuloka. He lost good consciousness in extreme rage pronounced repulsive words on Lord Vishnu. It was like the blazing flames, his intelligence was completely lost at the will of Lord Shiva.”

 

Maharishi Narada spoke “Oh! Hari, Oh! Mahadhushta, Kapati, Vishwamohana, you do not like to see others in happiness, Oh! Mayavi, your intentions are always wrong. Firstly, you have assumed the form of that beautiful Mohini and tricked on the demons, and provided them Varuni instead of the nectar of immortality. You have compelled that merciful Lord Rudra to drink toxic poison; if not the entire Universe would have been destroyed, Oh! Hari, you are truly wicked one, you have been selfish, and have no virtues. Even though you have compelled that supreme Lord to consume poison, he did not do anything to you, and you have acted independently. The Veda eulogizes the splendor of twice-born and highly revered them, Oh! Hari, I shall take an opportunity to advise you not to repeat this. You have played your trick on me, and you shall reap the fruit of your misdeed.”

 

Maharishi Narada who was overpowered by the Maya of Mayapathi, cursed Lord Vishnu. “Oh! Vishnu, you have granted me the face of a Vanara, Oh! Hari, you will personify on the Earth and undergo the same grief as I am going through as of now, and the Vanaras would help you. Oh! Prabho, you have caused trouble to me, therefore you will go through the pain of separation from your consort, and would react to that situation like an ordinary human.” Lord Vishnu kept silent; in fact, Hari was praising the Shambhavi Maya of Lord Shiva, and gracefully accepted the curse of Maharishi Narada. Soon, Maharishi Narada got relieved form the Maya, and regained the supreme wisdom of the Sage, and became inconsolable thinking of his disgraceful behavior to Lord Vishnu. Maharishi Narada highly revered the Maya of the Lord, and the ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu fell at the feet of Supreme Lord Vishnu. The compassionate Lord raised Narada and Sage repented about his curse on that supreme Lord, and spoke “Oh! Prabho, I am an ignorant one, I was under the influence of Maya, and spoke evil about you. Oh! Natha, let all my curses go in vain, kindly nullify those curse. Oh! Prabho, I have committed Mahapapakarma/grave sin that would leave me to hell. Oh! Hari, I am your sincere servant, kindly advice me how to get rid of my sin, and get relieved from hellish tortures.” Thus, Maharishi Narada, the noble sage, repeatedly prostrated before Lord Vishnu and begged for forgiveness for Mahaparadha.

 

Lord Vishnu raised Narada from his feet, and spoke affectionately “Oh! Thatha, you are my beloved devotee, do not feel sad, listen to me carefully, I shall advise you for your good, you will not push to hell, and Lord Shiva would bestow his grace upon you. Oh! Narada, you were so arrogant to Lord Shiva, therefore you have got punished. All that happened at the will of that supreme Lord Mahadeva, you have to understand the ultimate fact that, he is supreme Lord Parameshwara who removes the ignorance of the Jeeva. He is supreme Bhamam, Paramathma, is the Sacchidhananda Bodhana who imparts the destructible nature of the Prakrithi/cosmic nature, and the indestructible nature of the Purusha/conscious nature. He is void of Thrigunas, and impassionate as well. He is beyond the Rajasik, Tamasik, and Saththvik, with the Maya he assumes as Bhrama, Vishnu and Shiva, He is Nirguna as well as Saguna Bhramam. He is supreme Lord Parameshwara, he is absolute Bhramam, He is mighty Lord Maheswara, who has neither beginning nor end, and he is eternal. He is the sustainer of the Universe in the form of Lord Vishnu, he creates the Universe and its living beings in the form of Lord Bhrama, and he destroys the Universe and living beings as Lord Rudra at the end of the Kalpa. He is beyond Maya, assumes numerous forms at his own will, he is all-pervasive and performs various amusements, and showers his eternal grace upon the Jeeva. Oh! Narada, listen to me carefully to get rid of the sin and attain salvation, leave all your misapprehensions, and contemplate upon that supreme Lord Maheshwara, and recites his glorious hundreds of names so that you will get relieved from all your sins instantly.”

 

Lord Vishnu continues “ Oh! Sage, do not feel sad, leave all your sorrows, you did not do any harm, all that was done at the will of Lord Shiva, there is no doubt in it. The Maya roused passion in you and heaved to ignorance and arrogance as well; it extracted all your wisdom and knowledge, and it caused you to curse me. This was an amusement of that mighty Lord Mahadeva, for the welfare of the Universe. He is Kalakala, who is the conqueror of death, always protects his sincere devotees. There is no deity benevolent than Lord Mahadeva, he is the Master of The universe and its living beings, that Parameshwara who bestow the grace and Sarvashakthi to me as well. Oh! Sage, you worship Lord Shiva and please him, sing in praise of his glorious myths. Whoever worships Lord Mahadeva with body, mind, and words, would attain the supreme wisdom and knowledge, achieve all the material well-being and live a life of the liberated soul. The dense forest like accumulated sins of Jeeva would get destroyed in the recitation of his sacred names, like colossal fire. The accumulated sins in several births cause’ afflictions on the Jeeva would get destroyed with the sincere worship of Lord Shiva. Whoever takes complete surrender at the lotus feet of that mighty Lord Mahadeva, would consider as the follower of Veda, liberated soul and highly learned as well. There are several kinds of Dharma, and the worship of the supreme Lord Mahadeva is the highest of the pious deed which provides meritorious rewards instantly. All those accumulated sins get destroyed with the worship of that supreme Lord Mahadeva, even the Bhramahathya sins too.  Whoever gets into the ferry of sincere devotion to Lord Shiva would easily cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence, and all the sins would get destroyed. Oh! Sage, the sins of interest in worldly matters, and bondage would cut off with the firm faith and devotion to Lord Shiva. The Jeeva undergoes constant miseries and suffering of the worldly existence like forest fire should take shelter in the nectar-like sacred names of Lord Shiva, whoever taken shelter in the nectar-like glorious names of Lord Mahadeva remains unhurt in the middle of crisis of the worldly existence. The people who are drenched in material welfare, richness, fame, money, wealth, etc. and bondage cannot become the devotee of Lord Shiva, while the noble souls who have taken shelter at the lotus feet of that supreme Lord Mahadeva remains serene, ultimately attain salvation. The sense of devotion and faith upon Lord Shiva can be attained only with the piousness and austerities in the several previous births. Even after committing various sins, the Jeeva who surrenders at the lotus feet of Mahadeva, and takes great pleasure in reciting his glorious legends and names, would get rid of all the sins, even the severest sin of Bhramahathya and stealing the wealth of Bhramin, there is no doubt in it, like the forest fire burn down the trees in its vicinity. The person who sanctifies himself/herself with the adoration of holy ashes on the limb and worships Lord Shiva would easily cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence. The illustrious Rishis and Sages, and Veda strongly recommend surrendering to supreme Lord Mahadeva to get rid of the interest in worldly matters and bondage.  Therefore, surrender to that supreme Lord Mahadeva and Goddess Parvathi/Sambam  Sadhashivam and worship them with utmost devotion and faith. Oh! Sage, smear the sacred ashes all over the body and recite the glorious chant “ Om Nama: Shivaya”, wearing Rudraksha and reciting this chant would please Lord Mahadeva, reciting his glorious legends, and narrating the same to the devotee of the Lord would highly please the Lord, and worshiper would receive everlasting bliss. The visit to the sacred shrines of Lord Mahadeva and constant contemplation and meditation, especially visits to the shrine of Anandavana/Kashi, which is the dearest land of Mahadeva on the Earth, would remove your sins. Oh! Sage, sincerely worship Vishweshwara, you will get freed from false perceptions, after that return to Bhramaloka and request your father Lord Bhrama to describe the glories of Lord Mahadeva. Lord Bhrama is a sincere devotee of Lord Mahadeva, he will narrate the endless glorious legends of Mahadeva and the hundreds of sacred names of the Lord. Oh! Sage, therefore worship Lord Shiva and attain salvation.” Thus, Narada after receiving the advice of Lord Vishnu returned to Bhramaloka.

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 44 – Rudra Samhitha/Shrishti Kanda – 3

 

Maharishis speaks “ Oh! Sutha, Oh! Mahabhaga, Oh! Vyasa Shishya, we shall reverentially prostrate before you, kindly narrate the interesting legend on Maharishi Narada, after meeting Lord Vishnu, what did he do? Where did he go? Kindly describe us in detail.”

 

Maharishi Vedavyasa speaks “ Sutha Pauranika, who is well versed in scriptures, contemplated upon Lord Shiva for a while, and began to describe the legend.”

 

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Vipra, Narada left the abode of Lord Vishnu who is the sincere devotee of Lord Shiva/ Mayapathi performed an amusement.  Mayapathi/Lord Hari created a magnificent city on the way of Maharishi Narada that has the breadth and width of four hundred miles was stunningly beautiful, with marvelous fortresses, pathways, pleasure gardens, wells, woods, attractive streets, markets, city, etc. was more attractive than the Vishnuloka. This beautiful city was ruled by the King Sheelanidhi, the Kingdom was flourished with rich natural and mineral resources. He made extravagant arrangements to perform the Swayamvara of his only daughter; hence the Kingdom of Sheelanidhi was crowded with the Kings of neighboring countries.  The princes and Kings adorned in finest garments and ornaments, followed with king’s men, to impress the daughter of King Sheelanidhi. Maharishi Narada was highly fascinated to watch the splendor of the city, he lost control over senses, approached the palace was received reverentially by King Sheelanidhi. He offered the raised throne to Maharishi Narada, and called out for his only daughter Srimathi who prostrated before the sage with utmost reverence.”

 

Sutha Pauranika continues “ Oh! Vipra, Maharishi Narada was highly impressed by the beauty and nobility of Srimathi, enquired the King “Oh! Rajan, who is this girl resembles the daughter of deities?” King Sheelanithi spoke with folded hands “Oh! Maharishi, she is my only daughter Srimathi, has attained the age for marriage, therefore we are in search of an appropriate groom for my beautiful daughter, and she has possessed all the auspiciousness and virtues. Oh! Mune, kindly predicts her marriage life, details about her future husband.” Maharishi Narada who was persuaded by the Maya of Mayapathi, fallen in love for Srimathi, wanted to achieve her as a wedded wife,  spoke “Oh! Rajan, your daughter has possessed all the virtues, and auspiciousness of Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi. Her future husband would be Sarvehwara, has the valor of Lord Shiva, he will be unconquerable, excels the loveliness of Manmatha, hence her groom would be best among the deities.” Soon, Maharishi Narada left the palace; he was already besieged with the Maya of Shiva, the surge to attain Srimathi as his wedded wife gone out of control, he thought “How did she choose me among those handsome Kings? It is baseless, how can I achieve Srimathi? Women easily get attracted to the beauty, if I have that attractiveness, she would definitely consider me as an appropriate groom.” Thus, Maharishi Narada who was persuaded with the Maya rushed to Vishnuloka and requested the attractiveness of Lord Vishnu. Maharishi Narada prostrated before Hrishikesh and spoke “ Oh! Bhagavan, I have to tell you an incident took place in the Kingdom of Sheelanidhi.” Lord Vishnu who is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, enquired the Sage to detail them. Maharishi Narada spoke “Oh! Prabho, King Sheelanidhi is an ardent devotee of you; they are in search for an appropriate groom for his only daughter Srimathi, she is extremely compassionate, kind, virtuous, and capable to entice the three worlds, and I would say, she is the only most beautiful woman in the three worlds. Oh! Prabho, I would like to marry her. King Sheelanidhi have arranged a huge festivities for the Swayamvara, and there are several Kings from neighboring countries who have come to participate in it. Oh! Prabho, kindly bestow me your loveliness, so that I can get her as a wedded wife, she would adorn me with that Jayamala in the grand assembly of the King. Otherwise, it is impossible to achieve her as a wedded wife. Oh! Prabho, I have been your sincere servant, kindly bestow your attractiveness, handsomeness so that I can get her in marriage.”

 

Sutha Pauranika spoke “Oh! Vipra, Lord Vishnu understood Maharishi Narada is completely besieged by his Maya smiled to himself and spoke, “Oh! Narada, you are my sincere devotee, you are beloved of me, and I will do whatever good for you. A good physician knows what to give and what not to his patient.” Thus, Lord Hari offered him the face of a Vanara, Maharishi Narada who have immense belief in Lord Hari thought that he had attained the marvelous appearance of him and returned to the palace. He noticed the grand assembly of the King that has the resemblance of Indraloka, is packed with the handsome princes, and Kings from various Kingdom. Maharishi Narada took a seat and enthusiastically waited for the result, he was not aware of the ugliness caused to his face; he had a strong belief that the bride will choose him as a future husband, because of his appearance as Lord Vishnu. Surprisingly, the face of Vanara was not visible to the guest arrived or the princes or the people assembled, except the two Shivaganas who were disguised as twice-born and took a seat along with the Maharishi Narada. These two Shivaganas took a seat closer to the Maharishi Narada and passed sarcastic comments on him. These Ganas conversed “Look at Maharishi Narada, who has a lovely body like Vishnu, unfortunately, has the face of Vanara. I feel pity for the sage who fell in the trap of a beautiful woman.” The Shivaganas laughed at him. Initially, Maharishi Narada unnoticed their comments; he has only one desire to get the princess as wedded wife. Soon, the princess arrived in the grand assembly followed by her female attendants. The princess who has the appearance of Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi gracefully walked in the assembly, holding the marvelous Jayamala, she looked at the princes and Kings seated in the assembly, she saw Maharishi Narada with the handsome physique of Vishnu has the face of Vanara, she got agitated, and moved away from there. She did not find a suitable groom, stood in the assembly, soon Lord Hari arrived in the assembly disguised as a King, immediately Srimathi spotted the King and adorned him with the Jayamala. Thus, Lord Hari returned to his abode with the princess Srimathi. Shortly, all the Kings parted their ways; Maharishi Narada became upset and saddened by the thought of his wish to attain Srimathi as a wedded wife. The Shivaganas who was seated next to Maharishi Narada spoke “Oh! Mune, you were overexcited to attain the princess as a wedded wife, kindly take a look of your face that has the appearance of Vanara.” Immediately Maharishi Narada took a look at his face, felt extremely shameful, and raged cursed the Shivaganas “You both have laughed at a twice-born; hence you both will be born as Rakshasa.” These two Shivaganas are foremost among the Ganas of Lord Shiva, and highly learned, understood Maharishi Narada is completely under the influence of Maya of Mayapathi felt extremely sad and considered the curse as the wish of Lord Shiva, eventually they returned to their abode.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 43 – Rudra Samhitha/Shrishti Kanda – 1

Vishwothbhava Sthithi Layadhishu Hethumekam Gauripathim Vidhitha Thaththvam AnanthaKeerthim| Mayashrayam Vigathamayam Achinthyaroopam | Bodhasvaroopam Amalam Hi Shivam Namami || Vandhe Shivam Tham  Prakither Anadhim Prashanthamekam Purushoththamam Hi | Swamayaya Krithsnamidham Hi Shrishta  Namovadhanthar Bahirasthitho Ya: ||

Lord Vishnu eulogizes “ I shall prostrate before the supreme Lord Shiva who is Gauripathi, he is the essence of creation, preservation, and destruction of the Universe and its living beings, he symbolizes greatest philosophies, he is Lord Maya, he is shelter place of Maya, he is the dearest consort of Devi Gauri, he is unblemished and pure, he is the essence of wisdom and knowledge.  I shall prostrate before supreme Lord who is Purushoththama, he is beyond Prakrithi, resides as a soul in living beings, he is all-pervasive, he is the essence of living and non-living things, he symbolizes serenity, he has created the Universe with the influence of Maya, and he is omnipresent.  I shall prostrate before the supreme Lord who resides as soul/subtle form, in living beings, he creates Universe and wanders all over the Universe, like the Earth rotates on its own axis.”

Jagatha: Pitharam Shambhush Jagatho Matharam ShivAm | Thath Puthrashcha Ganadheesham Na  Thvaithdhairnnyamahe||

Maharishi Vyasa speaks “ I shall offer humble salutation to the supreme Lord Shambhu who is the father of the Universe, and I shall offer humble salutation to the Goddess ShivA who is the Mother of the Universe, I shall offer humble salutation to Lord Ganesha who is Lord Ganas as well. I shall offer humble salutation to the supreme Lord and begins to recite Rudrasamhita.”

Once, the Sages and Rishis assembled in Naimisharanya enquired the Sutha Pauranika with great devotion “Oh! Sutha, Oh! Mahabhaga, we have listened to that marvelous legend from Sadhya Sadhana Khanda in Vindhyeshwara Samhitha, it was a great legend capable to attract the mind of noble souls, Oh! Sutha, live a joyous life and live long because you are narrating the highly meritorious legends of Lord Shankara. We are not satisfied with the nectar-like wisdom earned from you, Oh! Sinless one, we would like to hear more from you. Oh! Sarvajja, beloved of Maharishi Vedavyasa, you have achieved the highest of the piousness, you are the knower of past, present, and future. You are a sincere disciple of Maharishi Vedavyasa, thus you have achieved the greatest of the knowledge and serenity, with the perpetual grace of your preceptor. Oh! Learned one, kindly narrates the glorious form of Lord Shiva and his various legends.  Lord Shiva is absolute Bhrmam/Nirguna Bhramam, when did he achieve the Sagunaroopa? We are not aware of the true form of supreme Lord Shiva. Kindly narrate the initiation of supreme Lord Shiva who is Nirguna Bhramam, at the beginning of the Universe, and how did the creation begin? How did the supreme Lord Shiva perform deluge? How could the devotees please that supreme Lord Shiva who is a compassionate one? Kindly describe what would the devotees achieve once the supreme Lord Shiva gets highly pleased with their devotion. Kindly narrate everything in detail to us. We have heard that the supreme Lord Shiva gets highly pleased easily, he is a compassionate one, could not bear the hardships of his devotees.  The Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and Mahesha were created from the limb of Lord Shiva, Oh! Sutha, kindly narrate the incarnations of Lord Shiva and various legends of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Kindly tell us the birth of Goddess Uma and her wedding with the supreme Lord Shiva. Oh! Sinless one kindly narrates their household living and various sports as well.”

Maharishi Vyasa speaks “ Maharishi Sutha Pauranika engaged in meditation upon supreme Lord Shiva for a while, after listening to the series of queries of Shuka Shaunakadhis.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Sages, you have raised a brilliant question, you are too graceful and well versed in scriptures, especially highly devoted to supreme Lord Shiva. Oh! Mune, listening to the glorious myths of supreme Lord Shiva would purify three people, 1)Vaktha/speaker 2) Pricchakam/questions raised by the Sages, 3) Shrotha/listeners. Oh! Brahmana, except the people who take pleasure in killing and eating animals, everyone takes immense delight in listening to his legends.  The legends of the supreme Lord Shiva should be recited without lust, desire, or greed, it is the best cure for the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence, and it would please the ears of listeners as well. Oh! Twice-born, I shall narrate all those legends and various sports of supreme Lord Shiva according to my knowledge, kindly listen to them.  Oh! Mune, as you have raised the question, Lord Hari had the same was narrated by Lord Shiva, later Maharishi Narada learned it from Lord Bhrama who is a staunch devotee of the supreme Lord Shiva was highly pleased with it and described the glorious legends to Maharishi Narada.”

Maharishi Vedavyasa speaks “listening to the speeches of Sutha Pauranika, the Sages assembled were extremely eager to know more about the legends of supreme Lord Shiva and the conversation took place between the deities.”

Shaunakadhis speaks “ Oh! Sutha, Oh! Mahabhaga, we are curious to learn the legends of supreme Lord Mahadeva, kindly narrate the conversation took place between Lord Bhrama and Narada in detail, when was it taken place? And what are the sports of supreme Lord Shiva was discussed? We are curious to know about them all. Kindly enlighten us.”

Sutha Pauranika was extremely pleased to listen to the curiousness of Shaunakadhis, and their devotion to supreme Lord Shiva and he began to narrate them all.

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 43 –Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 25 -3

 The types of Rudraksha and its benefits

Lord Mahadeva speaks “ Oh! Devi, There are different types of Rudraksha, Oh! Parvathi, listen to them carefully; it would bestow pleasure and devotion. The Ekavakthra/one-faced Rudraksha symbolizes Lord Rudra, whoever adorns this would attain worldly pleasures and salvation, mere witnessing this would remove the grave sin of Bhramahathya, the worshiper would achieve the permanent presence Goddess Mahalakshmi in their homes, it would remove all the obstacles and get all the desires fulfilled. The Dhvivakthra/two-faced Rudraksha symbolizes Devadevesha, who would fulfill all the desires of the worshiper, it removes the grave sin of Bhramahathya.  The Thrivakthra/three-faced Rudraksha provides wisdom and knowledge to the worshiper. The Chathurvakthra/four-faced Rudraksha symbolizes Lord Bhrama, it removes the sin of Bhramahathya and provides Chathurvargaphalapradha./Dharma, Arththa, Kama, and Moksha. The Panchavakthra/five-faced Rudraksha symbolizes the supreme Lord Kalagni Rudra, worship or adorns this Rudra provides Sarvakama/fulfills all the desires and Sarvamukthi /liberation from repeated births as well, it removes sins from illicit relationships and eating meat. The Shadvakthra/six-faced Rudraksha symbolizes Karthikeya, it should be adorned on the right arm, and it removes various sins and Bhramahathya. Oh! Maheshani, the Sapthavakthra/seven-faced Rudraksha is addressed as Ananga, Oh! Deveshi, the worship or adorns this Rudraksha would make the pauper into wealthiest.  The Ashtavakthra/eight-faced Rudraksha is known as Vasumoorthi Bhairav, would protect the person who adores it, the worshiper would attain a long life, and becomes Shiva afterlife.  Oh! Maheshwari, the  Navavakthra/nine-faced Rudraksha is known as Bhairava or the great Sage Kapila, it  symbolizes Navadurga, whoever adorns it on the left arm with intense devotion and faith would attain the honor like Sarveshwara. Oh! Maheshani, the Dhashavakthra/ten-faced Rudraksha symbolizes Lord Janardhana, Oh! Deveshi, whoever adorns this Rudraksha would attain all that desired in their lives.  Oh! Parameshwari, whoever adorns the Ekadashamukha/eleven-faced Rudraksha would resemble Rudra and attain victory in all endeavors. The Dhvadhashamukha/twelve-faced Rudraksha would provide brilliance of twelve Adithyas to the person who adorned it. The Thrayodhashamukha/thirteen-faced Rudraksha would bring permanent wealth to the worshiper and all their desires would get fulfilled.   The Chathurdhashamukha/ fourteen-faced Rudraksha symbolizes Lord Paramashiva, whoever adorns it with intense faith and devotion would get rid of all the sins. Oh! Devi, Oh! Parvathi, I shall describe the sacred syllables recited to offer salutations to the respective Rudraksha, listen to them carefully.”

Lord Mahadeva continues “ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to single-faced Rudraksha is  ‘Om Hrim Nama:’, The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to two-faced Rudraksha is ‘ Om Nama;” The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to three-faced Rudraksha is  ‘Om Klim Nama:’, The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to four-faced Rudraksha is  ‘Om Hrim Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to five-faced Rudraksha is  ‘Om Hrim Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to six-faced Rudraksha is  ‘Om Hrim Hum Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to seven-faced Rudraksha is  ‘Om Hrim Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to eight-faced Rudraksha is ‘Om Hrim Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to nine-faced Rudraksha is ‘Om Hum Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to ten-faced Rudraksha is ‘Om Hrim Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to eleven-faced Rudraksha is ‘Om Hrim Hum Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to twelve-faced Rudraksha is ‘Om Ksaum Raum Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to thirteen-faced Rudraksha is ‘Om Hrim Nama:’ The sacred syllable recited to offer salutation to fourteen-faced Rudraksha is ‘Om Nama:’

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Devi, whoever wants to get rid of lethargy, laziness, and achieve all that desired should wear Rudraksha with intense devotion and faith.  Whoever adorns Rudraksha without offering salutation to it would live in hell for a period of one Kalpa, whoever adorn in Rudraksha would get freed from the troubles of Dakini, Shakini, Bhootha, Pretha, Pishacha. Oh! Parvathi, whoever adorn in Rudraksha would make all the deities pleased, Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Surya, and all the deities and female deities get highly pleased with it. Oh! Maheshwari, whoever adorn in Rudraksha would attain intense devotion and faith, it would enhance the qualities of righteousness.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Shaunakadhis, In this way, Lord Mahadeva who is Paramathma, Parambhramam, described the splendor of Rudraksha and holy ashes that bestow pleasure and salvation to Goddess Girija.  Whoever adorns Rudraksha and holy ashes are beloved to Lord Shiva, wearing the Rudraksha, and Bhasma, the worshiper would attain all that desired and liberation from repeated births. Whoever adorns Rudraksha, holy ashes and recites Panchaksharamanthra is the perfect Shivabhaktha, considered as flawless.  The worship of Lord Mahadeva without smearing sacred ashes, or wearing Rudraksha or reciting Panchakshara will not provide its fruitful results. Oh! Mune, I have described the splendor of Bhasma, Rudraksha and Panchakshara in detail, whoever reads or listens to it would get all their desires fulfilled, enjoys all the worldly pleasures, with children and grandchildren, finally attains salvation from repeated births, remains dearer to Lord Mahadeva. Oh! Munishwara, I have narrated the glorious lessons of Vindyeshwara Samhitha to you, at the command of supreme Lord Mahadeva which bestow worldly pleasures and liberation from repeated births.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 42 –Vindhyeshwara Samhitha –25 - 2

Significance of Rudraksha

Rudrakshamekam Shirasa Bhibhrathi Thatha Thripundram Cha  Lalatamadhye | Panchaksharam Ye Hi Japanthi Manthram Poojya  Bhavadhbhi: Khalu They Hi Sadhava: ||

Varnni Vani Grihapathirniyamena Dhdhadhyadhethdhrahasya Paramo Na Hi Jathu Thishteth | Rudrakshadharanam Idham Sukrithaishcha Lakshyam Thyakthath Vedamedhath Akhilan Narakan Prayanthi ||

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Devi, the intellectuals adore Rudraksha on forearms after the recitation of Aghora-Beeja manthras, and fifteen beads of Rudraksha around the stomach after the recitation of Vamadeva Manthra, and the adoration of three, five or seven Rudraksha on the rest of the limbs after the recitation of Sadhyojatha Manthra or Mulamanthra. The person who is adorned in Rudraksha should not consume Madhyam/intoxicating drinks, Mamsam/meat, Lashunam/garlic, Palandum/onion,  shigru/potherb, shleshma/gluey type of meal, Vidavaraham/pork etc. Oh! Parvathi, Oh! Uma, a twice-born should wear white colored Rudraksha, the Kshatriya should wear red-colored Rudraksha, a Vaishya should wear yellow-colored Rudraksha, and Shudras should wear the black-colored Rudraksha as prescribed in the Veda. Oh! Devi, Any Varnnasharami can adore Rudraksha, twice-born, householder, Vanashrami and ascetics of the highest order can adore the Rudraksha after reciting Omkara.  It is highly propitious and provides an abundance of merits to the worshiper, and protect them shoveling into hell.  The defective Rudrakshas such as eaten by worms, broken, large-sized ones, or lighter ones, without holes, should not be adorned, it brings ill fortune to the worshiper, and it should not be the size of grains.  Oh! Uma, Rudraksha symbolizes Rudra, therefore it should be adorned with great reverence and devotion. The continuous adoration of Rudraksha protects the devotee from the sins committed day and night.  The devotees who have adorned Rudraksha, the lock of hair, adorned in Thripundra on their forehead will not visit the abode of Lord Yama. The devotees who have adorned Rudraksha around the head, Thripundra on the forehead, and constantly recites the Panchakshara Manthra would remain highly honorable. Oh! Devi,  Lord Yama instructed his emissaries not to approach the devotees who are adorned in Rudraksha, Thripundra, and recites Panchaksharamanthra, he strictly ordered them not to bring my devotees to the abode of Lord Yama.  Oh! Mahadevi, Oh! Parvathi, The adoration of Rudraksha removes all kinds of sins of the devotee, therefore whoever adorned in Rudraksha is most-beloved to me. The devotee who is adorned in Rudraksha on his hands, arms, and heads remains unconquerable, wanders like Rudraroopi on Earth, he remains most venerable by the deities and demons, and worships him as Lord Shiva who is the destroyer of sins.  Oh! Devi, if an ignorant or dull wears Rudraksha would attain wisdom, relieved from all the sins, and remains honorable. The performance of recitation of hymns with the rosary beads would yield multiple meritorious rewards. The devotee who is adorned in Rudraksha will not have the fear of death or untimely death. The devotee who is adorned in Rudraksha, decorated with Thripundra on the forehead, recites Mrithyunjjayamanthra, the very sight of this devotee would provide the meritorious reward of witnessing supreme Lord Shiva accompanied by Ganas. Oh! Priye, a person who conducts worship of Panchadevatha, or all the deities, can recite the hymns using the beads of Rudraksha. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu and all the deities adore Rudraksha, hence it is necessary to adore Rudraksha by the devotee of mine.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 41 –Vindhyeshwara Samhitha –25 -  1

Shiva Priyathamo Jjyeyo Rudraksha: Paramapavana: | Dharshanath Sparshanath Japyath Sarvapapahara: Smritha: ||Shruyatham  Thu Maheshani Rudraksha Mahima Shive | Kathayami Thava Preethya Bhakthanam Hithakamyaya ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakarishe, Oh! Mahaprajja, Oh! Shivaroopa, Oh! Mahamathe, I shall describe the splendor of Rudraksha, listen to me carefully.  Rudraksha is beloved of Lord Maheshwara, it is highly propitious to see, touch, or meditate with this, would purify all the sins of the worshiper. Previously, the supreme Lord Shiva narrated the splendor of Rudraksha to supreme Goddess Uma, for the welfare of the Universe.”

Bhagavan Shiva speaks “Oh! Maheshani, Oh! Shive, I shall narrate the glories of Rudhrakshamahima to you, for the welfare of my passionate devotees. Oh! Maheshani, earlier I have undertaken extreme penance/Tapas for thousands of years to attain serenity of the mind. Oh! Parameshani, I am the causes of the Universe and its living beings, I am independent and the protector of the Jeeva and I perform various amusements for the welfare of the Universe. I have opened my eyes after thousands of years of penance, the drops of water were fallen my half-opened eyes caused to sprout the trees of Rudraksha.  It was created for the welfare of the devotees, and these trees were shared among the four Varnas and devotees of Lord Vishnu. Thus, the trees of Rudraksha came into existence in the Gauda region, Mathura, Ayodhya, Kashi, and Malayachala, which are a favorite of mine that could destroy all the sins of the worshiper.  The Rudraksha is the purifier of souls; it can be used for all the people who belong to four Varnas. The intellectuals have the rich knowledge of the Rudraksha, it has white, red, yellow, and black in color, and people of different Varnas uses according to the instructions given in the scripture. The Rudraksha can be adorned on the neck either to fulfill the worldly pleasure or to please the supreme Lord Rudra and Goddess Parvathi, in any case, it provides Bhukthi as well as Mukthi to the worshiper. The Rudraksha adorned the size of Indian Gooseberry/Dhathriphal is considered as the best, and the size of Badriphal/berry is considered as a medium, it removes all the sins of the worshiper, and fulfills all the desires of the worshiper. Oh! Parameshwari, mere witnessing the Rudraksha would provide an abundance of piousness. Oh! Devi, the Rudraksha which has the nature of firm and thorn-like outer appearance worn on the neck provides Bhukthi and Mukthi to the worshiper.  The defective Rudrakshas are eaten by worms, cracks on the surface, uneven shapes are not promising, natural ones are most rewarding. All the sins gets removed by wearing Rudraksha around the neck.  A person who wore eleven hundred Rudraksha turns himself as Swayam Rudra. The person who is adorned in eleven hundred Rudraksha, the meritorious rewards earned cannot be described in hundreds of years, five hundred and fifty Rudraksha as adorned as a crown with intense devotion would provide highly meritorious rewards, Rudraksha adorned as Yajjopaveetha, three strings of sacred thread holds three hundred sixty Rudrakshas each, Oh! Maheshwari, twelve Rudrakshas can adorn around the tuft/Shikha, hundred Rudrakshas around the neck, eleven Rudrakshas on arms, and hands.  A devotee of Lord Shiva should wear three beads of Rudraksha in Yajjopaveetha, and five beads on the Katisuthra/waist. Oh! Parameshwari, whoever adores the number of Rudraksha mentioned above with intense devotion and faith would become adorable like me, remains venerable. Oh! Devi, the person who is adorned in Rudrkahsa and conducts meditation, mere witnessing this person would elevate the Jeevas. I have described the method of adoration of eleven hundreds of Rudraksha to you; I shall narrate a simple method in the absence of the same. Oh! Devi, The person who adorned in single Rudraksha on the tuft, thirty beads of Rudraksha around the forehead, fifty beads of Rudraksha around the neck, sixteen beads of Rudraksha on each arms, twelve beads of Rudraksha on each wrist, five hundred Rudraksha on the chest, and hundred and sixty beads of Rudraksha as Yajjopaveetha, is highly revered by all the deities, becomes adorable like Rudra. Oh! Devi, The person who is adorn in single Rudraksha on the tuft, forty Rudraksha around the forehead, thirty-two Rudraksha around neck, hundred and eight as garland around neck, adorned in Rudraksha in both the ears, six Rudraksha around each arms, sixteen or twelve Rudrakshas on both the hands, considered as a supreme devotee of Lord Rudra, and remains highly venerable. The adoration of Rudraksha is performed with the recitation of Eshana Manthra,  Thathpurusha, and Aghoramanthras.”