||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 23 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 11

Punyakshethre Sthitha Vapi Koopadhyam Pushkarani  Cha| Shivagangethi Vijjyeyam Shivasya  Vachanam Yaya || Thathra  Snathva  Thadha  Dhathva Japithva Hi Shivam Vrajeth | Shivakshethram  Samashrithya  Vasedhamaranam Thadha ||

The Rishis speaks “Oh! Sutha, How did the Linga consecrate? What are the characteristics of a Linga? How did the performance of Linga should be carried out according to Dhesha/region and Kala/Time?”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Rishis, listen to me carefully, I shall describe the methods of veneration of Linga, according to the places and favorable times of worship.  The Linga should be consecrated on the river bank on an auspicious time.  The Linga can be made out of clay, metal or precious stones, once consecrated it should be worshiped on a regular basis.  The worship of Linga on an auspicious day and time would bring an abundance of meritorious rewards.  There are various types of Linga,  Shivaling made of cow-dug,  flowers, Jaggery/Gud, butter, ashes, and fruits, Chalith Shivalinga/movable, should be small in size, easy to carry with the person to conduct worship, and Lingas worshiped in shrines should be in bigger sizes, and the base/pedestal of the Linga may be in circular or triangular shape, the Peeda and Linga should be made of same ingredient/clay, gem, or metal.  The Banalinga will not have any pedestal.  According to the Lingapramanam, the height of the Linga should be twelve times of the finger of the maker, if it does not meet the requirement, there is no harm in it.  A beautiful Vimanam of the Linga with the image of all the deities imprinted on it should be installed close to the mirror in the Garbhagriha.  The installation of Linga should be conducted with the recitation of Vedic chants, the main doors should be decorated with nine types of gems, Neelam, Rathnam, Vaidooryam, Shyamam, Marakatham, Pearl, Gomedham, Vajram, and Linga should be installed in the middle of these Navarathnas.  The worship of Linga on its five faces and fire sacrifices should be carried out while consecration.  In the same manner, the image of the Lord should be consecrated in the sanctum; worship of both would bring Shivapadham to the worshiper.  The Sthavara Lingas are made of wood or shrub, the Vibudha/intellectuals, conduct worship of Linga with intense devotion and faith, and the pedestal represent Paramba/Bhagavathi/Devi Parvathi gives out the appearance as Devi Uma seated on the left thigh of supreme Lord Shiva.  The veneration of Mahalingam should be worshiped on a daily basis offering Shodasha Upachara, and Dvaja according to one’s own capacity.  The Linga consecrated following the prescribed rite and worship of the same would guarantee Sakshathshivapadham.  The Lingadharshana following austerities would bring commendable virtues, offering a contribution to the worship of Linga or making Linga also earns an abundance of merit.  The worship of Shivalinga with intense devotion and faith, or reciting the  Pranavamanthra for ten thousands of times would bring Shivapadham, recitation of thousands of Pranavamanthra in the dawn would bring the serenity of mind.  The recitation should be performed in one’s own heart, not with an intention to get the attention of others.  The recitation of Panchakshara thousands of times in the dusk would provide Shivapadham, the recitation of hymns after obtaining Manthradheeksha from a preceptor would give an abundance of rewards.  Whoever engages in the veneration of Linga, or work for the welfare of the shrine of Shiva or living in the shrine of Lord Shiva would attain Shivapadham.  Whoever dies in the shrine of Lord Shiva, whether the person is intelligent or not, he would definitely attain Shivapadham.  The well, pond, rivers located in the vicinity of Shivakshethra are considered as Shivaganga.”

The Rishis speaks “Oh! Sutha, Oh! Yogavarashreshta, kindly enlighten us with the knowledge of sacred shrines on the Earth.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 22 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 10

Namo Nishkalaroopa Namo Nishkalathejase | Nama: Sakalanathaya Namasthe Sakalathmane ||Nama Pranavachyaya Nama: Pranavalingine | Nama: Shrishtichayadhikarthre  cha Nama: Panchamukhayathe || Panchabhrama Swaroopaya  Panchakrithyaya They Nama: | Athmane  Bhramane  Thubhyam Anantha Gunashakthaye || Sakalakalaroopaya  Shambhave Guruve Nama: ||

Lord Bhrama and Lord Vishnu request to Lord Shiva to describe the highly confidential Panchakrithya and its characteristics, Lord Shiva speaks “ Oh! Deities, the Panchkrithyas are Shrishti, Sthithi, Samhara, Thirobhava, and Anugraha.  The creation, preservation, destruction, deluge, and grace are the functions vested upon me, the attainment of Moksha happens only with the grace/Anugraha of mine.  The essential five elements / Mahathbhuthas, such as Fire, Earth, Ether, Water and Air are essential for existence,  the creation takes place on the Earth, preservation in the water, destruction in the Fire, Thirobhava/concealment in the Air and grace in the Sky.   My faces/Panchamukha represents these five essential elements, the four faces facing on the four directions and fifth face on the Oordhvabhaga facing the sky, two jobs are assigned with Lord Rudra and Mahesha who have the same appearance of mine, but no one other than me is competent to perform the task ‘Anugraha’.  Oh! Sons,  you both have forgotten the worship of me, thereby ended up in a battle with each other, whoever engages in the veneration of mine would attain the wisdom and beauty like me.  Therefore, you both should conduct penance reciting the glorious ‘Omkara’ which is highly propitious that would remove all the ignorance.  I shall impart the knowledge of this marvelous Omkara Manthra to both of you, recitation of Omkara which symbolizes my presence, appearance, and soul as well.   The divine sound of ‘Omkara’ originated from my five faces, North/Akara, West/Ukara, and South/Makara,  East/Bindu, facing upward/Nadham respectively.  The Veda and Omkara represent Shiva and Shakthi who are inseparable from each other.  The Panchakshara Manthra is highly propitious, it would bring all the auspiciousness to the worshiper and it provides Bhoga as well as Moksha to the worshiper.”

Nandikeshwara speaks “Further, Lord Bhrama and Lord Vishnu received the Manthropadhesham of the glorious Panchakshara from Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parmambika.  Thus, Lord Bhrama and Vishnu became the disciple of the supreme Lord Mahadeva.”

Lord Bhrama and Lord Vishnu eulogized “ We shall prostrate before the Nishkalaroopa/Agnisthambharoopa of supreme Lord Mahadeva, we shall repeatedly prostrate before the supreme brilliance initiated from the Nishakalaroopa.  We shall prostrate before Sakalanatha who is the protector of All, we shall repeatedly prostrate before supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings.  We shall prostrate before the supreme Lord, who represents Pranava, and Pranavalinga, we repeatedly prostrate before Supreme Lord who undertakes the creation of the Universe and its living beings, we shall prostrate before supreme Lord who has five faces, we shall prostrate before supreme Lord who represents Panchabhramam, and Panchakrithya.  We shall repeatedly prostrate before supreme Lord Mahadeva who is absolute Bhramam, resides as a soul in living beings, and possesses endless prowess and virtues. Oh! Supreme Lord Shambhu who symbolizes all the art forms and supreme preceptor, we shall repeatedly prostrate before you.”

Lord Shiva speaks “ Oh! sons, I have narrated about the Panchathathva, Panchabhramam, and Pranava, for the welfare of all, the recitation of Panchakshara makes me highly pleased, therefore continue recitation of the same, it would provide the serenity of mind, wisdom, fortune, and eternal grace of me.  It should be recited on the auspicious days of Ardra and Chathurdhashi, it would provide my eternal presence in your hearts.  The consecration of Linga and the worship of it with the Omkara would provide Moksha to the worshiper.” Thus, saying so, Lord Shiva disappeared from the sight of Lord Bhrama and Lord Vishnu.

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 21 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 9

Shivarathravahorathram Niraharo  Jithendhriya: | Archayedha Yathanyayam Yathabalamarchaka: || Thath Phalam Mama Poojayam Varshamekam Nirantharam |Thath Phalam Labathe Sadhya: Shivarathrai Madharchanath ||

Nandikeshwara speaks “ Oh! Kumaras, deities, Lord Bhrama, and Lord Vishnu worshiped supreme Lord Mahadeva along with Goddess Parvathi, Ganesha and Karthikeya, seated in the middle of the grand assembly of deities.  The supreme Lord  Mahadeva was adorned in Hara, Noopura, Keyoora, Kankana, Kireeda, Manikundala, Yajjasuthra, ornaments on Anguli/finger, Rudraksha, Pushpa, Thamboolam, Karpooram, Chandanam, Agaru, Dhoopa, Dheepa, Sithacchathram, Vyajjanam, Dhvajam, and various Dhivyaupaharas were offered, in this way the deities offered various divine ingredients to supreme Lord Mahadeva who is  beyond the perception of the humans.  Oh! Dhvija, whatever superior ingredients available on Earth should be offered to Lord.  Later, Lord Mahadeva was highly pleased and all that offered to him were distributed to the deities.  Lord Mahadeva who enhances devotion in the hearts of all were delighted with the veneration of Lord Bhrama and Lord Vishnu and pronounced, that   auspicious day would be widely celebrated as ‘Maha Shivarathri’.” 

The supreme Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Sons, whoever worships me in this Nishkala form/Linga on the day of Mahashivarathri with utmost faith and devotion would attain an abundance of piousness.  Whoever performs veneration of Linga with various divine ingredients on this auspicious day would attain commendable virtues of supreme Lord who is the creator, preserver, and destroyer as well. Whoever undertakes fast on this auspicious day of Shivarathri, following strict austerities, and venerates the Linga, within one’s own capacity, the worshiper would attain the meritorious reward of worship of Linga for a year, like the high tide on the day of Paurnami, it multiplies the piousness of the worshiper.  Oh! Kumara, I have appeared as Agnisthamba in the Month of Margasheersha, the sun was under the constellation of Ardra.  Whoever worships the Nishkala form of me along with Goddess Uma,  on the day of Arudra, he/she would become dearer to me like Karthikeya/Guha, whoever witnesses the Linga form of mine on this auspicious day would attain various merit, and people who venerate me on this day would attain abundance of commendable virtues which is beyond words.  The war field where I have appeared as Agnisthamba would be known as Linga Sthana.  Oh! Son,  The Agnisthambha has neither beginning nor end.   The worship of Linga would bring an abundance of piousness to worshiper; it would bring Bhoga and Moksha as well.   Therefore Dharshan, Sparshan, Dhyanam, and Poojanam of Linga would liberate the worshiper from worldly existence.  The Agnisthambha initiated has the resemblance of mountain-sized fire/Analachala, therefore it would be known as ‘Arunachala’.  This sacred Theertha would be well-known in the future, whoever resides on this sacred Theertha would attain Mukthi and would get relieved from the fear of death.  In this shrine, Rathosava and Kalyanam would be performed in a grand manner, and various pious deeds would be performed, which provides commendable merits.  This shrine would be famous among all the Kshethras, remembering the shrine itself would provide Mukthi.  This is one of the most prominent shrines that would provide all the auspiciousness as well as pleasures on the Earth.  Whoever worships me in this Lingeshwara form would attain Salokya Sameepya Saroopya and Sarshti as well.  All your desires would get fulfilled by the worship of Lingeshwara.”

Analachala Sankasham Yadhidham Lingamuththitham | Arunachalamithyeva Thadhidham Khyathimeyshyathi || Mathkshethradhapi Sarvasmath Kshethramethan Mahaththaram | Athra Samsmrathi Mathrena Mukthirbhavathi Dhehinam||

Nandikeshwara speaks “ In this way, the supreme Lord Mahadeva showered benevolence upon Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and all the warriors on the battlefield.  The Warriors who lost their lives in the war field once again regained their lives.   Lord Shiva advised Lord Bhrama and Vishnu to get rid of their ignorance and enmity.  There is no deity is worshiped in Nishkala form, the supreme Lord Shiva is worshiped in Sakala as well as Nishkala form.  The Supreme Lord Shiva advised Lord Bhrama and Vishnu and all the deities to worship him leaving their pride, his grace will be always upon the Universe and its living beings.  The supreme Lord Mahadeva represents trinities and Parambhramam as well.  He is all-pervading, illuminating as Athmaswaroopa.  He has assumed the form of Agnisthambha to reveal the knowledge of Bhramaththva.  The supreme Lord Mahadeva should be worshiped in Linga form that would bring endless virtues, therefore whoever constructs a Linga, the supreme Lord immediately assumes his presence on it.  Whoever installs a Linga and conduct regular worship would attain the status of Lord Shiva; whoever installs two Linga and conducts worship would attain the union with the Supreme Lord.”

Bhogavahammidham Lingam Bhukthi Mukthyoka Sadhanam | Dharshanam Sparshana Dhyanath Janthupoojanam Janmamochanam||

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 20 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 8

Namasthe  Natha ! Mey Janma Nishphalam Bhavadhajjya | Saphalam Thrithyatham Thatha! Kshamyatham Mama Kilbisham || Gnana Agnanakritham Papam Nashyathyeva They Smrithi: | Thadhdhrishe Thvayi Dhrishte Mey  Midhyadhosha Kutho Bhaveth ||

Nandikeshwara speaks “Oh! Kumaras, Lord Mahadeva who is Purusha, in an extreme rage looked at Bhrama, a dreadful form of Bhairava initiated from the middle of the curved eyebrows of Lord Mahadeva to punish Lord Bhrama.  Lord Bhairava offered salutation to Lord Shiva and spoke “ Oh! Prabho, I am your sincere attendant waiting for your command.”  Lord Shiva speaks “ Oh! Vathsa, you adore the primeval deity Lord Bhrama with your Khadga.”  Lord Bhairava got hold of one of the heads of Lord Bhrama that pronounced lies and sieved off with the Khadga.  Pitha, Lord Bhrama, who was in extreme guilty prostrated at the lotus feet of Lord Shiva.  Lord Vishnu after seeing the terrible state of Lord Bhrama who was trembling in intense pain, fallen at the feet of Lord Shiva, with tears overflowing like a child requested “Oh! Esha, you have provided five heads to Lord Bhrama, he has lost one among them, kindly leave him, do not punish him anymore, kindly shower your grace upon him.”  Lord Shiva immediately ordered Lord Bhairava to stop further actions and spoke “ Oh! Lord Bhrama, you have tricked on Lord Vishnu to prove your supremacy over him.  That is the reason you have lost one of your heads, here onwards no one will conduct the worship of you on the Earth.”

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Mahadeva, Oh! Mahavibhoothe, you have showered supreme grace on me by removing the head that lied to you. Oh! Bhagavan, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you, Oh! Bandhave, Oh! Vishwayonaye Oh! Sahishnave, you are the remover of impurities of mind and intellect, Oh! Shambhave, Oh! Shailadhanvane, who is wielded Mount Kailash as a bow. I shall prostrate before you.”

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Son, the entire Universe will get destroyed without an efficient ruler, I have punished you for the sins, and otherwise the entire Universe and its people keep engaging themselves in various atrocities, fighting and killing each other in the absence of a wise ruler.  You will be honored as the preceptor of fire sacrifices as described in Vedas, you will receive oblations from the Yajjas, you will remain one of the prime deities in the fire sacrifices, any Yajja performed without offering salutations to you would become unfruitful.  Oh! Kethaki flower, you have stood as a false witness for Lord Bhrama, therefore your presence in my veneration is discarded forever, and you will not be included in any of my worship.”

Kethaki flower started shedding tears of guilt before Lord Mahadeva “  Oh! Natha, I shall prostrate before your lotus feet, my life would become futile with your command.  Oh! Lord, kindly make my life fruitful, kindly forgive my grave sin.  Oh! Bhagavan, reciting your names would destroy all the sins committed knowingly or unknowingly, remembrance of you itself would wash off all our sins,  Oh! Bhagavan, watching your glorious form would wash away all our ignorance.  Therefore, kindly forgive me, and shower your grace on me.”

Lord Mahadeva speaks “ Oh! Kethaki flower, you have committed a terrible sin, for that, you have deserved to be punished, but the words pronounced by me cannot become untrue.  I will do a favor, listen to me carefully, you will be included in the veneration of Lord Vishnu and all the deities, your flowers would use for the decoration of my Mandap during the festivities, in this way I can make your life fortunate once again.”  Thus Lord Mahadeva showered grace upon Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and Kethaki flower, and took a seat in the majestic assembly of deities.

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 19 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 7

Pranavakaram Adhyantham Panchamandala Manditham| Aruroha Ratham Bhadhram Ambikapathi Ishwara: | Sa Sunuganamindhradhya: Sarvapyanuyayu: Sura: ||

Lord Maheshwara speaks “ Oh! Vathsaka,/dear sons, who always follow my command, How are you all? Hope all the deities and living beings are performing their duties and responsibilities well. I came to know about the fierce battle between Lord Brahma and Vishnu.  I could read your anxieties from your faces.”

Nandikeshwara speaks “ Oh! Kumara, In this way, the supreme Lord Mahadeva enquired the welfare of all and pacified them with his pleasant words.  Lord Shiva instructed hundreds of Ganas to march to the place where the battle taking place between Lord Bhrama and Vishnu.  There were deafening sounds of various drums echoed in the atmosphere, Lord Shiva /Ambikapathi, /Ishwara, majestically took a seat in a grand chariot, followed by deities, and started his journey to the war field was followed by Ganas in their respective vehicle.  The supreme Lord Pashupati was followed by a huge crowd of Ganas with dances and music, sounds of kettle drums, holding banners, flags, Chamara, showering flowers, approached the war field.  Lord Mahadeva did not reveal his presence in the battlefield, instructed Ganas to observe silence, he watched the battle between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu while they were using Maheshwara and Pashupathasthra respectively.  Lord Shiva observed the intensity of the battle, which began to engulf the three worlds in a colossal fire that would definitely cause mass destruction and bring an end to the whole Universe.  At that moment Lord Shiva intervened, assumed the form of huge fire pillar/Maha Anala Sthambha.  The two great weapons of Maheshwara and Pashupatha shot by Bhrama and Vishnu upon each other were merged in the colossal fire pillar and got diffused their intensity, thus the entire Universe was protected from destruction.  The deities assembled were astonished watching the huge fire pillar, which is Paramathbhutham and auspicious saved the entire Universe.  Lord Bhrama and Vishnu puzzled watching the Agnisthamba, decided to find the beginning and end of it.  They decided to prove their supremacy on each other and went in search of the top and bottom of the Agnisthambha.  If they together conduct the search it would become impossible to prove their supremacy, therefore Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a wild boar and went to Pathaloka.  Lord Bhrama mounted on the swan and went to the sky.  Lord Hari covered a huge distance of Pathaloka in search of the bottom of the Agnisthambha.  After some time, the Sookarahari returned to the battlefield, he was exhausted could not find the bottom of Agnisthamba. Oh! Sanathkuma, your father Lord Bhrama while moving in the sky, found a Kethaki, flower descending from the sky, it had a rich fragrance.  Bhrama enquired Kethaki flower its place of origin, she answered that her journey began before the creation; it has been long time she could not witness the top of the Agnisthambha, she advised Bhrama to leave his futile hope to find the top of Agnisthambha.   Bhrama repeatedly offered salutation and requested Kethaki flower to stand as a false witness, so that he could make believe Lord Vishnu that he had found the top of Agnisthambha.  Further, he advised Kethaki flower that it is not wrong to speak untruth during the unfortunate times, thus Kethaki flower agreed to stand as a false witness for Bhrama. Thus Lord Bhrama arrived on the battlefield, found Lord Vishnu unsuccessful and exhausted, Bhrama was delighted and said “ Oh! Hari, I have found the top of the Agnisthambha, I shall produce Kethaki flower as my witness.”  Lord Hari believed the words of Lord Bhrama, prepared to worship Lord Bhrama with Shodasha Upachara.  Immediately Lord Shiva appeared out of the Agnisthambha, placed his feet caused quavering the Earth. Soon, Lord Bhrama and Vishnu prostrated before Lord Shiva and eulogized “ Oh! Karunakara, kindly protects us.  You have neither beginning nor end, you are impossible to attain for ignorant people, kindly wash off our sins, and forgive us.”  Eshwara spoke “ Oh! Hari, Vathsa, I am highly pleased with your truthfulness.  Therefore you will be worshiped by all; people will adore you in the same manner as they worship me.  You will have my eternal grace.  Your idol will be installed in numerous shrines and perform elaborate worship.”  In this way, Lord Shiva highly pleased with Vishnu and offered equal status to him.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 18 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 6

Pura Kashchith Yogindra  Vishnur Vishadharasana: | Sushvapa Paraya  Bhuthya Svanugairapi Samvritha: || Yadhrucchaya  Agathasthra Bhrama Bhramavidham Vara: | Aprucchath  Pundarikaksham Shayanam Sarvasundharam ||

Nadikeshwara speaks “ Oh! Yogindra, Once Lord Vishnu was immersed in the Yoganidra on the serpent of Anantha, he was surrounded by his attendants.  At that moment, Lord Bhrama/Bramavidhamvara arrived in the abode of Lord Vishnu and saw the most attractive Lord Pundarikaksha in Yoga Nidra.  Lord Bhrama annoyed and asked “ Oh! Vathsa, I am your Master, I have arrived to meet you, you have made a mistake by ignoring me, and you did not even greet me.   Whoever disrespects their preceptor will repent in their life.”  Lord Vishnu who is pleasant always, did not show his anger outwardly after listening to the haughty comment of Lord Bhrama, he respectfully received Lord Bhrama, offered him a seat and addressed him “Oh! Vathsa, kindly be seated.  Why are you so angry? Oh! Vathsa, The entire Universe and its living beings are vested in me. Oh! Kamalajatha, you have born on the lotus flower that originated from my navel, therefore you are my son. ”

Nandikeshwara speaks “In this way, Lord Bhrama, and Lord Vishnu had a series of arguments.  Finally, they have engaged in a battle followed by numerous warriors, the two deities seated on their respective celestial vehicle swan and Garuda began a vicious battle.  The deities who were traveling on their respective celestial vehicle noticed the battle.  All the deities assembled to witness the mysterious war between the two prime deities and they showered flowers upon them.  They were thoroughly aware of the fact that this battle would expose the highest of the philosophy into the light.  The two deities used various Astra against each other; finally, both of them brutally wounded with the usage of Astra, the deities became anxious.  Lord Vishnu used the weapon Maheshwarasthram on Lord Bhrama, thinking that it would bring him into sense, but Lord Bhrama made the whole Universe quiver with the usage of powerful Pashupathasthra on the chest of Lord Vishnu.  Immediately there appeared a powerful whirlwind with thousands of dreadful faces, seeing the intensity of the battle, the Bhramanas and deities were equally worried.  The Brahmanas prayed to supreme Lord Shiva wielded in powerful trident, performer of creation, preservation, and destroyer of the Universe and its living beings, even a blade of grass could not move against his will. "

All the deities took shelter in Mount Kailash, the abode of supreme Lord Chandrashekhara.  The deities offered reverential salutation to Lord Parameshwara who symbolizes Pranava.  They witnessed the supreme Lord Parameshwara who is seated with Goddess Uma on a well-decorated dais in the Kailash. He was surrounded by Ganas who were offering service to the supreme Lord Parameshwara and Ma Parvathi.  He was eulogized by Veda, his Ganas were most pleasingly engaged in various service to their Master.  The supreme Lord Mahadeva compassionately looked at the deities, who were anxious.  He imparted nectar-like speeches for the welfare of all, blessed them and enquired about the reason for their visit to Kailash.

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 17 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 5

Mandapam Gopuram Theertham Madam  Kshethram Thathoththsavam | Vasthram Gandham Cha Malyam Cha Dhoopam Dheepam Cha Bhakthi: || Vividhannam Cha  Naivedhyamapoopa Vyanjjanairyutham | Chathram Dhvajam Cha  Vyanjanam Chamaram  Chapi Sangam || 

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunak, listen to me carefully, if a person could not adopt any of the three methods of Shravanam, Keerthananam, and Mananam, the best possible method is veneration of Shiva Ling, with the veneration of the Linga form of supreme Lord Shiva would make the person easily cross the ocean of worldly existence.  The sincere performance of worship of Linga with divine Dhravya/ingredients, offering the ingredients within one’s own capacity on the Linga, installing Linga in a Mandap, Gopuram, Theertham, Madam, Kshethram, and conduct various festivals and rites, offering Vasthram, Gandham, flowers, incenses, earthen lamp and worship with extreme devotion and faith. Besides all, offering various types of cooked rice/Vividhannam as Naivedhyam, sweets, and savories, offering  Chathram, Dhvaja, Vyanjjanam, Chamaram, etc. The Linga should be adorned in ornaments and garments as a King, circumambulates the Linga and prostrate followed with the recitation of chants.  The linga of supreme Lord Shankara should be performed with intense devotion, after invoking the presence of the supreme soul in the Linga, worship should be conducted on a daily basis.  Whoever conducts the worship of Linga with intense devotion and faith would attain the Shivapreethi and Siddhi as well.  Therefore the veneration of Linga itself possible for the worshiper to get liberated, many of illustrious Rishis and Sages had experienced this in ancient times.  It would bring Shivapreethi more than listening to his glories.”

Shaunaka Rishis speaks “ All the deities have worshiped Lord Shiva in the form of Linga, kindly narrate to us, why the supreme Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of Linga and image?”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Munishwara, You have raised a brilliant question.  The supreme Lord Mahadeva is Purusha, he is an excellent orator himself.  The supreme Lord Mahadeva is absolute Bhramam and Nishkalam as well.  I have heard from the face of supreme Lord Mahadeva who is the supreme preceptor.  The Saguna form of supreme Lord Mahadeva is magnificent, which symbolizes the epitome of beauty.  The Linga represents the Lord Mahadeva as Nishkala/formless.  He is supreme Lord who is beyond description or perception, worshiped as Saguna and Nishkala form as well, he represents Shabdha Bhramam.  The Supreme Lord Mahadeva is worshiped in the Nishkala/Linga form, but none of the other deities are worshiped in this form.  Therefore, the deities worship supreme Lord Mahadeva who is incomparable in his Nishkala form/Linga form and in his beautiful form as well.  He represents Vedanta and Upanishads; he is the essence of Omkara.  Once, Sanathkumaras who is the sons of Lord Bhrama raised this question to Nandikeshwara in the Mandarachala Mountain, to reveal the essence of Vedantha, Upanishads and Pranavarththa.”

Sanathkumara spoke “ Oh! Nandikeshwara, all deities are worshiped in their respective images in an idol form, Lord Shiva is adorned in idol as well as in the Linga form, kindly narrate the significance of it.” 

Nandikeshwara speaks “Oh! Munishwara,  you have enquired about the highly confidential Rahasya of Bhramalakshanam,  which is difficult to explain, even though I shall narrate them whatever I have heard from the supreme Lord Shiva. You are an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and a noble soul; I shall put all efforts to narrate the same.  The Supreme Lord Shiva is Nishkala Bhramam, therefore all the branches of Veda recommend the adoration of Linga which is considered as the Nirguna form of Lord Shiva, and he has the virtue of Saguna as well.  All the deities are worshiped in Saguna form, but only Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of Linga, and it is strongly recommended by Veda.”

Sanathkumara speaks “ Oh ! Yogindhra, Oh! Mahabhaga, you have narrated the reason for the worship of Lord Mahadeva as Nishkala/Linga form.  Kindly narrate the origin of Linga as well.”   

Nandikeshwara speaks “ Oh! Yogindhra, Oh! Vathsa, who is an ardent devotee of supreme Lord Bhava, listen to the Paramarththa.  During the first Swetha Varaha Kalpa there was an argument held between Lord Bhrama and Lord Vishnu.  At that moment, supreme Lord Parameshwara appeared as Nishkalasthambha/Linga that has neither beginning nor end.  In this way, NishkalaSthambharoopa/Linga appeared before Lord Bhrama and Vishnu, it has come into existence for the welfare of the Universe and its living beings and it is capable to provide Bhoga as well as Moksha to the worshiper.  It provides all the auspiciousness to the worshiper.”