||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 34 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 20

Sukthoktha Vidhina  Snathva  Sandhyam Krithva Yathavidhi | Bhramayajjam Vidhayadhau Thathastharpanamachareth || Naithikam Sakalam Kamam Vidhyayanantharam Puman | Shivasmaranapoorvam  Hi Bhasma Rukdraksha Dharaka: || Vedokthavidhina Samyak Sampoornna Phalasidhdhaye | Poojayethparaya Bhakthya  Parththivam  Lingamuththamam||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Dhvija, I shall describe the method of veneration of Parththiva Shiva Linga for the people who follow the Vedic way of living.  The worship of Parththiva Shiva Linga sincerely following the Vedic way would provide Bhukthi as well as Mukthi to the worshiper.  The veneration of Parththiva Linga should begin with the performance of bath following the Suthra, performance of Sandhya/worship of the sun, Bhramayajjam offering water to deities,  Rishis and manes, the performance of daily rites and learning scriptures, contemplation upon supreme Lord Shiva, adore Bhasma/sacred ash and Rudraksha.  The worship of Shivalinga with the prescribed rites in Veda would provide successful results if it was carried out with intense devotion and faith.  The worship of Parththiva Shivalinga can be performed on the shores of ocean or river, or pond, or mountain or hills, or woods, or Shiva’s shrine, or any of the sanctified places. Oh! Dhvija, the Parththiva Shivalinga should be constructed with the sanctified sand, collected from a clean place and prescribed rites should be followed to worship. The Dhvijathis collects white-colored sand, a Kshatriya should collect red-colored sand, a Vaishya should collect yellow-colored sand, and a Shudra should collect black-colored sand, and the Linga made out of these sands by the people of respective Varnna, should install them in a sanctified place to conduct worship.  The worship of the Parththiva Shivalinga would provide all the earthly pleasures as well as liberation from repeated births. Oh! Dhivja, listen to me carefully, the creation of Linga out of the sand should begin with sprinkling water on the sand with the utterance of ‘Om Nama: Shivaya’ followed with the recital of Manthra to construct the Linga, purification process and installation, recitation of Manthra followed with gestures on the prescribed rule, application of various ingredients like milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey, further offering of upper clothe and various ornaments to the deity followed by sacred hymns, the offering of fragrances, Akshatha, flowers and bale leaves, incense, and earthen lamp, Naivedhya, water, fruits and various ingredients/Padhartha, unbroken yellow rice, finally the Dhakshina to the priests are offered abundantly.  Oh! Dhvija, all those above-said offerings should be made followed with specific chants praising the supreme Lord Maheshwara.  As a concluding part, offering Dheepa and Dhoop, circumambulation, and prostration before the deity, should be performed with the recitation of hymns and gestures/Panchamudra. Oh! Dhvija, I have explained the Vedic way of conducting the worship of Parththiva Shivalinga.  The sand should be collected with the recitation of the Manthra ‘Sadhyojatham’, and the water should be poured reciting the Manthra ‘Vamadevaya’, the Linga prepared by the utterance of ‘Aghoraya’, the deity is invoked with the Manthra ‘Thathpurushaya’.  The prepared Shivalinga should be installed on the sanctified place with the utterance of  ‘Ishana Sarvavidhyanam’ with the prescribed chants.  The worship of deity should be performed with the Shodashopachara, and the recitation of Panchakshara Manthra.”

Bhavaya Bhavanashaya  Mahadevaya Dheemahi | Ugra Ugranashaya Sharvaya Shashimauline||

Sutha Pauranika continues “ Oh! Dhvija, worship of supreme Lord Mahadeva who is the essence of Universe and its living beings, and the destroyer of the same, I shall take refuge at the lotus feet of Lord Mahadeva who is fierce, adorned in the crescent moon on the matted hair locks, he is the destroyer of brutality/violence in the Universe.  Whoever conducts the worship of Lord Shiva with intense devotion and faith, and sincerely follows the prescribed rites would attain an abundance of piousness.  Oh! Dhvija, I have explained the Vedic way of adoration of supreme Lord Mahadeva as Parththiva Shivalinga. I shall narrate the simple method of worship of Parththiva Shivalinga too. Oh! Munishreshta listen to me carefully, the supreme Lord Mahadeva has the sacred names like Hara who is the destroyer of sins and miseries of the worldly existence,  Maheshwara who is mighty Lord, he is Shoolapani who is wielded in powerful trident,  Shambhu who is compassionate and benevolent, Pinakadhrik who is wielded in Pinaka, Shiva who symbolizes auspiciousness, Pashupati who is the Lord of living beings.  The worshiper should recite the sacred names of Lord Shiva and sprinkle water on the collected sand and construct the Parththiva Linga and install it in a sanctified place, adoration of flowers and with the simple offerings, pouring water on the Linga, can be performed with the utterance of simple hymns.”

Kailasapeetasanamadhyastham Bhaktha: Sa Nandhadhibhirarchyamanam | Bhaktharththi Dhavanalam Aprameyam Dhyayeth UmamaLingitha Vishwabhooshanam || Dhyayen Nithyam  Mahesham Rajathagirinibham  Charuchandravathamsam  Rathnakalpojjvalangam Parashu Mrigavarabhithi Hastham Prasannam | Padmaseenam Samanthath Sthutham Amaraganairvyaghrakrithim Vasanam  Vishwadhyam Vishwabeejam Nikhilabhayaharam Panchavakthram Thrinethram||

Sutha Pauranika continues “ Oh! Dhvija, meditation upon the Supreme Lord reciting the chants, I shall prostrate before the supreme Lord Shiva who symbolizes forest fire that destroys all the miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence, he is unblemished,  seated on the pinnacle of the Mount Kailasha, surrounded by ardent devotees like Nandhi and Devaganas immerses in the worship of the supreme Lord Mahadeva, I shall repeatedly prostrate before that supreme Lord who has assumed the form of Linga remains in the embrace of Goddess Uma who adores the entire Universe. I shall contemplate upon supreme Lord  Mahesha who is seated on the top of Rajathagiri/silver mountain has a pleasing appearance, adorned in a crescent moon, he has the luster of a precious gem, adorned in various precious ornaments,  holding Parashu, antelope, and has a pleasing smile always, he is seated on the Padmasana posture,  surrounded by illustrious Rishis and Sages, and deities, who eulogizes the endless glories of Lord Mahadeva.  He is primordial/Vishwadhyam, he is the cause of the Universe and its living beings/prime seed/Vishwabeejam, he has five faces and each face has three eyes, he is unblemished remove all the fears and anxieties of worldly existence. In this way, the worshiper can conduct a simple method of veneration of Parththiva Shivalinga with the recitation of Panchakshara Manthra. An intellectual should recite as many as hymns and conduct worship, a Dhvija should recite Shatharudri and conduct veneration of Parththiva Linga, and offer flowers and yellow unbroken rice on the Linga with following prayers “Oh! Mrida, I shall surrender at your lotus feet, kindly shower your auspicious grace on us, Oh! Kripanidhi/ocean of mercy Oh! Bhoothanatha who is Lord of Bhoothaganas, kindly protect us. Oh! Bhagavan whatever Kriyas and Karma I have performed are surrender at your lotus feet, Oh! Shankara kindly showers your auspicious grace on us. Oh! Bhagavan, I am a sinner, you are the purifier of souls, Oh! Gaurisha, kindly do whatever I deserve in this life. Oh! Sadhashiva, even the Veda, Rishis, Sidhdhantha, and Puranas are incompetent to describe your splendor, how could I praise your glories? Oh! Maheshwara, Oh! Parameshwara, kindly protect us.”  Oh! Dhvija, after the conclusion of prayers, offers flowers and unbroken yellow rice, circumambulates the deity and prostrate before him, produces the soft sound of goat humbly, and offers salutations to the Lord. Oh! Munishardhoola, I have described the method of veneration of Parththiva Shivalinga, which provides Bhoga as well as Moksha, and it enhances the devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Mahadeva.”

Ithyadhyayam Suchiththena Ya; Padeth Shrunuyadhapi | Sarvapapa Vishudhdhathma Sarva Kamanavapnuyath || Ayur Arogyadham Chaiva  Yashasyam Swargameva Cha | Puthra Pauthradhi Sukhadhamakhyanmudhamuththamam ||

Whoever reads or listens to it would get relieved from all the sins, and all their desires get fulfilled. It would provide long life, good health, fame, heavenly pleasures, virtuous children and grandchildren, and all the pleasures on the Earth as well.

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 33 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 19

Yatha Sarveshu Deveshu Jyeshta: Shreshto Maheshwara: | Yevam Sarveshu Lingeshu Parthivam Shreshtamucchyathe ||Yatha Nadhishu Sarvasu Jyeshta Shreshta Surapaga| Thatha Sarveshu Lingeshu Parththivam Shreshtam Ucchayathe || Yatha Sarveshu Manthreshu Pranavo Hi Mahansmritha: | Thadhedham Parththivam Shreshtam Aradhyam Poojyameva Hi || Yatha Sarveshu Varneshu Bhramana: Shreshta Ucchyathe | Thatha Sarveshu Lingeshu Parththivam Shreshtam Ucchyathe || Yatha Purishu Sarvasu Kashi Shreshtathama Smritha| Thatha Sarveshu Lingeshu Parththivam Shreshtam Ucchyathe || Yatha Vratheshu Sarveshu Shivarathrivratham Paramam| Thatha Sarveshu Lingeshu Parththivam Shreshtamucchyathe ||

Rishis speak “ Oh! Sutha, Oh! Chiranjeeva, Oh! Shivabhakthiman, Oh! Fortunate one, you have enlightened us with the knowledge of Lingamahima which provides an abundance of piousness to the worshiper. Oh! Sutha, kindly elaborate the description of Parthivamaheshalinga/Linga made out of clay, which was discussed earlier.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Rishis, I am highly pleased with your devotion, listen to me carefully, I shall describe Shivaparthivalinga in detail.  The worship of Parthivashivalinga is highly propitious, the deities, Lord Hari, Brama, illustrious Rishis and Sages, and Prajapathis have worshiped the Parthivashilinga and attained various merits. Oh! Vipra, worship of Parthivashivalinga provides a highly meritorious reward to the worshiper, the deities, demons, Gandharvas, Rakshasa, and Siddhas have attained Paramam Gathi.  In the Krita Yuga, the worship of Linga was performed to the Ling made out the gem, in the  Threthayuga worship of Linga made out of Gold was performed, Dwaparayuga worship of Linga made out of silver was performed, in the Kali era Parthivalinga made out of clay is considered as highly auspicious.  The worship of Ashtamoorthi linga made of clay would provide commendable meritorious rewards. Oh! Vipra, the worship of Parthivalinga is superior among the Lingas, likewise, river Ganga is superior among the rivers.  Parthiva Linga is superior as Omkara/Pranava among the sacred chants, Brahmanas among the Varnas, Kashi is superior among the sacred lands on the Earth and the Shivarathrivratha is superior among the Vrathas.  The worship of  Parththivalinga is considered as superior among Lingas, like Goddess Parvathi among the female deities, and worship of any Linga following austerities except Parththivalinga is considered as futile.”

Parththivaradhanam Punyam Dhanyamayur Vivardhanam | Thushtidham Pushtidham Sreedham  Karyam Sadhakasaththamai: ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Vipra, whoever worships Parththivalinga would attain punyam/piousness, Dhanam/wealth, Ayur/long life, Thushti/contentment, Pushti/good health, Sreedham/money and richness, and success in all endeavors.  The worship of Parththivalinga should be made with whatever ingredients available.  The worship of Parththivalinga with intense devotion and faith venerates with bale leaves, the touch of the Linga itself would provide all the auspiciousness, removes the sins and provides nearness to Lord Mahadeva.  The worshiper would remain Jeevanmuktha, enriched with the supreme knowledge of Prakrithi and Purusha ultimately attains liberation from repeated births.  The worshiper who adores Parththivalinga in whole life would attain the abode of Lord Shiva, later takes birth in Bharatha Bhoomi, and rules the earth as Rajendra.  The worshiper who adores Parththivalinga without any desire would attain Sayujyam and remains in the Shivaloka.  Oh! Vipra who does not worship Parththivalinga at least once in their life would be heaved to the hell Shoolaprotham where the sinner would be punished with the sharp spear.  The worship of any Linga made of Parththiva,  Linga made of Gold, silver, Gem, Crystal, should not be a divided one.  There are two types of Linga Akhandam is movable/Charalinga, and Dhvikhandam is immovable,  the Linga and the pedestal of the Linga represent Lord Maheshwara and Mahavidhya respectively.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 32 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 18 - 2

Gurupujaiva  Pooja  Swayam Shivasya Paramathmana: | Guruseva  Thu Yath Sarvathmashudhdhikari Bhaveth||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Vipra, the preceptor is the one who removes the darkness of ignorance in the disciple, he is pure and beyond Gunas, considered as Param Shiva, implants virtues in his disciple.  The preceptor removes all three Gunas in his disciple and enlightens him with faith and knowledge of Lord Shiva, therefore the preceptor is considered as Gurulingam, and the worship and services are performed to him so that the disciple remains intellectual always.  The disciple who promised to follow the command of the preceptor should sincerely abide them by words, action, and thoughts, in this way the disciple who sincerely follows all the commands of the preceptor is considered as an ideal disciple, should relentlessly serve the preceptor, as a son.  The preceptor whose tongue like Linga, and the Manthra as semen, deposits in the ears of the disciple which is considered as Yoni, in this way they create the bondage of father and son.  The preceptor bestows knowledge and wisdom in a disciple, to easily cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence.  The preceptor’s body is considered as the form of Lord Shiva, it should be worshiped and relentlessly served by the disciple, it is the duty of the disciple to serve the preceptor with the wealth and ingredients possible, offering wealth and sandalwood Padhuka, serving him with needs, performing Abhisheka and Naivedhya, etc. The adoration of the preceptor is considered as the adoration of Lord Shiva, it purifies the disciple.  The leftover ingredients after the veneration of preceptors are considered as Prasada, possession of items without the permission of the preceptor is considered as stolen items.  The preceptor, who removes the ignorance in the disciple should be honored and should not create any obstruction in attaining knowledge from him."

Sutha Pauranika speaks "The worship of any deities can be carried out with the initial obeisance to Lord Ganesha/Vignesha, the worship of all the deities removes physical ailments.  The Shanthiyajja is performed to remove the nightmares and inauspicious dreams, and sins, epidemic, etc as prescribed in the scripture.  The performance of sun worship and recitation of Panchakshara Manthra hundred and eight times or Suryanamaskar and worship Lord Shiva and performance of circumambulation would bring an abundance of piousness and removes sins of the worshiper.  The worship of Bhramin and serving them with meals would bring an abundance of wealth; Lord Bhairava should be worshiped to please the spirits, along with the performance of Shivapooja, offering Mahaneivedhyam to Lord Shiva, etc. should be carried out meticulously.  The Shanthiyajja is conducted once in a year in the month of Phalgun, to remove all the sins of the worshiper.  If the worshiper is too poor, he/she can offer charity of earthen lamp, or something which is affordable, after bath perform salutations to sun, and recitation of hundred eight Panchakshara Manthra or the worshiper can perform several thousands of sun worship/Suryanamaskara to please Lord Surya with theAthmayajja as well.  The circumambulation of Lord Shiva removes all the sins of the worshiper, sins are the root cause for the sufferings and ailments.  These sins can be washed out following the Dharmic way of living prescribed in the scriptures.  The performance of any righteous deed that pleases Lord Shiva would remove the sins of the worshiper.  The recitation of Omkara and circumambulation of Lord Shiva is highly propitious.”

Jananm Maranam Dhvandham Mayachakramithiritham | Shivasya Mayachakre Hi Balipeedam Thadhuchyathe ||

Sutha Pauranika continues “ Oh! Mahamathe, The repetition of birth and death takes place under the influence of ‘Mayachakra’ of Lord Shiva, worship of the Balipeedam which represents Mayacakra, is a method of surrendering to supreme Lord who is the creator of Mayachakra.  The performance of Mahapuja/Shodasha Puja of Lord Shiva provides an auspicious reward to the worshiper.  The circumambulation of Lord Shiva removes all the sins of the worshiper.  A Mouni/speechless person who conducts adoration of Lord Shiva yields the merit of truthfulness, Tapas, meditation and wisdom,  Siddhi, attractive physique, removal of ignorance, nobility and closeness to Lord Shiva.  The worship of Lord Shiva should be conducted according to the Time, and Zone of the country the worshiper and physical health and financial status. An intellectual who have fair means of earning should reside close to the vicinity of the temple of Lord Shiva, he/she should not engage in the killing of creatures or causing disturbance to others.  A devotee of Lord Shiva should impart the knowledge on sacred chants on Lord Shiva, even though Lord Shiva himself only knows about the glories of these sacred chants.  Oh! Bhoosura/twice-born, the ardent devotees of Lord Shiva remains close to Linga,  in this way taking refuge close to a Sthanulinga, he himself turns out Lord Shiva on the Earth.”

Shivabhaktho Vasennithyam Shivalingam Samashritha: | Sthanulingashrayenaiva Sthanur Bhavathi Bhoosura: ||

Whoever reads or listens to it would attain all the auspiciousness, intense devotion at the lotus feet of Supreme Lord Shiva.  Whoever reads or listen to this glorious chapter would attain knowledge on the beliefs of Lord Shiva with his grace.

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 31 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 18 - 1

Rishis speak “Oh! Sutha, kindly describe how to attain redemption/Moksha from worldly bondage?”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Rishis, listen to me carefully, I shall narrate you the ways to achieve freedom from worldly bondage.  The souls are intertwined with the Ashtabandhan/eight types of bondage, once the Jeevathma relieved from these eight types of bondage would be considered as Jeevanmuktha.  The Prakrithi comprises Buddhi, Ahamkara, Guna, Panchathanmathra, the Jeeva is bound by these eight types of bondages, and it performs Karma/duties and responsibilities.  The body is three types known as Jyeyam, Sthoolam and Sookshmam.  The Sthoola shareera/gross body performs the tasks, and the subtle form/Sookshmashareera is the source of performance of Indhriyas/sense organs, the Karma is the source of grief and happiness.  The Jeeva attains body according to their Karma and keeps taking rebirth on the Earth.  If the Jeeva desired to liberate from the Kalachakra is the Mahachakra causes repeated births, it should worship Jagadheeshwara, Lord Shiva who is beyond Prakrithi and Time.  Lord Shiva is the controller of the Universe and its living beings, he is Sarvajja, he is flawless, he is all-pervading and unblemished.  Lord Maheshwara is immeasurable, he symbolizes Veda and Vedantha.  He is the controller of Prakrithi and all the essential elements, hence Lord Shiva should be worshiped to attain his grace.  Whoever worships Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parvathi, with no fruitful desires, would please the Lord.  Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of Linga, following austerities, complete control over senses, offering flowers, and various ingredients, followed with the recitation of Vedic hymns, whoever worships Lord Maheshwara with intense devotion and faith would attain the grace of Lord, after leaving the Earth the worshiper would attain union to Lord Shiva/Samba.  The offering of cooked rice to Lord Maheshwara as Mahaprasadha would control the impurities in the worshiper and remains blissful and auspicious.  The worship of Ling following austerities, offering lotus flowers, with the constant contemplation of supreme Lord, provides salvation to the worshiper.”

Rishis speak “Oh! Sutha, kindly describe the method of worship of Lord Shiva and Shivalinga.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Rishis, I shall narrate the method of veneration of Linga form of supreme Lord Shiva and Goddess ShivA.   The worship of Pranava Linga/Panchakshara Linga is the supreme form of worship of Linga that has subtle form/formlessness.  The worship of Pranavalinga following extreme penance would provide Moksha.  There are several types of Linga, only Lord Shiva could narrate all of them. I have already narrated about the Parththivalinga/linga made out of clay.  The self-manifested Linga/Swayambhu Linga like the sprouts appears piercing the Beeja, Bindu Linga, Gurulinga.  The Devarshis performs extreme penance and attains union with the supreme Lord.  The Linga made of gold, silver, or clay, or drawn and Pranavamanthra has written on it, moveable or immovable Linga can be used for the worship.  The regular worship of Linga brings fortune and prowess.  The worship of Prakrata Linga/created by the artisans provides appropriate companion as a wedded wife, worship of Rasalinga is superior among Charalinga/movable, it fulfills all the desires of the twice-born, worship of Bana linga provides Kingsmanship to Kshatriya, the worship of Linga made of Gold by a Vaishya brings enormous wealth, worship of the Linga made of stones purifies even the Shudras.  The worship of crystal and Banalinga fulfills all the desires of the worshiper.  The Parththiva Linga made of sand or clay on the seashore, or river banks by the woman whose husband is alive, worship of the same would provide an abundance of meritorious rewards, a widow who is engaged in worldly duties can worship crystal Linga, a widow who is freed from worldly duties can worship Rasa Linga.  Oh! Munisaththama, worship of crystal Linga at any stage of life, childhood, youthful and old age fulfills all the desires of the worshiper.  The worship of Linga following austerities, ritual bath, and offer cooked rice and served sumptuous meals to Brahmana.  The renounced souls should worship subtle Linga and adore with ashes.  There are three types of ashes Lokajanitha, Vedajanitha and Shivagnijanitha Bhasma.  The Lokajanitha Bhasma is utilized for cleaning the vessels, this ashes made of worldly fire would cleanse the dust from the vessels, ashes made of domestic fire is Vedagni Janitha Bhasma during the performance of fire sacrifices, reciting Vedic chants, should be preserved.  The Shivagni Janitha Bhasma is produced from the cow-dung, followed with the recitation of  Vedic chants, the ashes collected from the holy trees like Palasha, Banyan, wood apple, burning in the Shivagni is considered as pure.  The Vedagni Janitha Bhasma and Shivagnijanitha Bhasma is considered as highly auspicious, smearing all over the body would provide meritorious rewards and removes illusion.  The food consumed is burned by the Jataragni, likewise, the supreme Lord Shiva who created the Universe and its living beings burns the illusion.  The Supreme Lord Shiva is smeared in sacred ashes all over the body, his matted hair locks represent the sky,  mouth represents wind, the heart represents fire, waist represent water, and knee represents Earth, and all his limbs represent the different part of the Universe.  Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva adore Thripundra/three lines of sacred ashes on their forehead, as respect to Lord Maheshwara.  The worship of Lord Shiva is conducted after smearing sacred ashes, it can be used adding water or without water, anyone can adorn their forehead with Thripundra of sacred ashes at any time; there are no strict rules for woman or man to adore their forehead with the Thripundra of sacred ashes, whoever adores their forehead with Thripundra would attain the merit of worship of Lord Shiva.  The ascetics whose body is completely smeared Shivagni Janitha Bhasma would be considered as Lord Rudra attains the union with Lord Shiva.  Whoever undertakes vows and austerities with the guidance of a preceptor, adoring Thripundra and worships Lord Shiva would get purified and remain free from the impurities of birth and death.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 31 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 17 -3

Poojaya  Shivabakthasya Shiva:  Preethatharo Bhaveth | Shivasya  Shivabhakthasya  Bhedho Nasthi Shivo Hi Sa: ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Brahmanas, whoever worships the passionate devotees of Lord Shiva and whoever finds no difference between Lord Shiva and his devotees would make Lord Shiva highly pleased.  Whoever constantly recites the Panchakshra Manthra would become Lord Shiva, his body would become the dwelling place of Lord Shiva.  The intellectuals who have a profound knowledge in Veda, Vedantha, with the constant recitation of Panchakshara achieves the nearness to Lord Shiva.  The women devotees of Lord Shiva who are engaged in the constant practices of meditation and recitation of Panchakshara Manthra would attain the status of Devilingam and attain the nearness to Goddess ShivA.  The worship Paramba Bhagavathi along with Lord Shiva, who are inseparable, would remove the illusion in the worshiper.  The worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess ShivA with Manthraupasana, followed by Shodashaupacharas, serving the intellectual Bhramanas with sumptuous meals would provide commendable merit to the worshiper.  A twice-born who strictly follows the austerities, worship, meditation, vows, etc. is considered superior to the ten twice-born engaged in daily rites. A twice-born with Shivagnana is considered more superior than the thousands of Brahmans who performs recitation of Manthra.  A twice-born engaged in Dhyana is superior to lakhs of Bhramans with Shivagnana, the twice-born who has successfully attained the state of Samadhi is considered superior to crores of Bhramans engaged in meditation. Oh! Mune, I have described the various methods of worship of Lord Shiva along with Goddess ShivA, the reward for the worship is not known even to the intellectuals.  Oh! Munishwara, whoever adores Goddess ShivA and Lord Shiva without any difference and followed with intense devotion and faith,  Whoever reads or listens to the Shiva Puranam which is the essence of Veda, from a Vipra who is well-versed in Veda,  would become beloved of Lord Shiva and remains Shivagnani.  The worshiper would attain the grace of Lord Shiva and remains intellectual.

Kurutho  Yo Naro  Bhakthya  Sa Shiva: ShivAmedhathe | Ya Imam Padathe Adhyayamarthavedathe Sammatham || Shivagnani Bhaveth Vipra: Shivena Saha Modhathe | Shravaye Shivabhakthamshcha Visheshajjo Muneeshwara: || Shivaprasadhasiddhi: Swayashivasya Kripaya Budha: ||

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 30 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 17 -2

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

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

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

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

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 29 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 17 -1

Shudhdha Yogena  Samyuktho Jeevanmuktho Na Samshaya: | Sadha Japen Sadha Dhyayeth Shivam Pranavaroopinam || Samadhistho Mahayogi Shiva Yeva Na Samshaya: | Rishi Cchandho Devathani Nyasya Dhehe Punarjapeth ||

Rishis speak “Oh! Mahamune, Oh! Prabho, kindly describe the worship of Pranava Linga and Shabdhalinga.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Illustrious ascetics, you have raised a brilliant question, but I am incompetent to answer all your queries, only Mahadeva is capable to enlighten you.  I shall take sincere efforts to describe whatever I have gained from the supreme Lord.  Oh! Vibhudha, the Prakrithi has offered a marvelous ferry of Pranava/Omkara to cross the ocean of worldly existence, I shall describe the elaborate meaning of Pranava as Pra/Prapanch/Prakrithi/ which undergoes constant transformation is the source of life on the Earth, Na/Navam/No/Maya, Va/Varam.  The recitation of this glorious Manthra of Pranava one gets relieved from illusion/Maya, it removes the worldly bondage and Karma, ultimately provides Mukthi.  The Pranava has a subtle form which has a single letter and it is invisible nature, the gross form of Pranava has five letters/Panchakshra and visible.  The Jeevamuktha and Yogis contemplate upon the subtle form, they keep conduct their search in the highest of philosophies and Veda, they conduct the meditation for several years, during this course their bodies become fragile, finally attain Lord Shiva.  The Yogis recites this subtle form of Manthra more than 36 crores of times, contemplating upon Lord Shiva.  The Pranava is the compilation of  Akara, Ukara, and Makara, Bindu, and Nadha resides in the hearts of Yogis.  The Makara, reveals the union of  Shivashakthi that represents Rajasik, Sathvika and Thamasik nature, the recitation of Pranava removes all the sins.  The illustrious Sages describe the Prithvi, Vayu, Thejas, Shabdha, and the ten directions are the source of Karma/worldly attachments.  The constant recitation of Pranava contemplating upon supreme Lord   would provide the power to overrule Pancha Thaththva, Ahamkara, to the worshiper and gets purified.  Whoever contemplates the supreme Lord Shiva who is Mahayogi, and recite the Pranava Manthra would get relieved from worldly matters and bondage.  There are three types of veneration of supreme Lord Shiva, such as Kriya Yoga, Thapo Yoga, and Japa Yoga.  In Kriya Yoga the worshiper venerates the Linga with riches, jewels, flowers, garments, incense, earthen lamps, offerings of fragrances, fruits, etc. and engages in various gestures to worship the Lord.  The Thapo Yogis consume limited meals; they keep very good control over senses, keep the purity of mind as well as the body, and undertake extreme austerities.  The Japa Yogis worship the supreme Lord, remain free from desires, and all the impurities, engage in the constant recitations of Vedic chants and scriptures, in this way they keep their mind calm.

Whoever worships Shiva Yogis, with Shodasha Upachara/sixteen types of veneration, would get purified, and attain Salokhya Mukthi.  Oh! Dhvija, Listen to me carefully, an ascetic has the right to perform JapaYoga, in this way they get purified and the sins get washed away.  Oh! Brahmana, the Panchakshara represents the Panchathaththva.  The Sthoola Pranava is Panchakshara ‘Om Nama: Shivaya”.  The recitation of Panchakshara Manthra would provide all that desired by the worshiper, it should be recited with Pranava always like ‘Om Nama: Shivaya”.

Panchakshara Japenaiva  Sarvasiddhim Labeth Nara: | Pranavenadhi Samyuktham Sadha Panchaksharam  Japeth||