||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.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 40 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 24 -3

Jala Snanam Malathyage  Bhamasnanam Sadha Suchi:|| Manthrasnane Hareth Papam Gnanasnane Param Padham||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunaka, Jalasnanam/bathing with water remove the impurities of the body, Bhasmasnana/bathing with the sacred ashes keep the Jeeva pure always, Manthrasnanam/recitation of the sacred chants would remove all the sins of the worshiper, Gnanasnana/learning scriptures and religious texts would bring supreme abode.  Bhasma Snanam/ bathing with the sacred ashes provide all those meritorious rewards of the holy dip in all the Theerthas and visiting sacred shrines, it provides the piousness of holy dip in the sacred Ganga on a regular basis.  The person who is smeared in sacred ashes is considered as Lord Shiva, and the sacred ashes have the capabilities to purify the three worlds. The twice-born who performs an abundance of charities, or meditation or recitation of chants without smearing sacred ashes will not yield any piousness. The Vanaprastha, unmarried girls, the person who has not attained Dheeksha should have a bath before noon and smear the sacred ashes on daily basis to achieve intense devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Shiva, ultimately attain liberation. The person who is not adorned in Rudraksha or sacred ashes as Tripundra on his/her body would be considered as worthless. Oh! Mune, I have narrated the Bhasma Mahathmyam in detail, the meritorious reward of smearing Thripundra, it was not easily understandable for the ordinary people so it was remained as confidential. Oh! Munipungava, the Thripundra is three horizontal lines drawn on the forehead, and the body parts, using the ring finger, middle finger and the index finger, provides all the pleasures on the Earth and liberation from repeated births as well. The three lines drawn with the fingers represent nine deities, and the three lines represent Akara, Ukara, and Makara respectively.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 39 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 24 -2

Bhramana: Kshathriya Vaishya: Shudrashchapi Cha Shankara: | Sthreeyoatha Vidhava Bala: Praptha: Pakhandikasthatha|| Bhramachari Grihi Vanya: Sanyasi Va Vrathi Thatha | Narya Bhasma Thripundrangaka Muktha Yevana  Samshaya: ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Shaunaka,  listen to me carefully, Bhramanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishya, Sudhras, females, widows, children, Pankhandi, Brahmachari, Grihasthashrami, Vanashrami, Sanyasi, Vrathi, etc. who are smeared in sacred ashes get liberated with the grace of supreme Lord Mahadeva like the fire touched knowingly or unknowingly will have the same effect, the sacred ash smeared on the body of a person gets purified instantly.  Oh! Munisaththama, the food received as alms, or consumed a meal from the house of a Bhramachari, or Grihasthashrami, or Vanaprastha who does not apply sacred ashes or wear Rudraksha is considered as a grave sin, it would push the receiver into hell.  In case, if the twice-born happened to take a meal from those houses, should recite the Gayathri Manthra and get themselves purified, ascetics recites Omkara Manthra and gets themselves purified. Whoever refuses to adore Thripundra, are disrespecting Lord Shiva, whoever adorns the Thripundra is carrying the supreme Lord Mahadeva with them.  The person without a Thripundra and a village without the shrine of Lord Shiva should be discarded forever. The person who refuses to smear ashes brings disgrace to him/her,   and disgrace to their wisdom as well.  The supreme Lord Mahadeva is Jagath Adharabhootham who is the cause of the Universe and its living beings, disrespecting Lord Shiva would push the person to hell and causes to take several births as animals, even after all these they will remain ignorant who cannot understand the disparities between sun and moon, even conversing with them would bring sins.  Oh! Mune, there is no atonement available to the sins for the people who adorn Thripundra but no belief or faith in Lord Mahadeva. Oh! Mune, people who adorn in Urdhvapundra, conch,  and Chakra, should not engage in Tantric practices of Shivagnana. The Tantric practices should be carried out after smearing the sacred ashes followed the prescribed rules in the Jabala Upanishad. The usage of sandalwood paste and sacred ashes are perfectly right, an intelligent one adores Tripundra. The Bhramin/twice-born, chaste women, widows can apply Tripundra on their foreheads, people of the all the Varna can apply Tripundra, it removes sins and provides Moksha. The smearing of ashes as Tripundra removes even the grave sins.  The Brahmachari, householders/Grihashrami, Vanaprastha, Yathi, twice-born, Sages, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, and all classes of people can wear Tripundra, to get rid of their sins. The devotees of Lord Mahadeva who smear ashes all over the body would get relieved from the grave sins like killing of women, Go/cows, warriors, horses, etc. Oh! Mune, The smearing of sacred ashes all over the body would remove sins like stealing the wealth of others, illicit relationships, abduction or possession of others land or garden, etc. creating hurdles or troubles to others, set fire to others homes, stealing of cow, buffalo, gold, silver, sesames, blankets, clothes, etc. The smearing of sacred ashes as Tripundra would remove the sins of acceptance of meal from the degraded people, it would remove the sins of living in the company of degraded people, living with the whore, Chandala, fishermen or women, dancers, prostitutes, young maiden, married women, or widow, people who engage in speaking ill of others, false witnesses, like these numerous sins would get destroyed with the smearing of sacred ashes all over the body.  Oh! Mahamune, there is no atonement for the sin of stealing the wealth of Lord Mahadeva or the devotees of Lord Mahadeva. The person who is adorned in Rudraksha and smeared in Tripundra would be considered as pure and best even though he was born as Chandala.  The smearing of sacred ashes all over the body would give the piousness of holy dip in all the Theerthas. Oh! Mune, there are several sacred hymns like Panchakshara, and Mahamanthras which could provide liberation to the worshiper. The recitation of glorious chants and Mahamanthras provides all the earthly comforts, smearing the sacred ashes as Tripundra would redeem thousands of ancestors and successors as well.  The smearing of sacred ashes as Tripundra provides mental as well as physical health, long life, a comfortable life, and finally, the Jeeva leaves the mortal coil in utmost peace. After the death the Jeeva would attain the marvelous body and heavenly pleasures, lives in the comforts of Vidhyadhara, Gandharvas, Lord indra, and Lokapalas, he enjoys the status of Prajapathi and Bhrama, and lives in the association of deities. The Jeeva attain the pleasures of Vishnu Loka, and Shivaloka ultimately attains Shivasayujya.  Oh! Mahamune, the scriptures describe commendable virtues of the application of sacred ashes all over the body. The twice-born who refuses to adore sacred ashes, will not consider as a Bhramin, after death, they will live in the hell until the completion of the age of Lord Bhrama.  The person who adores the sacred ashes as Thripundra during the Shradhdha, Yajjna, Homa, Vaishvadeva, Surarchana, would consider as highly meritorious, win over the accidental or untimely death.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 38 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 24-1

Manasthokena  Manthrena Manthritham Bhasma Dharayeth | Bhramana: Kshathriyashchaiva Proktheshvangeshu Bhakthiman || Vaishya Thraimbakenaiva  Shudhra: Panchaksharena Thu| Anyasam Vidhava Sthreenam Vidhi: Prokthashcha Shudravath||

SuthaPauranika speaks “Oh! Ascetics, listen to me carefully, there are two types of sacred ashes/Bhasma, one is Mahabhasmam and another one is SvalpaSanjjakam.  The Mahabhasmam is the collection of all the ashes, known as Shrautha, Smartha, and Laukika likewise Svalpasanjjakam also has three types of Bhasma. The Shrautha and Smartha Bhasma is used by twice-born, Laukika Bhasma used by other Varnas. The Rishis and sages advised the twice-born to wear Bhasma with the recitation of  VedaManthra, rest of the Varnas can apply the Bhasma without reciting Manthras. Oh! Mahamune, the ashes are prepared by burning the cow-dung, it is called Agneya Bhasma, which is used for Thripundra. The ashes collected from the fire sacrifices or Yagna performed by the Agnihotri's are used for Thripundra. The sacred hymns/mantras from the Jabala Upanishad is recited, while mixing water in the ashes and applying the same as Thripundra. The illustrious Sage Jabala explained the method of smearing ashes on the body and application of Thripundra reciting hymns or without it.  The Veda strongly recommends a Moksharththi should adore Thripundra or Urdhdhvapundra, and it is highly praised by Goddess Uma and Goddess Lakshmi as well. The application of Thripundra is recommended for all the Varnas, the people who do not adore Thripundra or smear Bhasma on their body are considered as an outcast. The person who has not smeared the ashes with sincere devotion cannot elevate his/her soul even after several crores of births; they remain ignorant not knowing the belief and faith of Lord Shiva for several cores of births.  The scriptures say that the one who is not smeared in ashes would always be surrounded by the sins, any spiritual or religious deed performed without applying Thripundra will not bestow its results, instead, it would bring opposite results. Oh! Mune, smearing the ashes with intense faith and devotion would remove sin and evil eyes. The smearing of Shivagni Janitha Bhasma would remove all the sins, whoever smeared in Thripundra thrice a day with the white ashes, would get relieved from all the sins and remains blissful always.  The person who is smeared in white ashes on the forehead would remain in the abode of Lord with the Ganas, after his death. The recitation of Shadakshramanthra is performed after the bath.  Anyone can apply ashes on their body, even the wicked, degraded, sinful, dull, people living in a foreign land, are permissible to smear ashes as Thripundra, and after smearing ashes recitation can be conducted, it is considered that as all the Threethas/sacred places and Veda resides in their bodies. The person who is adorned in Thripundra with intense devotion and faith would become honorable by human, Dhanavas, and deities, all his/her sins would get destroyed instantly with the application of Thripundra.  All the sacred rivers dwell in the body of the person who is adorned in Thripundra, the devotee attains highest of the spiritual knowledge and the eternal presence of supreme Lord Shiva as well.  Oh! Munisaththama, I shall describe them briefly, a learned person should adore Thripundra, conduct worship of Linga and recite Kshadakshara.  The glory of smearing sacred ashes on the body is indescribable even to Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu, Lord Rudra and illustrious Sages.  Oh! Mune, if a person forced to discontinue the spiritual and religious rites, later adores Thripundra would get relieved from all those sins of not performing the rites.  The person who performs various religious and spiritual rites without smearing ashes on their forehead cannot attain redemption in crores of their births. A twice-born adorned in Thripundra is considered as learned and performer of all the religious rites.  Whoever punishes or disgraces a person who is smeared in Thripundra would be born as Chandala. A Bhraman should smear the ashes on the forehead followed with the recitation of Manasthoka, Vaishya with the recitation of Thrayambaka, and  Shudra, widow, and females should adore the sacred ashes with the recitation of ‘Panchakshara’. According to Manusmrithi, a house-holder/Grihastha is  allowed to recite Panchabhrama after applying the sacred ashes, a Bhramachari is allowed to recite ‘Panchakshara’ while applying sacred ashes, a Vanaprastha applies  sacred ashes after reciting Aghora Manthra, Yathis/ascetic apply sacred ashes after reciting ‘Omkara’/Pranava.  The one who has grown beyond traditions of Varna and Ashrama should apply ashes with the utterance of ‘Shivoham’/I am Shiva, a Shivayogi applies the sacred ashes with the utterance of Eshana Manthra. Oh! Asectics, I have described the methods of smearing sacred ashes for all the Varnas, and some Jeevas smears ashes at the command of the supreme Lord Shiva.  The Yogis smearing sacred ashes all over the body are considered as bearing Shivalinga equal to those dust particles of the ashes on their body.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 37 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 23

 Yesham Chaiva  Shiva: Sakshathdhaivatham Paramam Shubham | Sadhashivakatha Loke  Vallabha Bhavatham Sadha|| The Dhanyashcha Kritharththashcha Saphalam Dhehadharanam | Udhdhritham Cha Kulam Thesham Ye Shivam Samupasathe||

Rishis speak “ Oh! Sutha, Oh! Mahabhaga, Oh! Vyasashishya we shall reverentially prostrate before you, kindly describe the glories of the sacred ashes/Bhasma Mahathmyam, we would be happy to hear Rudraksha Mahathmyam and  Nama Mahathmyam as well.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Sages, you have raised brilliant questions, which would provide welfare to the universe and its people, Oh! Sadhus, you are fortunate and auspicious, represents the jewel of your own clan. You all are sincere devotees of the supreme Lord Mahadeva who symbolizes auspiciousness; you have a great interest in listening to the splendor of Sadhashiva Katha which provides welfare to the whole Universe.  It is highly fortunate to have the body of a human; therefore worship and the faith upon the supreme Lord Mahadeva would redeem your entire clan.   The person who utters the sacred names of Lord Mahadeva relentlessly, the sins won’t touch him/her, whoever utters the word ‘Sri Shivaya Namasthubhyam’ praising Lord Sadhashiva would remain auspicious like sacred rivers, and all the sins would get destroyed, the person who looks at the face of the worshiper would get piousness of dip in the Theertha.  The person who adores Rudraksha and sacred ashes, and recites the name of Lord Shiva earn the reward of the dip in Thriveni, and these three sacred rivers dwells in the body of the worshiper, whoever witness this person would get relieved from all the sins, the person who does not believe in this would get afflicted with the sins.  The association with the person who is not adorned in Rudraksha, or smeared in sacred ashes, or uttered the name of supreme Lord Mahadeva should be discarded.  The sacred names of Lord Mahadeva represent Goddess Ganga, sacred ashes represents Goddess Yamuna and Rudraksha represents Saraswathi, therefore it is called Triveni, which destroys all the sins of the worshiper, hence who adorned all these three auspicious things on the body would attain the abode of Lord, and they are considered as auspicious Triveni.  Lord Bhrama affirmed them as highly auspicious; it could provide welfare to the Universe. Hence, Lord Bhrama and Lord Vishnu and all the deities adore these three items which could remove all the sins.”

Rishis speaks “Oh! Sutha, Oh! Suvratha, you have described the glories of the Rudraksha, sacred ashes and recitation of sacred names of Lord Mahadeva, kindly elaborates them.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Mahaprajja, you are intellectuals, devotees of Lord Mahadeva, I shall describe them in detail, listen to me carefully.  The glories of the sacred names of Lord Mahadeva is indescribable, even the Veda, and Scriptures are incompetent to describe the same, it is known to Lord Mahadeva who is beyond Prakrithi and Purusha, I shall make an effort to narrate it.  The mere listening to the glories of the sacred names of Lord would remove all the sins of the listener.  These sacred names of Lord Mahadeva are like colossal fire that induces forest fire, it would destroy the sins of the worshiper, and reduce them into ashes.  Oh! Shaunaka, all those sins, and miseries of worldly existence get destroyed with the recitation of the sacred names of Lord Mahadeva.  The person who relentlessly recites the sacred names of supreme Lord Shiva is considered as noble soul and learned one.  The recitation of sacred names of the Supreme Lord would enhance intense devotion and guides the Jeeva through the righteous path. Oh! Munishvara, the recitation of sacred names of Lord Shiva would destroy the entire sins of which one can’t even imagine to commit; even the Bhramahathya sins would get destroyed.  The person who relentlessly chants the sacred names of supreme Lord Mahadeva would cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence, with the usage of these sacred names as a ferry.  The sacred names of supreme Lord Mahadeva are powerful dagger that is capable to destroy all the sins of the worshiper.  The people who are undergoing the forest fire like miseries and sins should taste the nectar-like the sacred names of Lord Shiva, a sinner cannot live in peace unless and until he/she recites the sacred names of Lord Mahadeva, once they get the taste of nectar-like the sacred names of Lord Mahadeva, they never get alarmed or perplexed in the Dhavagni/forest fire like miseries of worldly existence.  The noble people who have intense faith and devotion contemplate upon supreme LordMahadeva reciting his glorious names would attain liberation from the cycles of repeated births. Oh! Munishwara, they would get rid of the sins of several births and, the person who has firm faith and devotion upon supreme Lord Mahadeva would attain Moksha.  The recitation of the sacred names of Lord Shiva would remove all the sins of the worshiper. Oh! Shaunaka, the person who is adored in sacred ashes, and recites the sacred names of Lord Mahadeva with intense faith and devotion would get relieved from all the sins, and effortlessly cross the ocean of worldly existence.  The severest sins like killing a Bhramin/Bhramahathya, and stealing the wealth of a Bhramin would get relieved with the recitation of the sacred names of supreme Lord Mahadeva with intense devotion and faith.  The illustrious Rishis and Sages found that the constant recitation of the sacred names of Lord Shiva and contemplation upon him would liberate the Jeeva from the sufferings of worldly existence; it would remove all the sins of the worshiper, and brings all the auspiciousness. Oh! Sages, you might have heard of King Indhradhyumna who was a grave sinner, attained the abode of Lord with the constant meditation and contemplation upon Lord Mahadeva. You have heard the story of Dhvija Pathni who performed all the sinful deeds, was elevated her soul with the constant contemplation and meditation upon the Supreme Lord and attained the abode of Lord. Oh! Shaunaka, I have described the splendor of the sacred names of the supreme Lord Mahadeva, I shall narrate the Bhasma Mahathmyam which removes all the sins of the worshiper.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 36 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 22

Shalagramodhbhave Linge Rasalinge Thatha Dhvija: | Pashane Rajathe  Swarnna Surasiddha Pradhishtithe || Kashmeere Spatike Rathne Jyothirlingeshu  Sarvasha: | Chandrayanasamam Proktham Shambhor Naivedhyabhakthanam ||

Rishis speak “Oh! Sage, previously we have heard that the offerings of Lord Shiva should not be consumed immediately after veneration, and what are the procedures should be followed to accept the Shivanaivedhyam, and kindly describe the Bilwa Mathmyam.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Ascetics, listen to me carefully, you are ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, undertakes various austerities and vows, a passionate devotee who follows austerities, and intense faith and devotion upon the supreme Lord Mahadeva, is qualified to accept the offerings of Lord Shiva. Oh! Munishreshta, mere witnessing the offerings of Lord Shiva would remove impurities of the minds and sins; hence the consumption of it would provide crores of piousness.  It is not necessary to perform crores of Yagnas, mere consumption of the offerings of Lord Shiva provides Shivasayujya.  The Shiva Naivedhyam purifies the home of the worshiper and its effect would purify the nearby homes as well.  Shiva Naivedhyam should be carried on the top of the head, and it should be consumed with the remembrance and utterance of supreme Lord Shiva.  The Shiva Naivedhyam should be consumed immediately after bringing home, it should not be discarded, and otherwise, it would bring sins.  The person who shows disrespect to the Shiva Naivedhyam would get troubled of sins and pushed to hell.  The passionate devotee whose neck is adorned with the image of Lord Shiva made of gold or silver, or any metal is entitled to receive the Shiva Naivedhyam, a person who attained Shivadheeksha is entitled to receive Shiva Naivedhyam, devotees who are attained Dhiksha of various beliefs, but the devotee of Lord Shiva can receive Shiva Naivedhyam, I shall narrate to you.  The consumption of Shiva Naivedhyam offered to Shivalinga created out of Saligrama, Rasalinga, Stonelinga, Silver or Gold linga, and Lingas consecrated by Siddhas or deities, Crystal Linga of Kashmira, Rathnalinga, and all the Jyothirlinga, would provide the piousness of Chandrayana Vratha.  The person who committed the severe sin of Bhramahathya would get rid of the sins with the adoration of Shiva Nirmalya on him/her, consumption of Shiva Naivedhyam would remove all the sins.  The Shiva Naivedhyam offered to Chandadhikari should not be consumed by humans.  Shiva Naivedhyam can be consumed with devotion in the absence of Chandadhikari of Lord Shiva.  Chandadhikari has no rights on the Lingas made of metals,  Bana, and Sidhdhalinga, or Swayambhuva/self-manifested Linga, or images of Lord Shiva.  The consumption of the water used for performing ablutions on the Linga would remove Thrividham Papam/three types of sins.  The Shiva Naivedhyam, flower, fruits, water, etc. should be consumed after a touch on the Salagramashila.  Oh! Munishwara, the Naivedhyam offered on the pinnacle of the Linga should not be consumed; the Naivedhyam offered on the pedestal of the Linga is auspicious to consume.”

Mahadeva Swaroopoayam Bilwe Devairapi Sthutha: | Yatha Kathashchidhethasya Mahima  Jyayathe Katham || Bilwamoole Mahadevam LIngaroopinam Avyayam | Ya: Poojayathi Punyathma  Sa Shivam Prapnuyathdhruvam||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Munisaththama, I have already described the methods of consumption of Shiva Naivedhyam. I shall describe the Bilwamahathmyam to you.  The deities eulogize bale tree that symbolizes Lord Mahadeva, how could I describe its glories in a few words?  All those Punyatheertha on the Earth represents the root of the bale tree.  Whoever worship Lord Mahadeva who is unblemished, in the form of  Linga under the bale tree would attain an abundance of meritorious reward, ultimately achieve the abode of Lord Shiva.  Whoever serves Bilwa tree with water, would remain purified and auspicious, attains the benefits of a dip in all the sacred waters.  The construction of a tiny watercourse at the base of the bale tree would bring the eternal presence of Lord Mahadeva in it.  Whoever worships the Bale tree with fragrances, flowers, fruits, unbroken yellow rice, etc. would attain Shivaloka and the clan of the devotee would prosper with all those auspiciousness with the grace of supreme Lord Mahadeva.  Whoever worships Bale tree and offer Earthen lamp on its root would attain the highest of the spiritual knowledge, ultimately attains the form of Lord Shiva.  Whoever collects the unbroken bale leaves and offer to Lord Shiva would be freed from all the sins.  Whoever serves a Bhramana seated under the bale tree, serving him with a meal, Dhakshina and Vasthram would attain the merit of feeding crores of twice-born.  Whoever serves the devotees of Lord Shiva with rice cooked in the milk would never face the suffering of poverty.  The worship of Shivalinga with sincere devotion and faith would provide delight to the worshiper engaged in worldly matters/ PravriththiMarga, and the worshiper who is already renounced the material well-being would attain serenity of mind and union with the Bhramam/ Nivriththimarga.  The worshiper who is engaged in worldly affairs can conduct the worship of Linga installed on the pedestal by a competent twice-born.  After the performance of  Rudrabhisheka, the rice offered to the Linga should be of high quality, as a part of the conclusion of the worship, the Linga should be kept in a sanctified place in the home.  The Shiva Naivedhyam should be offered to devotees of Lord Shiva, who are noble, renounced souls who worship the subtle form of supreme Lord who resides as the soul in the living beings.  The ablution of Linga with the sacred ashes, adoration of the same should be performed; finally, the worshiper reverentially bows down head before the Linga and prostrate  at the end of veneration.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 35 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 21

Agnana Thirmirandhanam Vishayasaktha Chethasam | Plavo Nanyoasthi Jagathi Lingadharadhanamanthara|| Hari Bhramadhayo Deva Munayo Yathra Rakshasa: | Gandharva Charana: Sidhdha Dhaithya Dhanavasthatha || Naga: Sheshaprabhrithayo Gaudadhya: Gagasthatha | Sa Prajapathayashchanye  Manava: Kinnara Nara: || Poojayithva  Mahabhakthya  Lingam Sarvarththisiddhitham | Praptha: Kamanabeeshtamshcha Thasthasthansarvahridhi Sthithan||

Rishis speak “ Oh! Sutha, Oh! Mahabhaga, Oh! Vyasashishya, we shall repeatedly prostrate before you, Oh! Dheenavathsala, kindly narrate how to conduct the worship of Parththiva Shivalinga to fulfill one’s own desires.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Munishreshta, I shall narrate the methods of veneration of Parththivashivalinga for achieving all that desired by the worshiper.  The veneration of Parththivashivalinga without devotion or faith, will not bring any fruitful results, it would be like giving away charities with self-importance.  Oh! Munishreshta, worship of the Parththivashivalinga with the intense devotion and faith would provide propitious results.  Oh! Ascetics, I shall describe the number of  Parththiva Shiva Lingas should construct and the consecration methods as well.  The disciple who yearns to attain supreme wisdom should construct thousands of Parththivashivalinga and conduct the worship with utmost devotion and faith would attain an abundance of wisdom. The person who desirous of wealth should construct five hundred of Parththivashivalinga and conducts worship for immense wealth and prosperity, the person who is desirous of progeny should construct fifteen hundreds of Parththivashivalinga and conducts sincere worship would be benefited with virtuous offspring, the person who desirous of garments should construct five hundred Parththivashivalinga and conducts worship to get an abundance of clothes.  The intellectuals who desirous of ‘Moksha’ the supreme state of Jeevanmuktha/free from life cycle of birth and death/Moksharththi should construct crores of Parththivashivalinga and conducts sincere worship of the supreme Lord.  The person who is desirous of land/Bhookamarththi, should construct thousands of Parththivashivalinga and worship, person who seeks the compassion of supreme Lord/Dhayarththi, constructs three thousands of Parththiva Shivalingas and conducts worship. The person who is desirous of visiting sacred places on the Earth/Theertharththi should construct two thousands of Parththiva Shivalinga and worships supreme Lord.  The person who desirous of appropriate companion/Suhrutharththi should construct three thousands of Parththiva Shivalinga and conducts worship, the person who is desirous of fame/Vashyarththi should construct eight hundreds of Parththiva Shivalinga and conducts worship, the person who desirous of the win over the enemy/Maranarththi should construct seven hundred Parththiva Shivalinga and conducts worship, person who wants to influence another person/Mohanarththi should create eight hundred Parththivashivalinga and conducts worship.  The person, who is desirous to overthrow the power of other person/Ucchadan and Sthambhan/causing impediments to others, or Dhveshanarthi/ who is desirous of causing trouble to others, constructs thousands of Parththivashivalinga and worship.  The person who is desirous of getting relieved from the fear of theft, burglary, and crimes should construct two hundreds of Parththivashivalinga, and the person who wants to get rid of troubles from spirit should construct five hundreds of Parththivashivalinga.  The worship of five thousand and ten thousand Parththivashivalinga removes the sufferings of poverty and fulfills all the desires of the worshiper. Oh! Munisaththama, I shall narrate how to conduct the daily veneration of Parththivashivalinga and the methods of worship.”

Sutha Pauranika continues “ Oh! Sages, there was some difference of opinion prevailed among sages about the number of adoration of Parththivashivalinga, I shall narrate them too,  worship of one Parththiva Shivalinga removes the sins of the worshiper, the veneration of the large number of Parththivalinga provides success, wealth, etc. worship of three Lingas fulfills all the desires of the worshiper.  The intellectuals worship ten thousand of Parththiva Shivalinga to get rid of their fears of imprisonment and to get freed from the imprisonment.  The worship of seven thousand Parththivashivalingas removes the fear of Dakini.  The worship of fifty thousand and ten thousand Parththiva Shivalinga by the childless couple would attain virtuous male and female offspring respectively; the worship of ten thousand and ten lakhs of Parththivashivalinga would bring the affluence equivalent to Lord Vishnu and wealth in abundance.  Whoever worships crores of Parththiva Shivalinga remains the supreme Lord Shiva himself, worship of this Parththivashivalinga, the worshiper would attain all the earthly pleasures, ultimately attain liberation from the repeated cycles of birth and death.  The worship of Parththivashiva Linga on a regular basis would provide appreciation, who keeps himself away from the adoration of Linga faces destruction and ill fame.  The performance of charities, worship of Parththivashivalinga, visiting Theerthas, and the performance of Yajjas all provide an abundance of piousness to the worshiper. The scripture strongly recommends the regular worship of Parththivashiva Linga to get rid of evil effects on the Kali era; it provides worldly pleasures and liberation, removes all the sins of the worshiper, and brings ShivaSayujya.  Oh! Sages, I shall describe the sizes of the Parththivashivalinga, listen to me carefully.  The intellectuals described that the Parththivashivalinga made of four Angulas sizes over the pedestal is auspicious, the size of Linga is half of the above said is considered as a medium, and the lesser than the above is considered as inauspicious.  All the Shastras and Puranas strongly recommend the worship of Parththivashivalinga as one of the superior most deeds, there is none of the deeds is superior to this.  The adoration of Linga with intense devotion and faith would remove the worldly interest and bondage, whoever performs the adoration of Parththivashivalinga on a regular basis would get freed from the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence, the worship of Parththivashivalinga is equivalent to the worship of Sakalacharachara/moveable and immovable things in this Universe.  The worship of Parththivashivaliga on a regular basis would remove all the impurities, the darkness of ignorance, interest in worldly matters, and showers an abundance of piousness.  The supreme Lord Hari, Bhrama, deities, Dhanavas, Nara, Naga, Adishesha,  Sages and Rishis, Garuda, Gaga, Prajapathi, Manu, Kinnaras, and humans have worshiped the Parththiva Shivalinga and attained an abundance of piousness.  The veneration of Shivalinga can be performed with the recitation of Vedic chants, and methods prescribed in Puranas.  The performance can be performed by the three Varnas, even the women have the right to perform the veneration of Linga. Vedic Bhramins should perform the adoration by following Vedic way; the twice-born who are cursed by Rishis, Dhadhichi, and Gautama will have little faith in the adoration of Linga.  The adoration of Linga along with Earth, Water, fire, wind, sky, sun, and moon and the Yajaman/worshiper is performed.  The adoration of Linga along with the Ashtamoorthi of Lord Shiva as Sharva, Bhava,  Rudra, Ugra, Bhima, Ishvara, Mahadeva and  Pashupati,  worship of Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parvathi, Ganesh, and Karthik with the offerings of  sandalwood paste and unbroken yellow rice, etc. worship of Ishanam, Nandhi, Chanda, Mahakala, Bhringi, Vrisha, Skandha, Soma and Shukra should be performed.  The worship of eleven Rudras, Virabhadhra on the forefront, and Kiritumukha on the back should be performed following with the chants of Panchakshara Manthra, Shatharudriya, with the recitation of Shivasthothras, etc.  As a concluding part, circumambulate, and prostrate before the deity.  Oh! Munishreshta, I have detailed the method of veneration, the worshiper should adorn his body with the sacred ashes, Rudraksha, before the veneration of the Linga and worship should be performed with the bale leaves.  If the ashes are not available, the sand can be applied as Thripundra on the forehead and conduct worship.”