||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.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 16 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 4

 Sath Sangamena  Bhavathi Shravanam Purasthath  Sangeerthanam Pashupatheratha Thath Dhridamsyath| Sarvoththamam Bhavathi  Thanmananam Thadhanthe Sarvam Hi Sambhavathi Shankaradhrishtipathe ||

Rishi speaks “ Oh! Bhrama, How did contemplation and meditation upon supreme Lord Shiva, listening to his glorious myths of Shivamahapuran would elevate the soul? Kindly the narrate the same.”

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Rishi, Listen to me carefully, the recitation of Sri Shivamahapuran which describes endless glories of Lord Shiva, and veneration of Supreme Lord and contemplation upon the supreme Lord would purify the human intellect and mind, it can be achieved only with the grace of the supreme Lord and  these are the most favorable and supreme means to attain supreme bliss.  The middle path/Madhyama of worship is the recitation of Vedic chants praising the splendor of supreme Lord Shiva, or sing in praise of supreme Lord Shiva.  The listening/Shravana to glorious myths of supreme Lord Shiva, listening to intellectuals and scholars who describe the legends of supreme Lord Shiva is considered as most the propitious among devotion.  The association with the saintly people, listening to the splendor of Lord Pashupathi from the noble people would inculcate intense devotion and faith upon the supreme Lord with his grace; this is one of the superior methods of practice of devotion.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Shanuak Oh! Munishwara, I shall narrate an ancient incident that enhances the devotion to Lord Shiva. Once, my preceptor, Maharishi Vedavyasa who is son of Sage Parashara, was performing intense penance on the riverbank of Saraswathi.  At that moment, my preceptor could witness Sanathkumaras, boarded on a brilliant celestial vehicle and passing through the sky. Maharishi Vedavyasa got out from deep meditation, immediately rose from the seat and offered salutation to them, washed their feet and offered a purified seat.  Sanathkumara asked Maharishi Vedavyasa about the purpose of his penance.  Maharishi Vedavyasa reverentially speaks “ Oh! Rishis, who is prominent, and highly respectable by way of Vedic life, Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha,I am fortunate to attain your grace, which benefited me  to contemplate upon supreme Lord and recognize as preceptor of all.  I still feel I have not earned enough of knowledge, therefore I am conducting Tapas to attain the knowledge which is the source of Mukthisadhanam.” 

Shravanam Keerthanam Shambhor Mananam Cha  Mahaththaram | Thrayam Sadhanam Muktham Cha Vidhdhyathe  Vedasammatham ||

Sananthkumara pleasingly replied to Maharishi Vedavyasa “ Oh! Rishi, listen to me carefully, I shall narrate the splendor of Shravanam /listening to the glorious myths of Lord, Keerthanam/singing in praise of Lord, and Mananam/contemplation upon supreme Lord Shambhu as the supreme tool to attain the knowledge of salvation.  Previously, I was following various means of devotion, finally went to conduct Tapas in Mount Mandharachala.  The compassionate Lord Shiva sent Lord Nandikeshwara along with Lord Ganesha. Thus, Nandikeshwara imparted the highest of the knowledge of salvation as Shravanam, Keerthananam, and Mananam as the supreme tool that propounded in Veda to attain Moksha.  Therefore, I shall recommend these three tools as Mukthisadhanam to you.” After saying so, Sanathkumaras mounted on the celestial vehicle and preceded their journey.

Shaunaka speaks “ Oh! Sutha Pauranika, you have already highlighted the three methods such as Shravanam, Keerthanam and Mananam as Mukthisadhanam.  If a person could not resort to any of these three methods how could he attain Moksha?”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 15 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 3

Manasa  Mananam Thasya Mahasadhanamuchyathe | Shrothavya: Keerthithavyashcha  Manthavyashcha Maheshwara: ||

Maharishi Vedavyasa speaks “The Shaunakadhis after listening to the significance of Sri Shivamahapuran and various legends,  and methods of conducting the recital of Sri Mahapuran and the austerities should be followed, requested to describe the Vedanta based legends from the Purana.  Suthapauranika/Munisaththama, immersed in meditation upon supreme Lord Shiva for a few moments, and began to speak”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Rishis, I shall narrate the Vedanta based legends in Sri Shivamahapuran, offering my humble salutations to Lord Shiva.  Oh! Rishis, listen to me carefully,  Sri Shivamahapuran and all the scriptures are the essence of Veda and Vedanta.  In  the  beginning of Swethavaraha Kalpa, there were six illustrious ascetics engaged in the series of discussion of the scriptures, finally, they have approached Lord Bhrama, with folded hands and requested “Oh! Lord Bhrama, you are the cause of all the causes, kindly narrate who is the creator of Panchathaththva? Who is primordial? Who is beyond all the Thaththva?”  Lord Bhrama speaks “  Oh! Rishis,  the supreme Lord Mahadeva who is Sarvajja, is the Jagatheeshwara, he is visible to virtuous and righteous with intense devotion, otherwise he remains invisible.  He is Lord of Lords who is worshiped by  Rudra, Hara, Hari and deities.  The devotion to supreme Lord is attainable only with his grace, veneration of Lord Mahadeva  with intense devotion and faith would please him, the worshiper would attain liberation from worldly existence.  Oh! Dhvija, therefore you go to Prithviloka and conduct fire sacrifices for thousands of years to please Lord Shiva.  In the fire sacrifices, mysteries of the supreme knowledge propounded in Veda would be revealed with the grace of Lord Shiva.”  Rishis spoke “ Oh! Lord, kindly narrate which is the Paramam/beyond description or perception attainable for humans?”

Lord Bhrama speaks “ The ultimate object should be the devotion to supreme Lord Shiva for a Sadhaka, and remain devoted to Lord Shiva, without expecting fruitful results and all the righteous deeds should be performed without expecting any merit.  Whoever performs all the spiritual and religious rites meticulously following the prescribed rites in scriptures, and surrender all the rewards to supreme Lord Shiva, would definitely achieve Shivapadha, ultimately attain the union with Lord shiva/Shivasayujya.  Lord Shiva described several means for the welfare of his devotees.  I shall describe the highest of the philosophies to you, listen to them carefully and recite them.  Listening to the glories of supreme Lord Maheshwara, listening to the glorious Sri Shivamahapuran, recitation of his glories and contemplation upon him is the highest of practice for a Sadhaka.  It would purify the intellect and mind, the constant practice of contemplation and meditation upon supreme Lord Maheshwara would bring the serenity of mind, eventually attain the realization of supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings.   Therefore, it is important to listen to the glorious Purana from a preceptor, or from the learned person, it would enhance union of the soul with the supreme soul/Shivayoga = supreme soul + union, finally it would bring salvation at the lotus feet of Mahadeva.  It is a gradual process, it can be achieved with the constant practice of listening, reciting and contemplating upon supreme Lord Mahadeva, ultimately the worshiper would remain in a state of bliss.”

|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter – 9–Rudra Samhitha - Srishti Kandam -2

Sutha Pauranika speaks “  Oh! Vipra, once the illustrious and amiable Sage Narada who is the son of Lord Bhrama,   had an idea of performing Tapas.  Maharishi Narada had chosen a beautiful cave near the Mount Himalaya close to the river Ganga, where her powerful water currents reverberate.  Maharishi settled in a divine hermitage, observed the beautiful surroundings, sat eyes closed, performed Pranayama, and went into a transcendental state.  Oh! Dhvija,  gradually Maharishi Narada entered in a state of bliss of Tapas/Bhramasakshathkaram/Aham Bhramasmi.  Lord Indra became anxious watching the extreme penance of Maharishi Narada, he felt the danger to his throne, so he was besieged with mental agony, eventually decided to create an obstacle to the Tapas of Maharishi Narad.  Lord Indra invoked Lord Kamadeva, soon the Lord of Love appeared with his wife Devi Rathi before him.  Lord Indra with a selfish motive instructed “ Oh! Mahaveera, Oh! Dearest companion, who is always favorable to everyone, listen to my words, you have to do a favor for me. Oh! Mithra, I have created impediments to illustrious Rishis and Sages, with your help.  Maharishi Narada is performing extreme penance contemplating upon the supreme Lord Vishwesha in the cave of Himalaya, I fear he may take over my abode, therefore immediately create an obstacle to his Tapas.” Lord Kamadeva and Devi Rathi arrived haughtily in the place where Maharishi Narada immersed in meditation, they have tried all means to create an obstacle to the penance of Maharishi Narada, but none of their tricks were worked on Maharishi Narada, it was the sacred land where Kamadeva’s pride was crushed by Lord Mahesha.  Oh! Shaunakadhya, the reason for the successful accomplishment of Tapas of Maharishi was the grace of Eshwara, therefore Kamadeva could not win over Maharishi Narada.  Earlier, this was the place where Lord Shambhu and illustrious Sages were performed Tapas and Kamadeva who created obstacles was burned Kamadeva into ashes.  Devi Rathi and the deities appealed to Lord Shiva, answered “ Oh! Deities, Kamadeva would get back to life, but his tricks won’t work here.  The sacred land before you and the people who live here would’ not get blemished with the cupid arrows of Kamadeva.”  Kamadeva returned to the abode of Lord Indra and revealed his failure to create an obstacle to the Tapas of Maharishi Narada and returned to his own abode.  Lord Indra praised the strictness of Maharishi Narada who completed the Tapas for several years successfully.   Maharishi Narada with the influence of Lord’s Maya, swollen with pride after the successful accomplishment of Tapas and the thought of victory over Lord Kamadeva, eventually deprived of knowledge.  The Mahamaya Shambhavi who is Maya of Lord Shiva’s splendor is beyond the perception of Bhrama or Vishnu or deities.  Maharishi Narada reached Mount Kailash and narrated the praises of deities, and his achievement.  Further, he prostrated before Lord Rudra who is a noble soul and conqueror of Kamadeva.  Lord Shiva immediately understood that Maharishi Narada is under the influence of his Maya.  Lord Rudra said “ Hey, Thatha, Oh! Narada, Oh! Prajja,/learned one, listen to me, do not speak about this to Lord Hari or anyone else.   Let it remain secret between us, do not reveal this to anyone, especially to Lord Vishnu who is my ardent devotee.”  Maharishi Narada who was under the clutches of Maya of Lord Shiva could not appreciate any of the advice of Lord Rudra.  Maharishi Narada arrived in Bhrama Loka and explained all that happened to his father and his success over Lord Kamadeva.  Lord Bhrama could easily make out that his son is under the influence of Maya of Lord Shiva, requested him not to repeat his achievement to anyone.  Maharishi Narada who is learned one was already under the influence of Maya of the supreme Lord who is Lord of Lords, commander of the Universe and its living beings, and protector, could not appreciate the words of his father. Maharishi Narada due to the influence of Maya immediately arrived in Vihnuloka,   was reverentially greeted by Lord Vishnu, and offered a seat to him.   Maharishi Narada narrated all that happened during the penance.  Lord Vishnu contemplated upon the lotus feet of Lord Shiva, and took initiative to remove the pride in him.  Lord Vishnu said “ Oh! Munishardhoola, Oh! Thatha, I am extremely delighted to see you, kindly reveal the purpose of your visit.”  Maharishi Narada’s pride multiplied hearing from Lord Vishnu, he hauntingly described his victory over Kamadeva.  Lord Vishnu mentally offered prayers at the lotus feet of Lord Shiva and prayed “ Oh! Deva, Oh! Devadeva,  Oh! Mahadeva, Oh! Parameshwara, kindly protect us, Oh! Shiva, your Maya is beyond perception, she is Sarvavimohini.” Lord Vishnu kept his eyes closed contemplating upon the lotus feet of Lord Shiva who is Paramathma.  Lord Vishnu who is Vishwapalaka at the command of Lord Shiva, spoke to Narada “ Oh!  Munishardhoola, Oh! Thaponidhi, whoever does not keep devotion for the trinities, would remain under the influence of passion and ignorance forever, and eventually, undergo painful consequences. Oh! Narad, you are a Naishtika Bhramachari, with a great knowledge of Gnana and Vairagya, how could you drench in passions? you are void of all these since birth.” Maharishi Narada mentally offered salutation to Lord Hari and said “Oh! Lord, kindly narrate the influence of Kamadeva, if you really enjoy my presence.” Maharishi Narada offered salutation to Lord Vishnu and left the place.

|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter – 14–Vindhyeshwara Samhitha -2

Shaivam Puranathilakam Khalu Sathpuranam Vedantha Veda Vilasathparavasthu Gitam | Yo Vai Padeth Shrunuyath Paramadharena  Shambhupriya: Sa Hi Labeth Paramam Gathim Vai ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunak, you have put forward perfect questions before me, it could provide welfare to the three worlds.  I immensely appreciate your queries raised for the welfare of all; I shall prostrate before my preceptor, and shall narrate answers to all your queries.   The Sri Shivamahapuran is the essence of Veda; it removes all the grave sins of the worshiper in the Kali era and provides Moksha.  It is supreme scripture that destroys the Kalikalmasha, and provides Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha to the worshiper.  Oh! Dhvijoththama, the recitation of Sri Shivamahapuran would provide liberation from the cycles of birth to the worshiper; eventually, the worshiper would attain the abode of Lord Shiva.  The recitation of this Puran would remove the grave sins like Bhramahathya, moreover it would remove all the evil effects of Kali era.  Once,  all the Shastras have quarreled with each other, until the initiation of Sri Shivamahapuran, even the illustrious Yogis could not realize the supreme form of Lord Shiva until the initiation of the brilliance of Lord Surya like Sri Shivamahapuran, the emissaries of Lord Yama fearlessly moved around all over the Universe until the initiation of supreme Shivamahapuran, all the sacred places and lands on Earth immersed in controversies until the initiation of Shivamahapuran, all the Vedic chants, sacred shrines, and lands, all the contributions and charities performed on the Earth were thoroughly criticized until the initiation of Srishiva Mahapuran.  All the deities engaged in thorough discussions, all the philosophies and principles raised conflicts, until the initiation of Sri Shivamahapuran on the Earth.  Oh! Brahmanas, I am incompetent to describe the piousness of recitation of Sri Shivamahapuran. Oh! Noble souls, listen to me carefully, I shall narrate the glorious myths of Sri Shivamahapuran which I was learned from my preceptor Maharishi Vedavyasa.  The recitation of one verse or half of the verse would eradicate the sins of the listener or reader.  Whoever listens or reads the Sri Shivamahapuan with intense devotion and faith would be freed from worldly bondage and all the sins.  Whoever adores the text of Sri Shivamahapuran and venerates from all directions would attain the piousness of Ashwamedha Yaga and veneration of all deities respectively.  Whoever write the glorious myths of Sri Shivamahapuran by hand and present to the devotees of Lord Shiva, would attain commendable merits of study of all Shashthras and Veda.  Whoever undertakes fasting on the fourteenth day of the fortnight, and delivers a speech praising the glorious Shivamahapuran would remain a noble one. The recitation of Sri Shivamahapuran is equivalent to sacred hymns of Gayathri Manthra, would provide all the happiness while living on the Earth, and ultimately reach the supreme abode of Lord Shiva.  Whoever observes fast on the fourteenth day of the fortnight, keep awake in the night, and recite this glorious Purana would attain the merit of charities offered of one’s own weight to illustrious Bhramin like Vedavyasa in the Dharmakshethra Kurukshetra on the day of a solar eclipse.  Whoever conducts the recitation of Shivamahapuran day and night, the deities and Lord Indra would anxiously wait to obey their commands.  Whoever performs noble deeds while reciting the Shivamahapuran would attain crores of meritorious reward, whoever recites or listens to Rudrasamhitha with intense devotion and faith would get relived from Bhramahathya in three days.  Whoever recites Rudrasamhitha thrice before Lord Bhairava would get all the desires fulfilled.  Whoever recites Rudrasamhitha sitting under the Banyan tree or Bale tree and circumambulates it, would be relieved from Bhramahathya sin.  Kailasa Samhitha is the supreme Canto represent Bhramam, imparts the knowledge of Pranava/Omkara.  The entire glory of Kailasa Samhitha is aware only to supreme Lord Shiva, half of it I have learned from my preceptor Maharishi Vedavyasa, therefore whatever I shall narrate would not be taken as complete, even though it would purify the mind and intellect of the listeners and readers.  Oh! Mune, the glorious Rudra Samhitha is capable to remove all the sins of the worshiper, I have not found a single sin that could not be removed with the recitation of Rudra Samhitha.  Lord Shiva churned the ocean like Upanishads and extracted the nectar out of it was offered to Lord Karthikeya, eventually, he became immortal.  Everyone should read the Rudra Samhitha at least for a month to remove grave sins like Bhramahathya.  The recitation of Rudra Samhitha would eradicate the sin of money earned in immoral ways or people of immoral character or people who are engaged in immoral deeds.  Whoever reads or recites the Rudra Samhitha in a shrine of Lord Shiva or forest of Banyan or Bale tree, would achieve commendable rewards.  Whoever reads or recites the Rudrasamhitha on the day of ceremonial rites of ancestors is considered as highly auspicious, and serve food to twice-born would bring successful completion of the rite.  Whoever undertakes fast on the fourteenth day of the fortnight,  and recite Rudrasamhitha sitting under the shade of Bale tree would remain Lord Shiva, and all the deities would adore him.  All the cantos are highly propitious; Rudrasamhitha and Kailasa Samhitha are considered supreme, Umasamhitha reveals the knowledge of the sports of Lord Shiva.  Sri Shivamahapuran is the essence of Veda which was initiated from the face of Supreme Lord Shiva.  I shall describe the number of verses in each Samhitha, listen to me carefully.  The  Vindhyeshwara Samhitha has 10,000 verses, Rudra & Vainayaka Samhitha has  10,000 verses, Umasamhitha  16,000 verses, Ekadasha Rudra 13,000 verses, Kailasa Samhitha 6,000 verses, Shatharudra Samhitha 3,000 verses, Kotirudra Samhitha 9,000 verses, Sahasrakoti Samhitha 11,000 verses, Vayaviya Samhitha 10,000 verses, Dharmasamhitha 10,000 verses.  In the beginning, there were one crore of verses in the Sri Shivamahapuran, later it was shortened to 24,000 verses by Maharishi Vedavyasa in seven Samhitas.  At the beginning of the creation of the Universe, it was one hundred crores of verses in Sri Shivamahapuran.  In Dwapara Yuga, Maharishi Veda Vyasa categorized them into eighteen Puranas.  There are seven cantos in Sri Shivamahapuran, such as  Vindhyeshwara Samhitha, Rudra Samhitha, Shatharudra Samhitha, Koti Rudra Samhitha, Uma Samhitha, Kailasa Samhitha and Vayavya Samhitha is considered as supreme Lord Shiva, therefore whoever recites or read this Purana would attain commendable virtues, ultimately attain the abode of supreme Lord Shiva.  Sri Shivamahapuran composed by supreme Lord Shiva is incomparable to Veda, Smrithi, Purana, and scriptures.  Maharishi Vedavyasa who is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva rewrote the Purana for the welfare of the Universe and its living beings, which could remove Thapathraya and shower an abundance of meritorious rewards.  Sri Shivamahapuran describes the righteousness and Vedantha, known as spotless by the intellectuals; it provides Dharma Artha, Kama, and Moksha to the worshiper.  It is considered as supreme scripture, which is the essence of Veda and Vedantha.  Whoever reads or listens to it would become beloved of Lord Shambhu and attain Paramamgathi.”

|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter – 13–Vindhyeshwara Samhitha -1

Adhyantha Mangalamajatha Samanabhavamaryam Thameeshamajaramaram Athmadevam | Panchananam Prabala Panchavinodhasheelam  Sambhavaye  Manasi Shankaram Ambikesham ||

I shall offer humble salutation to Lord Ganesha.  I shall prostrate before supreme Lord Shankara along with Goddess Ambika, he is the Lord of Goddess Paramambika, symbolizes Universe and its living beings, and welfare of the Universe.  He is Lord of Lords who is free from worldly bondage, he has neither birth nor death, he has five faces and has supreme brilliance, he is competent to destroy five types of grave sins and capable to provide Mukthi.

Dharmakshethre  Mahakshethre Ganga Kalindi Sangamey | Prayage  Parame Punye  Bhramalokasya Varththmini ||

Maharishi Vedavyasa speaks “  The highly auspicious land on Earth, Prayagraj is known as Dharmakshethra as well as Mahakshethra where the  rivers Ganga, and Kalindi confluences, is the Kshethra where the pathways to Bhramaloka begins, this is the place where the supreme ascetics, and the illustrious Sages who has profound knowledge in scriptures, and truthful, performs numerous fire sacrifices relentlessly.  Sutha Pauranika, who has profound knowledge in scriptures, the foremost disciple of Maharishi Veda Vyasa came to know about the fire sacrifices conducted by the illustrious Rishis and Sages in Prayagaraj, thus he arrived in this sacred land was received with delight and honor by the ascetics and Rishis assembled.” 

The Sages assembled approached Suthapauranika with folded hands and prostrated before him and reverentially speaks “ Oh! Sarvajja, Oh! Romaharshana, we are fortunate to receive you with great honor, you are the treasure house of all the sacred scriptures, same as the ocean which is the treasure house of gems and precious pearls.  You are the knower of past, present, and future.  It is definite that you will not leave this place without providing enormous goodness to us; therefore your arrival itself is a great fortune to us.  We had several opportunities to listen to the glorious myth which describes auspiciousness and inauspiciousness, but we are not satisfied yet, we want to listen to more and more glorious myths of scriptures from you.  Oh! Sutha, who has profound knowledge in scripture, kindly narrates the legend which is appropriate to listen in this Kaliyuga.  The people have become wicked and indulge in immoral activities, dishonest, killing each other due to the influence evil effects of the Kali era.  The people are treating the body as soul/I consciousness, they have become dull, disbelievers, behaving like animals, disgracing their own parents, completely under the influence of their wives, and remains passionate.  The Brahmanas have become greedy, engaged in selling the knowledge of Veda, devoted their time to gain wealth, and remain swollen with the pride of a handful of knowledge.  They are not following Varnnashrama Dharma, engaged in wicked deeds,  not performing Sun worship thrice a day, thereby deprived the knowledge of Bhramam.  They consider themselves as learned, in spite of being a fool, they are performing austerities or vow, occupied themselves in the cultivation in agricultural fields.  They have become short-tempered and deceitful natured.  The Kshatriyas have become devoid of righteousness, they stand with the people who do not follow Dharma, they perform various sinful deeds and remain extremely wicked.  They have become cowards by nature; they stay away from battlefields and flee from Warfield without shame.   They earn living by stealing wealth from others.   The Shudras remains passionate and dull without the knowledge of usage of weapons, they discard their duties serving Bhramins and cows, and they live like animals.  They refuse to serve the people, instead, they engage in worldly pleasures.  They have become the cause for the destruction of creatures and remain extremely wicked nature.  The Vaishyas are deprived of their Dharma, they will follow unfair means in earning wealth, and they manipulate the entire trade to accumulate wealth.  They won’t be devoted to Lord, Bhramans or the preceptor.  They would become miser, will not perform any charities or serve meals to Brahmanas.  They take immense pleasure in several marriages, illicit relationships with women and men.  The men remarry and enjoy the company of women as husband and vice versa.  They will remain swollen with pride and illusion; they won’t perform any charitable deeds like digging well or construction of gardens.  The Shudras behaves like Bhramana, with their charming appearance in spite of being a fool; they would discard their religion and duties.  They conduct austerities and vows, in this way they steal the splendor of Bhramanas, they perform ablutions of Salagrama, and Shivaling, they conduct Yajjas and fire sacrifices without impurities of mind or ingredients, with wicked nature.  They accumulate wealth and engage in evil deeds, they become learned but engage in publicizing negative descriptions of scriptures and Dharma, in this way they destroy the remaining Dharma in the society.  They present themselves as rich and generous, engage in all kind of brutal deeds, become haughty and arrogant, they treat the twice-born, and consider them as servants and expose themselves as Masters of twice-born.  They immensely contribute to the destruction of Dharma and Varnnashrama in the society; they remain extremely deceitful, and arrogant.  They portrait themselves as worthy and compel others to follow them, they force others to leave righteousness, and these fools will act like Bhramin.  The women in the Kali era indulge in various immoral deeds shamelessly. They will not follow the words of their husbands or promises to him, always keep enmity upon their parents-in-law, they become fearless to act and consume things which are prohibited.  They engage in appalling deeds, they will be short-tempered, take pleasure in the illicit relationship with men and speak against their husbands.  The children will not be interested in the service of parents, they engage in evil deeds, and practice harmful activities which destroy the righteousness in the society, they suffer from various kinds of ailments at a young age.”

The Rishis and Sages continued “ Oh! Sutha, what would be the fate of the people who discard to follow their own Varna Ashrama Dharma?  How did they achieve salvation?  We are extremely worried about the people in the Kali era, definitely, there is nothing could save other than Paropakara/selfless deeds and Dharma.  Oh! Sutha, you are well-versed in all the scriptures, kindly narrate the easiest method that could wash away the sins of people in the Kali era.”

Maharishi Vedavyasa speaks “ Sutha Pauranika after listening to the qualms of illustrious Rishis and Sages, immersed in contemplation upon supreme Lord Shiva and began to speak.”

|| Om Nama: Shivaya ||

Chapter – 12– The significance of Sri Shiva Mahapuran – 6

Sakala Guna Vibhedhair Nithyam Aspashtaroopam  Jagathi Cha Bahir  Antharathma Samanam Mahimna | Manasi Cha  Bahirantharvangamano Vriththiroopam  Parama Shivam Anantham Anandhasandhram Prapadhye ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Sutha, the Bhramins who participate in the recital of Sri Shivamahapuran should be received with great respect, offer an abundance of charities, and serve them with a sumptuous meal, there should be a performance of singing and dances as an offering to Lord Shiva at the end of the recital of Sri Shivamahapuran.  Oh! Mune, if the Shivakatha was arranged by an ascetic, there should be arrangements made for the recital of Shiva Gita which was narrated by Lord Shiva to Lord Rama.  If the Shivakatha was organized by a householder, there should be a performance of fire sacrifices, using an abundance of cow’s ghee.  Oh! Mune, there should be a recital of every single verse of Rudrasamhitha, Gayathri Manthra, and the performance of fire sacrifice while conducting Shivamahapuran.  The fire sacrifices can be performed with the Panchakshara Manthra, if the householder is not in a position to perform fire sacrifices, he/she should offer the ingredients of fire sacrifices to a pious Bhramin.  The recital of Shivamahapuran should be conducted with the recital of Shivasahasranama, it would remove all the impurities and sins of the worshiper.  Whoever conducts the recital of Shivamahapuran following the above rules and regulations would attain an abundance of meritorious reward, which is commendable in the three worlds.  At the end of the recital of the Shiva Katha, eleven Bhramanas should be invited with great respect, and served them with honey and milk porridge, and offer an abundance of charities.  If the Shivakatha is organized by a wealthiest, he should install a golden idol of lion weighing twelve Tholas, in which the important verses of Shivapuran engraved on it, after conducting the worship of the idol, it should be offered as a charity.  An intelligent one should offer rich costumes, ornaments, rich fragrant scents, flowers etc.as charity to virtuous Bhramin.  Oh! Shaunak, the performance of abundance of charities would wash off all the impurities and sins; it would bring eternal grace of Lord Shiva, and relieve the worshiper from the worldly bondage.  Oh! Mune, listening to the glorious Sri Shiva Mahapuran following austerities and rules and regulations mentioned above would bring commendable merits to the worshiper, ultimately it would provide Moksha to the worshiper.  I have elaborately described the rules and regulations of listening to the glorious Shiva Mahapuran, which fulfills all the desires of the worshiper, Oh! Mune, what would you like to hear from me?  The Sri Shiva Mahapuran is one of the supreme scripture which is dear to Lord Shiva.   The recital of Sri Shivamahapuran pleases supreme Lord who provides happiness while living on the Earth, ultimately Moksha to the worshiper.  Whoever devoted to Lord Shiva and offers veneration with intense faith and devotion, and sung in praise of glories of supreme Lord Shiva, would easily cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence.  Oh! Paramashiva, Oh! Anantha Oh!Anandsandhra/ocean of bliss, I shall take refuge at the lotus feet of Supreme Lord Shiva, who is all-pervading, symbolizes Rajasik, Sathvik, and Thamasic qualities; he resides as supreme soul in living beings, and illuminates the whole Universe with his brilliance, he is beyond comparison or perception, he is the source of intellect and mind as well.”