||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 28 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 16

Bindunadhathmakam Sarvam Jagath Sthavarajangamam | Bindhu: Shakthi: Shivo Nadha: Shivashakthyathmakam Jagath || Thasmath Janma Nivrithyarththam Shivalingam Prapoojayeth | Matha Devi Bindhuroopa  Nadharoopa: Shiva: Pitha || Poojithabhyam Pithrubhyam  Thu Paramanandha Yeva Hi | Paramanandha Labharththam Shivalingam Prapoojayeth || Sa Devi  Jagatham Matha Sa Shivo  Jagatha: Pitha | Pithro: Shushrushake Nithyam Kripadhikyam Hi Vardhdhathe ||

Rishis speak “Oh! Sutha, kindly describe the methods of venerations of Parththivashivaling/Shivalinga made of clay, and the abundance of piousness of worship of Parththiva Shivalinga.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Sages, listen to me carefully, you have raised a brilliant question, that could fulfill all the desires of the worshiper, and it removes all the miseries and sorrows, I shall narrate the methods of veneration of Parththiva Shivalinga.  Oh! Dhvija, It would remove unexpected and untimely deaths, it provides good family, children, and grandchildren, an abundance of wealth and grains.  The worshiper would be benefited from an abundance of Vasthram, grains, pleasures.  The worship of Parththiva Shivalinga can be performed by women and men, the Parththiva Shivalinga can be created with the usage of sand/clay from the seashore, riverbank, well, pond, etc.  The clay idol can be worshipped in the shore of sea, or river banks or in a Mandap, and veneration can be performed.  The worship of Lord Ganesha, Surya, Vishnu, Parvathi, Shiva with Shodasha Upachara, flowers, Dhravya, etc. would provide an abundance of piousness.  The Mahapuja is performed for the self-manifested Linga.  The performance of ablation to the Linga would purify the soul, offering incense and Dhravya would bring an abundance of merit, offering earthen lamp before Linga would provide wisdom, offering betel leaves would provide Bhoga, Namaskar and Japam would fulfill all the desires of the worshiper.  The worship of Linga would provide Bhoga and Moksha as well.  The worship of deities would provide the abode of the respective deities.  Oh! Dhvija, listen to me carefully,  worship of Lord Ganesha on Friday on the fourth day of the bright fortnights of the month  Shravana and Bhadrapada would fulfill all the desires of the worshiper. The performance of fire sacrifice on a regular basis would remove all the sins and miseries of the worshiper.  The worship of deities and Shivalinga following the prescribed rites in the Purana would bring an abundance of meritorious rewards to the worshiper.  The worship of deities and serving twelve Bhramanas with sumptuous meals would make the deities highly pleased.  The worship of Goddess Ambika on Karkataka Somavara Navami Mrighasheersha, Ashwin Shuklapakha Navami, Chathurdhashi, Krishnapaksha, would fulfill all the desires of the worshiper.  The worship of LordShiva on Ardra, Mahardra, Magha Krishnachathurdhashi are auspicious days, would provide an abundance of meritorious rewards like long life, removes accidental and unexpected deaths.  The worship of all the deities in the month Karthik with the Shodasha Upachara and performance of charities, Japa, Puja, Homa, Vedic chants, etc. would bring discipline in the life of worshiper, removes sufferings and miseries.  The worship of Lord Shiva on the Kritika Monday followed with austerities, prescribed rites would bring Bhoga and Moksha.  The worship of Lord Karthikeya and Lord Vishnu on the Kritika Tuesday would attain excellence in speech and intelligence as well.  The worship of Lord Ganesha on Krithika Friday and performing charity and the worship of Dhikpalakas on Saturday would bring happiness in the family and the childless couple would be benefitted with children.  The worship of the Supreme Lord Rudra who is Thrayambaka would remove all the sins, worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Bhrama would provide intelligence, Dhanvanthari, and Ashwini Kumaras to remove all the ailments.  The worship of deities following austerities, Dharma, daily rites, spiritual as well as religious rites, recital of Veda, the performance of charities and noble deeds, would bring an abundance of meritorious rewards, ultimately attain the abode of deities.  The constant recitation of Panchakshara Manthra would wash away sins and provide wisdom.  The Mahanaivedhya is called offering betel leaves along with cloves, camphor, gourd, betel leaves, and nutmeg at the end of veneration, and the distribution of Mahanaivedhya would provide great prowess to the worshiper.  The distribution of Mahanaivedhyam of Lord Shiva would provide liberation from repeated births.  The Bindhu and Nadha represent Goddess Parvathi and Lord Shiva respectively, the entire Universe and its living beings represent Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, Therefore, its called Shivashakthyathmaka Jagath.  The Linga and the Peedam represent Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi as well,  hence the worship of divine couple/Universal father and Mother who is inseparable and supreme bliss would provide liberation from repeated births.   Oh! Munipungava, The worship of Matha Parvathi and Pitha Shiva on a regular basis would please them. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi represent Purusha and Prakrithi respectively, mere remembering or witnessing the Linga would bring an abundance of piousness.  The Jeeva initiates from the Adhipurusha, it takes birth with the influence of Maya, undergoes constant transformation and ruin.  Bhagavan is Lord Bhaga who represents all the richness, and prosperity, Linga is the representation of Prakrithi and Purusha, Goddess Parvathi and Lord Shiva.  The worship of Linga on Sunday and perform ablutions with the mixture of Panchagavyakam, recitation of Omkara/Dhvanilinga, offering Naivedhyam, worship of six types of Lingas such as Pranavalinga/Dhvanilinga, Nadhalingam/Swayambhu, Bindulingam/Yanthram, Akaralinga, Ukaralingam/Charalingam, and Guruvigraham would be freed from repeated births.  The worship of Lord Shiva with sincere devotion and faith would bring Janmamukthi, wearing Rudraksha and wearing Bhasma/Thripundra and recitation of Vedic hymns would bring one fourth of the merit."

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 27 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 15

Rishis speak “ Oh! Sutha, Oh! Sarvarththa Viththama kindly describes the auspicious places and time to perform the Devayajja.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Bhraman, the performance of Devayajjam can be performed in a purified place at home.  Whoever performs worship of the deity in the cowshed would attain ten times piousness than the home, whoever performs worship on the river bank or seashore would attain multiple of piousness, whoever performs worship under the shade of Bilwa, peepal, Tulsi would earn merit that multiplies all the above methods of worship.  The piousness multiplies when one conducts the worship in the shrine; worship of deities on the banks of sacred Theertha would multiply the piousness.  The performance of Devayajjam on the riverbank of Sapthaganga, such as Ganga, Godavari, Kaveri, Thamraparnni, Sindhu, Sarayu, and Reva, or hilltop would provide an abundance of piousness.  In the Krita Yuga, the worship of deities followed with Yajja and charities.   The most suitable place for worship is where you can concentrate, that place is considered as appropriate for the Devayajja.  In the Thretha Yuga, the reward of worship has reduced to one third, and in Dwapara Yuga it has reduced to ¼ and in the Kali era, it has reduced further.  Therefore, any charity performed with unblemished heart or performance of an auspicious deed on Makarasankrathi, the first day of Margasheersha, during the day of the lunar eclipse and solar eclipse, would bring an abundance of piousness.  During the day of the eclipse, one should perform Devaradhana, Japam, and Dhanam, it would protect the worshiper from the evil effects of the eclipse, and being in the association of ascetics would bring an abundance of piousness.  The Yathis, ascetics who conduct Thaponishta should be worshiped; it would wash off all the impurities of the worshiper.  A twice-born who has completed the recitation of twenty-four lakh of Gayathri Manthra is most venerable; it would provide him all the pleasure in life.  The twice-born purifies himself with the recitation of Gayathri Manthra, the person who protects the other person from falling/degrade, or committing sin should be highly revered.  Therefore, a twice-born is considered as appropriate to receive charity, perform religious and spiritual rites, and receive meals.  A twice-born should be received with great respect and should be served amiably would provide an abundance of meritorious rewards.  A charity performed to a servant earns 1/4 of the merit, but a charity offered to an intellectual Bhramin would earn merit for ten years, offering charity to a scholarly Bhramin would earn the merit of heavenly pleasure for ten years and Bhrama Loka.  The charity given to a Bhramin who is an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu would benefit the Vaikundham, charity offered to a Bhramin who is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva would benefit the Shivalokam/Kailasam.  Therefore the performance of charity is essential to attain the abode of deities.  The Vedic Brahmans should be received with great reverence; prior to that request for invitation should be send, received with Poornna Kumbham, wash his feet, offer purified seat, offer sandal paste, vermilion, and sacred ash, offer sumptuous meal, and give Dhashina and betel leaves, are considered as respectable and pious deed.  The Brahmana should be accompanied by the householder while leaving the house.  Whoever receives Vedic Bhraman on Sunday, followed with the above said Upachara would live hail and healthy for hundreds of years.  Whoever receives hundreds of Bhramana and ten thousands of Bhramana following the Upachara would live thousands of years and ten thousand of years healthy life and ultimately attains Shivaloka, Bhramaloka, and Vishnuloka respectively.  Whoever receives lakhs of Bhramana with Upachara would attain Rudraloka.  Whoever desirous of achieving supreme knowledge should worship Vipravrindha, childless couple should worship twice-born children to attain virtuous sons, the elderly Bhramanas should be worshiped for intellect, girl children should be considered and Saraswathi and worshiped for attaining wisdom, young women should be considered as Mahalakshmi and conduct worship for worldly pleasures and richness, elderly women should be considered as Goddess Parvathi and worshiped for wisdom.  The money earned from farming or trade, or money earned from livelihood or earned as Dhakshina is considered as pure, and donating that money would bring an abundance of piousness.  The women who earned money as a gift from parents or husbands would be considered as best for charity and religious purposes.  The performance of the charity of cows, land, sesame seeds, gold, Ghee, clothes, grains, Guda, silver, vegetables, and performance of Kanyadhanam should be done on auspicious hours.  The performance of charity of cow, cow dung patties, Ghee, milk, butter, etc. would remove the sufferings of poverty, removes the sins committed by the mind, intellect, and body.  The performance of Bhoodhanam/land would provide admiration in the society, the donation of Til provides strength and removes the fear of death.   The donation of gold would bring prowess, the charity of ghee would provide strength, and charity of clothes would provide long life.  The donation of grains increase the fortune of the giver, charity of Guda would bring sweet puddings to the giver, charity of silver would bring strength, the charity of salt would enhance six Rasas, and charity of pumpkin would provide all the fortune and pleasure in both the world.   The Kanyadhanam performed to a twice-born would help him to enjoy all the pleasures throughout his life, charities like fruits, vegetables, and grains should be offered to a twice-born, by offering charity to the twice-born all the deities would get pleased.  Whoever learns Vedashasthra from the preceptor would attain supreme wisdom. Any Devaradhana out of fear of threat or fear of King or for fulfilling personal desires would be considered as inferior.  The worship of Lord with their own voice, recitation of Manthra, and noble deeds such as austerities, fasting, the vow of silence, are considered as superior, any righteous deeds performed with the slightest devotion would bring an abundance of piousness.  The performance of charities, following disciplines and austerities, religious and spiritual rites, would please the deities, all that donated should be considered as Eshwararppanam, which could bring Moksham.

Ya Imam Padathe Adhyayam Ya: Shrunothi Sadha Nara: | Thasya Vai  Dharmabudhdhishcha  Gnanasidhdhi: Prajayathe ||

Whoever reads or listen to it would attain Dharmabuddhi/willingness to perform charity and righteousness and Gnanasiddhi/knowledge and wisdom.

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 26 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 14

Rishis speak “Oh! Prabho, kindly describe the AgniYajjjam, Devayajjam,  Bhramayajjam,  Gurupooja,   and Bhramathripthi.”

Sutha speaks “Oh! Rishis, listen to me, the performance of fire sacrifice offering various ingredients in Agni /fire is called Agni Yajja.  A twice-born Bhramachari should perform fire sacrifices on a daily basis using the Samith/pieces of woods and it should be performed until he gets married.  Aupasanam is the duty of Bhramachari and the fire is protected from the beginning in the fire pit itself.  The Yathis, Vipra, ascetics who lives in the wood, consuming little meal performs Agniyajja, and they protect this fire known as Agnihotra engaging in regular worship of fire for the welfare of the Kingdom and its people as well as pleasing the deities, perform offerings in the Agni evening as well as in the morning.  Devayajja is performed to please Lord Indra and all the deities, the fire sacrifices performed during Sthalipaka and Chauladhikam are for fulfilling one’s own desires.  A Dhvija should perform Bhramayajja on a regular basis to please the deities and the Vedadhyayan is part of this Bhramayajja, these two are the important disciplines of the Dhvija.  Oh! Rishis, listen to me carefully about the performance of Devayajja.  At the beginning of the Universe, the supreme Lord Mahadeva, he is Sarvajja and ocean of mercy; he is the protector of the Universe and its living beings, created numerous warriors.  He is Samsaravaidhya who is the cure for the endless miseries and sorrows of worldly existence; he is the Sarvabheshajabheshajam who is a supreme physician, created seven days with the influence of Maya.  Further Lord Bhrama began creation for the expansion of the three worlds at the instruction of Lord Mahadeva, he created Lord Indra, Lord Yama, and the deities.  The worship of the deities on respective days would bring Bhoga and Moksha as well, whoever worship these deities on the respective days would attain good health, richness, free from ailments, long life, happiness, pleasures, etc.  Lord Shiva provides the auspiciousness and fruitful result of the worship of all the deities.” 

Sutha Pauranika continues “There are five types of worship to please the deities, worship of deities with Japa, Tapa, Manthra, Homa, and Charities.  The consecration of idol, performance of fire sacrifices with the offering of sixteen ingredients or providing the ingredients to Vedic Bhramin, would remove blindness, mental illness, and leprosy.  Whoever conducts the sun worship and serves a meal to a Bhramin for a day, month or years would attain an abundance of piousness and free from all the sins.  The intellectuals worship Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi on Monday and offer a sumptuous meal to a Bhramin to attain wealth, Goddess Sri Mahakali should be worshiped on Tuesday to get rid of illnesses, and a meal should be served to Bhramin with rice, black gram and green gram.  Lord Vishnu should be worshiped On Wednesday, and serve the Bhramin with rice and curd, would provide happiness and health in the family.  The intellectuals perform the worship of deities followed by offerings such as sacred thread across the chest, garments, milk, and ghee, for long life.  The worship of deities on Friday and offering a sumptuous meal of sixteen dishes to Bhramanas would bring all the pleasure.  The worship of Lord Rudra and deities on Saturdays and give away clothes as charity would bring peace in the family, removes untimely and accidental deaths.  Whoever conducts Tilahoma, offer food prepared with Til, or offer Til as charity would attain good health.  A twice-born should perform worship of deities on regular basis, or at least during the auspicious days, and the worship should be conducted after a ritual bath, Japa, Homa, and offer meals to Bhramin at the end of Tharpana.  The worship of Jagatheeshwara on auspicious Thithi, Nakshathra, Yoga, would bring good health.  The worship of the Supreme Lord should be performed without any fruitful desire; the worshiper would attain the grace of Lord according to his faith and sincerity of the performance of the rite.  The planets and stars should be worshiped during auspicious occasions.  In this way, Devayajja/ the worship of deities would fulfill all the desires of the worshiper, the twice-born conducts worship with the recitation of Vedic hymns, rest of the Varna follow Thanthric rites.  Therefore all these seven days worship of deities should be performed according to one’s own capacity.   The poor person, who has no means to conduct the worship of the deity, should engage in recitation.  The rich person can perform the worship of deities with various offerings and utilizing various ingredients for veneration.  Whoever performs veneration of deities with intense faith and devotion would attain heavenly pleasures, and take birth again.  Whoever plants trees, dig wells or ponds, construct gardens, building schools, compose scriptures would enjoy the pleasure in the world; finally, they would attain supreme wisdom.”

Ya Imam Shrunuthe Adhyayam Padathe Va  Naro  Dhvija: | Shravanasyopakartha Cha Devayajjam Phalam Labeth ||

Whoever reads or listens or recite the chapter describes the Devayajja would attain the fruitful result of performance of Devayajjam.

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 25 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 13

Jeeva Bhrama Aikhyavishayam Budhdhva Pranavam Abhyaseth | Thrailokhya  Srishtikarththaram  Sthithikartharam Acchyutham || Samharththaram Thatha Rudram Swaprakasham Upasmahe | Gnana Karma Indhriyanam Cha Mano Vriththidhiyasthatha|| Bhoga Mokshapradhe  Dharma Gnane Cha  Prerayeth Sadha | Iththamarthadhiya  Dhyayan Bhrama Prapnothi Nishchayam ||

Rishis speak “ Oh! Sutha, kindly narrate about the righteousness, which could provide an abundance of piousness and victory all over the Earth.  Kindly describe the moral and immoral deeds that provide heaven and hell respectively.”

Sutha pauranika speaks “Oh! Rishi,  a Bhramana/Dhvija, Vipra, twice-born should follow righteousness, disciplines/Sadhachara/daily rites should be an intellectual/scholar, should have a thorough knowledge of Veda and Upanishads, sincerely follow Vedic rites and Vedic way of living.  A Kshatriya is a Rajasevaka/ Rajapalaka who protects the borders of the country and the Kingdom, they should follow a very few disciplines and a little bit of Vedic way of living.  A Vaishya should follow a very little bit of discipline, and engage in farming in agricultural lands and trade/Vanijyam. A shudra should serve the three Varnna of people of Brahmana, Kshatriya and Vaishya.”

Sutha Pauranika continues “  A Shudhra Bhramana engages in labor service, farming in agricultural lands, wicked natured, engages in creating trouble to others, and remains Chandala.  I shall describe a few of the ethical deeds, getting up in the morning facing auspicious direction would bring good health, long life, free from ailments, fortune, remove sins, etc.  While taking bath one should offer salutation to Lord Varuna, recitation of Manthra should be done with waist-deep water, offering water to Lord Surya, Pithrus and deities, Vasthram should be attired in Panchakaccha, with an upper cloth on the waist.   A righteous person should take holy dip in the Theerthas after regular bath, after holy dip, the water from the clothes should be offered to Pithrus while wearing Thripundra/three lines with the holy ashes, one should recite the hymns of Rishi Jabala, intellectuals take Manthrasnana, worship of Lord Surya reciting Gayathri Manthra during the hours of early hours dawn, mid-noon and evening would bring commendable virtues. The intellectual undertake meditation upon the supreme Bhramam with the constant recitation of Pranavamanthra, which unites the Jeevathma to Bhramam.  Lord Bhrama is the creator, Lord Achyutha is the preserver and Lord Rudra is the destroyer, who is self-illuminating.  Intellectuals observe control over Karma and Gnanendhriyas, contemplates on the supreme Bhramam with pure mind and intellect, eventually attain Moksha.  A Bhramin should recite the Omkaramanthra thousands of times a day; the rest of the Varnna should recite the Omkara Manthra according to one’s own capacity.  The ultimate object of recitation of Manthra is to attain the union of Jeevathma with the supreme Bhramam.  A twice-born who does not perform the sun worship regularly should not be included in the Vedic rites.  The recitation of Gayathri Manthra would remove all the sins, and impurities.  The performance of righteous deeds would provide Arththa/wealth, it enhances the happiness of the follower, and eventually, it will lead to attaining the sense of abandonment/Vairagya.  If a person accumulates wealth and takes immense pleasure in the material wellbeing without performing any of the righteous deeds, it would heave him to the endless cycles of rebirths.  The performance of Dharma can be two types, utilizing the wealth earned for the welfare of the Universe, offering ingredients for fire sacrifices, the performance of fire sacrifices, religious and spiritual rites, etc.  Dharma can be performed with the body by visiting sacred shrines, serving the devotees of the Lord and serving the Lord.  The performance of righteous deed without expecting any fruitful results would purify the intellect, eventually, the worshiper would attain supreme wisdom.  During the Krita Yuga, attainment of supreme knowledge and wisdom required extreme penance, during the Kali era it is easy to obtain with the performance of Dharma with Dhravya/ wealth by providing ingredients for the worship of deities, and performing charities.  The following moral deeds would provide piousness and happiness as well, the performance of immoral deed would bring grief and endless miseries.  The performance of charities to Vipra would bring an abundance of meritorious rewards.  The performance of thousands of Chandrayana Vratha would provide Bhramaloka.  A Kshatriya who performs a righteous task by providing a livelihood for a ten thousand Bhramins would attain Indhraloka and Bhramaloka respectively.  The piousness can be earned with the recital of sacred hymns and visiting holy places with the money earned following truthful ways.  A Brahmin should earn living by charities performed by the Kshatriyas, performance of fire sacrifices, religious as well as spiritual rites.  Kshatriya should earn living by protecting the Kingdom and its borders,  Vaishya should earn living from agricultural land, farming, animal husbandry, and trade,  Shudra should earn living by serving the above three Varnas.  Gnansiddhi and Mokshasiddhi are attainable only through the preceptor.  Brahmins should perform various Vedic rituals with the company of noble Vipras, the householder should offer an abundance of charities in the form of wealth, riches, grains, fruits and sumptuous meals to twice-born, in this way the householder earns abundance of piousness and the Bhramin who receives the charities should perform atonement, otherwise, it would bring sins to him.  Bhramin should perform all the daily rites sincerely, the money earned should be divided into three parts; one portion for the performance of Dharmic rites, one portion for the development/welfare of the society and the third portion should be utilized for the welfare of him and his family.  Persons of the three Varnna should utilize their wealth for the welfare of the society; follow humility, simplicity, kindness, and compassion.  The Vaishya should utilize 1/10 of the produce for charity, and some portion for the welfare of the society, a trader should utilize 1/6 of the money earned for the welfare of society, and charity otherwise he would suffer from hellish torture.  Any wealth or richness earned by unwarranted means would destroy the individual.  The Brahmin should utilize ¼ of his income for the charity and righteous deeds, if he earns sudden wealth in the form of charity, should be invested for the welfare of the society.  Bhramin should not accept the charity of money or wealth earned by illegal means, it should be thrown to the ocean otherwise it would bring horrible sins to him.  A wise one should not indulge in hurting others by words, mind or deeds, and the performance of Surya worship and fire sacrifice, Bhramayajja on a regular basis would bring heavenly abode.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 24 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 12

Kshethre Papasya  Karanam Dhridam Bhavathi Bhoosura: | PUnyakshethre  Nivase Hi  Papamanavapicharathe || Himavath Girija Ganga Punya  Shathamukha Nadhi | Thath Theere Chaiva  Kashyadhi Punyakshethranayanekasha: || Thathra Theeram Prashastham Hi Mrige Mrigabhrigahaspathau| Shonabhadhro Dhashamukha: Punyoabeeshtaphalapradha: || Thathra  Snanepavasena  Padham Vainayakam Labeth | Chathurvimhamukha PUnya Narmada  Cha Mahanadhi || Thasyam  Snanena  Vasena  Padham Vaishnavamapnuyath | Thamasa  Dhvadhashamukha Reva  Dhashamukha Nadhi || Godavari Mahapunya  Bhrama Govadhanashini | Ekavimshamukha Proktha  Rudralokapradhayini || Krishnaveni PUnyanadhi  Sarvapapakshayavaha | Sashtradhashamukha Proktha Vishnulokapradhayini ||Thungabhadhra  Dhashamukha  Bhramalokapradhyini | Suvarnnamukhari Punya Proktha  Navamukha  Thatha ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Prajja, listen to me carefully, I shall describe the sacred Shivakshethra on the Earth which could provide Mukthi to the worshiper,  you have arrived in the Dharmakshethra Prayagaraj with an intention for the welfare of the Universe.  The fifty crores of Yojanas on the Earth enfold the mountain, dense forest, and forest of shrubs and creepers, at the command of supreme Lord Shiva.  The compassionate Lord Mahadeva established numerous Shivakshethram for the welfare of the living beings on the Earth and showers abundance of grace and Moksham as well.  The Supreme Lord Shiva appeared as a self-manifested Linga in these Shivakshethras, and showered his grace upon all the living beings, Rishis and deities.  The sacred Kshethras are established for the performance of Snana/holy bath, Japa/recitation, Dhanam/performance of charities, etc. otherwise people will undergo various ailments, poverty, blindness, etc.  The people who do not engage in any of the pious deeds meet unexpected death in the shrine of self-manifest Linga Shivashkethra would attain human life once again.  Oh! Bhusura, the performance of sinful deeds in the Shivakshethra would bring endless miseries; therefore no one should engage in sinful deeds in these sacred places.  There are several Shiva shrines located close to rivers and oceans.  Whoever lives close to the river Saraswathi which is surrounded by sacred shrines and perform various austerities would attain Bhramapadham.  The sacred shrine Kashi located on the river banks of Ganga, the place where the daughter of Himavan, Girija resides is considered as one of the sacred shrines on the Earth.  The shrine located on the sacred river bank of  Shonabhadhra where Dhashamukha performed austerities and attained abundance of piousness, therefore whoever perform austerities on the riverbank of Shonabhadhra would become intellectuals and all the desires would get fulfilled.  Whoever undertakes austerities living on the river banks of Mahanadhi Narmada, would obtain the grace of Lord Ganesha and an abundance of piousness.  Whoever undertakes austerities living on the riverbank of Thamasa and Reva would attain the devotion upon the supreme Lord Vishnu.  Whoever undertakes austerities on the river banks of Godavari, would showers abundance of grace/Mahapunya, it relieves the sins of Bhramahathya and killing of cows, ultimately it would provide the Rudraloka to the worshiper.  The sacred river Krishnaveni Punyanadhi would remove all the sins of the worshiper, whoever undertakes austerities living on the riverbank of Krishnaveni would attain the abode of Lord Vishnu.  The river Thungabhadhra is Bhramalokapradhayini, whoever undertakes austerities on the riverbank of Thungabhadhra would attain the abode of Lord Bhrama, the river Suvarnnamukhari is equally capable to provide an abundance of piousness.  The river Saraswathi, Pampa, Kanya Shwethanadhi, are highly auspicious, whoever conducts austerities on these river banks would attain Indraloka.  The rivers located on the Sahyadri hills and river Kaveri are considered as highly auspicious, therefore whoever follows austerities on these sacred river banks would attain commendable meritorious rewards, it would provide heavenly abode and the abode of Bhrama and Vishnu as well.  Whoever performs austerities on the hills of Badari and Naimisharanya would attain the abode of Lord Shiva.  Whoever performs austerities on the riverbank of Sindhu would attain the abode of Lord Bhrama.  The performance of austerities on the river banks of Kedhara and Godavari would provide an abundance of piousness and Shivaloka.  The performance of austerities performed on the river banks of Yamuna, and Shona would bring an abundance of merits, the performance of austerities on the riverbank of Kaveri and worship of Lord Vishnu would fulfill all the desires of the worshiper.  The austerities performed on the riverbank of Narmada would provide Vishnu Loka.  The austerities performed on the riverbank of Suvarnnamukhari would provide the Shivaloka, Bhrama Loka and Vishnuloka respectively.  The performance of austerities on the riverbank of Ganga during the auspicious Magha and Kumbhamela, and perform ancestral rites and Pindadhanam would please the Pithrus.  The performance of austerities on the riverbank of Krishnaveni would bring an abundance of piousness.  The performance of austerities in Ganga and Krishnaveni would bring Indhrapadham.  The performance of the austerities in the sacred Theerthas would provide Rudraloka.  The performance of austerities on the riverbank of  Thamraparnni and Vegavathi would provide Bhramaloka and Swargaloka respectively.  Oh! Deities on the Earth/Bhusura, every sacred land on Earth could provide an abundance of meritorious rewards to the person who undertakes strict austerities, disciplines, and perform Japam and Dhanam.  Therefore, any austerities and charities and rites performed in the Punyakshethra would provide an abundance of piousness, in the same manner, any minor misdeed or sin committed with the mind, body or words, on these Punyakshethra would provide endless miseries.  The worship of supreme Lord Shiva in the Punyakshethra following sincere austerities, without performing any sin by words, mind, or intellect would definitely provide an abundance of meritorious rewards, all the sins committed in the several births would get destroyed.  The performance of austerities followed with Japa and charities in the Punyakshethra is compulsory, it would remove all the sins committed by Manasa Vacha and Karmana, otherwise the sins remain with the individual for several births, the piousness as well as the wisdom would get vanished, ultimately it would push the individual to the cycles of repeated births.  Whoever undertakes extreme pleasure in the material world would accumulate sins, it can get rid only with the performance of noble deeds.  Therefore, whoever performs Devaradhana/worship of deities, charities to twice-born, performs austerities and pious deeds in these sacred shrines would remove all their sins.”

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 23 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 11

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

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

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

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

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

Chapter – 22 – Vindhyeshwara Samhitha – 10

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

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

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

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

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