||Om Nama: Shivaya||

 

Chapter – 57 – Rudra Samhitha/Shrishti Kanda – 16

 

 Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Narada, the five essential elements such as Air, Earth, Ether, Water, fire, and the Prakrithi, mountains, oceans, trees, etc. came into existence, and it will be there at the end of Kali Yuga. Oh! Mune, I have created living and non-living things, but I was unsatisfied, contemplated upon the supreme Lord Mahadeva and Goddess Parvathi, further I have created the Saptharishis. Sage Marichi was born out of my eyes, Bhrigu from my heart, Angira and Vyasa and Pulaha from my head, Pulasthya from Udhanavayu, Vashishta from the Samana Vayu, Atri from the ears, and Dhakshaprajapathi from Pranavayu. Oh! Narada, you born on my lap, Kardhama was created out of my shadow, Dharma was created out of my notion for the welfare of all. Oh! Munisaththama, I have created excellent Sadhakoththama with the grace of that Supreme Lord Mahadeva, thus I have achieved contentment in my creation.  The mind-born Sadhakas of mine was the representation of Dharma, therefore they have engaged in Dharmic rites. I have created several deities, demons, and other living creatures. Oh! Mune, I have contemplated upon Lord Shankara, and I have created a male and female from my limb, they were Swayambhuva Manu and Devi Shatharoopa, eventually, Manu got attracted to the celestial damsel Devi Shatharoopa, thus the Maithuna Shrishti/creation of human by physical relationship has begun on the Earth.”

 

Lord Bhrama continues “Oh! Narada, Swayambhuva Manu, and Shatharoopa got married and this couple had two sons, Priyavratha and Uththanapadha. They had three daughters too; they were Akuthi, Devahuthi, and Prasuthi. Sage Ruchi was married to Akuthi, Kardhamaprajapathi was married to Devahuthi, and Daksha Prajapathi was married to Devi Prasuthi. Thus, human life on Earth has begun. Akuthi and Ruchi had two sons Yajja and Dhakshina, further Yajja and Dhakshina got married and had twelve sons. Devahuthi and Kardama Prajapathi had several daughters. Dhakshaprajapathi and Prasuthi had twenty-four daughters. Oh! Mune, Dhakshaprajapathi gave away his thirteen daughters in marriage to Dharma. The names of the thirteen wives of Dharma are Shraddha, Lakshmi, Dhrithi, Kriya,  Shanthi, Thushti, Pushti, Medha, Buddhi, Lajja, Vasu, Siddhi, and Keerthi.  The eleven daughters of Dhakshaprajapathi were Khyathi, Sathi, Sambhuthi, Smrithi, Preethi, Kshama, Sannathi, Anuroopa, Uraja, Svaha, and Swadha, were married to Sage Bhrigu,  Bhava/Shiva, Marichi, Angirass, Pulasthya, Pulaha, Krathu, Athri, Vashishta, Agni, and Pithrus respectively, thus these married couples had their own sons and daughter, and the creation has expanded, except Bhava and Sathi had no offspring. In another Kalpa, Daksha Prajapathi had sixty daughters, ten of them married to Dharma, and twenty-seven daughters were married to Chandra and thirteen daughters were married to Kashyapa Prajapathi, and three daughters were married to Sage Bhrigu, Angiras, and Krishashva respectively. Thirteen girls were married to Kashyapa had several children, thus the life on Earth has expanded again, the couple has given birth to Rishis, deities,  Dhaithyas, trees, mountains, etc. in this way,  living and non-living things appeared on the Earth. Thus, the cosmic egg/Bhramanda filled with the living and non-living things, from Pathal Loka to Sathya Loka. In this way, the creation of living and non-living things took place with the grace of Lord Mahadeva.”

 

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Sages, Devi Sati who was the daughter of Dhakshaprajapathi was Jagathjanani, Paramba, Bhagavathi who was born for Tapasya, and for the welfare of the Universe and its living beings. The abode of Vaikunda represents her left limb, Bhramaloka represents her right limb, and Rudra represents her heart. Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra  represents Trigunas, the supreme Lord Sadhashiva is beyond virtues and infallible. Lord Bhrama represents Rajoguna, Lord Vishnu has Sathvik and Thamasik as well, and Lord Shiva has Thamasik and Sathvik as well. The Swaradevi/Vakdevi/ Goddess of speech have the Rajasik nature, Devi Sati represents Sathvik nature, and Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi has Thamoguna. The supreme Goddess ShivA represents the Tridevi.  Goddess Sati was married to Lord Shiva, later she abandoned her body in the Yogagni.  She took rebirth at the request of deities, she was born to Mount Himavan and Devi Menavathi and conducted extreme penance, and thus Parvathi got married to Lord Shiva, and returned to her supreme abode of Mount Kailash. The supreme Goddess ShivA/Parvathi who symbolizes virtues and auspiciousness, has several sacred names, Kalika, Chandika, Bhadra, Chamunda, Vijya, Jaya, Jayanthi, Bhadrakali, Durga, Bhagavathi, Kamaksha, Kamada, Amba, Mridani, Sarvamangala, and Parvathi.  Whoever worships her with intense devotion and faith would attain welfare and happiness, ultimately salvation from the repeated births. The Thridevi/Parvathi, Saraswathi, and Lakshmi symbolize virtues and auspiciousness.”

 

Lord Bhrama concludes “Oh! Narada, I have narrated the creation of Universe and its living beings took place with the grace of supreme Lord Mahadeva, hence the Lord of Lords Mahadeva is supreme, I, Vishnu, and Rudra are his manifestation. The Supreme Lord Sadhashiva is independent to assume the Saguna and Nirguna swaroopa, he performs various amusements with the Goddess ShivA in the Shivaloka. Lord Rudra is  Swayam Shiva who has five faces, Soma, Surya and Agni as three eyes on each faces,  lives in the supreme abode of  Kailash, which is beyond destruction. The whole Universe and its living beings undergo destruction at the end of Yuga, except the abode of the supreme Lord Shiva.”

 

 

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

 

Chapter – 56 – Rudra Samhitha/Shrishti Kanda – 15

 

Maharishi Narada speaks “Oh! Vidhatha, Oh! Suroththama, you are extremely compassionate, you have described the highly propitious legend of the supreme Lord Shiva, Lingothpaththi, and the worship of Linga which could remove the miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence. Oh! Prabho, kindly narrate how did the creation has begun?”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Munisaththama, you have raised a brilliant question, I have narrated about the Lingothbhava and related incidents took place, I and Lord Vishnu conducted the search of the top and bottom of the flame of the pillar, I have assumed the form of swan and Lord Vishnu took the form of a wild boar.”

 

Maharishi Narada speaks  "Oh! Bhraman, Oh! Mahaprajja, Oh! Vidhatha, your answer put me in uneasiness, kindly clear my doubts with your compassionate advice. Why did you and Lord Vishnu assume the form of a swan and wild boar? What was the reason behind it?”

 

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Sages, Lord Bhrama immersed in the contemplation upon the lotus feet of supreme Lord Mahadeva, after listening to the queries of Narada.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Munishwara, the swan has the skill to separate milk from the water, it can fly high and it has the ability to make out the difference between the truth and false, intelligence, and ignorance efficiently. Although I have assumed the form of the Swan, I have failed to locate the top of the pillar of the flame, due to its effulgence. Lord Mahadeva is supreme knowledge; even after assuming the form of Swan, I could not understand the true knowledge. Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a white wild boar and plunged down the Earth. It was the exact moment of the beginning of Swetha Varaha Kalpa, all that was took place with a reason. Oh! Narada, I shall narrate the beginning of the creations elaborately.”

 

Lord Bhrama continues “ Oh! Vathsa, Lord Mahadeva appeared in the Sagunaroopa before us from the pillar of flame, and advised me and Lord Vishnu to commence the functions of creation and preservation respectively. We undertook meditation contemplating upon that supreme Lord Mahadeva, I have received the knowledge of creation from Lord Vishnu and began the function of creation.  Lord Mahadeva and Lord Vishnu returned to their respective abodes, I have sat contemplating upon them and created ‘Jalam’/water, a huge egg represent twenty-four Thaththva appeared on the surface of the water; I was mystified, contemplated upon Lord Vishnu for twelve years, Oh! Thatha, Lord Vishnu was pleased with my meditation and appeared before me. He touched my limbs affectionately and spoke “Oh! Bhrama, I am pleased with your devotion, kindly ask for a boon. There is nothing which is not possible for you, with the grace of Lord Shiva, I shall offer whatever you ask.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks to Vishnu “Oh! Vishnu, Oh! Mahabhaga, you have made me understand that you will be able to fulfill all the desires of mine with the grace of Lord Shiva, therefore kindly shower the boon which is desired by Lord Shiva. Oh! Prabho, the twenty-four Thaththvas appeared as a huge egg before me, there is no life vested in it, kindly activate the Thaththvas with the grace of  that Lord Shiva.”

 

Sahasrasheersha Purusha: Sahasraksha : Sahasrapath | Sa Bhoomim Sarvatha: Sprukthva Thadhandam Vyapthavanithi||

 

Lord Bhrama speaks to Narada “ Oh! Mune, Lord Vishnu who is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, took a gigantic form and entered inside the huge egg. The infinite form of Lord Vishnu was beyond description, it has an infinite number of hands, heads, eyes, and legs. I have eulogized Vishnu who entered into the Bhramanda/egg, with the gigantic form, soon the Bhramanda got activated. The supreme Lord Hari who is the preserver of seven worlds, appeared in gigantic form/Viratswaroopa, in these seven worlds there was the abode of Lord Shiva, the silver mountain Kailash. Oh! Munisaththama, at the end of the Pralaya the whole Bhramanda would get destroyed, but the abode of Kailash and Vaikunda will stay intact. I have Bhramaloka as my abode to carry out the function of creation, at the command of Lord Shiva. As soon as I have started the creation the sins began to appear in five forms, it was the knowledge covered in darkness, I have created non-living things. I have further engaged in the Tapasya contemplating upon the Lord Shiva, I have started the creation of animals, further, I have engaged in Tapasya and created the deities of Saththvik nature, then the creatures with Rajasik nature, human with great aspirations have created at the command of Lord Shiva, further, I have created Bhoothaganas at the command of Lord Shiva. In this way, I have created three categories of creatures, living and non-living things, deities and Bhoothaganas.”

 

 

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Sages, Lord Bhrama created three types from the Prakrithi, known as Mahathsarga, Bhauthika, and Vaikarika. The Prakrithi and Vaikarika Sarga merged together and originated eight types of creations, the Prakrithi and Vaikritha merged together and Kumara Sarga originated as the ninth concept of this union.  In this Kumara Sarga creation of Sanaka, Sananthana, Sanathkumara, and Sanathan took place. These Sanakadhis are the mind-born sons of Lord Bhrama, they are Mahavairgins who have no interest in worldly matters or bondage by birth. They have possessed enormous wisdom, engaged in the Tapasya contemplating upon Lord Shiva; they have rejected the request for the function of creation by Bhrama, it roused the anger in Bhrama and shed two drops of tears.”

 

Lord Bhrama continues “ Oh! Narada, I  have meditated upon Lord Vishnu who advised me to contemplate upon Lord Shiva, thus I have performed extreme Tapasya, while the performance of my Tapasya there appeared the  Ardhanareeshwara from the middle of my eyebrows. It was the half man and half woman form of Lord Mahesha, who is the Lord of Uma has supreme luster, he is omniscient, omnipotent, he is the knower of all, he is the creator of Universe and its living beings, he is also known as Neelalohitha, I offered humble prostration before that supreme Lord Ardhanareeshwara, I have eulogized the splendor of that supreme Lord, and requested to carry out the creation, he created several beings of Rajoguna.  I have requested Lord Maheshwara to stop the creation of beings with Rajasik nature that are afraid of birth and death. That compassionate Lord Mahadeva spoke to me affectionately “ Oh! Bhrama, I have not created people with dreadful appearance, or people fear of death and birth, it was their accumulated sins awarded that appearance and nature. Oh! Bhrama, I shall release all those living beings from their accumulated sins, in fact, I am the preceptor of that Jeeva who is drenched in the worldly matters and bondage, I impart the knowledge of Paramarththa, I protect them from the endless miseries and sufferings of worldly existence, and  I liberate them from the repeated cycles of birth and death. Oh! Prajapathi, you can continue the function of creation of the living beings to reap the fruit of its Karma; you will not find any hurdles in it.” Thus, Lord Shiva and his Ganas disappeared from my sight.”

 

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

 

Chapter – 55 – Rudra Samhitha/Shrishti Kanda – 14

 

The Rishis speak “Oh! Sutha, Oh! Mahabhaga, Oh! Vyasashishya, kindly enlighten us with the knowledge of the type of flowers and fruits that are used for the veneration of Linga and what are the meritorious rewards available.”

 

Sutha Pauaranika speaks “Oh! Rishis, listen to me carefully, I shall narrate the conversation took place between Maharishi Narada and Lord Bhrama on the above topic.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Vathsa, the veneration of Linga with the lotus flowers, Shankhapushpa, Shathapathra/lotus flower with thousand petals and the bale leaves would provide the eternal presence of Lakshmi in the home of worshiper; therefore whoever desires for richness should carry out the worship of Linga with the above-said flowers. The worship of Linga with the lakh of lotus flowers would remove all the sins and brings an abundance of wealth. The worship of Linga with the twenty numbers of lotus flowers, five hundred bale leaves, five hundred lotus flower petals, and Sixteen Pala, would fulfill all the desires of the worshiper. Oh! Mune, whoever wants to achieve the Kingdom should worship crores of Parththivashivalinga/Shivalinga made out of the sand. The veneration should be carried out by offering unbroken yellow rice, application of sandalwood paste, and sprinkling water on the Linga. The lotus flowers and bale leaves are offered to the Parththiva Shivalinga as a part of veneration, and offering Shakha Pusha to Linga would fulfill all the desires of the worshiper. The worship should be completed with the offering of Dhoopa, Dheepa, Neivedhya, Harathi, Pradhakshinam, Namaskaram, Kshamapanam, Visarjjanam of the Parththiva Shivalinga, at the end of the worship the worshiper should partake meal with the people assembled in the worship of the Linga.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Mune, I shall narrate the significance of the worship of Parththivashivalinga, whoever desires to achieve dignified position should carry out the worship half crore of Parththivashivalinga. Whoever desires to get freed from the prison should conduct worship hundred of thousands of Parththivashivalinga. Whoever desires to get rid of ailments should worship fifty thousands of Parththivashivalinga. The childless couple who desires for a girl child should conduct the worship of twenty-five crores of the Parththivashivalinga and with the same number of flowers. The person who is desirous to achieve supreme knowledge should worship twelve thousand Parththivashivalinga with five hundred lotus flowers. Whoever desirous to achieve excellence in speech should worship Lord Shiva with the ghee lamp, the worshiper who desirous to win over the enemies should conduct the worship of one lakh Parththivashivlinga with the same number of flowers, the worship of fifty thousands of Parththivashivalinga would provide beauty and attractiveness.  The worship of  crores of Parththivashivalinga would provide victory over the Kingsmen, and it would provide fame as well. Whoever desirous to achieve vehicles of any kind to make the simple living comfortable should conduct the worship of thousands of Parththivashivalinga. Whoever desirous to achieve salvation from the repeated births should undertake the worship of five crores of Parththivashivalinga. The person who is desirous of supreme wisdom should worship Lord Shankara who is Lokashankara, by constructing crores of Parththiva Shivalinga. Whoever desirous to achieve the Dharshan of the supreme Lord Shiva should conduct the five million Parththivashivalinga.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “ Oh! Munishwara, I shall narrate the methods of recitation of sacred hymns of Lord Shiva and its benefits.  The recitation of five lakh Mrithyunjaya Manthra would fulfill all the desires of the worshiper, and the worshiper would attain the eternal grace of Lord Shiva. If a person recited 2.5 lakh Mrithyunjaya Manthra would achieve birth in a higher clan, the recitation 3 lakh Mrithyunjaya Manthra would fulfill all the desires of the worshiper, and recitation of 4 lakh Mrithyunjaya Manthra would bring eternal grace of Lord Mahadeva. The recitation of Mahamrithyunjaya Manthra for five or ten lakh times would provide an abundance of meritorious rewards to the worshiper.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “ Oh! Vathsa, I shall narrate the types of flowers used for the veneration of Linga. The worship of Lord Shiva with the Kusha grass would provide salvation, the veneration of one lakh  Parththivashiva Linga is considered highly auspicious. Whoever desirous to attain long life should worship Lord shiva with the Dhurva Grass, whoever desirous to have a male progeny should worship Lord Shiva with the Dhaththura flowers,  and the worship of Dhaththura with red stalk is highly auspicious. The veneration of Linga with the Agasthya Kusuma would provide fame, the worship of Linga with the Tulsi provides worldly pleasures, and salvation as well. The veneration of Linga with the flowers of Mandhara, Arkkapushpa, Kubjaka, and Kalhara would provide Bhukthi and Mukthi as well. The worship of Linga with the Japakusuma would harm the enemies; the worship of Linga with Karaveera would eradicate all the illnesses. The worship of Linga with the Bandhookakusuma would provide wealth and ornaments, worship with the jasmine flowers would provide possession of horses and vehicles, the worship of Linga with the Athaseepushpa would bring nearness to Lord Vishnu. The worship of Linga with the Shamipathra would bring devotion as well as salvation. The worship of Linga with Jasmine would provide a beautiful wife as a wedded wife. The worship of Linga with the Yuthikakusuma would remove the sufferings of poverty; the worship of Linga with the Karnnikapushpa would bring an abundance of clothes. The worship of Linga with the Nirgundikusuma, the devotees would get freed from mental illnesses and redundant thoughts as well. The worship of Linga with the lakhs of Bilwapathra would fulfill all the desires of the worshiper. The worship of Linga with the Harashrungarapushpa would bring worldly pleasures and comforts, and the worship of Linga with the flowers available in the seasons would definitely achieve salvation. The worship of Linga with the Rajikakusuma would harm the enemies, and worship of one lakh Rajikakusuma would bring an abundance of meritorious rewards. Oh! Rishi, the flowers of Champaka and Kethaka are forbidden for the worship of Linga, therefore the veneration of Linga should not be conducted with these flowers.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “ Oh! Mune, I shall narrate the meritorious rewards earned by offering various grains to Lord Shiva. The offering of rice would bring richness to the worshiper, /unbroken yellow rice/ and Vasthra, coconut, incense, lamp, with the recitation of Vedic chants, should be offered in order to achieve the results of the complete worship. The Dhakshina should be offered to the priest, and twelve Bhramans should be fed, it would bring the results of Lakshapuja. The daily worship of Linga and feeding the devotees of Lord Shiva would bring an abundance of piousness; it would remove the miseries and sorrows. Oh! Vathasa, Lord Shiva narrated Goddess Parvathi about the merits of the worship of Linga with the grains, which provides welfare and happiness. The worship of Linga with the grain would provide offspring to a childless couple, worship with the green gram would bring happiness and worldly pleasures, at the end of worship, serving the Bhramanas with the sumptuous meal would bring commendable rewards. The worship of Linga with the Priyangu flowers would provide Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha as well. The offering mustard seeds, black pepper, Arahara pulses on the Linga would remove enemies, and offering charities of cow and bull would please Lord Shiva. The worship of Linga with the Arahara flowers would bring worldly pleasures. Oh! Sages I have explained the worship of Linga with the grains and pulses as well.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Sage, Maharishi Vedavyasa is well-known for his knowledge in the worship of Linga, and the number of flowers used for the veneration.  The worship of Linga with  one lakh jasmine flowers, Yuthika flowers, flowers of mustard  seeds, Mallika, sesame flowers/Tilapushpa, Karaveera, Nirgundi, Karnnikara,  Shirisha Kusuma, Bandhujeeva, etc. would provide welfare and happiness to the worshiper, it would fulfill all the desires of the worshiper. The Dharapuja on the Linga would bring all the auspiciousness to the worshiper. The worship of Linga with the Dhara/water, reciting Shatharudriya or Ekadasharudriya would cure the high fever like infectious diseases. The Dharapuja can be conducted with the recitation of Rudrajapa, Purushasuktha, Shadangarudri or Mahamrithyunjaya Manthra, Panchakshara and Gayathri etc. The Dhara worship on the Linga would provide an abundance of meritorious rewards to the worshiper, while this Dhara worshiper make sure to offer various ingredients and sacred ashes to attain the grace of Lord, at the end of the worship twelve Bhramanas should be fed and provide contributions to them. The worship of Linga with milk and sugar would provide wisdom, equivalent to Devaguru Bhrihaspathi. The Dharapuja on the Linga would bring prosperity in the clan; it would remove ailments, miseries, agony, conflicts, arguments, misfortune, disgrace, etc. The worship of Linga with the oil would remove miseries, offering fragrant scents on the Linga would provide worldly pleasures and happiness, adoration of Linga with the mustard oil would remove the enemies, adoration of Linga with the honey would remove evil effects from Yaksha, adoration of Linga with the sugarcane juices would provide bliss, adoration of Linga with the waters of sacred Ganga would provide Moksha, at the end of Dharapuja, the recitation of ten thousands of Maha Mrithyunjaya Manthra should be performed and twelve Bhramanas should be fed to achieve piousness. Oh! Munishwara, I have described all that about the veneration of Linga. I have already narrated the methods of worship of supreme Lord Mahadeva, along with Goddess Parvathi, and Karthikeya and the meritorious rewards, as per my knowledge. The worship of Lord Shiva would bring the worshiper, all the worldly pleasure, family and offspring, and grandchildren, finally attain the abode of Lord Shiva, after leaving the mortal coil the Jeeva would achieve a divine form with the brilliance of crores of Sun, and attain the association of Rudrakanyas, and continue to remain in the supreme abode till the end of the Kalpa, eventually attains Moksha.”

 

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

 

Chapter – 54 – Rudra Samhitha/Shrishti Kanda – 13

 

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “ Oh! Rishis and Sages and deities listen to me carefully. I shall explain the method of the worship of Linga in detail, which could provide an abundance of meritorious rewards. The worshiper should be awake before the dawn and meditate upon the supreme Lord Mahadeva along with Goddess Parvathi, the prayer to invoke the deities in the morning as follows.”

 

Uththishtothishta Devesha  Uththishta  Hridhayeshaya | Uththishta Thvam Umaswamin Bhramande Mangalam Kuru || Janami Dharmam Nachame Pravriththir Janamyadharmam Nachame Nivriththi: | Thvaya Mahadeva Hridhi Sthithena  Yaya Niyukthoasmi Thatha Karomi||

 

“Oh! Devesha, kindly wake up! Oh! Hridhayeshaya who resides as a soul in living beings, kindly wake! Oh! Umaswami, who is the Lord of Goddess Uma, kindly shower auspiciousness to the whole Bhramanda, Oh! Prabho, I do not know Dharma, I did not do any Dharmapravriththi as well/righteous deeds, Oh! Prabho, I do not know about the methods of Nrivriththi Marga, I have not performed any Nivriththi Marga as well, Oh! Mahadeva, who resides as the soul in us, kindly enlighten us to perform the same.”

 

The worshiper should contemplate upon his preceptor, and move towards southern direction for ablutions, the purification of the body is done with the sand and water, the purification of the mouth, and rinse with the water for sixteen times before the sunrise. Oh! Rishis and Sages, the cleansing of the mouth should not be done on sixth and ninth and moonless days of the fortnights, and Sundays. The purification of the body can be done in the river or pond, according to the time and traditions. The performance of the bath is compulsory facing the east on all days, solar and lunar eclipse, after the bath the performance of charities, or austerities or vows are conducted, and the worshiper should not take bath in the hot water during the days of Ashaucha. The oil bath should be taken on particular days; this is not applicable to the person who is used to have an oil bath on a regular basis. The mustard oil is applied to the body for a bath on specific days, and an oil bath should not be taken on the period of the solar or lunar eclipse. The bath can be performed based on the time and zone, facing north or east. While taking bath one should not use the borrowed clothes, the bath should be performed wearing clean cloth and reciting the names of Lord Shiva. The cloth worn on yesterdays can be used for a bath, after the completion of wash,  the running water is offered to deities, Rishis, and manes and take a sip of it,  and after that worshiper can wear fresh clothes. The seat for the performance of worship should be clean and purified with the cow-dung paste, and it should be covered with grass mat or wooden, or skin of deer,   the place and the seat of worship should be sanctified. The worshiper should apply Tripundra followed with the recitation of chants after taking a seat. Oh! Brahmana, any charities, or Tapas, or austerities performed after applying Tripundra is highly propitious. In the absence of holy ashes, the Tripundra can be drawn with the water as well. The worship of Lord Shiva should begin with the application of holy ashes as Tripundra, adoring Rudraksha as a garland around the neck. The performance of Achamana, offerings to the deity, and all the ingredients for the performance of the rite should be procured beforehand, the worship of the deity should begin after initial prostration to the preceptor, followed with Sankalpa, if any wishes or something should be included, and the adoration of Shivalinga should be performed sincerely. The worship of Lord Ganesha along with Goddess Riddhi and Siddhi, and adoration of Linga and the deities with the vermilion flowers rice, etc. performed with Shivamudra. The worship of Lord Ganesha along with Lord Karthikeya is performed, the Dwarapalaka of the Lord also worshiped in the shrines, and Devi Parvathi. The offerings of Neivedhya, vermilion, flowers, incense, the lamp is offered to the Linga and all the deities. I have narrated the worship of the Linga consecrated in the shrine. In the houses, the Dwarapalakas are not worshiped, the simple worship of Lord Shiva along with Lord Ganesha, Lord Karthikeya and Goddess Parvathi is performed, and there are no hard and fast rules to follow. In the houses the worship of Linga can be conducted seated facing north before the Linga, Prakshyalay, Pranayama, the ten times of recitation of Moolamanthra, display of Panchamudhra, the lamp is offered to the deities, followed with the initial salutations to the preceptor. The worship of the deities can be done in any of these Asanas/seating postures, Padmasana, Bhadrasana, Uththanasana, or Paryanka asana, whichever is convenient for the worshiper. The worship of Linga with the water should be conducted and the Lord of the Lords along with Goddess Parvathi who resides in Mount Kailash should be invoked with the recitation of sacred hymns.”

 

Yathoktharoopinam Shambhum Nirgunam Gunaroopinam | Panchavakthram Dhashabhujam Thrinethram Vrishabhadhvajam || Karpooragauram Dhivyangam Chandramaulim Kapardhinam | Vyaghracharmoththareeyam Cha Gajacharmambharam Shubham || Vasukhyadhipareethangam Pinakadhyayudhanvitham | Sidhdhayoashtai Cha Yasyagre Nrithyanthiha Nirantharam|| Jaya Jayethi Shabdhaishcha  Sevitham Bhakthapujjakai: | Thejasa  Dhu: Sahenaiva  Dhurlakshyam Devasevitham || Sharanyam Sarvasaththvanam Prasanna Mukhapankajam | Vedai: Shasthraiarththa Geetham Vishnu Bhramanutham Sadha ||

 

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Brahmanas, the supreme Lord Shambhu who has Saguna and Nirguna swaroopa as well. He has five faces, ten arms, three eyes on each face, holds the flag which has the emblem of the celestial bull. He has fair complexion resembles camphor, he has divine limbs, he is adorned in the crescent moon on the matted hair locks, he is attired on the tiger skin, adorned in serpents as ornaments all over the body, he holds the powerful bow and Pinaka, the Ashtasidhdhis dances around him, the crowd of the Gans, deities, and celestials cheers in extreme bliss, he has supreme radiance, he is worshiped by the deities, He is the protector of Jeeva, he has a pleasing smile, he is eulogized by Veda and Vedanga, he is eulogized by Bhrama and Vishnu as well.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Sages and deities, the worship should be carried out with the Arkhya and Padhyam, and recitations of sacred chants of Lord Shiva. The bathing of the Linga should be performed with the ingredients procured, and offer the fragrances, sandalwood paste, and Kasthuri following the recitation of Vedic Manthra, and the flowers, sesame seeds, barley grains, wheat, green gram, are offered to the deity. The flowers like lotuses, rose, Shankhapushpa, Kusha, Dhathoora, basil, Tulsi, Bale leaves are offered to the Linga, any of these flowers can be used for the veneration if there is no Neivedhyam is available, mere offering the bale leaves on the Linga would provide the piousness of the veneration of Linga. The offerings of Sugandhachoornnam, Guggulu, Agaru is also the part of veneration, and lightning ghee lamp before the Linga, with the following prayers”

 

Roopam Dhehi Yasho Dhehi Bhogam Dhehi Cha Shankara | Bhukthi Mukthi Phalam Dhehi Griheethvardham Namosthuthe ||

 

“Oh! Prabho, Oh! Shankara, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you, kindly bless us with attractive appearance, kindly bless us with fame, welfare and happiness, kindly bless us with all the worldly pleasures and ultimately Mukthi/state of abandonment/the state of bliss.”

 

Lord Bhrama continues “Oh! Sages and deities, as the final stage of the veneration, the offering of Neivedhya, Harathi is performed to the Linga, circumambulate the Linga, and prostrate before the Linga, offering a handful of flowers with the prayer to forgive all those mistakes committed knowingly and unknowingly. The prayers made to supreme Lord Gaureesha who is the Lord of spirits/Bhoothanatha, to forgive all the mistakes and sins committed, take shelter at the lotus feet of him, the Jeeva slipped out of his hands should unite with him with the prayers and venerations and the Jeeva should take refuge at his feet, and request to remove all the sins, finally as a part of the veneration the supreme Lord who is Devadevesha, worshiped in the form of Linga should be placed in the original sanctum, with a request to return for the worship tomorrow as well. The water used for the bathing of the Linga should be sprinkled on the head of the worshiper. Oh! Sages, and deities, I have explained the methods of veneration of Linga elaborately. This could provide intense devotion and salvation from the repeated births as well. Oh! Sages, what would you like to hear from me?”

 

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

 

Chapter – 53 – Rudra Samhitha/Shrishti Kanda – 12

Maharishi Narada speaks “ Oh! Bhraman, Oh! Prajapati, Oh! Thatha, you are a sincere devotee of Lord Mahadeva, kindly speak elaborately on the Shivathaththva.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “ Oh! Vathsa, I was born on the lotus from the navel of Lord Narayan, once, I have invited all the illustrious sage and Rishis and deities, to assemble before the supreme Lord Vishnu who resides in the milky ocean, Oh! Narada, we all arrived in the abode of that compassionate Lord Vishnu was received with great respect, he rose from the seat and invited us with folded hands.”

 

Lord Vishnu began to speak after mentally offering prayers to supreme Lord Mahadeva “Oh! Lord Bhrama and deities, kindly reveal the purpose of your visit and I am willing to offer all the help.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Munishwara, all the Rishis and deities assembled offered humble salutations before the Supreme Lord Vishnu who is Lord of the Universe, and began to speak in an amiable tone.”

 

The deities speak “ Oh! Prabho, kindly enlighten us who should be worshiped to get rid of miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence?”

 

Lord Vishnu smilingly looked at Bhrama and began to speak passionately “Oh! Lord Bhrama, I have already narrated it to you. I shall repeat the same for the benefit of all. Oh! Bhrama, you have seen before your eyes and have clear knowledge about who should be worshiped to get rid of miseries. Once again, I shall reiterate about it, Lord Mahadeva should be worshiped to get rid of grief and troubles of worldly existence, therefore whoever desirous to attain peace, serenity, and prosperity, and all kinds of auspiciousness should worship Lord Shiva.  Thara and her family stopped veneration of Lingamoorthi of Maheshwara met their complete destruction; my powerful Maya worked on them, got distracted from the worship of Maheshwara, and met their destruction. The Supreme Lord Shiva should be worshiped in the form of Linga to get rid of all the perils. It’s the piousness of the  Sharvalingarchana keeps all the deities, Dhaithyas, you and me, and the noble people living in peace. All the deities worship the Lingamoorthi of that supreme Lord Shiva and get fulfilled their wishes and boons. An hour or a moment passed without meditating upon that supreme Lord Mahadeva would be considered as sinful, that causes utter misapprehension and blemishes. Whoever performs the worship of Lord Shiva and contemplate upon him would get evade from the miseries and sorrows.  Whoever worships the Lingamoorthi of supreme Lord Mahadeva would provide wealth, richness, fame, possessions, appropriate companion as wedded wife or husband, good health, free from ailments, heavenly pleasure, and ultimately liberation from the cycles of repeated births.  Whoever conducts the daily worship of the Shivalinga would achieve success in all the endeavors and remain sinless.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Narada, thus the deities and Sages expressed sincere gratefulness to Lord Vishnu and appealed to describe the types of Linga for the welfare of humans on the Earth.”

 

The compassionate Lord Vishnu spoke to Vishwakarma “Oh! Vishwakarma, I have been always striving hard for the welfare of Jeeva, and remove their sins. Therefore, kindly construct magnificent Shivalinga and offer to deities.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Narada, Sage Vishwakarma prepared beautiful Lingas at the instruction of Lord Vishnu, and it was distributed among the deities and Sages. Oh! Sutha, Lord Indra received a Linga made of ruby, Lord Kubera received Linga made of gold, Dharmaraja received a Linga made of Topaz, Lord Varuna received a Linga made of dark blue stone, Lord Vishnu received the Linga made of Sapphire/Indraneela, and I have received a Linga of gold. The Vishwadeva and Vasus received Linga made of silver, Ashwini Kumaras received the Linga made of brass, Goddess Mahalakshmi received a crystal Linga, Adithyas received the Linga made of copper, Moon received the Linga of precious jewels, and Agni received the Linga made of gems. The illustrious Bhramins and their wives received the earthen Linga, Maya received the Linga made of sandalwood, and the serpent Anantha received the Linga made of coral. The female deities received the Linga wood, Yogis received the Linga made of sacred ashes. The Yakshas received the Linga made of curd, and the Chaya received the Linga made of flour. The supreme Goddess Bhavani received the Linga made of precious stone, Bana and others received the Linga made of Mercury.  In this way, the Vishwakarma made several Linga made of various precious stones and metals were reverentially distributed among the deities, Rishis, Vipras, Yakshas, Dhanavas, and Goddess as well. After that Lord Vishnu described the method of worship of the Linga, and the deities and Sages returned to their respective abode. Further, I spoke to the deities assembled “Oh! Deities, and Rishis, listen to the method of worship of Linga would provide an abundance of meritorious rewards. The life of a human is difficult to achieve on the Earth and it is superior among all the creatures, further, it is difficult to take birth in the illustrious clan of Brahmana.  The twice-born who have attained an abundance of piousness in his/her previous births would achieve the fortune to worship of Linga. The worship of Linga should be performed according to the prescribed rite for each Varnna and perform charities in one’s own capacity. Oh! Deities and Sages, Tapo Yajja is superior to thousands of Karma Yajja, and Japa Yajja is superior to thousands of Tapo Yajja. There is nothing superior to Dhyana Yajja, it is possible for the Yogis who are immersed in constant meditation and contemplation of the supreme Lord and it would enhance the Gnana of the worshiper.  The Yogis immersed in the meditation for years and years to achieve that supreme Bhramam, the supreme Lord Mahadeva reside close to them always.  These Yogis need not perform any Karma to remove their sins or perform any rites to nullify their sins.”

 

 

Lord Bhrama continues “Oh! Noble souls, the intellectuals who are aware of the Paramarththa Thaththva, the knowledge of the all-pervasive Bhramam, oneness-in-all, do not feel pleasure or pain, virtue or evil, sacrifices or Japa, or meditation and rules related to the performance of rites. They are Mukthathma with the knowledge of that Parambhramam, free from passions, desires, worldly matters and bondages, and fear of death. The worship of Linga bestows auspiciousness; it is Swayam Lord Shiva who is unblemished, omnipresent. Oh! Deities and Rishis, there are two types of Linga, one is Sthoola Linga and another one is Sookshma Linga.  The Karmakandis worship the Sthoola Linga, and Yogis adore the Sookshma Linga in their hearts. The whole Universe is the creation of that supreme Lord and he resides as a soul in living beings, therefore the worship of a subtle form of Linga/Sookshma Linga is considered as highly propitious. The Yogis remains pure like the lotus flower has grown in the muddy water remains untouched by it, similarly, the Grihastha who has the knowledge of the Shivathaththva performs their duties and responsibilities without getting attached to it, and continues to worship the Linga. The intellectuals, who have the knowledge of all-pervasive nature of Bhramam as Sath and Asath/living and non-living things, consider them as the shadow of the Sun seen in different pitchers of the waters. The devotees should continue the worship of the Linga until they attain the knowledge of ‘oneness-in-all’, the Sagunopasana helps the worshiper to achieve the highest status of ‘Nirgunopasana’, and it is considered as same the worship of other deities too. The devotee, who refuses to perform the Sagunaswaroopa without achieving the superior state, is considered as a sin.”

 

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! twice-born, listen to me carefully, the worship of the deities and performance of the prescribed rites should be followed meticulously according to the Shastra, and the people of four Varnas and in the four Ashrama Dharma should strictly follow the rules prescribed in the Shastra. The performance of charities without the worship of the Lord is considered as a sin, the accumulated sins did not bring success to Jeeva. The worship of deities would remove impurities in the Jeeva, the attainment of knowledge would enhance the devotion and it would inspire them to perform noble deeds out of that sincere devotion. The achievement of knowledge would be possible with the devotion at the feet of the preceptor, and remaining in the association of ascetics, saintly people, scholars, and intellectuals. The constant association with the noble souls would lead in achieve the preceptor, the sacred hymns received as Manthropadhesha from the preceptor are used for the worship of the deities. The achievement of the supreme knowledge would lead to the realization of ‘Bhramam’, eventually, all the false perceptions will get destroyed and the Jeeva attains the Shivaswaroopa. Oh! Divine Rishis, once, the misapprehensions vanishes the Jeeva gets freed from pleasure and sin, grace and disgrace, joy and sorrow, etc. It is difficult to achieve that superior state and the mere witness of the Bhramamjjyani all the sins get destroyed, hence the Rishis are highly praised as the form of supreme Bhramam. Oh! Brahmins, the visit to various holy places and Theerthas, and veneration of deities is the gradual process to achieve that supreme Knowledge, some may attain that highest of that state with the sheer knowledge of the supreme Bhramam and envisions the supreme Lord in all the living and non-living things. The Jeeva should continue the veneration of Linga until he/she attains the highest state of spirituality, worship of the Linga is like watering the root of the tree that would help the tree to grow healthy. Oh! Munisaththama, I insist, watering the tree on its root, not on its branches. Therefore I would suggest the worship of Linga would bring the piousness of worship of all the deities.”

 

 

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

 

Chapter – 52 – Rudra Samhitha/Shrishti Kanda – 11

 

Rishis speak “Oh! Sutha Oh! Mahabhaga, Oh! Vyasashishya, we shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Sutha, you have brilliantly narrated the origin of the Nirguna Swaroopa of Lord Shiva as Linga, the legend praising the splendor of Linga and worship of the same would destroy all the miseries of the worshiper. Oh! Dhayanidhe, kindly describe the conversation between Lord Bhrama and Narada which took place regarding the worship of the Linga of supreme Lord Mahadeva. The Supreme Lord Shiva is worshiped by all the Varnas/Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra reverentially. Oh! Sutha, you must have heard the method of veneration of Ling of Lord Mahadeva from your preceptor Maharishi Vedavyasa.”

 

Sutha Pauranika enthusiastically begins to speak “ Oh! Munishwara, you have raised a brilliant question, which was keeping highly confidential all these days. I shall reveal it to you as per my knowledge that I have learned from my preceptor.  Previously, Sanathkumara raised the same question to Sage Upamanyu, and he learned it all from him. Maharishi Vedavyasa learned it from Sage Upamanyu which was narrated by the supreme Lord Krishna and later it was taught it to me for the welfare of the people in the Universe. Further, it was narrated by Lord Bhrama to Narada."

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Narada listen to me carefully, I shall briefly describe the veneration of the Linga. Oh! Mune, the adoration of the supreme Lord Shiva as Linga, cannot be described not even in the hundreds of years. The compassionate Lord Shiva who is unblemished and flawless showers an abundance of boons to his worshiper which is beyond words. The sufferings of poverty, various ailments, the threat of the enemy, and four types of sins like Bhramahathya would get destroyed with the worship of the Linga. It removes all the sufferings, miseries, and sorrows of the worldly existence; it would provide happiness and welfare, and liberation from the repeated births as well.  The childless couple would attain progeny with the grace of the worship of the Linga. The Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra worships Lord Shiva appropriately  according to their Varnna, and attains an abundance of piousness in their lives,  and all the desires get satisfied. I shall describe the process of veneration of Linga, which should be conducted during the Bhramamuhurtha, after the veneration of the preceptor, reciting the glorious hymns Shiva Ashtoththara, praising the sacred Theertha, Lord Hari and Lord Bhrama and deities are part of the veneration after performing the sun worship. The worship of Ling is performed with unbroken rice, fragrances, incense, earthen lamp and various ingredients, with the recitation, followed ‘Eshana: Sarvavidhyanam’ and ablutions of the Linga is performed with the Dhravyas like sandalwood paste, milk, Panchagavya, honey, curd, sugarcane juices, etc. performance of ablutions with the Ghee removes the sins of the worshiper. The adoration of Linga with the flowers like Kusha, Apamarga, camphor,  Champa, Trumpet flowers, Jasmine, lotuses, and various kinds of flowers with the sandalwood paste and water offered to Linga. The performance of ablutions with the recitation of Vedic chants provide meritorious rewards.”

 

Lord Bhrama continues “Oh! Vathsa, I shall briefly narrate what are the Manthras should be recited while performing the ablutions to the Linga. The Manthras that has been learned from the preceptor, the Manthras known by heart, Rudra Suktha, Nila Suktha, and the Manthras from the Shukla Yajurveda, Adharvasheersha, Shanthi Manthra, Aruna Manthra, Rama Manthra, Devaradhana Manthra, Pushpa Suktha, Rathanthara Manthra, Mrithyunjaya Manthra, Panchakshara Manthra, followed with the bathing of Linga with the sacred waters from thousands of streams or hundred and eight streams, according to one’s own capacity. These are the procedure to invoke the Linga, which is incomprehensible even for the Lord Bhrama, Vishnu, deities, Indra, Upendra. The supreme Lord Mahadeva is pure and eulogized by Veda and Vedantha, he is the essence of Veda, he has neither beginning nor end, he is eternal, he is the supreme cure for all the ailments. At the end of the veneration of Linga, the fruits, flowers, incense and betel leaves are offered to the deity and prostrated before the Linga, a final prayer is offered to the Lord to forgive all those mistakes done with the knowledge or without the knowledge, and appealing for the eternal grace of the Lord. Finally offering flowers at the feet of the Linga, recitation of Swasthivachana is performed to receive blessings from Bhramanas assembled. The recitation of Aghora Manthra is preformed with the prayer “Oh! Prabho, kindly shower your grace to remain your devotee in all my births. I shall take refugee at your lotus feet; kindly shower your eternal grace on us.” In this way, the supreme Lord Shiva should be worshiped, at the end of the worship, the sound of a male goat is uttered to please the Lord, and prostrate before the Lord with all the family members.  Whoever worships Lord Shiva with intense devotion and faith would achieve success in all endeavors, excellence in speech, all the desires get fulfilled, removes all the miseries, sufferings, ailments, sorrows, and grief, and the worshiper would achieve eternal grace of supreme Lord Shiva. The worshiper would achieve happiness and welfare, like the moon on the day of bright night, and achieve an abundance of meritorious rewards. Oh! Munisaththama, I have described all that briefly about the worship of the Linga. What else would you like to hear from me?”

 

 

||Om Nama: Shivaya||

 

Chapter – 51 – Rudra Samhitha/Shrishti Kanda – 10

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Hari, listen to me carefully, Oh! Vishnu, Oh! Suvratha, follow my instructions sincerely always, you will be honored and worshiped in the three worlds. Lord Bhrama would create the Universe and the living beings, and when the miseries and sufferings arise you should be capable to eliminate them, I will be always with you to assist you in this task, and I shall take immediate actions to eradicate them. Oh! Hari, always be prepared to incarnate in various forms to remove the sufferings on the Earth, in this way spread your splendor in the three worlds. I shall assume the form of Sagunaswaroopa Rudra, and perform the tasks in which you need my intervention; I promise you that I would definitely contribute my assistance to the tasks that require my intervention. Rudra would take care of your tasks and Bhrama would take care of Rudra. There is no difference between three of us and Rudra, we are the supreme Bhramam assumed the form of Trinities to perform the tasks of creation, preservation, and destruction at the end of Kalpa. You are the essence of the trinities, we perform various amusements for the welfare of the Universe and its people. If the devotee of Lord Rudra disrespects Lord Vishnu, all his virtues would be reduced to ashes. Oh! Purushoththama, whoever disgraces you would throw to hell; it is my promise to you. Oh! Vishnu, you would be showering auspiciousness and liberation to Jeeva, you will be venerated and highly respected among the deities and Jeeva.”

 

Lord Mahadeva took the hands of Lord Bhrama and Lord Hari and spoke affectionately “ Oh! Mithra, always render your help to the people who are in distress, Oh! Hari, you will be the presiding deities in the abode of deities, you should take care of the welfare of Jeeva and provide salvation to them. You will reside as a soul in them; I would incarnate as Rudra and remove the distress during the troubled period of time. Oh! Hari, whoever takes refugee at your lotus feet would be beloved of mine. Whoever finds differentiation between Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahadeva would definitely heave to hell. I shall describe the life span of the deities to you. The four thousand Yugas would be a day for Lord Bhrama, and the same contributes the night as well, and the life span of Bhrama would be a hundred years. Oh! Hari, a year of Bhrama would contribute a day of you, and the life span would be a hundred years. A year of Lord Vishnu contributes a day of Lord Shiva and the life span would be a hundred years, Goddess Shakthi is an inseparable part of mine and continued to remain with me during this period of time. Oh! Suroththama, all those living beings breathe for 21,600 times in twenty-four hours, it does not relate to Lord Sadashiva. Oh! Hari, therefore undertake the function of preservation of the Universe and its living beings.” Lord Bhrama and Lord Vishnu repeatedly prostrated before Lord Mahadeva.

 

Lord Vishnu speaks “Oh! Shankara who symbolizes auspiciousness, Oh! Ocean of the mercy, Lord of The universe, I shall perform all that have been instructed to me. You will remain, my beloved Lord, you will remain my beloved always and I have attained prowess from you. Oh! Prabho, give me intense devotion at your lotus feet, and your glorious form should not move out of my intellect not even for a second. Oh! Shankara, whoever disregards you would undergo constant troubles; it is my promise to you. Whoever worships you with sincere devotion would remain beloved of mine; this knowledge would make the Jeeva’s journey to liberation fruitful. Oh! Prabho, you have heightened my glories, if any mistakes from my part, kindly forgive me.”

 

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Narada, that compassionate Lord Mahadeva after listening to the amiable words of Vishnu, highly pleased and patted both of us affectionately, Oh! Vathsa, with that magical touch of that benevolent Lord Mahadeva, we have relieved from the miseries and grief, enlightened us with the knowledge of Dharma, and showered several boons on us. He gracefully looked at us and disappeared from our sight. Ever since the worship of Linga/Nirgunaswaroopa of Lord Shiva took place on the Earth, worship of the Linga would provide all kinds of pleasures on the Earth, and salvation from the repeated cycles of birth as well. The pedestal of the Linga represents Goddess Shakthi who is an inseparable part of him,  and the Ling is Swayam Shiva.  Whoever reads or listens to the glories of the ‘Linga’ would attain the eternal grace of Lord Shiva and remains Shiva himself.  Oh! Mahamune, whoever resides close to the shrine of Lord Shiva and conducts worships of Linga would attain commendable virtues, which is beyond words.”