Sabarimalai Ayyappa Temple

Lord Ayyappa

Sabarimalai is situated amidst the dense forests in Sahya hill (Sahyadri) range in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala. The temple (Sannidhanam) is located on the hill top, at an altitude of 4135 ft.To reach the temple, one has to trek through the hill by walk in the dense forest range. According to both history and mythology, Lord Ayyappa is the last and only God belonging to the present Kaliyugam.

A demon female called Mahishi, performed severe penance towards Lord Brahma to take revenge against Devas who were responsible for the death of her brother Mahishasura. Mahishasura was killed by Mahishasuramardhini (Kali) as per Devas’ prayers.Lord Brahma appeared to Mahishi and told her that she can ask for any boon except immortality. Mahishi prayed Lord Brahma that she should get such powers that no one should be able to kill her except a son who is born out of the union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

She cleverly asked such a boon as both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu were male Gods. Brahma offered her the boon. Mahishi started troubling Devas as the revenge.A demon king called Bhasmaasura performed penance praying Lord Shiva. When Lord appeared to him, he asked for a boon that whoever he touches should turn into ashes. The Lord granted him the boon. Bhasmaasura just couldn’t believe it and wanted to test it on Lord Shiva Himself. Lord Shiva went and requested Lord Vishnu to rescue him. Lord Vishnu took the form of a Mohini (a beautiful woman), and went to Bhasmaasura. On seeing her beauty, he wanted to marry her.

Mohini agreed to it with a condition that he should touch his head and swear that he will not think of any other woman after marrying Mohini. Bhasmaasura innocently touched his own head and turned into ashes.

Lord Shiva saw Lord Vishnu who was in the avatar of Mohini. He got attracted with the beauty of Mohini, and there happened the union of Lord Shiva and Mohini (Lord Vishnu), out of which a male child was born to them. He was named Dharma Saastha who was growing up in Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. He was also called Hariharan as he was born to Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva). During the Pandya dynasty, while the Pandyas were ruling parts of Kerala apart from Tamilnadu, the descendants of the dynasty were given the rights to rule the country of Pandalam.

One such king called Rajasekara, who was the direct descendant of the Pandya dynasty was ruling Pandalam region. King Rajasekara was very successful as a king, keeping his kingdom prosperous. The king had only one worry in life that he had no children to take up the responsibility after his tenure. The king and the queen prayed Lord Shiva for blessing them with a child. Lord Shiva decided to answer their prayers through Dharma Saastha. He directed Dharma Saastha to be born as a baby and grow up in Pandalam. Lord Shiva along with Mohini left the baby in the dense forests on the banks of River Pampa, which was in Pandalam territory of Rajasekara.One day, while Rajasekara went for hunting, he was resting in a place after a tiresome hunt. He heard a noise of a baby crying.

Rajasekara Hunting in Forest

Rajasekara Found Ayyappa in Forest

He went around and saw a beautiful male baby left alone in the forest. He was astonished to see the baby with a golden bell tied around the neck. While he was confused on what to do with the baby, a sage who was passing by told him that the baby is so divine and reminded the king of his prayers to Lord Shiva for blessing him with a baby. He also said that the baby is not a normal human being and an avatar of God himself.As there was a bell tied around the neck, the sage named the baby "Manikandan" (Mani means bell and Kanda means neck in Tamil) and advised the king to take the baby to the palace and bring him up. He also told that the king would realize the purpose of the boy’s birth when He turns 12.

The king was too happy and took the baby to the palace and brought him up. The queen and everyone in the kingdom were very happy that the king now had an heir to succeed.There was a Diwan (minister) in the kingdom, who was planning to take over the rule as the king didn’t have a successor, now got worried as his dreams were shattering. As the child grew up the king put him Gurukulam, where he learnt various arts and excelled. Everyone was surprised to see Manikandan being the best among others, with his brilliance and divinity.After completing his studies from his Guru, Manikandan wanted to offer Guru Dhakshina to him. Guru said that his only worry was about his son, who was dumb. Manikandan made him speak instantly.

Guru was too happy about his son who got back his speech and to see the divine powers of Manikandan. Few years later, the queen gave birth to another male child. They named him Raja Rajan. Both the sons grew up happily. One day king Rajasekara decided that the time has come to crown Manikandan as his successor, as he was the eldest. He ordered the Diwan to make necessary arrangements. But the Diwan was not for it as he already had a grudge against Manikandan.He went to the queen and spoiled her mind and made her go against the king’s decision. He told the queen that only Raja Rajan is qualified to be a successor, as he was actually born to them. The queen took his words and started believing him. 

He also told that he will take care of elimination of Manikandan, so that the queen won’t be blamed. He told the queen to act as if she had a severe stomach pain. The queen followed his words and started acting as if she suffered an intolerable stomach pain. Diwan arranged for a doctor who told the king that, the only medicine for queen’s pain is the Tigress’ milk.While the king was planning to send his men for it, Manikandan volunteered to go to the forest and fetch the tigress’ milk, for which the king refused, as Manikandan was proposed to be crowned. But Manikandan insisted and made the king to accept him go.

Manikandan went alone into the forests to fetch milk from tigress. He carried a bag on his head containing necessary food etc., during his search in the forest.On his way, he realized the purpose of his incarnation on earth. As Mahishi had a boon that she can only be killed by a son born to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, Ayyappan realized his duty to save Devas from Mahishi. By then Mahishi was at her peak in devastating Devas and their places. Manikandan on his way to forest pulled her for a fight and waged a strenuous battle with her. Knowing this, Lord Shiva came down to earth along with Parvathi Devi on His Rishaba Vaahana (Ox – His carrier). 

He tied the Ox in a near by tree in the forest and watched Manikandan fighting with Mahishi. The place where he tied the Ox is called as kallaikatti is located on the way to Sabarimalai. There is a Shiva temple now at Kaalai Katti.Manikandan defeated Mahishi and threw her on the ground. Doubting that she may come alive again, Manikandan threw huge stones on her to ensure that she can’t come up again.This place is called Kallidum Kunru on the Alludha Hill, where even today, pilgrims pick up a stone from Azhudha River and throw it in this place marking Mahishi’s defeat.

Ayyappa Defeated Mahishi

Once Mahishi died, Manikandan blessed her to reach heaven. Mahishi who got relieved of some past curse with an opportunity to die from the hands of God Himself, prayed Manikandan to marry her. But He refused saying that, his birth on earth had a different purpose and he was meant to live as a Brahmachari throughout. But as Mahishi insisted, Manikandan told her that she can take abode in the same forest meant for him and assured her that whenever there is no new devotee coming to see Him, He would marry her.From then Mahishi took abode just near the Sannidhanam with the name Maligapurathamma. Till today, she is eagerly waiting to see that no new devotee is visiting Ayyappan, but in vain. Because, every year, thousands of first timers (called Kanni Samis) visit Sabarimalai.

To mark their visit, they bring a sharp bamboo stick called Saram and fix it on a tree at a place called Saram kutti.It is believed that when there is no "Saram" fixed on the tree, Lord Ayyappa would marry her, which never happened.On seeing Manikandan killing Mahishi, Lord Shiva and all Devas were too happy and showered him with praises. Lord Indra, along with all Devas volunteered to become tigers and tigresses and accompanied Manikandan back to the kingdom.Manikandan entered the palace sitting on a tiger, followed by a huge group of tigresses. The entire Pandalam and Palace was shocked to see this happening.

Everyone started running for life on seeing this.Rajasekara realized that Manikandan was not an ordinary child. As told by the sage in the forest that Manikandan’s intent of birth would be known at his age of 12, Manikandan had reached the age of 12 by then. The queen and diwan fell at Manikandan’s feet for His pardon. But Manikandan said it’s not their mistake and everything happened for a cause, with God’s blessings.

King Rajasekara apologized with Manikandan and requested him to take up the throne which was his dream of life. Manikandan politely refused and said that, becoming a king was not the purpose of his birth. He said His duty on earth is over and wanted to perform penance to reach back to Kailash.King Rajasekara told Manikandan that he wished to construct a temple for Him, in a place wherever He chooses. Manikandan took his bow and shot an arrow, saying that he would be on Thapas in the place where the arrow falls. The arrow went and fell at this place called Sabarimalai, which was already a holy place, where an old lady called Sabari, a devotee of Rama lived.

She always was chanting the name of Rama and wanted to meet Him at least once in her life time. Rama met her in this place and accepted her hospitality. As Sabari lived in this hilly forest, it was called Sabarimalai.Manikandan said that he would be meditating in Sabarimalai and would be called as Ayyappan by his devotees. He also said that whoever visits him has to undergo a severe Brahmacharya (fast) and must abstain from worldly pleasures for 41 days before coming to Sabarimala. He would be blessing the devotees from Sabarimala near the river Pampa, which is as sacred as River Ganga.

Pampa River

Rajasekara who was eager to see Ayyappan as a king, felt very sad to see him as a Sanyasi with saffron clothes. Ayyappan granted a boon to Rajasekara that, every year on Makara Sankaranthi day, He would give Dharshan to the world as a king, with all costumes and weapons, a king would adorn.

Makara Jyothi

(The Makara Jyothi is a claimed (not verified) star which millions of Hindus believe to be a sort of celestial and godly manifestation. They claim that seeing this star on Makar Sankranti day brings them good luck and blessing.

The appearance of this star also indicates the end of the Sabarimala pilgrimage which lasts 41 days. )

He also said that He would give appear in the form of a Jyothi (light) on that day, which happens till today on every Sankaranthi. After this, Manikandan proceeded to Sabarimalai on his celestial journey.Later, king Rajasekara, as per advice of Sage Agasthiyar, laid the foundation for constructing the shrine for Ayyappan in the said place. 

Ayyapa Temple - Sabarimala

When king Rajasekara didn’t know how to personify the image of Ayyappan in the temple, Sage Parasurama came to his help, carved the image of Lord Ayyappan and installed it on the day of Makara Sankaranthi.The temple shall be reached by walk either from Erumeli is strenuous and about 48 kms (approx.) by walk.

The route from Pampa is about 6 kms which is shorter but steeper too. People also take another route to reach the temple which is called Pul Medu (meaning Grass Hills).

Padi Pooja

Ayyappa Temple

Ayyappa Temple

Ayyappa Temple with 18 Steps

Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple

The Ramanathaswamy Temple The famous Ramanathaswamy Temple is regarded as one of the most sacred shrines of Hindus in India. It is an honoured pilgrimage destination, which represents the southern most of the 12 Jyotirlingams of India. It is considered as holy as Banaras. This famous Hindu temple situated on the Rameshwaram island is located off the Sethu coast of Tamil Nadu. The temple is noted for its close association with Ramayana and the legendary victory of Rama over the demon king Ravana.This temple is a pious temple, keeping in mind its association with Lord Rama, a great Hindu legend and its grand structure. This huge temple on the island of Rameswaram can be reached via the Pamban bridge across the sea, it is famous for its long ornate corridors, towers and remarkable 36 Theerthams.

Legend Related To The Temple

According to a legend, Rama worshiped Shiva in the form of a Shiva Lingam, while returning to Ayodhya. This lingam was made of earth by Rama's consort, Sita. It is also said that Hanuman was sent to bring an image of Viswanathar from Banares. Rama thought that Hanuman will be late in returning. Therefore, Rama is said to have offered worship at a pre-chosen auspicious moment to the Shivalingam. This lingam is referred to as Ramalingam. The other Shivlingam brought here by Hanuman from Banaras is known as Viswanathar . This Shivalingam is also called Kasilingam and Hanumalingam. The Viswanathar Shivalingam is worshiped before offering prayers to Ramanathaswamy. It is also believed that Rama worshiped Tilakeswarar at Devipatnam on the route to Sri Lanka.

The History of The Temple

It is said that the ancient shrine was placed in a thatched hut until the 12th century. Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka built the first ever masonry structure here. The Setupathy rulers of Ramanathapuram completed the rest of the temple. Some of the temple vimaanams are similar to the Vimaanams of the Pallava period. Much more was added to the temple between the 12th and the 16th centuries. The long corridor (3rd prakaram) dates back only to the 18th century. The Gandhamadhana Parvatam (hill) offers a panoramic view of the temple. Travancore, Ramanathapuram, Mysore and Pudukkottai kingdoms provided royal patronage to this famous Hindu temple.

The Temple Architecture

The temple is sprawled over an area of 15 acres. It has huge gopurams, monolithic walls and a stupendous Nandi. There is a 4000 feet long pillar corridor with over 4000 pillars, considered the longest in the world. A unique feature about this corridor is that the rock used here is not found on the native island, it was brought in from elsewhere in Tamilnadu across the sea. The eastern Rajagopuram has a height of 126 feet and has nine levels whereas the western Rajagopuram is not as tall as the eastern one. The huge image of Nandi is about 18 feet tall and 22 feet in length.

RamanathaSwamy Temple Corridor of 4000 pillars 

Temple Ceiling

 

The Gandamadana Parvatham

This hill on the Rameshwaram island, has a small shrine, consisting of imprints of Lord Rama's feet, which is worshiped here. A worth visiting site.

Theertham(Water Springs)

There almost 36 Theerthams here out of which 22 are in the temple. The water of these Theerthams are said to be therapeutic. A bath in these is regarded significant. The Agni Theertham refers to the ocean while the Koti theertham is located within the temple itself.

Festivals

The famous temple festivals of Hindus are celebrated here include two annual Bhrammotsavams, celebrated in the Tamil months of Aadi and Maasi. Another festival is celebrated to celebrate Rama's worship in the month of Aani (June15 - July15).

Sri Jaganmohana Ranganatha Swamy Temple

As we are all aware, Lord Vishnu has taken various forms for the welfare and protection of various creations of Lord Brahma. One such Temple is Sri Jaganmohana Ranganatha Swamy Temple at Shivanasamudra in Mandya District of Karnataka State. The presiding Deity of the Temple is Sri Ranganatha, A form of Lord Vishnu sleeping on the bed ofAdishesha, the sacred snake of Lord Vishnu himself with his Hood providing shelter to the Lord. The Temple is located on the banks of the river Cauvery.

The Main Entrance to the Temple.

Altogether, there are 3 most sacred, powerful and important temples of Lord Ranganatha and each of them is known by a different name. The three temples are located atSrirangapatna, Shivanasamudra and Srirangam.It is beleived that on any given day starting from Sunrise to Sunset, if one visits all the three Temples and worships the deities and seeks the blessings, his Sins are washed off and he is blessed with Peace,Happiness and abundant wealth.

The Sanctum Sanctorum main Tower.

                         Inspite of his hectic Schedule,the Priest of the Temple, Sri K.Madhav Bhat was generous and humble in sharing some important facts about the Temple. This Temple was constructed by the Famous Chola Kings and is more than 1600 years old. The Sri Jaganmohana Ranganatha Swamy is fondly addressed as "Madhya Ranga" in Kannada which in English means "Middle Ranga". Why is the deity known by this name? I have already mentioned the importance and significance of the Three Sacred Ranganatha Temples. The first being the "Adi Ranga" which in English means "Foremost Ranga" is located in Srirangapatna.(Please refer to my earlier post) and the last of the three is called  the "Anthya Ranga" which in English means"Final Ranga", located at Srirangam in Tamil Nadu.

                      The sacred Deity of Lord Ranganatha known as Madhya Ranga worshipped and decorated with Flowers, Thulasi, etc. One can notice the Lord sleeping on the bed formed by the Sacred snake Adishesha. The speciality of this temple is that the snake is seven headed whereas in the remaining two Temples, the snake is five headed. The idol is believed to be a Shaligrama Shila or in other words a Black Fossil Stone.

                  The Lamp post and the Flag post at the entrance to the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple.Both the Posts have the carvings of the Main symbols of Lord Vishnu, The Sacred Shankha(Conch) and the Disc(Chakra). Please refer the Pictures below for the carvings of The Conch and the Disc on the Posts.

                    

These are the pictures of the carvings of the Sacred Conch and Disc on the 

Lamp Post and the pictures below are the ones carved on the Flag Post.

 

The Sacred Lotus Feet of the Lord carved on a Stone

Lord Hanuman carved and decorated with paint on the Lamp Post.

Mahashivratri 2011at Date 03rd March 2011

This year Mahashivratri falls on

03rd March 2011

when the Shiva principle descends to Earth
a thousand times more than usual.
On this day, to obtain the full benefit of
Lord Shiva's principle,
one should chant'Om Namah Shivaya'as much as possible.

Shivratri 

is the time when Shiva takes a rest. 
Shiva rests for one 'prahar' (three hours) of the night.. 
This 'prahar' is referred to as the Shivratri. 
When Lord Shiva takes rest, the function of 
'Shivtatva' (Shiva Principle) ceases,
i.e. Lord Shiva goes into a meditative state. 

Shiva's meditative state is the time when
He is engrossed in His own spiritual practice.
During that time, 

the 'Shivtatva' does not accept any tamogun 
(most base of the 3 elements in us - sattva, raja & tama)
or
any halahal (venom churned from the ocean)
coming from the Universe. 

As a result,
the ratio of halahal or the pressure 
of the negative energies increases. 
For protection from this pressure, things like
'bilva patra', white flowers, 'rudraksha' beads etc
are offered to Lord Shiva. 

These things attract the 'Shivtatva' from the atmosphere,
thus providing protection from the increasing
effect of the negative energies.
The Earth is a gross object.
Gross objects have very low velocities
i.e. they require more time to cover a specific distance in space. 
Gods on the other hand, are subtle hence they
are capable of traversing space within a few seconds. 
That is why one year on the earth
is equivalent to just one day of heaven. 

Science in the worship of 
Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri 

The function of the

'Shivpindi'

1. 
Emitting waves of Knowledge, 
Devotion and renunciation 

Predominantly 
'sattva' waves of knowledge,
'raja' waves of devotion 
and
'tama' waves of Renunciation (Vairagya)
are emitted by the 'Shivpindi'. 

During Mahashivratri, 

the emission increases by 30 percent. 

2.. 
Emission of subtle vibrations 
of chaitanya, bliss and peace 

The 'Shivpindi' emits

subtle vibrations of chaitanya, bliss and peace. 
During the Mahashivratri, 
the emission increases by 25 percent. 
This helps purify the subtle-body of 
one who worships the Shivpindi on this day. 
The 'sun' or the 'moon' channels 
in the body get activated as per necessity. 
The capacity to absorb the sattvaguna
and chaitanya also increases. 
Due to the presence of the unmanifest
Shiva principle in the Shivpindi 
and the vibrations of peace emitted,
the Shivpindi remains cool and the
mind too experiences peace. 
Worship of Shivpindi with devotion, 
activates the dormant Shiva principle. 
An offering of puffed rice and milk
reaches Lord Shiva in the subtle form. 

3. 
Receiving the
'tarak or marak tatva (element)' 
as required 

There is a confluence of the manifest 
and the unmanifest elements along with the 
'tarak and marak tatva' in the Shivpindi. 
(Tarak = Saviour; Marak = Destroyer). 
That is how worshipers receive the required element. 
The temperature of the Shivpindi increases due 
to the emission of the marak tatva 
and there one experiences bliss.
Similarly, 
when the tarak tatva is emitted,
the temperature drops and one experiences peace and bliss. 

Bilvapatra (Bel leaves) 

Bilvapatra contains 2% Shiva tatva. 
By offering bilvapatra to the Shivpindi on Mahashivratri, 
the manifest Shiva tatva near the stalk of 
the bilvapatra gets activated.
Due to this, waves of chaitanya as well as Shiva tatva
are emitted by the bilvapatra. 

The bilvapatra

attracts 20% of the Shiva tatva present in
the Shivpindi towards itself.
By immersing this bilvapatra 
in water or by placing it in grains,
the Shiva tatva present in the bilvapatra is transmitted to them.
The Shiva tatva in the bilvapatra 
is activated to a larger extent on Mondays 
when it transmits 10% of the Shiva tatva and sattvikta.
On other days only 1% of the Shiva tatva
is activated in the bilvapatra. 

Bilvarchan 

Offering bilvapatra 
to the Shivpindi and chanting the mantra 

'Om Namah Shivaya'

with each offering is known as bilvarchan. 
Continue offering the bilvapatra until the pindi
is completely covered. 
Offer the bilvapatra from the lower part of the pindi. 
By starting from the feet of the idol, 
more benefit is derived and the idol 
can be covered completely. 

Chanting on Mahashivratri 

'Om Namah Shivaya' 

Om represents an unmanifest state beyond
the 3 gunas (elements of sattva, raja & tama). 
We bow to Lord Shiva, from whom Om was created. 

What does the word 'Shiva' mean? 
a.
The word Shiva has been derived 
by reversing the letters of the word vash. 
Vash means to enlighten; thus the one 
who enlightens is Shiva. 
He remains radiant and also illuminates the universe. 

b..
He is the auspicious and
prosperity-bestowin g principle. 

Some unique attributes

1. Physical attributes

a. Ganga :
Just as the sun is the focal point of the solar system 
and the soul that of the body, 
the focal point of divine consciousness
(chaitanya) in every object and
pure particles (pavitrakas) is ga-aum. 
The flow from which ga-aum originates is gan gaha = Ganga.
Ga-aum flows from Shiva's head.
This is called the descent of the Ganga 
from Shiva's head. 
Since the river Ganga has a fraction 
of the principle of the spiritual Ganga, 
no matter how polluted it becomes,
its purity is perpetually retained. 

Hence,
when compared to any other water in the world,
the water from the Ganga is the purest.
This is realised not only by those 
who can perceive the subtle dimension
but also by scientific researchers. 

b. Moon :
Shiva adorns the chandra (moon) on His forehead. 
The point where the three frequencies 
- affection (mamata), mercifulness (kshamashilata) 
and motherly love (vatsalya) originate 
is referred to as the chandra (moon). 
Thus, one can conclude that chandrama 
(the moon principle) is the state in 
which the three attributes of affection,
mercifulness and motherly love are present. 

c. Third eye :
Shankar is three-eyed, 
i.e. He can perceive events of the past, present and future.
According to the science of Yoga
the third eye means the Sushumna nadi (channel). 

d. Serpent : 
One of the Names of Lord Shankar is Bhujanga-patihari. 
Bhujang means a serpent or pure particles (pavitrakas) , 
pati means the nurturer and hari means one
with a garland around His neck.
Bhujangapatihari thus means the One 
who nurtures pure particles and wears them like a garland. 
Various serpents represent groups of pure particles. 
Though externally they appear like serpents, 
internally they are a kind of ladder. 
To make spiritual progress one has to climb
up holding onto the tail of the serpent.
Lord Shankar adorns serpents at nine points on His body 
- one on the head, 
one around the neck,
one on each arm,
one on each wrist, 
one around the waist and 
one on each thigh. 
This implies that His body is comprised
of pure particles or that serpents of pure particles 
play all over the body of Lord Shankar 
who has the universe as His form. 

2. Spiritual attributes 

a.. One performing severe
austerities and the great yogi 

Shiva is always seated in a bandha or a mudra.
His temperature rises due to heat generated 
by performing severe austerities;
Hence, He uses the Ganga, the moon and
serpents which endow a cooling effect 
and lives on the snow-clad Kailas mountain. 

b.. Short tempered 
If someone disturbs His meditation
the radiance generated by spiritual practice 
will be suddenly expelled and whoever is in front of Him 
will not be able to tolerate it, and gets destroyed. 
This is referred to as being 'reduced to ashes
by Shankar's opening of the third eye'. 

c.. 
One who is willing to undergo 
any distress for the sake of imparting happiness to others 

The poison 
generated during the churning
of the celestial ocean (samudramanthan)
was burning the entire Universe but no deity
came forward to accept it. 
At that time Shiva drank that poison 
and saved the world from destruction. 

d. 
One who has both,
deities and demons, as His worshippers 

Neither did demons
like Banasur, Ravan, etc. 
worship Lord Vishnu nor did Lord Vishnu bestow 
any boon upon any demon. 
However, they worshipped Lord Shiva who blessed them. 

e. Master of the spirits

Since Lord Shiva is the master of spirits,
His worshippers are generally not possessed by them. 

Science in the idol - in the Human form



This represents the Brahman
in the form of the word (shabda Brahman). 
Alphabets consisting of the sounds of
fifty-two basic letters and the forms
of fourteen Maheshvar verses (sutras)
have generated from it.
Later the universe was created from these. 

2. Trident :
represents the following - 

The three components - sattva, raja and tama 
The root of creation, sustenance and dissolution 
Volition, knowledge and action 

3. Noose (pash) :
The noose represents the noose of time (kalpash) (The rope in Lord Ganapati's hand too is the same). 

Worship

a. Application of holy ash (Bhasma) 

Tripundra refers to the three horizontal 
stripes of holy ash applied to the forehead.
These stripes symbolise spiritual knowledge, 
purity and penance (spiritual practice of Yoga), 
so also they represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva. 

b.. Wearing a rudraksha 

Wearing a rudraksha when worshipping Lord Shiva is ideal.
A rudraksha is reddish in colour with yellow stripes 
and is flat like a fish. 
On one side it has a slight opening which 
appears like an open mouth.
The rudraksha converts light frequencies of deities 
from the universe into sound frequencies in the 
body of humans and vice versa. 
As a result, humans can absorb frequencies of deities 
and thoughts can get converted into the language of deities. 

A Genuine Rudraksha 

The rudraksha absorbs sama (sattva) frequencies. 
Similarly sama frequencies are emitted by its crests.
A real rudraksha can be recognised by the
vibrations felt by holding it in the hand. 
At that time the body absorbs the
sama frequencies emitted by the rudraksha.

Nowadays,
mostly Vikrutaksha is sold as a rudraksha. 
This is the seed of a type of wild berry. 
Vikrutaksha is used for sacrificial fires of
tantriks, black magic etc. 
by sorcerers. 

c.. Ritualistic worship of the pindi 

Only cold water and bel is offered
to Lord Shankar's pindi. 
Neither is it bathed with milk and panchamrut 
(a mixture of milk, curds, ghee, sugar and honey) 
nor offered turmeric, vermilion (kumkum) 
or white consecrated rice (akshata). 
Milk and clarified butter (ghee) symbolise sustenance
while turmeric is an underground stem and represents
fertility of the soil, that is creation. 
Vermilion is prepared from turmeric. 
Since Lord Shiva is the deity of dissolution, 
substances such as milk, vermilion and 
turmeric are not used in His worship. 
d. Circumambulation 
(pradakshina) 

When circum-ambulating one should begin
from the left side and continue till the channel 
of the shalunka from where the water offered
during the ritualistic bathing (abhishek) flows. 
Without crossing it one should complete
a circum-ambulation by moving in the reverse direction up
to the other side of the channel.
The flow of a shalunka is not crossed 
as it is the flow of energy which adversely
affects the formation of semen and 
the five internal vital energies (pran vayu). 

e. Chanting the Name of Lord Shiva 

'Namaha Shivaya is Shiva's five-syllabled mantra. 
The spiritual meaning of each of the five syllables is:
na = Foremost deity of all the regions (lokas)
ma = Bestower of supreme spiritual knowledge (gyan) 
and redeemer of the greatest of sins
shi = Benevolent, serene and responsible for 
initiation by Lord Shiva 
va = Symbolic of a bull as the vehicle
and Vasuki and Vamangi energy (shakti) 
ya = Auspicious abode of Supreme Bliss and Lord Shiva. 
Hence, obeisance (namaskar) to these five syllables. 


Hinduism is more a way of life than a method of worship.
Dharmo Rakshati Rakshithaha
If you protect Dharma, Dharma will in turn protect you.