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​PUJA, Kriya & Bhakti 

Shiva-Sahasranama (the thousand names of Shiva) – Shiva Purana

7/28/2023

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In the chapters 35 & 36 in Section 4 of Kotirudra-saṃhita of Shiva Purana, the hymns of thousand names of Shiva with meaning & its glory are mentioned.

While informing the efficacy of the thousand names, Shiva said: -  

“There is no doubt that those who recite and teach this hymn will have no misery at all even in dreams. This is destructive of distress. It yields learning and wealth. It is excellent and meritorious and bestows all desires and devotion to Shiva always. Achievement is not far off if a person rising in the morning, performs my worship and recites this in my presence every day. There is no doubt in this that he will attain all the worldly pleasures and desires and, in the end, sayujya type of salvation.”
The thousand names of Shiva are as under: -

Shiva (pure), Hara (destroyer), Mṛḍa (gracious), Rudra (terrible), Puskara (nourisher), Puspalocana (of flowery eyes), Arthigamya (accessible to the suppliants), Sadachara (of noble conduct), Sarva (all-in-all), (bestower of welfare), Maheshvara (great lord), Candrapiḍa (with moon for the diadem), Candramauli (with moon for his crest-jewel), Vishva (universe), Vishvambhareshvara (lord of the earth), Vedantasarasandoha (the essence of Vedanta philosophy), Kapalin (with a skull in the hand), Nilalohita (blue-blooded), Dhyanadhara (object of meditation), Aparicchedya (inexplicable), Gauribhartṛ (husband of Gauri), Ganesvara (Lord of Ganas), Asṭamurti[2] (Having eight cosmic bodies), Vishvamurti (universe-bodied), Trivarga (bestower of virtue, wealth and love), Sargasadhana (achiever of creation, Jnanagamya (accessible by perfect knowledge), Dṛḍhaprajna (of steady intellect) Devadeva (lord of gods), Trilocana (three-eyed), Vamadeva (lovely lord), Mahadeva (great god) Paṭu (efficient), Parivṛḍha (chief), Dṛḍha (firm), Visvarupa, (multiformed), Virupaksa (odd-eyed), Vagisha (lord of speech), Surasattama (the most excellent god), Sarvapramanasamvadin (in whom all authorities and proofs agree), Vrsanka (bull-bannered), Vṛsavahana (bull-vehicled), Isha (lord), Pinakin (holding bow), Khaṭvangin (holding missile Khaṭvanga), Citravesa (of variegated dress), Cirantana (eternal being), Tamohara (remover of ignorance), Mahayogin (great Yogin), Goptṛ (protector), Brahmanḍahṛt (heart of cosmos), Jaṭin (having matted hair), Kalakala (slayer of Death), Kṛttivasas (wearing hide), Subhaga (comely), Pranatatmaka (soul of the devotees), Unnadhra (uplifted), Purusa (divine being), Jusya, (worthy to be served), Durvasas (sage Durvasas), Purashasana (chastiser of the Tripuras), Divyayudha (having divine weapons), Skandaguru (preceptor of Skanda), Paramesṭhin (staying at the acme), Paratpara (greater than the greatest), Anadimadhyanidhana (with no beginning, middle or end), Girisha (Lord of mountains), Girijadhava (husband of Parvati), Kuberabandhu (kinsman of Kubera), Srikanṭha (of glorious neck), Lokavarnottama (excellent of all castes in the world), Mṛdu (soft), Samadhivedya (who can be realised through trance), Kodanḍin (holding bow), Nilakanṭha (blue-necked), Parashvadhin (holding axe).

Vishalaksa (wide-eyed), Mṛgavyadha (hunter of animal), Suresha (lord of gods), Suryatapana (scorcher of the sun), Dharmadhyaksa (presiding deity of virtue), Ksamaksetra (field of forgiveness), Bhagavat (lordly), Bhaganetrabhit (splitter of the eyes of Bhaga), Ugra (fierce), Pashupati (lord of beasts, the individual souls), Tarksya (Identical with Garuda), Priyabhakta (favourite of the devotee), Parantapa (scorcher of enemies), Datr (donor), Dayakara (compassionate), Daksha (skilful), Kapardin (having matted hair), Kamashasana (chastiser of cupid), Shmashananilaya (residing in cremation ground), Suksma (subtle) Shmashanastha (staying in cremation ground), Maheshvara (great God), Lokakartṛ (creator of the worlds), Mṛgapati (lord of deer), Mahakartṛ (great maker), Mahausadhi (great medicine), Somapa (imbiber of Soma juice), Amṛtapa (drinker of nectar), Saumya (gentle), Mahatejas (of great splendour), Mahadyuti (of great brilliance), Tejomaya (full of lustre), Amṛtamaya (full of Nectar), Annamaya (of ṭhe nature of food), Sudhapati (lord of nectar), Uttama (the most excellent), Gopati (lord of speech), Goptṛ (protector), Jnanagamya (attainable through perfect knowledge), Puratana (ancient being), Niti (justice), Suniti (good justice and policy), Shuddhatman (pure soul), Soma (accompanied by Uma), Somatara (excelling the moon), Sukhin (happy being), Ajatashatru (whose enemy is not yet born), Alokasambhavya (whose existence is inferred as possible through the lustre), Havyavahana (carrier of sacrificial offerings i.e fire), Lokankara (maker of the worlds) Vedakara (originator of the Vedas), Sutrakara (composer of Aphorisms), Sanatana (eternal), Maharsi (great sage), Kapilacarya (preceptor Kapila), Vishvadipti (light of the Universe), Trilochana (three-eyed), Pinakapani (holding Pinaka in the hand), Bhudeva (god of the earth), Svastida (bestower of weal), Sukṛta (meritorious), Sudhi (intelligent), Dhatṛdhaman (abode of the Creator), Dhamakara (creator of lustre), Sarvada (bestower of all), Sarvagocara (visible to all), Brahmasṛk (creator of Brahma), Visvasṛk (creator of the universe), Sarga (creation), Karnikarapriya (fond of the pericarp of the lotus), Kavi (poet), Shakha, Vishakha, Goshakha, Shiva (the cause of welfare), Bhisak Anuttama (excellent physician), Gangaplavodaka (water flowing in Gaṅga), Bhavya (good), Puskala (eminent one), Sthapati (architect) Sthira (steady), Vijitatman (self-conqueror), Vidheyatman (self-controlled), Bhutavahanasarathi (with Bhutas (globlins) as charioteers), Sagana (accompanied by Ganas), Ganakaya (with Ganas as body-guards), Sukirti (of good fame), chinnasamshaya (one to whom doubts have been cleared), Kamadeva (identical with cupid), Kamapala (protector of the desires), Bhasmoddhulitavigraha (whose body is dusted with Bhasma), Bhasmapriya (fond of Bhasma), Bhasmashayin (lying on Bhasma), Kamin (lover), Kanta (brilliant), Kṛtagama (one who has created Agamas), Samavarta (who whirls the wheel of worldly existence), Anivṛttatma (whose soul never turns back), Dharmapunja (mass of virtue), Sadashiva {auspicious for ever), Akalmasa (sinless), Punyatman (meritorious soul), Caturbahu (four-armed), Durasada (difficult of access), Durlabha (rare one), Durgama (impassable), Durga (Difficult of being attained). Sarvayudhavisarada (expert in wielding weapons), Adhyatmayoganilaya (stationed in spiritual Yoga), Sutantu (wearing good fabric of universe), Tantuvardhana (enhancer of the fabric), Shubhanga (having auspicious limbs), Lokasaranga (essence of the worlds), Jagadisha (lord of the universe), suppressor of (wicked) people, Bhasmashuddhikara (causing purity through Bhasma), Abhiru (non-cowardly), Ojasvin (vigorous), Shuddhavigraha (of pure body), Asadhya (unachievable), Sadhusadhya (achievable easily by the saintly), Bhṛtyamarkaṭarupadhṛk (assuming the form of the servile monkey), Hiranyaretas (gold-semened), Paurana (ancient one), Ripujivahara (destroyer of enemies), Balin (strong,) Mahahrada (deep eddy), Mahagarta (deep ditch), Siddha, Vṛndaravandita (saluted by the gods), Vyaghracarmambara (wearing the tiger hide), Vyalin (clasped by serpents), Mahabhuta (great living being), Mahanidhi (great storehouse), Amṛta (nectar), Amṛtapa (drinker of the nectar), Shrimat (glorious), Pancajanya (favourable to the five classes of beings), Prabhanjana (hailstorm) Pancavimshatitattvastha (stationed in twenty five principles or entities), Parijata (celestial tree), Paratpara (greater than the greatest).

Sulabha (easy of access), Suvrata (of good rites), Sura (heroic), Vaumayaikanidhi (treasure stored in all extant literature), Varnasramaguru (preceptor of castes and stages of life), Varnin (the religious student), Satrujit (conqueror of the enemies), Satrutapana (scorcher of enemies), Asrama (stage of life), Sramana (ascetic), Ksama (emaciated), Jnanavat (wise) Acalesvara (lord or the mountain), Pramanabhuta (the authoritative proof), Durjneya (difficult to be known), Suparna (Garuḍa of good wings), Vayuvahana (having wind as vehicle), Dhanurdhara (wielder of the bow), Dhanurveda (science of archery), Guna (attribute), Sasigunakara (storehouse of the qualities of the moon), Satya (truth) Satyapara (devoted to truth), Adina (non-distressed), Dharma (sacred virtue), Godharmasasana (chestiser of the beastly-natured), Anantadrsti (of infinite vision), Ananda (bliss) Danḍa (punishment), Damayitṛ (suppressor), Dama (controller of senses), Abhicarya (worthy of being approached), Mahamaya (of great Maya), Visvakarmavisarada (adept in all activities of the Universe), Vitaraga (devoid of passion), Vinitatman (of well-disciplined soul), Tapasvin (ascetic), Bhutabhavana (conceiver and creator of living beings), Unmattavesa (having the guise of a mad one), Pracchanna (hidden one), Jitakama (conqueror of lust), Jitendriya (conqueror of sense-organs), Kalyanaprakrti (of good nature), Kalya (agreeable) Sarvaloka-Prajapati (creator of worlds), Tarasvin (forceful) Taraka (one who takes across and saves), Dhimat (intelligent), Pradhana (chief), Avyaya prabhu (imperishable lord), Lokapala (protector of the worlds), Antaratman (immanent soul), Kalpadi (the beginning of Aeon), Kamaleksana (lotus-eyed), Vedasastrarthatattvajna (knower of the principles and meanings of the Sastras), Niyamin (observer of restraints), Niyamasraya (support of observances and restraints), Candra (identical with the moon), Surya (identical with the sun), Sani (Saturn), Ketu (planet Ketu), Varanga (excellent-bodied), Vidrumacchavi (having the lustre of Coral), Bhaktivasya (subservient to devotion), Parambrahma (great Brahman), Mṛgabanarpana (one who discharged arrows on the deer), Anagha (faultless), Adri (mountain), Adryalaya (resident of the mountain), Kanta (the luminous), Paramatman (great soul), Jagadguru (preceptor of the universe), Sarvakarmalaya (abode of all rites), Tusṭa (satisfied), Mangalya (auspicious), Mangalavṛta (surrounded by auspiciousness), Mahatapas (of great austerity), Dirghatapas (of long penance), Sthavistha (grossest one), Sthavira-Dhruva (aged and steady), Ahan (day), Samvatsara (year), Vyapti (concomitance), Pramana (proof), Paramtapas (supreme penance).

Samvatsarakara (one causing the year), Mantra Pratyaya (credence), Sarvatapana (scorcher of all), Aja (unborn), Sarvesvara (lord of all), Siddha, Mahatejas (of great lustre), Mahabala (of great strength), Yogin, Yogya (worthy), Maharetas (of great virility), Siddhi (achievement), Sarvadi (beginning of all), Agraha (elderly), Vasu (wealth), Vasumanas (of praiseworthy mind), Satya (of truthful existence), Sarvapapahara (destroyer of sins), Hara (remover of sins), Sukirti (rtf good fame), Sobhana (of good beauty), Sragvin (wearing garlands), Vedanga (ancillary of the Vedas), Vedavit (knower of the Vedas), Muni (ascetic), Bhrajisnu (shining), Bhojana (food), Bhoktṛ (diner). Lokanatha (lord of worlds), Duradhara (unconquerable), Amṛta (nectar), Sasvata (permanent), Santa (quiescent), Banahasta (holding arrows in the hand), Pratapavat (valorous), Kamanḍaludhara (holding water-pot), Dhanvin (having bow), Avanmanasagocara (inexpressible and inconceivable), Atindriya (beyond the scope of sense-organs), Mahamaya (wielding great Maya), Sarvavasa (abode of all), Catuspatha (of four paths), Kalayogin (united in time), Mahanada (of loud sound), Mahotsaha (of great zeal), Mahabala (of great stiength), Mahabuddhi (of great intellect), Mahavirya (of great virility), Bhutacarin (moving about with the Bhutas), Purandara (destroyer of the cities or identical with Indra), Nisacara (stalking at night), Pretacarin (moving about with the ghosts), Mahasakti (of great strength), Mahadyuti (of great lustre), Anirdesyavapus (whose body cannot be specifically indicated), Srimat (glorious), Sarvacarya (preceptor of all), Manogali (having the velocity of the mind), Bahusruti (of many ears, or, of great fame), Mahamaya (of great Maya), Niyatatman (of restrained soul), Dhruva (steady), Adhruva (unsteady), Tejastejas (splendour of splendours), Dyutidhara (having brillianre), Janaka (father), Sarvasasana (chastiser of all), Nrtyapriya (fond of dance), Nityanṛtya (ever-dancing), Prakasatman (of luminous soul), Prakasaka (the illuminator), Spastaksara (of clear words and syllables), Budha (wise), Mantra, Samana (impartial), Sarasamplava (floating the essence), Yugadikrt (cause of the beginning of Yugas), Yugavarta (causing the Yugas to revolve), Gambhira (grave), Vrsavahana (bull-vehicled), Ista (one who is wished for or worshipped), Visista (special or well-equipped), Sistesta (liked by the cultured), Sulabha (easy of access), Sarasodhana (purifier of the essence), Tirtharupa (of the form of the holy centre), Tirthanaman (named after the holy centres), Tirthadrsya (visible at the holy centres), Tirthada (bestower of Tirthas), Apam Nidhi (storehouse of waters), Adhisthana (supporting base), Durjaya (difficult to be conquered), Jayakalavit (knower of the time of conquest), Pratisthita (well established), Pramanajna (knower of Testimonies), Hiranyakavaca (having golden coat of mail), Hari (identical with Visnu), Vimocana (releaser), Suragana (having gods as attendants), Vidyesa (lord of lore), Bindusamsraya (stationed in the mystic dot), Vatarupa (of the form of wind), Amalonmayin (free from impurity), Vikartṛ (special maker), Gahana (dense), Guha (identical with Kartikeya), Karana (cause), Kartṛ (active), Sarvabandhavimocana (releaser from all bondages), Vyavasaya (determination), Vyavasthana (establisher of order), Sthanada (bestower of proper position), Jagadadija (originating at the beginning of the universe), Guruḍa (conferer of weighty things), Lalita (simple and delicate), Bheda (difference), Navatman (new soul), Atmani Samsthita (stationed in the soul), Viresvara (lord of heroes), Virabhadra (identical with Virabhadra), Virasana vidhi (knowing the mode of sitting in the heroic posture), Guru (preceptor), Viracuḍamani (crest-jewel of heroes), Vettr (knower), Cidananda (sentience and bliss), Nadisvara (lord of rivers), Ajnadhara (holder of behests), Trisulin (holding the Trident), Sipivista (entering and stationed in rays), Sivalaya (of auspicious residence), Balakhilya (identical with the sage Balakhilyas), Mahavira (great hero), Tigmamsu (of fiery rays), Badhira (deaf), Khaga (traversing the sky), Abhirama (the eharming one), Susarana (worthy refuge), Subrahmanya (identical with Kumara), Sudhapati (lord of nectar), Maghavat (identical with Indra), Kausika (identical with sage Kausika), Gomat (possessing cows, rays etc.), Virama (final stoppage), Sarvasadhana (having all equipments), Lalataksa (having eye in the forehead), Visvadeha (having the universe as body), Sara (essence), Samsara Cakrabhrt (holder of the wheel of worldly existence), Amoghadanda (of never-failing punishment), Madhyastha (stationed in the middle), Harina (deer), Brahmavarcasa (having the brahminical lustre), Paramartha (the greatest entity), Paramaya (wielding the great Maya), Sancaya (collection), Vyaghrakomala (tender to the tiger), Ruci (interest), Bahuruci (having great interest), Vaidya (physician), Vacaspati (lord of speech), Ahaspati (lord of the day, the sun), Ravi (sun), Virocana (sun, moon or fire), Skanda (Karttikeya), Sastr (chastiser), Vaivasvata Yama (Yama the son of the Sun), Yukti (joint), Unnatakirti (of lofty fame), Sanuraga (loving), Puranjana, Kailasadhipati (lord of Kailasa), Kanta (brilliant), Savitr (sun), Ravilocana (having the sun as the eye), Visvottama (excellent ifi the universe), Vitabhaya (free from fear), Visvabhartṛ (supporter of the universe), Anivarita (unobstructed), Nitya (eternal), Niyatakalyana (of invariable welfare), Punyasravanakirtana (hearing about and glorification of whom is meritorious), Durasrava (heard far off), Visvasaha (forbearer of everything), Dhyeya (worthy of being meditated upon), Duḥsvapnanasana (destroyer of bad dreams), Uttarana (he who takes across), Duskṛtiha (destroyer of wicked deeds), Vijneya (worthy of being known), Duhsaha (unbearable), Dhava (lord), Anadi (having no beginning), Bhu (earth), Bhuvah Laksmih (wealth and the glory of the earth), Kiriṭin (wearing the crown), Tridasadhipa (lord of the gods), Visvagoptr (protector of the universe), Visvakartr (creator of the universe), Suvira (good hero), Rucirangada (bestower of beautiful limbs), Janana (the progenitor), Janajanmadi (cause of birth etc. of the people), Pritiman (possessing pleasure), Nitiman (just), Dhruva (steady), Vasistha (sage Vasisṭha), Kasyapa (sage Kasyapa), Bhanu (sun), Bhima (terrible), Bhimaparakrama (of terrible exploit), Pranava (the mystic syllable OM), Satpathacara (traversing the path of the good), Mahakosa (of great treasure), Mahadhana (of great wealth), Janmadhipa (lord of birth), Mahadeva (great lord), Sakalagamaparaga (one who has mastered all the Vedas), Tattva (tenet), Tattvavit (knower of truth), Ekatman (single soul), Vibhu (all-pervading), Visnuvibhusana (ornament of Vishnu), Rsi (sage), Brahmana (knower of Brahman), Aisvaryam (lordliness), Janmamrtyujaratiga (who is beyond birth, death and old age), Pancatattvasamutpatti (origin of the five principles), Visvesa (lord of the universe), Vimalodaya (of pure rise), Anadyanta (having neither beginning nor end), Atmayoni (having the self as the source), Vatsala (darling), Bhutalokadhrk (supporter of the world of living beings), Gayatrivallabha (lover of the mantra Gayatri), Pramsu (lofty), Visvavasa (abode of the universe), Prabhakara (sun), Sisu (infant), Girirata (delighted in the mountain), Samraṭ (emperor), Susena (having auspicious army), Surasatruha (slayer of the enemies of gods).

Anemi (having no restricting rims), Istanemi, Mukunda (bestower of salvation or identical with lord Visnu), Vigatajvara (free from fever), Svayamjyoti (self-luminous), Mahajvoti (of great splendour), Tanujyoti (of short splendour), Acancala (non-fickle), Piṅgala (of tawny colour), Kapilasmasru (of brown moustache), Bhalanetra (with an eye in the forehead), Trayitanu (having the Vedas for body), Jnanaskandha (with branching knowledge), Mahaniti (of great justice), Visvotpatti (origin of the universe), Upaplava (obstacle, distressing), Bhaga (fortune), Vivasvat (sun), Aditya (sun), Gatapara (one who has reached the other shore), Bṛhaspati (preceptor of gods), Kalyanagunanaman (having auspicious attributes and names), Papaha (destroyer of sins), Punyadarsana (of meritorious vision), Udarakirti (of liberal renown), Udyogin (enterprising), Sadyogin (of good yoga), Sadasattrapa (ashamed of the good and the bad), Naksatramalin (having the garland of stars), Nakesa (lord of heaven), Svadhisṭhana (self-based), Saḍasraya (support to the six principles), Pavitra (holy), Papanasa (destroyer of sins), Manipura (filling with jewels), Nabhogati (traversing the firmament), Hṛtpunḍarikasina (occupying the lotus of the heart), Sakra (identical with Indra), Santi (peace), Vṛsakapi (of the form of Dharma or Boar incarnation), Usna (hot), Gṛhapati (lord of the house), Kṛsna, Samartha (capable), Anarthanasana (destroyer of evil calamities), Adharmasatru (inimical to evil), Ajneya (unknowable), Puruhuta (invoked many times), Purusruta (very famous), Brahmagarbha (having brahma within) Bṛhadgarbha having big womb), Dharmadhenu (cow of virtue), Dhanagama (source of wealth), Jagaddhitaisin (well-wisher of universe) Sugata (having good gait), Kumara, Kusalagama (source of welfare), Hiranyavarna (golden-coloured), Jyotismat (luminous), Nanabhutarata (interested in different living beings), Dhvani (sound), Arogya (health), Namanadhyaksa (presiding deity of obeisances), Visvamitra (sage Visvamitra), Dhanesvara (lord of wealth), Brahmajyoti (brilliance of Brahman), Vasu (the semidivine beings Vasus), Dhaman (splendour), Mahajyoti (of great splendour), Anuttama (excellent), Matamaha (maternal grandfather), Matartisvan (wind-god), Nabhasvat (vaporous air), Nagaharadhṛk (wearing garlands of serpents), Pulastya, Pulaha, Agastya, Jatukarnya, Parasara (all the five sages), Niravarananirvara (uncovered and unprevented), Vairancya (son of Brahma), Visṭarasravas (Kusa-eared), Atmabhu (self-born), Aniruddha (unobstructed), Atri Jnanamurti (knowledge-bodied), Mahayasas (of great renown), Lokaviragrani (leader of the heroes of the world), Vira (heroic), Candra (moon), Satyaparakrama (of truthful exploit), Vyalakalpa (resembling a huge serpent), Mahakalpa (of great conception), Kalpavṛksa (wish-yielding kalpa tree), Kaladhara (possessing arts), Alaṅkarisnu (desirous of adorning), Acala (unmoving), Rocisnu (appealing), Vikramonnata (lofty in valour), Ayu (longevity), Sabdapati (lord of worlds), Vagmin (eloquent), Plavana (floating), Sikhisarathi (having fire as charioteer), Asamspṛsṭa (untouched), Atithi (guest), Satrupramathin (suppressor of enemies), Padapasana (tree-seated), Vasusravas (wealth-eared), Kavyavaha (bearing Kavya offerings), Pratapta (heated), Visvabhojana (universe-dieted) Japya (worthy of being worshipped with Japas), Jaradisamana (subduer of old age etc.), Lohita (red), Tanunapat (fire-god), Pṛsadasva (wind-god), Nabhoyoni (origin of firmament), Supratika (of good-symbols), Tamisraha (destroyer of darkness), Nidagha (summer), Tapana (sun), Meghabhaksa (devouring clouds), Parapuranjaya (conqueror of the cities of enemies), Sukhanila (pleasing wind), Sunispanna (well born), Surabhi (fragrant), Sisiratmaka (winter), Vasanta Madhava (spring), Grisma (summer), Nabhasya (month of Bhadrapada), Bijavahana (carrier of seeds), Aṅgiraguru (preceptor Aṅgiras), Vimala Atreya (pure son of the sage Atri), Visvavahana (having the universe as vehicle), Pavana (sanctifier), Purajit (conqueror of the cities), Sakra (Indra), Traividya (of three lores), Navavarana (preventer of the nine), Manobuddhi ahamkara (mind intellect ego), Ksetrajna (individual soul), Ksetrapalaka (protector of the field), Jamadagni (sage), Jalanidhi (storehouse of water), Vigala, Visvaga, Visvagalaya (universal abode).

Aghora (non-terrible), Anuttara (unsurpassed), Yajna (sacrifice), Sresṭha (excellent), Niḥsreyasaprada (bestower of salvation), Saila (mountain), Gaganakundabha (resembling the sky flower kunda), Danavari (enemy of the Danavas), Arindama (suppressor of enemies), Camunḍa, Janaka, Caru (beautiful), Niḥsalya (free from paining dart), Lokasalyadhṛk (holder of the darts of the world), Caturveda (four Vedas), Caturbhava (possessed of the four-fold emotions), Catura (skilful), Caturapriya (fond of the skilful), Amnaya (Vedas), Samamnaya (well-recited Vedas), Tirthadeva (lord of the holy centre), Sivalaya (having auspicious residence), Bahurupa (multiformed), Maharupa (immense-formed), Sarvarupa (omniformed), Caracara (pervading the mobile and immobile being), Nyayanirnayaka (decider of Justice), Neya (led), Nyayagamya (knowable through justice), Niranjana (spotless), Sahasramurdhan (thousand headed), Devendra (lord of the gods), Sarvasastra Prabhanjana (breaker of weapons and missiles), Munḍin (of clean shaven head), Virupa (hideous-formed), Vikṛta (deformed), Danḍin (staff-bearing), Danin (donor), Gunottama (excelling in good qualities), Piṅgalaksa (tawny-eyed), Bahvaksa (many-eyed), Nilagriva (blue-necked), Niramaya (free from sickness), Sahasrabahu (thousand-armed), Sarvesa (lord of all), Saranya (worthy of taking refuge in), Sarvalokadhṛk (supporter of all the worlds), Padmasana (lotus-seated), Paramjyoti (the greatest splendour), Paramparya Phalaprada (the bestower of benefits), Padmagarbha (lotus-wombed), Mahagarbha (huge-wombed), Visvagarbha (having the universe in the womb), Vicaksana (skilful), Paravarajna (knower of the greatest and the smallest), Varada (bestower of boons), Varenya (excellent), Mahasvana (of loud sound), Devasuraguru (preceptor of the gods and Asuras), Devadevasuranamaskṛta (lord adored by the gods and the Asuras), Devasuramahamitra (friend of the gods and the Asuras), Devasuramahesvara (lord of the gods and the Asuras), Devasuresvara (lord of the gods and Asuras), Divya (divine being), Dcvasuramahasraya (great base of the gods and the Asuras), Devadeva (lord of the gods), Anaya (having no mean strategy), Acintya (inconceivable), Devatatma (soul of all deities), Atmasambhava (self-born), Sadyojata (sudden-born), Asuravyadha (hunter of the Asuras), Devasimha (lion among the gods), Divakara (sun) Vibudhagracara(going at the head of the gods), Sresṭha (most excellent), Sarvadevottamottama (most excellent of all the gods), Sivajnanarata (interested in the knowledge of Siva), Srimat (glorious), Sikhi (fire-god), Sriparvatapriya (fond of the mountain Sriparvata), Vajrahasta (having the thunderbolt in the hand), Siddhakhaḍga (having steady sword), Narasimha-nipatana (one who felled down Narasimha), Brahmacarin (traverser of the path of Brahman), Lokacarin (moving about in the world), Dharmacarin (the traverser of the path of virtue), Dhanadhipa (the lord of wealth) Nandin (the delighted one), Nandisvara (identical with Nandisvara), Ananta (the infinite), Nagnavṛttidhara (one adopting the activities of the naked), Suci (the pure), Liṅgadhyaksa (the presiding lord of Liṅgas), Suraḍhyaksa (presiding deity of the gods), Yugadhyaksa (presiding deity of the Yugas), Yugapaha (destroyer of Yugas), Svadhama (self-housed), Svagata (self-pervading), Svargin (attaining heaven), Svara (accent), Svaramaya svana (vowel sound), Banadhyaksa (supervisor of arrows), Bijakartṛ (creator of seeds), Karmakṛt (performer of rites), Dharmasambhava (born of virtues), Dambha (arrogance), Lobha (covetousness), Sambhu (bestower of the weal), Sarvabhutamahesvara (great lord of all living beings), Smasananilaya (dweller in the cremation ground), Tryaksa (three-eyed), Setu (bridge), Apratimakṛti (of unequalled features), Lokottarasphuṭa (most excellent in the world), Loka (the world), Tryambaka[10] (three-eyed), Nagabhusana (having serpents for his ornaments), Andhakari (enemy of Andhaka), Mayadvesin (enemy of Maya), Visnukandhara-patana (one who felled the neck of Visnu), fiinadosa (deficient in blemishes), Aksayaguna (of unending attributes), Daksari (inimical to Daksa), Pusadantabhit (tooth-breaker of Pusan (sun)), Purna (full), Purayitṛ (the filler), Punya (meritorious), Sukumara (very delicate and tender), Sulocana (of good eyes), Sanmargapa (the lord of the path of the good), Priya (loving), Adhurta (non-roguish), Punyakirti (of meritorious fame), Anamaya (free from sickness), Manojava (having the speed of the mind), Tirtha-kara (maker of holy centres), Jaṭila (having matted hair), Niyamesvara (lord of restraints), Jivitantakara (cause of the end of life), Nitya (eternal), Vasuretas (cold-semened), Vasuprada (bestower of riches), Sadgati (goal of the good), Siddhida (bestower of Siddhis), Siddha, sajjati (of good nativity), Khalakanṭaka (thorny to the knavish), Kaladhara (possessor of digits), Mahakalabhuta (the being of great Kala), Satyaparayana (devoted to truth), Lokala-vanyakartṛ (creator of the beauty of the worlds), Lokot-tarasukhalaya (abode of the most excellent happiness), Gandrasanjivana (enlivener of the moon), Sastṛ (chastiser), Lokagraha (grasper of the worlds), Mahadhipa (great lord), Lokabandhu (kinsman of the worlds), Lokanatha (ruler of the worlds), Kṛsajna (grateful), Kṛttibhusita (adorned with the elephant’s hide), Anapaya(without danger or distress), Âksara (imperishable), Kanta (brilliant), Sarvasastrabhṛd-vara (foremost among the bearers of all weapons), Tejo-maya (full of brilliance), Dyutidhara (resplendent), Loka-mani (honouring the world), Ghṛnarnava (ocean of mercy), Sucismita (of pure smiles), Prasannatman (of delighted soul), Ajeya (invincible), Duratikrama (untransgressable), Jyotirmaya (refulgent), Jagannatha (lord of the universe), Nirakara (shapeless), Jalesvara (lord of waters), Tumbavina (having his Vina made of the gourd), Mahakaya (of huge bod), Visoka (free from sorrow), Sokanasana (destroyer of sorrows), Trilokapa (lord of the three worlds), Trilokesa (suzerain of the three worlds), Sarvasuddhi (the all-pure), Adhoksaja (identical with Visnu), Avyaktalaksana (of unmanifest characteristics), Vyakta-avyakta Deva (lord of manifest and unmanifest), Visampati (lord of subjects), Para Siva (great Siva), Vasu (wealth), Nasasara (breath, essence of the nose), Manadhara (holder of honour), Yama (restrainer), Brahma, Vishnu, Prajapala (protector of subjects), Hamsa (swan), Hamsagati (having the gait of swan), Vayas (bird), Vedhas (dispenser), Vidhatṛ (disposer of fate), Dhatṛ (sustainer), Srastṛ (creator), Hartṛ (destroyer), Caturmukha (four-faced), Kailasasikharavasin (resident on the top of Kailasa), Sarvavasin (residing in all), Sadagati (always moving), Hiranyagarbha—Druhina (identical with Brahma), Bhutapala (protector of the Bhutas), Bhupati (lord of the earth), Sadyogin, Yogavid, Yogin (great Yogin), Varada (bcstower of boons), Brahmanapriya (fond of brahmins), Devapriya (fond of gods), Devanatha (lord of gods), Devaka (shining), Devacintaka (one considerate of the gods). Virupaksa (of uneven eyes) Vṛsada (granter of virtues), Vṛsavardhana (enhancer of virtues), Nirmama (detached), Nirahaṅkara (free from egotism), Nirmoha (free from delusion), Nirupadrava (harmless), Darpaha (destroyer of arrogance), Darpada (bestower of arrogance), Dṛpta (arrogant), Sarvarthaparivartaka (cause of change in every thing), Sahasrarcis (thousand-rayed), Bhutibhusa (having Bhasma as ornament), Snigdhakṛti (of loving shape), Adaksina (non-chivalrous), Bhutabhavya Bhavannatha (lord of the past, present and future), Vibhava (affluence), (Bhutinasana (destroyer of prosperity), Arthanartha (of good and bad fortune), Mahakosa (of great treasure), Parakaryaikapanḍita (sole scholar in other’s activities).
 
Niskanṭaka (free from thorns), Kṛtananda (taking delight), Nirvyaja (free from false pretexts), Vyajamardana (suppressor of false pretexts), Sattvavat (possessing Sattva), Sattvika, Sattva, Kṛtasneha (loving), Kṛtagama (one who has made Agamas), Akampita (non-trembling), Gunagrahin (grasping goodness), Naikatman (non-single soul), Naikakarmakṛt (performing many activities), Suprita (well-pleased,) Sukhada (bestower of happiness), Suksma (subtle), Sukara (of good hands), Daksinanila (southern wind), Nandi Skanda (delighted Skanda), Dhara (mountain), Dhurya (worthy of being considered at the head), Prakaṭa pritivardhana (enhancer of manifest pleasure), Aparajita (the undefeated), Sarvasaha (bearer of everything) Govinda, Sattvavahana (cause of the flow of Sattva quality), Adhṛta (unsupported) Svadhṛta (self-supported), Siddha, Putamurti (pure formed), Yasodhana (considering fame as wealth), Varahasṛṅga dhṛk (holding the horn of Boar), Sṛṅgin (having a horn), Balavat (strong), Ekanayaka (sole lord), Sruti prakasa, (Illuminator of the Vedas), Srutimat (possessing renown), Ekabandhu-Anekadhṛk (sole kinsman supporting many), Srivatsala (darling of the goddess of Glory), Sivarambha (of auspicious beginning), Santabha (tranquil and well), Sama (equanimous) Yasas (fame), Bhusaya (lying on the ground), Bhusana (ornamented), Bhuti (prosperity), Bhutikṛt (creator of prosperity), Bhutabhavana (conceiver of all living beings), Akampa (non-trembling), Bhaktikaya (Having devotion as body) Kalahani (destroyer of Kala), Kalavibhu (lord of arts), Satyavratin (of truthful rites), Mahatyagin (great renouncer), Nitya (eternal) Santi Parayana (devoted to peace) Pararthavṛtti (actively engaged for others) Varada (gran ter of boons), Virakta (unattached) Visarada (skilful), Subhada (Bestower of auspiciousness), Subhakartṛ (maker of auspicious circumstances), Subhanaman (of auspicious names), Subha (himself auspicious), Anarthita (non-requested), Gunagrahin (acceptor of Gunas), Akartṛ (non-doer) Kaṅkaprabha (Gold lustred) Svabhavabhadra (naturally good), Madhyastha (stationed in the middle), Satrughna (Destroyer of enemies), Vighnanasana (destroyer of obstacles) Sikhanḍin (having tuft), Kavacin (having a coat of mail), Sulin (having a trident) Jaṭin (having matted hair).

Munḍin (having clean-shaven head), Kunḍalin (having earrings), Amṛtyu (deathless), Sarvadṛk (seeing all), Simha (leonine) Tejorasi (heap of splendour), Mahamani (of great jewel), Asamkhyeya (innumerable), Aprameyatman (of immeasurable Atman), Viryavat (of great virya), Viryakovida (knower of virility), Vedya (comprehensible), Viyogatman (of disunited soul), Saptavaramunisvara (Identical with the seven junior sages), Anuttama (the most excellent), Duradharsa (incapable of being attacked), Madhura. (sweet), Priyadarsana (of loving vision), Suresa (lord of gods), Smarana (recollection) Sarva (destroyer), Sabda (comprehensible through words of the scripture), Pratapatdvara (foremost among those who blaze), Kalapaksa (time-winged), Kalakala (destroyer of death) Valayikṛtavasuki (having Vasuki as his wristlet), Mahesvasa (having great bow), Mahibhaṛtr (lord of the earth), Niskalaṅka (stainless), Visṛṅkhala (free from fetters), Dyumani (Jewel of the firmament), Tarani (sun), Dhanya (Blessed), Siddhida (Bestower of Siddhis). Siddhisadhana (achiever of Siddhis) Visvataḥ sampravṛtta (engaged in activities from everywhere) Vyuḍhoraska (of broad chest), Mahabhuja (of great arms), Sarvayoni (source of everything), Nirataṅka (free from terror), Naranaraynapriya (fond of Nara and Narayana), Nirlepa (free from attachment), Yatisaṅgatman (associating with the ascetics). Nirvyaṅga, (free from crippledness), Vyanganasana (destoryer of mutilated state), Stava (Hymn), Stutipriya (fond of eulogy), Stotṛ (eulogiser), Vyaptamurti (of pervasive body), Nirakula (unagitated), Niravadyatamayopaya (of blameless means) Vidyarasi (heap of learning), Satkṛta (honoured and welcomed), Prasantabuddhi (of calm intellect), Aksunna (unbeaten), Samgraha (collection), Nityasundara (ever beautiful), Vaiyaghra dhurya (of tigerish nature and considered at the head), Dhatrisa (lord of the earth), Samkalpa (conception), Sarvaripati (lord of the night), Paramarthaguru (real preceptor), Datta identical with, Datta (Atreya), Suri (wise), Asritavatsala (favourably disposed towards dependants), Soma (accompanied by Parvati), Rasajna (knower of the taste) Rasada (Bestower of Sweetness), Sarvasattvavalambana (Supporter of all living beings).
Thus, Vishnu eulogised Shiva with the thousand names. Shiva was prayed to and worshipped with lotuses.
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Worship of Shivalinga – Shiva Purana

7/22/2023

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The worship of phallic emblem is equivalent to all the charitable gifts, sacred rites, holy centres, restraint and sacrifices, In the age of Kali yuga the worship of phallic image is excellent and yield worldly pleasures and salvation. (Chapter 21 Shlokas 24-26)
 
Prostrations, obeisance with prayers, sacred rites, sins perish immediately. Sins are said to be quelled by virtues. Pranav is in the form of japa and circumambulation is physical rite.
 
Whom worshipped:
  1. Worship of Shivalinga in prescribed manner is worship of eight cosmic bodies – panchbutas (earth, fire, water, air, ether), sun, moon & worshipper who sacrifice.
  2. Shiva (the most auspicious one) in the names of Sarva (the source of everything), Bhava (the source), Rudra (the fierce, the roarer, mightiest of mighty), Ugra (the aggressive), Bhima (the fearful), Ishvara (the all-pervasive one), Mahadeva (Lord of the deities) & Pasupathi (Lord of all beings) are worshipped with eight cosmic bodies.
  3. Then, worship Shiva family with great devotion with sandal paste, raw rice and bilwa leaves. Shiva family includes Ishana (the power of revealment, Goddess Durga), Nandi (the power of happiness & satisfaction, Bull), Chanda (the power of compassion, moon), Mahakala (the power of dissolution, beyond time or death), Bhringi (head of ganas), Vrishabha (Ox), Skanda (Kartikeya), Kapardisa (a form of shiva), Soma (moon, plant giving immortality) and Shukra (Shukracharya). They are worshipped commencing from Ishana (north east) respectively.  Vīrabhadra is worshipped in front and Kirtimukha at the back. Then worship eleven Rudras is done.
 
Modes of worship:
  1. Then worshipper shall repeat the five-syllabled mantra, Satarudriya, many Saiva hymns and read Panchanga and perform circumambulation. After obeisance, the worshipper shall bid farewell to the phallic image. Divine rites in night should be done facing northward. It is advisable to worship shiva with Tripuṇḍra (three lines on the forehead), Rudrakṣa and Bilvapatra. (Chapter 21 Shlokas 45-56)
 
  1. The devotee should worship Shiva by performing Shiva’s sacred rites, Shiva’s penance (tapas), Shiva Japa, Shiva’s knowledge and meditation of Shiva. (Chapter 18 Shlokas 24-25)
 
Why worship:
  1. People of pravratti marg (worldly activity-oriented life) worship ritualistically and people of nivratti marg (retired worldly life) worship subtle Linga. (Chapter 18 54-56)
  2. When Shiva is gladdened by the austerities of deities and sages, Shiva in the form of Nada assumes the form of a seed under the ground and manifest himself outside and makes his presence felt. Since it is self-raised, it is called as Svayambhu. By worshipping it the devotee gains increasing knowledge automatically. (Chapter 18 Shlokas 32-34)
  3. Worshipping of earthen phallic images according to Vedic rites yields worldly pleasures and salvation.
  4. By reciting ten crore japa of Shiva mantra, one acquires Brahma’s region. A further ten crore japa, one acquires Vishnu’s region. By further ten crore japa, one acquires Rudra’s region. By further ten crore japa, one acquires Ishvara’s region. Again, by a similar japa performed with concentration he attains Kalachakra, the first in Shiva loka. The kalchakra has five sheaths of Chakras – Brahm chakra (sight & delusion), Vishnu chakra (enjoyment and delusion), Rudra chakra (anger and delusion), Ishvara chakra (Revolution) and Shiva chakra (Knowledge and delusion). By reciting 105 crore Shiva mantra carefully, one attains shiva loka outside the five sheaths. One finds bull in form of penance there. (Chapter 17 Shlokas 103-111)
 
When Worshipped:
The japa of the five-syllabled mantra (Namah Shivay) shall always be performed along with pranava. The practice should start on Chaturdashi day of bright side of moon and concluded on Chaturdashi day of dark side of moon. The months of magha and bhadrpada are the most auspicious on all occasions. Devotee should take one meal only and avoid useless talks and curb all his sense organs. The five syllabled mantra should be repeated one thousand times daily. All the time remembering the various aspects of Shiva who is seated in lotus pose, five syllabled mantras should be done five lakh times and concluding day twelve thousand times. (Chapter 17 Shlokas 36-38)
 
In case in the dark moon of Ashwin month, if Chaturdashi falls on Sunday and Sankranti is with ardra & mahrdra stars, it is very auspicious for Shiva Puja. Shiva Puja on Magh Chaturdashi in the dark moon bestows the cherished desires, longevity, prevents premature death and accords special powers. (Chapter 16 Shlokas 40-42) The worship of Shiva on Mondays together with making gifts in the month of Kartika supresses excessive poverty and increases prosperity. (Chapter 16 Shlokas 51-52)
 
How Worshipped:
For the sake of worship, devotee should invite five Brahmins along with wives who are great shiva devotees.  One who is excellent who shall be assigned Simba form, others shall be assigned aspects of Shiva viz. Isana, Aghora, Vama Sadyojata. Worship should start as per scriptural code. After conclusion of worship, havan should be should be done with cow ghee and mantra. Devotee should offer one thousand ablution and Brahmins to offer one hundred eight times. At the end of Haven, devotee should wash the feet of Brahmins, offer meals and give monetary gifts. If the householder completes another five-lakh mantra, all his sins are wiped off. If ten million japas are completed in all, he shall become identical with Brahman. (Chapter 17 Shlokas 43-56)
 
At the beginning of the rite, the person should adore Sri Ganesh to ward off the obstacles in performing sacred rite. To ward off all sort hindrances, the person must worship all the deities. There are three types of hindrances – Adhyatimika (ailments of body), Adhibhautika (extraneous to physical body such as due to animals, instects, trees etc.) and Adhidaivika (divine calamities including pandemic, endemic etc.) (Chapter 18 Shlokas 98-106).
 
In common procedure of Shiva’s worship, the eight names of Shiva viz. om Haray Namah; Om Maheshvaray Namah; Om Shambhvaya Namah; Om Shulpanay Namah; Om Pinakgrishe Namah; Om Shivay Namah; Om Pashupatay Namah; Om Mahadevay Namah, shall be used respectively for the rites bringing the clay, making Shivalinga, installation, invocation, ceremonial ablution, worship, craving the forbearanceand ritualistic farewell. Nyasa rite and anganyasa performed. Meditation with mantra Om Namah Shivay (Chapter 19 Shlokas 47-50)
 
The rites in detail are explained in chapter 20 as under:


  1. The devotee shall take bath as per prescribed sacred code.
  2. He shall perform his Sandhya prayers.
  3. After performing Brahma Yajna (one of the five daily sacrifices), he shall perform tarpana (a rite of offering water oblations to the manes).
  4. After finishing daily rites, he shall apply ashes and wear Rudraksha, allalong remembering Bhagwan Shiva.
  5. With great devotion, he shall worship earthen phallic emblem according to Vedic injunctions, on the bank of river or tank, or on the top of mountain, or in the forest, or in shiva temple.  It must be clean place.
  6. The material of worship shall be sprinkled with water, chanting the mantra “Om Namah Shivay”.
  7. Then sanctify the holy centre with chanting mantra – “Bhurasi” etc…
  8. Water shall be sanctified with chanting mantra – “Apo asman…(Yajurveda 4/2)
  9. The rite of “Phatikabandha” shall be performed with Namaste Rudra mantra (Yajurveda 16/1)
  10. The sprinkling of water to sanctify the area and “Panchamarta” sprinkling shall be done with chanting mantra – namah Shambhvaya..(Yajurveda 16/41)
  11. The installation of the phallic image of Shiva shall be done with mantra – Namah Nilagrivaya (Yajurveda 16/8)
  12. Offer seat with mantra – Etatte rudraya..(Yajurveda 3/61)
  13. Avahana done with mantra – Ma no mahantam…(Yajurveda 16/15)
  14. Seating of Bhagwan Shiva is done with mantra – Ya te rudrena….(Yajurveda 16/2)
  15. Nyasa (Ritualistic touching of various body parts) performed with mantra – Yamish…..(Yajurveda 16/3)
  16. Offer fragrance with mantra – Adhyavochat….(Yajurveda 16/5)
  17. Nyasa of Shiva done with mantra – Asau….(Yajurveda 16/6)
  18. Upasarpana (Going near deity) with mantra – Asau Yovasarpati…(Yajurveda 16/7)
  19. Padya seva (washing the feet of deity) with mantra – Namostu Nilagrivaya..(Yajurveda 16/8) 
  20. Reception (arghya) of deity with mantra – Rudragyatri
  21. Achamana (sipping water) with mantra – Tryambaka….(Yajurveda 3/60)
  22. Milk Abhishek (Ceremonial ablution – bathing the deity with milk) with mantra – Payah Prthivyam…(Yajurveda 18/36)
  23. Curd Abhishek (Ceremonial ablution – bathing the deity with curd) with mantra – Dadhi kravnah…(Yajurveda 23/32)
  24. Ghee Abhishek (Ceremonial ablution – bathing the deity with Ghee) with mantra – Ghratam…(Yajurveda 6/19)
  25. Honey & Sugar Abhishek (Ceremonial ablution – bathing the deity with honey and sugar) with mantra – Madhuveta…(Yajurveda 13/27, 13/28, 13/29)
  26. Panchamart Abhishek can also be done with mantra..Namostu Nilagrivaya (Yajurveda 16/8)
  27. Katibandhana (tying of waistband) with mantra – Ma Nastoke…(Yajurveda 16/16)
  28. Cloth of upper part of body offered to deity with mantra – Namo Dhrsnae…(Yajurveda 16/36)
  29. Vastrasamarpana (offering cloth & janau) to deity with mantra – Ya te heti..(Yajurveda 16/11, 16/12, 16/13, 16/14)
  30. Offer scent (sandal wood & Roli) with mantra – Namah Shvbhyah.. (Yajurveda 16/28)
  31. Offer Akshat (raw rice grains) with mantra – Namastaksabhyah….(Yajurveda 16/27)
  32. Flower offering with mantra – Namah Paryaya….(Yajurveda 16/42)
  33. Offering Bilva leaves with mantra – Namah Parnaya..(Yajurveda 16/46)
  34. Offering incense with mantra – Namah Kapardine…(Yajurveda 16/29)
  35. Lamp shall be offered with mantra – Namah Ashave..(Yajurveda 16/31)
  36. Offering Naivedya with mantra – Namah Jyesthaya..(16/32)
  37. Achamana offered with mantra – Tryambakam..(Yajurveda 3/60)
  38. Fruits offered with mantra – Ima Rudraya…(Yajurveda 16/48)
  39. Offer everything with mantra – Namo Vrajyaya…(Yajurveda 16/44)
  40. Offer Akshat (raw rice grain) to eleven rudra with mantra – Ma…(Yajurveda 16/15, 16/16)
  41. Offer Dakshina (fee) with mantra – Hiranayagarbha…(Yajurveda 13/4)
  42. Abhisheka (ablution) to deity with mantra – Devasaya…(Yajurveda 20/3)
  43. Arti (wave light) to deity with mantra – Namah Ashave…(Yajurveda 16/31)
  44. Pushpanjali (offer handful flowers) with mantra – Ima rudraya...(Yajurveda  16/48)
  45. Pradakshina (Circumambulation) with mantra – Ma No..(16/15)
  46. Sastanga Pranam (prostration – all limbs touching ground) with mantra – Ma Nastoke..(Yajurveda 16/16)
  47. Shiv mudra with mantra – Esha te…(Yajurveda 3/57)
  48. Abhay mudra with mantra – Yato Yatah…(Yajurveda 36/23)
  49. Jnana mudra with mantra – Tryambakam…(Yajurveda 3/60)
  50. Mahamudra with mantra – Namah Sena…(Yajurveda 16/26)
  51. Dhenumudra with mantra – Namo Gobhyah..(Gomti Vidya)
  52. Saturrudriya mantra – (Yajurveda 16)
  53. Visarjana (ritualistic farewell) with mantra – Deva gatu..(Yajurveda 8/21)
  54. The ashes resulting from Vedic rites in fire shall be smeared over the forehead at the end of rites. Since the ashes (Bhasma) are purified by the mantras the rite itself takes the form of ashes. Applying the ashes on forehead tantamount to assimilating the sacred rite on one’s own atman. (Chapter 18 Shlokas 61-62)
 
Sacred fire rite is performed as prescribed in chapter 18: -
Shanti yajna needs to be performed to ward off evil effects. Shanti (peace) yajna should be done every year in Phalgun month. Yajna should be done as under (Chapter 18 Shlokas 107-128):
  1. In a temple, a cowshed, a yajna shala, or in one’s own courtyard;
  2. On a raised platform (around two hands high) - around the circle of the midpoint, eight vessels (kalasha) be placed in eight directions. Put lotuses, leaves of mango tree, darbha grass (kusha), precious stones, scent, filled with water, panch dravya (cow dung, urine, milk, curd & ghee), in all the kalashas.
  3. Sri Vishnu shall be invoked and worshipped in the central vessel.
  4. Repeat mantras of the respective deities hundred times each.
  5. At the end of Japa, homa should be performed to the west of the vessels.
  6. Offerings in the fire may be a crore, a thousand, hundred and eight in number, according to time, place and convenience. It can be performed in a single day, for nine days or for forty days. Offerings shall be by repeating names of deities or mantras. Cooked rice and ghee shall be used. The articles of worship should be used in beginning till end.
  7. At the conclusion, the Punyahavacana shall be performed and the holy water of vessels shall be sprinkled all over.     
  8. Brahmins shall be fed in as many numbers as the number of offerings.
  9. The entire rite shall conclude after worship of nine planets.
  10. Different types of gifts shall be made to deserving persons. Yama is the presiding deity of all calamities, grave diseases etc. Hence, to gratify Yama, kala (God of death) image or statue (in gold) should be gifted. Gingelly seeds should be gifted for longevity; ghee or mirror for the sake of quelling ailments; for the quiescence of evil spirits the great adoration of Bhairava should be performed.
  11. At the end of rites, Naivedya should be offered to Shiva.
  12. Then public feeding of Brahmins shall be held.
Reference: Vidhyeshwara Samhita of Shiva Purana
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The Puja – Shiva Purana

4/16/2023

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Chapter 16, Vidhyeshwara Samhita of Shiva Purana elaborates the importance of Puja of deities. The word puja is derived from “Puh” means “the achievement of the fruit of enjoyment”. By the rite one achieves the fruits. Jayate means “is born.” Worldly fruits and perfect knowledge are achieved from “Puja” done with desires and desireless respectively.
 
The daily and occasional rites yield their benefits in due course but fruits of kamya rites (rites with wish) are instantaneous. The necessary rites are performed every day. The occasional rites are performed in particular months, fortnights or years or on special occasions. In kamya rites one derives the fruits after the sin is duly quelled. shlokas (chapter 16 shlokas 29-31)
 
Categories of Sacrifices:
Rudra-saṃhita (Srishti-khaṇḍa Chapter 12) of Shiva Purana has broadly classified sacrifices done by the devotee in three categories:
  1. Ritualistic (Karmas Yajnas)
  2. Penance (Tapo Yajna)
  3. Meditation (Dhyana Yajna)
 
The Tapo yajna (sacrifice in the form of penance) is far superior to thousands of Karmas yajnas (ritualistic sacrifices). The Japa yajna (sacrifice in the form of Japas) is far superior to thousands of Tapo yajnas (sacrifices in the form of penance). There is nothing superior to Dhyana yajna (meditation) which is the cause of true knowledge, since the yogin is able to see his favourite (deity) of equanimity through meditation. (45-46)
 
Linga is of two types: the exterior and the interior. The exterior is gross and the interior is subtle. Those who are engaged in ritualistic sacrifices and do regularly worship the gross Linga are unable to steady the mind by meditating upon the subtle and hence they use the gross Linga. He who has not mastered the Linga of the mind, the subtle one, must perform the worship in the gross Linga and not otherwise. The pure undying subtle Linga is ever perceived by the masters of true knowledge in the same manner as the gross one is thought to be very excellent by those who are not yogis. Till the realisation of perfect knowledge, a man should continue the ritualistic worship of Shiva. (51-54, 58)
 
Having an idol is very auspicious for a person who has no such knowledge. It is a ladder that enables him to climb to a higher position. It is very difficult to climb to a position without a support. The idol is only a means to achieve the Nirguṇa Shiva.  The attainment of the Nirguṇa through a Saguṇa is certainly possible. In this manner, the symbols of all lords are conducive to a steady faith and belief. Till the realisation of true knowledge, the idol shall necessarily be worshipped. If any one does not worship the idol before he attains perfect knowledge, his downfall is sure. (63-67)
 
Worship should be performed with devotion. Without worship and charitable gifts, sin cannot be kept at bay. As long as there is a vestige of sin in the body, achievement need not be expected. When the sin is wiped off, all rites will bear fruit. (69-70)

The root of true knowledge is unswerving devotion. The root of knowledge too is devotion. The root of devotion is good action and the worship of one’s own favourite deity. The root of that is the good preceptor. A good preceptor is secured only through association with good people. If one associates with good people, one will come across a preceptor. From the preceptor mantras and the modes of worship can be learned. Bhakti (devotion) is generated by worship and it gives birth to knowledge. Knowledge leads to perfect knowledge and realisation of the supreme Brahman. When there is perfect knowledge, differentiations cease altogether. When differentiation ceases, the misery of mutually clashing opposites vanishes. He who is free from the tangle of opposites and the miseries attendant on them assumes the form of Shiva. (73-77)

As long as the person continues the life of a householder, he shall perform the worship of the idols of the most excellent of the five deities (Ganesh, Sun, Vishnu, Shiva and Devi) with pleasure. Or it is enough if Shiva alone is worshipped. if Shiva is worshipped, all the gods are worshipped. (82-83)
 
Processes or Services of Puja:
Vidhyeshwara Samhita in Shiva Purana have explained various process or services of puja to attain the fruits with reference to Shiva Puja. The same processes of puja are relevant for other deities:
  1. Desirelessness - Shiva rank is achievable by rendering service. The performer should be the person who is free from desire. (Chapter 3, shloka 18)
  2. Shravana, Manana and Kritana - One, who establish Shiva linga or image and perform worship by Shravana, Manana and Kritana every day, crosses the ocean of worldly existence. (Chapter 5, shloka 1)
  3. Glorifications - The essential means to attain great fruits is listening the glory of shiva, glorifying him by means of words, and meditating on him. (Chapter 3, shloka 21-24)
  4. Deliberations - The steady continuance in the act of deliberation & meditation is most important. (Chapter 4, shloka 2) 
  5. Glorification (Kirtana)  - It is the clear expression of Shiva’s attributes, forms, etc. in good taste. It is singing songs of praise. (Chapter 4, shloka 3)
  6. Listening (Shravana) - It is achieved in the company of good persons. (Chapter 4, shloka Shravana, Manana and Kritana are the means in conformity of with Vedic ideals and are the excellent means of salvation. (Chapter 4, shloka 18-20)
    1. Days - The worship of Shiva and other deities on their respective tithis is conducive to full enjoyment for the devotees. If tithi extends to midday, that part of it which falls at sunrise shall be taken for worship of deities. (chapter 16 shlokas 26-27)
    2. Holy centres - One should strive to stay in the holy centre (Chapter 12, shloka 8). By staying in the Shiva region for seven, five, three or one night, one gradually attains Shiva region He will obtain results according to his conduct and befitting to his caste. (Chapter 11, shloka 59-61). When a Shiva temple is built by ordinary man, its phallic emblem is holy up the radius of 15-30 metres, if built by sages or deities, it is holy up to 150-300 metres, if phallic emblem is self-risen (Svayambhu), it is holy up to 600-1200 metres. (Chapter 11, shloka 55-56). Shiv Ji has himself raised temples and holy centres in different places for the liberation of the residents of the localities. In these holy centres and temples, ablutions, charitable gifts, japas etc. must be regularly performed to remain healthy and prosperous. (Chapter 12, shloka 5)   
    3. Ritualistic worship (Chapter 11, shlokas 24-29) –
  7. Worships of the mobile emblem (12 fingers of devotee) with the sixteen types of services, shall accord gradually in the region of Shiva. The sixteen types of services are – invocation (Avahana), offering the seat (Asana), water of offering (Arghya), washing of feet (Padya), water for rinsing the mouth as a mystical rite (Achmana), oil bath (Abhyanga snana), offering of cloth (Vastra), Scents (Gandha), flowers (pushpa), incense (dhupa), lamps (deepa), food offering (Nivedana), waiving of light (Nirajana), beetal leaves (Tambula), obeisance (Namaskara), and mystical discharge and conclusion (Visargana).
  8. Or the devotee need perform the rites from water offering to food offering alone duly.
  9. Or the devotee shall daily, as he can, ablution (purification process - Abhisheka, bathing in river), food offering (Naivedya), and obeisance (Namaskara) and propitiation (Tarpana), - all these in order. It shall accord in the region of Shiva.
  10. Or he shall perform all the sixteen rites in the phallic emblem of human, saintly or godly origin, or in naturally risen up (Svayambhu) or in one of the extra ordinary natures installed duly. By circumambulation and obeisance, he will attain Shiva’s region gradually.
    1. Penance: By suppressing the sense-organs with the mind, penance takes place. Penance is performed with steady & firm mind, by observing sacred rites and muttering mantras. Penances are done in difficuly physical postures such as by lifting hands, standing on only one leg and gazing at the sun, amidst fires, and gradually reducing intake of water & food.
    2. Japa worship - Repetition of mantras are efficacious depending upon the intensity & numbers of times done. Repetition of Pranav Om mantra ten thousand every day or a thousand times at the time of dawn and at dusk, it purifies mind. (Chapter 11, shloka 36-39) Repetition of five syllabled mantra – Namah Shivay – is especially efficacious with the pranav OM prefixed. The mantra received from the preceptor by proper initiation brings desired fruits. Repetition of the mantra five crore times will render him equal to Sadashiv. By repetition of the mantra one, two, three or four crore times, one attains the level of Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra or Maheshvara respectively. (Chapter 11, shloka 42-45) If a mantra consists of only one syllable it shall be first repeated a crore time and thereafter a thousand times with great devotion. (Chapter 11, shloka 51) Doing thus according to one’s capacity one shall gradually attain Shiva’s region. It is duty of everyone to repeat a mantra pleasing to him every day till death. (Chapter 11, shloka 52) If a person repeats “Om” a thousand times he shall get his desires fulfilled at the bidding of Shiva. If one renders service by sweeping and cleaning Shiva temple, he shall attain Shiva region. (Chapter 11, shloka 53) 
Worship of Idols: (Vidhyeshwara Samhita chapter 16 shlokas 3- 22)
The worship of idols made of clay etc. is conducive to attainment of all cherished desires in the world. Sit in lotus pose and worship respectfully. The five deities Ganesh, Sun, Vishnu, Parvati and Shiva shall be usually worshipped (chapter 16 shlokas 3- 22).
  1. By worship of Ganesh, the devotee shall attain his wish in this world itself. The days of special worship of Ganesh are Fridays, the fourth day of the bright half of the lunar months of Shraavana & Bhadrapada, and the satabhiksha star of the month of Dhanus. Worship on these days or continuously for hundred or thousand days (chapter 16 shlokas 3- 22).
  2. A person who seeks prosperity shall worship Ma Parvati who bestows all worldly pleasures on Mondays, Navami and in the star of Margashirsha. Navami of the month Ashwin in the bright moon accords desired results.
  3. The worship of Sri Skandika (Karttikeya) on Tuesdays and by gifting lamp & bell etc., the person gains power of speech. (chapter 16 shloka 53)
  4. The worship of Vishnu on Wednesdays in the month of Kartika together with the gifts cooked rice with curd yields good progeny. (chapter 16 shloka 54)
 
Reference: Chapters 3.4,5 6, 16 & 17, Vidhyeshwara Samhita, Chapter 12 Rudra-saṃhita (Srishti-khaṇḍa) of Shiva Purana
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The greatness of Jyotirlingas and their Upalingas - Shiva Purana

7/22/2022

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In Santana Dharma, Shivalinga is supreme, formless and cosmic cause of this universe. Shiva is assumed form of Shivalinga.   A Jyotirlinga or Jyotirling or Jyotirlingam i.e., lingam of light, is a shrine where Lord Shiva appeared. Such Jyotirlinga are twelve. These Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva are the holiest of holy shrines of Lord Shiva. Jyotirlinga are the Twelve special shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva since ancient times.
There are many names of Shiva in which 108 names are found in Puranas, but know the names here- Mahesh, Neelkanth, Mahadev, Mahakal, Shankar, Pashupatinath, Gangadhar, Natraj, Trinetra, Bholenath, Adidev, Adinath , Trimbak, Trilokesh, Jatashankar, Jagdish, Pralayankar, Vishwanath, Vishveshwara, Hara, Shivshambhu, Bhootnath and Rudra.
According to Shiva purana, Brahma, Maya, Jiva, Mind, intellect, mind, ego, sky, air, fire, water and earth are called Jyotirlinga or Jyoti Pind.
Spiritual Significance:
Those who see Shiva's life and philosophy with real vision are Shiva devotees with the right intelligence and catching the reality, because Shiva's philosophy says live in reality, live in the present, do not fight with your mind, look at them as strangers and also use imagination for reality. Before Einstein, Shiva had said that imagination is more important than knowledge.
Shiva has given darshan to people in every era. Shiva was also there during the time of Rama. There was Shiva even in the Mahabharata period and there is a mention of Shiva's darshan in the time of Vikramaditya. According to Bhavishya Purana, Lord Shiva also appeared to King Harshavardhana.
What is Jyotirlingas:
The Jyotirlinga is an aspect of the Supreme Shiva, in his formless form. He is the Lingodbhava, the one who arises from the Linga and appeared as a fiery column of light. The Jyotirlinga temples are the places where Shiva took a form as that radiant column of light. The Jyotirlingas are considered to be the most sacred among the Shiva shrines. The Jyotirlingas' are filled with a divine light, radiance or Jyoti. The term "Jyotirlinga" thus means the radiance of the Almighty God, Shiva. It is believed that the divine effulgence emanated by these lingams can be seen only by those who have attained a high state of spiritual enlightenment.
According to the Shiva Mahapurana, Brahma and Vishnu once had an argument over who among them was Supreme. In order to end their debate, Shiva pierced the three worlds, taking the form of a massive Infinite Pillar of Light (Jyotirlinga).
According to Vayu Purana, in the Holocaust, all creation which gets absorbed and which appears in the reincarnation period is called Linga. In this way, the entire energy of the world is the symbol of gender. This whole universe is a point-sound form. The point is Shakti and Nad Shiva. Point means energy and sound means sound. This is the basis of two whole universe. For this reason, worship of Shivling is a symbol.
Where located:
The twelve Jyotirlingas are:
Someshwara in Saurashtra (Near Veraval, Gujarat), Mallikarjuna in Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh), Mahakaleshwara in Ujjain (MP), Parmeshvara in Omkara (Khandwa, near Indore, MP), Kedarashwara on the Himavat (Garhwal Himalayan range, Uttrakhand), Bhima Shankara in Dakini (In Sahyadri hills near Pune, Maharashrtra), Vishwashwara in Varanasi (UP), Tryambakeshvara on the bank of Gautami (Near Nashik, Maharashrtra), Vaidyanatha in the cremation ground (Deodhar, Jharkhand), Nagashwara in the Daruka Forest (Near Dwarka, Gujarat), Rameshwara at Setubandha (Tamil Nadu) and Ghushmeshwara at Shivalaya (Near Ellora, Maharashrtra). The Upalingas of Jyotirlingas are:
The Upalinga of Someshwara is called Antakesha and it is installed at the confluence of the river Mahi and the ocean. The Upalinga of Mallikarjuna is glorified as Rudreshvara. It is pleasing and is stationed in Bhṛgukakṣa. The Upalinga of Mahakala is well known as Dugdhesha. It is famous in the region of Narmada and is remembered as destructive of all sins. The Upalinga of Oṃkara is famous as Kardamesha in the Bindu lake and yields the fruits of all desires. The Upalinga of Kedareshvara is Bhutesha on the banks of the Yamuna. It is destructive of sins of the visiting devotees. The Upalinga of Bhimashankara is Bhimeshvara. It is famous in the Sahya Mountain and it causes the increase of great strength. The Upalinga of Nageshwara is Bhuteshvara. Installed on the banks of Mallikasarasvati, it quells sins by the very sight. The Upalinga attached to Rameshwara is Gupteshvara. The Upalinga attached to Ghushmesha is Vyaghreshvara.  
Why Worshipped:
He who reads or recites the twelve names early in the morning is freed from all sins and attains the fruits of all Siddhis. Those who recite them without any desire but with purity of mind will never have rebirth involving residence in the mother’s womb. By worshipping these, people of all castes get their miseries destroyed in this world and become liberated hereafter, to be sure. The food offerings of these Jyotirlingas shall be taken and others shall be fed with the same. Such acts reduce the sins to ashes instantaneously. Even if a person of base birth happens to see Jyotirlinga, he will be born in a pure and good family.
How Originated:
Kotirudra Saṃhita of Shiva Purana deliberates on the greatness and origins of Jyotirlingas and their Uplingas. The entire universe is in the form of a phallus (Linga). In Sanskrit, Linga means a "mark" or a symbol, which points to an inference. Formless Shiva is prayed as Lingam (Nirankar). Thus, the Shiva Linga is a symbol of Lord Shiva.
Nothing other than Shivalinga (Phallic image) has real existence. There is no limit to the number of phallic images. The holy centres are equipped with phallic images. The three worlds consisting of the gods, Asuras and human beings are pervaded by Shiva in the form of phallic image for the welfare of the worlds. Shiva is worshipped by the gods, Asuras and human beings.
In order to bless the worlds, Shiva assumes different phallic forms here in the holy centres as well as in other places. Shiva incarnates in those places wherever he is devoutly remembered by the devotees. After carrying out their task he stations himself there. He has assigned his phallic form for the benefit of the worlds. The devotee attains perfection by worshipping that form.
 The legends of various Jyotirlingas are mentioned in ensuing articles to be published as per Shiva Purana.
 
Reference: Shiva Purana, Koṭirudra Saṃhita, Chapters – 1.

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Sequential Worship of Shiva – Shiva Purana

7/18/2022

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Sequential Worship of Shiva – Shiva Purana
 
Chapter 11 & 13 of Srshti Khanda of Rudra-saṃhita in Shiva Purana, elaborates the procedure of Shiva worship. One should perform the worship of Shiva duly and regularly for the achievement of all desired objects.
 
During the worship, items such as Cow Ghee, Milk with or without sugar, Scented oil, honey, Ganga water, flowers, unsplit rice grains mixed with sandal paste, Bilva leaves, petals or full flowers, incense, lamps, etc. are used. The processes include food-offerings, Arghya, Aartika (waving of lights), Pradakṣiṇa, Namaskara, Kṣamapana (craving forgiveness and Visarjana) the ritualistic dismissal). At that time Satarudriya mantra, Rudraikadasa mantra, Rudrajapya mantra, Puruṣa Sukta, Ṣaḍanga mantra, Mahamṛtyunjaya mantra, Gayatri, names ending with Namaḥ and beginning with Praṇava or Agama mantra shall be repeated. The mantra used shall be pleasing. At the end he shall feed other devotees.
 
Devotee who performs the worship, will become eloquent. He will achieve all he desires. The Supreme lord Shiva will quell all his miseries, ailments, sorrows, heart-burns, crookedness, poisonings and everything distressing quickly. (Chapter 11 Shlokas 29-83)
 
Sequential Steps of worship:
  1. Devotee should get up in the Brahma Muhurta (within an hour before dawn).
  2. Then remember the preceptor, holy centres and meditate on Hari. Thereafter, remember the deities and the sages. Then recite a prayer in the name of Shiva duly.
  3. After bath and observing the preliminaries, devotee shall perform water libation propitiating gods, sages and the manes and wear washed & dried clothes.
  4. In a clean place or puja room, the devotee shall take his seat made of wood or a cloth-cover. A seat of diverse colours is conducive to the achievement of all desires. Devotee shall sit on it and apply Tripuṇḍra with the ashes. If ashes are not available marking may be done with holy water. After marking Tripuṇḍra, the devotee shall wear Rudrakṣas.
  5. He himself shall sit near all the materials of worship around him. Cooked rice, a vessel for Arghya with water, scented raw rice grains and other items shall also be brought.
  6. The devotee shall think upon the preceptor and ritualistically take his permission for the worship. He shall perform the rite of Saṃkalpa (including the requisite mantras and statements about the puja, the day, month, year etc. and the purpose of the Puja) and aver his desire.
  7. Devotee shall perform the worship of Shiva devoutly. Showing the mystic mudra and using saffron and other materials he shall bow to and worship Ganesh accompanied by his consorts Siddhi and Buddhi. He shall repeat his names ending with Namaḥ and prefixed with Pranav. Thereafter the pedestal shall be arranged. After craving for forgiveness of the deity, he shall be worshipped again in the company of his brother Kartikeya with great devotion and shall be bowed to again and again. Thereafter, Goddess Sati, Girija shall be worshipped. After worshipping Shiva with sandal paste, saffron, incense, various lamps, and food-offerings of different sorts he shall bow down again.
  8. In the house the Linga shall be made of clay, silver or any other metal or mercury. Make the mystical diagram of the lotus of eight petals and install Shiva in its middle. It shall be bowed to with devotion. If that is worshipped, all deities are worshipped. In the house, Shiva shall be worshipped by the root mantra.
  9. He shall face the north and perform Achamana thrice with the requisite mantras (with drop of Ganga water and wash the hands.
  10. The devotee shall wash his hands and feet and perform Pranayama ten times with Mulamantra. Five mystic Mudras shall be shown with the hand before the worship. Only after showing the Mudras shall the worship be performed.
  11. Perform Pranayama thrice.
  12. Meditate on Tryaṃbaka (three-eyed Shiva). Shiva shall be invoked then with the following mantra. “I am invoking Shiva, the blissful and favourably disposed to the devotees, Shiva seated on the summit of Kailasa, the excellent lord of Parvati, Shambhu both with or without qualities possessed of five faces, ten hands, three eyes and the bull for banner, as white as camphor, of divine limbs, having crescent moon on the head, wearing matted hair, clad in the hide of an elephant and with the hide of the tiger as upper garment, with Vasuki and other serpents turned round his body, holding Pinaka and other weapons, having the eight Siddhis (accomplishments). During meditation, identify himself with Shiva and burn off his sins.
  13. Then the ritualistic purification of the body by touching the various parts of the body with holy water shall be performed. The Nyasa of the Mulamantra (the root mantra) and that of the six angas with Pranav (Oṃkara) shall be performed thereafter.
  14. After ritualistically touching the heart, he shall start worship. Different vessels shall be set apart for Padya (water for washing the feet), Arghya (water for the reception of the guest and Achcamana (sipping water).
  15. Darbha grass shall be spread and cool water sprinkled over the nine vessels.
  16. Reciting the oṃkara, the devotee shall sprinkle the various materials of worship.
  17. The fragrant root of the plant Usira and sandal-paste shall be put in the water for washing feet. Fine powders of Jati, Kaṃkola, Karpura, root of Vaṭa and Tamalaka should be put in the water intended for sipping. Sandal powder shall be put in all these nine vessels.
  18. Nandi, the divine Bull of Shiva shall be worshipped beside the lord Shiva. The latter shall be worshipped with scents, incense and different lamps.
  19. The Linga (phallic image) shall be purified and installed with various mantras beginning with Pranav and ending with Namaḥ (obeisance).
  20. The pedestal in the form of Svastika or lotus shall be assigned with Pranav.
  21. In the eight petals, in the eight quarters, the eight achievements are identified -the eastern petal is Aṇima (minuteness), the southern is Laghima (lightness), the western is Mahima (greatness), the northern is Prapti (power of reaching), the south-eastern is Prakamya (power of sufficiency), the south-western is Ishitva (lordliness); the north-western is Vasitva (power of control), the north-eastern is Sarvajnatva (omniscience) and the pericarp is the moon (Soma).
  22. Beneath the moon is the sun and beneath that is the fire. Dharma etc. are beneath that. All these shall be assigned regularly.
  23. In the four quarters Avyakta etc. the unmanifest principle and in the end of Soma the three Guṇas shall be assigned.
  24. Lord Shiva shall be invoked by the formula “I am addressing Sadyojata”. Then the devotee small repeat Vamadeva mantra and stand on his seat. The Sannidhya rite shall be performed with Rudra Gayatri mantra and the rite of Nirodha shall be performed with Aghora mantra.
  25. Rudra shall be worshipped with the mantra Isanaḥ Sarvavidyanam etc. Padya, Achamaniya and Arghya shall be offered duly. Rudra shall be duly bathed with water, scented with sandal in the same manner as with Panchagavya after taking it in a vessel duly instilled with mantras.
  26. Then the deity shall be bathed invoking Pranav with cow’s milk, curds, honey, sugarcane juice etc. Worshipping Rudra who bestows everything that is wholesome and desirable with ghee, the devotee shall perform the Abhisheka with all materials of worship reciting Pranav. In the holy vessels full of water, he shall pour water reciting various mantras after straining it with a white cloth duly.
  27. The sprinkling need not be performed until sandal paste is mixed. The water poured over the deity in a continuous current shall be rendered fragrant. The water ablutions shall be made reciting Vedic mantras or six-syllabled mantra eleven times, then the deity shall be wiped with a cloth. Then the Achamana shall be offered and cloth dedicated. Gingelly seeds, barley grains, wheat, green gram or black gram shall then be offered to Shiva with various mantras.
  28. Then Offerings of flowers, especially white flowers and rare flowers, shall be made to Lord Shiva. Holy basil leaves or Bilva leaves shall be offered with great devotion. Flowers - Apamarga, Karpura, Jati, Campaka, Kusa, Dhatturas, Mandaras, Paṭala, Karavira, Mallika, Kamala (lotus), rose and Utpalas (lilies) of various sorts shall be used.
  29. Sweet smelling cloves etc. shall be offered with Pranav.
  30. A worship performed with due recitation of Vedic mantras bestows all benefits. Offerings of flowers and water ablutions shall be made with these mantras whether caused to be read or committed to memory and orally repeated—The Rudra mantra, Nilarudra mantra, Shukla Yajurveda mantras, auspicious Hotṛ mantras, Atharvasirṣa mantras, Shanti mantras, Maruta mantras (सर्वभूतानुभावज्ञ लोकजीवन मारुत । प्रगृह्यतां बलिर्देव मन्त्रपूतो मयोद्यतः ॥), Samaveda mantras, if desired, Devavrata mantras, Rathantara mantras with Puṣpa Suktas, Mṛtyunjaya mantras and the five-syllabled mantra. The water offerings shall be a thousand times or hundred and eight times. They shall be offered strictly in accordance with Vedic injunctions or by repeating the names of the deity.
  31. Sweet smelling sandal paste and other unguents shall be applied to the deity.
  32. Then, worship of the Linga shall be performed, by Pranav mantra alone. Incense, lamps with ghee, Naivedyas, good betel leaves, pleasant Nirajana (waving of lights) shall be duly offered.
  33. Arartika (the rite of waving lights) shall be performed with a lamp with five wicks. Light shall be waved four times at the feet; twice in the umbilical region, once near the face and seven times over the whole body.
  34. Then the devotee shall perform meditation as stated before and repeat the mantras.
  35. The deity Shiva shall be eulogised lovingly with various hymns. Then the devotee shall perform circumambulation around Shiva by and by.
  36. Then he shall perform many times ashtanga prostration i.e., Ashtanga अष्टाङ्ग, means eight parts - Uras (Chest), Shiras (Head), Drishti (Eyes), Manas (Attention), Vachana (Speech), Pada (Feet), Kara (Hand), Jahnu (Knee).
  37. He shall then offer handfuls of flowers with great devotion repeating the following mantra. Then, he shall beg pardon for the insufficiency in the worship with or without knowledge.
  38. Prayers, obeisance etc. with various mantras shall be performed. Arghya and flower offerings shall be made at the foot.
  39. Then Achamana shall be performed immediately.
  40. The devotee shall kneel down and devoutly pray to the lord.
  41. The devotee shall take some flowers in his hands, stand up with palms joined in reverence and repeating the following mantra shall pray again to Isana, Shankara. O Shiva, may this Japa, Puja etc. performed by me with or without the requisite knowledge be fruitful, thanks to Thy grace. After repeating the above mantra, he shall place the flowers joyously over the Shivalinga.
  42. Then the rites of Svastyayachna Asirvada (benediction), Marjana shall be performed.
  43. Then Homage, a prayer for forgiveness and Acamana shall be performed.
  44. Repeating the Agha mantras for the expiation of sins namaskara shall be duly performed. He shall pray with devout feelings. “Devotion to Shiva, devotion to Shiva, devotion to Shiva in every birth. I have no other refuge. You alone are my refuge.”
  45. After praying thus to the lord of the Gods, the bestower of all achievements, the devotee shall loudly pray.
  46. He shall then perform namaskara along with the members of his family. He shall feel delighted in all these and thereafter carry on his daily routine.
 
Rewards of objects of worship:
Chapter 14 of Srshti Khanda of Rudra-saṃhita in Shiva Purana, has highlighted the rewards of different objects used by the devotee in worship – Darbhas is for liberation; Durva grass for long life; Dhattura plant with red stem for auspiciousness; Agastya flowers will earn great fame; Tulasi for worldly pleasures and salvation; Aeka or Kubjaklhara flowers secure great valour; Japa flowers (China rose) brings about the death of enemies; Karavira flowers drive away all ailments; Bandhuka flowers for ornaments; Jati flowers will acquire good vehicles; with Atasi flowers tol attain favour of Viṣhṇu; Sami leaves for salvation. With Mallika flowers to secure an auspicious woman; Karṇikara flowers to secure plenty of garments; Nirguṇḍi flowers to purify mind; one lakh Bilva leaves used for worship will secure the fulfilment of all desires etc. Excepting the Campaka and the Ketaka there is no flower which does not appeal to Siva. Different grains such as rice, wheat, barley, green grams etc. bring different gains. (25 -52).
Reference: Chapter 11, 13 & 14, Srshti Khanda of Rudra-saṃhita in Shiva Purana

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