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The glory of the donations & Penance – Shiva Purana
In the chapter 11 & 12 in Section 5 of Uma-saṃhita of Shiva Purana, the glory of donations and penance is narrated the greatness of Shiva. Glory of Donations - Auspicious or inauspicious, one has to reap the fruit of actions committed by him. Following are gains of gifts made –
Even by putting one’s family to inconvenience and trouble one should give food to a mendicant brahmin of noble soul, if one wishes for one’s prosperity. He who gives food to a suppliant brahmin in distress actually makes an excellent deposit facilitating his benefit in the other world. A giver of food, of good conduct and free from malice, is honoured. A gift of food never goes in-vain be it to a dog or a person who cooks dogs. He who gives food to a weary, unknown traveller, without feeling distressed for the same will derive prosperity. The meritorious benefit of the man, who delights Pitṛs, gods, brahmins and guests with food-stuffs, in really immense. Gift of food and drink whether to a Shudra or to a brahmin is equally excellent. The eight gifts are honoured most in the land of the dead viz food, drink, horse, cow, garments, bed and umbrella. Glory of Penance - The benefit of the sacred rite Agnihotra is derived by a man in the lake dug by whom there is plenty of water in the rainy season. Truth alone is the great Brahman, the greatest penance (tapas), the greatest sacrifice and the greatest learning. Penance, sacrifice, merit, the worship of the gods, sages and the Pitṛs, the waters, theVidyas—all these things are established in truth. Truth is sacrifice, penance, charitable gift, mantras, goddess Sarasvati, celibacy and Oṃkāra. These are really truth. By upholding truth, the people can attain the benefits of keeping up the traditions of all the Vedas and taking the ceremonial ablutions in all holy centres. When weighed against truth in a balance, a thousand horse-sacrifices and a hundred thousand other sacrifices do not equal it. Truth alone excels. Truth is the greatest virtue. By maintaining truthful virtue that the sages have attained Siddhis and reached heaven. Men who never utter a lie whether for their own sake, or for other’s sake, or even for their own son’s sake, do go to heaven. The Veda’s, the sacrifices and the Mantras exist in brahmins for ever. They are never visible to the untruthful. Hence one shall always speak truth. Penance is the greatest rite. Fruits are achieved by penance. Those who are engaged in penance incessantly rejoice along with the gods. Heaven, fame and love are achieved through penance. Penance is the means of achievement for all objects. One achieves great things through penance, one attains salvation, knowledge, perfect wisdom, good fortune and beauty by penance. Those who have never performed penance (tapas) do not attain Brahmaloka; lord Shiva is not accessible to those who have never performed penance. The wine-addict, the defiler of other women, the brahmin-slayer, the defiler of teacher’s bed overcome all sins through penance and get rid of them. Kingdoms are achieved through penance. Due to penance (tapas), the lords Sun and the Moon are engaged in the welfare of the worlds. The stars and the planets too shine by virtue of their penance. There is no happiness in the world that can be gained without penance. The knowers of the Vedas understand that all happiness is attained through penance alone. Knowledge, perfect wisdom, health, beauty, good fortune and perpetual happiness are the offshoots of penance.
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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.  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:
Modes of worship:
Why worship:
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:
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):
 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:
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:
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).
Reference: Chapters 3.4,5 6, 16 & 17, Vidhyeshwara Samhita, Chapter 12 Rudra-saṃhita (Srishti-khaṇḍa) of Shiva Purana 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.
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