Shiva

Characteristics :	Destroyer, Kind Hearted
Other Names :	Shambhu Nath, Bhole Shankar, Shiv Shankar
Principal Scriptures:	Shiva Mahapurana
Consort :	Parvati
Sons :	Ganesha, Kartikay
Abode :	Mount Kailash
Vahana (Vehicle) :	Nandi (The Bull Representing Strength and Happiness)
Mula Mantra :	Om Namah Shivaye
Shiva Gayatri Mantra:	Aum Panchvakraye Vidmahe Mahadevaye Dheemahi Tanno Rudra Prachodayat

Lord Shiva or Siva is considered as the destroyer of the world. Shiva is one of the most popular gods of the Hindu religion. Lord Siva forms the part of the Trimurti (Trinity), the other being Brahma, the creator and Vishnu, the preserver. Shiva is known for the complexity of his nature, representing contradictory qualities. He is the destroyer and the restorer, the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality, the kind herdsman of souls and a wrathful avenger.

Lord Shiva- The Role
Lord Shiva represents the vital goodness in the form of Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram i.e.; Truth, Goodness and Beauty .Lord Shiva performs a celestial role of dissolution and recreation of the universe, that's why; he is mostly associated with the words, like destroyer and destruction. The role of Shiva is often confused with these terms and the difficulty arises, when the significance of his celestial role is not understood.

The conception is clear itself by a slight balance between the opposing forces of good and evil. When this balance gets disturbed and continuation of life becomes unfeasible, Lord Shiva dissolves the universe. This is known as '' pralay '' and it is done in order to create another cycle .So that the unliberated souls will get another opportunity to liberate themselves from the bondage of the material world. To put succinctly, Siva protects the souls from pain and suffering that is generated by the unhealthy universe.

Shiva - The Giver
Lord Shiva is known as the ''giver god'', lord of mercy and kindness. He always protects his devotees from evil forces like lust, greed and anger. He is the most kind -hearted God who grants boons and bestows grace to his devotees.

Shiva - The Image
Lord Shiva has the unclad body covered with ashes symbolizing the transcendental aspect of the universe. Siva's three matted locks represent the integration of the mental, physical and spiritual energies. The crescent moon becomes the part of lord's ornament symbolizing the time cycle through which creation evolves from the beginning to the end. The three eyes of Lord Shiva suggest: the Sun is his right eye, the Moon is the left eye and fire, the third eye.

The Snake around his neck symbolizes the yogic power, which he uses to dissolve and recreate the universe. The Rudraksha necklace worn by the lord shows that he uses his celestial powers without compromise,to maintain law and order. The trishula (trident), symbolizes the Lord's three fundamental powers of will (iccha), action (kriya) and knowledge (gyana).The damaru (drum) and its two sides separated from each other symbolizes the two entirely dissimilar states of existence, invisible and evident.

The bull, Nandi is linked with Shiva and it is considered as his vehicle. The bull symbolizes both power and ignorance. Tiger's skin makes Lord Shiva's clothing and his seat, which illustrates the idea that he is the source of potential energy during the dissolution of the universe. Thus, Lord Shiva is well-regarded as the ultimate organizer of the birth and death in the corporeal world.

Shiva - The Lingam
Shiva is worshipped in his invisible and an unborn form, known as the lingam. Lingam is always accompanied by the Yoni, which is the female part, adjoining the base of the lingam. The lingam symbolizes the male creative power of Shiva.

Shiva Chalisa
Shiva Chalisa is a "forty verse" prayer. Verses are recited or chanted by groups. The acts and deeds of Shiva are recalled in these verses to aid the devotee to meditate on virtuous and noble qualities.

Shiva Legends
Shiva is considered as the destroyer of the universe, in Hinduism. Shiva is a complex god, in terms of nature and represents contradictory qualities, being the destroyer and the restorer simultaneously. There are numerous legends surrounding Lord Shiva and his powers. Here're a few popular stories of Lord Shiva.

Names of Shiva
Lord Shiva is considered as the destroyer of the Universe as per the Hindu Mythology. Shiva is one of the most popular gods of the Hindus. Lord Shiva is a complex god like goddess Kali, being destroyer and restorer at the same time. Shiva is also known as Bhole Shankar, the innocent god, who gets appeased easily.

Shiva Legends

Shiva is considered as the destroyer of the universe, in Hinduism. Shiva is a complex god, in terms of nature and represents contradictory qualities, being the destroyer and the restorer simultaneously. There are numerous legends surrounding Lord Shiva and his powers. Here're a few popular stories of Lord Shiva.

Story of Shiva Lingam - Why Shiva is worshipped in the Phallic Form
This is an interesting story regarding the worship of Lord Shiva in the phallic form. It is believed that once Brahma and Vishnu, the two deities of the Trinity, got into an argument regarding their supremacy. Lord Brahma declared himself to be more admired, being the creator. While the preserver, Vishnu, pronounced that he commanded more admiration. Just then a huge pillar of fire (lingam), called as Jyotirlinga, appeared in flames, before them. This Lingam enthralled both Brahma and Vishnu, with its hastily increasing size.

With this incident, they forgot their quarrel and decided to find its size. Vishnu took the form of boar and went to the netherworld. Brahma assumed the form of a Swan and flew to the skies. However both of them were unsuccessful in completing the self-assumed tasks. At that time, Shiva appeared out of the lingam and acknowledged that he was the progenitor of both, Brahma and Vishnu. So, he should be worshipped in his phallic (lingam) form, and not in the anthropomorphic form.

Story of Shiva and the Hunter
Here is one more interesting story of Lord Shiva, showing his merciful nature. Once a hunter was wandering in a dense forest, to chase a deer and suddenly he found himself on the banks of river Kolidum, where he heard the roar of a tiger. In order to defend himself from the tiger, he climbed up a tree close by. The Tiger sat on the ground below the tree without the purpose to leave.

The huntsman stayed at the tree whole night and to keep himself awake, he plucked one leaf after another from the tree and threw it down. There was a Shiva Lingam under the tree and gracefully the tree turned out to be a ''bilva'' tree (leaves of this tree are adored by Shiva). Without any knowledge, the huntsman had delighted the deity by pouring Bilva leaves all night. With the arrival of the sun, the hunter looked down and found the tiger gone. In its place, Lord Shiva was standing and he prostate before the lord. With Shiva's blessings, he attained salvation from the bondage of the material world.

Thevaaram Lyrics

 

 

om

Guru Brahmaa Guru Vishnu

Guru Devo Maheswara

Guru Saaksaat Param Brahma

Tasmai Shri Guruve Namaha

1.    Gayatri Mantra

Om Bhur Bhuvah Suvaha

Tat Savitur Varenyam

Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi

Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat

Vakratunda Mahakaaya

Suryakoti Samaprabha

Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva

Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada

2.    Mahamrityunjay Mantra

Om Trayambakam Yajamahe

Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam

Urvarukamiva Bandhanat

Mrutyor Mukshiya Mamrutat

3.    Ganesha Gayatri Mantra

"OM Ekadantaya Vidmahe

Vakkratundaya Dheemahi

Tanno Danti Prachodayat"

4.    Shiva Gayatri Mantra

"Om Tatpuruṣhaya Vidmahe

Mahadevaya Dhimahi

Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat"

5.    Shanmukha Gayatri Mantra

Om Thatpurushaya Vidhmahe

Maha Senaya Dhimahi

Thannah Shanmukha Prachodhayat

6.    Vishnu Gayatri Mantra

Aum Narayanaye Vidmahe

Vasudavaye Dhimahi

Tanno Vishnu Prachodayat

7.    Hanuman Gayatri Mantra

Om Aanjaneya Vidhmahe

Vayu puthraya Dheemahe

Thanno Hanumant Prachodayath

8.    Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra

Om Mahadevyai Cha Vidmahe

Vishnupatnyai Cha Dheemai

Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat

9.    Surya Gayatri Lyrics

Aum Bhaskaraya Vidmahe

Mahadyutikaraya Dheemahi,

Tanno Adityah Prachodayat

Gananam tva Ganapati gum Havamahe

Kavim Kavinam Upamasra vastamam

Jyestharajam Brahmanam Brahmanaspat aana s

Srnvan nuti bhissi dasadanam

Sarva Mangala Mangalye

Shive Sarvartha Sadhike

Sharanye Tryambake Gauri

Narayani Namostute

OM SAHANAVAVATU, SAHA NAU BHUNAKTU,

SAHA VIRYAM KARAVAVAI

TEJASVINAVADHITAMASTU MA VIDVISHAVAHAI

OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTIKI

    
  

1.      Pidiyathan Urugumai

Pidiyathan Urugumai Kolamihu Kariyathu
Vadikodu Thana Thadi Valipadu Maavaridar
Kadikana Pathivara Arulinan Mihukodai
Vadivinar Payilvali Valamurai Yiraiye. 

2.      Thodudaya Seviyan

Thodudaya Seviyan Viday Yeriyor Thoovan Mathi Soodi
Kaadudaya Sudalai Podi Poosiyen Ullam Kavar Kalvan
Edudaya Malaraan Munai Naatpaninthu Eththa Arul Seytha
Peedudaya Pirama Puram Meviya Pemman Nivanantrey.

3.     Sortunai Vethiyan

Sortunai Vedhiyan Sothi Vaananvan
Portunai Thirunthadi Prountha Kai Thola
Kartunnai Poodi En Kadalil Paatchinum
Nattrunai Aaavathu Namachi Vaayave

4.      Eru Mayil Eri Vilayadu Muham Onre

Eru Mayil Eri Vilayadu Muham Onre
Eesan Udan Gnana Moli Pesum Muham Onre
Koorum Adiyarhal Vinai Theerkum Muham Onre
Kuntruruva Vel Vaangi Nitra Muham Onre
Maaru Padai Soorarai Vathaitha Muham Onre
Valliyai Manam Punara Vantha Muham Onre
Aaru Muham Aana Porul Nee Arulal Ventrum
Aathi Arunasalamum Amarntha Peru Maane

5.      Thullu Matha Velkai

Thullu Matha Velkai Kanayale
Thollai Nedu Neela Kadalale
Mella Varu Solai Kuyilale
Mei Yuruga Maanai Thaluvaaye
Thellu Thamil Paada Thelivone
Seyya Kumaresa Thiralone
Vallal Tholu Gnana Kadalone
Valli Mana Vaala Perumale 

6. Vaan Muhil Valaathu Peyha

Vaan Muhil Valaathu Peyha
Mali Valam Surakka Mannan
Konmurai Arasu Seika
Kurai Vilathu Uyirhal Vaalha
Naan Marai Arangal Onga
Nattavam Velvi Malka
Menmai Khol Saiva Neethi
Vilanhuha Ulaham Ellam 

  

7. Olivalar Vilakke Uvappila Onre

Unarvuchuz katanthath Or uNarve !

Thelivalar palinkin thiralmanik kunre !

chiththaththuL thiththikkum thene !

Alivalar ullath(thu) Ananthak kaniye !

ampalam Ataran kaka

Velivalar theyvak kuththukanthAyaith

Thontanen vilampuma vilampe !

8. Muththineri ariyadha murkkarodu muyalvenaip (Thiruvaasagam)

Muththineri ariyadha murkkarodu muyalvenaip

paththineri ariviththup pazavinaigal parumvannam

chiththamalam aruviththuch chivamakki enaianda

aththanenak karuliyava rarberuvar achchovE                     

(Aththan yenakku aruliyavaru arperuvar achchove)

9. Chemmainalam ariyadha chidhadarodun thirivenai (Thiruvaasagam Continutation)

Chemmainalam ariyadha chidhadarodun thirivenai

mummaimalam aruviththu mudhalaya mudhalvandhan

nammaiyumor porulakki naychivigai ettruviththu

ammaiyenak karuliyava rarperuvar achchovE                  

(Ammai yenakku aruliyavaru arperuvar achchove)

 

1.      Murugan atsharamaalai - Anbarukku Anbanae

 anbarukku anbane nee vA vA muruga

       Aaru padai veedudaiyai vA vA muruga      

         

      inbamaya jodhiye nee vA vA murugA

       Eesan umai balagane vA vA murugA              

     uraganadhan marugane nee vA vA murugA

       Umaikkarul purindhavane vA vA murugA        

     ettukkudi velava nee vA vA murugA

       Erumayil Eriye nee vA vA murugA              

     aingaranukku ilaiyavane vA vA murugA

       Aarumuga velavane vA vA murugA              

     oyyari vallilola vA vA murugA

       Ongkara thaththuvame vA vA murugA              

     owvaikku ubadhesiththava vA vA murugA

       agila loga nayagane vA vA murugA              

     Odiva nee Odiva nee vA vA murugA

       Aadiva nee Aadiva nee vA vA murugA    

           

2.      Lorg Muruga Song

Then Pazhani Naddanukku Hara Haro Hara

Eru Mayil Velanukku Hara Haro Hara

Hara Haro Hara Murugaa Hara Haro Hara

Hara Haro Hara Shanmuga Hara Haro Hara

Swami Malai Naadanukku Hara Haro Hara

Thiruchen Thoor Velanukku Hara Haro Hara

Marutha Malai Kandhanukku Hara Haro Hara

Sakthi Vadi Velanukku Hara Haro Hara

Hara Haro Hara Murugaa Hara Haro Hara

Hara Haro Hara Shanmuga Hara Haro Hara

1.      Om Shakthi  Om – Bharathiyar Song

Om shakti Om shakti Om Parashakti 

Om shakti Om shakti Om

Om shakti Om shakti Om shakti

Om shakti Om shakti Om shakti Om

Ganapati raayan avaniru

kalai pidittiduvom

Gunam uyarndidave vidudalai

koodi magizhndidave  (Om shakti Om shakti)

Sollukkadangave parashakti

shurattanangalellam

vallamai tandiduval parashakti

vazhiyenre thudippom (Om shakti Om shakti)

Vetri vadivelan avanudai

virattinaip pugazhvom

suttri nillade pO! Paghaiye!

tulli varugudu vel (Om shakti Om shakti)

Selvat tirumaghalai dhidam kondu

cintanai seididuvom

selvamellam taruval namadoli

dhikkanaittum paravum (Om shakti Om shakti)

1.      Brahma Muraari Surarchita Lingam

Brahma Muraari Surarchita Lingam
Nirmala Bhaashita Sobhitha Lingam
Janmaja Dhukha Vinaasaha Lingam
Tatpranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam

Devamuni Pravaraarchita Lingam
Kaama Dahana Karunaakara Lingam
Ravana Darpa Vinaasaha Lingam
Tatpranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam

Sarva Sugandha Sulepitha Lingam
Buddhi Vivaardhana Kaarana Lingam
Siddha Suraasura Vandhitha Lingam
Tatpranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam

Kanaga Mahaamani Bhooshitha Lingam
Panipati Veshthitha Sobitha Lingam
Daksha Suyajna Vinaasana Lingam
Tatpranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam

Kunkuma Chandhana Lehpitha Lingam
Pankaja Haara Susobhitha Lingam
Sanchitha Paapa Vinaashana Lingam
Tatpranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam

Deva Ganaarchita Sevitha Lingam
Bhavair Bhakhi Bhirevacha Lingam
Dinakara Koti Prabhaakara Lingam
Tatpranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam

Ahshta Dalopari Veshthitha Lingam
Sarva Samudbhava Kaarana Lingam
Ahshta Daridra Vinaasana Lingam
Tatpranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam

Suraguru Suravara Poojitha Lingam
Suravana Pushpa Sadarchitha Lingam
Paraath Param Paramatmaka Lingam
Tatpranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam

Lingashtaka Midam Punyam
Yah Pathet Sivasannidhau
Sivaloka Mahaapnoti
Sivehna Saha Modatheh 

 

2.      Gauri Nanda Gajanana

gauri nandana gajanana girija nandana niranjana || 2
parvati nandana shubhanana || 2
parvati nandana shubhanana
shubhanana shubhanana
parvati nandana shubhanana
shubhanana shubhanana || 2
gauri nandana gajanana girija nandana niranjana
parvati nandana shubhanana || 2
shubhanana shubhanana || 2
paahi prabho maam paahi prasanna
gauri nandana gajanana girija nandana niranjana
oh..gauri nandana gajanana girija nandana niranjana
parvati nandana shubhanana
shubhanana shubhanana || 2
parvati nandana shubhanana
pahi prabho maam paahi prasanna || 2
gauri nandana gajanana girija nandana niranjana
oh..gauri nandana gajanana girija nandana niranjana
girija nandana niranjana || 2

Namakkal Fort and Temple Tour (Namakkal - Tamil Nadu)

Namakkal Fort and Temple Tour (Namakkal - Tamil Nadu)

Last Saturday, I made up my mind to go to Namakkal. It would be a temple tour especially. The biggest issue with temple tours always is the timings. Temples always close during noon (Nadai Moodudhal). So the trip has to start early in the morning and get over by noon before say 1 pm.

I pulled myself out of the bed at 6 am. Got ready and since my cook ditched me, had to get my breakfast from the hotel. A typical South Indian breakfast of 4 idlies and I was off to Namakkal by around 8. It was a beautiful day and the climate was great and was slightly drizzling.

I reached Namakkal at 9 and first in the list was Ranganathar Koil. Asking the locals how to go about, I started walking the directed lane. While I was walking the Namakkal fort was so well visible and I was filled with awe. Half the way, was Narasimhar Koil. But my mom had told me, Ranganathar Koil, being a very small temple, closes early. I asked the vendors outside the temple, to direct me to the Ranganathar Koil and I was told it opens also late. Well, then let me start with Narasimhar Koil.

Its located in the western side of the hill. The Vishnu in Narasimhar Koil is Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar and the devi here is Sri Namagiri Lakshmi. Vishnu here is in his fourth incarnation of Narasimhar – The lion, I which he comes out of the pillar and kills Hiranya Kasibhu with his claws during an evening, to defy all the powers of Hiranya and protect his devotee Prahaladha. It is said that the anger of Narasimhar after killing Hiranya Kasibhu was calmed down by Lakshmi in Namakkal. This was built by Adhiyaman Gunaseelan in 8^th Century.

This temple is a cave temple, i.e, the garbha graham (sancutum sanctorum) is created by digging into the cave 10 feet deep. The rest of the temple including the Ardha Mandabam, Maha mandabam, Namagiri Thayar’s sanctum sanctorum and entrance is located outside the cave. There is no Vimanam at the entrance.

Within the sanctum sanctorum, the Narasimhar is seated in the Virasanam with one leg folded and another leg placed on the ground. He has 4 arms. The palm of the front right hand is in the blessing posture. It has a purple tint. It’s said that it’s the tint of the blood of Hiranya Kasibhu. The two arms behind had Sangu (Conch shell) and Chakkaram (Wheel). On either sides are Suryan(Sun) and Chandran(Moon) waving the Samaram(Fan). Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are on either sides trying to cool His temper. Since all 3 Gods are here, this is considered a Trimurthy Stalam. Lakshmi is not on his lap as usual but in the pendant on His heart.

On the right is the Ongi Ulagalanda Perumal. This is not a stand-alone sculpture, but a bas relief. There is Vamanan – The short one (Vishnu’s fifth incarnation), beside with Mahabali Chakravarthy and Sukrachariyaar. Sukrachariyaar is seen to be giving instructions to Mahabali. After Mahabali grants all wishes, the reforms himself as the Ulagalandha Perumal. Namusi is seen almost in inverted ‘U’ shape after been thrown to the sky by Perumal. Jambavan (a holy bear) is seen beside Namusi. There is a horse to the right as well.

Further to the right is the Varaha Avatharam (the pig incarnation). All the four vedams (scriptures) are seen atop His nose. One of His legs is seen only till the knee and another till the ankle. Adhisheshan (His snake) and Niladevi are seen below trying to search His feet, for a Paadha Darisanam.

To the left is Abhaya Narasimhar – helper, with all other gods praying Vishnu to stop the evil deeds of Hiranya Kasibhu and to kill him.

To further left is the Ugra Narasimhar - angry, in the process of killing Hiranya Kasibhu.

Outside the Garbha Graha are the shrines of Ramanujar, Krishnar, Ramar etc.

Namagiri Thayar’s sanctum sanctorum is located to the left and...

... to opposite if the Sthala Vruksham with several prayer thottil (cradles) tied up. There is a Gopuram atop Namagiri Thayar’s shrine.

There are several inscriptions everywhere on the floor and walls in ancient Tamizh.

After having a great Darshan and a friendly Gurukkal who stopped his devotees for some time to explain me every sculpture and bas relief in detail, I just crossed the road to meet Hanuman, the leader of all the superheroes!!!

The Hanuman here is 18.5’ high. This Anjaneyar/Hanuman was essentially open to all without any walls. During ancient days, with single storied buildings all around, this was a very tall structure and could be seen from a very long distance and even neighboring villages. But now recently, with several high rise buildings beside, this is not seen from long. Further a compound wall has been constructed around this but without ceiling and open to see Narasimhar and worshipping Him.

 

Well, it is a practice to leave the footwear outside the temple. And in bigger temples with huge crowd, there are these free footwear counter which take care of our footwear and a token is given as a proof. Something like a locker room. I found these 3 girls at the footwear counter. The daughters of the lady there. I found them too irresistable to capture in my frame. This is the result. :)

From there, I reached the Ranganathar Koil. The Ranganathar Koil is located to the eastern side of the fort.

This is at an altitude from the ground level. After climbing up by 100 steps, I reached the temple. Within the Ardha Mandabam, I had to climb up by some 10 steps to reach the Garbha Graha to see the huge Vishnu in Anantha Sayanam (Sleeping posture). This too is dug 10 feet inside the hill. This temple was built by Vijaya Narasimha Pallavan. His sculpture is below Ranganathar.

The Adhiseshan (snake) here has lion face. This is very unusual and is called KaarKotakam. This is to specify his greatness as the king of all snakes. There are several bas relief’s behind Vishnu’s sculpture including Brahma (on the lotus emanating from Vishnu’s belly button), Naradha, Madhukadaibhar, Suryan, Chandran etc.

On the right, is the bas relief of Sankara Narayanar (Right half – Shiva; Left half – Vishnu). On the left is the Ongi Ulagalandha Perumal as in Narasimhar Koil.

Outside to the left is the Garbha Graha of Laksmi. It has a Gopuram.

Further to the right and left of the temple are small ponds at that altitude. That was surprising for me. I asked the Gurukkal if the pond was having ‘ootru neer’ for which he said it was the rain water which flows from the hill and gets collected her. These ponds were around 7 -8 feet deep and within the ponds were several snails.

Above those ponds were huge honeycombs. I really loved them.

Then started off from there and tried to find the base of the route to climb up to the Namakkal fort. With the stunning climate and bellowing clouds above the fort, the walk was perfect. This was built by RamaNayak, a Nayak ruler. It was great trip towards the fort. As usual as the altitude rises, the wind, without any restriction blows fiercer and faster.

 

Unfortunately, I couldn’t venture into the fort as it was closed for public viewing at present due to renovation going on inside. All these temples and the fort are protected by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and are Places of National Importance.

After spending some time there above, I came down and walked to the busstand. On the way is the Kamalalaya Kulam – the holy tank of Sri Mahalakshmi’s Tapovanam (Garden).

Namakkal is the place where Mathematical Genius Ramanujan lived.

It was past 1 pm by then and I started my backward journey and reached home with the blessings of Narasimhar, Ranganathar and Anjaneyar.