Ram – the story of Lord Rama

Ram – the story of Lord Rama

 

Lord Rama is known by all Hindus, the world over, as the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Rama was the perfect avatar of the Supreme Protector Vishnu. Ram has always been a well loved God among all the Hindu deities because of the several moralistic and virtuous characteristics that he brings along with him.

Sri Rama is the epitome of how a man should be. He symbolizes the ideal man full of values and morals. Rama is also referred to as the Maryada Purushottama, which when translated means the idealistic man.

Lord Rama was put on the earth to destroy the evil forces of those times and bring about morality and virtues.

Lord Rama had several wonderful characteristics. He always spoke the truth. Rama had a tremendous sense of morality. Lord Rama was not only the ideal son but also an ideal husband, and most important of all an ideal king to his subjects.

Rama and Sita, both of them are widely accepted by all Hindus to be actual historical figures that are loved and revered by Indians all over.

Rama and Sita are the two main characters of the great Hindu epic of Ramayana. The Ramayana is also known as the Romance of Rama. It was written by the ancient Sanskrit poet Valmiki.

All Hindus believe that Rama lived in the times when life was not good. The historians purport another belief that was not defined until the 11th century AD. Then Tulsidas, wrote another wonderful version of the Sanskrit epic "Ramayana” and turned it into "Ramcharitmanas". This was the writing that greatly etched in the minds of the Hindus all the characteristics that Lord Rama is popular for. Rama, the god went about to give rise to various devotional groups.

Shri Rama was a man who was full of virtues from head to toe. Lord Rama was kind and compassionate. He was also magnanimous and sensitive to the way everyone felt around him. Lord Rama looked handsome and conducted himself well. Shri Ram had a wonderful personality. He was born into a noble family and was the son of a king and conducted himself thus. He was generous, chivalrous and not afraid to speak the truth. He was very simple and down to earth.

Lord Rama is considered as an exemplary son who is unequalled in the world. He resembled his father, Dasaratha in every way and had wonderful good qualities.

He never lied. He always respected learned men and scholars and elders. People loved him and he adored them in return. He was just how a king should be.

He could reach out to the people with his charming personality and touch their very souls.

He was attractive and had all the qualities of a king's son. His subjects loved him and that was without any doubt.

Lord Rama’s superior qualities were showcased in the way he lived.

Lord Rama is considered to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He was specially put on the earth to kill the demon king Ravana. Lord Rama is known for his wonderful personality and simplicity and every Indian man would love to emulate him.

Shri Ram is one of the popular and famous gods of the Hindu religion and was loved by millions of Hindus of all ages..

Lord Rama is one of the commonly worshipped gods of the Hindu religion and no Hindu shrine would ever be complete without the idols of Rama and Sita in it.

Shri Ram is known as a part of Lord Vishnu. He is considered to be the preserver of the Universe. Ram is the great lord of Hanuman, who helped him in getting back his wife Sita from the clutches of the demon Ravana.

Lord Rama shared a wonderful relationship with all around him. He was the obedient son to his father Dashratha the king of Ayodhya. He was a wonderful brother to all his brothers but especially was devoted towards his younger brother, Lakshman. He dearly loved his wife Sita and his children Luv and Kush. He proved to be a wonderful friend to Hanuman. He treated his subjects like his children and they in turn worshiped the ground that he trod on.

LORD GANESHA

LORD GANESHA

This God of knowledge and the remover of obstacles is also the older son of Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesha is also called Vinayak ( knowledgeable ) or Vighneshwer (god to remove obstacles). He is worshipped, or at least remembered, in the beginning of any auspicious performance for blessings and auspiciousness.

He has four hands, elephant's head and a big belly. His vehicle is a tiny mouse. In his hands he carries a rope (to carry devotees to the truth), an axe (to cut devotees' attachments), and a sweet dessert ball -laddoo- (to reward devotees for spiritual activity). His fourth hand's palm is always extended to bless people.

A unique combination of his elephant-like head and a quick moving tiny mouse vehicle represents tremendous wisdom, intellegence, and presence of mind.

One Of The Trinity Hindu Gods Brahma – The Creator

One Of The Trinity Hindu Gods Brahma – The Creator

 

Brahma is the Hindu god that is associated with the formation of the universe and is one of the important three gods. The others two Hindu Gods in the trinity are Vishnu and Shiva. The companion of Hindu god Brahma is Saraswati, who is connected with learning. According to what is mentioned in the holy book the Puranas, Hindu god Brahma was born from a lotus. This flower grew from the stomach of Vishnu and this happened before the formation of the universe.

That is how Brahma gets one of his names, which is Nabhija, which implies born from the stomach. There is a second legend that says that Brahma was born in water. The seed turned into a golden egg and this was later turned into the universe or Brahma.

As Brahma was born in water he is also known as one who is born in water. Brahma is known to be the son of the Supreme male energy called Brahman and the female energy, Prakrti or Maya.

Brahma is always shown with four heads, faces and arms too. Each of his head is used to chant one of the Vedas. He is often shown as an old man to show the never-ending nature.

There is another story in association with Brahma's four heads. That is when Brahma was creating the universe he made a female god called Shatarupa. This means one with a hundred beautiful shapes.

Brahma immediately fell in love with her. Shatarupa tried to avoid Brahma, but wherever she went, Brahma formed a head.

Therefore, Brahma has five heads. In order to control Brahma, Shiva cut off the top head.

Also, Shiva felt for Brahma to become so smitten with her was not right. He directed that no one should be worship Brahma. Therefore, only Vishnu and Shiva continue to be worshiped, while Brahma is not. Since that time Brahma has been left reciting the Vedas.

The Bhagavata Purana has a story that says our universe is called by Krishna to meet with the Brahmas of other worlds. Some of them have more than four heads and these results in thousands of heads. This makes the mix of milk and water to show that justice should always be in the forefront and prevail.

Brahma's vehicle that he uses to get around in is a Swan. This holy bird is having been blessed. This swan is so very special that it can accept the good from the evil. These are the special qualities that this swan comes with.

Brahma is considered to be the Creator of the entire universe and earth. Brahma is known as the first god of the Hindu Trinity, of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. Lord Brahma is known to be the maker of the Universe. Brahma is Supreme Being, the god of gods.

Lord Brahma is one who gave birth to mankind. Brahma symbolizes the universal mind. He is the one who created the mind and the intellect. Brahma actually represents the mind and intellect. This is one of the reasons why the worship of Brahma is considered to be so very important. Several Hindus do not consider their prayers to be complete until they have prayed to Brahma. People, who are seekers of great knowledge and consider it to be their true wealth, worship him. Therefore as his devotee Brahma has students, scholars, scientists and teachers too.

The Hindu God Brahma looks very different than the way the other gods are depicted. He can be seen as a four-faced, four-armed, bearded idol. He has a rose and a book in the topmost hand; a water pot in the other hand and one hand is always there to bless his devotees.

The four faces represent the holy knowledge of the four Vedas that he has in himself.

This means that Brahma is the fount of all the knowledge that is needed for the creation of the universe. The four arms are the four directions and therefore, symbolize that Lord Brahma is the everywhere all around the universe. The white beard shows wisdom and longevity.

LORD RAMA

LORD RAMA

Rama, the perfect avatar of the Supreme Protector Vishnu, is an all-time favorite among Hindu deities. The most popular symbol of chivalry and virtue, Rama - in the words of Swami Vivekananda - is "the embodiment of truth, of morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal king."

A Real Historical Figure:

The seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Rama is said to have taken birth on earth to annihilate the evil forces of the age. He is widely believed to be an actual historical figure - a "tribal hero of ancient India" - whose exploits form the great Hindu epic of Ramayana or The Romance of Rama, written by the ancient Sanskrit poet Valmiki. 

Read the Summary of Ramayana

When did Rama Live?:

Hindus believe that Rama lived in the Treta Yug. But according to historians, Rama was not particularly deified until the 11th century AD. Tulsidas' outstanding retelling of the Sanskrit epic into the vernaculars as the 'Ramcharitmanas', greatly enhanced the popularity of Rama as a Hindu god, and gave rise to various devotional groups.

Read About 'Ram Navami' - Rama's Birthday

How to Identify Rama:

To many, Rama is hardly different in looks from Lord Vishnu or Krishna. He is most often represented as a standing figure, with an arrow in his right hand, a bow in his left and a quiver on his back. A Rama statue is also usually accompanied by those of his wife Sita, brother Lakshmana, and the legendary monkey attendant Hanuman. He is depicted in princely adornments with a 'tilak' or mark on the forehead, and as having a dark, almost bluish complexion, which shows his affinity with Vishnu and Krishna.

Read About the Many Characters of Ramayana

Comparison with Lord Krishna:

Although Rama and Krishna, both incarnations of Vishnu, are almost equally popular among Hindu devotees, Rama is seen as an archetype of righteousness and the most sought-after virtues in life, in contrast to Krishna's dalliances and shenanigans.

Listen to Rama Bhajans

Why "Shri" Rama?:

The prefix "Shri" to Rama indicates that Rama is always associated with "Shri" - the essence of four Vedas. Uttering his name ("Ram! Ram!") while greeting a friend, and invoking Rama at the time of death by chanting "Ram Naam Satya Hai!", show his popularity and admiration over Krishna. However, the shrines of Krishna in India slightly outnumber the temples of Rama and his monkey devotee Hanuman.

LORD RAMA

LORD RAMA

 

WE ARE STARTING THIS EDUCATION FOR OUR COMING GENERATION WHO MUST KNOW WHAT TO DO OR FOLLOW OR WHAT IS THE PATH OF LOVE, RELIGION, TRUTH,SACRIFICE.

LET TAKE THE NAME OF LORD RAMA AND "JAI SHRI RAM"

Lord Vishnu -The preserver

Lord Vishnu -The preserver

 When you look at the three Hindu gods you find that they are made up of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Hindu god Vishnu is considered to be the preserver and protector of making of the world.

Lord Vishnu is known as the god for forgiveness and compassion. He ensures that he does goodness for all, and the influential control allows him to preserve the universe and maintain righteousness throughout the universe.

The Hindu god Vishnu is often shown seated on the wound serpent.

Lord Vishnu has his companion Lakshmi massaging his feet. The Hindu God Vishnu never sleeps and is always represented in idols as the one in a good mood. At the same time, Lord Vishnu does not like people who think no end of themselves and have a great ego.

You will notice that in most mythology and religious books the Hindu god Vishnu is shown with four weapons. All of these four weapons are symbolic of something.

In one hand Vishnu holds the shell. In the second hand, he holds the disc. In the third hand Lord Vishnu holds the club that has to be used as a weapon. And in the fourth hand you will notice the lotus. The Hindu god Vishnu has a bow and a sword. All of these weapons that Vishnu holds are there to help him in his endeavors.

In this world, there is a balance maintained between the two forces of the good and evil. They are evenly matched in the world.

However, there are times and instances when these balances are destroyed an evil demon get stronger than the good ones.

This is the time when Lord Vishnu receives a request by the other gods asking for help. Then god Vishnu reinvents himself in to one of the Vishnu avatars, which is a human form to set the equilibrium right again.

Altogether, the Hindus recognize the nine Vishnu re-incarnations. These are generally recognized as Vishnu avatars. Sometimes folks also believe that in the other Indian epics the main characters could also be the avatars of Vishnu.

According to what is mentioned in the holy book of the Purana, Vishnu is the ultimate god and to be found everywhere. If you are looking for the reality then that is represented by Lord Vishnu.

The Hindu God Vishnu is shown as a four-armed male and this is the way that his powerful presence is showcased.

The way Lord Vishnu’s image is made, and he is made to look is quite different from those of other gods. The color is blue, which means that Lord Vishnu can be everywhere just like the blue sky or ocean. Vishnu also represents the time without end and a never ending supremacy. This is the reason why Vishnu is always depicted as blue.

The Hindu god Vishnu has the mark of sage Bhrigu's feet and the srivatsa mark on his chest. These stand for his partner Lakshmi.

Lord Vishnu always has a crown on his head, which shows his followers his eventual power and authority. He is always shown resting on the snake who is the eternal and a snake that can never ever die.

The nine avatars of Lord Vishnu that are shown are of different kinds and go on to show Vishnu as the preserver.

The very first incarnation of Vishnu is that of the fish. When Vishnu is shown in this form, he has saved the Saint Vaivaswata. This is similar in the story to the Noah in Biblical times.

The second incarnation of Vishnu shows him as the Turtle. The other incarnations of Vishnu show him as the boar, the lion, the dwarf, the holy cow Kamadhenu. The last two incarnations of the Hindu God Vishnu show him as the Gods, Krishna and Buddha.

The tenth incarnation of Vishnu that is Kalki has still not taken birth and is yet to come. The Hindus believe that the time when the earth becomes too bad to live on and mankind will resort to all kinds of evil deeds then that will be the time when, lord Vishnu will come to the earth as a person. He will be seated on a white horse and this image is worshiped as the tenth incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu.

Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva

 Shiva is regarded as one of the most important Hindu God and one of the ones in the holy Hindu trinity that makes up Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Whereas, in the holy trinity, Brahma is considered to be the creator and Vishnu the preserver, Lord Shiva wears the mantle of the destroyer.

Lord Shiva was considered by the people of the Indus civilization to be a tribal God, the way before people had heard about the presence of Brahma and Vishnu. Shiva is considered to be a God that is full of uncountable amounts of energy that never deserts him and is not only infinite but also permanent.

The other word for Lord Shiva is Maheshwar and is known to live in the funeral grounds with the ashes all over his body. The way Shiva is portrayed is wearing a tiger hide with a snake twirled around his neck, and perched on a branch. Whenever, Shiva comes across any injustice or evil, then the third eye opens on his forehead and that is supposed to be the end of the evil. The most powerful of Gods, such as Kamadeva have been reduced to ashes when faced with Shiva’s fury.

The abode of Lord Shiva is the Kailash Parvat which is way in the interiors of the Himalayas. The Kailash Parvat is located in the highest of mountains that are cladding by snow most of the time and difficult to reach. Shiva’s consort is Parvati and they have two sons, Lord Ganesh and Subramanya. Shiva has another son called Lord Ayyappa, who is from his liaison with Mohini, who is actually Lord Vishnu in the form of a woman.

Although Lord Shiva lives the way in the Kailash Parvat he has several Hindus, who worship him diligently. The shivlinga is found in the Kailash Parvat and the phallic emblem that resembles creative energy that is infinite. The Shivlinga is worshiped in the form of Shiva.

Shiva has more disciples and worshippers than any other Hindu God. People also worship Shiva in the form of the supreme energy in the form of Natraj. Lord Shiva is known by several different names such as Ganagdhar, Rudra, Neelkanth, Shankar, Gaurishankar, Mahadev to name a few.

Although he is called the God of destruction in the Hindu Gods list, he is also associated with the change that comes about due to life and death. The destruction that is denoted is in the form of a positive energy that brings about change in old habits and one adopts new habits that are going to be beneficial to one in the long run. The abode of Kailash Parvat represents the embedded goodness that exists in every human being.

Shiva lives in Kailash Parvat in the Himalayas the life of an ascetic which is full of control, celibacy and discipline. At the same time, he portrays great love for his spouse who represents Shakti or universal energy. His first wife was Sati and Parvati his second wife. The Lord stands for great energy and positive characteristics. The symbols that are associated with him are the trident which is symbolic of the three faults or gunas and the snake wound around his neck shows the power that he has over the worst of things even death and the ever consuming energy that lies within him. The vehicle on which he uses at the Kailash Parvat is a white bull called the Nandi and this represents everlasting joy.

He is often enough shown seated at the Kailash Parvat with a tiger skin that symbolizes the mind. Belief goes that when Ganga was born on earth and wanted to flood the earth; Shiva caught it in his hand and avoided this gross destruction.

The staunchest of yogis and ascetics worship Shiva in India. They are found near the Kailash Parvat near the Himalayas, dressed in orange robes and with cornrows in their hair, rudrakshashas on them and ash smear on them just like Shiva.

ABOUT ALL LORDS

108 Names of Lord Shiva

OM SHIVAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Auspicious One

OM MAHESHVARAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Great God Shiva

OM SHAMBHAVE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who exists for our happiness alone

OM PINAKINE NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva, who guards the path of dharma

OM SHASHISHEKHARAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who wears the crescent moon in his hair

OM VAMADEVAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who is pleasing and auspicious in every way

OM VIRUPAKSHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God of spotless form

OM KAPARDINE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord with thickly matted hair

OM NILALOHITAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God splendid as the red sun at daybreak

OM SHANKARAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the source of all prosperity

OM SHULAPANAYE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who carries a spear

OM KHATVANGINE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who carries a knurled club

OM VISHNUVALLABHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva, who is dear to Lord Vishnu

OM SHIPIVISHTAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord whose form emits great rays of light

OM AMBIKANATHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Ambika's Lord

OM SHRIKANTAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to he whose throat is shining blue

OM BHAKTAVATSALAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who loves His devotees like new born calves

OM BHAVAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who is existence itself

OM SARVAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva who is all

OM TRILOKESHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva who is the Lord of all the three worlds

OM SHITAKANTHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the primal soul whose throat is deep blue

OM SHIVAPRIYAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the god who is dear to Shakti

OM UGRAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva whose presence is awesome and overwhelming

OM KAPALINE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God whose begging bowl is a human skull

OM KAMARAYE NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva who conquers all passions

OM ANDHAKASURA SUDANAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who killed the asura Andhaka

OM GANGADHARAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who holds the Ganges River in his hair

OM LALATAKSHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord whose sport is creation

OM KALAKALAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva who is the death of death

OM KRIPANIDHAYE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who is the treasure of compassion

OM BHIMAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva whose strength is awesome

OM PARASHU HASTAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who wields an axe in his hands

OM MRIGAPANAYAE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who looks after the soul in the wilderness

OM JATADHARAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva who bears a mass of matted hair

OM KAILASAVASINE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who abides on Mount Kailas

OM KAVACHINE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who is wrapped in armor

OM KATHORAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva who causes all growth

OM TRIPURANTAKAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who destroyed the three demonic cities

OM VRISHANKAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God whose emblem is a bull (Nandi)

OM VRISHABHARUDHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva who rides a bull

OM BHASMODDHULITA VIGRAHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord covered with holy ash

OM SAMAPRIYAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God exceedingly fond of hymns from the Sama Veda

OM SVARAMAYAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva who creates through sound

OM TRAYIMURTAYE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who is worshiped in three forms

OM ANISHVARAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the undisputed Lord

OM SARVAGYAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who knows all things

OM PARAMATMANE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Supreme Self

OM SOMASURAGNI LOCHANAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the light of the eyes of Soma, Surya and Agni

OM HAVISHE NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva who receives oblations of ghee

OM YAGYAMAYAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the architect of all sacrificial rites

OM SOMAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Moon-glow of the mystic's vision

OM PANCHAVAKTRAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God of the five activities

OM SADASHIVAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the eternally auspicious benevolent Shiva

OM VISHVESHVARAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the all-pervading ruler of the cosmos

OM VIRABHADRAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva the foremost of heroes

OM GANANATHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God of the Ganas

OM PRAJAPATAYE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Creator

OM HIRANYARETASE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who emanates golden souls

OM DURDHARSHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the unconquerable being

OM GIRISHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the monarch of the holy mountain Kailas

OM GIRISHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord of the Himalayas

OM ANAGHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva who can inspire no fear

OM BUJANGABHUSHANAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord adorned with golden snakes

OM BHARGAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the foremost of rishis

OM GIRIDHANVANE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God whose weapon is a mountain

OM GIRIPRIYAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who is fond of mountains

OM KRITTIVASASE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who wears clothes of hide

OM PURARATAYE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who is thoroughly at home in the wilderness

OM BHAGAVATE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord of prosperity

OM PRAMATHADHIPAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who is served by goblins

OM MRITUNJAYAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the conqueror of death

OM SUKSHMATANAVE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the subtlest of the subtle

OM JAGADVYAPINE NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva who fills the whole world

OM JAGADGURAVE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the guru of all the worlds

OM VYOMAKESHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God whose hair is the spreading sky above

OM MAHASENAJANAKAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the origin of Mahasena

OM CHARUVIKRAMAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva, the guardian of wandering pilgrims

OM RUDRAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who is fit to be praised

OM BHUTAPATAYE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the source of living creatures, including the Bhutas, or ghostly creatures

OM STHANAVE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the firm and immovable deity

OM AHIRBUDHNYAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who waits for the sleeping kundalini

OM DIGAMBARAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva whose robes is the cosmos

OM ASHTAMURTAYE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who has eight forms

OM ANEKATMANE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who is the one soul

OM SATVIKAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord of boundless energy

OM SHUDDHA VIGRAHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to him who is free of all doubt and dissension

OM SHASHVATAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva, endless and eternal

OM KHANDAPARASHAVE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who cuts through the mind's despair

OM AJAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the instigator of all that occurs

OM PAPAVIMOCHAKAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who releases all fetters

OM MRIDAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who shows only mercy

OM PASHUPATAYE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the ruler of all evolving souls, the animals

OM DEVAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the foremost of devas, demigods

OM MAHADEVAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the greatest of the gods

OM AVYAYAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the one never subject to change

OM HARAYE NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva who dissolves all bondage

OM PASHUDANTABHIDE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the one who punished Pushan

OM AVYAGRAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who is steady and unwavering

OM DAKSHADHVARAHARAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the destroyer of Daksha's conceited sacrifice

OM HARAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who withdraws the cosmos

OM BHAGANETRABHIDE NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva who taught Bhaga to see more clearly

OM AVYAKTAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to Shiva who is subtle and unseen

OM SAHASRAKSHAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord of limitless forms

OM SAHASRAPADE NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who is standing and walking everywhere

OM APAVARGAPRADAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the Lord who gives and takes all things

OM ANANTAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the God who is unending

OM TARAKAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the great liberator of mankind

OM PARAMESHVARAYA NAMAHA

Obeisances to the great God

LORD SHIVA IN NATURE

* Peaks
Famous "Kailash Peak' near Manasrovar in Tibet.
"Chhota Kailash", also in Tibet.
Another "Kailash Peak" in Gangotri region.
"Kinner Kailash" in Kinnaur Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
"Neelknath Peak" near Badrinath.
"Shivling Peak" near Gaumukh-source of Ganga.
"Shrikant Mahadev" peak in Himachal Pradesh.
"Kedar Dome and Peak" in Gangotri glacier region.
"Dhaulagiri Peak" in Nepal.
"Mani Mahesh Peak" beyond Chamba in Himachal Pradesh.
"Ganesh Himal Peak" in Nepal.
"Nandi Hills" near Bangalore.
* Lakes and Kunds
"Parvati Kund" near Kailash Parbat, Tibet.
"Parvati Kund" near Mani Mahesh.
"Gauri Kund" near Kedarnath.
"Kedar Tal" in Garhwal.
* Rivers/Streams
"Parvati River" in Kulu Valley.
"Kedar Ganga" in Gangotri town.
"Madhyamaheshwar Ganga" in Garhwal.
"Rudra Paryag" in Garhwal.
* Caves
"Patal Bhuvesneshwar Cave" in Kumaon.
"Jata Shankar Cave" in Pachmari, Madhya Pradesh.
"Mahadev Cave" in Pachmarhi.
* Natural Shivlings
"Ice Shivling" in Amarnath, Kashmir.
"Swayambhu Shivling" in Kedarnath temple.
A verically tall more than 100 feet high natural rock near Kinner Kailash called Shivling locally.
Shivling in Swayambhu temple in Nepal.

AMARNATH YATRA
There is famous Rigvedic Verse that says "Ekam Sat " that is "There is one Being, the sages call him by many names." The God (Parmeshwar) has three deities who carry on the world .This is Known as Holy Trinity. Brahma- the creator, Vishnu - the perpetuator of life and Shiva (Mahesh ) -the purifier and perpetuator of good and destroyer of evil. Rig Veda refer Shiva as Rudra as in its following verse . "We Worship Tryambaka (Rudra) , Who spread Fragrance and Increases Nourishment , May He release me, like the cucumber from its stem, From Mortal Life, But not From Immorality. "(Rig Veda Mandal VII Sukta 59 and Mantra 12)
The Yajurveda describes Shiva as ascetic warrior Whose robe is of Deer Skin and he carries Trishul.
According to the verse Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram the life is described as having three facets Truth (Satyam), Good (Shivam) and the Beautiful (Sundaram).
According to the older scriptures, He has three places of his residence. One is Kailash Parvat another is Lohit Giri under which Brahamputra flows and third is Muzwan Parvat.
The Amarnath Cave has special significance .
The Legend about the importance of Amarnath Cave is as follows :-
This is The Cave which was chosen by Bhole Shankar for narrating the secrets of immortality and creation of Universe to Maa Parvati ji. The story goes like this. Centuries ago Maa Parvati asked Shiv ji to let her know why and when he started wearing the beads of heads ( Mund Mala). Bhole Shankar replied when ever you are born I add one more head in my beads. Maa Parvati said, " My Lord, my body is destroyed every time and I die again and again, but you are Immortal. Please let me know the secret of this ." Bhole Shankar replied that it is due to Amar Katha ."
Maa Parvati insisted that she may be told that secret. For long Shiva ji continued postponing . Finally on consistent demand from Maa Parvati he made up his mind to tell the immortal secret . He started for lonely place where no living being could listen it. He choose Amarnath Cave. In preparation to that he left his Nandi ( The Bull which he used to ride ) at Pahalgam (Bail gaon). At Chandanwari he released Moon from his hairs (Jataon). At the banks of Lake Sheshnag he released the snakes. He decided to leave his son Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Hill ). At Panchtarni, Shivji left the Five Elements behind (Earth , Water, Air , Fire and Sky) which make living being. He is the Lord of these elements. It is believed that as a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Shivaji and Maa Parvati had Tandav Dance. After leaving behind all these, Bhole Shankar enters the Holy Amarnath Cave along with Parvati Maa. Lord Shiva takes his Samadhi on the Deer Skin and concentrate . To ensure that no living being is able to hear the Immortal Tale, He created Rudra named Kalagni and ordered him to spread fire to eliminate every living thing in and around the Holy Cave. After this he started narrating the secret of immortality to Maa Parvati. But as a matter of chance one egg which was lying beneath the Deer skin remained protected. It is believed to be non living and more over it was protected by Shiva -Parvati Asan (Bed). The pair of pigeons which were born out of this egg became immortal having listened the secret of immortality (Amar Katha).
Many pilgrims report seeing the pair of pigeons when they trek the arduous route to pay their obeisance before the Ice-Lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).
The trek to Amarnath, in the month of sharavan ( July–August) has the devout flock to this incredible shrine, where the image of Shiva, in the form of a Lingam, is formed naturally of an Ice Stalagmite, which waxes and wanes with the Moon's cycle. By its side are fascinating, two more Ice Lingams, that of Maa Parvati and of their son, Ganesha .


KAILASH PARVAT
Mt. Kailash has the unique distinction of being the most venerated yet least visited of the world's major holy places. Soaring above 22,000 feet, the mountain is the supremely sacred site of four religions and billions of peoplePilgrims to Kailash, after the difficult journey getting there, are then confronted with the equally arduous task of circumambulating the sacred peak. This walking around the mountain (clockwise for the Buddhists, counter-clockwise for Bon adherents) is known as a Kora, or Parikrama, and normally takes three days. In hopes of gaining extra merit or psychic powers however, some pilgrims will vary the tempo of their movement. A hardy few, practicing a secret breathing technique known as Lung-gom, will power themselves around the mountain in only one day (the author’s method). Others will take two to three weeks for the Kora by making full body prostrations the entire way. It is believed that a pilgrim who completes 108 journeys around the mountain is assured enlightenment. Most pilgrims to Kailash will also take a short plunge in the nearby, highly sacred (and very cold) Lake Manosaravar. The word 'manas' means mind or consciousness; the name Manosaravar means Lake of Consciousness and Enlightenment. Adjacent to Manosaravar is Rakas Tal or Rakshas, the Lake of Demons. Pilgrimage to this great sacred mountain and these two magical lakes is a life changing experience and an opportunity to view some of the most magical scenery on the entire planet. Kailash abode of Lord Shiva. The Jains call the mountain Astapada and believe it to be the place where Rishaba, the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras attained liberation.

MOUNT SHIVLING
ARUNACHALA

MOUNT AGUNG - BALI
Mount Agung, Bali abode of Mt. Agung is the abode of Batara Gunung Agung (Mahadewa)

ADAM’s PEAK, SRILANKA

தென்னாடுடைய சிவனே போற்றி !!!
என்னாட்டவர்க்கும் இறைவா போற்றி !!!

Madurai Veeran

Madurai Veeran

Madurai Veeran was a real life hero who lived in
the early part of the seventeenth century. Though he
came from the cobbler community, he was a great
warrior who was always ready to fight to protect
his people.


At the same time, there was an invincible warlord by
name Sangili Karuppan who was terrorizing the people of
Madurai that was ruled at that time by the king Thirumalai
Nayakkar. Madurai Veeran, finally, was the one who
defeated Sangili Karuppan.


After defeating Sangili Karuppan, Madurai Veeran was
appointed as one of the generals under Thirumalai
Nayakkar.


Madurai Veeran fell in love with one of
the maids in the king's palace. Madurai Veeran,
married her inspite of opposition from the king
who could not allow someone from the cobbler
community to a marry a woman from a high caste.
And Thirumalai Nayakkar ordered that the limbs
of Madurai Veeran be severed. And so it was done.
Madurai Veeran, the invincible warrior, who
fought for the good of his people was left
to bleed to death.


And strangely, soon after Madurai Veeran's death
Thirumalai Nayakkar's body was found at the
bottom of a well. And that was the end of his era.


And for this reason, before you enter the
Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple, you get to
meet Madurai Veeran, the temple guardian.


And that guardian god, sitting on his huge horse
with a thick black moustache, bulging bloodshot eyes, and a
huge sword in his hand, outside of every village
in Tamil Nadu is the same warrior, who probably
gave his life fighting to protect his people. And
he is reverentially called as Iyenar.


In a sense Madurai Veeran and Iyenar are one and
the same. And for all those who hail from the soil
of those great selfless warriors, there is a part
of them still living in us.

Note: This article is an extract from an Yahoo Group Message posted by Madurai Veeran. Thank You to Madurai Veeran! Credit goes to you!!