Monday, January 10, 2011

Siva Mantras And Stotras

Siva Mantras

1. ! n:m:H eS:v:ay:
1. OM namaþ ÷ivàya

Om is Sat-Chit-Ananda Para-Brahman. ‘Namah Sivaya’ means ‘Prostration to Lord Siva.’ This is the five-lettered formula or the Panchakshara-Mantra of Lord Siva. This is a very powerful Mantra which will bestow on the chanter the Highest Bliss of Existence.

2. ! t:tp:Ø,\:ay: ev:¼hð m:hadðv:ay: D:im:eh .
t:À:ð ,dÓH)c::ðdy:at:Î ..
2. OM tatpuruùàya vidmahe mahàdevàya dhãmahi |
tanno rudraþpracodayàt ||

We comprehend (realise) that Celebrated Supreme Being (Purusha), and meditate upon that Great God, Mahadeva; may that Rudra impel us to do so. This is the Rudra Gayatri Mantra.

3. ! *y:öb:kö y:j:am:hð s:Øg:enD:ö p:ØeÄv:D:ün:ö .
uv:aü,kem:v: b:nD:n:anm:àty::ðm:Øüx:iy: m:|m:àt:at:Î ..
3. OM tryaübakaü yajàmahe sugandhiü puùñivardhanaü |
urvàrukamiva bandhanànmçtyormukùãya ma.amçtàt ||

I bow down to that three-eyed Lord Siva, who is full of sweet fragrance, who nourishes the human beings. May He free me from the bondage of Samsara and death, just as a ripe cucumber fruit is separated from the creeper. May I be fixed in Immortality! This is the Maha-Mrityunjaya Mantra.

Siva-Panchakshara-Stotram

n:ag::ðndÓharay: e*:l::ðc:n:ay: B:sm:a¤rag:ay: m:hðÃ:ray: .
en:ty:ay: S:عay: edg:mb:ray: t:sm:ò n:karay: n:m:H eS:v:ay: ..
nàgondrahàràya trilocanàya bhasmàïgaràgàya mahe÷varàya |
nityàya ÷uddhàya digambaràya tasmai nakàràya namaþ ÷ivàya ||

Salutations to the ashes-clad, three-eyed Lord, embodied as the first letter Na, who is pure, nude and eternal and whose garland is the lord of serpents.

m:ndaeken:s:el:l:c:ndn:c:ec:üt:ay: n:ndiÃ:r)m:T:n:aT:m:hðÃ:ray: .
m:ndarp:Ø\p:b:hÚp:Ø\p:s:Øp:Üej:t:ay: t:sm:ò m:karay: n:m:H eS:v:ay: ..
mandàkinisalilacandanacarcitàya nandã÷varapramathanàthamahe÷varàya |
mandàrapuùpabahupuùpasupåjitàya tasmai makàràya namaþ ÷ivàya ||

I bow to Him, embodied as Makara, who is adorned with innumerable divine flowers as Mandara and the like, who is the Sovereign King of the Pramatha Ganas and whose body is anointed with the holy waters of the celestial Ganga.

eS:v:ay: g::òriv:dn:arev:nds:Üy:aüy: dx:aDv:rn:aS:kay: .
Â:in:il:kNYay: v:à\:Dv:j:ay: t:sm:ò eS:karay: n:m:H eS:v:ay: ..
÷ivàya gaurãvadanàravindasåryàya dakùàdhvaranà÷akàya |
÷rãnãlakaõñhàya vçùadhvajàya tasmai ÷ikàràya namaþ ÷ivàya ||

To the blue-necked Lord, embodied as the letter Si, the destroyer of Daksha’s sacrifice and the resplendent Sun of Gauri’s lotus-face, whose banner bears the emblem of a bull, may our salutations be.

v:es:ÄkÙmB::ð»v:g::òt:m:ay:üm:Øn:indÓdðv:aec:üt:S:ðK:ray: .
c:ndÓakýv:òÃ:an:rl::ðc:n:ay: t:sm:ò v:karay: n:m:H eS:v:ay: ..
vasiùñakumbhodbhavagautamàryamunãndradevàrcita÷ekharàya |
candràrkavai÷vànaralocanàya tasmai vakàràya namaþ ÷ivàya ||

I prostrate before the God of gods, embodied as Vakara, whose eyes are sun, moon and the fire and whom the gods and the great sages like Vasishtha, Agastya and Gautama, ever pray and Worship.

y:x:sv:-p:ay: j:XaD:ray: ep:n:akhst:ay: s:n:at:n:ay: .
edvy:ay: dðv:ay: edg:mb:ray: t:sm:ò y:karay: n:m:H eS:v:ay: ..
yakùasvaråpàya jañàdharàya pinàkahastàya sanàtanàya |
divyàya devàya digambaràya tasmai yakàràya namaþ ÷ivàya ||

Prostrations to that Ancient Naked God, embodied as the letter Ya, the Yaksha incarnate whose hairs are long and matted and who holds Pinaka in His hand.

p:Wc:ax:rem:dö p:ØNy:ö y:H p:YðecCv:s:eÀD::ò .
eS:v:l::ðkm:v:apn::ðet: eS:v:ðn: s:h m::ðdt:ð ..
pa¤càkùaramidaü puõyaü yaþ pañhecchivasannidhau |
÷ivalokamavàpnoti ÷ivena saha modate ||

Whoever repeats this prayer, composed with the five holy letters before Lord Siva, attains that supreme abode of His and enjoys there with Him in eternal bliss.

Siva-Shadakshara-Stotram

!karö eb:ndÙs:öy:ØVt:ö en:ty:ö Dy:ay:ent: y::ðeg:n:H .
kam:dö m::ðx:dö c:òv: !karay: n:m::ð n:m:H ..
OMkàraü bindusaüyuktaü nityaü dhyàyanti yoginaþ |
kàmadaü mokùadaü caiva OMkàràya namo namaþ ||

May our salutations ever be unto Omkara upon which the Yogins fix their minds constantly in deep meditations and which satiates all desires and sanctions eternal salvation.

n:m:ent: m:Øn:y::ð dðv:a n:m:nty:ps:rs:aö g:N:aH .
n:ra n:m:ent: dðv:ðS:ö n:karay: n:m::ð n:m:H ..
namanti munayo devà namantyapsarasàü gaõàþ |
narà namanti deve÷aü nakàràya namo namaþ ||

The mortals and the sages, the gods and the bands of Apsaras bow to the Supreme Lord, who embodied as Nakara, we salute again.

m:hadðv:ö m:hatm:an:ö m:haxy:an:p:ray:N:m:Î .
eS:v:m:ðkp:dö en:ty:ö eS:karay: n:m::ð n:m:H ..
mahàdevaü mahàtmànaü mahàkùyànaparàyaõam |
÷ivamekapadaü nityaü ÷ikàràya namo namaþ ||

To that Great Effulgent Being, embodied as Makara, who is the Transcendent Self, the destroyer of multifarious sins and the Supreme Object of worship and meditation, we salute ever and ever again.

eS:v:ö S:ant:ö j:g:ÀaT:ö l::ðkan:Øg:Òhkarkm:Î .
eS:v:m:ðkp:dö en:ty:ö eS:karay: n:m::ð n:m:H ..
÷ivaü ÷àntaü jagannàthaü lokànugrahakàrakam |
÷ivamekapadaü nityaü ÷ikàràya namo namaþ ||

To the all-auspicious and all-powerful Lord of the universe, embodied as the letter Si, who bestows peace and prosperity upon the world and who is One and Eternal, may our salutations always be.

v:ahn:ö v:à\:B::ð y:sy: v:as:ØekH kNYB:Ü\:N:m:Î .
v:am:ð S:eVt:D:rö dðv:ö v:karay: n:m::ð n:m:H ..
vàhanaü vçùabho yasya vàsukiþ kaõñhabhåùaõam |
vàme ÷aktidharaü devaü vakàràya namo namaþ ||

Who wears Sakti on the left hand and who has a bull to ride on and the serpent king Vasuki to garland, to him embodied as Vakara we salute again and again.

y:*: y:*: esT:t::ð dðv:H s:v:üvy:ap:i m:hðÃ:rH .
y::ð g:Ø,H s:v:üdðv:an:aö y:karay: n:m::ð n:m:H ..
yatra yatra sthito devaþ sarvavyàpã mahe÷varaþ |
yo guruþ sarvadevànàü yakàràya namo namaþ ||

To the all-pervading Mahesvara, embodied as the letter Ya, God with a form and without, who is the preceptor of the shining ones, wherever He may be, may our salutations be.

p:Wc:ax:rem:dö st::ð*:ö y:H p:YðecCv:s:eÀD::ò .
eS:v:l::ðkm:v:apn::ðet: eS:v:ðn: s:h m::ðdt:ð ..
pa¤càkùaramidaü stotraü yaþ pañhecchivasannidhau |
÷ivalokamavàpnoti ÷ivena saha modate ||

Whoever repeats this prayer, composed with the five letters, ‘Namah Sivaya’ before Lord Siva, enjoys Supreme Bliss in His Eternal Abode.

Linga-Ashtakam

b:ÒÉm:Øraers:Øraec:üt:el:¤ö en:m:ül:B:ae\:t:S::ðeB:t:el:¤m:Î .
j:nm:j:dÙHK:ev:n:aS:kel:¤ö t:t)N:m:aem: s:daeS:v:el:¤m:Î ..
brahmamuràrisuràrcitaliïgaü nirmalabhàùita÷obhitaliïgam |
janmajaduþkhavinà÷akaliïgaü tatpraõamàmi sadà÷ivaliïgam ||

I bow before that Sadasivalinga, which is adored by Brahma, Vishnu and the other gods, which is praised by pure and holy speeches and which destroys the cycle of births and deaths.

dðv:m:Øen:)v:raec:üt:el:¤ö kam:dhö k,N:akrel:¤m:Î .
rav:N:dp:üev:n:aS:n:el:¤ö t:t)N:m:aem: s:daeS:v:el:¤m:Î ..
devamunipravaràrcitaliïgaü kàmadahaü karuõàkaraliïgam |
ràvaõadarpavinà÷analiïgaü tatpraõamàmi sadà÷ivaliïgam ||

I bow before that Sadasivalinga, the destroyer of Cupid, which the Devas and the sages worship, which is infinitely compassionate and which subdued the pride of Ravana.

s:v:üs:Øg:enD:s:Øl:ðep:t:el:¤ö b:Øe¹ev:v:D:ün:karN:el:¤m:Î .
es:¹s:Øras:Ørv:endt:el:¤ö t:t)N:m:aem: s:daeS:v:el:¤m:Î ..
sarvasugandhisulepitaliïgaü buddhivivardhanakàraõaliïgam |
siddhasuràsuravanditaliïgaü tatpraõamàmi sadà÷ivaliïgam ||

I bow before that Sadasivalinga, which is lavishly smeared with variegated perfumes and scents, which elevates the power of thought and enkindles the light of discrimination, and which the Siddhas, the Suras and the Asuras prostrate before.

kn:km:ham:eN:B:Üe\:t:el:¤ö PeN:p:et:v:ðeÄt:S::ðeB:t:el:¤m:Î .
dx:s:Øy:wev:n:aS:n:el:¤ö t:t)N:m:aem: s:daeS:v:el:¤m:Î ..
kanakamahàmaõibhåùitaliïgaü phaõipativeùñita÷obhitaliïgam |
dakùasuyaj¤avinà÷analiïgaü tatpraõamàmi sadà÷ivaliïgam ||

I bow before that Sadasivalinga, the destroyer of Daksha’s sacrifice, which is decorated with various ornaments, studded with different gems and rubies and which glows with the serpent lord coiled around.

kÙ¢Ûm:c:ndn:l:ðep:t:el:¤ö p:¢j:hars:ØS::ðeB:t:el:¤m:Î .
s:eWc:t:p:ap:ev:n:aS:n:el:¤ö t:t)N:m:aem: s:daeS:v:el:¤m:Î ..
kuïkumacandanalepitaliïgaü païkajahàrasu÷obhitaliïgam |
sa¤citapàpavinà÷analiïgaü tatpraõamàmi sadà÷ivaliïgam ||

I bow before that Sadasivalinga, which is smeared with saffron and sandal-paste, which is fair with lotus-garlands, and which extirpates the multitude of all accumulated sins.

dðv:g:N:aec:üt:s:ðev:t:el:¤ö B:av:òB:üeVt:eB:rðv: c: el:¤m:Î .
edn:krk:ðeX)B:akrel:¤ö t:t)N:m:aem: s:daeS:v:el:¤m:Î ..
devagaõàrcitasevitaliïgaü bhàvairbhaktibhireva ca liïgam |
dinakarakoñiprabhàkaraliïgaü tatpraõamàmi sadà÷ivaliïgam ||

I bow before that Sadasivalinga which is worshipped by the multitude of gods with genuine thoughts full of faith and devotion and whose splendour is like that of million suns.

AÄdl::ðp:er v:ðeÄt:el:¤ö s:v:üs:m:Ø»v:karN:el:¤m:Î .
AÄderdÓev:n:aS:n:el:¤ö t:t)N:m:aem: s:daeS:v:el:¤m:Î ..
aùñadalopari veùñitaliïgaü sarvasamudbhavakàraõaliïgam |
aùñadaridravinà÷analiïgaü tatpraõamàmi sadà÷ivaliïgam ||

I bow before that Sadasivalinga destructive of all poverty in its eight aspects, which is the cause of all creation and which stands on the eight Dalas.

s:Ørg:Ø,s:Ørv:rp:Üej:t:el:¤ö s:Ørv:n:p:Ø\p:s:daec:üt:el:¤m:Î .
p:ratp:rö p:rm:atm:kel:¤ö t:t)N:m:aem: s:daeS:v:el:¤m:Î ..
suragurusuravarapåjitaliïgaü suravanapuùpasadàrcitaliïgam |
paràtparaü paramàtmakaliïgaü tatpraõamàmi sadà÷ivaliïgam ||

I bow before that Sadasivalinga which is the Transcendent Being and the Supreme Self, worshipped by all Suras with their priest ahead, with innumerable flowers from the celestial gardens.

el:¤aÅkem:dö p:ØNy:ö y:H p:YðecCv:s:eÀD::ò .
eS:v:l::ðkm:v:apn::ðet: eS:v:ðn: s:h m::ðdt:ð ..
liïgàùñhakamidaü puõyaü yaþ pañhecchivasannidhau |
÷ivalokamavàpnoti ÷ivena saha modate ||

Whoever repeats these eight Slokas, praising Sivalinga in the presence of Lord Siva, attains that Supreme Abode of Siva and enjoys there with Him everlasting Bliss and Beatitude.

Ardhanari-Natesvara-Stotram

c:aöp:ðy:g::òraD:üS:rirkay:ò kp:Üürg::òraD:üS:rirkay: .
D:emm:ll:kay:ò c: j:XaD:ray: n:m:H eS:v:ay:ò c: n:m:H eS:v:ay: .. 1..
càüpeyagauràrdha÷arãrakàyai karpåragauràrdha÷arãrakàya |
dhammillakàyai ca jañàdharàya namaþ ÷ivàyai ca namaþ ÷ivàya || 1 ||

To Her whose body shines as bright as polished gold, to Him whose body shines as brilliant as white camphor, to Her with a fitting head-dress and to Him with matted locks, to Gauri and Lord Siva may our prostrations be.

kst:ÜerkakÙökÙm:c:ec:üt:ay:ò ec:t:arj:p:ØWj:ev:c:ec:üt:ay: .
kát:sm:ray:ò ev:kát:sm:ray: n:m:H eS:v:ay:ò c: n:m:H eS:v:ay: .. 2..
kastårikàkuükumacarcitàyai citàrajapu¤javicarcitàya |
kçtasmaràyai vikçtasmaràya namaþ ÷ivàyai ca namaþ ÷ivàya || 2 ||

To Her of body smeared with musk and saffron, to Him of body smeared with ashes of the crematorium, to Her who radiates love through Her beauty, to Him who destroyed the god of love (Kamadeva), to Gauri and Lord Siva may our prostrations be.

c:l:tVv:N:tk¢N:n:Üp:Øray:ò em:l:tPN:aB:asv:rn:Üp:Øray: .
hðm:a¤dy:ò B:Øj:g:a¤day: n:m:H eS:v:ay:ò c: n:m:H eS:v:ay: .. 3..
calatkvaõatkaïkaõanåpuràyai milatphaõàbhàsvaranåpuràya |
hemàïgadayai bhujagàïgadàya namaþ ÷ivàyai ca namaþ ÷ivàya || 3 ||

To Her adorned with tinkling beautiful anklets, to Him adorned with snake-anklets circled round His lotus-feet, to Her shining with golden bracelets, and to Him with snake-bracelets, to Gauri and Lord Siva may our prostrations be.

ev:l::ðl:n:il::ðtp:l:l::ðc:n:ay:ò ev:kaes:p:¤ñ,hl::ðc:n:ay: .
s:m:ðx:N:ay:ò ev:\:m:ðx:N:ay: n:m:H eS:v:ay:ò c: n:m:H eS:v:ay: .. 4..
vilolanãlotpalalocanàyai vikàsipaïgeruhalocanàya |
samekùaõàyai viùamekùaõàya namaþ ÷ivàyai ca namaþ ÷ivàya || 4 ||

To Her with eyes as broad as the petals of the blue lotus (Nilotpala), to Him with eyes as broad as the petals of the fully blossomed lotus, to Her with an even number of eyes (two), to Him with an odd number of eyes (three), to Gauri and Lord Siva may our prostrations be.

m:ndarm:al:akel:t:al:kay:ò kp:al:m:al:ae¢t:knD:ray: .
edvy:amb:ray:ò c: edg:mb:ray: n:m:H eS:v:ay:ò c: n:m:H eS:v:ay: .. 5..
mandàramàlàkalitàlakàyai kapàlamàlàïkitakandharàya |
divyàmbaràyai ca digambaràya namaþ ÷ivàyai ca namaþ ÷ivàya || 5 ||

To Her whose hair is decorated with garlands of sweet-smelling divine flowers, to Him whose neck is adorned with a garland of skulls, to Her decorated with excellent divine garments, to Him clad with eight quarters, to Gauri and Lord Siva may our prostration be.

AmB::ðD:rSy:am:l:kÙnt:l:ay:ò t:eRt)B:at:am:Òj:XaD:ray: .
eg:riÃ:ray:ò en:eK:l:ðÃ:ray: n:m:H eS:v:ay:ò c: n:m:H eS:v:ay: .. 6..
ambhodhara÷yàmalakuntalàyai taóitprabhàtàmrajañàdharàya |
girã÷varàyai nikhile÷varàya namaþ ÷ivàyai ca namaþ ÷ivàya || 6 ||

To Her with hair as dark as the fresh rain clouds, to Him with matted hair resembling the colour of lightning, to Her who is the Supreme Goddess of the Mountains (Himalayas), to Him who is the Lord of the entire universe, to Gauri and Lord Siva may our prostrations be.

)p:Wc:s:à\®Ønm:ØK:l:asy:kay:ò s:m:st:s:öharkt:aNRv:ay: .
j:g:jj:n:ny:ò j:g:dðkep:*:ð n:m:H eS:v:ay:ò c: n:m:H eS:v:ay: .. 7..
prapa¤casçùñyunmukhalàsyakàyai samastasaühàrakatàõóavàya |
jagajjananyai jagadekapitre namaþ ÷ivàyai ca namaþ ÷ivàya || 7 ||

To Her whose dance marks the creation of the world, to Him whose dance indicates the total destruction of everything in this world, to Her who is the World-Mother and to Him who is the Father of this universe, to Gauri and Siva may our prostrations be.

)dipt:rtn::ðjjv:l:kÙNRl:ay:ò sPÙrnm:hap:Àg:B:Ü\:N:ay: .
eS:v:aenv:t:ay:ò c: eS:v:aenv:t:ay: n:m:H eS:v:ay:ò c: n:m:H eS:v:ay: .. 8..
pradãptaratnojjvalakuõóalàyai sphuranmahàpannagabhåùaõàya |
÷ivànvitàyai ca ÷ivànvitàya namaþ ÷ivàyai ca namaþ ÷ivàya || 8 ||

To Her with bright shining ear-rings of gems, to Him who wears the great serpent as ornament, to Her who is ever united with Lord Siva, to Him who is ever in union with Gauri, to Gauri and Lord Siva may our prostrations be.

Siva-Kavacham

Rishi Rishabha spoke to the prince:

Om! My Salutations unto Lord Neelakantha, the Beloved of Uma, the three-eyed and thousand-armed Sambhu, who destroys the enemies by His mighty valour!

I now, for your good, reveal the supreme secret of all penances, possessing which you will be ever successful, redeemed from all sins and pains.

After adoring the Omnipresent Lord, I declare the esoteric truth of Siva-Kavacha, for the weal and welfare of the human beings.

Having seated himself in composure, in a sacred place, one should contemplate upon the Imperishable Siva, with all his senses subdued and Pranas controlled.

He is to meditate upon the Subtle and Infinite, having installed Him in the lotus of the heart, who is all-pervading and beyond the senses.

Having disentangled himself from the bond of actions, by constant meditation and merging wholly in the Supreme Bliss, and with his heart ever intent on the Shadakshara, “Om Namah Sivaya”, he is to protect himself thus wearing the armour of Siva (Siva-Kavacha).

May that Supreme Divinity raise me from the dark fathomless well of Samsara, and may His glorious name destroy my sins in their totality.

May He render me free from all fears in all places, who exists in all forms, who is all-blissful, who is smaller than the smallest and is possessed of Mighty Power.

May the eightfold form of Siva who supports the universe as earth, protect me from all earthly ailments, and may He who gives life to humanity as water, remove all my fears from water.

May the Kala Rudra, who having burnt the worlds at the end of Kalpa, engages Himself in Tandava rescue me from all troubles from wild conflagrations and wind.

May He, the four-headed Trinayana, who is resplendent like lightning and gold, look after me in the East, and He who holds axe, Veda, hook, noose, trident and rosary in His hands, whose colour is dark and glossy as the raining clouds, in the South.

I adore Him who is pure and spotless as jasmine, moon, conch and crystal, who bears the Vedas and rosary in His hands, as the emblems of bestowing boons and fearlessness, for my safety in the West; and Him who shines like the filament of a blossoming lotus, in the North.

May the five-faced Isvara, who is white and transparent as the crystal, who holds hook, noose, hatchet, skull, drum and trident in His hands and also the Vedas and a rosary as the token of security, protect me above.

I pray to Lord Chandramauli to take care of my head, Phalanetra to look after my forehead, and Him, the destroyer of lust, for the protection of my eyes.

I worship Visvanatha, who is renowned in Vedas and who holds a skull in His hand to keep my nose, ears and skull, safe and sound.

The five-faced Lord, whose tongue is the very Vedas, may protect my face and tongue; the blue-necked One who holds Pinaka in His hands may protect my throat and my hands.

May the Lord, the destroyer of the sacrifice of Daksha, whose arms are the very embodiment of Dharma, guard my chest and arms against all dangers and evils.

May my hip, waist, stomach, navel, be in the care of Dhurjati, the destroyer of Cupid, and who holds the mountain as His bow.

I leave my thighs, knees and feet to His grace who is all graceful.

In the first watch of the day, may Mahesa be my protector; in the second, Vamadeva; Trilochana in the third and Vrishaketu in the fourth.

Sasishekara may keep me from all the evils in the evening, Gangadhara during midnight, Gauripati at dawn and Mrityunjaya at all times.

May Sankara be my protector when I am in, Sthanu, when I am out, Pasupati in the intermediate region and Sadasiva in all places.

May He, who is known by the Vedas, be my saviour when sitting, the Lord of the Pramathas while walking and the Sovereign Ruler of the universe while at rest.

May Nilakantha, the formidable foe of the three cities, dispel my fears and dangers while on the way, and amidst impassable mountainous peaks and valleys.

May the All-powerful Almighty save me from the cruel clutches of the wild animals, while journeying through thick forests.

I offer my hearty prayers to Lord Virabhadra who is as fierce as Yama at the end of Kalpa and whose terrible laughter causes the worlds to tremble, for destroying my fears in crossing the terrible ocean of formidable foes.

I worship the Lord, to destroy the fearful hosts of the enemy armies, arrayed against with the four divisions, infantry, cavalry, chariots and elephants with the sharp and ferocious edge of his sword.

May the blazing fire emitted by the trident of the Lord, reduce the desperadoes to ashes and His bow, Pinaka, frighten the wild beasts such as tigers, lions and bears.

May He protect me from all evils arising from inauspicious dreams and omens, from all mental and bodily agonies, and from all the calamities of different types.

I bow down to that Lord Sadasiva, who is that Supreme Truth, who is the very form of holy hymns and sacred rites, who is beyond all knowledge and truth, who is the incarnation of Brahma and Rudra, whose very eyes are the sun, moon and fire, who has a body smeared with white holy ashes, who wears a crown and artless jewellery, studded with various gems and diamonds, who is the creator, sustainer and destroyer of the whole universe, who destroyed Daksha’s sacrifice, who kills the tide of time, who resides alone in Muladhara, who transcends the categories of knowledge, upon whose head the holy Ganga makes her permanent abode, who is immanent in all beings, who possesses the six qualities, who is the truth and essence of philosophy, who is the means to attain the three Vargas (Dharma, Artha and Kama), who is the Lord of the worlds, who wears the eight serpent-kings round His neck and who is the very form of Pranava.

I adore Him who is the embodiment of consciousness, whose form is of ether and the directions, who wears the necklace of stars and planets, who is pure and spotless, who is the preceptor of all the worlds, who is the Supreme Witness of the whole universe, who is the Supreme Secret of all Vedas, who transcends all philosophy, who bestows boons upon all His devotees and who showers mercy upon the poor and ignorant.

I pray to the all-merciful Lord who is ever pure and all-blissful, who is free from all lust, greed and sorrow, who is bereft of all flaws and qualities, who is devoid of desire, disease, ego and attachment, who is all-pervading, endless and eternal, who is beyond the chains of causes and effects, in whom all pains and pleasures, pride, power and pomp, fears and dangers, sins and sufferings sink and die.

I worship Him, who is the embodiment of Pure Consciousness, in whom doubts are dried and actions cease, who is beyond all change, time and destruction, who is full, pure, mute and eternal, who is Satchidananda (Existence-Absolute, Knowledge-Absolute and Bliss-Absolute), who is the incommunicable place personified, who is all-effulgence and effulgence embodied, who is the beneficent One, the radiant vision of Infinite Beauty and Beatitude. O my Lord! Victory on Thee. Thou art the incarnation of Rudra, Raudra and Bhadra. Thou art that Mahabhairava, Kalabhairava. Thy garlands are the necklaces of skulls and Thou holdest the divine weapons Khatvanga, sword, skin (Charma), noose, hook, drum, trident, bow, arrow, club, Sakti (a weapon) and the like in Thy hands. O thousand-faced God! Thou art fearful to look at with Thy terrible teeth and Thy pealing laughter pierces through all the worlds. Serpents are Thy ear-rings, Thy garlands and bracelets. Thou wearest elephant-skin on Thy body. Thou art the conqueror of death, the destroyer of the three cities, O three-eyed God!

Thou art all-existent, Immanence of things, Essence of Peace, and the Supreme Bliss and Silence, O Sambhu! Thou art verily the Brahman of Veda and Vedanta. Thou art all-pervading, ancient and eternal. Save me, my Lord! Dispel my fears from unnatural death and dangers, destroy my enemies, with Thy trident and chop them off with the edge of Thy sword. Frighten the bands of Betala, Kushmanda and the like with the bow and arrows. Save me from falling into the pit of fearful hell and render me free and fearless. Cover me with Thy armour and protect me always. I am poor, meek, humble and helpless. I dedicate all at Thy feet and leave myself at Thy disposal. Thou art my only prop and saviour. O Lord Sadasiva! Mrityunjaya! Tryambaka! Salutations to Thee again and again.

Rishabha spoke: In this manner, I have unfolded the supreme secret of Siva-Kavacha which grants every boon and gratifies all desires and which relieves one from all pains and sufferings.

Always, one clad in this (Armour of Siva), is free from all fears, all dangers and downfall, by His divine Grace.

One, released from chronic diseases and premature death, enjoys long life and Eternal Bliss.

This Armour (of Siva) strikes at the root of evil and elevates one to the lofty heights of peace and prosperity.

One, in the end, redeemed from all sins and obstacles, attains the blissful seat of salvation by its mighty power.

Therefore my boy! Wear this presented by me with full faith, by which you will be very happy.

Suta said: Having spoken thus, sage Rishabha gave the prince a big conch, a mighty sword with which he would be able to conquer his enemies in no time.

Then he sprinkled some holy ashes on his body and gave the magnetic touch which rendered him feel the strength of twelve thousand elephants.

Having obtained such strength, power and courage, the prince shone with the glory of the autumn sun!

The Sage again told him: This sword given by me is purified by sacred Mantras, by whose mere sight, the enemy will become lifeless. Death itself will be terrified and take to his heels.

Hearing the thundering sound of this conch, the enemies will fall down unconscious, with their weapons cast aside.

These are the two instruments which will destroy the opposing armies and encourage your own.

Clad in Siva’s Armour, you will destroy your enemies with these two divine weapons. You will obtain your ancestral kingdom and become the sovereign ruler of this earth.

Consoling him thus, with all his blessings, the Sage after receiving due respects and honours, departed.

Sarvalinga Stava

O Omkaresvara, Umamahesvara,
Ramesvara, Tryambakesvara,
Mahabalesvara, Mahakalesvara, Muktesvara,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Jambukesvara, Kalahastisvara,
Tarakesvara, Paramesvara,
Narmadesvara, Nagesvara, Nanjundesvara,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Ardhanarisvara, Kapalisvara,
Brihadisvara, Bhuvanesvara, Kumbhesvara,
Vriddhachalesvara, Ekambaresvara,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Kailasapate, Pasupate,
Gauripate, Parvatipate,
Umapate, Sivakamipate,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Visvesa, Tyagesa, Sarvesa,
Sundaresa, Mahesa, Jagadisa,
Ghusrunesa, Matribhutesa,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Kailasanatha, Kashinatha,
Kedaranatha, Muktinatha,
Amaranatha, Pasupatinatha,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Kasi Visvanatha, Kanchinatha,
Somanatha, Baijnatha, Vaidyanatha,
Tunganatha, Trilokinatha,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Kalabhairava, Tripurantaka,
Nilalohita, Haro Hara,
Siva, Sambho, Sankara, Sadasiva,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Mahadeva, Mahakala,
Nilakantha, Nataraja, Chandrasekhara,
Chidambaresa, Papavimochaka,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Halasyasundara, Minakshisundara,
Kalyanasundara, Kadambavanasundara,
Srisaila-vasa, Virabhadra,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Gauri Sankara, Gangadhara,
Dakshinamurte, Mrityunjaya,
Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraya,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Vaikkatappa, Tiruvoniappa,
Chittambala, Ponnambala,
Chitsabhesa, Chidambaresa,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Kamadahana, Brahmasiraschheda,
Kurma-Matsya-Varaha-Svarupa,
Virabhairava, Vrishabharudha,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Kalantaka, Mallikarjuna,
Arunachala, Nandivahana, Bhikshadana, Bhaktarakshaka,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Bhimasankara, Bhasmadhara,
Pannagabhushana, Pinakadhari,
Trilochana, Trisulapane,
Om Namah Sivaya.

Who can describe Thy glory O Hara!
Even Sruti says Neti Neti,
Thou art Supreme Brahman,
Thou art full of auspicious qualities,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Destroyer of Tripuras,
My silent adorations unto Thee,
Thou art Rudra, the destroyer,
Thou art bestower of Immortality,
Om Namah Sivaya.

Thy vehicle is the bull,
Tiger-skin is Thy garment,
Trident, Damaru, Axe, Are Thy instruments,
Om Namah Sivaya.

Snake is Thy ornament,
You are besmeared with ashes,
Ganga flows from Thy head,
Moon is Thy Chudamani,
Om Namah Sivaya.

You incarnated as Dakshinamurti,
To initiate Sanaka, Sanandana,
Into the mysteries of Brahma Jnana,
Through silence and Chinmudra,
Om Namah Sivaya.

Thy form speaks of renunciation,
Thou art embodiment of knowledge,
Thou art famous for Nritya,
Agada Bhum is Thy song,
Om Namah Sivaya.

You assumed the form of light,
Brahma and Vishnu failed
To measure Thee,
Thou art Infinity and Eternity,
Om Namah Sivaya.

You saved Markandeya, Manikkavasakar,
You blessed Kannappa, Tirunavukkarasu,
Tirujnanasambandhar, Sundarar,
Appar and Pattinathadiyar,
Om Namah Sivaya.

Thou art ocean of mercy,
Thou art giver of boons,
You blessed Arjuna and Bana,
You swallowed the poison,
And saved the world,
Om Namah Sivaya.

You destroyed the Cupid,
Thou art the Father
Of Ganesa and Subrahmanya,
You cut the head of proud Daksha,
Om Namah Sivaya.

Tripurasundari, Rajarajesvari,
Gauri, Chandi, Chamundi,
Durga, Annapurna,
Are Thy Saktis,
Om Namah Sivaya.

Thy garland is strung of skulls,
Thy matted lock is the abode for Ganga,
Thou dwellest in the cremation ground,
Thy form is terrible, Thou art Mahakala,
Thou art Death unto death itself,
Om Namah Sivaya.

Thou art the greatest Devotee of Hari,
Thou wearest in Thy head the Ganga,
Which flows from Hari’s feet,
You initiate the Rama Taraka Mantra at Banares,
Om Namah Sivaya.

Lord Rama worshipped Thee alone at Ramesvar,
You existed in sound as Sadasiva,
In the heart as Atmalinga,
In the Vedas as Pranava,
Om Namah Sivaya.

O Hara! O Lord! O Siva!
Prostrations unto Thee again and again,
Let me remember Thee always,
Let me ever dwell in Thee,
Om Namah Sivaya.

Make me desireless, fearless and ‘I’ less,
Let me ever repeat Thy five letters,
Let me behold Thee everywhere,
Let me merge in Thee for ever,
Om Namah Sivaya.

He who sings or repeats or hears this Sarvalinga Stava
Morning and evening with faith, devotion and Bhava,
Will be freed from all sins and diseases,
Will attain son, wealth, prosperity,
Bhakti, Bhukti, Mukti.

Attributes Of Siva

1. Advaita, Akhanda, Akarta, Abhokta,
Asanga, Asakta, Nirguna, Nirlipta,
Chidanandarupah Sivoham Sivoham.
Non-dual, indivisible, non-doer, non-enjoyer,
Unattached, without qualities,
I am Siva (auspiciousness), I am Siva of the form of knowledge and bliss.

2. Avyakta, Ananta, Amrita, Ananda,
Achala, Amala, Akshara, Avyaya,
Chidanandarupah Sivoham Sivoham.
Unmanifested, endless, immortal, bliss,
Immovable, without impurities, imperishable, inexhaustible,
I am Siva, I am Siva of the form of knowledge and bliss.

3. Asabda, Asparsa, Arupa, Agandha,
Aprana, Amana, Atindriya, Adrisya,
Chidanandarupah Sivoham Sivoham.
Soundless, touchless, smell-less, formless,
Without Prana, without mind, without senses, unseen,
I am Siva, I am Siva of the form of knowledge and bliss.

4. Satyam, Sivam, Subham, Sundaram, Kantam,
Sat-chit-ananda, Sampurna, Sukha, Santam,
Chidanandarupah Sivoham Sivoham.
Truth, auspiciousness, good, beautiful, resplendent,
Existence-knowledge-bliss, all-full, pure happiness, peaceful.
I am Siva, I am Siva of the form of knowledge and bliss.

5. Chetana, Chaitanya, Chidghana, Chinmaya,
Chidakasa, Chinmatra, Sanmantra, Tanmaya,
Chidanandarupah Sivoham Sivoham.
Consciousness, mass of knowledge, full of knowledge,
All-pervading like ether, consciousness alone, full of That,
I am Siva, I am Siva of the form of knowledge and bliss.

6. Amala, Vimala, Nirmala, Achala,
Avangmanogochara, Akshara, Nischala,
Chidanandarupah Sivoham Sivoham.
Pure, stainless, immovable,
Beyond the reach of mind and speech, imperishable, steady,
I am Siva, I am Siva of the form of knowledge and bliss.

7. Nitya, Nirupadhika, Niratisaya Ananda,
Nirakara, Hrimkara, Omkara, Kutastha,
Chidanandarupah Sivoham Sivoham.
Eternal, without attributes, supreme bliss,
Without form, Hrim and Om (Pranava), rock-seated Self,
I am Siva, I am Siva of the form of knowledge and bliss.

8. Purna, Para Brahma, Prajnana Ananda,
Sakshi, Drashta, Turiya, Vijnana Ananda,
Chidanandarupah Sivoham Sivoham.
All-full, Paramatman, knowledge and bliss,
Witness, Seer, the fourth state, self-knowledge, bliss.
I am Siva, I am Siva of the form of knowledge and bliss.

9. Satyam, Jnanam, Anantam, Anandam,
Sat-chit-ananda, Svayam Jyoti Prakasam,
Chidanandarupah Sivoham Sivoham.
Truth, knowledge, endless, bliss,
Existence-knowledge-bliss, self-luminous,
I am Siva I am Siva of the form of knowledge and bliss.

10. Kaivalya, Kevala, Kutastha, Brahma,
Suddha, Siddha, Buddha, Sat-chit-ananda,
Chidanandarupah Sivoham Sivoham.
Immortality, alone, changeless, Self
Pure, perfect, illumined, existence-knowledge-bliss,
I am Siva, I am Siva of the form of knowledge and bliss.

11. Nirdosha, Nirmala, Vimala, Niranjana,
Nitya, Nirakara, Nirguna, Nirvikalpa,
Chidanandarupah Sivoham Sivoham.
Without defects, pure, spotless,
Eternal, formless, without qualities, superconsciousness,
I am Siva, I am Siva of the form of knowledge and bliss.

12. Atman, Brahma Svarupa, Chaitanya-Purusha,
Tejomaya, Ananda, ‘Tat-Tvam-Asi’ Lakshya,
Chidanandarupah Sivoham Sivoham.
Self, Supreme Self, consciousness,
Full of light, bliss, that which is indicated by ‘Tat-Tvam-Asi—Thou art That’.
I am Siva, I am Siva of the form of knowledge and bliss.

13. ‘Soham’, ‘Sivoham’, ‘Aham-Brahma-Asmi’ Mahavakya,
Suddha, Sat-chit-ananda, Purna Para Brahma,
Chidanandarupah Sivoham Sivoham.
‘I am He’, ‘I am Siva’, ‘I am Brahman’,
Pure, existence-knowledge-bliss, all-full Self,
I am Siva, I am Siva of the form of knowledge and bliss.

The Sublime Vision

I

The adorable Lord of all bliss, all love, all mercy
The supreme light that shines in my heart
The Lord who fed Sambandhar and Appar
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

The Great Ancient, the Goal of Yogis
The Supreme Purusha that dwells in the Puri
The Adi Deva, whom the Vedas sing of
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

The pillar of light which baffled Brahma and Vishnu
The ocean of mercy who saved Markandeya
The Lord of Madurai whom the Pandya beat
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

The supreme Teacher who taught the four
The Adi Deva who has assumed the five
Parama, Vyuha, Vibhava, Archa and Antaryamin,
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

The Lord who pervades the universe
The thread-soul, the Sutratman,
The over-soul, the purport of Srutis
Him I saw at the abode, of Rishis.

The effulgence who is above the Three
Who exists even after the Pralaya
Who saved Kannappa and Sundarar
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

He who drank the poison and saved the world,
He who danced at Chidambaram,
He who shines as the Jyotirlinga
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

He who brought the jackal-horses to Pandya
He who gave pearl-palanquin to Sambandhar
He who is the essence of Panchakshara
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

He who dwells in Banares and Vedas,
In Ramesvar, Arunachal and Kanchi,
In the hearts of all beings
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

He who pleaded on behalf of Darumi
He who dwells in Kailas with Uma
He who restored the eyesight of Sundarar
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

II

The Lord who gave stick to blind Appar
The Grace who begged alms for Sundarar
The Marga Bandhu who showed the way to Appayya Dikshitar
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

The Mercy who took the message to Paravai
The Love who wrote the poem for Darumi
The Fire that burnt Nakirar
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

The Lord who became a cooly at Madurai
And carried earth for stopping the floods
For the sake of a little sweetmeat
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

The Lord who created tank and garden for the devotee
Who became the slave of His devotees
Who sent the pearl-palanquin to Sambandhar
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

The hunter who quarrelled with Arjuna
The untouchable who debated with Sankara
The groom who took the horses to Pandya
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

The Lord who has Uma as His left side
Who is also Narayana of the milk ocean
Who is the child sleeping on the banian leaf
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

The Lord who is the Holiest, the Oldest
Who is Jyoti within the Jyoti
Who is praised by the Devas and Rishis
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

He who is Ambalam in Chidambaram
Who is brilliance in Arunachalam
Who is the great thief hiding in forms
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

The Satguru who reveals in the Chidakasa
Who breaks all the three bonds
Who leads the aspirants to the land of Moksha
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

The Lord who dwells in the Sahasrara
Who is the way, the goal and the centre,
Who is the truth in the Mahavakya
Him I saw at the abode of Rishis.

Song of Lord Nataraja

Sivaya Nama Om Sivaya Namah,
Sivaya Nama Om Namah Sivaya,

O Lord Nataraja of Chidambaram,
King Dancer of Thillai Ambalam,
Beloved consort of Sivakami Sundari,
Bhuvanesvari, Rajarajesvari,
Destroyer of sin, bestower of prosperity,
Remover of suffering, giver of Immortality,
Sivaya Nama Om Sivaya Namah,
Sivaya Nama Om Namah Sivaya.

Holder of Trident, drinker of poison,
Master of Yogis, ruler in the Sun,
Dweller in Kailas, rider of Nandi
Destroyer of Cupid, Lord of Siddhi,
The three-eyed Lord, the five-faced God,
The blue-necked God, the God of gods,
Sivaya Nama Om Sivaya Namah,
Sivaya Nama Om Namah Sivaya.

Thou art my Guru and sole-refuge,
Salutations unto Thee O Lord of Mercy,
Bless me with Thy shower of Grace,
Let me behold Thy benign face,
Let me merge in Thee for ever,
This is my real fervent prayer.
Sivaya Nama Om Sivaya Namah,
Sivaya Nama Om Namah Sivaya.

Glory of Lord Siva

Om. I bow with folded hands to Lord Siva, who is the Lord of the universe (Jagat-Pati), world’s Teacher (Jagad-Guru), who is the destroyer of Tripuras (three cities—egoism, lust and anger), who is the Lord of Uma (Uma Sankar), Gauri (Gauri Sankar), Ganga (Ganga Sankar), who is full of light (Jyotirmaya), knowledge and bliss (Chidanandamaya), who is the Lord of Yogins (Yogesvara), who is the storehouse of knowledge and who is known by various names as Mahadeva, Sankara, Hara, Sambhu, Sadasiva, Rudra, Sulapani, Bhairava, Uma Mahesvara, Nilakantha, Trilochana (the three-eyed), Tryambaka (the three-eyed), Visvanatha, Chandrasekhara, Ardhanarisvara, Mahesvara, Nila-lohita, Parama Siva, Digambara, Dakshinamurti, etc.

How merciful He is! How loving and kind He is! He even wears the skulls of His devotees as a garland around His neck. He is an embodiment of renunciation, mercy, love and wisdom. It is a mistake to say that He is the destroyer. Lord Siva in reality is the regenerator. Whenever one’s physical body becomes unfit for further evolution in this birth either by disease, old age or other causes, He at once removes this rotten physical sheath and gives a new, healthy, vigorous body for further quick evolution. He wants to take all His children to His lotus-feet quickly. He desires to give them His glorious ‘Siva-Pada’. It is easier to please Siva than Hari. A little Prem and devotion, a little chanting of His Panchakshara is quite sufficient to infuse delight in Siva. He gives boons to His devotees quite readily. How large is His heart! He gave Pasupatastra to Arjuna without difficulty for his little penance. He gave a precious boon to Bhasmasura. In Kalahasti near Tirupati, He gave Darsan to Kannappanayanar, the devoted hunter who plucked his two eyes to replace the weeping eyes in the Murti. In Chidambaram even the untouchable Pariah saint, Nandan had Darsan of Lord Siva. He ran with tremendous speed to make the boy Markandeya immortal, when he was in the clutches of the God of Death—Yama. Ravana of Lanka pleased Siva with his Sama chantings. He initiated the four virgin youths Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanatkumara into the mysteries of Jnana in the form of Guru Dakshinamurti. In Madurai, in Southern India, Sundaresvara (Lord Siva) assumed the form of a boy and carried earth on His head for a devoted lady for the sake of Puttu (a kind of sweetmeat) as wages, when an anicut was erected in the Vaigai river. Look at the unbounded mercy for His devotees! When Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu went to find out the head and feet of Lord Siva, He assumed an infinite, expansive blaze of light (Jyotirmaya-Svarupa). They were baffled in their attempts. How magnanimous and self-effulgent He is! He lived in the house of Pattinattu Swami in Southern India for several years, as his adopted son and disappeared after giving him the small note: “Even a broken needle will not follow you after your death”. The reading of this note was the starting point for attainment of Jnana for Pattinattu Swami. Why not you attempt this very second with sincerity to realise God (Lord Siva)?

Hatha Yogins awaken the Kundalini Sakti that is lying dormant in the Muladhara Chakra by Asana, Pranayama, Kumbhaka, Mudra and Bandha, take it above through different Chakras (centres of spiritual energy)—Svadhishthana, Manipura, Anahata, Visuddha and Ajna—and join it with Lord Siva at the Sahasrara, the thousand-petalled lotus at the crown of the head. They drink the nectar of Immortality (Siva-Jnana-Amritam). This is termed Amritasrava. When the Sakti is united with Siva, full illumination comes for the Yogi.

Lord Siva represents the destructive aspect of Brahman. That portion of Brahman that is enveloped by Tamo-Guna-Pradhana-Maya is Lord Siva who is the all-pervading Isvara and who also dwells in Mount Kailas. He is the Bhandar or storehouse of Wisdom. Siva minus Parvati, Kali or Durga is pure Nirguna Brahman. With Maya (Parvati) He becomes the Saguna Brahman for the purpose of pious devotion of His devotees. Devotees of Rama must worship Lord Siva also. Rama Himself worshipped Lord Siva at the famous Ramesvaram. Lord Siva is the Lord of Ascetics and Lord of Yogins robed in space (Digambara).

His Trisul (trident) that is held in His right hand represents the three Gunas—Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. That is the emblem of sovereignty. He rules the world through these three Gunas. The Damaru in His left hand represents the Sabda Brahman, It represents OM from which all languages are formed. It is He who formed the Sanskrit language out of the Damaru sound.

The wearing of the crescent moon on His head indicates that He has controlled the mind perfectly. The flow of the Ganga represents the nectar of immortality. Elephant represents symbolically the Vritti, pride. Wearing the skin of the elephant denotes that He has controlled pride. Tiger represents lust. His sitting on the tiger’s skin indicates that He has conquered lust. His holding deer on one hand indicates that He has removed the Chanchalata (tossing) of the mind. Deer jumps from one place to another swiftly. The mind also jumps from one object to another. His wearing of serpents around the neck denotes wisdom and eternity. Serpents live for a large number of years. He is Trilochana, the three-eyed One, in the centre of whose forehead is the third eye, the eye of wisdom. Nandi, the bull that sits in front of Sivalinga, represents Pranava (Omkara). The Linga represents Advaita. It points out “I am one without a second—Ekameva Advitiyam.” Just as a man raises his right hand above his head, pointing out his right index-finger only.

Kailas hills in Tibet are a huge range with a central, beautiful, naturally carved and decorated shining peak, eternally clad with silvery snow, 22,280 feet above sea-level. Some take the height to be 22,028 feet. This particular peak is in the form of a natural, huge Siva Linga (Virat form). This is worshipped as the form of Lord Siva from a distance. There is neither a temple, nor a Pujari, nor a daily Puja there. I had the fortune to have Darsana of Kailas through the grace of Lord Siva, on July 22, 1931. I even climbed with panting breath to the foot of Kailas peak where the Indus takes its origin. It is a very picturesque, soul-stirring scenery. You will have to ascend from Didipha Guha, the first halting stage in Parikrama of Kailas. The Indus gushes out as a small streamlet through blocks of ice from behind the back portion of Kailas peak. Though in the pictures of Lord Siva it is shown that the Ganga flows from His head, it is really the Indus (Sindhu) that takes its origin from the head of Siva (Kailas) in the physical plane. Parikrama of Kailas covers 30 miles. It takes three days. On the way comes the famous and sacred Gauri Kund which is eternally covered with snow. You will have to break the snow when you take a bath.

The Name of Lord Siva chanted in any way, correctly or incorrectly, knowingly or unknowingly, carefully or carelessly, is sure to give the desired result. The glory of the Name of Lord Siva cannot be established through reasoning and intellect. It can certainly be experienced or realised only through devotion, faith and constant repetition of the Name and singing His hymns with Bhava. Every Name is filled with countless potencies or Saktis. The power of the Name is ineffable. Its glory is indescribable. The efficiency and inherent Sakti of the Name of Lord Siva are unfathomable.

The mind is purified by constant repetition of Siva-Stotra and Names of Lord Siva. The Stotras are filled with good and pure thoughts. Repetition of the hymns to Siva strengthens the good Samskaras. “As a man thinks, that he becomes”. This is the psychological law. The mind of a man who trains himself in thinking good, holy thoughts, develops a tendency to think of good thoughts. His character is moulded and transformed by continued good thought. When the mind thinks of the image of the Lord during singing His hymns, the mental substance actually assumes the form of the image of the Lord. The impression of the object thought of is left in the mind. This is called Samskara. When the act is repeated very often, the Samskaras gain strength by repetition, and a tendency or habit is formed in the mind. He who entertains thoughts of Divinity, becomes transformed actually into the Divinity himself by constant thinking. His Bhava or disposition is purified and divinised. When one sings the hymns of Lord Siva, he is in tune with the Lord. The individual mind melts in the cosmic mind. He who sings the hymns becomes one with Lord Siva.

Just as fire has the natural property of burning inflammable things, so also the Name of Lord Siva has the power of burning the sins, Samskaras and Vasanas and bestowing eternal bliss and everlasting peace on those who repeat the Name of the Lord.

Just as burning quality is natural and inherent in fire, so also the power of destroying sins with their very root and branch and bringing the aspirant into blissful union with the Lord through Bhava Samadhi, is natural and inherent in the Name of God.

O friends! Take refuge in the Name of Siva. Sing His hymns. Nami and Name are inseparable. Sing Lord Siva’s hymns incessantly. Remember the Name of the Lord with every incoming and outgoing breath. In this Iron Age, Nama-Smarana or singing the hymns is the easiest, quickest, safest and surest way to reach God and attain Immortality and perennial joy. Glory to Lord Siva! Glory to His Name!!

Ravana propitiated Lord Siva by his hymns. Pushpadanta pleased Lord Siva by his celebrated Stotra—Siva Mahimna Stotra, which is even now sung by all devotees of Siva throughout India, and obtained all Aisvarya or Siddhis and Mukti. The glory of the Stotras of Siva is indescribable. You must all sing the hymns of Lord Siva and obtain His grace and salvation, not in the unknown future, but right now in this very second. You can please Lord Siva easily. Fast on the Sivaratri day. If you cannot do this, take milk and fruits. Keep perfect vigil the whole night and sing His Stotras, and repeat ‘Om Namah Sivaya’. May the blessings of Lord Siva be upon you all!

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