gtam

About Lord Shiva > > > Lord Shiva represents the aspect of the Supreme Being > (Brahman of the Upanishads) that continuously > dissolves to recreate in the cyclic process of > creation, preservation, dissolution and recreation of > the universe. Lord Shiva is the third member of the > Hindu Trinity, the other two being Lord Brahma and > Lord Vishnu. Owing to His cosmic activity of > dissolution and recreation, the words destroyer and > destruction have been erroneously associated with Lord > Shiva. This difficulty arises when people fail to > grasp the true significance of His cosmic role. The > creation sustains itself by a delicate balance between > the opposing forces of good and evil. When this > balance is disturbed and sustenance of life becomes > impossible, Lord Shiva dissolves the universe for > creation of the next cycle so that the unliberated > souls will have another opportunity to liberate > themselves from bondage with the physical world. Thus, > Lord Shiva protects the souls from pain and suffering > that would be caused by a dysfunctional universe. In > analogous cyclic processes, winter is essential for > spring to appear and the night is necessary for the > morning to follow. To further illustrate, a goldsmith > does not destroy gold when he melts old irreparable > golden jewellery to create beautiful new ornaments. > > Lord Shiva is the Lord of mercy and compassion. He > protects devotees from evil forces such as lust, > greed, and anger. He grants boons, bestows grace and > awakens wisdom in His devotees. The symbolism > discussed below includes major symbols that are common > to all pictures and images of Shiva venerated by > Hindus. Since the tasks of Lord Shiva are numerous, He > cannot be symbolized in one form. For this reason the > images of Shiva vary significantly in their symbolism. > The unclad body covered with ashes: the unclad body > symbolizes the transcendental aspect of the Lord. > Since most things reduce to ashes when burned, ashes > symbolize the physical universe. The ashes on the > unclad body of the Lord signify that Shiva is the > source of the entire universe which emanates from Him, > but He transcends the physical phenomena and is not > affected by it. > > > > > The unclad body covered with ashes: the unclad body > symbolizes the transcendental aspect of the Lord. > Since most things reduce to ashes when burned, ashes > symbolize the physical universe. The ashes on the > unclad body of the Lord signify that Shiva is the > source of the entire universe which emanates from Him, > but He transcends the physical phenomena and is not > affected by it. > > Matted locks: Lord Shiva is the Master of yoga. The > three matted locks on the head of the Lord convey the > idea that integration of the physical, mental and > spiritual energies is the ideal of yoga. > > Ganga: Ganga (river Ganges) is associated with Hindu > mythology and is the most sacred river of Hindus. > According to tradition, one who bathes in Ganga > (revered as Mother Ganga) in accordance with > traditional rites and ceremonies on religious > occasions in combination with certain astrological > events, is freed from sin and attains knowledge, > purity and peace. Ganga, symbolically represented on > the head of the Lord by a female (Mother Ganga) with a > jet of water emanating from her mouth and falling on > the ground, signifies that the Lord destroys sin, > removes ignorance, and bestows knowledge, purity and > peace on the devotees. > > The crescent moon: is shown on the side of the Lord's > head as an ornament, and not as an integral part of > His countenance. The waxing and waning phenomenon of > the moon symbolizes the time cycle through which > creation evolves from the beginning to the end. Since > the Lord is the Eternal Reality, He is beyond time. > Thus, the crescent moon is only one of His ornaments, > and not an integral part of Him. > > Three eyes: Lord Shiva, also called Tryambaka Deva > (literally, "three-eyed Lord"), is depicted as having > three eyes: the sun is His right eye, the moon the > left eye and fire the third eye. The two eyes on the > right and left indicate His activity in the physical > world. The third eye in the center of the forehead > symbolizes spiritual knowledge and power, and is thus > called the eye of wisdom or knowledge. Like fire, the > powerful gaze of Shiva's third eye annihilates evil, > and thus the evil-doers fear His third eye. > > Half-open eyes: when the Lord opens His eyes, a new > cycle of creation emerges and when He closes them, the > universe dissolves for creation of the next cycle. The > half-open eyes convey the idea that creation is going > through cyclic process, > > with no beginning and no end. Lord Shiva is the Master > of Yoga, as He uses His yogic power to project the > universe from Himself. The half-open eyes also > symbolize His yogic posture. > > Kundalas (two ear rings): two Kundalas, Alakshya > (meaning "which cannot be shown by any sign") and > Niranjan(meaning "which cannot be seen by mortal > eyes") in the ears of the Lord signify that He is > beyond ordinary perception Since the kundala in the > left ear of the Lord is of the type used by women and > the one in His right ear is of the type used by men, > these Kundalas also symbolize the Shiva and Shakti > (male and female) principle of creation > > Snake around the neck: sages have used snakes to > symbolize the yogic power of Lord Shiva with which He > dissolves and recreates the universe. Like a yogi, a > snake hoards nothing, carries nothing, builds nothing, > lives on air alone for a long time, and lives in > mountains and forests. The venom of a snake, > therefore, symbolizes the yogic power > > A snake (Vasuki Naga): is shown curled three times > around the neck of the Lord and is looking towards His > right side. The three coils of the snake symbolize the > past, present and future - time in cycles. The Lord > wearing the curled snake like an ornament signifies > that creation proceeds in cycles and is time > dependent, but the Lord Himself transcends time. The > right side of the body symbolizes the human activities > based upon knowledge, reason and logic. The snake > looking towards the right side of the Lord signifies > that the Lord's eternal laws of reason and justice > preserve natural order in the universe. > > Rudraksha necklace: Rudra is another name of Shiva. > Rudra also means "strict or uncompromising" and aksha > means "eye." Rudraksha necklace worn by the Lord > illustrates that He uses His cosmic laws firmly - > without compromise - to maintain law and order in the > universe. The necklace has 108 beads which symbolize > the elements used in the creation of the world. > > Varda Mudra: the Lord's right hand is shown in a boon- > bestowing and blessing pose. As stated earlier, Lord > Shiva annihilates evil, grants boons, bestows grace, > destroys ignorance, and awakens wisdom in His > devotees. > > Trident (Trisula): a three-pronged trident shown > adjacent to the Lord symbolizes His three fundamental > powers (shakti) of will (iccha), action (kriya) and > knowledge (jnana). The trident also symbolizes the > Lord's power to destroy evil and ignorance. > > Damaru (drum): a small drum with two sides separated > from each other by a thin neck-like structure > symbolizes the two utterly dissimilar states of > existence, unmanifest and manifest. When a damaru is > vibrated, it produces dissimilar sounds which are > fused together by resonance to create one sound. The > sound thus produced symbolizes Nada, the cosmic sound > of AUM, which can be heard during deep meditation. > According to Hindu scriptures, Nada is the source of > creation. > > Kamandalu: a water pot (Kamandalu) made from a dry > pumpkin contains nectar and is shown on the ground > next to Shiva. The process of making Kamandalu has > deep spiritual significance. A ripe pumpkin is plucked > from a plant, its fruit is removed and the shell is > cleaned for containing the nectar. In the same way, an > individual must break away from attachment to the > physical world and clean his inner self of egoistic > desires in order to experience the bliss of the Self, > symbolized by the nectar in the Kamandalu. > > Nandi: the bull is associated with Shiva and is said > to be His vehicle. The bull symbolizes both power and > ignorance. Lord Shiva's use of the bull as a vehicle > conveys the idea that He removes ignorance and bestows > power of wisdom on His devotees. The bull is called > Vrisha in Sanskrit. Vrisha also means dharma > (righteousness). Thus a bull shown next to Shiva also > indicates that He is the etemal companion of > righteousness. > > Tiger skin: a tiger skin symbolizes potential energy. > Lord Shiva, sitting on or wearing a tiger skin, > illustrates the idea that He is the source of the > creative energy that remains in potential form during > the dissolution state of the universe. Of His own > Divine Will, the Lord activates the potential form of > the creative energy to project the universe in endless > cycles. > > Cremation ground: Shiva sitting in the cremation > ground signifies that He is the controller of death in > the physical world. Since birth and death are cyclic, > controlling one implies controlling the other. Thus, > Lord Shiva is revered as the ultimate controller of > birth and death in the phenomenal world. >

PANCHANAD TEERTHA: Hearing about the arrival of Lord Vishnu at Dwarka, numerous sages like Marichi etc came to Dwarkapuri. They had a 'darshan' of Dwarkapuri and took bath in the river Gomti. They established a pilgrimage called 'Panchanad'. Five rivers arrived at their invocations. River Gomti came at the invocation of sage Marichi, river Laxmana came at the invocation of Sage Atri, similarly river Chandrabhaga, river Kushawati and river Jambavati came at the invocations of sage Angira, Sage Pulah and sage Kratu respectively. One who aspires for heaven and salvation must take a bath there. SIDDESHWAR LINGA: When sage Sanak, Sanandan etc came to know about the arrival of Lord Brahma, they came to see him. Lord Brahma said to them: "Sons, Lord Vishnu is pleased by such a man who worships Lord Shiva and he (lord Vishnu) does not accept his own worship if Lord Shiva has not been worshipped. Hence, we must worship Lord Shiva." After that sage Sanak etc established a Shiva linga and it came to be known as 'Siddeshwar linga'. The sages had also constructed a well near by which is famous as 'Rishi teertha'. http://www.urday.com/dham.htm [This message has been edited by gtam (edited 06-17-2002).]

Hi, O fortunate one, you got the best mantra.I would be more than happy to recite this all the time. Thanks

Dear Jndas This presentation is amazing on this day of Janmastami reading the posting aboout SrimaiRadhadevi krishna's favourite is a blessing. Talasiga's substantiation about people who need menu before they eat and ones who accept morsels are words of comfort to start a wonderful day like today Thanks

Dear friends, Thank you for the info and the images.The reminder was something I needed because I had almost forgot. Every time while reading a story for my daughter in the night I would pick up diferent ones everytime although she really likes the pastimes of Krishna book.I'll make it a point to read it to her this day. The best gift that we should pass on to our kids is the love of krishna. SriKrishnajanmastami ki jai again. Thanks

Hi, That was a wonderful posting.I always like to see the krishna forum to see what are the wonderful postings on krishna.I was thinking that someone from our forum where we have wonderful knowledgeble people to write about Srikrishna and his Rasa lila and there it was.The joy to read it was unexplainable. I am extremely pleased to read it.The love between Krishna and Radha is certainly very blissful. Thank you and can't thank enough.

Krishna is attached to true love. Whether one's expression of this true love 1) is in the parental bhava where one thinks that Lord krishna is a infant. 2) is in the friendship bhava where one thinks of him as the best friend 3) is in the consort bhava where one thinks of him as the best lover 4) is in the neutral bhava where one venerates the Lord as the spiritual guide and several such bhavas in all of them krishna definetely resiprocates to true love.Wherever , whenever and in whomever he senses true love he reveals himself to them in the desired bhava making it wonderful for the person in that particular bhava. This we have seen again and again hence all our doubts,uncertainities are all temporary illusions. Wishing to be always in true love with krishna.

Hi, I have adored all the postings on Srimathi Radhadevi.Truly even blessed to be in association with you all in the forum.The wealth of knowledge,the expressive language,detailed postings,the apt interpretations definitely express the love in your hearts about narrating the worship of Radhadevi. I am so happy to read the core concepts you reveal like a blessing in this forum. Thank you,thank you as always.

Hi, I have adored all the postings on Srimathi Radhadevi.Truly even blessed to be in association with you all in the forum.The wealth of knowledge,the expressive language,detailed postings,the apt interpretations definitely express the love in your hearts about narrating the worship of Radhadevi. I am so happy to read the core concepts you reveal like a blessing in this forum. Thank you,thank you as always.

Hi, Thanks for the awakening quotes reminding, refuge,surrender and devotion being the path taken for experiencing bliss. Thanks

Hi, This was such a wonderful presentation of the interpretations of Srimad Bhagavatam.It answered several questions pondering my mind.The smaranam being higher than maranam was a very nice aspect of Bhakti. The Karma being beginingless,the assurance that devotees never fall down,the amorous pastimes of the Lord and Gopis are very fulfilling to hear. I would love to be blessed and always remember the Lord through such enlightening postings. Thanks

Hi, My day was made by your posting.wow!how suffering makes us close to God. Thank you

Hi, Surrender today.Its the first thing one can do from anywhere ,anytime by anybody to get close to God.Its the option several great devotees had and achieved the highest service of the Lord through it. Even Ravana and Duryodhana were asked to do that inspite of all the atrocities they did, giving them one last chance by doing so to be pardoned completely of all their sins. In whatever state one is if one in a heartfelt moment says "I am helpless,have nothing in my control and in this desperate condition all I can think of is to surrender to you completely.At this point I am completely under your mercy whatever chances on me is your grace", has surrendered. In that person be so whatever shortcomings,weaknesses,despicable qualities everything is forgiven by the Lord.The inner realisation in that person reminds one of that moment where he surrendered and received the grace of the Lord.Even if there are situations to pursue the old qualities now blessed with that realisation will stay far from them. Oh!How much can be said about this word "surrender".Surrender to the Lord today. Thanks

HI, The guru of all guru's is Srimatiradharani. 1.She teaches the art of love. 2.She teaches endurance by her love for the Lord in seperation. 3.She has set the path for devotees to follow. 4.She is the perfect ideal for constant rememberance. 5.She can tell every thing anaspiring devotee would want to know as she is the Lord's eternal companion. What can I say this Guru has the qualties of all gurus put together.This is just a silly attempt of glorifying the one is beyond the limits of glorification. Thanks

Hi, Wonderful posting,touching.Anticipating to read more of such postings. Thanks.

Hi, Appraoaching a guru is the right method to understand the ultimate truth. All teachers who are motivated and trained teach the subjects of study perfectly well.Each might have a different method but they are trying to arrive the same end result that is understanding of the subject by the pupil. Now getting the well trained motivated teacher depends on the students search and disposition to understand the subject.There are some students who meet this teacher by virtue of recommendations from friends or by parents with whom they already have a high amount of trust.While there are others who meet their teacher when they were seeking answers for some questions and they realised that the teacher they met gave the precise answers.While there are others who just met the teacher at just the right moment and from then on it was just learning.While the fact of knowing the teachers qualification in terms of which school of knowledge he belongs,the older students of the teacher and their performance makes the ideal way of knowing if the student has met the right teacher. The most common factor is establishing a point of trust and begining from there. However as important as it is to meet the "teacher"(being fortunate to do so)it is also important how the student respects the hours of learning,the teacher,develops a good relationship that in case of doubts doesnot hesitate to get them cleared. To the student the teachers teachings are so important and even in the absence of the teacher he remembers them,utilising them as guidelines. The teacher sometimes abridges big texts and makes notes,easy methods of remembering,tells students exam oriented questions making learning, the goal of learning a lot more easy.Having met such a teacher the student will most likely be interested to attend every learning session,make notes and like to learn every lesson when the teacher is ready to start teaching.The chapters ahead would be very difficult to understand untill the teacher starts the session.However if in a situation where the student gets seperated from the teacher teachings are so important that he continues to follow the guidelines taught by his teacher. Sometimes even if one cannot directly learn from such a teacher there are students who would love to read the notes made by the teacher in a class and use them as a good guide to undertanding the subject.We have seen students like Ekalavya who did that and accumulated the wealth of knowledge. There are students who will claim that their teacher is best like students of elementary math who will say that their teacher instructed them count in the mind while adding and other students say their teacher told them to use fingers etc.Its best to follow the method told by one's teacher and acknowledge other methods of other teachers to lead to the same results except using a different method. We all know that after elementary school we come to high school and then on to college etc and have different teachers but it is still learning that we do despite of changes in teachers.The scope of the subject will be limited to the time and age of the students and gradually this learning process takes place. So remembering to respect our teachers in terms of their knowledge and skill in delivering the subject to students lets achieve the goal of learning. I used this example to understand the role of Guru in the disciples life to understand the higher truth. Thanks

Hi, Appraoaching a guru is the right method to understand the ultimate truth. All teachers who are motivated and trained teach the subjects of study perfectly well.Each might have a different method but they are trying to arrive the same end result that is understanding of the subject by the pupil. Now getting the well trained motivated teacher depends on the students search and disposition to understand the subject.There are some students who meet this teacher by virtue of recommendations from friends or by parents with whom they already have a high amount of trust.While there are others who meet their teacher when they were seeking answers for some questions and they realised that the teacher they met gave the precise answers.While there are others who just met the teacher at just the right moment and from then on it was just learning.While the fact of knowing the teachers qualification in terms of which school of knowledge he belongs,the older students of the teacher and their performance makes the ideal way of knowing if the student has met the right teacher. The most common factor is establishing a point of trust and begining from there. However as important as it is to meet the "teacher"(being fortunate to do so)it is also important how the student respects the hours of learning,the teacher,develops a good relationship that in case of doubts doesnot hesitate to get them cleared. To the student the teachers teachings are so important and even in the absence of the teacher he remembers them,utilising them as guidelines. The teacher sometimes abridges big texts and makes notes,easy methods of remembering,tells students exam oriented questions making learning, the goal of learning a lot more easy.Having met such a teacher the student will most likely be interested to attend every learning session,make notes and like to learn every lesson when the teacher is ready to start teaching.The chapters ahead would be very difficult to understand untill the teacher starts the session.However if in a situation where the student gets seperated from the teacher teachings are so important that he continues to follow the guidelines taught by his teacher. Sometimes even if one cannot directly learn from such a teacher there are students who would love to read the notes made by the teacher in a class and use them as a good guide to undertanding the subject.We have seen students like Ekalavya who did that and accumulated the wealth of knowledge. There are students who will claim that their teacher is best like students of elementary math who will say that their teacher instructed them count in the mind while adding and other students say their teacher told them to use fingers etc.Its best to follow the method told by one's teacher and acknowledge other methods of other teachers to lead to the same results except using a different method. We all know that after elementary school we come to high school and then on to college etc and have different teachers but it is still learning that we do despite of changes in teachers.The scope of the subject will be limited to the time and age of the students and gradually this learning process takes place. So remembering to respect our teachers in terms of their knowledge and skill in delivering the subject to students lets achieve the goal of learning. I used this example to understand the role of Guru in the disciples life to understand the higher truth. Thanks

I obtained from the web some sources stating the essential ingredients for maintaining a rich devotional life.They are Wisdom: The Lord accomplishes everything according to his own will. Perseverence:Standing strong unmoved by negative forces. Refuge: Refuge in the Lord must willful and firm. Thanks

RadheGovinda Thanks for the wonderful posting.I was reading about the Satguru posting and thinking when will I get a guru but the eight verse prayer to Jagadguru is an answer to my request.I had missed that posting before and thanks so much for that. Here is some information I had collected from the web about a year back and found it last night as I had hand written and preserved it for future reference.There are some changes from the original as I am posting the abridged instructions for easy reading. The instructions are more in a gopibhava and hence the devotee has to enter in that mood 1.In any situation a)wealth b)misfortune,she always remembers its part of the lila. 2.Never falsely identifies with richness and her spiritual value is how deep her devotion is felt for hari. 3.She goes on maintaining her secret relationship. 4)She skillfully atends to worldly obligations. 5)She acknowledges that attention always leads to accomplishment. 6)Even in times of stress she thinks Hari is doing what he wants according to his play. 7)Every situation should be assimilated to a lila occurance to remain in the state of rememberance. Thank you and anticipating more postings.

Hi, Wonderful explalnations.Elsewhere in the web I happened to read some expanations and it apt to mention them. 1)In the discusion of devotees even there is an arguement they are still talking about God. If one of them even decides to start a mission of his own that also in a way contributes spreading the word in every part of the world. 2)If in the process of understanding spiritual concepts if some appear to be unclear then we cannot decide the conclusion on our own.We must think that its not in our perception ( when we are not able to understand )due to our limited senses. It made sense to me after such a long time and long contemplation.I am humbled by the doubts raised in this forum,the quotes pointed out,the explanation of various concepts,the devotion expressed and definitely the vast knowledge of scriptures. I request all the devotees of this forum to bless me1) to make progress in devotion of the mind to the Lord 2) to seek the protection of the Lord and his consort from the forces of Maya. obiesances and pleading for apology for mistakes commited by me while inthe clutches of Maya. Thank you

Hi, I am sorry for the double posting Thanks

I found a link here which has tamil explanations of Mahabharatha in audio files.People who know or follow tamil can enjoy this site. http://www.srivaishnavism.com/ Thanks

I found a link here which has tamil explanations of Mahabharatha in audio files.People who know or follow tamil can enjoy this site. http://www.srivaishnavism.com/ Thanks

Great explanation,very enlightening. Thanks

Thanks