Shivratri
Shivam means Mangalam. Fasting on Shivrathri day brings prosperity among the family members, to the families. However, a pitiable condition has come into being now-a-days on the garb of Shivrathri Fasting. People have started seeing cinema, playing cards and indulge in other activities in order to keep awake throughout the night, which is forbidden.
Reason for Shivrathri
Though many stories are circulated, when the world was destroyed, Umadevi performed penance one full night by praying Lord Shiva in order to re-create the world. This is called Shivrathri Vratham.
Another story is that Parvathi-devi closed the eyes of Lord Shiva, thus plunging the world into darkness. Legends call this night as Shivrathri. There are lot of references in Mahabharatha and the story of Lord Shiva/Shivrathri is mentioned vividly. When Bheeshma was laying on the arrow-bed, King of Chithrabhanu narrates the story of Shivrathri to Bheeshma. This King has a peculiar power of recollecting Poorva Janma birth and says he did practice Shivrathri Vratham in his previous births. He was a hunter and his name was Shukravan {means melodious voice}. He went to hunt animals in the forest, but could not spot any. He climbed a tree and was patiently waiting for the prey. Unable to get his wishes fulfilled, he thought of his family for a while. He realized they all will be waiting for him to bring food. He was thirsty, tears rolled down his cheeks. Time was slowly passing, in order to push the time, he started plucking leaves and putting it down. Next day morning, he spotted a Deer, he accosted a hunter and asked him to give a portion of meat. He ate and went home.
When death embraced him, he went to Shivalokam. He was a hunter and killed many animals ruthlessly. However, the day he was sitting on a tree was Shivrathri day and attained exalted Shivapadam unknowingly. He plucked Bilba pathram for passing time and whole night it fell on the Shivlingam, which was lying underneath the tree. Stored water in a small pot, protruding out of his belt, also fell on the Lingam. Therefore, it was considered he had completed pooja for Lord Shiva on Shivrathri day and got Shivapadam.
The afore-mentioned truth reveals that we should worship Lord Shiva in this discipline. We should go to temple with Bilpa leaves, it is available easily. Lord Shiva's favorite is Abhishekam, we can perform Abhishekam with pure water or milk, recite Om Namahshivaya whole night and fast whole day and night. Bilpa leave is considered very auspicious, since Lakshmi dwells behind the Bilpa leaves.
1st Jamam (night) Milk abhishekam - 6.30 pm
2nd Jamam (night) Curd - 9.30 pm
3rd Jamam (night) Butter - 12.30 am
4th Jamam (night) honey - 3.00 am
Once the vratham is called off next day, annadhanam to be given to a Brahmin.
Thiruvilyadal Puranam [Holy Acts of Lord Shiva]
Holy Acts of Lord Shiva - known in Tamil as Thiruvilayadal, was written by Sage Pathanjali, he was blessed with Devine Blessings of Goddess Meenakshi. He came to Madurai [T.N.] and Meenakshi appeared in his dream and ordered him to write/recite 64 Holy Acts of Lord Chokkeshwarar. He sat in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum of Goddess in Madurai temple and wrote this.
Jyothir Lingams - Why there are only 12?
Driving the darkness away, SURYA [sun] has 12 divisions of rays. There are 12 Holy Hymns sung by Gurus, 12 number is given more prominence in Hindu Religion. Based on this, there are 12 Jyothir Lingams situated in India.
Importance of Shivrathri
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Kannappa Nayanar sacrificed his eyes and donated to Lord Shiva. This incident occurred on Shivrathri day.
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Arjun procured Pasupabatha asthram on this holy day.
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Markandeya was rescued by Lord Shiva on this Holy day.
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Parvathi was given half-portion of Lord of the Lords on this holy day.
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Beema's arrogance, ego was destroyed and attained knowledge on this holy day.
Know about Cow dung
Cow-dung is used to burn dead bodies. This is considered very holy and dead person attains mukthi. Those who donates cow-dung for the needy, will reach highest position in Shivalokam.
Shivalingam with Jatamudi
You may have seen 100s of Shivlingam in different shapes. But you may have not heard there is temple for Lord Shiva's famous Jatamudi (matted hair). It is situated on the banks of Tamirabharani river, near Aazhvarkurichi, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.
Goddess Parvathi in Kanya Kolam
Goddess Parvathi dewells as 'Kanya' inside the famous Shiva temple. This is situated at Nagapatnam Neeladhayatchi amman temple. Fondly called 'Karunthadankanni', She will be decorated with flowers during Aadi Pooram (June). This Goddess gives child-bhagyam to devotees.
Nandi cried 'Amma' in Temple
No need to explain about Thiruvannamalai, the holy place of Arunachala (Agni swaroopa of Lord Shiva). There is a small village nearby called Ponnakudi. In this Shiva temple, recently the Nandi here called 'Amma' and devotees were taken aback.
Lord Shiva's 12 Abisheka Items
Click here to know about abisheka items
Three Portions of Bilva Leave
Bilva leave is found in 3 portions (3 leaves) - this refers to 3 eyes of Lord Shiva. Additionally, Chandran, Suryan, Agni refers to 3 Naadis of Yidai, Pingalai, Sushumnai.
Favorite Neivedyams of Lord Shiva
Paddy
- Wealth
Bilva fruit -
Education
Til (el) - Destruction of
sins
Wheat - Sorga bogam
- will reach you heaven
Toor dal - All the above benefits.
Jal Dhara's BENEFIT
Ahishekam performed by Jala Dhara will fetch Sandhana Bagyam for childless couple. Sugar mixed with Milk should be poured into the Dharabishekam. This will fetch Moksham as well.