Why Ketaki flower was banished by Lord Shiv!

Why Ketaki flower was banished by Lord Shiv!

In order to find out who was more superior,  Brahma and Vishnu were asked by a voice (Lord Shiv) to find the top of a large column of fire that reached (apparently) the sky.  Both took different forms and went about to find the head of the fiery column. But neither of them succeeded. Brahma had some evil design. He took the help of Ketaki , a legendary flower that resides high up in the skies, and falsely claimed that he had a witness to vouch that he had actually reached the head of the column. Hearing this voice tore out of the column and Lord Shiv appeared and declared that what Brahma has claimed is far from truth. Seeing the gigantic form of Lord Shiv both the Gods bowed reverently to show their respect to him. Lord Shiv declared that Brahma, Vishnu and Himself are the Trinity and were separated by destiny. Lord Shiv known for his क्रोध(anger) cursed Brahma for lying. This perhaps is the reason why there is no temple dedicated to Brahma although He is the Creator (shrishta). He had roundly faulted the flower Ketaki too for vouching for what is not true. The flower was banished and asked His devotees never to offer this flower to Him while worshipping Him!

Flower offerings in Lingam Puja

Flower offerings in Lingam Puja

There are a few things that worshippers of the lingam must necessarily know.

Milk offered during the puja must be raw not boiled. However, curd made from boiled and then cooled milk can be offered. One should not offer pasteurized milk, only straight from the cow.

After the puja the oblations(the left overs) must be consigned to a river, sea or a lake. If these are not available nearby, the remains may be put in flower pots excepting Tuls or  trees excepting the Peepal tree.

Never eat the offerings made to the lingam at home. However, prasadam offered after the puja from a temple priest is allowed. Another feature one ought to know is while coconut can be offered to the lingam but not its milk. It is strictly prohibited.

Flower offerings too are restricted to :-

mandaar pushp(Dhaturaa).

Offering kevada and champa flowers is said to be a taboo. Avoid them.

सफेद आक, कनेर, शंक पुष्प, सफेद कमल. These flowers are said to be favourite of Lord Shiv.

Finally, do not besmear Lingam with haldi or kumkum, you may do so on Lord Ganesha and  Goddess Parvati. 

Private worship of Lingam

Private worship of Lingam

Linga puja is very useful in striking a communion with Lord Shiv. This must be done after taking bath in the morning in a quiet, secluded room.

Mind must be calm, free from worldly attachments.Several upakaras (offerings) are used to make the puja successful.  Upakaras are divided into eight, sixteen, thirtytwo, and forty eight. This depends on the time available. Generally eight upakarasa are adopted for convenience sake which is equally good. This called asthvida  lingarchana(अष्टविद लिंगारचना)

At times all items required to do the puja are not available. Under such circumstances the lingam must be thoroughly washed with water apply vibhuti on it and join your mind with folded hands with the God through the lingam.

Generally, sandalwood paste is besmeared on the lingam to keep it ‘cool’. Lord Shiv is considered to be inflammable and needs to pacified throughout the puja. Sandalwood has a cooling effect.

Shiv lingam – an anecdote from Shiv Purana

Shiv lingam – an anecdote from Shiv Purana

Just as on earth there are humans who vie with each other to know who is superior or more powerful Gods too have similar egos! Once Bhagwan Vishnu and Brahma wanted to establish who is more powerful between them. They decided to have this established.

The argument was taking a serious turn when the Lord of Lords Shiv appeared in the form (pillar – स्तंभ) of flame that rose from the earth and its head appeared to disappear into the skies. A voice (Lord Shiv’s)told from within that whoever between them could find out the head of the pillar of flame will rightly be said to be the most powerful.

Lord Brahma took the form of a swan ( हंस) while Lord Vishnu, a pig. But neither of them was able to find its head. This incident established the fact that Lord Shiv’s presence is very powerful and that no one can claim to be peerless before him. Both Vishnu and Brahma accepted this and humbly bowed their heads in reverence to Lord Shiv (Lingodbhava). (Drawn from Shiv Purana-शिवपुराण)

Yoni puja (worship)

Yoni puja (worship)

Yoni pooja is consummated in various ways: keeping a picture of the yoni, a woman’s painting, a sculpture or a living woman in her own room. This ritual has been in vogue for thousands of years in India.  

Yoni puja is divided into three categories: adoration, magic and meditation. However mediation is perhaps the most secretive one. Where a person retires into seclusion and performs the puja. In some pujas only women’s group or men’s group attend separately, perform the puja with the sculpture of Goddess स्hakti or a woman herself to indicate that she is the representative of Goddess Shakti.

According to scriptures five liquids (the पँचभूतम) the five elements are poured over the Yoni. Once it passes down the yoni the liquid is given to the assemblage as prasadam(प्रसाद)  to be consumed. In modern times the five elements are represented by:  yoghurt (Earth), water by water itself, fire by honey and ether by some edible oil. However different materials are used in different parts of the country but the underlying symbolism remains the same.

It is Only recomended to do the puja as adviced by Guru or Master.

Lingam puja (worship)

 Lingam puja (worship)

Lingam worship is an old ritual that has passed on to modern times with the same gusto. Lingam symbolizes Lord Shiva’s phallus but viewed more as cosmic and creative energy rather than a sexual symbol. Interestingly, lingam is not worshipped as a separate entity rather along with yoni. They are inseparable.

This combine represents the female creative energy and divine energy. The conjugated form of these two form the basis for lingam worship.

Hindus do not view this as a sexual symbol but a reflection of universal creation in entirety in the universe (ब्रह्माण्ड)

The worship method changes according to the Guru or the Master, It is Only recomended to do any worship as adviced by Guru.

Yoni and the Lingam – symbol of nonduality (अद्वैतता)

Yoni and the Lingam – symbol of nonduality (अद्वैतता)

The ancient Vedas and books on religion have conclusively placed it on record the conjugation of the lingam and the yoni is final in the process of procreation. The lingam Yoni combine represents phallus and creative energy.

Phallus represents Shiv while yoni represents creative energy related to Goddess Parvati. Linga – yoni combination represents the nonduality(अद्वैतता) of divine presence and transcendental(दैविक) power. According to ancient scriptures in the universe there are near to 84 lakh yonis in all. These represent all kinds of animals, insects, birds and human-like forms etc. Depending upon the karma individuals are born from yonis(योनी) of various species. 

Evil is said to be born in rakshasa(राक्षस)  yoni.  It is believed that the cycle of births and rebirths is carried out in different human yonis.

The one who attains moksha is merged into the Being of Brahma (ब्रह्म)!

Shivling at Amarnath – a natural masterpiece

Shivling at Amarnath – a natural masterpiece 

Among many wondrous things happening around legends related to Hindu beliefs is the famous Shivling at Amarnath Temple, Pahalgam in Kashmir.

The man made shivlings are made with a variety of materials in addition to black stone and brown stone. The shapes depend upon the rituals carried out by the locals and their understanding of the lingam. However, the snow shivling in Amarnath continues to draw the devout to see the lingam. It is believed that it believed to be as old as the hill!  

This lingam forms in the cave temple, and can be seen only during certain months of the year. It is a snow stalagmite. Water drops falling from the roof to the base of the cave over a period of time freezes and takes the shape of a lingam. It baffles everyone by its striking resemblance to natural shivlings worshipped by Hindus elsewhere in the world.  In addition to the main shivling two other lingams are formed next it.

The two are believed to represent Lord Ganesh and Shivji’s  consort, Goddess Parvati.   

Kinds of Ling

Kinds of lingam

Lingam worship is common feature throughout the land as a mark of cosmic power.

The lingam is generally made of rock stone, white or black marble. Legend has that that Lord Shiva observed that he is found in tvelve places and in twelve forms signifying that he is the supernatural. He is often taken as more powerful tan Brahma himself, the creator.

These are the twelve great lingams, viz. at Scannath, Pattan, Mallikarjuna, near the Krishna, Malta Kala Omkara, all three at Ujjain ; Amareswara, Vaidhya, at Deo-garh in Bengal, liamisseram, at Dra Charam in Rajamundry, at Benares, on the banks of the Gumti, at Kedarnath in the Himalaya. The one at Benares is known as Vishveshwar, Lord of All.  

Lingam

Lingam essentially represents the Shivlingam, of Lord Shiva, the Hindu deity.  

 

There is a lot of debate over the centuries what after all lingam represents: phallus or the representative feature of spiritual propensity of the Hindus. Today the lingam is worshipped as an object of cosmic (divine) energy rather than creative energy or a sexual symbol.

 

Lingam is loosely taken as a mark or symbol.  According to ancient vedic literature Lingam has no smell, taste or color and generally perceived as the nature itself. Lingam is likened to an cosmic egg representing the cosmic energy signifying the union of male and female powers.

 

Lingam is the sum total of Truth, Knowledge and infinity – सत्य, ज्ञान and अनन्त. The lingam has three parts: ब्रह्म पित, विष्णु पित and शिव पित.   

Navaratna Mala

Navaratna Mala

Navaratna mala as the name suggests has nine ratnas or nine gems representing the nine planets. When these nine gems are woven in a particular order as propounded by Vedic tenets the mala is believed to have fantastic influence on the persons who wear it. 

The mala has the power to consolidate ones destiny by the rays emanating from the nine planets. Man is forever under the influence of the nine grahas(planets). The navaratna mala has the power to ward of diseases and cure other bodily ailments and keep away negative effect of rays acting on the mind. Interestingly the nine gems represent the nine particular points in the body called the chakaras.

The vibrations originating from the body are at one when the there is complete harmony among the nine gems. Many have observed that those wearing this mala adds grace and beauty to a person. Whatever a person’s occupation or age the mala offers high level of positive energy.  For reasons delineated above one should go in for this mala and enjoy the benefits of this divine mala.

Tulasi bead mala

Tulasi bead mala

Tulasi plant is known for its medicinal values for centuries. Perhaps no Hindu home will be bereft of a plant or its leaves for everyday consecration.

Tulasi has some other powers too which very few are aware. It keeps the body under controlled temperature. Wearing the mala embellished with Tulasi beads enables to purify the atma or the soul . Sporting the mala around the neck and using the rosary while chanting the Maha mantra (Hare Krishna mantra) allows the chanter to successfully cause a communion with the Lord.

 It is commonly believed that chanting the Lord’s name using this rosary pleases both Lord Vishnu and Lord Rama. It purifies the inner consciousness and removes all obstacles for complete Atma shuddhi or self purification. A certain variety of Tulasi (white) has the divine power to control seasonal colds.  

It is recommended that all those who wish to maintain good health, ward of seasonal diseases and inclined to have  self purification must wear this mala.    

Peace from Red chandan mala

Peace from Red chandan mala

Chandan bead mala is made of sandalwood. Sandalwood is known for its fragrance and softness. The smell is retained as long as the wood lasts. That is not all. It has a very soothing effect on the mind and relatively on the body.

Generally sandalwood paste is applied on the forehead and the head after a head shave for its cooling property. By the same yardstick it is believed to have spiritual importance too. The red chandan mala is sported around the neck and used to chant mantras for spiritual quietitude and solace. It offers peace and calmness to the wearer thereby he is able to detach himself from the mundane world to cause unity with the ethereal. 

 The mala’s effect is so conspicuous that it offers peace and serenity on the face of the wearer. He is drawn out of the worldly weaknesses especially anger - anger that harms the soul. The mala represses this tendency and energizes the mind to rise above petty mundane disturbances. 

All those who wish to find peace amidst dust and din must wear this mala.

Lucky Lotus Bead Malas

Lucky Lotus Bead Malas

Lotus bead mala is commonly known as lotus seed mala has myriad qualities. Three divine mantras are chanted using these beads: Mahalakshmi mala mantra, Lakshmi Gayatri mantra, ashtalakshmi mantra. 

The mala consists of 108 beads allowing the chanter to recite the number of times the mantra needs to be uttered.  Lotus is considered to be certain religious symbol for a certain section of the society. But its spiritual value is considered to be priceless. Conservatively speaking, spiritualism is a communion of the mind and heart with the supernatural. Body plays the supportive role. 

Calmness of the mind is essential for communion. Lotus bead mala has that inherent quality to detach the body and connect the heart and the mind with the ethereal world.  Lotus beads get this quality by its very nativity. The plant grows in dirt and slush; the flower protrudes above the slush resplendently not allowing its purity to be besmeared by its dirty surroundings!   This quality allows the wearer to keep cool, both mind and body. This calmness makes it the most sought for mala.

Those seeking cool, calm disposition must sport this beads.

 

Protection from Rudraksha mala

Protection from Rudraksha mala

Rudraksha mala is a well known mala worn by yogis and sages over the centuries on account of its spiritual powers. Genuine godmen too attribute their spiritual propensity to the rudraksha mala.  It is believed o have the power to ward off evil and protect the wearer from evil and danger.

It is precisely the reason why wanderers or the yogis and the sages move about fearlessly in dense forests and mountains. It also protects in other places too. Its power is so encompassing that the wearer overcomes obstacles and reaches his goal with utmost ease.

The beads have the power to rejuvenate sagging morale and offers passport to success and good health. 

Powerfilled Sphatika Mala

Powerfilled Sphatika Mala
 
Spatika mala has the innate power to energize the mind to swerve towards spiritual path. The gems cool the body and bring calmness to the mind which is essential to cause a communion with the spirit of the supernatural.
 
The gems inherent structure and its inborn power to influence a person rolling the beads between the fingers or wearing around the neck has always been a source of wonder. He is overpowered with a strange feeling and finds himself one with the supernatural.
 
Due to its positive effect the wearer or the roller is impelled to work in consonance with accepted civilized behavior. It is found that the positive effect of the mala is felt by persons in close proximity of the wearer. The beads have the divine energy to stimulate good health, lift a person from mundane to the spiritual world.
 
A 108 bead mala is said to be most suitable for it stimulates the essential energy spots to the benefit of the wearer.  Because of its positive stimulative powers it energizes the mind to do act and behave positively.

 

Inspiration thru Spatik

Spatikam is a source of inspiration. Spatika Mala is worn for many multiple purposes. Used as a chanting mala, wearing, removal of negative energy and much more.

Spadikam which is a quartz crystal hold the exclusive quality of chillness. It has a natural cool that makes them very special.  The cool effect of them can be felt physically when we hold them. Holding the beads or espadik for long time makes them warm as they absorb heat. So this makes to understand that it also absorb the negative energy. When the spaikam is washed in water or kept aside for sometime it cleanses by itself and get back to the normal state of cold.

This means that the spatik takes out the negative energy, cleans them and keep a positive vibration. No wonder it is used for spiritual purposes.  Spatika Mala, shiv ling in spatik,  spadika ganesh, are used by people and kept in pooja will help for many good purposes for generating a positive energy around. Spiritual Healers and Crystal healers use spatik in the form of wands, spatik egg, for purification and energy charging. Every one have their own purpose but what is used is spatik where it plays a inspiring role by taking out the negatives and giving place to positive vibes.