Uncovered stories of Mahadev- post here - Page 6

Harihara

Harihara is the name of a combined deity form of both Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara) from the Hindu tradition. Also known as Shankaranarayana ("Shankara" is Shiva, and "Narayana" is Vishnu), Harihara is thus worshipped by both Vaishnavites and Shaivities as a form of the Supreme God, as well as being a figure of worship for other Hindu traditions in general. Harihara is also sometimes used as a philosophical term to denote the unity of Vishnu and Shiva as different aspects of the same Supreme God. The exact nature of both Vishnu and Shiva (from their associated stories in Vedic and Puranic scriptures), and their position of difference or unity (or both), is a subject of some debate amongst the different philosophical schools.

Contents 1 Different concepts 1.1 One and the same 2 Depiction in art 3 See also 4 References 5 External links 5.1 Nature of Shiva and Vishnu 5.2 Harihara images

Different concepts

Due to the fluid and diverse nature of Hinduism there are a wide variety of beliefs and traditions associated with both Vishnu and Shiva. Some schools hold that only Vishnu (including his associated Avatars) is the Supreme God, and others that Shiva (including his different incarnations) is actually the Supreme being. Some argue that both Shiva and Vishnu are the Supreme God—both being different aspects of the one person; and there are others still who regard the Supreme God as being ultimately formless (advaita, no material form) and thus see both Vishnu and Shiva as different facets of the one formless Brahman, with no material form.

Depending on which scriptures (and translations) are quoted, evidence is available to support each of the different arguments. In most cases, even if one personality is taken as being superior over the other, much respect is still offered to both Vishnu and Shiva by the other's worshippers (i.e. Shiva is still regarded as being above the level of an ordinary jiva and 'the greatest of the Vaishnavas' by Vaishnavas who worship only Vishnu).^[1]

One and the same

Sivananda states: "Shiva and Vishnu are one and the same entity. They are essentially one and the same. They are the names given to the different aspects of the all-pervading Supreme Soul or the Absolute. 'Sivasya hridayam vishnur-vishnoscha hridayam sivah—Vishnu is the heart of Siva and likewise Siva is the heart of Vishnu'."

Swaminarayan holds that Vishnu and Shiva are different aspects of the same God.^[2][3][4] Notably, the Swaminarayan view is a minority view among Vaishnavites, but the dominant view in contemporary Hinduism which follows the Smarta view in general.^[5]

Depiction in art

Harihara is depicted in art as split down the middle, one half representing Shiva, the other half representing Vishnu. The Shiva half will have the matted locks of a yogic master piled high on his head and sometimes will wear a tiger skin, reserved for the most revered ascetics. Shiva's pale skin may be read as ash-covered in his role as an ascetic. The Vishnu half will wear a tall crown and other jewelry, representing his responsibility for maintaining world order. Vishnu's black skin represents holiness. Broadly, these distinctions serve to represent the duality of humble religious influence in the ascetic and authoritative secular power in the king or householder.^[6] However, in other aspects Shiva also takes on the authoritative position of householder, a position which is directly at odds with the ascetic position depicted in his Harihara manifestation.

i have a different opinion here. please show lord ayyappa as a full feldged tack and not as story narated to ganesh since lord ayyappa himself is a son of shiva. and hence his track should be a full fledged one like the J track and not as a tale being narated to lord ganesh or anyone else.

and yes please show more of jyotirlingas as AAS suggests and show them in detail.
and show more of mata durga and other tracks of adishakti. please show in detail dont wind up in one episode.

also please show the stories of dakshina kashi and all. that would be awesome.

Originally posted by: itstimetospeak

i have a different opinion here. please show lord ayyappa as a full feldged tack and not as story narated to ganesh since lord ayyappa himself is a son of shiva. and hence his track should be a full fledged one like the J track and not as a tale being narated to lord ganesh or anyone else.

and yes please show more of jyotirlingas as AAS suggests and show them in detail.
and show more of mata durga and other tracks of adishakti. please show in detail dont wind up in one episode.

Gokarna Jyothirlinga



This temple is the only Thevara Koil in Tuluva Naadu - Karnataka. One among 275 Padal Petra Stalams

Description: Gokarna is a celebrated pilgrimage center on the coast of Karnataka, enshrining the Aatma Linga Mahabaleshwar. It is regarded as one of the 7 Mukti Stalas of Karnataka. The seven muktistalas of Karnataka are Udupi, Kollur, Subramanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana and Gokarna. All these shrines are also known as Parasurama Kshetras, created on the land reclaimed from the sea by Parasurama. This is the only Tevara Stalam in Karnataka (Tulu Nadu)the Bhakti movement.

Legends: Vinayakar (Dwibhuja Vinayakar shrine) is said to have tricked the demon Ravana into leaving behind a Shivalinga here in a legend similar to that at Tiruchirappalli. In spite of the might exerted by Ravana (Maha Bala), the Shivalinga stayed fixed, hence the name Mahabaleshwar. The pull exerted by Ravana, is said to have caused the Shivalinga to resemble the shape of a cow's ear and hence the name Gokarnam. A very similar legend holds at the Vaidyanath - Jyotirlinga temple at Deogarh in Bihar.

The Temple: This west facing temple enshrines Mahabaleshwar, in a square Saligrama Peetham. A golden rekha on the peetham, and a small hole in its middle permits devotees to have a glimpse of the top of the Aatma Linga. The six foot tall Shivalinga is encolsed inside the peetham, and it can be seen only once in 40 years, when the Ashta bandana Kumbhahishekam is performed. There are also shrines to Vinayaka, Chandikeswara, Aadi Gokarneswara and Dattatreya. Gokarnanayaki is also known as Taamragowri, and her shrine is behind the sanctum.

The sacred thirtham here is the Koti theertham. The image of Vinayaka bears a dent, said to have been caused when Ravana, enraged at the loss of the Atma Linga had hit him.

Festivals: It is customary here to have a dip in the sea and then worship a Shivalinga made out of sand, before worshipping at the temple. Maha Sivaratri is of great significance in this shrine located in idyllic surroundings. Also located around Gokarna are Sejjeshwara, Gunavanteshwara, Murudeshwara and Dhareshwara. These four temples along with Mahabaleshwara are known as the Pancha Maha Kshetras.


Gokarna Mahabaleswara Temple , one of the places of Jyothirlinga
It is known as Gokarna Mahabaleshwar. Ravana on his way to Lanka with the Jyotirlinga given by Shiva himself stopped at this place, where Ganesha took the Jyotirlinga from him on some pretext and kept it on ground. As per Shiva's words the Jyotirlinga once kept on ground cannot be moved and however Ravana tried he could not move it, hence the name "Mahabaleshwar'

Kollur Mookambika


Mookambika is one of the most legendary shrines for Hindus in India. Mookambika temple is situated at Kollur village of Kundapur taluk in Udupi district of Karnataka. Kollur is a small village of about six square kilometers in area at the foot of Western Ghat. Mookambika is unique among the Hindu gods and goddesses as she embodies the powers of Mahalaxmi, Mahasaraswathi and Mahakali merged into one as Adiparashakthi. Udbhava Linga (self manifested phallus) of Mookambika Temple represents both Purusha (male) and Shakthi (female). Mookambika Temple is one of the most hallowed shrines for Hindus in India. It is one of the holiest Siddhi Kshethras (abode of mystic powers) of the world today. Mookambika is an embodiment of all divine powers. So she can be worshipped in any form. It is said in Skanda Purana that the jyothirlingam of Mookambika is the unification of Purusha and Prakruthi. A sojourn to this temple is equivalent to praying at thousand temples. Legend has it that Srikrishna along with Rukmini and Sathyabhama observed Sambavrutham at Mookambika temple. Indra, Suratha, Kashyapa , Bhargavarama, Sage Shukracharya, Sage Bruhaspathi, Pradyumna, Lokadithya Brahmana, Samadhi Vaishya etc were other epic characters who did penance at Mookambika temple. Mookambika as Saraswathi is patron Goddess of education and fine arts. She can be propitiated for progress in education and accomplishment in fine arts. Great artists like Ravi Varma , Swathi Thirunal etc were devotees of sree Mookambika. Mookambika as Mahalakshmi is the Goddess of wealth. So She can be worshipped for progress in business and profession. Mookambika as Kali or Durga will be helpful to secure health, extinguish ailments and eliminate enemies.



The Legend of Mookambika was scripted by Vedavyasa in his epic "SKANDA PURANA". It is narrated as a story told by Lord Shiva to his son Skanda. Long ago in third 'manwanthara' during the reign of Uttama Manu this place was known as Maharanyapura. There existed nothing but dense forest. Once a sage named Kola Maharshi visited this place and saw a self manifested (swayambhu) lingam (phallus) here. Attracted by the beauty and serenity of the spot and also by the divinity of the phallus he decided to make Maharanyapura his place for penance; worshipping the self manifested phallus he did penance for a long time .Pleased at the devotion of Kola Maharshi, Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked about his wishes to grant him boons.. Kola Maharshi, who denounced all material comforts, had no wishes to fulfill. He requested Shiva to make his place of worship a 'siddhi kshetra' (abode of mystic power) where people in distress could always look for solace. Lord Shiva granted his wishes and told Kola Maharshi that in 'thapasa manwanthara' Goddess Adiprashakthi would make this place her abode and subsequently this place would become a hallowed sanctuary. Lord Shiva renamed this place as Kolapura in honor of Kola Maharshi. (Kollur is the abbreviation of Kolapura). Kola Maharshi and other renowned sages made this place their 'thapobhoomi' (place of sacred rituals). After many years a demon king named Kamhasura, came across this enchanting place and made it his capital. He started tormenting gods and sages. Then Lord Indra requested Adiparashakthi to rid them of his troubles. Kamhasura got wind of this and ran away to Rishyamookachala. Few years later Mahishasura a nephew of Kamhasura came to Kolapura and decided to make this place his capital. He got Maya, the architect of demons to construct a beautiful city here. Invincible as he was, Mahishasura conquered three worlds. Fearing his fury all Gods and sages went into hiding .Then they requested the trinity (thrimurthi) for help. Trinity invoked goddess Adiparashakthi to destroy Mahishasura. All gods including trinity merged their divine potency in Devi. Thus Devi became an entity exemplifying all forms of divine powers. In the fierce battle that ensued Adiparashakthi killed Mahishasura. After the annihilation of Mahishasura, Kola Maharshi requested Adiparashakthi and the trinity to stay at the self-manifested phallus at Kolapura as the embodiment of all powers. They readily agreed to this and Goddess Adiparashakthi occupied the left portion of the lingam where as trinity occupied the right portion. A golden line divides the Lingam into two unequal halves, the larger portion representing Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Kali and the smaller portion representing Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Srichakra was invoked into the lingam. Thus Kolapura became a holy place. Kamhasura who had gone to Rishyamookachala did devoted penance invoking the blessings of Brahma to become invincible and conquer the world. Goddess Adiparashakthi could foresee his designs and she made him dumb (mooka). So when Brahma appeared before him, he could not ask for any boon. Thereafter he came to be called as Mookasura. Disappointed and deprived Kamhasura became very furious and started destroying everything that befell his eyes. Then Devi killed him.Adiparashakthi who made Kamhasura dumb came to be known as Mookambika.

CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM

The secrets behind Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

Lord Shiva dances here in Chidambaram.

A temple is called 'Kovil' in Tamil. It literally means( Ko- il) the abode of the Lord. Whenever the mere name 'kovil' is mentioned, it specially means Chidambaram which is split as

Chit( gnana or wisdom) + Ambaram ( akasa or space) .

Structure of a typical Siva Temple

A classical Siva temple as per Agama rules will have five prakaras or circuits each separated by walls one within the other. The outer prakaras will be open to the sky except the innermost one. The innermost one will house the main deity as well as other deities. There will be a massive wooden or stone flag post exactly in line with the main deity.

The innermost prakara houses the sanctum sanctorum ( karuvarai in Tamil). In it sits Shiva, the supreme Lord.

Symbolism behind the structure of a Shiva Temple

1. The temple is so constructed as to resemble the human body with all its subtleties.

2. The five walls encircling one another are the kosas ( sheaths) of human existence .

a. The outermost is the Annamaya kosa , symbolizing the material body.

b. The second is Pranamaya kosa , symbolizing the sheath of vital force or prana.

c. The third is Manomaya kosa, symbolizing the sheath of the thoughts, the mana

d. The fouth is the Vignyana maya kosa, symbolizing, the sheath of the intellect

e. The fifth and innermost is the Ananda maya kosa, symbolizing the sheath of Bliss.

3. The sanctum which is in the prakara symbolizing the Ananda Maya Kosa sheath ,

houses the lord, seated as the Jiva within us. It is to be noted that the sanctum is an

unlit space, just as if within the heart closed on all sides.

4. The entry Gopuras are likened to the feet, as resembling a person who is lying on the

back with the toe up.

5. The flag post depicts the sushumna nadi which raises from the Mooladhar (base of the

spine ) to the sahasrar ( vertex in the head).

6. Some temples will have three prakarams. There they represent the stoola, sukshma

and karana sareeras (bodies) of a human being Some temples have only one and they

represent all the five.

Chidambaram temple and its symbolism:

Saint Thirumoolar, whose legend is intricately woven with Chidambaram, says in his thirumanthiram

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transliterated into English, it reads

mAnudarAkkai vadivu sivalingam

mAnudarAkkai vadivu chidambaram

mAnudarAkkai vadivu sadAsivam

mAnudarAkkai vadivu thirukkoothe

Meaning: "Sivalingam is of the form of the human body; So is Chidambaram ; So is Sadasivam ; And so is his divine dance".

1. The temple has the above five prakaras resembling the sheaths.
2. Nataraja gives dharshan from the sanctum called Chit Sabha with a golden roof.
3. The roof has 26,000 golden tiles (see picture), denoting the number of breaths of a person in a day.

1. These tiles are fixed to the wooden roof with the help of 72,000 nails depicting the number of nadis (the invisible ducts carrying energy to various parts of the body)
2. As the heart is to the left of the body, the sanctum in Chidambaram is also aligned slightly leftward.
3. On top of the Chit sabha roof, we find nine kalasas (made of copper) depicting the nine shaktis (powers)
4. The roof has 64 cross wooden reapers denoting the 64 arts.
5. The artha mandapa has six pillars denoting the six shastras
6. The mantapa next to the artha mantapa has eighteen pillars symbolizing the eighteen puranas.
7. There are five steps leading to the Chit sabha from the Kanaka sabha depicting the five lettered Panchakshara mantra ( Na ma chi vA ya)
8. The Chit sabha roof is supported by four pillars symbolic of the four Vedas.

Symbolism of Nataraja Swamy

1. Nataraja's dance is said to indicate the five divine acts which are

a. Creation . Nataraja dances with a small drum called damarukam in one of his
right hands. Easwra is nada brahmam. He is the origin of all sounds (nadam).This is
the seed (vindu) from which the tree of the Universe emanated.

b. Protection (Operation)- In another of the right hands, he shows the 'Abhaya
Mudra', meaning he is the kind protector .

c. Destruction; He has fire in one of his left hands , symbolizing destruction.
When everything is destroyed by fire, only the ash will remain which the Lord has
smeared on his body.

d. The foot which is planted shows the act of hiding

e. The raised foot shows the act of bestowing

1. Nataraja swamy has the Vigraha ( icon) of Devi Sivakama Sundari to his left . This symbolizes Ardhanareeswara , ' the Lord who has the female as his left half'. To his right there is a screen. When the deeparadhana ' showing lamps takes place to the swamy and to the left side , the screen is removed and we see five vertical long hangings of golden vilva leaves. We see nothing behind it. Sivakami shows the Saguna Brahman (the God with a form) that is Nataraja . The Saguna Brahman leads us to the Nirguna Brahman (the God without form or the God who has formlessness as his form). This is told as 'Chidambara Rahasyam' by the Dikshitars , who are the traditional pujaris in the temple.

1. Shiva's dance is called the cosmic dance by many scholars. In Chidambaram, this dance is called 'Ananda Tandava'

1. Lord Maha Vishnu also saw the Divine dance. In a nearby mantapa called Chitrakoota, Maha Vishnu, gives us dharshan in his fully reclining Yoga Nidra pose on the snake bed. If one stands on a small lotus sculpted on the floor slab in front of Narayana, one can at the same time see Nataraja in his right side.

1. Sages Patanjali and Thirumoolar also saw Nataraja's dance in Chidambaram. Their figures are embossed on the Silver doors of the Chit Sabha.

I think you enjoyed reading the above. Nataraja Rahasyam is said to have come to Tamilnadu from the Indus ' Saraswati civilization. The Saiva Agamas, which teach tantric Saivism, reveal much more than the above. Next time you visit Chidambaram, remember all this, and worship Nataraja who will grant you release from the pains of the worldly life and show you the path of Gnana.

The Tejas (radiance) of Brahma and Vishnu comes from the radiant eye of the Chidambaram Temple's Chit Sabha and the cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja. His consort Sivakama Sundari is the repository of Jnana Sakti (Supreme knowledge). The Chidambara Mahatmya legend passed from Nandikeswara to Sanatkumara to Sage Vyasa to Sage Suta. Hearing the legend releases the soul from all bonds and facilitates Sayujya, union with Siva (Siva's eight forms).

Siva revealed the greatness of Chidambara Mahatmyam to Nandikeswara. Some students believe that Nandi is the theriomorphic (bull) form of Siva from the time Siva was known as Pasupati, the Lord of animals (and also of individual souls). Because of Nandi's devotion, Tapas, and virtue, Siva made him the Chief of Siva Ganas (attendants). Nandi eulogized Siva and begged him to narrate the greatness of Chidambara Mahatmyam (CM).

Siva narrates the greatness of CM

CM is sacred and includes the Chidambara Rahasyam, the Secret of Siva's form. Thinking of Chidambaram expunges all the sins and its auspiciousness rivals and exceeds that of Kailasa, my Himalayan abode. The devotees living Chidambaram cross the sea of Samsara of birth and rebirth and attain liberation at my feet; such is its greatness.

Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesa, Deities, Sages, Rsis, and Jnanis eulogize and worship Chidambaram which gives happiness and removes sins. It cuts asunder the bondage of Maya and releases the devotees from Samsara. The Sages and Risis attain their siddhis at Chidambaram, which is one of my permanent abodes. It shines with my Tejas. The Lord continues his narration. I perform the Ananada Tandava with Bhavani on my side for the Yogis who understand and embrace Siva Tattva; the universal Mother confers grace and exudes happiness and beauty. My Ananda Tandava is the source of love, happiness, joy, reverence, and admiration to all the witnesses including Vighnesvara, Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Mahalakshmi, Vyaghrapada (Tiger-Foot)-- LORD OF DANCE -- Sage Patanjali, Adi Sesha, 3000 sages, and Hiranya Varman. Grace is unattainable for him who does not witness my Ananada Tandava. Those who are aware of Siva Loka and Siva Moksa have no use for or desire to go to Svarga loka to enjoy celestial life. Siva Sayujyam is a permanent release from Samsara.

Siva continues his talk to Nandikesvara. By my continuous dance, I confer Atmananda (Supreme Bliss) to my devotees, while my consort Chitsakti watches me dance. Those who make offerings of money and Homa (fire offering), chant Mantras and make charitable contributions, though small and insignificant, I bestow on them great merit and grace. Chidambaram is known for its rectangular Siva Ganga tank, where I perform my Ananda Tandava. Ritual dipping in the tank brings auspiciousness and increases devotion to me. The god of death, Yama, has a lot of respect for the one who takes repeated dips in the tank. Darsan awaits a devotee who dips in the tank. The devotee who chants Panchakshara 1008 times is absolved of all sins and attains my rupam (sarupam = Siva's form). Siva gives the list of auspicious days good for bathing in Siva Ganga.

Originally posted by: Kadamvari

minaxi our mod ordered me to i have to 😆

Thanks for posting various stories. Actually I had twitted about 3 stories last night. It was your idea to make a post for it. Have given link of this thread too in the afternoon.

Originally posted by: A-A-S

Hi itstimetospeak,

I actually agree with your opinion on the way they should show the Lord Ayyappan track - I just didn't explain myself very well in my post. I have edited my post above to try to better explain what I actually meant:

thanks dear. y i said that was bcoz extremely imp tracks like ganesh's birth, mahishasur vadh, devi parvati's kali avatar, durga avatar, sagar manthan(one of the most imp track this one) are wrapped up in very few episodes like hardly 1 or max 2 weeks. mahishsur vadh which could have been shown in greater detail was finished in 1 episode.

and other not so imp tracks like dashanan ashok sundari and now J are streched so much.

since Ayyappa is a nice track it should be shown in detail and not finished in 1-2 episodes.