Maha-Shivaratri
The many names of Shiva
Shiva is also known as... Ishwara, Nandeeshwara, Neelakanta, Paalanetra, Gowreesha, Gangaadhara, Naagaabharana,Naagabhushana, Nataraaja, Mahaakaaleshwara, Shambo, Bhola, Shankara, Vishwanatha, Maheshwara, Mahadeva, Hara.....
In the parlance of followers of Tattvavaada, he is Rudra devaru.
Narayana Pandithaacharya in his Shiva stuthi describes him as one with an almost translucent body (like sphatika mani)* smeared with ash, matted locks golden amber in colour, third eye placed vertically on his forehead, not fully open, a crescent moon in his locks and a patch of blue at his throat, four arms and a serpent around his neck and either draped in tiger or elephant skin. Madhwaacharya has also described Rudra devaru as “Sphatikaamala kanthimaan”.
*clear quartz crystal
Rudra devaru and the mind
Ishwara is mano-niyamaka, the one who controls the mind and the abhimani devathe of the mind (the deity associated with parts of the body/organs).
As it is Rudra’s grace that bridges the gap between bondage and salvation, a true devotee has to implore to him to turn his mind towards Shri Hari, as Vijaya daasaru has, in his song, Kailasa vaasa Goureesha Isha, tailadhaareyanthe manasu kodo Hariyalli Shambo...
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUbKAmnlb8Y)
The greatest Vaishnava
Lord Shiva is constantly meditating on Hari... and is known as “Parama Vaishnava” or the greatest Vaishnava.
Many prayers refer to him as Vishnu Vallabha and Naarayana Priya, thus corroborating their relationship.
Taaraka Mantra
In the past, people travelled to Kashi at the fag end of their lives, in the fond hope that Vishwanath/Lord Shiva whispers the “Taaraka Mantra” or Rama Naama in their ears at the time of their death, ensuring their salvation. If only salvation was that easy!
In the phalasthuthi* of Vishnusahasranaama, Ishwara replies to Parvathi’s question thus, “Shri Raama Raama Raameti Rame Raame Manorame, Sahasra Naama Tat-tulyam Raama Naama Varaanane”, meaning - chanting Shri Raama Raama Raameti Rame Raame Manorame carries the same weight as that of the 1000 names of Vishnu.
*the ending of a prayer that extols the virtues of the said prayer and describes the fruits of reciting it
The future of Ishwara
A salient feature of Tattvavaada is taaratamya or hierarchy. The present Ishwara will become Adi Shesha in the next cycle of creation. So in the hierarchy, Shesha is slightly higher than Rudra.
Maha Shivarathri
In the Hindu calendar, the fortnight leading up to new moon is called Krishna Paksha and the fortnight leading up to full moon is called Shukla Paksha. Every month, the Chaturdashi (14th day) of Krishna Paksha is observed as ‘Shivarathri’, a special day of fasting and praying to Lord Shiva. Since it occurs every month, it is also called ‘Maasa Shivarathri’. But ‘Maha Shivarathri’, is no ordinary Shivarathri. It is the night, Shiva became one with Shakthi, (married Parvathi, in other words). It is also said that Shiva performed Taandava, the cosmic dance, on this night.
Abhisheka priya
The rituals associated with Maha Shivarathri are, staying awake through the night, chanting, praying and meditating, and using bilva leaves* for worship.
*Leaves of the Bael tree (Aegle marmelos)
Abhisheka* or bathing the linga** is believed to please him the most, for Shiva is Abhisheka Priya (fond of abhisheka) while Vishnu is Alankaara Priya (fond of ornamentation).
*pouring liquid/ semi-liquid offerings over an idol, typically, milk, water, coconut water, curd, honey (and ash or bhasma which Shiva is partial to)
**the idol that resembles a phallus and represents Shiva and his infinite energy
Bhasma- arathi at Mahakaal Temple in Ujjain
Shiva, the Healer
Nanjangudu, is a town close to Mysore, in Karnataka. It is famous for its imposing temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Srikanteshwara and Vishakanteshwara are the two names of the deity here, the most popular name, however, is Nanjundeshwara...
The Sultans of Mysore, Hyder Ali and his son Tipu were both patrons of this temple. Nanjundeshwara is said to have answered Tipu’s prayers and cured his elephant’s blindness. Tipu, in gratitude, offered a linga made of jade, to the temple, and christened Shiva as “Hakeem* Nanjunda”.
*Healer/physician in Arabic
There are many temples dedicated to Shiva, as a healer, the most well-known being Vaidyanatha* Swamy temple, in Tamil Nadu, in South India.
*‘Vaidyanatha’ translates to ‘physician’
The Maha Mantra
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is addressed to Shiva, also known as Mrityunjaya (or conqueror of death). One can recite it for peace, healing, protection from disease/untimely death, and most importantly for freedom from the greatest fear of all, the fear of death.
It is considered as one of the most ancient and powerful mantras known to man. It features in Rig Veda and Yajur Veda. It is also attributed to Markandeya Rishi.
To read the story of Markandeya, please visit: http://www.yogatherapyireland.com/mahamrityunjaya-mantra-heal-yourself-and-heal-the-world/
Mrityunjaya mantra
Aum Tryambakam Yajaamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam | Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaan Mrityor Moksheeyamaamrithaath ||
We worship the three-eyed one, who is fragrant and who nourishes all. Like the fruit* falls off from the bondage of the stem, may we be liberated from death, from mortality.
*cucumber
The Shiva-panchakshari stotra
Madhwaacharya urges the devout to perform the “Shivapanchaakshari” japa every day.
In its most basic form, it is a five syllable chant... Na- mah- shi- va- ya