2012 =D

Kailashnath Mahadev wishes everyone a very HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

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Major festival of Nepal : Shiva Ratri

Nepal is the only Hindu kingdom in the world and thus the land of Lord Shiva, Lord of all Lords, for here you can feel his presence everywhere. Even in the sacred texts of the Hindus it has been stated that Mt. Kailash in the Himalayas is the abode of Lord Shiva or Mahadeva as he is also known. Shiva the Destroyer of Evil is among the most praised and worshipped of all the gods in the Hindu religion. Hindus all over the world know him through different names and forms. The country has thousands of idols and monuments, which glorify his name, the most common one being the Shiva Linga or the phallus of Shiva that represents him. For it is the Shiva linga that Hindus regard as the symbol of creation, the beginning of everything.

Kailashnath Mahadev

Shiva Ratri is the night of Lord Shiva when He himself was created by His own Divine Grace and Hindus all over the world celebrate this day with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm. Shiva Ratri literally means ' the night consecrated to Shiva'. This auspicious festival falls on the fourteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Falgun, (February - March in the Gregorian calendar ). The temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu which is considered as one of the holiest shrines of the Hindus, glorifying Lord Shiva, thus receives more than 100,000 worshippers during the festival of Shiva Ratri. These worshippers come from far and wide to pay their respects and homage to Mahadev on his sacred day.

Pashupatinath temple is located at the eastern part of the Kathmandu valley on the banks of the holy river Bagmati. Pashupatinath, which literally means ‘the Lord of animals’, is one of the many forms of the Lord. He is the guardian deity, protector of our Hindu Kingdom of Nepal, thus Shiva Ratri is one of the major festivals of Nepal. Pilgrims from all over Nepal as Pashupatinath Temple well as India come to Pashupatinath to worship and pray to the deity on his birthday and wash away all the sins committed by them. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple and tourists are only permitted to observe the festival from across the Bagmati river.

Shiva Ratri is a much anticipated festival by all Hindus. Pilgrims and yogis (holy men), from all over Southeast Asia come to Kathmandu weeks before the festival. On this holy day people fast through out the day. At dawn, worshippers take a holy bath or dip in the river and go to the temple to worship.

One of the interesting aspects of Shiva Ratri is that on this day devotees and non-devotees alike freely indulge in smoking intoxicating substances such as marijuana and bhang for it is the only day in the annual calendar when marijuana is legal. Many people take these intoxicants in the belief that it pleases Lord Shiva for he too is said to be fond of it. Thus marijuana is taken as prasad, holy food blessed by the Gods and one can see eager tourists and faithful Nepalese flocking around the temple complex of the Ram Janaki Mandir across the Bagmati river opposite to the main temple complex of Pashupatinath lingering around sadhus and babas in the hope for some prasad from them.

The Puran, one of the many holy texts of the Hindus, tells us that if you worship Lord Shiva on this day all your sins will be forgiven. Giving an examle the puran talks about an event that occurred ages before about a hunter from Benares. This man worshipped Lord Shiva unknowingly on Shiva Ratri and he was forgiven for all his sins.

On Shiva Ratri the temple of Pashupatinath is filled with worshippers. Devotees are not distinguished as poor or rich but treated equally for Lord Shiva treats us all equally. Even the King of Nepal and the royal family pay homage to the Pashupatunath on this day along with the thousands that gather to celebrate the festival. Thus the festival of Shiva Ratri shows the devotion and faith Nepalese have towards the Hindu religion.

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SLOKAS ON LORD SHIVA

Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli
Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee
Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree
Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree

Meaning: Oh, Lord Shiva, who is seated on Mount Kailas, whose forhead is decorated with the moon and the king of serpents as a crown, who is the Ocean of Mercy and the remover of delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.

MRITYUNJAYA MANTRA

Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey
Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam
Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath
Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat

Meaning: We worship the three eyed One (Lord Shiva) who is fragrant and who nourishes all beings; may He liberate me from death, for the sake of immortality, even as cucumber is severed from its bondage of the vine.
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Mrutyunjayaaya Rudraaya
Neelakantaaya Shambhave
Amriteshaaya Sarvaaya
Mahadevaaya Te Namaha

Meaning: I pray to Lord Mahadeva who has conquered death, who is the destroyer of the universe, who has a blue neck and who gives happiness to all.

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Vande Deva Umaa Pathim Suragurum
Vande Jagat Kaaranam
Vande Pannaga Bhooshanam Mruga Dharam
Vande Pashoonam Pathim
Vande Soorya Shashanka Vahni Nayanam
Vande Mukunda Priyam
Vande Bhakta Jana Ashrayam Cha Varadam
Vande Shiva Shankaram

Meaning:I bow down to the Lord of Uma (Parvathi), the divine Guru, the cause of the universe. I bow down to the Lord who is adorned with snake and wears tiger skin, the Lord of all creatures. I bow down to the Lord whose three eyes are the sun, moon and fire and to whom Lord Vishu is near. I bow down to the Lord who is the refuge of all devotees and the giver of boons, Shiva Shanakara.
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Gauri Vallabha Kaamaarey
Kaala Koota Vishaasana
Maam Uddhhare Padambhoje
Tripura Agnyata Kaantaka

Meaning: Please save me, oh Lord Kaamaarey (another name for Lord Shiva). You are mother Gauri's consort; You are the One who drank the kaala koota poison (which resulted from the churning of the ocean); You are the destroyer of the three cities. Oh Lord I have taken refuge at Your Feet.

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one of the pilgrimages of Nepal

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Lord Shiva in Nepal

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Kali Puja

Maa Kali is the fearful and ferocious form of Maa Durga. She is usually shown with her feet on the chest of Lord Shiva and wearing a garland of skulls. She symbolizes the darker side of life and epitomizes strength or “Shakti.” Kali is worshipped on the night of Kartik Amavasya in October/November. The day is also celebrated as Shyama Kali, the first 10 avtaars of Devi Durga. The reason behind worshipping Kali is destroying all evil both that lies in the outside world and within us.


Celebration

Kali Puja is a major festival for the people of Bengal after Durga Puja. It is celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm. Like Diwali, people in Bengal light lamps, and fire crackers to welcome Ma Kali. Houses are decorated and rangoli is drawn in front of the houses. Kali puja is carried out late in the night. People seek he blessings of Maa Kali during the puja.


Legends

Kali became popular as a powerful goddess with the composition of the text Devi Mahatmya in the 5th and the 6th century AD. The legend goes that two demons, Shambhu and Nishambhu disturbed the peace of Lord Indra. After endless battles when the gods failed, they sought help from Lord Shiva and Parvati. The gods sought protection of Maa Durga or Shakti. Kali was born out of Durga’s brow as Kal Bhoi Nashini.

Along with her two escorts, Dakini and Jogini, she was meant to destroy all evils and the growing cruelty of demons. It is believed that Kaali was so much engrossed in the killing spree that she went on killing everything within her sight. To stop this, Lord Shiva, threw himself under her feet. She was so shocked with this act of Lord Shiva, that she stuck her tongue out in disbelief. Hence we have the common image of Kali standing with her feet on Shiva’s chest and her tongue out.

History

Kali puja is celebrated with lots of gusto and fanfare in Bengal after Durga Puja during the time of Diwali. It is believed that Maharaja Krishnan Chandra of Nawadweep was the first to celebrate Kali Puja in his territory. Everyone was ordered to celebrate Kali puja and thus 10,000 images of Kali were worshipped. Ratanti Kali Puja was celebrated in ancient times before the present Kali puja. It is believed that the present form of Kali is due to a dream by a distinguished scholar of Indian charms and black magic or ‘Tantra’ and the author of Tantric Saar, Krishnananda Agambagish, a contemporary of Lord Chaitanya. In his dream he was ordered to make herimage after the first figure he saw in the morning. At dawn, Krishnanand saw a dark complexioned maid with left hand protruding and making cow dung cakes with her right hand. Her body was glowing with white dots. The vermillion spread over her forehead while she was wiping the sweat from her forehead.  The hair was untidy. When she came face to face with an elderly Krishnananda, she bit her tongue in shame.  This posture of the housemaid was later utilized to envisage the idol of Goddess Kali. Thus was formed the image of Kali.

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Lord Shiva’s Abode Comes Under Nature’s Fury

Forty-year-old Moti Ram was standing with Pavji at a relief camp in Mirpurkhas where doctors from Karachi had come to give free treatment.

But both men suffered from an affliction that no doctor had a cure for. “Our heart bleeds for our temple. Can somebody save it?” asked Ram. “We need to pray to Shiva in this hour of need. Only he can help us,” says Pavji.

The men were referring to the Shiva temple which is located at village number 330 in Mirpurkhas. Like the nearby Hasanabad village from where the two men come, the place of worship too came under nature’s fury and now stands submerged. It is the only temple in the area dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Kaanji, a 65-year-old hari from the village, had donated the strip of land for the temple four years ago. “I don’t have a son. So when I prayed for one, I saw Shiva in my dream and that’s when I decided to build a temple in his honour,” he said.

Three volunteers, Ram Chand, Prem Kumar and Hari Ram, then formed a committee on Kaanji’s behalf and decided to take his mission forward. “We went door- to-door collecting funds for our noble cause,” recalled Chand. “Some people gave us five rupees, others 10,” added Kumar with a smile. After 17 months of painstaking work, they managed to get Rs135,000 from poor haris (farm workers) like themselves. Although it was far from complete, after just one year’s effort, pilgrims from dozens of villages began converging at the site to honour Bhagwan Shiva’s name.

More importantly, the temple stands as a symbol of Hindu and Muslim unity in the neighbourhood. “Not only Hindus, but also our Muslim brothers contributed to funds for this temple,” said Chand. “Here we all live together as friends. When our Muslim brothers build a mosque, we also give donations,” Kumar added.

On the opposite side of the road, a part of the village still stands. Ali Mohammad was on his way to offer his prayers at a mosque here. He was one such person who gave Rs10 for the cause. “I can understand their pain. I would have felt terrible if our mosque had been destroyed,” he said.

Chairperson Pakistan Hindu Welfare Association Mangla Sharma says the government has never built a new temple for the community since partition. “Actually, under the constitution, the government is not bound to build ‘new temples’ for the community,” she said. The Evacuee Trust, a government body that is supposed to look after the temples, has resources to only look after those that were built before partition.

“All temples made after the partition were built by the community members themselves,” said minority MNA Kishan Chand Parwani, who belongs to Mirpurkhas.

Sharma says there was a time when there were more than a 100 temples in Karachi, but now only four remain functional in the city.

Back at the camp site, Moti Ram and Pavji lamented that not only the elected MNA from Mirpurkhas, Munawar Ali Talpur, had any consideration for their woes, but their minority ‘elder’ Parwani too had disappointed them in his efforts to save the temple. While Talpur remained unreachable, Parwani assured from his Karachi residence that he would be sending his men to the area “the first thing in the morning.”

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Shiva Aarti

Lord Shiva symbolizes 'shakti' or power, and is known as the destroyer. He is the most powerful God of the Hindu pantheon and one of the godheads of the Hindu trinity. He always appears in a meditating posture, with his matted hair holding the flowing Ganges, a crescent moon, a serpent coiled around his neck, covered with ash all over and a trident held firmly in one hand. In the temples, Lord Shiva is represented as a phallic symbol of the 'linga', representing the energies necessary for life on both the microcosmic and the macrocosmic levels, which, in turn, constitutes the whole universe.

Lord Shiva Aarti (with lyrics)

Jai Shiv onkara, Prabhu jai Shiv onkara
Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv ardhangi dhara, Om
Har Har Mahadev....

Ekanan, chaturanan, panchanan raje,
Hansasan GarudaSan Vrishvahan saje, Om Har
Har Mahadev....

Do bhuj, charu chaturbhui dashmukh ati sohe
Tinon rup nirakhte tribhuvan janmohe, Om Har
Har Mahadev....

Akshyamala banamala mundmal dhari
Chandan mrigmad sohai, bhale shubhkari, Om
Har Har Mahadev....

Shvetambar Pitambar Bagambar ange,
Brahmadik Sankadik Pretadik sange, Om Har
Har Mahadev....

Kar madhye kamandalu au trishul bhari,
Sukhkari dukhahari jagpalankari, Om Har Har
Mahadev....

Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv janat aviveka,
Pranavakshar men shobhit ye tinon eka, Om
Har Har Mahadev....

Trigun svami ki arti jo koi nar gave
Kahat Shivanand svami man vanchhit phal pave.

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Gangaur Festival

Gangaur is all about honoring the goddess Gauri. A manifestation of Parvati (Lord Shiva's wife), she
represents purity and austerity.

Gangaur signifies Lord Shiva and Parvati together. It's believed that Parvati returned to her parental home during Gangaur, to bless her friends with marital bliss. On the last day, Parvait was given a grand farewell by her loved ones and Lord Shiva arrived to escort her home.

When is Gangaur Celebrated:

In 2011, Gangaur will be celebrated on April 6-7. However, festival rituals commence the day after Holi.
Where is Gangaur Celebrated:
Gangaur is celebrated all over Rajasthan, and is one of the state's most important festivals. The most notable celebrations take place in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Nathdwara. In Udaipur, Gangaur coincides with the Mewar Festival.

How is Gangaur Celebrated:

The festival is predominantly for women, who dress up in their best clothes pray for a husband of their choice, or the welfare of their husbands. On the last couple of days, colorful processions of bejeweled images of the goddess Gauri wind their way all over cities and villages, accompanied by local bands.

In Udaipur, there's a boat procession on Lake Pichola, and fireworks. Women balance several brass pitchers on their heads add to the interest. The occasion ends with fireworks on the banks of the lake.

Early in the morning in Jodhpur, thousands of maidens dress up, sing, and carry water and grass in pots.

In Jaipur, the pomp and pagentry of the traditional procession starts out from the Zanani-Deodhi of the City Palace. It passes through Tripolia Bazaar, Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaugan stadium, and finally converges near the Talkatora. Elephants, old palanquins, chariots, bullock carts, and folk performances are all part of it.

What Rituals are Performed During Gangaur:
All newly married women must fast for the whole 18 days of the festival. Even unmarried women fast and only eat one meal a day, in the hope of finding a good husband. Gangaur is also an auspicious time of year to select a life partner. Tribal men and women get the opportunity to meet and interact, pick there partners, and elope and marry.

In Jaipur, a sweet dish called ghewar is popularly distributed amongst friends and relatives.

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Teej

According to Hindu mythology, on the 3rd day (teej) after the new moon in the month of Shravan Goddess Parvati went to the house of lord Shiva, her husband and was united with him.

Teej is celebrated in India especially by women in the months of July-August marking the advent of monsoons. It has great significance in Rajasthan as it is observed to provide relief from the scorching heat of summer. Thus, it is popularly called the Sawan Festival.

History of Teej

The festival of Teej symbolizes reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Teej teaches us the sacrifice of wife to win the heart of husband. It is said that Parvati reborn and went through stringent fasting for 108 long years to prove her dedication, devotion and unconditional love towards Lord Shiva. Finally, 108 years of long sacrifice paid off and Lord Shiva accepted her as his wife. Till today, the festival of Teej is celebrated to honor the devotion of GoddessParvati – popularly known as TEEJ MATA. On this day, both married and unmarried women seek her blessings for their happy marital life.

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History Of Diwali =D

 India is a land of festivals. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with fervor and gaiety. The festival is celebrated by young and old, rich and poor, throughout the country to dispel darkness and light up their lives. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way.

The celebration of the four-day festival commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.

'Puranas' have it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, acquired immense power from a blessing given by Lord Brahma after a severe penance. He soon unleashed a reign of terror in the kingdom of Kamarupa, harassing celestial beings with his invincible might. Unable to bear the tyranny of the demon, the celestial beings pleaded with Lord Krishna to save them from his torture.

But Naraka could not be easily killed as he had a boon that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. So, Krishna asks his wife Satyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.

When Krishna feigns unconsciousness after being hit by an arrow of Naraka, Satyabhama takes the bow and aims the arrow at Naraka, killing him instantly. Later Lord Krishna reminds her of the boon she had sought as Bhudevi. The slaying of Naraka by Sathyabhama could also be taken to interpret that parents should not hesitate to punish their children when they stray on to the wrong path. The message of Naraka Chaturdasi is that the good of the society should always prevail over one's own personal bonds.

The second day is Amavasya when Lakshmi puja is performed. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi would be in her benevolent mood and fulfill the wishes of her devotees. One version says that it was on this day that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk) when the Gods and demons were churning the sagara (ocean) for nectar (Amrit)

The other version is that when Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana, sought three feet of land from the generous demon king Bali, the latter had to surrender his head as Vamana had conquered the earth and the sky in two strides. Lord Vishnu banishes Bali into the Pathala Loka (netherland) by keeping his third stride on Bali's head. Later, pleased by his generosity, Lord Vishnu grants him a boon and he in turn requests the Lord to guard his palace at Pathala Loka.

Meanwhile, the Goddess is unable to bear the separation and her grief affects the functioning of the entire universe. Brahma and Lord Shiva offer themselves as guards and plead with Bali to relieve Vishnu. So, on the Amavasya day, Lord Vishnu returns to his abode and Goddess Lakshmi is delighted. It is believed that those who worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day would be bestowed with all the riches.

Today lets enrich you with some information on not only lord shiva but about a major festival of us hindu's "DIWALI" !!!
The third day is "Kartika Shudda Padyami." On this day Bali would come out of Pathala Loka and rule Bhuloka as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami".

The fourth day is referred to as "Yama Dvitiya." On this day, sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

However, in the northern part of India it is celebrated as the return of Ram along with Sita and Lakshman from his 14 years of exile after killing Ravana. To commemorate his return to Ayodhya, his subjects illuminated the kingdom and burst crackers. For the Gujaratis, Marwaris and other business community Diwali marks the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and also the beginning of the new financial year.

For Bengalis, it is the time to worship Goddess Kali or Durga. The Goddess Durga continued her "Vilaya Tandava" even after killing demon Mahishasura.

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Rummy Mania rises into a crescendo on Diwali Day

Rummy Mania rises into a crescendo on Diwali Day

Reflecting tradition wrapped in modernity, playing cards especially playing Rummy, is extremely popular on Diwali day. It is said that on playing cards, the goddess of wealth smile upon the player and ensures her goodwill. The memories of Diwali night can be joyful to the winners and the losers can’t wait for the next Diwali to come around.
The tradition of gambling on Diwali also has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year. This tradition of playing cards- flush and playing rummy with stakes on this particular day continues even to-day.

The object of playing Rummy is very simple: to pick up and throw away cards while forming them into suitable groups or combinations known as melds. The winner is the first person to get rid of all of their cards, either by being able to ‘throw them away’ or by being smart enough to form melds.
In most homes, on Diwali, people invite their friends and relatives over for playing Rummy. But nowadays, playing Rummy online is gaining mass popularity, as people stay away from the family.

For many, playing rummy is fun but at the same time it should have an element of intelligence and intellect and playing rummy online as a two player game is an ideal choice. People of all age group enjoy playing rummy as it is simple to understand and real excitement to play!!

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Nataraja, Shiva as the King of Dance

Shiva as Nataraja, Lord of Dance, at once destroys and re-creates the universe. Based on the rhythmic, graceful postures of classical Indian dance, the supreme deity's cosmic dance signifies the end of each cycle of time, or kalpa. The flames encircling his halo and held in his upper left hand symbolize destruction and the promise of re-creation. In his upper right hand, the drum and its sound represent creation or the beginning of time. His other right hand is posed in the gesture meaning "fear not," and his lower left hand points down toward his raised foot. This gesture represents the illusionistic qualities of worldly existence; the raised foot signifies the final release from the cycles of existence and promises salvation. In his dance, Shiva tramples the dwarf Mashalagan, an action symbolic of his victory over evil and ignorance.

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The Significance of Shiva's Dance:

This cosmic dance of Shiva is called 'Anandatandava,' meaning the Dance of Bliss, and symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm of birth and death. The dance is a pictorial allegory of the five principle manifestations of eternal energy — creation, destruction, preservation, salvation, and illusion. According to Coomerswamy, the dance of Shiva also represents his five activities: 'Shrishti' (creation, evolution); 'Sthiti' (preservation, support); 'Samhara' (destruction, evolution); 'Tirobhava' (illusion); and 'Anugraha' (release, emancipation, grace).

The overall temper of the image is paradoxical, uniting the inner tranquility, and outside activity of Shiva.

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More Facts On Bhagwan Shiva

SHIVA - THE NATARAJA - THE KING OF DANCERS [THE COSMIC DANCER]

ARDHANARISHWARA [UNION OF SUBSTANCE AND ENERGY]

SHIVA - THE YOGIC RAJA [THE GREAT ASCETIC]

Shiva is also called by the well-known name of NATARAJA, the lord of the cosmic dance. Numerous images of Shiva in his dancing pose are available throughout India and this image of Shiva is also the most popular one amongst the foreigners. The small drum of Lord Shiva is the symbol of rhythm and sound. In fact rhythm is there in the whole movement of the universe and sound is the medium, musical and divine, that comes from the word of Supreme Deity, and carries revelations and the truth. Sound with atmospheric either also represents the primeval outburst of creation.

Shiva's name SHANKARA means the Giver of Joy, and other name SHAMBHU means the Abode of Joy. As MAHESHWARA he is the Divine Lord, the source of knowledge. In Maheshwara are coordinated the three energies from which knowledge flows, the power of understanding (JNANA), the will (ICCHA) and action (KRIYA). Shiva is MAHAKAL, the Lord of Death but much more correctly the Lord of Time. Before anything could come to exist, time has to be present. In fact time is the first condition for the existence of the world. It is prior to space.

The image of ARDHANARISHWARA, half-male and half-female, represents Lord Shiva as the union of substance and energy, the life principle and Shakti.

Shiva's another well-known name is Yogi Raja, i.e., the Lord of Yoga. He is himself represented as the perfect or the greatest ascetic. He is the last word in austerity, penance and meditation. This method of Yoga is different from rituals and therefore in some earlier Hindu scriptures, Shiva is accused of teaching the secrets of higher truths to those who are low born or who are not properly qualified for ritual practices. To Lord Shiva is attributed revealing to mankind the method and technique of Yoga, which in these days is very popular in the West.

This god in many images is shown to have five faces looking towards East, West, North and South while the fifth one is shown looking upward. The five aspects represented by these five faces are:

The face looking upward is called ISHANA (the Ruler), and is copper-colored. He is the embodiment of all forms of learning and represents the enjoyer of nature, (Kshetrajan).

The eastern face of Shiva is called TAT-PURUSHA (the Supreme Man) and is yellow-colored. It represents all nature connected with earth, the sense of smell and the anus as the organ of action.

The western face of Shiva is red and is called YAMA DEVA (the Left- hand Deity); it represents Ego (Ahamkara) and corresponds to the element fire. It is connected with the sense of sight.

The southern face of Shiva is blue or sometimes blue-black, it is called AGHORA BHAIRAV (the Non-fearful or the Frightful), it represents Intellect (Buddhi) and Eternal Laws (Dharma). It is connected with the sense of hearing and the organ of speech.

The northern face of Shiva is called SADYOJAT (the suddenly born) and is white in color. It represents the mind and corresponds to sacrificial elixir (Soma).

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"Om Jai Shiv Omkara" - Lord Shiva Aarti

"Om Jai Shiv Omkara"- Lord Shiva Aarti is a devotional prayer to God Shiva. Daily praying Lord Shiva through this prayer entitles one to have special blessings of Lord Shiva.

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Shiva is Really The lord of the lords

Shiva is lord of the lords and it is really not easy to write/explain everything about shiva.However many have tried to explain him and praised him as per their knowledge but the explanation is endless and it is un-imaginable from a human being even devas, asuras and other rishi munis have very little words to explain about the lord almighty.

Shiva means the supreme one, the auspicious one, the pure one and for me the beloved one. Shiva is named as Pashupati which means the Lord of all living beings either it is humans, devas, asuras or any creatures. Another name Mahadeva depicts the great God, supreme in all devas(Gods).

The God staying in a state blissful, enjoying in Its Own Self eternally, without any flaws is the Supreme Lord shiva. The Perfection is the completeness - there is nothing external that is required to make the Self blissful.

Lord Shiva is reckoned among the Tridevas (trimity). Brahma is the creator, Lord Vishnu is the preserver and Lord Shiva is the destroyer. Shiva is the lord of Shakti also.

Lord shiva is absolute which does not have any parents  which never takes birth Which is all alone without association with any of the creatures or creations enjoying in the Self. God is the only one who is dependable for anybody / anything to surrender to as It is the only perennial Being.  Hence God is the Lord of all creatures (lives/souls). For this reason the Lord is hailed as pashupati (Lord of living beings). Whether it is devas or asuras or humans or other creatures all are pashus. That being the case how could the Lord be partial to one section of pashus and withdrawing the Grace for the other ? So anybody who worships the Lord sincerely could get blessed with Its Grace irrespective of the caste, creed, race, power, status and qualities.

It is in fact to be noted that Lord shiva is worshipped by the devas like viShNu, braHma, indra, by asuras like bANa, rAvaNa, tripura, sUrapadma, by humans like sha~Nkara bhagavatpAda, samban^dhar, appar, by other creatures like jaTAyu, sampAdi , vAli (monkey) and the list goes on and on. One finds in the purANas the variety of people of different backgrounds and qualities worship the Lord shiva. There are many histories of temples which talk of the cranes, bees, elephants, spiders, snakes worshipping the Lord and getting blessed. So the Lord as the Supreme blesses anyone who worships in sincere devotion. There is no discrimination on who the seeker is. The Lord is so merciful that He showers the boons one look for when there is a determination to seek Him. It is evident from the history of asura bANa who attained a great fame of his valor and got the place in the abode of Lord shiva all due to his determined worship of the Lord.

Lord shiva is the god of all. Like the mother He showers the grace for all the children, but the misusing children get punished. This Supreme Lord better than a mother does not withhold the grace, He is our beloved pashupati.

The God would not be biased. It would not differentiate between one group versus the other, whether it be divines or daemons or humans or plats or creatures or on sex or on race etc. All that matters is dharma and the pure devotion towards It. No doubt this lovely Lord shiva is worshipped alike by divines, daemons, scholars, not much learnt simple, and the other creatures.

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Shree Pashupatinath

 (Nepali /Hindi: श्री पशुपतिनाथ) is an incarnation of the Hindu Lord Shiva. He is revered throughout the Hindu world, but especially in Nepal where he is regarded as the national deity.

Role in Hinduism

Pashupatinath is an avatar of Shiva, one of the Hindu Trinity. He is also the male counterpart of Shakti.

History

The worship of Pashupatinath goes back to at least the ancient civilization of Harappa in present-day Pakistan, where the image of Pashupatinath has been found on coins.

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The Pashupati seal

A seal discovered during the excavation of Mohenjo-daro has drawn attention as a possible representation of a "proto-Shiva" figure. This Pashupati (Lord of animal-like beings) seal shows a seated figure, possibly ithyphallic, surrounded by animals. Sir John Marshall and others have claimed that this figure is a prototype of Shiva and have described the figure as having three faces seated in a "yoga posture" with the knees out and feet joined. However, this claim is not without its share of critics, with some academics like Gavin Flood and John Keay characterizing them as unfounded.

Seal discovered atMohenjodaro shows a seated figure surrounded by animals, possibly Shiva,the Pashupati 

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The five mantras

Five is a sacred number for Shiva. One of his most important mantras has five syllables (namaḥ śivāya).Shiva's body is said to consist of five mantras, called the pañcabrahmans. As forms of God, each of these have their own names and distinct iconography:

• Sadyojāta
• Vāmadeva
• Aghora
• Tatpuruṣha
• Īsāna

These are represented as the five faces of Shiva and are associated in various texts with the five elements, the five senses, the five organs of perception, and the five organs of action. Doctrinal differences and, possibly, errors in transmission, have resulted in some differences between texts in details of how these five forms are linked with various attributes.The overall meaning of these associations is summarized by Stella Kramrisch:

Through these transcendent categories, Śiva, the ultimate reality, becomes the efficient and material cause of all that exists.

According to the Pañcabrahma Upanishad:

One should know all things of the phenomenal world as of a fivefold character, for the reason that the eternal verity of Śiva is of the character of the fivefold Brahman. (Pañcabrahma Upanishad31)

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A vsitor's Review at kailashnath Mahadev !!!

World's Tallest statue of Hindu God "Shiva" built in Nepal by a jain Religion man.

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Find the Location

Anyone Having Trouble Finding the Great Location !

Hilltake Health & Homes Pvt. Ltd.

Ward No.: 5, Chitapol VDC, Sanga, Bhaktapur Nepal
Tel.: 977 11 661274/661315

Marketing Office :
2nd Floor, Sherpa Mall, Durbarmarg, Kathmandu
Tel.: 977 1 4215788/ 4215771
Fax : 977 1 4215933
Email : info@hilltakehealthhomes.com.np
URL : http://www.hilltakehealthhomes.com.np

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1ST Anniversary of Kailashnath Mahadev

Today(21st June) last year in 2010 the Kailashnath Mahadev was inaugurated and today is the first anniversary of kailashnath mahadev lord statue. In this one year has passed very well as allot of development has taken place. if you have seen this temple and statue one year ago i would insist you to go again and enjoy the various new packages and facilities there are offering at a considerable low rate.
there has been put new decorative items to enrich the beauty and these have been directly brought from rajasthan's craft works.It is a beauty and the best part of Kailashnath Mahadev's , Hilltake health and homes every one from children to adult can enjoy. It is a family enjoyment place as no one can get boored there the childrens can enjoy the childrens park and the swiming pool and the adults can enjoy the spa and other facilities related to nature therapy. the wonderful air also brings peace to the old age people and they also enjoy worshiping  Lord shiva statue(Kailashnath Mahadev).

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Story of Mr.Kamal Jain

Mr. Kamal Jain

 Mr. Kamal Jain is the man behind the tallest lord shiva statue as he has put almost all his life's major income in making this dream of making a 143 feet high statue true. 
lets know more about him by reading this interview taken by the times of india.

KATHMANDU(Kamal jain) says: "When I first came to Nepal nearly 20 years ago, I immediately felt a special rapport with Pashupatinath," says Kamal Jain, who left the family home and business in Siliguri to make a fresh start in the Himalayan nation. "Living in Kathmandu was like living under his wing. I had always wanted to pay a special tribute to him."

On Monday, when Nepal celebrated Mahashivarati with fervour, the 46-year-old had wanted to unveil his tribute: a colossal 108ft statue of Shiva.

"To my knowledge, it is the biggest Hindu religious icon in the world," says Jain, who chairs Hilltake Industries Pvt Ltd, which manufactures plastic water storage tanks and currently, has an annual turnover of NRS 250-300 million.

The idea came to him seven years ago when he visited Gurgaon in India and viewed the immense Shiva statute in the Birla temple there. "From that day, that thought drove me all day and night," he says. "I too wanted to build a colossal statue of Shiva in Nepal. I thought that would be a life-time achievement."

The work began in the temple town of Bhaktapur four years ago. The main artisans are from India. The statue itself has cost Jain about NRS 25 million while he estimates it would require another NRS 10 million to finish the project. In addition, there is the money spent on acquiring the land and building the temple.

"I had wanted to unveil the statue today on the occasion of Mahashivaratri," says Jain, who forsook the Pashupatinath temple, where nearly 400,000 devotees flocked Monday, to visit the Bhaktapur shrine. "However, you can't dictate time to artistes and the work could not be completed."

He estimates it will take another five to six months for the project to be over. However, his disappointment turned to joy Monday when hundreds of people turned up at his temple to worship the image on Mahashivaratri.

"I am a Jain by religion but then, Jainism rose from Hinduism," Jain says. "While Jainism forbids the worship of images, the restriction is meant for ascetics, not for grihasthas."

According to reports, Jain's Shiva is the highest. this idol also wins the battle of heights since the pedestal of his Shiva is 40 ft above ground.

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Some Mantras to dwell upon

Some Mantras to dwell upon

Here I have described three powerful mantras in detail. You can choose to meditate with any of the three mantra. All of them are ancient, powerful and easy in pronunciation.

*But before you start: *

Here is a  basic terminology which you should know before starting  Mantra repetition as you find its presence many mantra. All these words are from Hindu Mythology.
Kali yug :The last in the four eras (time periods) of creation. The other threes are Satya yug, Threta yug and Dwaper yug . These four eras are characterize by the intensity/effect of the rule of truth in them with the Satya yug having the most prominent qualities of truth and righteousness, with Treta at second,  Dwaper at third and Kaliyug - the age of machines- at the fourth place. The present era is Kaliyug.
Trinity of  Brahma Vishnu and Mahesh: According to Hindu mythology there are three Gods who run the creation. The Brahma - who creates the universe, the Vishnu - who preserves the Universe and the Shiva- who in the end destroys the universe. Among the three deities, Shiva is considered as the destroyer. However, Shiva is also considered as the supreme reality- the inner self which remains intact even after everything ends.
Please also remember that the one who repeats the mantra either silently or loudly is known as chanter and the process of repeating the mantra is known as chanting.
The Mantras                  
Here are a detailed description of 3 mantras from the traditional Indian religious stream. All these three mantras are extremely easy to pronounce and highly effective.  Click to know in detail about these mantra 

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OM MANI PADME HUM

 "The jewel is in the lotus or praise to the jewel in the lotus"
         (by His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso The Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet )


It is very good to recite the mantra , but while
you are doing it, you should be thinking on its meaning, for the
meaning of the six syllables is great and vast. The first, OM, is
composed of three pure letters, A, U, and M. These symbolize the
practitioner's impure body, speech, and mind; they also symbolize the
pure exalted body, speech and mind of a Buddha.

Can impure body, speech and mind be transformed into pure body,
speech and mind, or are they entirely separate? All Buddhas are cases
of being who were like ourselves and then in dependence on the path
became enlightened; Buddhism does not assert that there is anyone who
from the beginning is free from faults and possesses all good
qualities. The development of pure body, speech, and mind comes from
gradually leaving the impure states and their being transformed into
the pure.How is this done? 
The path is indicated by the next four syllables.MANI, meaning jewel, symbolizes the factor of method- the altruistic
intention to become enlightened, compassion, and love. Just as a
jewel is capable of removing poverty, so the altruistic mind of
enlightenment is capable of removing the poverty, or difficulties, of
cyclic existence and of solitary peace. Similarly, just as a jewel
fulfills the wishes of sentient beings, so the altruistic intention to
become enlightened fulfills the wishes of sentient beings.

The two syllables, PADME, meaning lotus, symbolize wisdom. Just as
a lotus grows forth from mud but is not sullied by the faults of mud,
so wisdom is capable of putting you in a situation of non-
contradiction where as there would be contradiction if you did not
have wisdom. There is wisdom realizing impermanence, wisdom realizing
that persons are empty of self-sufficient or substantial existence,
wisdom that realizes the emptiness of duality (that is to say, of
difference of entity between subject and object), and wisdom that
realizes the emptiness of inherent existence. Though there are may
different types of wisdom, the main of all these is the wisdom
realizing emptiness.

Purity must be achieved by an indivisible unity of method and
wisdom, symbolized by the final syllable, HUM, which indicates
indivisibility. According to the sutra system, this indivisibility of
method and wisdom refers to one consciousness in which there is a full
form of both wisdom affected by method and method affected by wisdom.
In the mantra, or tantra vehicle, it refers to one conciousness in
which there is the full form of both wisdom and method as one
undifferentiable entity. In terms of the seed syllables of the five
conqueror Buddhas, HUM is the is the seed syllable of Akshobhya- the
immovable, the unfluctuating, that which cannot be disturbed by
anything.

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The natural mantra - Soham

The natural mantra - Soham  (Pronounced as So' Hum')

  Now let us learn about a mantra which repeats itself in all of us ! This the the natural mantra - Soham . 

 

  Till now I have told you about those mantra which  are required to repeated by the meditator. Now, I'll tell you about a mantra which is not needed to be repeated - because it is continuously repeating itself on its own - in all of us. This mantra is  So'ham - the natural mantra, the mantra of your true self. It does not belong to the East or the West or to any religion. So'ham  is the inherent in everybody, in all of us; it repeats itself continually, along with our breathing. It is said that as long as this mantra keeps going on inside us, there is life in the body. As soon as it stops, we are no more.

The meaning of So'ham is "I am That". Through these two syllables, we contemplate our oneness with the supreme consciousness. Through the ever going process of breathing, our 'self' keeps repeating this mantra -  I am that.


  The heart is considered as the source of So'ham. It is from the heart that the syllables of 'So' and 'Ham' arise, and again in the heart that they subside. If you observe your breath, you will notice that it arises from within with the sound So', goes out of the body to a distance of about twelve fingers, and dissolves there. A fraction of a second later, the inhalation arises with the sound ham and goes back into the body. It merges in the heart for a split second and then arise again in the form of 'So. Between the inhalation and the exhalation, and between the exhalation and inhalation, there is a fraction of second which is absolutely still and free of thoughts.( It is the same moment of pause that I explained in Pause breath method of Deep Breathing)  . That space is the space of the truth. When you breath in and out, listening the ham  and so, you should focus on that space for as long as it lasts. As you practise the technique, the space will gradually expand.

Observing the So'ham is a natural Sadhana, a natural yoga. It is known as ajapa-japa, the unrepeated mantra repetition. Since So'ham goes on within you all the time, you do not have to make an effort to repeat it. All you have to do is become aware of it. You do not need any faith. You just have to watch the space of truth.

Since this technique is very subtle, you have to practise it for a while in order to understand it. Whenever you sit quietly, follow your breath and listen to the mantra. If you do not immediately become aware that the mantra (So'ham) is repeating itself, you can repeat the syllables along with your breathing. (So' during exhalation and ham' during inhalation)  In a few days you will be able to synchronize the mantra with your breath. Soon you will begin to hear the mantra naturally. If you practice it for a while, you will experience the self.

The practice of So'ham is recommended in the Upanishads and the Vedas. It has been said about So'ham that :

Watch the So'ham. Those who contemplate So' ham ceaselessly, discarding worldly entanglements, they attain the supreme state and their worldly bondage is destroyed.                     

           While repeating So'ham, keep in mind that the goal and practice of So' ham are the same. So' ham means "I am that," and if you practise it with complete concentration, being aware of the breath coming in and going out, you will experience That (which is nothing but your true self). The truth is that you do not really have to practise it, because you are already That. The practise of So' ham is a matter of understanding. You are not required to repeat it . It is already going on in you. You have to just watch and listen it. Just watch the breathing process, listen the So'ham and realize the true self present in you which always says 'I am that'

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OM Shanti OM

OM Shanti OM

 (New : You can now listen to Om. See download details below ) 

OM or AUM is the most important and significant word of Mantra tradition. It is considered as the root mantra of all mantra. In a majority of Mantra, you will find OM. 

   OM is the most often chanted sound among all the sacred sounds on earth. This sound is considered as the sound of the existence. 

 it is believed that the whole universe, in its fundamental form,  is made up of vibrating, pulsating energy. Om is considered as the humming sound of this cosmic energy. 

OM is said to be the original primordial creative sound from which the entire universe have  manifested. It is also known as the 'Anahat Nada', the "Unstruck Sound". This means the sound that is not made by two things striking together. 

If you observe the nature of sound you'll find that all ordinary audible sound are produced by the striking of two objects : bow and strings, drum and stick, two vocal cords, waves against the shore, winds against the leaves, bat against the ball, tyers against the road etc. In short all sounds within our range of listening are produces by things visible or invisible, striking each other or vibrating together, resulting in pulsating waves of air molecules which  we interprets as sound. 

In contrast to the above, OM is the sound which is not the result of the striking of two objects. It, rather emanates on its own. It is the primal sound of the universe that contains all sounds in itself.  

The meaning of OM 

 Well unlike all other mantra, there is no meaning of OM. It is actually not a word, it is a sound. As per Hindu tradition, OM is the purest name of God. It is the sound of the supreme consciousness. So when you reapeat OM, you actualy take the name of God. 

Now without going into the further philosophical explanation of OM, let us learn how to meditate using OM. Repetition of OM or AUM dissolves the mind it its divine source. The chanting of OM several time loud, purifies the atmosphere. 

Sit in a comfortable undisturbed place. Take some deep breath. Now chant at least 7 times OM in succession. Make each breath last as long as possible. Teak deep breath and chant Oooooooo~~~~~hhhhhhhhhh~~~~~ Mmmmmmm~~~~~. Then again repeat this chanting of OM. Do this for 7 times. After this, stop chanting and sit for a moment of silence. You will be amazed by the inner peace you'll get in such a small chanting of OM. 

Listen the sound of Universe :  Let us listen the sound of OM. You are requested to   listen carefully. This sound of OM produces instant positive vibrations and takes the listener to a state of mental stillness. 

Chanting the OM mantra for 15 minutes daily can produce remarkable effect in you. This mantra will help you to calm the mind, settled the thought process and realize the self.

.
Listen to OM now !!

Download this small (just 164 KB) mp3 file of OM. Listen to this powerful vibrating sound of Universe now. 

It's a very small file and you can listen to it within seconds. 

Click here The sound of Om  

(if you click with your left mouse button, it will directly play the file)

(if you click with Right mouse button you'll be prompted to save the file. Save it in your hard disk)

After downloading it, play it on your favorite media player and switch on the repeat button. It'll keep repeating itself. Enjoy !. 

(Please note: Very important !  Don't listen to Om while you are busy (for example while driving or doing important tasks requiring mental effort). Stop listening it if you feel uneasy. Not recommended for heavy meat eaters)

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What is Om Namah Shivaya

Om Namah Shivaya is known as the great redeeming mantra also known as five-syllable mantra

The meaning :  
It means  "I bow to Shiva." Shiva is the supreme reality, the inner Self. It  is the name given to consciousness that dwells in all. Shiva is the name of your true identity- your self. 

According to Hindu mythology there are three Gods who run this creation. The Brahma - who creates the universe, the Vishnu - who preserves the Universe and the Shiva- who in the end destroys the universe. Among the three deities, Shiva, though considered as destroyer, also symbolize the  - the inner self which remains intact even after everything ends. 

In this mantra the chanter (one who repeats the mantra) bow to Shiva- his true self.

              Om Namah Shivay is a very powerful mantra. It has been said about this mantra that if this mantra vibrates continually in your heart, then you have no need to perform austerities, to meditate, or to practise yoga. To repeat this mantra you need no rituals or ceremonies, nor must you repeat it at an auspicious time or in a particular place." This mantra is free of all restrictions. It can be repeated by anyone, young or old, rich or poor and no matter what state a person is in, it will purify him.

How to repeat 'Om Namah Shivay' 

            Sit in a comfortable and peaceful  place and position. Start repeating the mantra in your mind or loudly with the same speed as you talk: 

 Om Namah Shivay (Aum Num-ha Shi-why)

( To repeat any mantra as already mentioned in General Rules : one should repeat it with full awareness of its meaning. )

 Repeat 'Om Namah Shivay', with the feeling that you are bowing to Shiva - your true inner self. Repeat this mantra with respect. The inner self is the form of God in you. So as you say ' Om Namah Shivay' i.e. "I bow to Shiva'; you are actually bowing to God - The great almighty. The repetition of the name of God is equivalent to be merged in his very being.  When you repeat God's name in your mouth, in one way, you experience the God itself. Just repeat this mantra with faith and it's powerful phonetic vibrations will start doing miracle for you.

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rc plane flight infront of kailashnath mahadev statue !!!!

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