Articles — Shivlinga

Shri Pradosha Strotra Ashtakam is mentioned in Skanda Purana . Pradosha kaal is period which starts just at the time of Sunset, and it lasts up to two Muhurtas or four Ghatis. Pradosh Kaal (time) is the most auspicious time to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. One who chants Shri Pradosha Strotra Ashtakam during Pradosha kaal will get constant growth in wealth, grains , property and happiness of their kids , its mentioned in ashtakam. श्री प्रदोषस्तोत्राष्टकम् श्री गणेशाय नमः ॥ सत्यं ब्रवीमि परलोकहितं ब्रवीमि सारं ब्रवीम्युपनिषद् हृदयं ब्रवीमि । संसारमुल्बणमसारमवाप्य जन्तो: सारोऽयमीश्वरपदाम्बुरुहस्य सेवा ॥ १ ॥ ये नाऽर्चयन्ति गिरिशं समये प्रदोषे ये...

The literal meaning of the word Abhishek is – An auspicious bath for a deity. Rudrabhishek means the consecration of Lord Rudra, that is, the anointing of the Shivlinga with the mantras of Rudra. This holy bath is offering to Rudra Shiva. The best way to please Shiva is to do Rudrabhishek. There are many forms and types of Rudrabhishek. अभिषेक शब्द का शाब्दिक अर्थ है – स्नान (Bath) करना अथवा कराना। रुद्राभिषेक का अर्थ है भगवान रुद्र का अभिषेक अर्थात शिवलिंग पर रुद्र के मंत्रों के द्वारा अभिषेक करना। यह पवित्र-स्नान रुद्ररूप शिव को कराया जाता है।। जैसा की वेदों...

Omkareshwar or better known as Mandhata Omkareshwar is one of the foremost of the 12 Joytirlingas or it is luminous physical self-presentation of Lord Shiva of the Hindus. Omkareshwar, the sacred island, shaped like the holiest of all Hindu symbols, 'Om', has drawn to it hundreds of generations of pilgrims. Here, at the confluence of the rivers Narmada and Kaveri, the devout gather to kneel before the Jyotirlinga (one of the twelve throughout India) at the temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata. And here, as in so many of Madhya Pradesh's sacred shrines, the works of Nature complement those of man...

Shri Kedarnath is one of the best known Shivasthalams in India and is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers of the country, located in the lofty Himalayas. It is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingams - the Northern most one, while the Southernmost one is Rameswaram. The spiritual leader Adi Sankaracharya is closely associated with Kedarnath. Kedarnath is a shrine steeped in antiquity, rich in legend and religious significance. At the approach of winters in the month of November, the holy statue of Lord Shiva, is carried down from Garhwal (Kedarkhand) to Ukhimath, and is reinstated...

Shri Bhimashankar in Maharashtra is an ancient shrine, enshrining Bhimashankara one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Bhimashankar is located in the village of Bhorgiri 50 km north west of Khed, near Pune. It is located 125 km away from Pune in the ghat region of the Sahyadri hills. Bhimashankar is also the source of the river Bhima.A unique bell (roman style) can be seen in front of the temple which was presented by Chimaji Appa ( Brother of Bajirao Peshwa and uncle of Nanasaheb Peshwa ) Chimaji Appa collected two large bells after he won war against Portugue from...

Trimbakeshwar is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak, in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, 28 km from the city of Nashik and 40 km from nashik road. The place is memorable due to its picturesque hills, roads and cool breeze .This hill station like place lies in the formidable shadow of Brahmagiri hills in the Sahyadri range and it is the source of holy river Godavari. The place is also known for its Simhastha Kumbha Mela, which comes every 12 years as per the Hindu calendar.What makes the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga unique is that it has three faces embodying...

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana (kotirudra sahinta, Ch.32-33 referred as "Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga"). Grishneshwar is believed as the Last or 12th (twelfth) Jyotirlinga on the earth. This pilgrimage site is located at a village called Verul which lies at a distance of 11 km from Daulatabad and 30 km from Aurangabad. It lies at a close proximity to the Ellora caves. Being the abode of one of the holiest and ancient temples known by the name of Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple, the popularity of Grishneshwar can be ascertained. The village through its serenity and...

Shri Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameshwaram is an important pilgrimage site for the followers of Hinduism. It is believed that a visit to this temple washes away one's sins and brings salvation (moksha). Located on an island off the Sethu coast of Rameshwaram, Shri Ramanathaswamy Mandir can be reached via Pamban Bridge across the sea. Being situated in Rameswaram, the shrine is popularly known as Rameshwaram Temple. Rameswaram is a town in Ramanathpuram district of Tamil Nadu. The town is particularly famous for its religious shrine of Ramanathaswamy. The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is located at Madurai, which lies at a...

Shri Nageshwar near Dwarka in Gujarat is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.The Jyotirlinga in the temple is known as Nageshwar Mahadev. The temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. The Jyotirlinga situated in the temple is considered to protect everybody from all sort of poisons. It is believed that one who offers prayers in the temple becomes poison free. The temple is located between Dwarka and Dwarka island in Gujarat on the coast of Surat. According to the legends, a devotee called Supriya was attacked by a demon named Daaruka in a boat. The demon...

Mahakaal is the Lord of time and Death. One of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, the lingam at Mahakal is believed to be swayambhu (born of itself) deriving currents of power (shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams which are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti. "Aakasha tavakam lingam HatkashwaramBhulokhe Cha Mahakalah lingatrayah namaustuteye "Translated as - "In the sky is the Taraka linga, in the nether region is the Haatkeshwara and on the earth is Mahakaleshwara. We venerate the three lingas".The ancient and historic city of Ujjain or Avanti in Madhya Pradesh is home to the...

The temple of Lord Mallikarjuna is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is situated in the town of Srisailam on the banks of River Patalganga Krishna. Srisailam mountain is looked upon reverentially as the Kailash of South. The temple situated here is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple sculptures narrate in stone, epics from the great Hindu epics- Ramayana nand Mahabharata. This temple is considered very holy and is dedicated to Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bhramaramba. One unique feature of the temple is that all the devotees who visit the...

Shri Shiva Mangalashtakam  (Mangala Octet on Lord Shiva) Translated by Shri P.R.Ramachander   (Mangala stotras are normally recited at the end of reciting several stotras or the end of singing several songs or at the end of an auspicious function. The devotee wishes auspiciousness to the Lord. Mangalam may also mean “good wishes”, or “wishes for a happy ending”.) Bhavvaya Chandra choodaya , Nirgunaya gunathmane, Kalakalaya rudhraya Neelagreevaya Mangalam, 1   Mangalam to him who has a blue neck, Who makes things happen, Who wears the crescent of moon, Who is without properties, Who is the soul of good conduct,...

India is a country with thousand race, the land of thousands beliefs and the abode of a many Gods. The most important pilgrim centres particularly for the Shaivities are 12 Jyotirlingas which are situated in different parts of India. Reference of these Jyotirlingas is also found in the Shiv Purana. They are called jyotirlingas because Lord Shiva is said to have revealed himself to his devotees in the form of Jyoti – light. Even today devotees are said to have got his darshan in the form of jyoti at these places. The 12 jyotirlinga shrines, popularly known as the Dwadasa...

The Somnath temple is dedicated to Someshwara, another name of Lord Shiva with moon on his head. The temple is situated in Saurashtra. It is believed that Somraj, the Moon God himself had originally built the temple out of gold. Somnath is the first of all the 12 jyotirlingas. Though the temple is of Hindu origin, the Architecture has Jain influences. The Somnath temple has been destroyed six times and have been rebuilt. The temple faces the east direction. Externally the Somnath temple resembles the Rudramala temple at Siddhapur. The dome of the temple is the biggest ever made in...

Om Jai Shiv Omkara is famous Shiva aarti. Lord Shiva is 'shakti' or power, Shiva is the destroyer, the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and one of the godheads in the Hindu Trinity. Known by many names - Mahadeva, Mahayogi, Pashupati, Nataraja, Bhairava, Vishwanath, Bhava, Bhole Nath - Lord Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities. One who recites this Om Jai Shiv Omkara Aarti to the Lord gets rid of all problems and attains fulfillment of his heart’s desire. जय शिव ओंकारा, ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा ।ब्रह्मा, विष्णु, सदाशिव, अर्द्धांगी धारा ॥ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा Jai Shiv Omkara, Om...

Shri Amarnath cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. An enshrined image of ice naturally formed in a cylindrical form which resembles Lord Shivlinga, begins to take its shape on the first day of the bright half of the month and reaches its full size on the full moon day (Poornima). After getting its fullest shape, it begins to wane and disappear on the new moon day. According to the tradition, the largest ice formation is considered as Lord Shiva Linga, one on the left side of the linga is an ice formation of Lord Ganesha, and on the right...

Sri Rudra Kavacham is composed by Sage Durvasa. Sri Rudra Kavacham is found in Skanda Purana. Rudra Kavacham means The armour of Rudra. Sri Rudra Kavacham ( श्री रुद्रकवचम् ) chanting provides protection and removes fears. Below give is Sri Rudra Kavacham in Sanskrit , English and translation. Aum Namah Shivay !! ||अथ श्री रुद्रकवचम् || ॐ अस्य श्री रुद्र कवच स्तोत्र महा मंत्रस्यदूर्वासऋषिः अनुष्ठुप् छंदः त्र्यंबक रुद्रो देवताह्राम् बीजम् श्रीम् शक्तिः ह्रीम् कीलकम्मम मनसोभीष्टसिद्ध्यर्थे जपे विनियोगःह्रामित्यादिषड्बीजैः षडंगन्यासः || Asya Sri Rudra Kavacha stotra maha manythrasya Durvasa rishi, Anushtup chanda ,Tryabaka rudro devatha, Om Bheejam, Hreem SAkthi, Kleem Keelakam , mama manobheeshta sidhyarthe...

The Rudrashtakam is an ashtakam or octet (a prayer with eight rhyming verses) dedicated to the manifestation of Shiva. It was composed by Swami Tulsidas in the fifteenth century. Rudra is considered as the fearsome manifestation of Shiva who is to be feared.This eightfold hymn of praise was sung to please Shankara. Lord Shiva will be pleased with whomever heartfully recites it. Rudrashtakam has its origins in the Ramayana, the great Sanskrit epic, written by Goswami Tulsidas(16th century AD) in Varanasi, the city sacred to Lord Shiva. Tulsidasji was writing the Ramcharitmanas in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, when this...

Shiva Lingashtakam or Shiv Linga Ashtakam is a highly revered prayer to Shiva. Shiva Lingashtakam features eight Stanzas on glory of Shivalinga and it is said that any Shiva devotee who chants the holy octet of the Shiva Lingam with great devotion would in the end get moksha (liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth) and will reach the Shiva Loka (the world of God Shiva). ब्रह्ममुरारि सुरार्चित लिङ्गंनिर्मलभासित शोभित लिङ्गम् ।जन्मज दुःख विनाशक लिङ्गंतत्-प्रणमामि सदाशिव लिङ्गम् ॥ 1 ॥ Brahma Muraari Surarchita LingamNirmala Bhaashita Sobhitha LingamJanmaja Dhukha Vinaasaha LingamTatpranamaami Sadaashiva Lingam 1 Meaning: I bow before that Lingam, which is...

In Hindu Mythology, at the time of creation, the Brahman [Force which runs through all of us and the Great energy which created everything in the universe] manifested itself into the form of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.   Lord Brahma was the Creator and Lord Vishnu was the Preserver. They worked together and everything was fine with the universe. However once Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma had a fight with each other.   Lord Vishnu said, ‘Brahma, I am the Preserver. I am more powerful than you…’   Lord Brahma snorted, ‘If I had not created anything,...

Shivratri or Shivaratri (Night of Shiva or "Great Night of Shiva") is a festival celebrated every year by the Hindus. It is celebrated in the honor of Lord Shiva who is one of the Hindu Gods forming the trinity, Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesh (Shiva). Sivaratri (Night of Shiva) literally means ‘the grand night dedicated to the worship of Shiva. This festival is observed for one day and one night every year.  As per Ethics in Hindu, Mahashivratri festival has incredible importance in Hinduism. According  to sacred scriptures, by worshiping the God, Lord Shiva, on Mahashivratri will please the Lord Shiva...

Shivashtakam प्रभुं प्राणनाथं विभुं विश्वनाथं जगन्नाथ नाथं सदानन्द भाजाम् ।भवद्भव्य भूतॆश्वरं भूतनाथं, शिवं शङ्करं शम्भु मीशानमीडॆ prabhuṃ prāṇanāthaṃ vibhuṃ viśvanāthaṃ jagannātha nāthaṃ sadānanda bhājām |bhavadbhavya bhūteśvaraṃ bhūtanāthaṃ, śivaṃ śaṅkaraṃ śambhu mīśānamīḍe I pray You, Siva, Sankara, Sambhu, Who is the Lord, Who is the Lord of our lives, Who is Vibhu, Who is the Lord of the world, Who is the Lord of Vishnu (Jagannatha), Who is always dwelling in happiness, Who imparts light or shine to everything, Who is the Lord of living beings, Who is the Lord of ghosts, and Who is the Lord of everyone. ||1||गलॆ रुण्डमालं...