Lord Shiva or Siva is considered as the destroyer of the world. Shiva is one of the most popular gods of the Hindu religion. Lord Siva forms the part of the Trimurti (Trinity), the other being Brahma, the creator and Vishnu, the preserver. Shiva is known for the complexity of his nature, representing contradictory qualities. He is the destroyer and the restorer, the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality, the kind herdsman of souls and a wrathful avenger.
Lord Shiva- The Role Lord Shiva represents the vital goodness in the form of Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram i.e.; Truth, Goodness and Beauty .Lord Shiva performs a celestial role of dissolution and recreation of the universe, that's why; he is mostly associated with the words, like destroyer and destruction. The role of Shiva is often confused with these terms and the difficulty arises, when the significance of his celestial role is not understood.
The conception is clear itself by a slight balance between the opposing forces of good and evil. When this balance gets disturbed and continuation of life becomes unfeasible, Lord Shiva dissolves the universe. This is known as '' pralay '' and it is done in order to create another cycle .So that the unliberated souls will get another opportunity to liberate themselves from the bondage of the material world. To put succinctly, Siva protects the souls from pain and suffering that is generated by the unhealthy universe.
Shiva - The Giver Lord Shiva is known as the ''giver god'', lord of mercy and kindness. He always protects his devotees from evil forces like lust, greed and anger. He is the most kind -hearted God who grants boons and bestows grace to his devotees.
Shiva - The Image Lord Shiva has the unclad body covered with ashes symbolizing the transcendental aspect of the universe. Siva's three matted locks represent the integration of the mental, physical and spiritual energies. The crescent moon becomes the part of lord's ornament symbolizing the time cycle through which creation evolves from the beginning to the end. The three eyes of Lord Shiva suggest: the Sun is his right eye, the Moon is the left eye and fire, the third eye.
The Snake around his neck symbolizes the yogic power, which he uses to dissolve and recreate the universe. The Rudraksha necklace worn by the lord shows that he uses his celestial powers without compromise,to maintain law and order. The trishula (trident), symbolizes the Lord's three fundamental powers of will (iccha), action (kriya) and knowledge (gyana).The damaru (drum) and its two sides separated from each other symbolizes the two entirely dissimilar states of existence, invisible and evident.
The bull, Nandi is linked with Shiva and it is considered as his vehicle. The bull symbolizes both power and ignorance. Tiger's skin makes Lord Shiva's clothing and his seat, which illustrates the idea that he is the source of potential energy during the dissolution of the universe. Thus, Lord Shiva is well-regarded as the ultimate organizer of the birth and death in the corporeal world.
Shiva - The Lingam Shiva is worshipped in his invisible and an unborn form, known as the lingam. Lingam is always accompanied by the Yoni, which is the female part, adjoining the base of the lingam. The lingam symbolizes the male creative power of Shiva.
Shiva Chalisa Shiva Chalisa is a "forty verse" prayer. Verses are recited or chanted by groups. The acts and deeds of Shiva are recalled in these verses to aid the devotee to meditate on virtuous and noble qualities.
Shiva Legends Shiva is considered as the destroyer of the universe, in Hinduism. Shiva is a complex god, in terms of nature and represents contradictory qualities, being the destroyer and the restorer simultaneously. There are numerous legends surrounding Lord Shiva and his powers. Here're a few popular stories of Lord Shiva.
Names of Shiva Lord Shiva is considered as the destroyer of the Universe as per the Hindu Mythology. Shiva is one of the most popular gods of the Hindus. Lord Shiva is a complex god like goddess Kali, being destroyer and restorer at the same time. Shiva is also known as Bhole Shankar, the innocent god, who gets appeased easily.
For people in northern parts of India, especially the Sikhs, Baisakhi is a mega event - it is a religious festival, harvest festival and New Year's Day all rolled into one. In April, this day marks the beginning of the Hindu solar New Year. In fact, this day is celebrated all over the country as New Year day, under different names. For the Sikh community, Baisakhi has a very special meaning. It was on this day that their tenth and last Guru - Guru Gobind Singh - organized the Sikhs into Khalsa or the 'pure ones'. By doing so, he eliminated the differences of high and low and established that all human beings are equal.
Sikhs assign quite a different meaning to Baisakhi, and if you happen to be in a Punjabi village to catch the men performing the wild bhangra dance, you'll get the clear picture. This strenuous dance tells the story of the agricultural process, from tilling the soil through harvesting. As the dholak (drum) changes beats, the dancing sequence progresses, dramatizing plowing, sowing, weeding, reaping, and finally celebrating. Baisakhi also commemorates the day in 1689 when Guru Gobing Singh founded the Khalsa, the fighting Sikh brotherhood that donned the distinctive Sikh outfits.
Sikhs visit temples, such as the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where the holy Granth is read, commemorating the day on which the Guru asked five volunteers to offer their lives, then took them one at a time into a tent. He emerged each time with a bloody sword, although he had in fact sacrificed a goat. In honor the "Beloved Five," a series of parades are held, in which sets of five men walk in front of the holy book with swords drawn. When the ceremony is over, a round of feasting, music-making, and dancing begins, amid the blossoming flowers and harvested grain.
Baisakhi has special significance for two of India's major religious groups. For the Hindus, it is the start of the New Year, and is celebrated with requisite bathing, partying, and worshipping. It's believed that thousands of years ago, Goddess Ganga descended to earth and in her honor, many Hindus gather along the sacred Ganges River for ritual baths. The action is centered in the holy cities along the Ganges in north India, or in Srinagar's Mughal Gardens, Jammu's Nagbani Temple, or anywhere in Tamil Nadu. Hindus plant poles (wrapped in flags of god-embroidered silk) in front of their homes, and hang pots of brass, copper or silver on top.
Children wear garlands of flowers and run through the streets singing "May the new year come again and again!" In Kerala, the festival is called 'Vishu'. It includes fireworks, shopping for new clothes and interesting displays called 'Vishu Kani'. These are arrangements of flowers, grains, fruits, cloth, gold, and money are viewed early in the morning, to ensure a year of prosperity. In Assam, the festival is called Bohag Bihu, and the community organizes massive feasts, music and dancing.
India, the land of rich cultural heritage, has one or the other festival for every month. It is the spiritual and religious richness in India that each festival is related to some or other deity. One of such festival is the 'festival of lights' - Deepawali. It is the glorious occasion that is not restricted to one day, but extended to a five-day celebration. All through these five days, people are in a festive mood. Adding to the festivity is the colorful display of lights. Like every other Hindu festival, stories from Mythology are associated with Diwali too. Given below is information on the celebrations of Diwali.
Stories & Legends of Deepavali Return of Shri Ram To Ayodhyaa
The most famous legend behind the celebrations of Diwali is about the prince of Ayodhya Nagri - Lord Shri Ram. The king of Lanka, Ravana, kidnapped Ram's wife - Sita from the jungle, where they were staying as per the instructions of King Dashratha, father of Lord Ram. In order to freed Sita from Ravana's custody, Ram attacked him. This was followed by a war, in which, Ram defeated Ravan and released Sita from his custody. On the arrival of Lord Ram along with his wife Sita, people of Ayodhya decorated their homes as well as the city of Ayodhyaa by lighting tiny diyas all over, in order to welcome their beloved prince Shri Ram and Devi Sita.
Incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi
On the auspicious new moon day, which is 'Amavasyaa' of the Hindi month of Kartik, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity - Lakshmi was incarnated. She appeared during the churning of the ocean, which is known as 'Samudra Manthan', by the demons on one side and 'Devataas' (Gods) on the other side. Therefore, the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Lakshmi Pujan, on the day of Diwali, became a tradition.
Lord Krishna Destroyed Demon Narakasur
One famous story behind the celebrations of Diwali is about the demon king Narakasur, who was ruler of Pragjyotishpur, a province to the South of Nepal. After acquiring victory over Lord Indra during a war, Narakasur snatched away the magnificent earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi, who was not only the ruler of Suraloka, but also a relative of Lord Krishna's wife - Satyabhama. Narakasur also imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of Gods and saints in his harem. With the support of Lord Krishna, Satyabhama defeated Narakasur, released all the women from his harem and restored the magnificent earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi.
The Return of The Pandavas
The great Hindu epic 'Mahabharata' has another interesting story related to the 'Kartik Amavasyaa'. According to the story, 'the Pandavas', the five brothers Yudhishthhira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahdeva, were sentenced to thirteen years exile as a result of their defeat against 'the Kauravas' - Duryodhana and his ninety nine brothers, at the game of dice. Therefore, the Pandavas spent thirteen years in the jungles and returned to their kingdom on the day of 'Kartik Amavasyaa'. On their return, the people of their kingdom welcomed the Pandavas by celebrating the event by lighting the earthen lamps all over in their city.
Coronation of King Vikramaditya
Another legend or story about Diwali celebrations relates to one of the greatest Hindu King - Vikramaditya. It was the day when he was coroneted and the people celebrated this event by lighting tiny earthen 'diyas'.
Om Daamodharayae Vidmahee Rukmani Vallabhaye Dheemahee Tanno Krishna Prachodayaath
Consort :
Rukmini ji
Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and worshipped deities of the Hindu religion. Krishna is considered as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, the divine. Shri Krishna is the very embodiment of love and divine ecstasy that destroys all pain and offense. Lord Krishna took birth over five thousand years ago in Mathura, India to Devaki (Sister of Cruel Demon-King Kansa) and Vasudeva in the prison cell of the tyrant Kansa. The sage Narada had predicted that Kansa would be killed by his nephew, so the king killed Devaki's first six children. The Seventh, Balarama escaped and the eighth, Krishna was clandestinely exchanged for a cowherd's daughter.
A Great Lover - Krishna
Krishna was greatly attached to his foster mother, Yashoda. The lord had immense love for cows being nurtured in the cowherd's family. In his childhood, he was really fond of Makhan (butter) and there are many famous mischiefs regarding this love. Later Krishna loved to play flute and used to seduce the village girls. His favourite was Radha who is claimed as the love of Krishna. And this is one of the famous love stories of Hindu mythology. The Lord is usually remembered and worshipped as Radha-Krishna. The pair symbolizes the eternal love between people and god. Krishna is recognized as the god of Hasya or humor and a messenger of peace.
Virtues
Sri Krishna is the naturally loving and sweet aspect of Vishnu, Lord of Srimati Radharani and center of the spiritual abode. Krishna is the defender of sacred utterances. Krishna is a trickster and lover, a mastermind of all forms of knowledge and born to set up the religion of love. He is also known for his bravery in destroying evil powers throughout his life.
Phrase from Bhagavad Gita
It is believed that the Supreme Lord comes down from time to time in this material world to reestablish the teachings of the Vedas. Lord Krishna promises in his Bhagawad Gita: "Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion--at that time I descend myself. To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I myself appear millennium after millennium."
Krishna Aarti
Shri Krishna Aarti completes the worship or prayers made to the God. It is believed that aarti provides a completion to the puja .This arti of lord Krishna is also known as Janmashtami Aarti, which is usually sung on the birthday of Krishna.
Aaratii Yugala Kishora Kii Kiijai | Tana Mana Dhana Sab Arpana Kiijai ||
Ravi Shashi Koti Vadana Kii Shobhaa | Taahi Nirakha Meraa Mana Lobhaa ||
Gaura Shyaama Mukha Nikhrata Riijhai l Prabhu Ko Ruupa Nayana Bhara Pijai ||
Krishna Chalisa means a prayer of "forty verse", which praise and entreat Sri Krishna with devotion. They are recited over and over again to recall the virtues of Krishna, the Lord, in order to aid the disciple to meditate on good and righteous qualities.
ll Doha ll Banshi Shobhit Kar Madhur,Neel Jalad Tanu Shyam l Arun Adhar Janu Bimba Phal,Nayan Kamal Abhiraam ll Puran Indu Arvind Mukha, Pitaambar Shubha Saaj l Jai Manmohan Madan Chhavi,Krishnachandra Maharaj ll
ll Chaupai ll Jai Yadunandan Jai Jagvandan, Jai Vasudev Devki Nandan Jai Yashoda Sut Nanda Dulaare,Jai Prabhu Bhaktan Ke Rakhavaare
Jai Natanaagar Naag Nathaiyaa, Krishna Kanhaiya Dhenu Charaiya Puni Nakh Par Prabhu Girivar Dhaaro,Aao Deenan Kasht Nivaaro
Bansi Madhur Adhar Dhari Teri, Hove Puran Manorath Meri Aao Hari Puni Maakhan Chaakho, Aaj Laaj Bhaktan Ki Raakho
Gol Kapol Chibuk Arunaare,Mridul Muskaan Mohini Daare Ranjit Raajiv Nayan Vishaalaa, Mor Mukut Vaijayanti Maalaa
Kundal Shravan Peetpat Aache, Kati Kinkini Kaachhan Kaachhe Neel Jalaj Sundar Tanu Sohe,Chhavi Lakhi Sur Nar Muni Mana Mohe
Mastak Tilak Alak Ghunghraale, Aao Shyaam Bansuri Vaale Kari Pai Paan, Putanaahin Taaryo, Akaa Bakaa Kaaga Sur Maaryo
Nij Maayaa Tum Vidhihin Dikhaayo, Urate Sanshay Sakal Mitaayo Tav Shat Nindaa Kari Tatkaalaa, Jivan Mukt Bhayo Shishupaalaa
Jabahin Draupadi Ter Lagaai, Deenanaath Laaj Ab Jaai Asa Anaatha Ke Naath Kanhaiyaa, Dubat Bhanvar Bachaavat Naiyaa
Sundardaas Aas Ura Dhaari, Dayadrishti Keeje Banwaari Naath Sakal Mam Kumati Nivaaro, Chhamobegi Apraadh Hamaaro
Kholo Pat Ab Darshan Deeje, Bolo Krishna Kanhaiya Ki Jai
ll Doha ll Yah Chalisa Krishna Ka, Path Kare Ur Dhaari l l Asht Siddhi Nav Niddhi Phal, Lahe Padaarath Chaari l
Different Names of Lord Krishna
Sri Krishna is one of the most lovable deities of the Hindu Religion. Lord Krishna is regarded as the eighth incarnation or avatar of Lord Vishnu. Krishna took birth in the Dwaparyuga, according to the Hindu Mythology. God Krishna is the personification of love and ecstasy that vanishes all pain and sin. Sri Krishna is often depicted as a cowherd's boy, who loves curd and butter. Lord Krishna is also associated with the Raas-Leela, in which he is always surrounded by the Gopis (Young cowherd girls). Krishna's immense love for Radha is immortal and the couple is usually remembered as Radha-Krishna. Sri Krishna is known by many different names. This list contains 108 names of Lord Krishna with their meanings:
