Bhagawan Shiva is Shashi-shekhara. Shashi is a name given for the moon . The meaning of the word is one who has a rabbit like mark . Moon shows a rabbit like mark when seen from earth so it is given that name . Shekara means crest or crest ornament. One who wears moon as an ornament in his crest is called shashishekara .

Moon is the presiding deity of the mind.  The crescent moon is symbolic of our mind being steady. The moon goes through waxing and waning but the moon on Lord Shiva’s jata does not go through any modification. It remains steady. Vedanta says Manaso Devataa Chandramaaha. In the Vedas, Shiva Sankalpa sukta’s each mantra ends with the line – Tan me manah Shiva-sankalpam astu. May my mind have an auspicious resolve. By the grace of Lord Shiva, may our mind have positive and auspicious resolve. May we not fall for negative thinking. May we continue to lift ourselves higher and higher.

Moon also is a symbol of coolness. As seekers, we have to keep our mind cool and calm. Though Lord Shiva is known for anger or Rudra Tandava, yet he is calm, composed and equanimous. He is a yogi whose mind is very calm. Bhagawad Geeta says - Prashanta manasam hyenam, yoginam sukham uttamam. The calm mind of a yogi experiences Supreme Bliss. Shivagamas say that chandra is the symbol of Jnana or ultimate wisdom. Moon is also symbol of yogic bliss. Lord Shiva is the greatest yogi so he bears moon ( divine bliss ) on his crest. The scriptures describing yoga shaastra also compares moon with unmani sthithi (thoughtless state beyond the mind). Advaita speaks of it as Amani bhaava(state of Consciousness, beyond thoughts).

Comment “Chandra” to get the story of how moon came to adorn Bhagawan’s crest and why He is called Chandrashekhara

#shiva #chandra #moon #mahadev #yogalife #yogic #bliss#advaita #mindset #mind #mindfulness #spirituality

RUDRAKSHA JABALA UPANISHAD says
Bhusunda questioned Lord Kalagnirudra: What is the beginning of Rudraksha beads? What is the benefit of wearing them on the body?
Lord Kalagnirudra answered him thus: “I closed my eyes for the sake of destroying the Tripura Asuras. From my eyes thus closed, drops of water fell on the earth. These drops of tears turned into Rudrakshas.
By the mere utterance of the name of ‘Rudraksha’, one acquires the benefit of giving ten cows in charity. By seeing and touching it, one attains double that benefit.
I closed my eyes one thousand celestial years. Then from my eyelids, drops of water dropped down and attained the state of immobility for blessing the devoted persons
This Rudraksha destroys the devotees’ sins that are committed both night and day, by wearing it.
By mere vision of the Rudraksha, the benefit will be say, a lac. But by wearing them, it will be a crore. Why, it will be equal to hundred crores. But it will be a thousand lacs of crores and hundred lacs of crores times powerful when one does Japa with Rudraksha and wears it at all times.
Among Rudrakshas, one as big as Amalaka (myrobalan), is considered to be the best. One as big as the Badari fruit (Indian berry) is considered to be of the middle sort. But that as big as Chana (Bengal gram) is considered to be the worst of all. This is my idea about the size of Rudraksha beads.

A worshipper of Siva should wear Rudraksha all over the body.
The base of the Rudraksha bead is Brahma, its navel is Vishnu, its face is Rudra and its hole consists of all gods.

One who wears Rudrakshas, should not use intoxicants, meat, garlic, onions and all such prohibited things.”

#shiva #rudraksha #rudrakshapower #rudra #mahadev#mala #tears #haraharamahadev #harharmahadev

Bhagawan Shiva wears Bhasma (sacred ash) as a powerful symbol of detachment, destruction of ego, and transcendence over Maya (illusion). Here’s why:
1. Symbol of Impermanence – Bhasma represents the fact that everything material will turn to ash. It reminds us that worldly attachments are temporary, urging seekers to focus on the eternal truth—Brahman.
2. Victory Over Death – Shiva is Mahakaal, the Lord of Time and Death. By smearing ashes, He signifies that He has conquered Kala (time) actions(karma) and Yama (death), remaining ever free.
3. Destruction of Ego and Desire – Bhasma is a reminder to burn the false sense of “I” (Ahamkara) and worldly desires in the fire of knowledge and devotion.
4. Purification and Tapas (Austerity) – Ash represents purity and renunciation. Shiva, as the supreme Yogi, lives in the cremation ground, showing that He is beyond worldly distinctions.

He applies bhasma all over the body and also as tripundra(3 lines) on the forehead. 3 lines symbolise destruction of 3 karmas- sanchita(accumulated karma of the past), Prarabdha(present karma) and agami(future karma). It symbolises destruction of 3 bodies- gross, subtle and causal, of 3 states - waking, dream and deep sleep, of 3 desires - desire for progeny, popularity, power or wealth.

Attachments bring sorrow. Detachment is the way to happiness. May we live in this spirit of detachment and realise Shiva-Tattva. Hara Hara Mahadeva.

#shiva #mahadev #mahakal #bhasma #bhasmaarti #ash#sacredash #detach #detachment #attach #attachments#renunciation #yogi

Halahal is also called Kālakūta. Owing to the curse of Durvasa, the Devas were subjected to symptoms of old age, and to produce amṛta (nectar) as remedy for this unfortunate development, the churning of Kşīrā-bdhi (ocean of milk) was started. Vasuki, the snake, was used as cord to rotate mount Mandara, which was used as the churning rod. When the churning became very intense, the mortal poison Kālakūta emerged out of Vasuki’s mouth. (Another view is held that Kālakūța rose out of the milk-sea). On the emergence of the deadly poison the asuras ran off in great fear, the Devas got bewildered, Bali and Sugrīva too got frightened and without exhibiting his fright Vişnu covered his face; on the whole it appeared as though the entire world would be reduced to ashes.

At this critical moment, Siva, reputed for his daring, put all the Kālakūța into his mouth. Frightened at it Parvati held Śiva’s throat by her hands so that the poison did not enter his stomach. At the same time Mahāvişnu covered with his hands Śiva’s mouth so that the poison was not spitted out. Kālakūța thus prevented from going down into the stomach or being vomited from Siva’s throat got itself digested in the throat giving it a blue colour. Thus did Siva become Nilakantha (of the blue throat). Vişnu and Pārvatī who were affected by the flames of the poison became Nilavarņan and Kālī respectively. (Kamba Rāmāyaņa, Yuddhakānda).

#neelkanth #mahadev #shiva #compassion #blue

Do you do Japa with Om Namah Shivaya?

A Mantra is that which removes all obstacles and miseries of one who reflects on it and bestows eternal bliss and immortality. Shiva Panchakshara (Namah Shivaya) is the best among seven crores of Mantras. There are seven Skandhas in Krishna Yajurveda. There is Rudradhyayi in the centre of the middle Skandha. In this Rudradhyayi, in the 8th Anuvak, Namah Shivaya or the Shiva Panchakshara Mantra is found. Its glory is indescribable. It means salutations to Bhagawan Shiva, signifying surrender. It is also indicating our essential oneness with Infinitr Consciousness or Shiva. In this way it is a Mahavakya.

He who does Japa of this Panchakshara is freed from births and deaths and attains eternal bliss. This is the emphatic declaration of the Vedas. This Panchakshara is the body of Bhagawan Nataraja. This is the abode of Bhagawan Shiva. If you add ‘Om ’ to the ‘Namah Shivaya’ in the beginning, then it becomes Shadakshara or six-lettered Mantra.

Take bath. Wear Bhasma and Rudraksha Mala. Sit on Padmasana or Sukhasana, facing East or North, in a quiet place or room. Repeat silently the Panchakshara and meditate on the form of Bhagawan Shiva. If you practise meditation regularly, your heart will be purified. All Samskaras and sins will be burnt in moments. You will attain Shiva-Yoga-Nishtha or Nirvikalpa Samadhi. You will attain the glorious Shiva-Gati and become one with Bhagawan Shiva. You will enjoy the eternal bliss of Shivanandam.

#shiva #omnamahshivaya #omnamahshivay #namahshivaya #panchakshari #mantra #mantrajapa #japa #meditation #shivaratri #moksha #shivoham

[shiva, meditation, spiritual practice, hindu, sadhana, japa, mala, repetition, holy name, freedom, mukti, sins, destroyer, Consciousness]

Why not give milk, curd etc to the poor and the hungry is a question that many ask. Yes it can surely be given and anna daan or charity is prescribed by our scriptures and it has its own significance. It will feed the poor and also give punya to the needy. It should be done.

However every karma has its own results and charity cannot replace what is offered in abhisheka to Bhagawan. Performing abhisheka is done out of gratitude, out of surrender and has a different significance(discussed in my earlier reel). The punya it generates also is different. Infact when something is offered to Bhagawan, it reaches all the Jeevas because Bhagawan is the Self of all the beings.
Also, of the items that are offered, the sacred water and other substances which are edible, like sugarcane juice, coconut water, Panchamrta-Milk, honey, curd, ghee& sugar are then distributed as Tirtha or Prasad. One can offer that also as annadaan. This way the poor person gets not just ordinary milk or the dravya but gets the prasad with many more blessings of Bhagawan.

Haldi, Kumkum, chandan, bhasma water etc. are poured for gardening andleaves, flowers etc. are offered below trees. That way nature also is benefitted and nothing that is offered is wasted.
#spirituality #abhishekam #shiva #linga #shivalingam#shivalingabhishekam #dana #charity #abhishek #recycle#prasad #prasadam

[hindu, ritual, custom, tradition, spiritual practice, annadana, panchamrit, temple, offering]

We always ask how did this creation come about?

In Pure Consciousness which is Infinite, there is no creation since Infinity means beyond space, time and causation. 5 elements that make up this creation are by themselves inert and can do nothing by themselves. Yet we see so much dynamism in the creation. So how did this creation come about? Shiva linga indicates the answer to us.

Shiva Linga is the combination of matter(prakriti) and Consciousness(Purusha or Shiva Tattva). Matter enlivened by Consciousness is the entire creation with all its diversity and dynamism.

For a devotee the Linga lifts the mind to the state beyond body and mind, to the state of Shiva, the 4th state of Consciousness which is the support of and yet beyond the 3 states of Consciousness: Waking, dream and deep sleep. When one contemplates on the 4th state one realises - I am not this prakriti or inert Body, Mind and Intellect. I am Shiva. I am Consciousness. Shivoham Shivoham. I am the very source and substratum of creation.

#harharmahadev #shiva #shivalingam #linga #lingam#consciousness #shiva #creation

[shiva, linga, vedanta, shiva purana, bhagavad geeta, swami chinmayananda, advaita, purusha, prakriti]

Shivaratri is made up of two words – Shiva & Ratri.  The word Shiva means – “Shete tishthati sarvam jagat Yasmin sah shivah shambhuh vikararahitah”  Shiva is the One in whom the entire universe rests, who is changeless and brings auspiciousness to everyone.  Shiva is Pure Consciousness or the very life-spark in our heart.  Consciousness is Sat-Chit-Ananda or Satyam Shivam and Sundaram.
 
Shiva means auspicious, beautiful. Consciousness alone is truly beautiful because true beauty never fades, is eternal and changeless. Our Body, Mind & Intellect are inert. They appear to be sentient and beautiful only because of reflection of Consciousness. 
 
Ratri is formed of the samskrit root – Raa, which means to give. That which provides happiness and bliss is one meaning of Ratri. 

Parvati is one who is born to Parvatraj Himalaya. She signifies Prakriti or Shakti. She is the source of all matter, energy and diversity.
In Samskrit, Shiva is masculine gender word. Ratri is feminine gender, is symbolic of Prakriti or Shakti. Maha-Shivaratri is the union of Shiva & Shakti(Parvati).  It is also the night which provides illumination and bliss when Jiva unites with Shiva.   May we do tapasya like Mother Parvati, with single-pointedness, subtlety, purity and persistence to discover our oneness with Bhagawan Shiva and truly celebrate Mahashivaratri.
 #shiva #shivaratri #shivarathri #hindu #hindufestival#parvati

[marriage, shiva, festival, celebration, fasting, penance, union, wedding]

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Please support this podcast by pressing the follow button and support Chinmaya Mission Mumbai projects taken up by Swami Swatmananda, through generous donations. Contribution by Indians in INR can be made online using this link: https://bit.ly/gdswatman

Donors outside India who would like to offer any Gurudakshina/donation can send an email to [email protected] with a cc to [email protected] to get further details.

These podcasts @ChinmayaShivam are also available on Spotify, Apple iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Podomatic, Amazon music and Google Podcast

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/ChinmayaShivampage

Insta: https://instagram.com/chinmayashivam?igshid=1twbki0v3vomt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chinmayashivam

Blog: https://notesnmusings.blogspot.com

LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/in/swatmananda