1) SHIVA MAHAPURANA: INTRODUCTION

SHIVA MAHAPURANA: INTRODUCTION First of all, Sage Shaunak expressed his desire to Suta about knowing the means, which could help a man in this era of Kali to attainment lord Shiva, by cleansing all the impurities of his mind and rectifying his inherent demonic tendencies. Suta then described about Shiva…

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13) Agni story Creation of Universe – AGNI PURANA

Agni story Creation of Universe Agni next told Vashishtha the history of creation. Vishnu is the Lord of creation, preservation and destruction. Before creation, it was only the Brahman that was everywhere. There was no day, night or sky. First Vishnu created the waters. And in the waters he sowed the…

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9) AGNI PURANA – Hari Vamsa Puranam in English

Hari Vamsa Puranam in English As you have already been told, Brahma emerged from Vishnu’s navel. Brahma’s son was Atri, Atri’s son Soma, Soma’s son Pururava, Pururavas son Ayu, Ayu’s son Nahusha and Nahushja’s son Yayati. Yayati had two wives, Devayani and Sharmistha. Devayani had two sons, Yadu and Turvasu….

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7) AGNI PURANA – Parashurama Avatar Story

Parashurama Avatar Story The kshatriyas were the second of the four classes. It was their job to wear arms and protect the world. And rule. The brahmanas were the first of the four classes. It was their job to pray, study the sacred texts and perform religious rites. But the…

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50) SRI RAMA’S EXILE

Lord Mahadeva continued with the tale of Sri Rama and told Parvati –Dasharath wanted to appoint Sri Rama as his successor but Kaikeyi did not like this idea. She wanted Bharata to be made the king of Ayodhya and Sri Rama to be sent into exile for 14 years. Once,…

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45) THE INCARNATIONS OF MATSYA AND KURMA

Once, goddess Parvati expressed her desire to know about all the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Lord Mahadeva replied– Lord Brahma had created numerous Prajapatis like Bhrigu, Marichi, Atri, Daksha, Kardam, Pulastya, Pulaha, Angira and Kratu. Marichi was the father of Kashyapa. Sage Kashyapa had four wives–Aditi, Diti, Kadru and Vinta.Aditi…

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14) BRAHMIN’S LIVELIHOOD

Describing how a brahmin should earn his livelihood, Lord Brahma said to Narada–Alms, which a brahmin gets without making any demand for it, is called Vritta. ‘Unchhavritti’ is even better than Vritti and it means collecting foodgrain which are scattered in places like fields, granary, market-place etc. A brahmin should…

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13) AN IDEAL BRAHMIN AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GAYATRI MANTRA

Describing about the qualities of an ideal brahmin, Sage Pulastya said— Once, Narada had asked Lord Brahma as to who was worthy of receiving Vishnu’s blessings. Lord Brahma had told Narada that Lord Vishnu showered his blessings on those who engaged themselves in the service of brahmins. A brahmin should…

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12) MANIFESTATION OF GANESH AND KARTIKEYA

Once, before taking her bath, goddess Parvati anointed unguent on her body and while removing it created a human form from the accumulated dross. The head of this human form resembled an elephant. Parvati then playfully immersed the human-form into river Ganga. But, to her sheer amazement the human form…

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8) THE ORIGIN OF MARUDGANAS

Bhisma requested Sage Pulastya to describe how all the Marudganas came into existence. Pulastya replied— All the sons and grandsons of Diti had perished in the battle fought between the deities and demons. Diti—the mother of daityas (demons) wanted to take revenge, so she started doing a penance at the…

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4) THE FOUR PROMINENT CASTES

On being asked by Bhishma about the origin of the four prominent castes, Sage Pulastya said— Lord Brahma created the Brahmins and the Kshatriyas from his mouth and chest respectively. Similarly,   Vaishyas   and   Shudras   manifested   from   Lord   Brahma’s   thigh   and   feet respectively.Lord Brahma had created his ‘manasputras’ with the objective…

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ATRI – Son of Brahma, Atri rishi history, Atri Maha rishi

Brahma had six manasa-putras—sons created from his mind. Atri was one of them. The other five sons of Brahma are Marici, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, and Kratu. Another version of the manasaputras increased the number to seven, or the seven sages (sapta-rishis). Atri married Anasuya, and they had three sons, Soma…

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6) CHAPTER SIX DESCRIPTION OF SOMA VANSH AND TALE OF PURURAVA

The creator of the world, Brahma had a son named Atri. Chandrama was the son of Atri. Once Chandrama organised a Rajsuya Yagya and received great powers. Afterwards blinded by his powers, Chandrama kidnapped Tara, the wife of Brihaspati. Even his grandfather Brahma tried to  dissuade him  from  committing such…

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APALA – A daughter of the sage Atri

A story in the Rigveda says that Apala was abandoned by her husband when she came down with leprosy. She began living in the ashram of her father Atri and did austerities (tapas) to please Indra. One day when she was coming back from her daily rituals beside the river,…

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ANGIRAS, Angira Rishi – A Sage

    Angiras appeared in many roles, some contradictory. The Rigveda called him the first of the fire-gods. As such he was a mediator between gods and men. At times he appeared as a maharishi, a composer of many Rigvedic hymns to the gods. He was also a prajapati, or…

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ADITI -A devi (goddess), Mother of The Gods, Aditi devi story

    There are few interesting myths to tell about Aditi, but her status and roles change so remarkably that she illustrates the fluidity of Hindu myths. Her name literally means eternity (free, boundless, infinity), so philosophically she is a per­sonification of time. Aditi slowly evolved as the prototype of…

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Shri kshetra kukke subramanya temple

Shri kshetra kukke subramanya temple

India is a holu place where there are follow-ers of different religions. Still there is unity amongthem. Our Culture is rich one. One can very wellunderstand the attitude of Indians through thesereligions. Even foreigners are also amazed to lookat this fantastic culture. Karnataka is 8th largest state in the nation….

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FIVE SHIVA INCARNATIONS

1) SADHOJAT:-Lord Shiva took his first incarnation from the physique incarnation from the physique of Lord Brahma, who was engrossed in his deep state of meditation, during the nineteenth Kalpa named Shweta Lohit. Lord Brahma gave him the name Sadhojat and eulogized him. Later on, from the physique of Sadhojat…

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KILLING OF NIRHADDAITYA

Diti was filled with grief when she came to known about her son’s (Hiranyaksha) death, who was killed by lord Vishnu. Nirhaddaitya, who was the maternal uncle of Prahlada consoled her an promised to avenge the death of Hiranyaksha. He thought to destroy the vedic religion. According to him the…

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PADMA AND PIPPALAD

On the request of Himalayas, Sage Vashishtha who was one of the Saptarishis narrated the story of Padma the princess and sage Pippalad- “At the time of his marriage sage Pippalad was old and weak, but still Padma devotely performed the duties of a faithful wife. To test her faithfulness…

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SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR – SHRI MAHABALESHWIR BHAJAN

SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR - SHRI MAHABALESHWIR BHAJAN

Jaya Shiv Omkara Swami Bhaja Shiva Omkara Brahma Vishnu Sadashiva Ardhangi Goura Hari om Hara Hara Kara Mahadev || Ekanana Chaturanana Panchanana Raje Shiva Panchanana Raje Hamsasana Garudasana Vrishavahana Saje Hari om Hara Hara Hara Mahadev || Dobhuj Charu Chaturbhuj Dashabhuj Tuma Shobhe Shiva Dashabhuj Tuma Shobhe Teeno Lokanirakata Shivajit…

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SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR – JOY & BEAUTY OF GOKARN

SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR - JOY & BEAUTY OF GOKARN

Now a few words about the historic antiq­uity of Gokarn. As already refered to and quoted about, there are free and frequent mention of Gokarn Kshetra in the major epics and Puranas such as Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata, Skanda Purana and many other theological scriptures. Kalidasa mentions the Lord of Gokarn…

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SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR – THINGS IN GENERAL

SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR - THINGS IN GENERAL

It goes without saying that Gokama being one of the three recognised famous Kshetras Gokarn, Ramasetu and Kashi, (Banaras) and also one among the ten well-known Bhaskar Kshetras, has come to be considered by Hindus as a famous place of Pilgrimage References to this Kshetra given in differ­ent old Puranas…

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SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR – GOGMBHA

SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR - GOGMBHA

Parashurama after destroying all the Kshatriyas gave the earth as gift to Kashyapa. Then confusion arose due to anarchy and evil prevailed Bhoodevi (then earth) being unable to bear the burden of sin went to Gokarn to performance. She began to meditate devoutly upon Ishwara in an Ashrama on Shatashringa…

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SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR – SHRI MAHAGANAPATI

SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR - SHRI MAHAGANAPATI

Rudra learnt from Vayu that his Pranalinga was founded in Gokama. He came there, and marked that the Pranalinga had received a wound from Ravana’s nails. He repeated however that this was due to his mis­take of having given over the Pranalinga to Ravana. He bond to the Linga with…

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SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR – SHRIMAHABALESHWAR

SHRI KSHETRA GOKARNA MAHABALESHWAR - SHRIMAHABALESHWAR

Ravana the king of Lanka, heard the immense power and great ness of this Paneling and wishing to possess it set out for Kailasa. he was performing there severe penance with prayers in Samagana, Narada, who had been to Kailasa from Gokarn, while taking Ishwaras, leave saw Ravana there, and learnt his intention. He at once came to…

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2) CHAPTER TWO DESCRIPTION OF IKSHVAKU’S LINEAGE

Ikshvaku was born from the nostril of Manu as a result of sudden sneezing. Ikshvaku had hundred  sons  among  whom  Vikukshi,  Nimi  and  Danda  were  prominent.  Once  Ikshvaku organised a Shradha. For the purpose of feeding Brahmins, he ordered his son Vikukshi to bring fresh meat of wild animals. Taking…

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GUNANIDHI – THE BRAHMINS’ SON

Narada asked lord Brahma, when did lord Shiva make Kailash as his abode and what was the reason of friendship between Shivaji and Kubera. Brahma narrated the following story- – There used to live a brahmin by the name Yagyadutt in Kampilyanagar, who was proficient in the performance of Somyagya….

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THE EMERGENCE OF RUDRAVATAR AND CREATION

Brahma said to Narada- “When I accomplished my penance, Lord Shiva manifested in his incarnation of Rudra from in between the eyebrows. Half of his body resembled like that of a woman (Ardhanarishwar). I requested him help me in my creational activities. Rudra created his hosts (Rudragana) who resembled like…

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3) CHAPTER THREE MANDHATA, TRISHANKU, AND SAGAR

Once upon a time Gandharvas of collective name Mauneya defeated the Nagas and snatched all their wealth and powers. The Nagas prayed Lord Vishnu to rescue them. Lord Vishnu told them that he would appear in Mandhata’s son Purukutsa and kill the Gandharvas. Afterwards Narmada brought Purukutsa to Rasatal where…

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64) INSTALLATION OF SHIVALINGA

Describing about the methods of installing a Shivalinga Suta says– A devotee should install a Shivalinga made of either gold, silver or copper. The shivalinga should be installed along with the altar. The altar of the Shivalinga symbolizes goddess Uma. Lord Brahma is said to manifest at the base of…

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29) PART THREE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF FOUR ERAS

Shilad requested Indra to shed light on the special characteristics of each of the four eras. Indra replied—Lord Brahma created the four eras (yugas)–Satya, Treta, Dwapar and Kali. These eras keep on occuring in a cyclic order where the former is followed by the latter. Satva guna (Pure) prevails during…

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21) INCARNATIONS OF SHIVA DURING VARIOUS DWAPAR YUGAS

On being enquired by Lord Brahma about his various incarnations, Lord Shiva said — “I shall incarnate as Shwet-Mahamuni during first Dwapar Yuga of Vaivaswat manvantar. My abode shell is at Chhogal peak of Himalaya mountain. I shall have four disciples who will be proficient in the Vedas.” “I will…

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20) DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENT KALPAS

Lord Shiva revealed to Brahma that the Shwet-kalpa derived its name from his complexion. “I took incarnation attired in white apparels. My complexion was fair. You being self-begotten were able to recognize me. Goddess Gayatri had also manifested from my body and later on became famous as ‘Shwet-Lohit-Brahm’.” “The next…

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19) LORD BRAHMA BECOMES THE CREATOR

At last, Lord Vishnu was successful in convincing Brahma of Shiva’s supreme status. Both of them eulogized and sang hymns in the praise of Lord Shiva.Lord Shiva became very pleased by their devotion. He requested Lord Vishnu wanted nothing else but undiluted devotion in him. Lord Shiva agreed and said…

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13) LORD TAT PURUSHA

The thirty-first kalpa was known as Peet Kalpa. The term ‘Peet’ means yellow and this Kalpa was named Peet because Lord Brahma had put on yellow apparels during this Kalpa. Once, while he was meditating on the form of Lord Shiva, a divine child manifested before him. The child had…

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4) THE ORIGIN OF CREATION

In the initial phase of his creation, Lord Brahma created immovable natural things like trees, mountains etc-then birds and animals. In the process of creation, he created various things and human being was his seventh creation.   First of all Lord Brahma created his Manasputras- Sanak, Sanandan etc, who had…

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9) CHAPTER NINE DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENT ASHRAMAS

Since birth till death, human life passes through different stages. For the purpose of simplicity in following these stages, our sages have made provisions for four stages or ashramas in life namely Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanprastha and Sanyas. Upanayana Sanskara (thread ceremony) marks the beginning of education for the children born…

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8) CHAPTER EIGHT DUTIES OF FOUR CLASSES OF SOCIETY

Maitreya says – “Lord! How should one worship Lord Vishnu? Kindly describe it to me. Parashar says- King Sagar had asked the same thing from sage Aurv. I am narrating what sage Aurv had preached him. Only those who fulfil their responsibilities and discharge their duties as per their class can…

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1) PART THREE CHAPTER ONE DESCRIPTION OF MANVANTARAS

Maitreya says- “O Gurudev! Now I wish to hear the description of all the Manvantaras and the Manus who ruled those Manvantaras.” Parashar says- “First Manu was self-begotten. After him five more Manus occurred namely Swarochish, Uttam, Tamas, Raivat and Chakshush. All these Manus had occurred during the previous ages. The…

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THE EMERGENCE OF RUDRAVATAR AND CREATION

THE EMERGENCE OF RUDRAVATAR  AND CREATION Brahma said to Narada- “When I accomplished my penance, Lord Shiva manifested in his incarnation of Rudra from in between the eyebrows. Half of his body resembled like that of a  woman (Ardhanarishwar). I requested him help me in my creational activities.  Rudra created…

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30) Rituals

The sacred thread (upavita) ceremony is very important and must always be performed at eight year of age. Brahma had created the cotton tree so that sacred threads might be made out of cotton. But on occasions it is permissible to make sacred threads out of grass.   A guru…

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28) Shiva’s Incarnations

Most Puranas only mention Vishnu’s incarnations (avataras). The Kurma Purana is one of the great ones which mentions Shiva’s incarnations. In each Kali Yuga, Shiva has had an incarnation. The names of these incarnations are as follows. (1) Shveta. (2) Sutara. (3) Madana. (4) Suhotra. (5) Kankana. (6) Lokakshi.                          (7)…

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