Sivanandalahari

 Sivanandalahari

Pravachanam By Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma Garu

·         Adi Shankara has written Sivananadalahari at Sri Sailam. He has exhibited his devotion and poetic skills in a simple, sweet and heart-touching manner. It has 100 slokas. He addresses this slokas directly to Siva and attributes to himself as the devotee. He did Tapassu (Penance) at Hatakeswaram (Paladhara/Panchadhara). Sri Sailam age is same as Srishti. Nandi did Tapassu and became vahana (Vehicle) to Siva. His younger brother Parvathudu (Silada Puthrudu) did Tapassu and sought to bear Siva. He himself is Sri Sailam mountain. This is equivalent to Himalayas in the powers. This is like sahasraaram. Every sila here is Siva Lingam. He has written Yoga Taravali also here only on Yoga and Yoga Samadhi.

·         Sivanandalahari is Siva prema, Sudha prema. Siva – Ananda – Lahari. This is not just only slokams, but Sastram (science), as, if we study get so much knowledge. Thus, Sudha Bhakthi is Gnaana Bhakthi and vice versa. Hence Bhaktha (Devotee) is Gnaani (Intellectual) and Gnaani is Bhaktha.

·         This is like poetry (Kaavyam). It gives Jada (Physical) anandam Siva anandam – i.e., Athmanandam i.e., swatmananda lavi bhutha…. i.e., Nistrigunya Anandam. Anandam is Ayya (Siva) and Soundaryam is Amma (Parvati). Both Siva and Sakthi are prayed together here.

·         In each sloka Siva and Sakthi will be there. That means Siva will be shown and Sakthi will be referred.

·         3 Slokas are very important to chant daily, understand them and practice 1,20, 81.

·         Slokas 29, 35 are also daily slokas.

·         In addition to these two other slokas 28 and 61 are also important ones.

Sivanandalahari in Telugu

Sivanandalahari in English

Sloka 1: This is called as Bija slokam. Introductory slokam to the entire stotram.

·         Sanskrit is Yoga, Mantra, Divya, Sastra, Deva Bhasha. Sanskrit is only language which has Eka (One), Dwi (Two) and Bahu (Many) vachana. Reason is Deva. Paramathma is (Eka), with Samkalpa Sakthi becomes (Dwi), then created Anekam (Bahu). Siva (Eka) with Sakthi (Dwi) i.e., Ardhanareeswaram Hence in Srisailam Amma is called Ardhanareeswari (Siva is not called as Ardhanareeswarudu). Here Vahana also Tiger (Amma’s vehicle) – lokams (Bahu).  It is equal for Jyotir Lingam and Sakthi peetham. Sivaa + Sivaha i.e., Amma+Ayya. They have Rupa, Nama, Tatva, Adhishtana saamyam. Hence Sivaabhyam Namaha (Panchakshari).

·         Kalabhyam – 1) Vidya swarupas. Vidya vedyudu. Gamyam (Vidya) – End. 2) Kalalu – Surya (12), Agni (10), Chandra (16) - Drishti, Vaak, Manassu respectively.

·         Chooda means on top.

·         Kalabhyam – Here means Turiyam, means always/Permanent. Also called as – Dhruva (never changes), Sada, Amrutha (Anandam). Hence wears Chandrakala called as Chandrasekhara. Srishti, Sthithi are being done by Parvati and supported by Siva, Laya, Tirodanam being done by Siva and supported by Parvati,  Anugraham being exhibited equally both by Amma (Parvati) and Ayya Varu (Siva).  It is not that Amma only did Tapassu for Siva - Siva also did Tapassu for Her. When Parvati sacrificed herself in Dakshayagnam He did Tapasu in Kamakshya in Dakshinamurthy position (as Vama portion left Him) till Himavath blessed with Ammavaru. Then He shifted his Tapassu to that mountain. But none knows for whom He did. Infact He did for Parvati only. Hence Parvati also did for Him Tapassu.

·         Asthoka -Thribhuvana – Samastha-Trilokas are bear by Siva.

·         Hrudi Punar Bhavabhyam – In Hrudayam repeatedly getting recollected. The Anandam which always longing eternally is Sivanandam.

·         Spurath – This leads to Chith Sacchidanandam = Sivanandam. It has no Desa (place), Kala (time), Vasthu (object) apeksha (constraints) for this anandam.

·         This gives Brahma Vidya i.e., Parvati is Vidya and Brahmam is Siva.

Sloka 2: Sivananda Lahari came like Pravaham (Current) from lake (Siva Charitra – Leela, Guna, Tatvam) and settled in Hrudaya like madugu (pond). It came through canal cleaning tapam (mud). To get rid of Samsara tapam get hold of Sivananda Lahari.

Sloka 3: You are Proposed by Tri Vedas, exist in my hrudyam, who has Killed Tripurasura, exists even before Srishti, called as Adi, having Tri Netras – seeing through Body, Manassu, Vaak (Surya, Agni, Chandra).

·         You have moving ornaments of snakes, handling deer (Mano nighraham – Controlling Manassu). You are Deva for Devathas (God of Gods).

·         You are Strength in us (like ghee in milk, water in Earth) –i.e., Devam. Pasu Pathi –we are like pasus (animals), who are tied by agnaanam, thread i.e., avidya i.e., who does not know that Paramathma is in side only. One who is limited by time is Pasu.

·         Chid-Alambam – Chid is Alambam on Siva. Saambam is Amma Naamam. Vidambam means booming.

Sloka 4: Always I bow down and pray to Siva who is close to Brahma and Vishnu, why should I bother about other Gods, who may give gifts readily when Siva is Mahadeva.

Sloka 5: I do not know sastras, medicine, sakuna (good sign), poetry, music, epics, praising capability, dramatical, acting, comedy, talkative skills. No king will show mercy on me – but you only can protect. Praditha Krupaya – You are famous in showing mercy. Sradha (Focus), Tapassu (Penance), Sadhana (Practice) important for achieving Paramathma.

Sloka 6: Matti and Kunda (Mud and Pot) just will not attain moksham (liberation). Pandityam and Tarkam – Knowledge and logic (will not attain Bhaghawan. Tarkam along with eeswara tatwam is fine.

Sloka 7: I shall keep Manassu in your feet, chant your stotras, use hands in doing pujas, use ears in listening to your stories, Keep Budhi in Dhyana, use eyes in seeing You in Linga, Kshetras. Daily like this If we do Siva Darshanam in Morning it provides – Heaven, if we after noon it leads to - Yagna Phalam, if we do Evening it rewards– Moksham.  Budhi, Manassu are actually same – but as per Kriya (action) what they do they are different. Samkalpa/Nischaya (Resolution) time it is Budhi and Vikapla (Optional) time it is Manasuu. First control Indriyas and then Manassu. Focussing Indriyas, Manassu on Paramathma is Budhi.

Sloka 8: Pray Sanathana (Traditional) Gods of our Dharma and do not prey for other dharmas

Sloka 9: There is no point in going to mountains, lakes in search of padmas (lotuses), leaves rather than dedicating own Chethah Sarasijam Hrudaya Padma to Siva. 1) Padmam expands, similarly Hrudayam should expand with Gnanam, 2) Padmam will have Sugandham (fragrance), similarly Hrudayam also should have sugandham with Sugunas. 3) It should have Softness. 4) Sweetness like Honey to Bhaghavan. Maturity of Bahya bhakthi (External Devotion) leads to Bhavya Bhakthi (Magnificent Devotion).

Till these slokas Bhakthi Lakshanas (Devotional Characteristics) explained. Now Onwards who are eligible, who can get such devotion being explained.

Sloka 10:  Be it Human, Deva, roaming in mountains, forests, wild animal, mosquito, domestic animal, insect, bird – make me having Hrudayam always dedicated to you.

Sloka 11: Be Bachelor, Married, Sanyasi, who lives in caves or any form. Keep Hrudayam in Siva. Siva Yogam is serving Siva Devotees. To get what is not there is Yogam, to retain what is existing is Kshemam

Sloka 12: One can be in cave, house, on crest of mountain, forest, water, fire – as long as he is having antha karana (conscience) in Siva Pada padmam – He is great Yogi.

·         Thus Sloka 10,11,12 Indicate that Deha (Body), Ashrama (which life stage), Sthala (Place) does not matter for Siva Devotion. Sloka 13 to 17 indicate that Dhynyatha is important for Siva Devotees.

Sloka 13: Siva likes Dhynyas (Ahamkara rahityam i.e., without arrogance) – hates Abhmanis (Ahamkaris – Arrogant ones). Samsaram will be Nissaram (infertile) – when no Siva Bhajanas are there. It is like blind man moving across. Saving me is the suitable deed for you, with mercy. Who else will you get more eligible than me?

Sloka 14: You are parama Bandhu, I am great in Dheenas (merciful ones), and you are great in Prabhus (King of Kings). Hence our Bhandha is great. It’s your dharmam and duty to forgive me. (This is request and not demand). If you decide that you will protect mangalas (pure ones) only, then none will be there for you to protect.

Sloka 16: Even Brahma’s ayuvu (life) is in your hand. Hence, He should be safe if he has written dynyam on my lalatam (fate). As you are there to protect me. But if these two bad qualities written on my fate – erase those 1) Duraasa (Adharma desires) greedy - 2) Hating Siva. Dynyam should be only before Siva not before other normal beings. Real devotee wants difficulties which makes him to pray the God always rather the happiness which may make him to forget Him.

Sloka 17: Even if I come to Kailasam – there will be a big queue, so many will be waiting at your feet, including many devathas. Even if you are prasanna (kind enough) will those devathas allow me to come in.  

Manassu being explained like thief, monkey, Pavithra i.e., Mangala (pure) and amangala (impure) at different places as it is chamchalam (fickle). Now Mano varnana starts. Here surrendering of manassu happens so that Siva takes care of it.

Sloka 18: You alone grant great blessings and holy status, to the common people of the world, but carrying the holy position, your grace and my desire is immeasurable

Sloka 19: I am caught in the whirlpool of life, filled with desires that are evil, taking one to the door of evil masters, that which is store house of sins, and that which always leads to sorrow. You are giving solace from my mire of sorrow.

Sloka 20: Monkey always roams in moha (fascination) forest. I, being attracted by Kamam (lust), roaming in mountains. Roaming on aasa (desire) branches. Ichchanusara (as per desire), Ishtanusara (as per liking) without any manners.You please control my hrudaya monkey with devotion with stern tie. You are Kapala Bikshu.

Sloka 21: We first should have stability like Stambham (pillar), threads like Dhrudha (strength), Gunas, movable, manassu having lotuses (aiswaryam with gnaanam), Dharma - then Gnaana will be blessed with Satvika quality only which is padma guna. Yoga sadhana also should be there (as Padma leads to sahasraaram). It should be in good path always. It should be clear, Nirmala, Patuthwam. Samastha Siva Gana should stay here along with Amma.

Sloka 22: You are leader of thieves. It is Manassu which is doing all sins. If there is no Manassu then I am innocent. If you steal it like a thief, then I will be purified. That means Indriyas – Manassu – Budhi – Paramathma – is the order of Greatness.

Sloka 23:  I Perform your worship, if you appear and grant all pleasures to me or the position of creator, Or the position of Lord Vishnu instead, Then I would have to become a bird and fly in the sky, Or Become an animal and dig deep in the earth, to see you again my Lord. How can I bear this sorrow of not seeing you?

Sloka 24: He is seating in Kailasam in Kanakamani soudham along with Parvati, Ganesha, Kumara with all four vehicles. We chant your namam, spending times of Brahma kalpas like seconds. You are Lokatheetha, Gunatheetham, Sarvatheetham. Provider of Moksham.

Sloka 25: Brahma etc, Maharshis are doing jaya Jaya chanting, Ganas dancing. You are seating on Vrushabham (Bull). One hand axe and another hand animal.

Sloka 26: Have to hold your feet, keep my head, press at my heart, touch to my eyes. The good smell of your feet to me – none will get that opportunity. The status is sahasraaram. It should be entire life or till you get that moksham (if there are successive births). The happiness will be available in Hrudayam.

Sloka 27: If I want to give you gold – you yourself held Meru as bow, if wanted to give money – you gave Kubera the post in Alakapuri, If I wanted to give anything that is desired by – you have Kalpa Vrukha (Swarbhuja) and Kama dhenuvu. (Amara Surabhi). Even if I wanted to give moon, you have already moon in your head, all subhas you have. But one thing you do not have i.e., my manassu – please take it.

Sloka 28: Moksham 1) Sarupyam – Attain Same form, to whom you do puja like Vishnu or Siva 2) Salokyam – Being in that Lokam 3) Sameepyam - Nearer to God 4) Sayujyam (Only Advaitham tells) – Aikyam – Sivoham. You can get all these four in this earth itself.  1) During Puja Sarupyam. When you do Rudram, Maha Nyasam, one becomes Rudra – thus it is sarupyam (Puja). 2) Devotee is chanting Siva nama in loud voice that means He is sameepyam (keerthana). 3) Devotion should be with good people sangathyam (Association). Always be there with sajjans (good people) and then it will be salokyam. (Siva Devotee) 4) I am doing dhyanam of Siva who has no beginning and end, if that is the case then one who does Dhyanam is in Siva only i.e., Sayjuyam only. (Siva Dhyanam).

Sloka 29: You give which is sukham to me. Should seek saranagathi (surrender) to seek this. I am doing archana to Pada Padmas Trikaranas (Chintana, Vaak, Manassu) on him only. Praying orally – keeping Manassu on Siva and Chinthana on Him only. Guru can provide blessing through Sight, Touch and smarana.  Please provide me the sight to me. Siva sees through three types Agni (burns agnaanam and sins), Sun (provides gnaanam) and moon (peace and coolness). You are loka Guru.

Sloka 30: Sun is giving cloths with 1000 hands (rays), Vishnu only can-do Flowers prayer, Vayu only can provide Gandha smell, Agni only can provide prasadams as he only can cook, Brahma only can provide patra (Vessel) as he provided his Kapalam as patra, Alamkaram (decoration) like Moon – If I have these, I can also serve you.

·         Rupa, Varnam, Namam, Leela Vaibhavams should be in stotrams. Leela will have all listed before + Gunam, Tatvam, Mahima.

Sloka 31: You did paropakaram (help). When Gods running away and afraid of Halahalam (Poisonous Ball), you looked after it, it got afraid of you, it became smaller, you made it neredu (Apricot) fruit, kept in your neck. You neither omitted, nor swallowed. The real Rakshaka (Protector) or Prabuvu (Supreme King) will be one who does not suffer and protects and shelters others.

Sloka 32: Mahima (Greatness), Karunyam (Mercy), Mruthyunjayam (Amrutheswarudu) – Winner of Death – visible from Siva. Since you ate Halahalam – your neck has become blue. Hence, we salute to Siva who has white neck (which was before), blue neck (after eating Halahalm). Whether it looked like fruit to you? The spot for you – is shining like mani (Diamond)

Sloka 33: Even if we do Seva (Service), Namaskara, Stotra, Puja, Smarana, listen Siva story, see –it is sufficient. Why to waste imbalance things and pray temporary Gods such as Indra, Brahma etc., This sloka is Karunya

Sloka 34: There is no difference between Brahma Gnaanam and Brahmam. None has dhyryam (Courage), sahasam (adventure), Athma stithi (knowing himself i.e., Aham Brahma) like you. No need to cry for those things which are decaying, no worry to cry for those which will not decay. Even during pralaya kalam – you will be there.

Sloka 35: You may ask what I know about you, yes, I know very little. But that is sufficient. You take care of our wellbeing, Yoga (fate), Kshema (welfare), Dhuranadharathvam (responsibility). 1) You take care of Yogam and Kshemam – i.e., paramathma. 2) Your duty is to provide Sreyassu (Permanent benefit) – moksham. (Preyassu – is temporary benefit – samsara sukham). Do the duty which is visible, forget the invisible of phalam i.e., result. 3) You are Dhrushta, Adhrushta guide. 4) The moment we think You takes care of us as You are outside, inside and everywhere. You always run and in chaitanyam (active). 5) Sarvagna. You know everything. 6) Daya nidhi. You are Daya swarupam. If such is our friend (best internal one) – what else we can get as a reward or punya and always remember this in our inner mind. Do not try to investigate to realize Him. Try to get his anugraham (Grace), so that you will get his daya (Kindness). Next focus on devotion.

·         Sloka 36 onwards which is basis for Dhyana, Yoga, yaga, gnaana. Punyahavachanam is needed for any ritual before any function. Take kalasam, tie with thread, put coconut on it. Can put three or one. (Kalasam, Jalam, Pallaval, Phalam, Mantram needed)

Sloka 36: Manassu is poorna kalasam. Anandamrutham (the thought of Siva) is Jalam. Siva’s pada Padmam are Pallavas. Samvith (Bhavagnaanam i.e., Siva Gnaanam) is phalam. Satvam is mantram (Devika mantras, Satvika also meaning prana sakthi, strength – i.e., anthahkarana sudhi) – If Siva Panchakshari mantram is done with Gurupadesam, then it is called sidda mantram. Then body becomes sudhi. You will get all mangalams. Bhakthi Anganas – Sthuthi (Stotram), Nathi (Namaskram), Dhyanam, Puja, Katha Sravanam, Samkeerthanam – These 6 are needed together.

Sloka 37: During ksheera sagara mathanam (milk ocean churning) they got Somam (Chandra), Kalpa Tharuvu, Kamadehnuvu, Chintamani, Amrutham, Lakshmi. Read and understand saastrams. Veda saaram is Puranas, Kavyas, Ithihasams, Upanishads. We need to be sumanassus to do that Sasttra adhyanam i.e., positive thought is necessary. Make Devotion as tight thread and churn, then you will get all products. All the products swarupa is Eeswara. We got Sa+Uma. Vedam, Upansishads is milk. Sachidanandam, Ramanandam.

Sloka 38: Pushkar = Aaksam. 1) If Siva rises in Hrudayam then Anandam swells – this is like when full moon rises the ocean swells. If old punyas available in plenty then only Siva rises. 2) From Chandra - Devathas take amrutham in Sukla paksha and pithrus in Krishna paksha. Poornima Chandra is Mangala same as Siva. 3) Soma is Rasa swarupa. Same as Siva like Sa+Uma. 4) Chandra is in Nakshatra gana Madhya. Gana sevetha is Siva. 5) Lady in Chandra is Sasanka. Siva Carries Lady i.e., Ganges. There will be no Tamo guna if Siva is there.

Sloka 39: Rajasekhara (Chandrasekhara). Head of Dikpalakas. Visweswara, Jagadiswara, Maheswara. Dharma will run in four padas, if Siva is in Hrudayam as King. He is nothing but Basavanna. Hence do abhishekam for him on Trayaodasi pradosham and on Tuesdays as well. Dharmam will be in good shape. Follow 1) Satyam (Truth), 2) Ahimsa (Non-Violence), 3) No illegal earnings, 4) Suchi (Pavitra Cleanliness Internal/external) – along with these four abide by 1) Daanam (Donations) and 2) Dharmas should be there. For such devotees Kama Krodha Madam (Lust Anger pride)– Vikaras go away. Timely seasons provides sukha (Happy). Gnaana (Knowledge) fields abundantly available. He is Moksha provider (Kaivalya natha) – the only Prabhuvu. He is king for Manasika Pundarika Nagaram (Hrudayam). That is Siva pattabhishekam (incarnation). Pundarika nagaram is Chidambaram, hence He is Nataraja.

Sloka 40: Budhi is used like yantram (machine), Vaak (Chanting) is Pot, Padyam is Canal, Water from Siva Charitra lake is taken out with the help of Budhi, carried through poems and poured into the Hrudayam fields through chanting for cultivating devotion rice – then where will be draught? Yagnam = Bhagavath Aradhana.

Sloka 41: You please order my indriyas to behave properly and to be under control so that I can focus, so that I can get results. Ensure that I do not lose my voice (all my Indriyas should be in place). Because of Yagnams ensure that capacity to do Yagnams is there. Tan, Man, Dhan (Body, Heart, Money)– all three should be dedicated to Paramathma.

Sloka 42: Kandakam (Gambiryam) Trench (Seriousness), Prakaram (Dhyryam) Rampart (Courage), Chaturanga Army (Sadgunas) i.e., Dyvi Gunas, Rising/Fresh Gunas), Ministers, Having Food/Water/Essentials Storage – This is called Durgam (Fortress). Did you make your manassu to make as a Durgam to be protected from Kama, Krodha, Moha (Lust, Anger, Passion) … to protect Siva the King? Siva does not have any problem – but we need Him to be here. Since Siva likes Durga(m).  There cannot be devotion and fear together. For Manassu Kota – Indriyas are doors. Because Indriyas should be used like doors, need to be opened and closed whenever needed. These should be Ghana i.e., with great strength. These Indriyas should be used for sadbhoghas (Positive pleasures), sadkarmas (Positive actions). Vasthu samrudhi (Property) – Vidya/Gnaanam (Knowledge). Durgathi Priya is Mallikarjuna, Durge here is Bhramarambika – thus combination of couple.

Sloka 43: My manassu is forest (Gnaanam could not enter into this, like sun could not enter). Because you are adi kirataka (First Tribal), animals like Kama, krodha, moha (Lust, Anger, Passion) etc which are roaming, You will enjoy hunting of those animals. You can not say you do not know how-to live-in forest as your name itself is Girisa.

Sloka 44: I do not have fear as in my hrudaya cave lion is there. No small, kshudra (cruel) animals can enter. Panchamukha = Lion / Siva. This lion (Siva) has held Deer, killed elephant (Gajanana), tiger (Vyagrasarudu).

Sloka 45: Sankara pada padmam is like nest. Stop roaming for useless things and reach there. He is in Veda tree. It has four branches. The nest is at the edges of branches (i.e., uoanishads). This tells about paramathma (Siva tatvam, Susukthi – Samadhi = Paramthma tatvam). There are many birds (dwijas) already there in the nest. That place provides sukham and removes dukham.

Sloka 46: Your white feet and kemp (red) nails are glowing like with lightening bunglow. The devotees are roaming near your feet with dhyanam, seva, puja, freely. You also be there secretly in that Ananda place.

·         Next two slokas are on Siva Dhyanam. Keeping focus on Manassu and Budhi. 47 and 48.

Sloka 47: Here Sambhu Dhyanam is being compared with Vasantha season. For Siva yogam five is needed. 1) First Siva gnanan, 2) with that devotion will be generated,3) then do Dhyanam, 4) then do archana, 5) then do Siva vratham. Then that person will be called as Siva yogi. Once Vasantham comes the garden starts with new trees. Similarly, with dhyanam –sins will go away like old leaves, devotion will come as new plants, punyas will come as pagada (Coral) like chigurus (tender leaf), sadguna buds come, japa pushpams bloom, sat samskaras smells like fragrances. Gnaanam and Anandam – Brahma gnaanam is the final achievement. One should not have duraasa (bad desires) i.e., (Adharma desires) and dislike for Bhagava dhyanam. Please get remove these two if Brahma is not written these two, you can do as you removed the fifth head of Brahma

Sloka 48: For rishis and devathas Siva dhyanam is ashrayam. Like good birds will be there in good lake, dwijas will be there in Siva dhyanam, here one gets pure samskaras, the manassu swan is going for kshudra matters leaving the great paramathma..

Sloka 49:  Bhakthi kalpa latha. Siva pada is basis. Anandamrutham is watering. The wood support is dhyryam (Courage) and sthiram (Stability). Devotion will be having Branches and sub-branches. Devotion/Pujas can be through flowers/nyvedyam-offerings/prayers. Trikaranas - Manassu, Vaak, Kriya should be in higher place (elevation) like paandiri (pandal). All the three should be at same level ruju margam (straight line). Then only Siva paramathma will be visible. But the plant to be alive – sat karmas should be practiced daily like watering.

·         From sloka 50 onwards Nata Raja darshana during Pradorshana time of Mallikarjuna (Jasmine wound around Marri tree) being explained.

Sloka 50: Nirmalam, Sudham, Saantham, subham = Sivam. Clean, Neatness, Peaceful, Auspicious. Pradoshana time vikasana (Evolution). Vijrumbhana (Boom) takes place. Jasmines can be wear on Ears, head. Siva is Vedam and vedantham. Bhramaram(ambica) will come around Jasmine (Mallikarjuna) repeatedly. Snakes will automatically be attracted towards Jasmine/Mallikarjuna. Bhogindras (Good people) will enjoy these.   Guna (Daram, Thread) – is dependant for Jasmine garland – similarly for Siva Avishkarana Gunas needed. Such Siva I am praising who is Sri Giri Mallikarjuna who is hugged by Bramarambikam (Paanapattam). Siva sakthi is first binduvu, which is Samkalpam. Ichha Gnaana, Kriya Shakthis – these three Bindus form Triangle i.e., Paana pattam – Amma. Centre of triangle – Lingam – Siva.  Lingam – is making to known and taking nearer to Siva. Jagam (world) is in and which is in Jagam is Siva chaitanyam. Vrudha Mallikarjuna also Jyotir lingam (Banyan tree).

Sloka 51: As per the interest of lady bee the male bee is dancing. Bee drinks the honey coming from the ears of elephants. They are dancing in Vasanth (Madhava) season. The bees which are used as bows are roaming in garden. Having great wings. Brunghi invites Siva for dance as Gajasura mada is smashed. Siva likes Madhava. Likes nadam.  Great white. Manmadha tried to attract Siva, who is roaming in good people. He is being prayed as Deva Devathas and wanted the bee in Sri Sailam.

Sloka 52: Neela Kandhram – Black cloud (One which carries water), Black neck – Neela Kantha (peacock similarity in dancing in male birds). Cloud rains to some extent – but siva eternally. Cloud removes summer heat ness. Siva removes difficulties heat ness from our hrudayam. Devathas wait for Siva for gnaana crops. Sumanassus (Farmers) wait for rains. Clouds and Siva can take iccha (likeneing) shapes. Like pea cocks dance when clouds come, devotees dance before Siva. Clouds circumfer over mountains. Siva is on mountains like Adri / Sri sailam. Clouds have thunders, Siva has jata jootam (Tresses). I am waiting for like chathaka bird (Pied Crested Cuckoo) for Your mercy.

Sloka 53: Sikhi is top of head of peacock. Beyond / Top of Aaksam is – Vyoma kesam. Snakes can not do anything to peacock. All snakes Vasuki, Anantha etc surround Siva. Peacock (Keki) sound is keka. Sa from saptha swara came from here only. Siva sound is pranavam (Om karam). Peacock dances seeing clouds in gardens, seeing shining syama (saila putri), Siva dances in Vedantha gardens.

Sloka 54: In the evening (Sandhya) – the time in between Day to night. Sandhya – Greeshmam to Rain as well. Peacock dances seeing thunders of clouds (Gharjana), Siva dances listening Vishnu’s mrudangam. As Siva is dancing Devatha’s looks are like mreupus (sparkles) which are unstable to observe His position. The rain is equal to Anandasruvus (Happy tears). Lady peacock is Parvati. Leelas are pinchams (feathers). The eeswara tatwam is between two thoughts (Sandhya)

Sloka 55: You are the first, has great luster, known by the Vedas, the form of knowledge and happiness, meditated on by all Yogis, sung about by Devas, interested in vigorous dance, personification of good, are my prostrations.

Sloka 56: He is the provider of Sreyass (Moksham) for Katyayani (He was available Because of Parvati Tapassu).

Sloka 57: We are spending time for filling our stomach, money earning – leaving Siva. We should not leave Him. Do sadachara karmas. You are everywhere (because of my previous births punyas, this realization came for me, otherwise also you are always there everywhere). Hence it is your responsibility to protect me.

Sloka 58: Sarva – Sarvanthah, Sarvaha. He is One crore sun lightening (gnaana kanthi), one crore moon coolness. Previous births darkness (agnaanam) needs such light to be enlightened. You should remove my agnaanam and You should appear to me. If you long for Jeevan lokam it is Taapam, but if you long for Siva then it is Tapassu.

Sloka 59: I want your pada padmas like 1) Swans want lotus flooded lakes, 2) Chaataka birds want clouds, 3) Chakravakams (Ruddy Shelduck) birds want sunrays – they swallow amrutham (Surya paanam i.e., prana shakthi, can live without food), 4) Chakoras (The Greek Patridge) birds want only moon light. Similarly, Siva Devotees want Siva only. Chin marg i.e Gnaana margam (Upanishad way) only way to search Him. You can not say no profit, because you are only profit (kaivalya sukham i.e., Brahmanandam i.e., Moksham). Mano, Budhi, Chitham, Ahamkaram – these four should be longing like the above birds for Siva. Should have severe focus only on it. Bhagavan is asraya staanam.

Sloka 60:  Reach to Siva who removes all fears. Get rid of all small fears while getting over that big fear (Samsara/Sarvo pahara). 1) Like one who gets flooded away in water who prays to get to the bank (family difficulties of kadali/ocean). One who makes to cross the difficulties and also ensures no more re-birth. 2) Like the traveller who walks in hot sun (pain of difficulties - Taapam), gets the shadow of a big tree. 3) Like one who gets a shelter when walking in severe rain of difficulties (sudden ones). 4) Like a guest gets an affectionate host – I got You as Adi Gruhasthu/Host. I got gnaanam as hunger and You are providing that Gnaanam as Biksha. I surrendered like deenudu (mercy seeking person) to You, dharmika king. Like the darkness surrenders to lamp, like shivering winter surrendering to agni (fire). Shivering can be like fear. It not only removes Dukham, but also provides permanent sukham i.e., moksham.

Sloka 61: There are four levels of Bhakthi: 1) Ankolam (oodiga) tree’s seeds attach to tree itself -like that Bhakthi should be attached to Shiva. This is like Thunder equivalent of Gurupadesam and then devotee being instigated to attach to Siva with the gnaanam.  These seeds after falling, will go back and attach to tree when thunders come.2) Like iron attracts to magnet. Now in this stage devotee gets attracted to Siva like as if not bothered surroundings. Sahaja Bhakthi. 3) Like Sadhvi nyjam. mentally also thinks. In this stage devotee – only gets attached to Him, does not think of anyone else.  4) Like latha attaches to tree. Here there is no way of separation. In this 4^th stage – devotee aligns to Him. 5) Like river merges in ocean – The final stage is Sivoham. The stages for it are Dhythwam, Visishta adhythwam and finally adhythwam.

Sloka 62: Amma did bath with Ananda asruvus and wore Nirmala (pulakintha - thrilling) shirt. She is pouring milk from Gokarna (Siva charitra and Siva leela) – like Bhaktha Janani to Devotee with little words (that means in so much vast Siva tatvam we are listening very small portion only). Not to get dishti (evil eye) kid wears Bhasma Rudrkshas. The symbolic representations are as: Mani (Rudraksha), Mantram (Panchakshari), Aushadham (Bhasmam). Finally, Bhaktha Janani makes him to sleep on Siva Bhavana.

·         Devotion makes contaminated/drank water also Ganga jal, chappal also fit to clean Siva Linga, Kirathaka Boya (Cruel Tribal) also a worship able devotee. Bhatkthi should be Thinna (straight) and appaginchu (dedicated).

Sloka 63: The way faring sandals become the kusa crown of Pasupathi, the gargled mouthful of water become the holy water of bath, the just tasted pieces of the remaining meat, become the holy offering to the Lord, and wonder of wonders, the hunter who lives in the forest becomes the king of devotees.

What is there in this world that devotion to the Lord cannot do?

Sloka 64: Rather thinking what Bhghawan has given to us, what we have given to Him in the form of devotion is important. It is called Arpana Bhakthi. They are all liked by Bhaghavan. Sudha Bhakthi i.e., Para, Eka, Ananya Bhakthi. Gowda Bhakthi – those who have Bhakthi, do puja normal.  But Mukhya Bhakthi – is those who pray without any ambitions, only pray for Siva’s wellbeing – avyaja prema (simple prema). You came running to save the devotee, hit with your smooth leg against Hard hearted Yama (Markandeya story), also similarly to kill a demon apasmaarudu. Your own and in-law houses are as well in mountains, so your feet get affected. If you sit on the throne, the devathas come bow to you with the hard diamond studded crowns, again causing pain to your smooth feet. Hence, I am giving chappals (Paduka), made of my manasssu which is very soft.

Sloka 65: Seeing Siva devotees - Yama will touch his own heart. Indra etc., Gods give neerajanam (Grand blessings). So, they will not have any short comings.

Sloka 66: Why did Shiva do Srishti? Rather than to question and think like this better try to get out of this samsara chakram as this is Siva Leela kaivalyam. Whole world is created for the sake of play. The creatures are animals. We are all doing for your entertainment. Hence it is your responsibility to protect us. It is like Tolu bommalata (leather Dolls Play).

Sloka 67: Here I am praying for Siva Bhavana (not just Siva). Parama Sada siva Bhavana. Will get moksham here itself. Body will become Bhogha bhumi (Yogam). Will experience Satvika udvegas (Emotions). Ex: Asruvus (Tears), Pulakintha (thrilling), Broken voice. Moksha Bhakthi. If anyone has reached to that stage, that kshetra becomes Pavitra and his previous generations become pious, they move from hell to heaven. He ensures future generations to go heaven.

Sloka 68: My devotion milk is nothing but Ananda amrutham. It is being surrendered to your feet of Gosala (Cow shelter). This devotee is available always. This is available along with Supanyam Paakam i.e., – Calf. Even if you feel that you get devotion– ensure it is dedicated to Pasupati.

Sloka 69: I might have bad qualities, will not repent for that till I forget to acquire devotion as your surrounding people are already having such qualities – Jadathwam (inertia), Agnaanam (No-knoledge), vankara-tinkara (zigzag/crooked) , adhama (unrightful) – as I was also having the same. Rajamouli (Chandramouli) – Ganga (Jalatha), Nandi (Jadatha), Chandra (Machcha – Black spot), Snake (Vankara)

Sloka 70: Public-Secret. Do Bhajans and Puja publicly. Do Dhyana, smaranam. Independently. He will easily be prasanna. Unaccountable phalam punya i.e., permanent anandam i.e., moksham will be provided. The great of all Jagath, Rajasekhara is in my Hrudayam.

Sloka 71: Make Siva Bhavana as Dhanasssu (bow), Aroodha Bhakthi as thread. Siva smarana as arrows. Then you can win over enemies and attain Rajya Lakshmi i.e.,   Moksham.

·         Devathas control Nidhi. To detect one should put Anjana, chant those devathas stotra, chant mantras, have physical energy to dig – then get that nidhi. This is for general Nidhi. How to get Siva Nidhi.

Sloka 72: Dhyanam is like Anjanam. Then Tamo guna gets rid of (Nidra, Lazy, dwesha, proud etc.), then do Puja (Bali) like Pradosham time in Trayodasi, Masa Sivaratri on Chaturdasi, Sunday – Siva Aradhana. Monday – Soma, Karthika, Mahalinga, Sahasra Linga archana. Eeswara Nama Mantrams – Siva Panchakshari, Dakshina Murthy, Rudra, Mruthyunjaya, His Nama itself is Mantram. Surrounding Siva - Devathas and 8 Snakes are there, one will be able to see them who dedicates to Him. He is Kruthardhudu, Dhanya. It gives moksham..

Sloka 73: Oh, good mind of mine, Do the chanting of the names, Of the lotus feet of the God of universe, Siva, in search of which even lord Vishnu, took the form of a wild boar, in which the panacea giving salvation from life grows. What else great can you attain in this world?

Sloka 74:  Keep Siva Pada Padmas as chigurus (tender leaves) in Hrudaya box, then Klesa and Vikaras Durvasana go away.

Sloka 75: Pancha Kalyani – 5 qualities of horse. 1) It should have spots in Tail, face. 2) It should have lines, sudis (circular shapes) in particular places. 3) It should be affectionate to routhu (rider). Rekha, rupa, avarthanam. 4) Fast speed, intelligent, strength. 5) Having no bad quality. Positive thought, Rasagnatha (Sarasam), Should put Guru’s upadesam in fast, understand others, do not have dosahm and paapm. These qualities should be permanent. Smarare – One who killed Manmadha (meaning kamam will have no place here). Vrusabhadhirudha – Indirectly hinting that though you are bull rider, ride on the horse.

Sloka 76: The devotion to the great lord, lives in the sky of the Lord’s feet, and like clusters of clouds gives out the sweet rain, and those whose lake of the mind, Gets filled up by this rain, the crop of his whole life, Becomes greatly profitable.

Sloka 77: My mind to get fixed on the lotus feet of the Lord, Resembles the sweetheart separated from her lover, and always remembers, has sweet dreams, recollects of early meetings and sings about it, and in similar fashion chants the names of Lord Shiva, in a trance and gets worried.

Sloka 78: Teach me the etiquette of serving the great, with devotion, with clean mind and with attachment to the good, and exalt my intellect, Oh, my Lord, Like the noble groom leads his new bride.

Sloka 79: Your feet are very soft; yogis keep it in their Hrudayam. Amma pray with flower petals. Such soft legs hit Yama’s hard chest. I want to see what happened to such soft legs and treat them. I have a doubt what is the reason for you to roam in mountains. Yogis will pour Hrudaya padmas to take care of legs not to walk on bare feet.

Sloka 80: Why you should walk like that? But I understand now. Later when I as a devotee with such a stone heart wish you to come in and walk on my stone heart, you should have the practice and hence you are doing that tough walk now itself.

Sloka 81: 7 Types of Siva Aaradhana 1) Some time doing puja to pada aravindas (holy feet), 2) Sometime dhyana (meditation), 3) Then Samadhi (Deep Meditation). 4) Namaskaram – Salutation (Different forms are there – Sashtanga for male and Panchanga for female, Pradakshina etc.), 5) Sometimes listening / reading Bhaghavath Kathas, 6) Sometime having darsana of Siva (as if visiting His places like Sri Sailam, Kasi, Chidambaram, Mahakaleswarudu etc.,), 7) Chant stotras – Sivanandalahari, Sivamahimna, Uma Maheswara, Ardha Nareeswara, Lingashtakam – Thus 7 types of Siva Aradhana. Keep ekagratha (focus) on Him. Gets moksham while living. One who does like this is Jeevan mukthudu. The peak stage is Brahmam. Then they do not need to behave or do humanly things. But for normal beings purpose they behave and do as normal devotee, hence they continue to do 7 types of Aaradhana. For that matter Shankara did the same by writing Siva/Soundarya Lahari, Establishing Srichakra/Shaankara Mutts, Installing Vishnu/Siva Pratimas. Jeevanmuktha does this and for Jeevanmukthas will be done. Athmaramas.

Sloka 82: Oh Lord of Arya, the lord Vishnu became your arrow and bull, occupied half your body, became transformed to be your wife, occupying half your body Became a boar to search for you, became your lady friend to serve the nectar, Became the player of drum while you danced, and offered his eye in worship at your feet, He also took half the share of your body as Harihara, and so he becomes eminently suitable for worship, for who else is there greater than him.

Sloka 83: There is no doubt that worship of mortal gods Subject to birth and death will ever give even little happiness, Worship of birthless Lord with Amba, who has deathless body, leads to supreme pleasure.  

Sloka 84:  Oh, Lord Shiva who rules all the world, and who is the friend of all the world, Oh Lord who is ocean of bliss, oh store house of mercy, to serve you besides your consort Gowri, I am presenting you the maid of my intellect, who has all good qualities, With a request to you. To live in the house of my mind.

Sloka 85: Ignorant I am, as to how to churn the ocean, Incapable I am of digging and going to Patala, nor am I a skilled hunter of wild animals, so how will I ever arrange your worship. Lord who wears the moon, with food, ornament and cloths that you like.

Sloka 86: Oh, Consort of Uma, Oh Lord who is everywhere, Heaps of material for thine worship is ready, but how will I ever worship thee? Neither I can become a swan nor a boar, and how will I ever find your crown and your tender feet, when even Brahma and Vishnu who took those forms, could not ever know about them.

Sloka 87: Even if you are appearing and want to grant boon, what can I ask you? I can not ask for food as you ate poison, can not ask for ornaments as if I ask you will give snakes, If I ask cloths – you give elephant and tiger skins, else you give Bull as vehicle which is very high – I can not jump on it and also it moves very slow. Only thing I ask from you is Your devotion at Your feet.

Sloka 88: How will I ever worship thee lord. For I have not built the bridge across the sea like Lord Rama, I have not subdued the king of the mountain like Sage Agasthya , By palm of my hands, And I am nor born out of lotus from the belly of Lord Vishnu  like Lord Brahma, If I ever  do or attain these, Then I would become capable, Of offering flowers, singing your praise and meditating on you.

Sloka 89: Hey, Lord, who rules over the universe, You seem to become more pleased, With bow or with pestle (like Arjuna did) or with stones (like Sakhya Nayanaar did) than with prostrations or singing of your praise or worship, Or meditation or Samadhi. Please tell me which you like most, And I will do the same.

Sloka 90: With my manassu I do dhyana of your aakara (form), With Sirassu (Sareeram - body) bow down to you, with mouth (Vachassu - speech) chant your stotras and kathas. I do not know anything and do not want anything. Thus, I am praying You with trikaranas.

Sloka 91: Avidhya has gone away and Vidya has come because of your blessings. Thus, got moksham. Your padam is provider of Srikaram and Mukthi.

Sloka 92: Papas, Words that should not be uttered Dhourbhagyam (Misfortune), Dhukham (Sadness), Durahamkaram (Arrogance) – These should go away and I am be reformed.

Sloka 93: Maha Jyoti is taking form to bless the devotees – this form is looking like – Moon in the head, Neela Kanthi in the neck. Side Amma there. He is Girija Natha.

Sloka 94: That which speaks of Lord Shiva, is the tongue, that which see Him, are the eyes, that which worship Him, are the hands, and he who always remembers him, is the fulfilled man.

Sloka 95: Leave off such doubts Oh Lord of Bhavani, like, “My feet are tender and your mind is hard” For if that were so, how did you enter and live in the hard mountains?

Sloka 96: Manassu should be tied with Bhakthi srumkhalam (Chain) thread to Siva, like Elephant tied to wood. Manassu should be hit with Dhyryam ankusam (goad) and also controlled with Siva Gnaana yantrams (machines).

Sloka 97: This big rutted elephant of my mind, wanders uncontrollably everywhere, Oh Lord tie it with tact with the rope of devotion, hold it well and lead it to the ultimate stable state

Sloka 98: This sloka has two meanings. 1) Qualities of a GIRL attributed to the POEM 2) Qualities of a POEM attributed to the GIRL

Qualities of a girl: Oh Lord, darling of Goddess Gowri, please accept and marry my poem, which is like a girl, who is well made up and ornamented, who has a pretty lovable gait, who is of very good character, who is or pretty attractive colour, who is being praised by all good people, who has sweet pleasant behaviour, who is model among girls, who possess all ideals, who wears glittering ornaments, who behaves with decorum, who has the line of wealth in her palms, and who is store house of all that is good.

Qualities of a poem: Oh Lord, darling of Goddess Gowri, please accept and marry my poem maid, which has good figures of speech, which is made up of simple lovable words, which has musical meter, which shines in well-chosen letters, which is being praised by intellectuals, which has all good qualities, which aims at propagating devotion, which is a model poem, which has attractive phrases, which sounds soft and sweet, which has glittering and attractive import, and which grants good to all.

Sloka 99: Is it proper for you my Lord who is the ocean of mercy? That while Lord Vishnu and Brahma took the forms of boar and bird, with intention of seeing your head and feet, searched in vain the earth and sky, Toiled and got tired but did not succeed. You appeared and made yourself known before me easily, oh granter of all that is good, Oh my Lord.

Sloka 100: If we do stotra of you – that should be sufficient as all Gods will be surrendered to you.

Thus, Sivananda Lahiri has Rupa, Naamam, Gunam, Leela, Mahima, Tatvam.

·         Rupa – Dakshinamurty, Adi Kirataka, Nataraja swamy

·         Namam – Mruthyunjaya, Pasupathi, Sarva, Bhima, Rudra

·         Guna – Karunyam,

·         Mahima – How Durguna becomes Gunas

·         Tatvam – Paramatma is– Brahma, Narayana, Rudra.

·         Leela - many hidden leelas reference in this stotram (Bhaktha Kannappa etc.)

 

🙏 Om Shanti! Om Shanti! Om Shanti! 🙏