Dwadasa Jyotir Lingas (Maha Siva Puranam)

 Dwadasa Jyotir Lingas

(Stories Behind Each Kshetra – Sthala Puranam)  

Maha Siva Puranam

Pravachanam By Brahmasri Chaganti Koteswara Rao Garu

This is as part of Maha Siva Puranam pravachanam. This details the Stories behind each Dwadasa Jyotir Linga i.e., Stahla Purana of each kshetra. This article covers more about story than the place itself (This is not a Travel Blog).

🙏Om NaMah SiVaYah🙏

1. Somanatha - Saurashtra – Gujarat

 

Daksha Prajapathi has 27 daughters. They are 27 Stars and married to Chandra (Moon). But Chandra likes Rohini more and spends more time with her. Rest of the wives complained to their father. Daksha prajapathi came to Chandra Loka and warned Chandra not to differentiate between his daughters. But Chandra did not change. Then Daksha became angry and he cursed Chandra to suffer with Kshaya (Tuberculosis (TB)). As Chandra is suffering with disease, Chandra who generates Oshadhis (Medicines), not able to generate and these Oshadhis spoiled, no havissus are being offered to Gods and hence Gods are suffering. All of those Gods went to Brahma. He advised Chandra to go to western side Sea (Arabian sea). He advised him to do Panchakshari Maha Mantra and to align it with Maha mruthyunjaya stotra, to do Japa of Lord Siva. Finally, Lord Siva appeared along with Uma. Chandra requested for remedy of TB. To balance Prajapathi curse and Chandra wish, Siva said 15 days still kshaya (decay i.e., Krishna paksha) will be there. But another 15 days will be Bahula Paksha where he will be growing back to normal full moon shape. Further to bless him He said He will bear him on his head. Thus, Siva became Chandrasekhara i.e., Sasi Sekhara. Chandra became a strong devotee of Parvati. Then Chandra prayed Siva to be there as a lingam. Sa+Uma+Natha Lingam Thus, it is the first Jyotir Lingam. It removes diseases, current ones and future probable ones as well. As it is, Ganga is there on His top of Head, which is cool, added to that another cooling Chandra added, in addition to this entire body of Siva is with snakes whose bodies are cool, to get relieving from this what Parvati can do?  As her body itself is cool (since she is daughter of Himavantha!), that too she is Dayardhra.  Added to that Bhakths pour abhishekam, sandalwood on Siva– He should be suffering with severe cold. But the hotness of Bhakths difficulties do not make him feel cold!!!

 

2. Mallikarjuna - Sri Sailam – Kurnool (AP)

 

It is Swayambhu Jyotir Lingam. Sandhya is the middle of between two significant time Changes. He is Mallikarjuna who resides in Sri Giri. One lady devotee wanted to become as the hill. It is called as Sri Saila srunge. All Tri-sakthis are here. It has many oshadhis trees. In Kailasam Ganadipati contest was happening between Kumaraswamy and Ganapathi. Kumaraswamy was entering into each temple, saw Ganesha leaving already before Him. Finally, Siva declared that Ganesha has won the contest. Ganesha was made Ganadipati. Then Kumaraswamy felt sad and left Kailasam, reached Sri Giri / Sri Sailam area. To bring back Kumara, Siva also came and sat under Jasmine (Mallika) Tree. Hence the Siva here called as Mallikarjuna. Parvati also accompanied him. To pacify Kumara every no moon day Siva visits Kumaraswamy and full moon day Amma visits Him.

·         Sakshi Ganapathi is the place here, where one should tell their gothra naamas. Dhooli darshanam is very much appreciated by Siva. That means visiting the Siva directly as we arrive the place, without getting fresh-up. Siva symbolizes Fatherliness. Every day, asura Sandhya time Siva comes in Nandi vehicle to this place.

·         Deaf Mallana (Cheviti Mallanna)– story goes as follows: An innocent devotee repeatedly requested Mallikarjuna for his wish to be fulfilled. Not sure of Mallanna listened he shouted “O Deaf (Cheviti) Mallanna! Are you listening?” So, the same phrase continued by the tribals.

·         Sikhareswaram Chara Nandi. Spray til (seasamum) here. See the Sri Saila sikharam through Horns of this Nandi and then there will be no re-birth. In olden days Chara Nandi is used to be tilted towards the direction of pregnant ladies and ill-health persons – in case of midnight or odd hours, to shower the blessings of Siva and save the mother or patients. Once Siva and Parvati came as old couple to the Sikhareswaram area. The old man acted as if he has fallen into a pond and the woman requested for help. But She has put a condition that only those who did not do any sin can save him. Everyone moved away saying how can anyone be there without doing at least a sin. Then a prostitute came to help saying all her sins have gone as she has seen Sikharam through the horns of Nandi. Thus, it is the faith, which is more important. Only such devotees will not have rebirth.

·         Hatakeswaram near Srisailam having Phaladhara (Coming from Siva’s Lalatam) and Panchadahra (5 – Dharas, Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Chandra, Deva). This is the place where Adi Shankara recited Sivananda Lahari and Goddess Brhamarambika appeared to him. Chandrasekharendra Saraswati wanted to settle here. You will be able to listen Bhramari Nadam behind the main temple – if you listen peacefully. Even AIR recorded. Bhraamari killed Arunasura demon. Veera badra murthy of here is powerful to cure blood related diseases. Chandravathy a princess, her father himself is a villain. She took shelter in the temple. She put Jasmine garland on Siva and requested for help. Siva (thus became Mallikarjuna again) cursed the King to become “Pachchala Banda” (Green Stone).

·         One more Siva linga called as Old Mallikarjuna (Vruddha Mallikarjuna) Maheeshwara Maharaj has a daughter. The girl wanted to marry Shankara. He came in her dream and told her to come to Sri Giri where He will be sitting under Jasmine Tree. Parvati wondered how come He is marrying a girl, then Shankara said he will do a test and infact he wanted to unify (Aikyam) her in Him – not literally marrying her. By the time she came, she saw, Shankara became 90+ year old man and He pleaded to the girl that he indeed only is Shankara. The girl still was ready to marry him. Shankara obliged her and unified (Aikyam) her in to Him. That’s why in that area Vrudha Mallikarjuna Siva Linga (old Siva Linga) is there and every year Kalyana (wedding) ceremony being conducted.

·         Once a Kapali (Wicked man-eater) wanted the head of Adi Shankara. Then Shankara said he does not have any issues, but disciples may be having objection. But still told him to come to Patala Ganga next day morning, where-in he will be doing Tapassu. Then he can cut his head. Next day by the time the Kapali was about to cut the head of Adi-Shankara, the disciple Padma Padaacharyulu, who was far at some other place, got some bad instinct. Since there is no time to rush, he started chanting Narasimha mantropasana. Then Lord Narasimha appeared, be-headed the kapali. Then Adi Shankara chanted Narasimha stotram. This shows that Siva Kesava are abhedam.

·         Krishna river here is called as Patala Ganga as river Ganga could not get separated from Siva, came in the form of Krishnaveni. Sanagala (Bengalgram) Basanaa is the Bull in the entrance of main temple. Sivaji Gopuram is constructed in memory of Sivaji’s prayer to Bhawani Bhramarambika.

·         Sri Sailam Ragada is a Sri Giri Yatra representing Manasika Srisaila yatra. Visualize Bhramaramba with two hands – One Hand carrying Payasam (Milk rice) in Golden vessel, another hand carrying diamond studded theddu (Paddle) to serve.

 

3. Mahakaleswar - Ujjain (MP)

 

·          Old name of Ujjain is Avanti. Its meaning is woman or Elder Sister. There are 7 Moksha puris in India. Ayodhya, Madhura, Maaya (Maayapuri or Haridwar), Kasi, Kanchi, Avantika, Dwaravati (Dwaraka). If Laya karini is woman – then called as Maha Kali. Akaala (untimely) and Apa mruthyuvu (Tragic death) should not be there. That’s why everyone should go there. Hence it is exactly in the middle of the country.

·         This is again a Swayambhu Lingam. In olden days a brahmin by name Veda Priya was there. He has four sons of good character like father only. Deva Priya, Priya Medha, Sukruth, Suvrath. Once a demon, Dooshana, came and threatened these sons for doing Siva abhishekam of parthiva (earthen) lingam at Ujjain. The demon put a sword on their neck. Siva came from the same linga with anger and burnt the army of demon and Dooshana into ashes. He saved all the sons. Thus apa-mruthyuvu was avoided. Then Gods prayed him to be swayambhu. He became Maha kala lingam. It is in three storeys. Bottom is Maha Kala, middle is Omkara, top is Naga.

·         Chandra sena a king of Ujjain, is a Siva devotee. Mani Bhadra a Siva close associate donated him a Mani (diamond) which can turn any metal to Gold, thus it made the country prosper and fertile. All other kings became enemy and wanted the diamond. They all united, planned and attacked Ujjain. Brahmin always should be happy with the education, whatever he has and Kshatriya always should be happy for war. King kept faith on Siva and went to temple to offer prayers. While he is doing puja – a Yadava boy also visited the temple along with his young mother and got inspired seeing the King’s puja.

·         He went back home. Took some stone, put leaves on it, started chanting just Siva naama. He went into deep meditation. His mother came, tried to call him. He did not respond. She forcefully dragged him for the food, she threw Linga and Leaves away. The boy felt bad, cried and fainted. Lord Siva blessed with an instant temple then and there itself, made the boy to wore silk cloths. The boy is doing puja with golden flowers, to Linga. His mother came back and realized the great fortune happened. Lord Hanuma appeared before them and blessed the mother and child. He says after 8^th generation Nanda will born in their family, who will be the father of Krishna. The enemy army came to know the power of Yadava boy and realized the greatness of the people of Ujjain themselves. So, they returned back with fear. Maha kavi Kalidas got Beejaksharams here only from Maha Kaali. Two Deepa jyotis are there eternal in this temple. Bhasma mandiram (from Cow dung) in this temple is a famous one. Bhasma will be sprayed entire temple not only on linga. In the early hours’ priests bring fresh bhasmam from burial ground. Near the Maha Kaala linga another one Koteswara Linga will be there. This will go on Uru-Erigimpu in the evenings.

 

4. Kedareswara Lingam - Kedarnath (Utharakhand)

 

One will get moksham if one sees Kedareswara Lingam or dies on the way going there. Nara Narayanas made Parthiva lingas. The same became Kedar Lingam. Once Pandavas visited this place after war. A Mahisha (Goat) came suddenly – they realized it as Siva. They tried to catch hold of the feet. But they could not. Finally, they could touch its tail. Siva finally blessed them by leaving the tail. The tail is nothing but the current Siva linga itself. Hence one should get the realization that Siva is everywhere. This is the place where Adi Shankara left his Satya Danda. Kedara lingam should not be seen directly. He Should be seen through a circular body shaped object (preferably a copper one) and the same should be left there.

 

5. Omkareswara - Mandhata island, Shivpuri, MP

 

Two Swayambhu Lingas in one place. These are called as Omkara Amaleswara Jyotir Lingas Vindhya mountain became proud before Narada maharshi. He asked him is there any great mountain than him. He said Himavath/Meru mountains are there as Navagrahas do pradakshina to it. Narada advised to pray Siva to be better than Himavath mountain. But Vindya does not know what he wants to be better than Meru. Vindya started doing a severe Siva Tapassu. Siva appeared. Vindhya did not know what he wants. Siva says he knows what to be given. He says Navagrahas are the Kavachas for Him, they are tied to Him. I am giving blessing to you by myself sitting on you. Thus, no need to worry that Navagrahas are not doing Pradakshinas to Vindhya. But do not again be proud of being more powerful than Meru. He came as two Lingas on the mountain. Omkara Lingam – Moksham. Amalesa Lingam – Having no malam - Aaanava in body (soil and 5 bhuthas) malam, karmika (sins) malam, Mayika malam.

 

6. Bheemeswara - Khed Taluk, Pune

 

Once upon a time two demons were there. Karkathudu and his wife pushkasi. They have a demon daughter – Karkasi. She is married to a demon Viradhudu. Rama killed him. Then she went to Kumbhakarna as she knows he is enemy to Rama and complained about Rama. Kumbhakarna showed sympathy to her, but forcefully had a child with her, Meanwhile Kumbhakarna also died. Karkasi wanted his son to take revenge on Rama and hence she wanted him to be very strong and hence started calling him Bhimaha (meaning very strong / big). Once he grown-up, wanted to kill Vishnu as Rama became Vishnu. Not able to find him, he started killing the devotees. In due course he defeated the Kamarupa kingdom king – Sudakshanudu, He jailed him. Sudakshanudu daily used to do Parthiva Shankara puja through Manassu. Then Bhima came to attack Siva linga with Chandrahasa on the linga – Shankara came from the Linga and killed Bhima. Then Siva told him that “I am the Bhima and not you”. Siva has been formed as Bheemeswara there permanently.

 

7. Thryambakeshwar - Nashik

 

·         Here River and Siva linga both have been created (Avirbhavam). Gauthama used to do pray for Sambhu Linga. Once severe draught came in the area as no rains were there for quite long. Generally, if there is no water it leads to Adharmam (immorality). People started leaving the place. Gauthama prayed Varuna and wanted rain. Then he said he cannot violate Siva order, but said he can give endless water in a pond – so that Gauthama’s couple (Wife Ahalya) can carry through a pot, to water the field for cultivation, take water for cooking needs of entire ashrama people. Gauthama was very happy that endless water is made available and it is at his disposable. Variety of fruits, vegetables, green leaves, roots, rice, pulses, flowers, are grown by the couple. 1) Indriya Jayam, - Control on desires 2) Dayalu - Merciful 3) No Ahamkaram – No Proudness 4) Upakari – Helpful Only these four will make the earth to survive.

·         One day Gauthama asked his disciples to bring water from the pond for his Sandhya vandanam and Abhishekam needs. By the same time other Saints wives came to take bathing near the pond. Disciples requested them just to wait so that they can carry water first for their Guru Gauthama. Those women became angry and shouted at the disciples questioning the urgency and greatness of Gauthama.  They wanted to rush to their husbands. Disciples got confused what to do, so they went to Ahalya without carrying water and told the entire incident. First, she rushed to the pond, took water from with the pot and gave it immediately to Gauthama. The women further became angry for Ahalya not consoling them and asked their husbands if they are like begging people.

·         Those gang of saints started Ganapathi homam (Makham). Ganapathi appeared before them. They wanted him to ensure that Gauthama should be sent away from the Ashrama. Ganapathi got surprised and wondered how they can do this to him, who fed them till now. Even after preaching they did not listen and hence, he agreed to make it happen. Ganapathi came as an old cow and started eating the crop of Gauthama. He just used a dry thin grass and threw it on the cow to make it ran away. The moment he threw it, the cow dead. The saints waiting for the situation, came running, made big mess of cow murder and they forcefully sent away Gauthama, Ahalya and disciples out of the ashram. Also, they warned him not to do any rituals as he did murder of cow. Gauthama went and roamed for a month. But he could not get any peace.

·         So, he came back to them to tell him what he should do to get rid of the sin. They told him to make three rounds across the earth by walk and while doing for each step to repeat aloud that he has done the sin of cow murder, and do Chandrayana vratham i.e., which is generally done by Tamasa people to get rid of those bad qualities. Eat one Kabalam (one wristful of rice) on Sukla padyami and increment gradually one per day, then decrease during Krishna paksham, finally do fasting on no moon day. This will make to remove the fat in the body. Then do 101 pradakshinas for Brahmagiri. Then put one crore Siva linga and do archana. If you cannot do these – do tapassu of Shankara and ask for Ganga, then do one crore Siva linga, archana. Gauthama preferred for the second one.

·         He made parthiva linga, with panchakshari mantra and did tapassu of Shankara. Siva appeared. He prayed him to get rid of sin of cow murder. Siva consoled Gauthama and told him that he did not do any sin, infact the other saints are sinners. But Gauthama says they had helped him in deed as because of them only he could see Shankara. Siva pleased and asked what he could grant. Gauthama wanted Ganga to come once from Jatajootam so that he can be pure. Immediately Ganga jumped and said she will be more than happy to make him happy. But Gauthama wanted Her to flow for quite long. Then she put a condition that Siva also should take a form of Linga there, Thryambaka Lingam (three eyes – Sun and moon – Kala, Agni – Kama thus Siva is Kala and Kama hara) and so many Gods should be there surrounding the banks where she flows. Siva agrees for the same. Bhima requested that all Gods will come once in a year and during Pushkara entire year they will be there. The river name is associated with the maharshi as Gauthami.

·         Again, saints and wives started to take bath under the river. Then the river disappeared as a protest. These saints not repented for their mis-deeds. Gauthama requested Ganga-amma to come again. So, she came with pity - mercifully. The disciples of Gauthama became angry seeing Saints ehaviour and not repenting, still requesting Gauthama to seek forgiveness. They cursed them not to have Siva Bhakthi. Thus, they became rotten.

 

8. Kasi Viswanath – Varanasi

 

·         Kasi kshetram itself is great. Another one is Arunachalam. Without Eeswara daya (mercy) no one can enter these two pilgrim places. Nirguna to Saguna sakara happened in Kasi so that Bhakths can focus and can concentrate. Ardhanareeswara tatvam came here for Srishti for the first time. They are Narayana-Narayani swarupam. In similar to Nadopasana of – Raga arohana – avarohana form. First word what Siva told after coming on to earth i.e., earth is “Tapinchu” – meaning “Do Tapassu/Meditate”. He created first city i.e., Varanasi for the same purpose. Thus, it is mokshapuri. That’s why those who enter in this Kasi –will have no sins at all. All the past sins done unknowingly, without aware of Siva tatwam, will be eradicated. One should take care not to repeat any sins further. Once Lord Vishnu was doing Tapassu, then Varanasi has been submerged in water. Siva saw this and to save the city, He lifted the Varanasi land with Trisula. While doing so His ear ring fallen in that water at a particular place. That place is nothing but Manikarnika place (popularly called as Manikarnika Ghat, that’s why it is considered as pious to take bath in this ghat).

·         From the nabhi (navel) of Vishnu, Brahma came here. Ganga came into main stream here. Hence Siva announced that even during Maha Pralayam Varanasi will remain intact. Varanasi is nothing but the sangamam of Varuna and Assi rivers. Prajapathis, Vasuvus and many other Gods came, praised Him. Siva is white and Amma is Red. Amma came as Annapurna to cater to the entire world with food and to eradicate hunger. In River Ganga – sinners poured water on themselves, dipped, took holy dip thrice and went to upper lokas, Gods came down to take bath here. Thus, this is the only Holy reiver and Holy place where Gods come all the way down to earth to have a holy dip. Ganga is a symbolic here as well for life, let us see - as Ganga flows from North to south till here, from here it goes back North side – thus indicating that birth ends and starts fresh again here. When Adi Shankara came to take bath at Kasi Ganga – Ganga was happy as it felt that it became holy. If one can not go to Ganga, during the death time – manasika (Virtual) bath itself will make one a holy.

·         Siva has four wives (Anuragam) – Gowri, Akasa Ganga, Kasi, Dakshina Kasi (Daksharamam). Once Vyasa came to Kasi and stayed. He did not have food for seven consecutive days. Along with him 300 disciples were suffering with hunger. He wanted to curse three generations of Kasi with no food, no education, no moksham. He took water in his hand and about to curse. But suddenly an old lady came from a house. She is looking like a pious suvaasini. She preached him not to be so angry. She said She will offer Food for him and for his group. She told him to get ready by having bath and do their Puja. He came with the disciples completing all formalities, but they could not see any preparations. When they were doubting, suddenly the old lady served their leaf plates with all items. Like miracle, whatever they wanted in the mind – it used to come in the plate. After lunch the whole team was taking rest. Then the old lady came with the husband. The original form of Amma (Annapurna) and Siva appeared. Amma is in Prasanna (peaceful) mood. Siva is in angry mood.  He ordered Vyasa to move away from Kasi along with his team. He ordered Vyasa not to enter Kasi again.

·         Vyasa said that Amma is internally happy because Vyasa was against her Sapatni (as Kasi is considered one of the wives of Siva). Amma said that Vyasa did mistake by rather seeking Moksha he mongered for hunger in Kasi. Amma advised him to go to a place where he will get equally Moksham i.e., Daksharamam i.e., Dakshina Kasi. Kala Bhairava (Kshetra palaka) is the main God in Varanasi. Once upon a time story – Brahma has five Heads like Shankara, He became proud and felt that he is equal to Siva. Siva created Kala Bhairava. Then Kala Bhairava nailed down one of the Heads. Brahma sheltered his four heads under the four hands of Amma (equating her four hands as lotus hands – He being born from Lotus). So, one should have the darshan of Kala Bhairava first in Kasi even before Siva.

·         Another temple Lolarka Kund / temple. This is opposite to Tulasidas Ghat. Dedicated to Sun God. Another temple is Varahi Temple – devotees cannot see the deity directly. They have to see through holes. Even priests will do puja early hours of the dawn and rush back out of the garbhaalaya. They also will not see directly. Varahi will roam around in the city in night and sleep in the morning. Adi Kesava temple – Vishnu.

·         Dhundti Ganapathi (Trunk tilts left side, a unique one). Father of Kavyakantha Ganapathi used to pray in this temple daily, while his wife was pregnant. One day while he was praying, at a particular time suddenly a small kid came from nowhere and sat on his lap. Later the kid disappeared. He got a hint and rushed back home, exactly at the same time his wife delivered. Hence, he named his son after Ganapathi. When Ganapathi became elder, he became a very famous scholar. The people in Varanasi used to respect, gradually it has been turned to worship, the devotees became so blind that once they put him in Ganesha pandal and did puja for himself instead of Ganesha. By mistake one priest did puja for udwasana (Nimajjanam) for him as well like an idol. Gnapathi laughed and exactly like Nimajjana time He passed away.

·         Dandapani another Kshetrapalaka – He will be having cane in his hand. Mukthi mandapam is in south side of Visweswara Temple – one must sit here and narrate a Siva story. One must have bath in the Manikarnika ghat.  A story goes like this - Mahanandudu did many sins. The entire family in next birth born as Hen in Varanasi. They reached Mukthi mandapam and got salvaged. It is called Kukkuta Chatushtayam. One should see any of the 5 Kasis at least 1) Varanasi 2) Kedaram 3) Sri Sailam 4) Sri Kalahasti 5) Pattisam (Veerabadra temle, EG Dist., AP). This exemption is given only if original Kasi can not be visited. Another temple is Visalakshi, which is part of Ashta Dasa peethas. Sri Chakram on Siva Linga near Visweswara temple – done by Bhaskaracharyulu who has written Bhashyam for Sri Lalitha Rahasya Sahasra Namam.  

·         Finally, if one dies at Varanasi – Moksham is guaranteed. During the death time, Amma comes with smiling face and provides air with her saree like fan, Dhundti Ganapathi provides healing touch of air with his trunk to the nose. If it is sweating Gangamma comes with white clothes and wipes the body. Bhrungi puts Vibhuthi on Lalatam and says that you are unifying (Aikyam) into Siva, there will be no rebirth. One will be hearing Bells, fragrance smells. Amma’s pamita (pallu) will be laid on him. With maredu (Indian Bael Leaves) Siva will be coming. Jeevudu (the dying person) will be ready for sleeping peacefully keeping right ear opening. Then pranavam will be heard. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa realized this process through Dhyanam many a times.

 

9. Vydhyanath – Deogharh, Jarkhand

 

·         Eeswara is first Vydhya, Doctor. Education is for Vinayam and removes Bhavarogam. Ravana does Trikala Sandhya, read many epics, does linga archana but not considered as an educated one. He did Tapassu with foolish determination (This is Rajo not Satvika Tapassu) – aligning Pranavam with Tapassu. Both are wrong. Siva did not come. Ravana became angry. He cut nine of his heads and put in Agnihotram. Siva still did not come – then he is ready to cut his 10^th one also. Then Siva by force came (not for the true Bhakthi) and he gave his nine heads back. Ravana wanted two boons. He did not realize his mistake. He wanted the ultimate strength. He wanted Siva to come along with him to Lanka. Siva said that Linga himself is He and told to take Linga with him. As Ravana is proud person, he was satisfied with Linga, took it and was going back to Lanka. On the way he wanted to go for Urinals at Chida bhumi – so he wanted to hand it to some one for some time, he catches hold of cow shepherd, handed it to him.

·         The Linga became heavy and the boy could not hold. He laid the Linga there on the ground itself. So, Linga got settled there. Ravana came back and became wild. He could not move the Linga as it became heavy gradually. He left it there and went to Lanka. This is known as Vydya Lingam and became famous for curing diseases and solving health issues. All others, Gods started praying this Linga. They requested Narada to do a help, so that Ravana will not obstruct them and they can continue their prayers for this Linga in future. Narada went to Ravana and Ravana narrated the whole story. Narada questioned him, created suspicion in the mind of Ravana - if it is not the drama of Siva. Also asked him to check even the strength given to him real or fictitious? He told him to go to Kailasam and to move Siva so as to test his strength. He went and tried to move Kailasam. Parvati provoked Siva sarcastically that such a great disciple is doing such a great deed that too after taking two boons. Siva became Rudra. He cursed him that his Madam (arrogance) will be go away soon. Accordingly had Ravana went first in war with Rama – all rest would have been saved – but because of his madam all rest have been killed.

   

10. Ramanathaswamy – Rameshwaram, TN

 

·         Rama prayed Siva here so that He can bless so that He will not show excessive anger on Ravana’s Kingdom. Siva appeared and blessed Rama. Rama prayed for victory and requested to be here only. Rama while returning back after killing Ravana showed Sita - Rama setu and Rameswaram, where Mahadeva blessed him. Another story is that Rameswaram happened while returning of Rama and Sita, after killing Ravana. Sita requested Hanuma to bring One Linga from Himalayas, but it was late, hence Sita made the Lingam with Spatikam.  Hanuma’s Lingam is called as Viswanatham Lingam as He brought from Varanasi. Spatika lingam will be brought in the morning in Abhishekam time by priests in the temple from inside. It is pious to pour water from River Ganges on Spatika Lingam. Chandrasekharendra Saraswati analysis. Ganga (Gnaanam) pouring on Ramanatha Lingam.

·         Once Gods came Rameswaram. They wanted to know Samasam of Rameswaram. One section said that Rama is (Cheatha) doing Puja of Eeswara – hence Shahsti purvaka, but others said Rama himself is Eeswara (kalavadu) - hence Bahuvreehi. Infact it is not samasa war it is a fight between Vishnu and Siva followers. Then they went to Siva to get clarity – Siva said Bahuvreehi is correct (Giving Vishnu upper hand), Siva followers are not satisfied. Then all went to Vishnu – He said it is Shashti Poorva (giving Siva upper hand), as usual Vishnu followers did not like this. Hence all of them went to Brahma. He laughed at them and said both are same there is Abhedham between Siva and Kesava – it is Eka samasam. To show that Rama and Siva both are same Rameswaram came into existence. One should do Gnana abhishekam to realize this. There are total 21 (20 In Temple premises +1 as Ocean) wells in the Rameswaram temple premises. One should take head bath from these. If one decides to go to Rameswaram and does not go it will be a Sin. Hence it should be always told that “Hope Eeswara will enable me to take to Rameswaram”.  

 

11. Nageshwar – Dwaraka, Gujarat

 

This Jyotir Linga represents Sadbhakthi and mukthi. Even demons pray Siva and Parvati as Jagath’s pita and Maatha. Once there used to be a demon couple by name Daarukudu – Daraki. They reached nearby ocean and started harassing Good people. Those people surrendered to Maharshi Aruvudu and detailed their difficulties. He cursed not only the couple, but the entire demons that they will die if they do not reform on the earth. The demons got angry. Daruki said she had Parvati mercy and can move away from earth, and can live peacefully on ocean. They started attacking people on ocean. A merchant by name Supriyudu, was captured by these demons. They started harassing him. They put him in Jail. He was doing puja to Parthiva Linga. Darukudu took a sword to cut his head in anger, Siva appeared and killed the Demon’s army.  Since He came in ardhanareeswara, Parvati stopped him and wanted to protect Daruki and her children. Her argument is that She has blessed the lady demon in the past. Siva then agreed to leave them, but to ensure that they will not turn back evil again and harm the innocent people – they both should be here as Jyotirlinga. Hence, they took the names of Naganatha and Nageshwari.

 

12. Grishneswar – Auragngabad, Maharashtra

 

·         Once – In Devagiri – Sudharmudu, a Siva devotee lived. Sudeha is his wife. They have no children. He was not feeling bad and was living happily. But she was repenting as neighbours were teasing them daily. Then he got fed-up and wanted to test before Siva, whether they will have kids or not, he tested before Siva by putting two garlands. Then Siva touched a garland indicating that they will not have a kid. But his wife forced him to marry another girl to have kids. He was forced to marry Grushna, younger sister of Sudeha only against the warning of her husband. Grushna, a staunch Siva devotee, used to do Abhishekam for 101 parthiva lingas daily and immerse them in a big lake. She did for 3 years continuously like this. Finally, she became pregnant and delivered a son. He started calling Sudeha as Amma. Grushna started doing puja with much more vigor.

·         The boy got married. But his In-laws started giving respect to Grushna only, Sudeha started feeling envy. As she was unable to bear the differentiation, one day she killed and dissected the son, immersed in the same lake, where Grushna does Siva Lingas immersion. She came back and cried innocently along with daughter-in-law. Grushna was not weeping, but doing puja peacefully. As usual she went and immersed the 101 lingas in the same lake. She said if it is Siva order for her son’s untimely death– She cannot do anything. Seeing this Siva himself felt stunned – He made her son alive and the son came back again. The son told that Peddamma (Aunt) only killed him, but mother forgave her own sister. Siva became angry and told Grushna that He will kill her sister. Then Grushna said “Siva because of her only, the whole world, came to know of your power, I could see You as well, so please show mercy on her and reform her. You be here forever. That is only my wish”.  As per her wish and His boon He became Grishneshwar Linga in that place. Elder sister also has been reformed and started praying and doing daily Siva Puja along with Grushna.  

The total 12 Jyotir Lingas are located as shown in the below map (1 in TN, 1 in AP, 3 in Maharashtra, 2 in Gujarat, 2 in MP, 1 in Jarkhand, 1 in UP and 1 in Utharakhand

Naayanaars & Siva Bhakths & Sanathana Dharma (Maha Siva Puranam)

 

Naayanaars &

Siva Bhakths &

Sanathana Dharma

    (Maha Siva Puranam)

Pravachanam By Brahmasri Chaganti Koteswara Rao Garu

 

This is as part of Maha Siva Puranam Pravachanam. This details about the Naayanaars and other Siva Bhakthas stories. Few points on Sanathana Dharma as part of Brahmasri’s pravachanams.    

 

Naayanaars

        

                                    Idols of 63 Nayanaars

·         There are total 63 Naayanaars as per Tamil Periya Puranam. They are all staunch Siva devotees who lead a pious life and unified (Aikyam) into Siva finally.

·         Kalai (Kalasha) Naayanaar used to go to samadhi stage by putting Resin (guggilam – Dhupam). This he took clue from Saint Markandeya who sang “Sungamdhim prushti…. “ Markandeya used to go to Samadhi stage in the similar fashion by praying to Shankara.  Once Shankara tested Kalai by taking away all his properties. The entire family starving for days together. His wife gave gold ornament for sale for survival purpose. Then Naayanaar went to market with the gold. Siva came as a seller of Resin (guggilam) with a huge cart load of it and Naayanaar purchased the entire stock. He burnt the entire Resin (guggilam) in a temple and went into Samadhi. He did not come back home and the entire family went into fasting and hungry stage. Siva finally stepped down, ordered Kubera to make his house fully prosper with richness. Siva appeared to Naayanaar to make him break the fast. Henceforth he has been called as Guggilam (Resin) Naayanaar.

·         Paralelly – at the same time near Kanchi there a Siva temple – a girl wanted to garland Siva Linga. She could not do it, as It was tall. She started crying and seeing her cries the merciful Siva linga bent itself. Then the girl garlanded cheerfully and happily, went away. Next day priest saw the bent linga and informed the king. They thought it was a sign of calamity and wanted to set-right the bend portion of Siva Linga. They tried many methods and could not set-right.  Finally, they tied the Linga with Iron thread and pulled with elephants. Guggilam Naayanaar came to know this and started crying feeling something untoward has happened to Siva. As a salvage, he tied the iron thread to his neck and pulled severely. As a miracle – the Siva Linga set right itself, which the mighty elephants could not set right.

·         Sakkiya Naayanaar was living in Kanchi. Those days Siva Lingas were abandoned by the rulers as they converted to other religion, and were kept in road side. It was forbidden to do Siva Puja. He used to cry for not able to do puja. He used to pickup a stone and throw it at Linga and assumed as if it is a flower. One day while taking lunch, he suddenly rushed to Siva Linga and threw four stones and said he could not do anything more Siva Puja. Then Siva appeared as Nataraj and unified (Aikyam) him into Him. This shows that the Bhavam is more important.

·         Rudra Pasupathi Naayanaar – stays near a village Tirumalayaar. He is chanting rudram. (Even Sanyasis have to chant Rudram). In which it mentions that everything is Eeswara. So, he wants to realize Eeswara. He went in the early hours and dipped in a lake, he felt as if Eeswara held him tightly in the cold water, he could see Eeswara in trees, clouds, mountains. Started chanting Rudram. He did the same in the noon, evening. Thus, as days passed, he started seeing Shankara in all, in air and even in thief. Then Shankara decided to unify (Aikyam) him as nothing else stops him now.

·         Dandi Arigal Naayanaar. He has no eyes. One day he came to know that the lake of Siva temple is being covered up with mud, by opposite religion people. He started uncovering the soil throughout the night. As the sunrise happened, the opposite people came and laughed at the blind person. The Naayanaar felt angry and said that if Siva were to be there by the next day when they come again for covering the soil, he will have sight and those enemies will become blind. That night he started uncovering soil again, the sunrise happened. He got sight as Siva has no other option rather to bless him. The opposition people lost their sight. King came to know his mistake. He stopped the closure of Siva temples and sent away the people who provided the wrong information to him out of the kingdom in an exile.   

·         Amarneeti Naayanaar – He served Bhagavathas more than God. He has constructed a choultry, providing free food and cloths daily. One day Siva came as a bachelor. He came with his own two Dhotis. One wet one he has given to Naayanaar and said he is going for bath, meanwhile to make it to dry. The Naayanaar did the same. By the time the bachelor came the dhoti disappeared. Siva started blaming him as a cheat, argued, demanded him to provide equivalent wealth of his Dhoti in the balance, no wealth could compensate for his old, torn dhoti. Finally, Naayanaar put all his family of four in the balance and said to all that if he did the service till now honestly – the balance will tilt to his favour. It really happened and is side tilted. Siva appeared in original form along with Parvati and unified (Aikyam) the entire family into Him.

·         Murthi Naayanaar – Those days other religion people used to be dominating and attacking Siva Bhakthas. They opposed Sivarchana. The king ensured that no sandalwood is available so that Siva Linga cannot be decorated. As no sandalwood is there Murthy Naayanaar used his own hand as sandalwood. Blood started coming out as he started trying to take dummy sandal from his hand by rubbing. Siva appeared and showed mercy and ensured that Sandalwood will be available plenty and Sivarachana will be continuing as usual. The King died in the sleep that night itself. As he has no successors, elephant with garland used to select the successor. It selected Murthy Naayanaar as the successor. He became King. His royal ceremony was performed with Vibhuthi abhishekam and he wore Rudraksha crown and ruled the kingdom very well.

·         Nandanaar Naayanaar went to Thirupungur Siva temple. He could not see Siva as Nandeeswara is obstructing. Nandanaar prayed Siva. Siva asked Nandi to move away so as to give clear cut darshan to Nandanaar.

·         Enadhinadhan Naayanaar – He applies Vibhuthi overall the body. He is a Sword war teacher. He used to teach even kings. One day Athisurudu came and challenged him. Both gangs fought each other. None could stand before Enadhinadhan. Athisurudu then applied fully Vibhuthi and stood before him. Enadhinadhan did not fight with him as he considers him pious with vibhudhi. He just used Daalu (Shield) to save himself whenever possible, but finally could not survive much and died. Siva saw this and unified (Aikyam) into Him. Even today many Tamilian families while sending their girls after marriage, put Vibhuthi in odiganti (a knot in saree used to hold generally sacred rice to carry to in-laws house) .

Siva Bhakths

                                    Avvaiyar

·         Avvaiyar (meaning respectable elderly woman) is an old lady, devotee of Ganesha. Kshera king and Sundara Murthy Naayanaar – together came and asked her if She will come to Kailasam as they are going with life. But she said she is doing Vinayaka puja and cannot come. Later she repented for not going to kailasam. Knowing this. Vinayaka took her through His Trunk and put her in Kailasam instantly before the King and Naayanaar arrival. Since she is old and felt as if daily doing praying to Shankara, she felt homely, sat on the floor of kailasam and stretched her legs. Parvati felt bad seeing the Granny sitting like carefree. Meanwhile the assistant of Parvati came and told in the ears of granny not to keep her legs stretching like that. Then she requested the assistant to tilt her legs in such a way that where Siva is not opposite to her. Accordingly, the assistant tilted her. But surprisingly Siva also rotated. Any number of times she is tilting, same thing happening. Siva got irritated and told to the lady assistant how many times she will make him to be rotated like that. Avayyar knows that Siva is everywhere, but not the assistant of Kailasam herself.

·         Maanadu along with his wife, used to feed anyone who used to come to their house. As days passed his property faded away. They were happy that their property gone and no worries left. For few days heavy rains were occurring continuously. They were fasting with no food. Siva came as an old Brahmin and requested for food in that rain. Maanadu went to the field to get the grains which he has seeded for cultivation. He knows if he takes them there will be no crop for the whole year. As he gone out of his house, his wife stood out of the house and allowed the old Brahmin to stay in the house. Maanadu came with grains back home. As no dry fire sticks available, they pulled the hut sticks, knowing pretty well that the hut will collapse soon for the heavy rains. They lit the fire and made rice podgy and offered to the Brahmin. He asked them will they not take. They said they will be happy by seeing He taking the food. Then Siva appeared along with Parvati and unified (Aikyam) them in Him.

Sanathana Dharma

·         Panchakshari – NaMahSiVaYah. Though Vedas are four, they are called popularly as Trivedas. Upanayanam is needed to study for first 3 vedas. For the fourth one i.e., Adharvana vedam second time upanayanam is needed again. Rudraadhyaayam says (forecasted well in advance) Siva with two forms will be there 1) Siva with Jatajootam and 2) As well with fully Bald. The second one is none other than but forecasted form of Adi Shankara, who even forecasted by Vyasa as a person with orange cloth with four disciples, in Chinmudra. Guru Parampara is nothing but starts from Siva/Vyasa/Adi Shankara…

·         Bhishma challenged that he will ensure that Krishna will take weapon in the war. Same thing happened, when Bhishma injured Arjuna severely. Krishna jumped from Chariot - took the wheel and wanted to Kill Bhishma angrily. Arjuna then pacified Krishna not to do so. Otherwise Bhishma and the entire kauravas would have been killed by Krishna in one second.

·         Bhishmashtami (Next Day of Rathasapthami). Tarpana should be given to Bhishma by everyone. Bhishma’s gothra is Vyaghra gothra.

·         Yenamadurru (7 Km from Bhimavaram, AP) – Siva here will be upside and down (Sirshasana). Once Yama came and asked Parvati to accompany him so that he can kill demons. But that time, Siva is in that Yoga nishta, Amma is giving milk to Subrahmanya swamy. She would not want to disturb Siva, hence She rushed like that only carrying Siva and Subrahmanya. That’s why Siva is like Sirshasana, Parvati is like in the posture as if giving milk. Once 200 soldiers of another religion came to destroy Siva Linga with a sword, then Parvati threw big stones, smashed them and killed all of them. Nothing happened to Linga, not even a single scar. Even today villagers consider Amma as a powerful goddess of protection. 

·         Mandapaka another village nearby. Amma here again considered powerful form. Once Chandrasekhara Acharya came to Tanuku and wanted to go away without visiting Mandapaka. Amma came in the dream of Paramacharya and asked him to come and do Kumkukma puja by Himself. Acharya immediately rushed by walk. There is a custom for the temple, priests will do Kumkum puja outside of the Garbhalaya. If it is done properly, the flowers vessel placed side by Amma will automatically tilt and rain them on Amma head else will not. Hence priests will repeat the Archana till such time the flowers rain. 

·         Srunga giri. Srungeri: Adi Shankara saw a thirsty frog unable to jump in a hot sun., then a Naga snake came and gave a shadow to it so that frog can get cool and jump to the nearest pond. Then Shankara realized that it is the place where Rushya srunga saints did tapassu. Then he decided to put his first Peetha there. That is Srunga giri. Srungeri.

·         Jambukeswara Temple – where Jambu maharshi did tapassu, Once Neredu (Apricot) tree here got dried up. As a last resort priests did Eka Dasa Rudrabhishekam to that tree – then it started becoming green and grown up. Below the tree Sri Kalahasthi type story happened. Spider and Elephant are both devotees of Siva. They became envy of each other – daily used to spoil the puja of each of the other one. Because of the quarrel and fight– both died one day.  Spider in the next birth born as King Kochchanga choludu. He renovated 700 Siva temples so that elephant cannot enter. Even in Jambukeswaran temple also – elephant cannot enter. Thus, he carried previous birth’s qualities.

·         Unmatha pancha Sathi was a poetry written by Appayya deekshithulu when he created himself in a madness state for couple of hours, intentionally.  This was a test done on to himself by him so as to see how much real love he has on Siva even in improper mental condition.

·         Muthu Swamy Deksheethuru is a blessed scholar, musician born, grown, lived because of Subrahmanya Swamy only.

·         Once – a scholar studied all epics and finally felt that nothing would have been left in the Library of Saraswati. So, he wanted to apologize her that nothing is left in the universe for him to read. He peeped into Her library. But still there are crores of books inside. Then he felt ashamed for his agnaanam. He realized that gnaanam will not come from reading many numbers of books, but will come from obedience.

·         If Tulasi is there on Saint’s/Guru’s Samadhi – It is called as Brundavanam – Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Samadhi is called Brindavanam. If Siva Lingam is there on Samadhi – it is called as Adhishtaanam – Ramana Maharshi Samadhi called as Adhishtanam.

·         One should put one Namaskaram per day to parents and should not seek any wishes from them during that time. In Sivalayam – 4 or 5 Namaskarams should be offered. 1^st One - Manasika Namaskaram should be offered.  2^nd one standing in the main entrance, 3^rd one seeing through Nandi Horn, 4^th one in the main temple, 5^th one after coming out. You can request any wishes to Siva. To Sanyasi we should offer four Namaskarams (since they are in 4^th stage i.e., Turyam) and should not seek any wish from him.  

·         The sequence of respect as an example – the levels of Gurus in ascending order 1) Student – 2) Teacher – 3) Ashram Guru – 4) Mantropadesa Guru – 5) Parama Guru. Each below order persons do sashtanga pramanams to the next level. 

·         One should not imitate Gnaani (should get inspiration only) and at the same time should not follow foolish fellow. Otherwise, you will get confused, you should take truthfulness

·         Ten Vayus will be there in any humanly body – Prana, Apana, Vyana (Unable to bend), Udana (Viswakarma) – capability to change some of the organs of the body so as re-produce of the same form/race (like man-man, dog-dog, parrot-parrot etc..), Samaana – Equal growth of the body to balance (like both hands, legs, body parts within a man, or within a dog or within a parrot etc.), Naaga – Gas which comes when one’s stomach is filled to give indication that it is full or excess, Kurmam – It is in eyebrows helps to close as an unintentional reaction, Krukaram – which senses when one is hungry, Dhananjayam – generates when body dies, which makes the body to be swollen so that the body breaks , if it is left as is and all the pancha bhuthas unifies the body,  in to them respectively, Deva Datham – Yawning which enables you to take rest.

·         Agni – Havissu, Pithru devatha food, First food provider in the house. Vayu + Agni together are very dangerous. But because we do pray Siva, Bhima is controlling them.

·         Ishta Purtham (Capability to Donate, Capability to do service for God).

·         Moksham can be achieved through 1) Saivam 2) Saaktheyamu 3) Gaanapathyam 4) Koumaram 5) Souram 6) Vaishnavam – Shanmatham. In Puja 1) Siva 2) Sakthi 3) Vishnu 4) Surya 5) Ganapathi Panchayathanams should be there.

·         When Manassu goes into Aathma it is Sukham. Puja should start with Vishnu naamas (Kesava, Madha…). Day should close with Siva chanting 11 times. That means you are going to spend with Siva in kailasam. First look after waking up should be on favourite God, then chant “Samudra tanaye…”. Then touch earth, bow down to Guru.  

·         In house puja mandiram, Vayuvya North Eeast – Kula Devatha should be as Simhasanam. Wife gets punyam by serving / offering to husband and also gets half of Punyam from Husband serving / offering to the God. Gruhasthu wants to get rid of three difficulties – 1) Adhyathmika difficulties – health related (family + animal) 2) Adi Bouthika difficulties (Materialistic things). 3) Adi – dynika difficulties. Pandemic.  

·         Nava Randhras – 2 each – Eyes, Ears, Nasika, Mouth, Mala, Muthra, many other sweating holes.

Arunachalam & Bhaghawan Ramana Maharshi (Maha Siva Puranam)

 

Arunachalam &

Bhaghawan Ramana Maharshi

    (Maha Siva Puranam)

Pravachanam By Brahmasri Chaganti Koteswara Rao Garu

 

This is as part of Maha Siva Puranam Pravachanam. This details about the Arunachala Kshetram and associated stories and Bhaghawan Ramana Mahrshi Life History. 

 

Arunachaleswara Temple (Thiruvannamalai)

            

                        Arunachalam Temple

Arunachalam / Giri Pradakshinam / Giri Valayam

             Arunachalam Hill / Aruna Giri

·         In Arunachalam Siva is in three forms – Arunachalam, Arunachaleswara Linga rupa, Arunachaleswara Jyoti rupa. When you do pradakshinam first one is South side Yama Lingam will be there – If you pray here it will be good to get cured for bone diseases. Next is South East – Nyruthi Lingam – This Linga prayer will be enabling for improved focus on Manassu. Kavyakantha Ganapathi Saint did Tapassu here. He determined not to move away from here till his samkalpam is over. He was doing Tapassu very strictly. The Arunachala chariot one day stopped exactly before this temple, while carrying Anna Daana as well. Any number of people could not further pull it from there. Head priest came in the midnight dream of Kavyakantha Ganapathi and told him that he only can pull the chariot. He rushed there put namaskaram, saw only 10 people there. So, he prayed Siva that next day early hours he will come and pull the chariot. He said that with His Mercy only they will be able to take back to the temple. He slept, but surprisingly could woke up very late by 9 AM only. He went there and pulled the chariot. That is the greatness of this Linga.

·         Adi Annamalai Temple (West Side), Chandra, Surya, Kubra (North) – for Aishwaryam are other main important Siva Linga temples. Eesaanya Lingam  – Here Nandi head will be in a tilted shape  – the reason is that some devotees requested Siva that Nandi is obstructing His Darshan. Then Siva ordered Nandi to turn his face. But since Siva did not tell him to turn back normal again, Nandi remained like that only. There are no Deeksha/rules to be followed in Arunachalam. East Gopuram of the temple is generally the main entrance. This is constructed by Krishna Devaraya. North Gopuram – at least once should go and come. Ammani amman is a poor lady – she collected donations by having the special skill of knowing what each house is having the exact money. With that money she constructed the gopuram and hence it has been named after her.

·         While doing Pradakshinam if some bleeding happens, only Lakshmi Amma comes and saves, none of us can control the blood. This is according to Skanda puranam. None can tell the age of this Chalam. As per Krutha yugam – this was Jyothi. In Thretha yugam it was Gold, Dwapara yuga it is copper. Now it is stone. But it is always remained as Jyoti swarupa.

Arunagiri Nadhar / Kili Gopuram

·         Arunagiri Nadhar’s mother – is a prostitute. He has one elder sister from another father. But he does not know that. After mother died – sister took care of younger brother. But Arunagiri was a womanizer, he spent money lavishly. Finally, nothing was left with him. When he was demanding money from the sister, she offered her own body – revealing that they are not own siblings. Then Arunagiri repented to the core and jumped from the Subrahmanya Temple Gopuram to die. Then Subrahamanya swamy saved him. Instantly he became a pious man and written 1000s of slokas in his life time on Subrahmanya swamy. Proudha deva rayulu king of Arunachala appointed him as his main court poet by removing an existing main poet by name Sambadhan. King requested Arunagiri to show him Subrahmanya swamy. He warned that he will lose his eyes by seeing Him, But King insisted upon. So, the same happened – he could see Swamy because of Arunagiri, but lost his sight.  But Arunagiri Nadhar prayed Swamy and got the sight for King back.

·         Thus, he became very close to King. Sambadhan became too jealous. He knows that Arunagiri changes his body from one live-being to another daily for doing Puja to Subrahmanya swamy near a temple. One day he did the same by entering into parrot, leaving his original body, so that he can bring flowers for puja. By the time he came back – Sambadhan burnt the original body. Auranagiri Nadhar remained as Parrot and still was singing, praying Subrahmanya Swamy. Always he used to be on the Gopuram of the temple. Thus, in the main Arunachalam temple there is Kili Gopuram for the Subrahmanya swamy temple. It is near the Patala lingam. There is a samadhi near the patala linga. There Ramana Maharshi used to do Tapassu. Seeing that ants and insects are reaching there, Seshadri swamy took him out from there. He did Tapassu outside. Later He is shifted to Southside of Vippa (mahua) Tree. Then after that Big Bull will be there. Crossing third Prakaram Arunachaleshwara temple will be there. Adjacent to it His consort Apeetha Kuchamba will be there.  

Vallala Maharaj / Vallala Gopuram

After crossing East Gopuram Vallala Gopuram will be there.   Vallala was a king. He has two wives Mallana Devi and Sallama Devi. He has no children. Once Siva came in Jangamadevara form. As per custom when they come a woman has to go and dance. Since no court yard ladies were there by that time (as the other Pramadha ganas have already occupied rest of the kingdom) – Sallama Devi agreed to Dance with the Jangamadevara. She went to his room. Surprisingly when she touched Jangamadevara, she noticed a Kid. He disappeared and later appeared as Shankara. He granted the boon that since – they do not have children He will do Abdhikam to them once the king goes from his physical form. Even till today – in Magha month – Arunachaleshwara and Apeetha Kuchamba do Abdhikam to Vallala. This is happening since 600+ years.

Kavya Kantha Ganapathi

·         Kavya Kantha Ganapathi along with his younger brother came to Arunachalam. After praying Amma, he felt he came over here for some great accomplishments. His brother started suffering with hungry. Since it is Ekadasi no one could offer them food. Finally, one old couple said it is their practice to offer food to Brahmins on Ekadasi night. So, they were served with feast. They had nice dinner and were offered to sleep before the house only. By the time they woke-up, next day morning they noticed that they were indeed in a Vinayaka Temple. Thus, it is the Siva and Parvati who blessed them. Even then still they suffered subsequently for food as they could get food very rarely. They starved for many days. With that starving every night he used to recite one Sanskrit sloka. Many pundits used to come and appreciate his literary skills, but none offered him meals. This is all Siva leela.

·         Finally, one night he declared that he is writing last sloka of Hara Vilasam and recited. Ramana Maharshi, Seshadri Swamy. Many Town heads came. They all appreciated him and taken care of him since then. They offered Sanskrit teacher post, arranged continuous meals.  There was no hunger for him since then He is so genius that he could learn Tamil in 10 days, that too the highest level of it. He could listen Shakespeare’s Macbeth in English and translate instantly in Sanskrit more beautifully than that in English.  Once he settled in Mango Cave and started writing Uma Sahasram – Jut about to complete before the self-deadline, he has got goruchuttu (whitlow). It was so much paining that he was unable to write. Then Siva appeared in the dream of Dr Punyakoti – ordered him to go and treat Ganapathi. He came and treated him. The deadline of midnight approaching. Bhagavan Ramana also came, sat opposite to him. He completed exactly just before midnight. Ramana blessed him in the form of Arunachala. Arunachalam is considered as Dkashinamurthy Swarupam.

Bhaghawan Ramana Maharshi

(30 December 1879 - 14 April 1950)

Early Life of Ramana

·         Ramana was born in Arudra star, in Tiruchuli village near Trisulapuram. The village Temple is having deities Bhuminathar, Sahayamba. His parents. are Sundareswara ayyar and Alagamma. Ramana is third child. Eldest is Sister. Second Child is Naga Swamy. Fourth child name is Raga Sundarudu. Fifth child is Alamelu. Venkateswara is their Household God. Ages back in their family dynasty once, someone illtreated a beggar-saint, the beggar cursed that in each generation one family member will become saint. Accordingly, Sundareswar Ayyar elder brother Venkateswara Ayyar became a saint at the age of 18 and went to Chidambaram. Hence Ramana is named as Venkata Ramanan. He got his thread ceremony at the age of 8. Then he went to Dindigal to his uncle Subba Ayyar (father’s younger brother) for English medium education along with his elder brother Naga swamy. Ramanan used to sleep like anything in his younger ages. From there Ramana moved to Madhurai as his uncle got transferred to Mathurai. He used to go in midnight to play with friends in the river bank side.

·         While his father passed away, he was 12-year-old. The ages of the children are as follows (14,12,6 and last one is baby). Once a relation came from Arunachalam to Madhurai and Ramana from then onwards developed some unknown bond with it. During that time, he saw a book in his uncle’s house - Periya puranam (63 Naayanaar’s story) – He started reading. He used to go to Meenakshi temple daily. He used to be in deep dhyanam. Meanwhile his brother got married. At the age of 17 an incident happened. One day suddenly he suffocated a lot, felt as if ready to die. He lied down on the floor. Wanted to witness the death of his own. He felt tightness as if he is becoming like a wood. He saw his own body falling. But he is astonished that he is noticing all – that means he is alive without body – that means he experienced in his own Athma. So later onwards he became mechanical. Gradually he was doing repeated Dhyanam. Family was complaining that he is neglecting everything. Ramana could not focus on Books.  One day his brother commented “Why do you need to be at home?”. Ramana just stood up and told that he has some class and need to go out. But as brother told him, had last home lunch of his life time at the age of 17 provided by sister-in-law. Brother told him to take Rs 5 and pay his college fee. While leaving home he wrote as follows “This (means Body) has taken Rs 3. Not paying your college fee. This is going to search for Father. Do not search for…. From…” Left blank with no name.

Journey to Destination (Arunachalam/Thiruvannamalai)

·         He went to Railway station. Purchased Thindivanam ticket. He was doing dhyanam in the train. But got down at Villupuram ahead of the destination. Took another train for Thiruvannamalai. But since he is not having sufficient money purchased ticket up to Mambalam pattu. Got down there and walked till Nalluru. He was feeling very hungry. He went to a temple, Priest there did puja, but he could not get prasadam. From there he walked till Keeluru along with a group of priests. There also they did not provide any food/prasadam. But the Bhajanthris provided him the prasadam. By the time he could eat, he desperately wanted water as he is feeling severe thirsty. He went to some house nearby and by the time someone could provide food, he fallen and wokeup next day morning. Next day he met Muddu Krishna Ayyar –he requested them some food. He said his sister is there. But she is doing Puja and asked him if he can wait till that time. But seeing the stage of the boy she has provided him old food. He ate that, put his ear rings and took Rs 5 in exchange from Muddu Krishna.

·         Then he walked till Thiruvannamalai. He reached early hours to the temple, incidentally the main Garbha Aalaya opened. He hugged the Linga and told “Appa I came as you called me”. He took bath in the lake and threw the cloths. He put a gochi and had complete bald. He gave away the money to the barber and threw his eatables in the lake. He started doing dhyanam. His hair, beard started growing. He was not aware of the food being taken. Some notorious kids started throwing stones at him. As it is disturbing, he went to Patala Lingam. There insects started assembling and biting him and blood was coming out. Seshadri swamy noticed it. (He has gnaanam from Kamkshi amma). He took him out from Patala Lingam. Then priests started giving milk to him. Kids as usual started throwing stones and hitting him. Even authorities used to discourage him.

Becoming of Bhghawan Ramana Maharshi

Sri Ramana Ashram, Arunachalam, Thiruvannamalai

·         Uddandi naayanaar tried to serve him. He took him to Virupkasha Guha/Cave. Palaniswamy a normal person used to start doing service to him. Jataswamy a saint used to roll stones at Ramana’s place, so that devotees visiting Ramana get afraid. Ramana caught hold of him. Another swamy used to collect money posing as if he is the Guru of Him, But Ramana neither way commented. That swamy got frustrated and left Thiruvannamalai twice. Kavya Kantha Ganapathi came one day and sought Brahma Vidya from him. Luckily after   surrendering his ear rings to Muddu Krishna Ayyar, Ramana spoke for the first time – “Brahmam is nothing – you search for the manassu where it is originating”. “Of all the thoughts that rise in the mind, the thought 'I' is the first thought.”. He also called him as Nayana.  Kavya Kantha Ganapathi named him first as “Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi”.

·         Onti Monkey, is closely associated with Ramana. Jack is Dog (like saint they did Samadhi to it), Valli Deer, Lakshmi Cow. These are all the animals to whom Ramana Maharshi showed and showered Daya equally like fellow human-beings. He suffered with Cancer towards end. Suri Nagamma wrote about his life. Her mother, father died at the age of 9 and 10 respectively . Married and became widow at the age of 11 and 12. They made her to sleep on mat, made to cry, not to eat, suffocated. Once she went to Thiruvannamalai and realized Ramana as Guru. She settled there. She discussed with him many epics, wrote many letters on behalf of Him. On the last day Ramana sat on the Sofa, had looked towards Suri Nagamma and other devotees and left the physical body. There was Jyoti which came out from him and unified (Aikyam) in the Arunachalam. After that many devotees including Suri Nagamma left Ashrama as they could not live without Him