VIDYESHWAR SAMHITA
SAGES ENQUIRE
Viddyeshwar Samhita which is classified into twenty five chapters, has a
narration in its first chapter which goes as follows-
Once upon a time, the sages were performing a yagya at Prayag kshetra. Sage
Sutji came to know about this and arrived there. All the sages were very pleased
to see him. They requested:-
"Lord! Though we have heard many tales from you regarding the man's
benediction, but today we want to listen to something special. Because in this
present era of Kali, when all the castes have forgotten about their respective
duties we want to know is there any way to prevent the deterioration in the
human values?"
Sutji replied:-
"O Great men! Your enquiry has great relevance in this era of Kali. I will
certainly tell you about the way by the help of which a man can achieve
benediction. Shivmahapuran contains the essence of Vedantic philosophy, which
gives worldly pleasures as well as Salvation. Mere remembrance of it destroys
all the sins of a man. One who studies the Rudra-Samhita attentively, his
gravest of sins are destroyed instantaneously. One who studies Rudra-Samhita'
silently, sitting in front of Bhairav-idol, all of his aspirations are
fulfilled. A man gets liberated from the sin of killing a brahmin, if he studies
Rudra Samhita while circulbulating around a Banyan tree."
"Kailash Samhita is even Superior than Rudra Samhita, as it elaborates upon
the meaning of Omkar. Shivmahapuran is created by lord Shiva Himself. It
contains twelve Samhitas which are - Viddyeshwar, Rudra, Vinayak, Uma, Matri,
Ekadash-rudra, Kailash, Shat-rudra, Koti-rudra, Sahastra Koti, Vayaviya and
Dharma."
"Initially it contained one lac shlokas but it was precised to twenty-four
thousand shlokas by sage Vyas. The present ShivPuran is the fourth one which
consists of seven Samhitas. The earlier three Shivpuranas are unavailable. The
scientific analysis of the Vedantic mysteries are the main subject of this
divine Shivpuran. The study of Shivpuran helps a man to attain Dharma, Artha,
Kaam and Moksha.
(PROPOSITION & MEANS) OR ATTAINABLE
Sutji continued with his narration:-
"During the initial period of 'Svet Varah Kalp'. Six prominent sages
collected near Triveni and started debating as to who was the greatest deity,
among Brahma Vishnu and Mahesh. Their debate remained inconclusive, so they went
to lord Brahma to seek the answer.
Lord Brahma told them:-
"O revered Sages! The source of Vishnu, Rudra all the deities including
myself and all the other creations is none other Mahadeo. Union with the Shiva
should be the objective of a man to attain that objective. Listening to the
qualities of Lord Shiva, singing devotional songs in his praise and
contemplating on him are the greatest means, which help to unite with
Shiva."
(LISTENING-KIRTAN-CONTEMPLATION)
SHRAVAN KIRTAN MANAN
Purification of the mind by the help of doing worship and chanting the name of
God is called contemplation. Singing devotional songs in the form of stotra, or
hymns of the vedas or even in one's own language is called Kirtan.
The above mentioned three activities are the supreme means to attain liberation
(GREATNESS OF SHIVALINGA)
According to Sutji, if a person is incapable of following the above mentioned
three activities i.e. Shravan, Kirtan and Manan then he should worship the
Shivalinga. Even by doing this he can attain liberation from all the bondages of
the world.
Describing about the majesty of Shivalinga, Sutji says: "Lord Shiva is the
manifestation of Almighty God (Brahma) himself and for this very reason he is
known as NISHKAL. Because of his divine beauty, Shiva is called SAGUNA (God with
form). The term SAGUNA is also expressed in another way, that is SAKAL.
Shivalinga is worshipped since it symbolizes the form of Shiva. Lord Shiva is
also considered to be NIRGUNA (without any qualities.)"
"In the first Kalpa of Swetvarah, a battle was fought between Lord Brahma
and Lord Vishnu to prove their superiority. Lord Shiva manifested before
arrogance. After that he also showed them his form in the shape of Shivalinga.
From that day onwards the Shivalinga became famous."
(THE DEITIES GO TO
KAILASH MOUNTAIN)
Nandikeshwarji narrates the tale of battle between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.
"Once while travelling lord Brahma reached the abode of Lord Vishnu. He saw
Lord Vishnu. He saw lord Vishnu resting on Shesh-Nag and being attended by
Garuda and other attendants. When Brahmaji saw that Vishnu did not get up to
receive him, he became very angry. Very soon, Verbal dual erupted between them.
It became so severe that a battle was fought between them, which continued for
very long time. All the deities arrived from the heaven to watch the battle.
They became very worried when they saw no sign of battle coming to an end. They
decided to go to lord Shiva, to seek his help.
(ANALSTAMBH
- THE PILLAR OF FIRE)
"Though Lord Shiva knew everything, but still feigning ignorance, he asked
about the well beings of the world. The deities told him about the battle,
fought between Brahmaji and Vishnuji."
"Lord Shiva then sent his one hundred Ganas to pacify both of them. He too
went there accompanied by mother Parvati, boarded on a chariot. When Lord Shiva
reached there, he saw that Brahmaji and Vishnuji were about to use their deadly
weapons- Maheshwar and Pashupat respectively. Fearing the destruction, which
these deadly weapons might have caused, Lord Shiva manifested himself in the
form of 'Analstamba' (pillar of fire) between them. Brahmaji and Vishnuji had
already released their weapons- Maheshwar and Pashupat. Both the weapons fell
into that pillar of fire and got destroyed.
"Brahmaji and Vishnuji were very surprised to see the pillar of fire, which
was so enormous in size that it reached the sky and penetrated down the earth.
Vishnuji transformed himself into a boar and went to the 'Patal' (nether world)
to find the base of that 'Pillar of fire'. But he was unsuccessful in his
attempt and came back.
Similarly Brahmaji transformed himself into a swan and flew up in the sky to
find its limit. While going through the aerial route he met a withered 'Ketaki'
flowers, which had still some freshness and fragrance left in it."
"Lord Shiva smiled at the futile attempts of Shri Brahmaji and Vishnuji. As
a result of his smile the Ketaki flower fell down from the branch. Ketaki flower
told Brahmaji that he had been present there since the beginning of the
creation, but was unable to know about the origin of that 'Pillar of fine'. The
flower also advised Brahmaji against making any effort in that direction, as it
would be of no use."
"Brahmaji then sought the help of Ketaki flower to give a false witness
before lord Vishnu, that he (Brahmaji) had been successful in seeing the limit
of that pillar of fire. Ketaki flower agreed. Both of them went to Vishnuji and
Brahmaji told him that he had seen the limit of that Pillar of fire. Ketaki
flower gave a witness. Vishnuji accepted the superiority of Brahmaji."
"Lord Shiva became very angry with Brahmaji. He proceeded to punish
Brahmaji for his falsehood. Lord Vishnu requested Lord Shiva to spare the life
of Brahmaji. Lord Shiva became pleased with Vishnuji and accorded him the same
status as Hat of his own."
SHIVA OBLIGES BRAHHA
Nandikeshwar continuing with the tale said:
"After according same status to Vishnuji as that of his own, Lord Shiva
opened his third eye from it manifested 'Bhairav'. He ordered Bhairav to kill
Brahmaji. Bhairav severed the fifth head of Lord Brahma with his sword. Brahmaji
became very terrified. He was trembling in fear. Lord Vishnu felt pity on his
condition and requested Lord Shiva to forgive him.
Lord Shiva then stopped Bhairav, but told Brahma.
"You spoke untruth with a desire to become worshippable. It is my curse
that, you will not be worshipped by anybody. You will posses only four
heads."
Brahmaji begged his forgiveness. Lord Shiva feeling pity on Brahmaji gave him a
boon of being the presiding deity of all the yagya. Similarly the Ketaki flower
also prohibited from being used during worship. But when Ketaki flower tendered
his apology Shiva gave blessing that it would be fortunate to be offered to lord
Vishnu during the worship.
(CONSECRATION OF MAHESHWAR)
Lord Vishnu and Brahma made salutations to lord Shiva and offered him a seat.
They then worshipped him. This was the first time, Brahma and Vishnu had
worshipped lord Shiva. Shiva was very pleased. Shiva-ratri has been continued to
be celebrated since that day. This particular day is considered to be the most
auspicious day for the worship of Lord Shiva.
A devotee who fasts on Shiv ratri remaining only on fruits, attain virtues
equivalent to the worship done for the whole year.
The idol of Shiva is consecrated on this day.
Lord Shiva has himself told the deities that he had manifested in the form of
Pillar of Fire' in the month of Agahan and during the constellation of Ardra. He
also said-
"One who has my darshan on this day (Shivratri) or worships me in my form
of linga is dearer to me than Kartikeya. The place where, I manifested in the
form of Pillar of fire will become famous as Lingasthan. Because of its
resemblance with the 'Mountain of Fire', it will also be known Arunachal."
Later on Shiva brought back to life all the people who had died in the battle,
fought between Brahmaji and Vishnuji.
(OMKAR)
Lord Shiva then preached Brahmaji and Vishnuji on the five duties (Panchakritya)
saying that 'Shrishti' (creation), 'Sthithi' (position), Samhar (Annihilation),
Tirobhav (Concealment) and 'Anugrah' (obligation or kindness) are the five
duties by which this world functions.
The source of this world in 'Sarga' or Nature. The establishment of this world
is 'Stithi' or position. The tendency of this world to destroy is Samhar or
destruction. The feeling of absence of this world is Tirobhav or Concealment and
Moksha or Salvation is obligation or Anugrah.
Lord Shiva then goes on to explain that the first four duties like Sarga
(Nature) etc help in the nurturement of the world and the fifth duty Anugrah is
a giver of Salvation.
Lord Shiva also told them (Brahmaji & Vishnuji) that he (Shiva) had blessed
both of them to look after the two duties i.e. Shrishti and Sthiti. Rudra and
Mahesh have been entrusted with the job of Sanhar & Tiribhav. "The
fifth duty 'Anugrah' has been kept by me." Said Shiva.
After describing about the allocation of the various duties, Lord Shiva
described the meaning of 'OMKAR' to them. He said that OMKAR signified the world
and contained the power of both Shiva and Shakti. This powerful mantra gives all
kinds of worldly accomplishment as well as salvation.
After that Lord Shiva initiated both Brahmaji and Vishnuji with the OMKAR'
mantra. He also preached them on the importance of the worship of Shivalinga.
RITUALS OF THE WORSHIP OF SHIVA
On the request of the sages, Sutji describes about the methods of worshipping
Shiva Linga. He says
"One should construct a Shivalinga either of mud, rock or metal and
establish it in such a place where it can be worshipped daily without any
hindrance."
"The 'Char' (mobile) Linga should be small in size and the Sthira (Fixed)
linga should be large. The Linga should be constructed along with the pedestal.
The rule for constructing a Shiva Linga has been specifically described. The
breadth of thickness of the Linga should be twelve times the thickness of the
devotees (one who is constructing the linga) finger, while the length should be
twenty-five times. After establishing the linga in the above mentioned way, it
should be worshipped after performing the Shodasopachar. The thumb also
symbolise a Shiva linga and its worship can be done. While worshipping the Shiva
Linga, the mantra OM NAMAH SHIVAY should be continuously chanted. Chanting this
mantra for five crore times, helps a man in attaining to the abode of Shiva.
Worship of Shiva done during the mid night is considered to be especially
fructifying.
(SACRED PILGRIMAGES OF SHIVA)
There are numerous places of pilgrimages connected with Shiva at the banks of
river Ganges and river Indus. River Saraswati is considered to be a sacrosanct
river and having an opportunity of living at its banks, helps in attaining to
the abode of Brahma.
Similarly, there are famous temples of Lord Shiva at Kashi, Naimisharanya,
Badrikasharam and Kedar etc. There are many temples of Shiva at the banks of
holy river like Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati, Godavari, Narmada, Kaveri, Sarayu,
Tungabhadra etc. Worshipping Shiva at these places bestows undiminishing virtues
and liberates a man from all of his sins.
The root sounds Akaar,
Ukaar, Makaar, Bindu and Naad, which are free from the delusions and which
originates from the mother Nature are called Pranav. It is of two types:-
a) Gross, b) Subtle. (Pranav Mantra OM AND OM NAMAH SHIVAY!
It symbolizess the unified power of Shiva and Shakti and destroyes all the sins
of a man. A man desirous of worldly pleasures must chant the mantra 'Hrishva
Pranav' containing the three root sounds A, U, & Ma, which symbolizes
Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh respectively. On the other hand a man aspiring for the
salvation, must chant the mantra 'Deergha Pranav' containing A, U, Ma, Naad and
Bindu.
Before commencing the study of Vedas pronouncing OMKAR is a must. By chanting 'Pranav'
for nine crore times man becomes pure. By chanting it for further nine crore
times a man develops a control over natural forces like wind, smell and earth
etc.
This Pranav mantra is considered to be most powerful and helps a man to attain
the abode of Shiva.
(WORLDLY BONDAGES AND SALVATION
In the eighteen chapter, all the sages requested Sutji to explain the meaning of
bondages of life and Salvation
Sutji replied-
"Because of the eight types of bondages which a man feels on this earth,
the soul is also known as "Jeeva". The Jeeva becomes liberated only
after becoming free from these eight bondages. These eight bondages are -
Nature, Intelligence qualitative- ego and the Panchatanmatras i.e. Sound, touch,
appearance, taste and smell.
"Each soul is binded by these eight aspects of the Nature. The actions
performed as the result of these bondages is called Karma. A man reaps the
fruits of his actions- Whether good or evil. He either enjoys pleasures or
suffers because of sorrow, due to this Karma." The soul takes rebirth in a
cyclic was binded by the effects of his Karmas. The eight Chakra' are nothing
but the eight forms of the nature. Shiva is beyond the reach of these eight
chakras, on the contrary he has full control these eight chakras. So a man can
become free from the bondages of this world, only by worshipping Shiva Linga.
The linga is both gross as well as subtle. There are five types of Linga on this
earth.- SWAYAMBHU LINGA, BINDU LINGA, PRATISTHIT LINGA, CHAR LINGA, GURU LINGA.
A person desirous of worldly pleasures should worship the cross Shivalinga,
where as one who is desirous of attaining salvation must worship the subtle
Shiva linga."
(THE WORSHIP OF PARTHIVA LINGA)
Sutji then explains the greatness of worshipping a Parthiva Linga-:
"Parthiva Linga is the most supreme among all the Shiva-Lingas. All the
aspirtions of he deities as well as men are fulfilled by the worship of Parthiv
linga. During the era of Satya, jewel was considered to be of prime importance,
where as during Tretayuga and Dwaparyuga, gold and mercury had the prime
importance respectively. In the present era of Kali, a Parthiva Linga hold this
place of honour. The worship of Parthiva Linga begets more virtues than even
penance. Just as Ganga among the rivers, Kashi among the sacred places of
pilgrimages, Omkar among all the mantras are considered to be superior, In the
same way Parthivalinga is considered to the supreme among all the Linga.
Worshipping, a Parthiva linga with a 'Nishkam bhava' helps a man to attain
liberation."
(METHODS OF WORSHIPPING PARTHIVA LINGA)
Describes in an elaboration, the
methods of doing worship of Parthiva Linga:-
"After becoming fresh in the morning, a man should wear a rudraksha garland
in his neck and apply bhasma (Ash) on his forehead. He should then worship the
Parthiva Linga. He should chant the various names of Shiva, while worshipping
the Parthiva Linga, like Har, Maheshwar, Shambhu, Shoolpani, Mahadev, etc. After
worshipping the Parthiva Linga, it should be immersed in the river, Then the
mantra - OM NAMAH SHIVAY should be canted with complete devotion. This is the
method which has been described in the Vedas for the worship of Parthiva
Linga."
(NUMBER OF PARTHIVA SHIVALINGAS)
The numbers of Parthiva Linga differ according to one's desires. For example a
man who is desirous of learning and knowledge must worship one thousand Parthiva
Linga. A man who is desirous of wealth must worship. One thousand five hundred
Parthiva Lingas. A man who is desirous of attaining salvation must worship one
crore Parthiva Lingas.
Parthiva linga, which is equivalent to the height measured by the four fingers
and which has been established on a beautiful pedestal, is considered to be the
best. Parthiva Linga which is the half of the above mentioned height is
considered to be 'Medium; and still half than the second category is considered
to be inferior Parthiva Linga. It is better and advisable to worship a single
Parthiva Linga daily, because it is equivalent to the worship of the whole
world. Nobody is barred from worshipping Shiva, except the people whose
ancestors had been cursed by the sages like Dadhichi, Gautam. Such people should
also worship the eight idols (earth, water, fire, air, sky, sun, moon and the
host) alongwith the Parthiva linga.
A brahmin should worship Parthiva linga as per the methods described in the
vedas. Worship should be done, facing north.
(IMPORTANCE OF NAIVEDYA AND BILVA-LEAVES)
Sutji then described about the important of Naivedya offered to Lord Shiva.
"A devotee gets liberated from all of his sins merely at the sight of the
Naivedya, which have been offered to lord Shiva. He attains great virtues by
having the Prasada."
A man must not accept the Prasada if the worship have been done under
supervision of a 'Chandala', but some of the Shivalingas like Baanlinga,
Siddhalinga and Swayambhu Linga are exceptions to this rule. The prasada which
has been offered to the Shivalinga and remains lying on it, is prohibited from
having, but the prasad which is not touching the Shivalinga should be accepted.
BILVA (WOOD APPLE)-: Bilva fruit is considered to be a form of lord Shiva It's
greatness has been eulogized even by the deities himself. It is believed that
all the places of pilgrimages, dwell in the Bilva-leaf. Lord Shiva is believed
to have his abode in the roots of the Bilva tree. A devotee who waters the roots
of the Bilva tree attain greater virtues than offering water to the deities of
all the places of pilgrimages. Similarly a devotee who worships the roots of the
Bilva tree attains to the abode of lord Shiva.
(THE MAJESTY OF SHIVA'S NAME)
Sutji then goes on he explain the greatness of Shiva's name and the importance
of Bhasm (Ash) and rudraksha beads in his worship.
The name of Shiva is as sacred as Ganges; Similarly 'Bhasm' and 'Rudraksha' are
as holy as river Yamuna and Saraswati respectively. Therefore a devotee who
possesses the name of lord Shiva on his lips, Who applies Bhasm on his person
and who wears a rudraksha in his neck attain the virtues similar to that of
taking a bath in the sangam. In the ancient time, a king by the name of
Indrayumna got liberated from the bondages of the world, just by chanting the
name of Shiva.
(THE IMPORTANCE OF BHASMA IN SHIVA'S WORSHIP)
Bhasma are of two types:-
1) Mahabhasma and 2) Swalpabhasma.
'Shrota' (listener), 'Smart; (rites according to the smritis) and Laukik
(worldly) are considered to be the Mahabhasma. There are many types of
Swalpabhasma
'Shrota' and 'Smart' are meant only for the brahmins. For the rest of the
castes, 'Laukik bhasma' is appropriate. A brahmin must apply bhasma, only after
initiating it with the mantras. The ashes which remains after burning dry
cowdung is called Aagneya Bhasma. Applying 'Tripunda' on the forehead with the
ashes after the completion of Yagya, is to the upanishad rituals like Sandhya
and Japa should only be performed after applying tripunda on the forehead.
(IMPORTANCE OF RUDRAKSHA)
Rudraksha is very dear to lord Shiva and hence all the sins of a man get
destroyed if he chants the name of Lord Shiva using a Rudraksha beads. He also
attain salvation after his death. It is believed that the origin of Rudraksha is
connected with Shiva penance.
Once while Sadashiv was performing his penance, his eyes opened due to some
disturbances. He was so remorseful that tears rolled down from his eyes. These
tear-drops are believed to be the origin of the Rudraksha trees.
Rudraksha of specific colours have been prescribed for different castes. For
example a Brahmin, a Kshatriya, a Vaishya and a Shudra have been instructed to
put on Rudraksha of white colour, red colour, yellow colour and black colour
respectively.
A person who wears eleven hundred Rudraksha on his body, he unites with Shiva.
Rudrakshas are of various types i.e. EKMUKHA RUDRAKSHA (one opening) to
rudraksha with fourteen openings. Each type of rudraksha has specific mantra and
specific deity connected with it.