What are the mysteries and secrets of the cave of Lord Shiva?

 There are two stories regarding the secret cave of Shiva.

One is the Yana caves, Karnataka and the other is Shivkhori, Jammu.

Locals of Yana say that, when the Asur Bhasmasura wanted to put his hand on Shiva and turn Shiva into ash, Lord Vishnu came as Mohini and put an end to Bhasmasura. This incident occurred at the Yana cave, Karnataka.

(Yana cave, Karnataka )

In this cave there is a Swayambhu Shivlinga, water drips from the roof over the Linga, adding to the sanctity of the place.

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• Yet another story says, this incident happened in Jammu, and the cave or Khori where Shiva took shelter thus became famous as Shivkhori.

This cave is situated in the Reasi district of Jammu amd Kashmir, and is often reverred as the Home of Gods.

• It is believed that Shiva stays in the Shivkhori and there is a secret route, which connects it to Amarnath. This cave has a natural Shiva lingam (Swayambhu) which is 2 to 3 meters in height.
• The cave has a secret route which connects it to Amarnath.
• The cave is now closed as some Sadhus who dared to go inside the cave, never returned. The cave is mere 200 meters in length and one Meter wide.
• There cave’s roof is carved with snake formations, and there is a continuous flow of water from the roof onto the Shiva lingam.

Source : Wikipedia

If every Avatara from Dashavatara of Lord Vishnu was mortal like Rama, Krishna why did Parashurama avatara become immortal?

 

Rama and Krishna were not mortal. Lord Vishnu took incarnation for a purpose. Once the purpose is over and fulfilled, the incarnation comes to an end. They cannot be treated as mortal.

Before concluding His incarnation, Lord Krishna imparted many profound spiritual truths to Uddhava. Weeping, Uddhava said, "Kali fears to enter this realm as long as Your feet touch the earth; if You too depart, what will become of all living beings?"

Krishna replied to the tearful Uddhava, "I am withdrawing My manifest form, but I am merging My absolute, unmanifest essence into the ocean of the *Bhagavata*—the nectar of divine stories. One can easily attain salvation simply by reciting and listening to it."

Ramadasu, an ardent devotee of Rama, said in a keertan “ takkuvEmi manaku, rAmundokkaDumDuvarakU…..” - as long as Rama is by our side, what we lack.

So Rama and Krishna exist not only in the past but also in the present—in an unmanifest form—to protect His devotees.

That is why, despite the prevalence of so many sins and atrocities, rains still fall, crops continue to flourish, and the vast majority of people are able to secure two meals a day.

Regarding Parasurama, we have to wait to know the further future purpose of his incarnation. Part of the purpose might be over. That's why Parasurama is still there.

Subhamastu

What are some misconceptions about Lord Hanuman?

 The common misconceptions about Lord Hanuman are ::

• Lord Hanuman has a monkey face, but the truth is He is Vanara ( nara (people) who live in Vana ( forests), so you can conclude that Lord Hanuman was a tribe or Kimpurusha, having few features of animal too. And Hanuman in sanskrit means a man with disfigured jaw.
• Females should not worship Lord Hanuman or even touch His idol, since He is Brahmachari, a celibate. But the truth is, all women can worship Him as he treats them as his mother, in the same way how he treated Sita devi as mother.

• Lord Rama left to vaikunta after his avatar purpose was fulfilled and few say Hanuman too left, but the truth is Lord Hanuman didn't accompany him, instead chose to stay back here on Earth. He is still present on this Earth, doing meditation by chanting Rama’s name. That is the reason, even today whenever Ramayana is recited in any place, a seat is kept empty in the Audience for Lord Hanuman.
• Lord Hanuman is not a mythical character, He is the most important Lord in Ramayana, who was born only to do service to Sri Rama. there is mention of Hanuman as God Shiva's Ansh ( form / child / possessing few qualities) in Skanda Purana and the Bhavishya Purana.

Source :: Pravachanam by Paripoornananda Saraswati garu.

What is the relationship between Lord Shani and Mata Neelima?

 

(Blue Sapphire is personification of Neelima Devi)

Shani Dev , the proverbial lord of Karma , is wedded to Neelima Devi.

Shani Dev means, Lord who moves slowly.

His wife Neelima Devi is daughter of Chitrarath , the divine musician.

She meditated on Lord Shani for a long time and asked him to marry her.

Her divine qualities and pious nature placated anger, hurt and troubles present in Shani.

Lord Shani proverbially becomes too happy with anyone ; who puts on blue sapphire.

Interestingly, astrologers recommend Neelam ,blue sapphire, as a remedial measure for Lord Saturn.

Some astrologers claim, Neelima Devi is the personification of blue color.

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram Namo Sri Venkatesaya Namo Parvatipataye Har Har Mahadev Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai Kripa Karo Gurudev Ki Nahi Jai Sri Anjaninandan

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

What are the Ashtamurti forms of Lord Shiva?

 

According to the Siva Purana, Lord Shiva governs creation through His eight forms (Ashta Murthis).

They are : The five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and S/space), the Sun, the Moon, and the Being (the individual soul/Jiva) are known as these eight manifestations.

The Eight Manifestations of Siva and Their Significance:

Sarva (Earth): Symbolizes the element of Earth. The form that sustains all living beings and vegetation. (Example Shrine: Kanchi – Ekambareswarar Temple).

Bhava (Water): Symbolizes the element of Water. The form of water that is the life-source for all living beings. (Example Shrine: Thiruvanaikaval – Jambukeswarar Temple).

Rudra (Fire): Symbolizes the element of Fire or Radiance (Tejas). The power that illuminates and dissolves all things. (Example Shrine: Tiruvannamalai – Arunachaleswarar Temple).

Ugra (Air): Symbolizes the element of Air (Vayu). The form that provides breath to all living beings. (Example Shrine: Srikalahasti – Srikalahastiswarar Temple).

Bhima (Ether/Space): Symbolizes the element of Ether (Akasha). The form of the void that serves as the foundation for everything. (Example Shrine: Chidambaram – Nataraja Temple).

PaSupati (Master/Individual Soul): The embodiment of the Soul, who is the Lord of all living beings (paSUs) and the patron of those who perform sacrifices.

Mahadeva (The Moon): Symbolizes the essence of the Moon; the nourisher of medicinal herbs and the presiding deity of the mind.

ISAna (The Sun): Symbolizes the essence of the Sun; the visible deity who provides light and heat to the entire universe.

Devotees believe that worshipping these Ashtamurtis (Eight Forms)—which pervade all worlds with their divine presence—cleanses one of all sins and leads to liberation.

There is nothing more or less than these 8 forms, we see or notice or feel.

One close devotee asked Ramana Maharshi " what is the use of sitting here always, if you visit Haridwar, Kedarnath or Kasi, you can get more happiness and satisfaction ".

Maharshi said " I am also planning to visit other places. If you find anywhere other than the five elements viz. Earth, water, air, Fire and Sky, come and tell me immediately, I will visit that place ".

Except these five created by Almighty and recognised by our ancient Rishis, nothing else was created or invented so far.

Subhamastu

Who is Lord Satyanarayan?

 Satyanarayana is the eternal form of Supreme Lord Vishnu himself.

I worship Lord Satyanarayana who has eyes like newly blossomed lotuses, who is the playful consort of Bhagavati Lakshmi, who is four armed, whose body shines like golden rays, the only source for the protection of the world and the one who is like a smoke-emitting form (symbolise destruction) for his enemies.

• Page 390, Pratisarga parva, Bhavishya Purana.

Lord Hari is called Satyanarayana because his form is truth itself

Lord Narayan bestows fruits in Satya Yuga and Treta Yuga in the form of Vishnu, and in Dvapara Yuga, He grants fruits by assuming many forms. However, in Kali Yuga, the omnipresent Lord Satyanarayan directly grants fruits. There are four pillars of Dharma – truth, purity, penance, and charity. Among these, truth is the foremost Dharma. The world's conduct is based on truth, and Brahman is established in truth. Therefore, the worship of Lord Satyanarayana who is the form of truth itself is considered to be supremely excellent.

• Page 391, Pratisarga parva, Bhavishya Purana.

The story of the worship of Satyanarayana

Once during Kali Yuga, Narada visited the earth and saw the plight of the humans who were trapped in the sufferings of the material world. Wishing to bring joy to the worlds Narada went to Vaikhunta and saw the supreme God of the gods.

Narada requested Lord Vishnu for a solution to rescue humanity from its sufferings. Lord Vishnu then revealed to Narada about the Vow (Vrata) of Satyanarayana. The Lord informed Narada that whoever Successfully follows this Vrata, will obtain all pleasures in their present life and will also enjoy the merits they earned in their next life as well.

What are some facts about Lord Hanuman that everybody should know?

Lord Hanuman ji is among the most popular Indian deities.

Ramayana : Legends claim, Lord Hanuman was the first to compose Ramayana.

He composed saga of Lord Rama with his nails in Gandhmardan mountains.

But, he discarded it in Ganga ji to please Saga Valmiki.

Music : Many musicians consider Hanuman ji as an expert classical musician.

He proverbially learnt music from Devarishi Narad

Many classical ragas (Malkauns, Hindol , Hanuman Todi, Vasantvarali are associated with him.

Astrology : Hanuman ji is associated with Hanuman Jyotish.

It is a form of Prashna Kundali that answers specific questions related to life.

Healer : Hanuman ji is known as expert Vaidya (physician)

He is present as Prana (life force) inside us.

His revived Lord Lakshmana with Sanjeevani booti , a mysterious elixir.

Wrestling : Hanuman ji is patron of wrestling.

His immense strength ; mental toughness and ethics inspire many wrestlers.

King : Lord Hanuman ji is King of Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya.

Lord Rama coronated him as ruler of Hanuman Garhi to spread Ram Katha.

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram Namo Parbatipataye Har Har Mahadev

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai Kripa Karo Gurudev Ki Nai

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

Why is Lord Venkateswara not included as one of the Dashavataras?

 

Lord Venkateswara is considered as an incarnation of Lord Govinda (Krishna)

His incarnation as Sri Venkateshwara is meant to nullify effects of Kaliyua.

Vishnu : Devotees believe, Lord Sri Venkateshwara is composite of all 10 avatars.

His birth is linked with many legends associated with Lord Sri Krishna.

Yashoda : In Dwapar Yuga ; Lord Sri Krishna felt he could not serve his foster mother Yashoda.

She could not saw him married and his coronation and elegance life.

Thus, she incarnated as Vakula devi to watch her son Srinivas married to Padmavathi.

Govinda : Many devotees associate him Bal Krishna (Govinda).

Devotees claim, Sri Krishna reincarnated as Bala ji to save them from miseries of Kaliyug.

They chant Govinda as it proverbially appeases Lord Venkateswara more.

Kaliyuga vardan : Lord Vishnu appeared as Venkateswara to save his devotees from Kaliyuga.

In Kaliyug (dark age) ; his devotion saves devotees from mundane and supernatural ills.

Swayam Bhu : Lord Venkateswara appeared in Swayambhu (self manifested) form.

His idol was not installed by human or divine beings.

Eternal : Some traditions claim, unlike other incarnation ; Narayan will stay up to end of Kaliyug.

He has simple objective to remind his devotees of Bhakti and Sewa (selfless service)

Facts : His purpose is to save his devotees in Kaliyuga.

Being Narayana , he symbolizes all ten incarnations.

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram Govinda Govinda Govinda Namo Parvatipataye Har Har Mahadev Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai Kripa Karo Gurudev Ki Nai

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

Who was Lord Rama's first guru?

Lord Rama , seventh incarnation of Lord Sri Hari , adored Guru parampara.

Maharishi Vashisht was first guru (spiritual guide) of Lord Rama and his brothers.

Vashisth : Lord Rama was educated by Maharishi Vashisth ji about Vedas and royal ethics.

He also taught Lakshmana ji, Bharat ji and Shatrughn ji.

Guru : Sage Vashisht was Kul guru (clan guru) of Ikshvaku dynasty.

He also mentored Bhishm Pitamah , Raja Harishchandra ; Manu ; Raghu ; Dileep and Dashrath ji.

Philosopher : He is also known for Yoga Vashisht , part of Advaita Vedanta.

This philosophical text is part of Maharamayan.

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Jai Maharishi Vashisht Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram Namo Parvatipataye Har Har Mahadev Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai Kripa Karo Gurudev Ki Nai

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

How many incarnations did Lord Shiva take?

 Lord Shiva in total has 84 incarnations as per Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, Shaiva Siddhanta, and the Shaiva itihasa, known as Shivarahasya. Therefore in any city of Lord Shiva such as Ujjain, Varanasi, Kathmandu, or Kanchipuram (Kashi of the South), 84 ghats are present upon the banks of the sacred river flowing through that city.

• 28 Rajasic incarnations: Lord Shiva did pastimes with various deities in these 28 incarnations, therefore Lord Shiva is also known as Devadideva, lord of the deities.
• Mahesha (also known as Maheshwara, pastimes with various deities, glory described in Maheshwara Khanda of Skanda Purana)
• Sunartaka (Nataraja, bewildered everyone with his divine blissful anandadayi dance, personalities such as Himalaya, Menaka, Durga i.e. daughter of Menaka, Brahma, Lord Vishnu, all the parshadas of Himalaya, all the divine sages including Narada, in the durbar of Himalaya, therefore Lord Shiva being Ishwara can bewilder anyone)
• Avadhuta (the chastisement of Indra deva)
• Pippalada (the chastisement of Shani deva)
• Sureshwara (the pastime with Upamanyu, Indra deva, and the deities)
• Devaraja (pastimes with Yama dutas and the brahmanical cult)
• Jatila (pastimes with the hermits in the Himalayas)
• King Madhata (the sovereign of bharat varsha, who ruled from Omkareshwar, glory described in Reva/Narmada Khanda of Skanda Purana)
• Dwijeshwara (the divine tiger form, the test and liberation of Bhadrayu & Kirtimalini in Anandavana)
• Bhikshuvarya (the rescue of Satyaratha)
• Sadhudwija (the test of Durga i.e. daughter of Himalaya and Menaka)
• Baidyanatha (the destruction of Ravana's arrogance)
• Krishnadarshana (the preaching of Raja Dharma to prince Nabhaga)
• Parashara (the father of Vyasa)
• Atharva (the sage of Atharva Veda)
• Ribhu (the composer of Shiva Rahasya, the itihasa dealing with Lord Shiva's pastimes in the spiritual abode Anandavana)
• Ushana (sage Ushana, the pastimes mentioned in Ausunasa Purana)
• Dakshina (the preacher of Ishwara Gita in Naimisharanya, Lord Shiva in this form declared that he is the supreme lord Ishwara and the sovereign of the creation)
• Kala (the consort of Kali)
• Tar (the consort of Tara)
• Shodash (the consort of Shodashi)
• Bhuvaneshwar (the consort of Bhuvaneshwari)
• Chinnamastaka (the consort of Chinnamasta)
• Bhairava (the consort of Bhairavi)
• Dhumavata (the consort of Dhumavati)
• Bagalamukha (the consort of Bagalamukhi)
• Matanga (the consort of Matangi)
• Kamal (the consort of Kamala)
• 28 Sattvik incarnations: Lord Shiva did these 28 pastimes mainly in spiritual Anandavana, the holy abode, also known as Varanasi, with his divine consort Durga (Shakti), along with Brahma (Brahman) and Vishnu (Bhagavan), hence Lord Shiva is also known as Ishwara (the highest deity), the one above OM (Brahma) and the origin of OM (Vishnu/father of Brahma).
• Adipurush (Ishwara, the primordial lord), the pastimes mentioned in Kashi Khanda of Skanda Purana, the lord of Anandavana
• Sadyojata (first expansion)
• Vamadeva (second expansion)
• Ishana (third expansion)
• Aghora (fourth expansion)
• Tatpurusha (fifth and final expansion)
• Sarva (first cosmic body)
• Bhava (second cosmic body)
• Rudra (third cosmic body)
• Ugra (fourth cosmic body)
• Bhima (fifth cosmic body)
• Pashupati (sixth cosmic body)
• Isha (seventh cosmic body)
• Mahadeva (this form of Lord Shiva stays in Kailasha, the final & eighth cosmic body, the pastimes with deities and various species, the pastimes described in Kailasha Samhita of Shiva Purana)
• Ardhanarishwara/half Shiva half Shakti (the bewilderment of Brahma/Brahma Vimohana Leela, Brahma after beholding this divine Shaiva form started the process of creation)
• Grihapati (the vigraha/idol from of Shiva which resides in the abode of Himalaya and all the deities, the art form of Grihapati is depicted at the end of this answer)
• Vatuka (the divine child form of Shiva, equal to millions of cupids, pastimes as a child in the spiritual Anandavana dham)
• Kalabhairava (the chopping of Brahma's fifth head and destruction of Brahma's ego)
• Attahasa (the killing of Matsya incarnation)
• Ruru (the killing of Kurma incarnation)
• Mahakala (the killing of Varaha incarnation)
• Sharabha (the killing of Narasimha incarnation)
• Kankala (the killing of Vamana incarnation)
• Virabhadra (the killing of Yajnapurusha incarnation)
• Yaksheshwara (the chastisement of gods after Samudra manthan)
• Vrishabha (half man half bull incarnation of Shiva)
• Yati (the swan incarnation of Shiva)
• Nandishwara (the bull vehicle of Shiva, the final 28th of the Sattvik incarnations)
• 28 Tamasik incarnations: Lord Shiva did pastimes with sages, seers, various species, men, and the dark creatures of the underworld in these 28 incarnations.
• Shweta
• Sutara
• Damana
• Suhotra
• Kanka
• Lokakshi
• Yogisabha
• Dadhivahana
• Rishabha (the yogi form of Shiva who expanded the art of yoga)
• Bhringa
• Kali (a divine form of Shiva, not Goddess Kali)
• Puru
• Bali (not demon king Bali)
• Gautama
• Vedashiras
• Gokarna
• Guhavasi
• Shikhandi (not Shikhandi of Mahabharata)
• Jatimali
• Atta
• Dvaruka (the founder of Dvarukavana, present day Nageshwara Jyotirlinga of Gujarat)
• Langali (the founder of modern city of Varanasi)
• Kalanjara
• Shuli
• Mundishwara
• Sahishnu
• Somnath (the founder of Prabhasa Kshetra, modern day shoreline of Gujarat, the glory mentioned in Prabhasa Khanda of Skanda Purana)
• Lakulisha (the reviver of Shaivism in Kali Yuga, born in Kayavarohan, modern day Gujarat, founder of Lakulisha Shaivism)

These are the complete list of 84 divine incarnations of Lord Shiva as per the Sanatana scriptures.

Image courtesy : Google