What was the reason Lord Shiva did not attend the yagna of Daksha?

 Lord Shiva was not invited for the yagna of Daksha.

Daksha, in addition to being a son of Brahma, was also a King, with a royal lifestyle; Daksha did not approve of his daughters Sati ‘s marriage to Lord Shiva. Daksha did not like his daughter's yearning for Shiva, mainly because he was a Prajapati and the son of the god Brahma; his daughter Sati was a royal princess and Shiva was poor ascetic.

Sati is described to be very beautiful but the legends emphasize her penance and devotion, which won the heart of the ascetic Lord Shiva. Sati left the luxuries of her father's palace and retired to a forest to devote herself to austerities of a hermetic life and the worship of Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva and Sati

According to the most popular narrative, Daksha organized a yajna (sacrifice) to which all the deities, except Sati and Shiva, were invited. Sati came to know about the grand yajna organized by her father and asked Shiva to attend the yajna. Lord Shiva refused her request, saying that it was inappropriate to attend a function without being invited. He reminded her that them not being invited was intentional.

Lord Shiva tried to stop her as he knew that Daksha would humiliate her, but when she was not convinced, he sent her with his gana attendants. Sati was received by her mother and her sisters, but Daksha was furious by her uninvited arrival and humiliated her and mocked Lord Shiva. Wanting to break all ties with her father and uphold the honour of her husband, Sati self-immolated. Deeply hurt by the death of his wife, Lord Shiva performed the destructive Tandava dance.

Lord Shiva Tandava

Why is Lord Shiva called Mahatejaa?

Lord Shiva is worshipped as Jyotirlinga.

There are twelve Jyotirlinga across India.

Jyotirlinga : It means linga (symbol ) of Jyoti (divine light)

Shiva as Adiyogi represents eternal Yogagni.

Shiva (auspiciousness) along with Shakti (primal energy) are adored as cosmic parents.

Tejas : Thus, his tejas (radiance) is unbearable for Goddess Ganga and Lord Agni.

Only true devotees and seers can experience his divine energy.

Bholenath : But, being the lord of compassion ; he appears very soft to any refugee.

Being omniscient ; omnipotent and omnipresent ; he is Vishwanath.

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai jai Ram Namo Parvatipataye Har Har Mahadev

Sankat Kate Kate Sab Peera Japath Nirantar Hanumath Beera

Pic Credits : Google Images/ Web

What is the secret of the moon on the head of Lord Shiva?

Lord Shiva is also known as Chandra Shekar.

Moon represents beauty, calmness and prosperity.

Moon : Lord Chandra adorns head of Lord Shiva.

Legends claim, Lord Shiva got appeased by his intense devotion at Prabhas Teerth.

Somnath : Lord Shiva proverbially cured him of leprosy.

Lord Somnath (lord of moon) put him on his head as a mark of blessing.

Calmness : Lord Chandra is known for calmness and inner happiness.

He also represents emotions. Lord Shiva being Adiyogi is master of emotions.

Mother : Lord Chandra represents mother and maternal love.

Lord Shiva being Shiva Shakti also acts like a true mother for his devotees.

Beauty : Lord Chandra is known as a symbol of beauty.

Lord Shiva is known as Satyam (truth) ; Shivam (auspiciousness) and Sundar (beautiful)

Facts : Vedic astrologers guide, devotees afflicted with mental problems to worship Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva being Mahakal controls waxing and waning of time.

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

Nase Rog Hare Sab Peera Japath Nirantar Hanumanth Beera

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

What is the role of Lord Shiva in Mahabharata?

 Lord Shiva played an important role in Mahabharata.

Gandhari obtained the boon for a 100 sons from Shiva

He heard from the Brahmanas that Subala's daughter, the fortunate Gandhari, had obtained a boon by pleasing Hara, the god who robbed Bhaga of his eyes. She would have 100 sons.

• 103, Sambhava parva, Mahabharata.

Amba obtained the boon to be reborn as Shikhandi from Shiva

The Mahadeva, with the bull on his banner, spoke truthfully to the maiden. ‘O fortunate one! I do not utter false words. What I have said will come true. You will attain manhood and will kill Bhishma in battle. When you enter another body, you will remember everything. You will be born as a maharatha in Drupada’s lineage. You will be an extremely honoured warrior who is swift in the use of weapons. O fortunate one! Everything will be exactly as I have said it will be. You will become a man after some time has passed.

• 188, Amba Upakhyana parva, Mahabharata.

Kalayavana had a boon of invincibility against the Yadavas from Shiva (Krishna honoured this boon and so had Kalayavana killed by Muchukunda instead)

For twelve years, he (Garga) only survived on powdered iron. He thought of Mahadeva and worshipped the wielder of the trident. Rudra granted him the boon that he would obtain a son who would possess every kind of energy and would be able to vanquish the Vrishnis and the Andhakas in battle. The supreme lord of the Yavanas heard about this boon of the birth of a son.

• 85, Harivamsa, Mahabharata.

Arjuna obtained Pashupatastra from Shiva

"I will give. O Pandava! My own weapon, roudra, will always be present before you." Satisfied, the lord granted me that pashupata weapon.

• 163, Yaksha Yuddha parva, Mahabharata.

Shiva granted the boon to Jayadratha that allowed him to block the Pandavas (except Arjun) outside the chakravyuh (Arjuna was protected by Krishna and hence was invincible)

They (Pandavas) are invincible in battle and cannot be killed in battle. But you will be able to restrain them, except for the mighty-armed Arjuna, whom even the gods find impossible to assail. He is foremost among those who are skilled in the use of weapons. He is protected by Krishna, known as the one who cannot be vanquished, and who holds the conch shell, the chakra and the mace." Having been told this, the king went to his own abode.

• 256, Draupadi Harana parva, Mahabharata.

Draupadi's boon in her previous life of having 5 husband's were also granted by Shiva

Then the god Shankara happily granted her the boon and said, ‘O fortunate one! You will have five excellent husbands.’ The one who had pleased the god said, ‘O Shankara! I wish to have only one husband who possesses all the qualities.’ The god of gods, extremely pleased with her, again uttered these holy words. ‘You have addressed me five times, asking for a husband. O fortunate one! It shall be as you have asked. You will have good fortune and all this will happen in one of your future births.’ O Drupada! So this daughter, with the form of a goddess, was born to you. “

• 189, Vaivahika Parva, Mahabharata.

Bhurishrava was stronger than Satyaki because of a boon from Shiva

The lord Mahadeva, supreme among the granters of boons, was satisfied. He wished to gratify him with a boon and the king asked for the following boon. "O lord! I ask for a son who will strike down Shini's descendant in the midst of thousands of kings and kick him with the foot in a battle." Having heard the words of King Somadatta, the god agreed that it would be this way and disappeared.

• 119, Jayadratha vadha parva, Mahabharata.

Finally, Shiva empowered Ashwatthama to destroy the remaining Pandava army

I have protected the Panchalas and exhibited many different kinds of maya. I have protected the Panchalas and have shown him honour. However, they have been overtaken by destiny and can no longer remain alive now. Having spoken these words to the great archer, the illustrious one entered his (Ashwatthama’s) body.

• 7, Sauptika parva, Mahabharata.

What made Lord Shiva create an avatar called "Ardhanarishwara", and what kind of message is Lord Ardhanareeswara Shiva giving us with such an avatar?

 

After creation in Celestial/Upper worlds is over, Brahma was asked to start creation on Earth.

Brahma could not find Earth. It was abducted by Hiranyaksha. Vishnu took incarnation as Varaha swamy, killed Hiranyaksha and kept Earth in its original position in the orbit.

Brahma could not decide how automatic continuous creation for crores of years is to be arranged. He sat in meditation. Om, pranavam, came from his mouth involuntarily and from that Rudra appeared before Brahma.

Brahma told the problem.

Ridra took the form of Arthanarishwara. Brahma came to know that female and male are necessary for automatic continuous creation.

Arthanarishwara is symbol of creation. Without Sakti, Parvati, even Siva is inert.

Om Namah Shiivay

Which are the most interesting facts related to lord Shiva that are not known to most of the people?

 There are some interesting facts about bhagawan shiv .

Worshipping lord Shiva is very powerful devotees get more then what they want .

Best example is

1. Cholas are staunch devotees of lord Shiva . Worshipping lord Shiva made them to rule more then 1500+ years . It's biggest record in this history .
2. Vijayanagar dynasty is one of the famous dynasty in India they ruled approximately 310 years . Their family god / kuldevta is virupaksheshwara (Shiva) temple in Hampi

***************†**********†***************************††****************

List of dynasties & their family god & sub diety

1. Maratha dynasty= bhagawan shiv (khandoba)& shakti ( bhavani )
2. Kadamba dynasty(200 years)= bhagawan shiv (family god) & Shakti (,Durga)
3. Pandya dynasty (1000+ years) = bhagwan shiv & shakti( Durga)
4. Chalukya dynasty (600+ years) = bhagawan shiv & Shakti(Durga)
5. Cheras dynasty (1000+ years) = bhagwan shiv & his family
6. Pallava dynasty 400+ years = bhagwan shiva , shakti & vishnu
7. Gupta dynasty 150+ years = vishnu
8. Kushan dynasty = bhagawan shiv
9. Harsha dynasty = bhagawan shiv

10. Vakataka dynasty = bhagwan shiv

11. Shunga dynasty= bhagawan shiv .

Most of all dynasties worshipped Bhagwan shiv & shakti as their family god .

What are the unknown facts about Lord Shiva?

 

• 
  Lord Shiva turned into an infant and paralyzed the arm of Indra. 
  [1]
• Lord Shiva once rolled a divine fire ball to kill two demons named Vidala and Utpala for the purpose of protecting his consort goddess Parvati from those two demons.
• Lord Shiva imparted two powerful weapons called Pashupatastra and Raudrastra to Arjuna.
• Lord Shiva created Sudarshan Chakra from the toe of his left foot and gave it to Lord Vishnu.
• Lord Shiva chastised two demons named Jalandhara and Andhaka born from his third eye and perspiration respectively.
• Lord Shiva created Pashupatastra by forging Lord Vishnu as its tip, Soma as its shaft and Agni as its arrowhead.
• Lord Shiva gave Pashupatastra to Ravana in Treta Yuga and to Arjuna in Dwapara Yuga.
• Lord Shiva was satisfied through a severe penance by Lord Krishna for twelve years. 
  [2]
• Lord Shiva was satisfied through austerities for sixty-six thousand years by Narayana (the previous life of Lord Krishna). 
  [3]
• Lord Shiva gave eight boons of invincibility to Lord Krishna.
• Lord Shiva stated to Arjuna the fact that the knowledge of Pashupatastra was unknown to the deities Indra, Yama, Varuna, Kubera, Vayu and Agni. 
  [4]
• Lord Shiva created Pashupatastra with his divine powers for the destruction of the three aerial cities of demons known as Tripura.
• Lord Shiva invoked Pashupatastra on his bow called Pinaka and destroyed Tripura in the twinkling of an eye. 
  [5]
• Lord Shiva hid Pashupatastra in a lake full of ambrosia near Mount Kailash after he accomplished the destruction of the demons in battle.
• Lord Shiva uttered some divine incantations and turned Pashupatastra into the embodied form of snake Vasuki. He placed the weapon inside the lake of ambrosia and returned to his abode in Mount Kailash.
• Lord Shiva requested Arjuna to bring Pashupatastra hidden in the lake of ambrosia. It was during the occasion when Arjuna had gone to Kailasha for receiving the weapon once again from Lord Shiva. Arjuna could not remember the knowledge of Pashupatastra and thus went to Lord Shiva accompanied with Lord Krishna for seeking the weapon one more time. 
  [6]

Image courtesy : Pinterest

Is Trident of Lord Shiva stronger than Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Vishnu?

 The Sudarshan Chakra does not even come close to the powerful trident of Lord Mahadeva. The three prongs of the trident represent time: past, present and future. Therefore, the trident is the ultimate infallible weapon.

Firstly, Narayana worshipped Mahadeva with 108 lotuses (along with his own eyes and that’s why Narayana is also known as Kamala-nayana - i.e. who eyes are equivalent of lotus). Upon getting pleased by Narayana’s ardent devotion, Mahadeva gifted him the Sudarshana chakra. Thus, the Sudarshan Chakra becomes completely powerless before Lord Mahadeva.

reference:

Padma Purāṇa, Uttara Khaṇḍa 72.335–336 > sa viṣṇuḥ śūlapāṇiṁ tu tapasā toṣayad dhruvam ।tato ’smai prītimān devaḥ sudarśanam adāt prabhuḥ ॥

Meaning: Lord Viṣṇu pleased Śūlapāṇi (Śiva) through penance. Then the gracious Lord Śiva gave him the Sudarśana Chakra.

Skanda Purāṇa, Kāśī Khaṇḍa 69.64–65 > sudarśanaṁ cakram adād devo viṣṇave svayam ।śatrunāśāya lokānām āyudhānāṁ śiromaṇiḥ ॥

Meaning: The Lord himself (Śiva) bestowed the Sudarśana Chakra upon Viṣṇu, for the destruction of enemies — the foremost of all weapons.

Secondly, Even Mahadeva's incarnation: Vajrangbali swallowed the Sudarshan Chakra to break the ego of the latter. Similarly, Mahadeva’s manifestation Veerabhadra too pacified Sudarshana Chakra when Narayana used it to protect his sinful devotee Daksha. Finally, Veerabhadra beheaded sinful Daksha in front of Narayana leaving everybody speechless. But Mahadeva's trident has never had such an experience ever.

Thirdly, Mahadev's trident was able to make a permanent mark on Narayana's chest. It is known as the 'Srivatsa mark', which looks like a swirl. However, Narayana's Sudarshan Chakra was never able to touch Mahadev.

Hence, if Narayana uses the Sudarshan chakra against the mighty Trishul, surely the Trident will neutralize the Sudarshan chakra.

Why was Lord Shiva called as Sundareshwara in Madurai?

 In Madurai there is a famous temple called Meenakshi Amman Temple. It is dedicated to the Goddess Meenakshi , a form of Shakti, and her consort, Sundareshwara, a form of Shiva. Goddess Meenakshi is an aspect of Goddess Parvati. Sundareswara is the handsome Lord, who is an aspect of the great God Shiva.

The Pandyan King Malayadhwaja and Queen Kanchanmala performed a yagya for a son. Instead a girl appeared from the yagya fire. The princess was considered to be an incarnation of the Goddess Parvati. The Gods advised the royal couple to bring up their daughter as the heir to the throne. She was named Meenakshi as her eyes were beautiful Meenakshi means 'fish-eyed' in Sanskrit.

When her father died, Meenakshi became the queen and began an expedition of conquests and after conquering many kingdoms, when she reached Swarga in the Himalayas she came into conflict with the Gods. Gods started losing the battle and Gods requested Lord Shiva to save them and when Lord Shiva appeared on the battlefield Meenakshi’s she knew she had finally found her husband. Meenakshi requested Lord Shiva to marry her and he benignly consented.

Lord Shiva told her to return and wait for him at Madurai. He arrived 8 days later in the resplendent form of Sundareshwara, the handsome Lord married the beautiful Meenakshi in a magnificent ceremony called Thirukalyanam. This is the reason that Lord Shiva is known as Sundareshwara in Madurai.

Lord Vishnu attended the wedding and appeared riding on a golden horse to give the bride away. Later the divine couple had a handsome son called Subramanya also called Kartikeya. Later Subramanya also celebrated his own marriage at Madurai.

In Madurai, the worship of the Meenakshi is intimately intertwined with the worship of Lord Shiva as they are at the heart of the universe as Purusha and Prakriti – spirit and nature. The temple is a major pilgrimage destination for the Shaivism tradition , dedicated to Meenakshi Devi and Lord Shiva as Sundareshwara.

🔱 The Story of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu & Lord Shiva – A Lesson for All Ages 🙏

In Hindu mythology, when the universe was created, the supreme energy (Brahman) manifested as Lord Brahma (The Creator), Lord Vishnu (The Preserver), and Lord Shiva (The Destroyer).

For a long time, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu worked in harmony, ensuring that the universe functioned well. But one day, an argument broke out between them.

🔥 The Great Argument Between Brahma & Vishnu

Lord Vishnu said, "I am the Preserver. I protect and maintain the universe, so I am more powerful than you!"

Lord Brahma scoffed, "If I hadn’t created the universe, what would you even have to protect?"

Their argument became intense, and the other gods grew worried. They rushed to Lord Shiva for help.

🌟 The Mysterious Pillar Appears

As Brahma and Vishnu glared at each other, suddenly, a gigantic pillar of light (Jyotirlinga) appeared in front of them. This pillar was so enormous that neither of them could see its beginning or end.

Surprised, Brahma and Vishnu decided to find its limits.

🦢 Brahma transformed into a swan and flew upwards to find the top.
🐗 Vishnu took the form of a boar and dug deep into the earth to find the bottom.

🏔️ Brahma's Lie & the Ketaki Flower’s Trick

Brahma flew higher and higher but never found the top. Suddenly, he saw a beautiful Ketaki flower drifting in the air.

"Where are you from?" Brahma asked.
The flower replied, "I was offered to this pillar in prayer long ago. The wind blew me down, but the pillar is so tall that I’m still falling after many years!"

Brahma had an idea. "If you lie and say I reached the top, I can prove I’m greater than Vishnu!"

The flower hesitated but agreed. Brahma took the Ketaki flower back to Lord Vishnu and claimed he had found the top.

Vishnu, who had tried but failed to reach the bottom, believed Brahma's words.

⚡ Lord Shiva’s Powerful Revelation

Suddenly, the pillar split open with a loud thunder! ⚡ Lord Shiva appeared from within. He looked at Brahma and said,

"You claim to have reached the top? That is a lie! This pillar is a form of me – the Shiva Linga. It has no beginning and no end!"

Shiva turned to both of them and said, "We are all part of the same divine energy – Brahma creates, Vishnu preserves, and I destroy when necessary. There is no competition. We must work together."

Both Brahma and Vishnu apologized. But Lord Shiva was not done.

🚫 Lord Shiva’s Curse

🔱 He turned to Brahma and said, "For your lie, I curse you – you will never be worshipped in temples like the other gods!"

🌸 He then addressed the Ketaki flower, "For supporting a lie, you will never be used in any religious rituals!"

Since then, Lord Brahma has very few temples in India, and Ketaki flowers are never offered in prayers.

📿 The Importance of the Shiva Linga

Lord Shiva remained in the form of the Shiva Linga, which became a symbol of divine energy and truth. Even today, devotees pray to Lord Shiva in this form, remembering his wisdom and justice.

🌿 Moral of the Story

✔️ Honesty always wins.
✔️ Everyone has an important role to play in life.
✔️ Lies and deception have consequences.
✔️ God is beyond competition and ego.

🙏 Har Har Mahadev! 🚩