mahashivratri 2012,mahashivratri,sivaratri,maha shivaratri 2012,shambho shankara,hara hara mahadeva,om namah shivaayah,sivaratri 2012

బ్లాగర్ లకు మహా శివరాత్రి శుభాకాంక్షలు

భక్త వశంకరుడు ,భోలా శంకరుడు ,ఓం నమః శివాయ

శివుడు ఈ మహా శివరాత్రి పర్వదినాన మన దేశంలోని అన్ని శైవ క్షేత్రాలలో విచ్చేసి తనకు మొరలిడిన భక్తులనుఆశిర్వదిస్తాదని ప్రతీతి. భక్తులు ఆ దినం పంచాక్షరి మంత్రోచరనతో శివరాత్రి జాగరణ చేస్తారు.

ఓం త్ర్యంభాకం యజామహే
సుగంధిం పుష్టివర్ధనం |
ఉర్వారుకమివ బంధనాన్
మ్రిత్యోర్ ముక్షియ మామ్రితాట్ ||

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ఓం నమస్తేస్తు భగవాన్
విస్వేసరాయ మహాదేవాయ
త్రయంబకాయ త్రిపురాంతకాయ
త్రికాగ్ని - కలయ
కలగని - రుద్రాయ నిల - కంతయ మ్రిత్యున్జయ
సర్వేశ్వరాయ సదదివాయ
శ్రీమాన్ మహాదేవాయ నమః

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నాగేంద్ర హారాయ త్రిలూచానాయ భాస్మాన్గాదారాయ మహేశ్వరాయ
నిత్యాయ శుద్ధాయ దిగంబరాయ తస్మై నకారాయ నమఃశివాయ

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Maha shivratri 2012 May lord shiva bless u all.

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated throughout the country; it is particularly popular in Uttar Pradesh. Maha Shivratri falls on the day of the dark half of ‘Phalgun’ (this time 23 Feb) The name means "the night of Shiva". The ceremonies take place chiefly at night. This is a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva and it is believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati. On this festival people worship ‘Shiva - the Destroyer’. This night marks the night when Lord Shiva danced the ‘Tandav’. In Andhra Pradesh, pilgrims throng the Sri Kalahasteshwara Temple at Kalahasti and the Bharamarambha Malikarjunaswamy Temple at Srisailam.
 

Shivaratri falls on the moonless 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun, which corresponds to the month of February - March in English Calendar. Celebrating the festival of Shivaratri devotees observe day and night fast and perform ritual worship of Shiva Lingam to appease Lord Shiva.

Legends of Mahashivratri

There are various interesting legends related to the festival of Maha Shivaratri. According to one of the most popular legends, Shivaratri marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Some believe that it was on the auspicious night of Shivaratri that Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava’, the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction. Another popular Shivratri legend stated in Linga Purana states that it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Linga. Hence the day is considered to be extremely auspicious by Shiva devotees and they celebrate it as Mahashivaratri - the grand night of Shiva.

Traditions and Customs of Shivaratri

 
Various traditions and customs related to Shivaratri Festival are dutifully followed by the worshippers of Lord Shiva. Devotees observe strict fast in honor of Shiva, though many go on a diet of fruits and milk some do not consume even a drop of water. Devotees strongly believe that sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri, absolves a person of sins and liberates him from the cycle of birth and death. Shivaratri is considered especially auspicious for women. While married women pray for the well being of their husbands unmarried women pray for a husband like Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the ideal husband.

Lord Shiva Prayer
 

Naagendra haaraaya thriloochanaaya bhasmaangadhaaraaya maheshwaraaya
Nityaaya shudhdhaaya digambaraaya tasmai nakaaraaya namahshivaaya
 

Meaning:
 

Salutations to Shiva who wears a serpent as garland, who is three-eyed, whose bare body is covered with ashes, who is forever pure and the very embodiment of sacrifice.
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
 

The following Maha Mrityunjay Mantra has been taken from the Sukla Yajurveda Samhita III. 60. The Mantra is addressed to Lord Shiva and is a centuries old technique of connecting one to pure consciousness and bliss.

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pusti - vardhanam |
Urva - rukamiva Bandhanan
Mrtyor - muksheeya Ma - amritat ||

Meaning:

Om. We worship The Three-Eyed Lord Shiva who is fragrant and who increasingly nourishes the devotees. Worshipping him may we be liberated from death for the sake of immortality just as the ripe cucumber easily separates itself from the binding stalk.

Explanation:
 

The mantra is a prayer to Lord Shiva who is addressed as Sankara and Trayambaka. Sankara is sana (blessings) and Kara (the Giver). Trayambaka is the three eyed one (where the third eye signifies the giver of knowledge, which destroys ignorance and releases us from the cycle of death and rebirth).

Best Time to Chant
 

Chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra with sincerity, faith and devotion in Bramha Muhurata is very beneficial. But one can also do Maha Mrityunjaya japa anytime in a pure environment with great benefit and discover the happiness that's already within.

Shivaratri Fast
 

Shivaratri FastShivaratri Fast is considered to be the most important fast for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Shiva Purana goes on to say that if a devotee observes Shivaratri Vrata with sincerity, pure devotion and love he is blessed with the divine grace of Lord Shiva. Every year devotees observe Maha Shivaratri fast with devotion and sincerity. Though many go on a diet of fruits and milk, some do not consume even a drop of water all through the day and night of Shivaratri Festival.

Shivaratri Rituals

Shivaratri RitualsDevotees of Lord Shiva observe the Shivaratri Festival by following the prescribed rituals with sincerity and devotion. All through the day, devotees abstain from eating food and break their fast only the next morning, after the nightlong worship. Ritual baths of Shivalinga in the numerous Shiva temples by Shiva worshipper, mainly women, is another significant feature of Shivratri customs and traditions. Devotees strongly believe that ritual worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri absolves them of past sins and they are blessed with Moksha.

Rituals Observed on a Shivaratri Morning

 
As a tradition devotees wake up early in the morning of the Mahashivratri day and take a ritual sunrise bath, preferably in the holy waters of river Ganga. They also offer prayers to the Sun God, Vishnu and Shiva as a part of a purification rite observed on all-important Hindu festivals. After wearing fresh new clothes devotees visit the nearest Shiva Temple to give the customary bath to the Shivalinga.

On a Shivratri day, Shiva temples are thronged by devotees, mainly women, who come to perform the traditional Shivalinga pooja and seek blessings from the god. At times there is so much rush in the temples that devotees have to wait for their turn to observe pooja. At their turn for worship, devotees circumambulate the Shivalinga, three or seven times, and then pour water over it. Some also pour milk. Sounds of bell and shouts of ‘Shankarji ki Jai’ or (Hail Shiva) reverberate in the temple premises.

Ritual Bath of Shivalinga
 

Following the rituals prescribed in the Shiva Purana, every three hours, Shivalingam is given a special bath with milk, yoghurt, honey, sandalwood paste and rose water. Puja, meditation and chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ accompany the ritual bath. Following the bath, vermilion paste is applied on the linga. Traditionally, leaves of a forest tree Aegle marmelos (bilwa, maredu, wood apple) are used for Shiva puja. Thereafter, Bilwa leaves, which have to be a stalk with three leaves, is kept on top of the Shivalinga. Ber or jujube fruit is a special offering to the god on this day. Beetle leaves are also offered by some. Some also offer bilwa leaves in the belief that the Goddess Lakshmi resides in them. Others believe it is offered for its cooling effects on the hot-tempered deity. Many devotees also decorate the linga with flowers and garlands and offer incense sticks and fruit.

Significance of Puja Items

* According to the Shiva Purana, there is a special significance of the six essential puja items used in the Shiva worship.
* Bathing of Shivalinga with water, milk and honey and wood apple or bel leaves added to it, represents purification of the soul.
* The vermilion paste applied on the linga after the ritual bath represents virtue.
* Offering of fruits symbolizes longevity and gratification of desires.
* Burning of incense sticks yields wealth.
* The lighting of the lamp symbolizes attainment of knowledge.
* Offering of betel leaves marks satisfaction with worldly pleasures.

All-Night Shiva Worship

 
Worship of Lord Shiva continues all through the night on Shivaratri Festival. Devotees stay awake all night and spend the night in Shiva temples in worship of Lord Shiva. Singing of hymns and verses in praise and devotion of Lord Shiva besides the intense chanting of Om Namah Shivay, the mantra that is said free people from all their sins, continue through the night on Shivaratri.

Special worship of Shiva by priests continues through the nightlong prayer vigil. During this ritual worship, Lord Shiva is offered special food made from the fruits of the season, root vegetables and coconuts. Those observing the Shivaratri Fast break their fast the next morning by consuming the prasad offered to Shiva.

Time is invisible and formless. Therefore Mahakal Shiva, as per the Vedas, manifested himself as "LINGUM" to make mankind aware of the presence of Eternal Time. That day when Shiva manifested himself in the form of "Lingum" was the fourth day of the dark night in the month of ‘Magha’ i.e. February-March. Maha Shivratri continues to be celebrated forever and ever.
 

People observe a strict fast on this day. Some devotees do not even take a drop of water and they keep vigil all night. The Shiva Lingam is worshipped throughout the night by washing it every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., whilst the chanting of the Mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" continues. Offerings of Bael leaves are made to the Lingam as Bael leaves are considered very sacred and it is said that Goddess Lakshmi resides in them.
He, who utters the names of Shiva during Shivratri, with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from all sins. He reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there happily.

So freinds once again May Bhagwan Shiv bless u all.
Khade Hain Dar pe Darshan Ko
Khade hain dar pe darshan ko
Charan Shivji ke chune ko.

Agar main jal chadati hun to wo machli ka jhuta hai
isiliye paer nahi padte tere mandir mein aane ko.
Khade hai dar pe darshan ko
Charan Shivji ke chune ko.

Agar mein phool chadati hun to wo bhanware ka jhutha hai
isiliye paer nahi padte tere mandir mein aane ko.
Khade hai dar pe darshan ko
Charan Shivji ke chune ko.

Agar mein dil chadati hun to wo paapon ka jhutha hai
Agar mein phool chadati hun to wo bhanware ka jhutha hai
isiliye paer nahi padte tere mandir mein aane ko.
Khade hai dar pe darshan ko
Charan Shivji ke chune ko.
Om namah shivay.

Hey lord SHIVA Excuse me if any mistake made by me here with ur post. BALAJI

Varalakshmi Vratam,Varalakshmi Pooja,Varalakshmi Pooja 2012

Significance of Varalakshmi Pooja :-

The Hindu festival, 'Vara Lakshmi Vrata' is celebrated on the last Friday of the bright fortnight in the month of 'Shravan',in hindu calendar.It is also called Aadi, which corresponds to the English months,July-August.The Varalakshmi Vratam is an important pooja performed by many women,in the states of Andhra Pradesh,Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.This Vratam is marked with strict observance of certain practices and austerities,
Sri (Wealth), Bhu (Earth), Sarasvati (learning), Priti (love),Kirti (Fame), Santi (Peace), Tushti(Pleasure) and Pushti(Strength)are the eight forces and energies which are recognised as the "Ashta Lakshmis" (the eight Lakshmis) by the Hindus.Vishnu is called  the 'Ashta Lakshmi Padhi',means the asylum for the eight-Lakshmis. 

In fact, the Lord Vishnu radiates these forces from him,which are worshipped as Lakshmis, since abstract force is beyond the comprehension of the ordinary people.It is beleived that the worship of Lakshmi gives the energies of health, wealth and prosperity.Since Lakshmi is a woman,she will surely sympathise with women and bless them with these forces and energies.Hence this Vratam is observed largely by women, invoking the blessings of Lakshmi on them and  their families.This vratam has also blessed many women with children.

Eight forces or energies are recognised and they are known as Sri (Wealth), Bhu (Earth), Sarasvati (learning), Priti (love), Kirti (Fame), Santi (Peace), Tushti(Pleasure) and Pushti(Strength). Each one of these forces is called a Lakshmi and all the eight forces are called the Ashta Lakshmis or the eight Lakshmis of the Hindus. Vishnu is also called Ashta Lakshmi Padhi which is equivalent to saying that he is the asylum for the eight-Lakshmis or forces. In fact, Vishnu representing the preservative aspect of the universe, radiates these forces from him. These forces are personified and worshipped as Lakshmis, since abstract force is beyond the comprehension of the ordinary people. As health, wealth and prosperity depend upon the rythmic play of these forces, the worship of Lakshmi is said to be to obtain these three. Only a woman can sympathise with women. Lakshmi is a woman. So she will more readily sympathise with women. Hence this festival is observed largely by women, invoking the blessings of Lakshmi on them, their husbands and their children.

"Padmaasane Padmakare sarva lokaika poojithe Narayana priyadevi supreethaa bhava sarvada"

On this festival,the house is cleaned and rangoli is drawn in front of the houses.Women and girls tie yellow threads around their wrists. Thamboolam is given to other married women, who are invited to the house on the occasion.The woman performing the puja observes a fast and different types of sweets are offered to the Goddess.

A coconut smeared with turmeric and vermilion on the kalasha (bronze or silver vessel) is decorated the with a new cloth.Some people decorate the kalasha with many kinds of jewels to make it look more beautiful. They place this kalasha on a plate filled with rice.A kalash filled with rice or water, coins, turmeric, a whole lime, betel leaf and nut is prepared.The Goddess Lakshmi decorated with jewels is placed against the coconut.The next morning the Goddess is welcomed to the specially installed pandal ,by singing the songs of "VaraLakshmi". The main puja begins by worshiping Lord Ganesha,who is believed to remove all the obstacles and evil forces.Later, goddess Mahalakshmi is invoked into the kalasha.Then a couple of torams (a bunch of nine threads with nine knots) is worshipped and tied one to the kalasha while the other one is tied around the right hand wrist of the lady performing the pooja.

Later,the "Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamam" is chanted,followed by offering nine varieties of delicacies including both sweets and savories.Finally,prayers are sung, in the praise of goddess Varalakshmi and also other married woman is invited honouring her as a goddess Varalakshmi and offer her sweets. In the evening,all the neighboring laides are invited to their homes and "Tamboolam"(an offering consisting of betel leaves, fruits, betel nuts, vermilion, turmeric and dakshina) is offered to them.The women together sing the songs in praise of goddess Varalakshmi.

Legend

* On one occasion, Parvati and Parameswara were engrossed in playing a game of chess.Parvati was winning all the games succesively,but Parameswara claimed the victory of each game.Parvati was very much upset with this and she wanted a refree to witness the victory.A creation of Parameswara,named 'Chitranemi' was made the refree. However,he everytime sided Parameshwara with partiality.This provoked Parvati's anger and she cursed Chitranemi that he should become a leper for misusing the power and discharging the duties in most unfair manner.

When Chitranemi apologised and begged for Parvati's forgiveness and Parameswara added his entreaties to it,her anger got cooled down and  she  the further added that he would be cured of his disease by observing the VaraLakshmi Vratam.On observing the Vratam, Chitranemi got rid of the dangerous disease.

* As per one more legend,Mata Lakshmi is said to aapeared in the dream of a pious woman named, Sarmadi,who was living in the city of Kuntinapura in Magadha (Bihar),India.Mata lakshmi expressed her satisfaction at her devotion to her children.When she got up from her sleep, she took a bath and worshipped Lakshmi to ensure her blessings.When the other women came to know of her dream and her getting blessed by Mata Lakshmi, they also started to worship Lakshmi.Soon,the custom speard over the whole capital and the VarLakshmi Vratam was observed by all the women.

* In one more legend,the kingdom of old Magadha desh,had a prosperous town,named Kundina.where lived a brahmin woman named Charumati with her husband.She devotedly served her husband and her parents-in-law.Goddess Mahalakshmi got impressed with her and appeared in her dream and asked her to worship Vara-Lakshmi,who is the another form of Lord Vishnu's consort, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Charumati was also advised to worship and observe the Friday of Shravana month preceding the full moon day.When Charumathi told about her dream to her family and others,she was encouraged by all to perform the Vratam.Soon,several other women also joined her in performing the pooja in a traditional way and worshipped Goddess Varalakshmi.

The women made offerings of delicious feast with utmost devotion.As they circumbulated (went round) the deity in prayer,glittering jewelry appeared on the bodies of these women and they got prospered very soon.The women rewarded the brahmin priest,who guided to perform the pooja. The women were highly thankful to Charumathi who shared her dream of VarLakshmi Vratam and helped them become prosperous.

This Vratam has no restriction of any caste or creed.It is also learned that this Vratam is being observed by the women of this modern world,who are getting the positive results of this VaraLakshmi Vratam.