shiva meditation in the himalayan caves

Rudraksha-properties&scientific facts

Legend of RUDRAKSHA

The terms Rudraksha literally means the "Eyes" of Shiva and is so named in His benevolence. Shiva Purana describe Rudraksha's origin as Lord Shiva's tears. He had been meditating for many years for the welfare of all creatures. On opening the eyes, hot drops of tears rolled down and the mother earth gave birth to Rudraksha trees.

For thousands of years Rudraksha beads have been worn by mankind for good health, religious attainment through Japa and Shakti (power) and for fearless life. Saints and sages roaming in Himalayas and other forests have lived healthy, fearless and a full life by wearing Rudraksha's and its Malas. There is no saint, God incarnation or Shankaracharyas, who can be identified without these vibrant Rudraksha beads or Malas


Properties of Rudraksha

Rudraksha is a seed of a fruit from trees grown in India, Nepal, Indonesia and Malaysia. The tree is as big as banyan tree. It takes 15 to 18 years to take full shape.

Rudraksha is a fruit, which is covered with pulp and a thin outer skin. The skin is green in color like banana skin. But when plucked from the tree and allowed to remain, as it is, the colors of the skin become blackish blue. The diameter of the seed is up to 1 inch (2.54 cm) and is nearly round in shape, and belongs to Eliocorpus Genetic type of herb. The seed can have 1 to 14 mouths (Mukhi's) or faces and Rudraksha up to 21 Mukhi's (faces) have been obtained by some collectors. The Mukhi's or the face is easy to count and is a natural division of the seed. Many studies have been carried out for the scientific explanation of different effects of various faces. The Indian epics are full of varying affects of wearing Rudraksha of different faces. More than 95% of Rudraksha available naturally is 5 Mukhi's (Panch Mukhi's) and these are very powerful with several attributes for the mankind.

Medical and scientific facts 


The beneficial powers of Rudraksha are by virtue of its Electrical and Magnetic Properties

Electrical Properties
 
The ability to send out subtle electrical impulses & Inductive vibrations and act as a Dielectric as in a capacitor to store electrical energy.

Our Human body, The Central Nervous System, Autonomous, Sympathetic & Para sympathetic Nervous System and Various other Organ systems in to to can be considered a complex Bio Electronic circuit.

Constant pumping of blood by the heart, blood circulation, the transmission of various impulses -Touch, Noise, Smell, Sight, Taste to the brain and the continuous movement of Neurons and Neurotransmitters in the brain and Nervous system generates electrical impulses. This is termed as Bioelectricity. This flow of Bioelectricity facilitates movement of information from the brain to various parts of the body and back. What we feel, think, hear, taste, see. Perceive all depends on the subtle flow of Bioelectric current. This flow of Bioelectric current is occurs due to the existence of potential differences or the different energy levels between different parts of the body. As long as the flow of Bioelectricity is smooth the body functions normally and we have the feeling of being in control

But there is a third element to the Body and Brain Bio Electronic circuit Interface, that of the mind. Any activity that can produce stress or maladjustment can throw the streamlined activity, the Electronic circuit of the Body& Mind out of gear. Human beings and all living beings are prone to stress continuously in the continuous fight for survival and prosperity.

In modern age with intense competition the Stress levels have increased tremendously. Almost every individual has problems of Stress and Stress related ailments like insomnia, alcoholism, depression, Maladjustments, heart diseases, skin diseases etc. Any Doctor will confirm that almost 95% of the ailments are Psychosomatic or Stress related (i.e.) originating from Mind. When there is Stress or Maladjustment corresponding Stress signals are sent to the Central Nervous systems, there is an increased activity or abnormal of Neurons and Neuro transmitters. The magnitude of change will depend on the cause and specific case. When such a thing occurs and it occurs continuously, streamlined flow of electrical signals throughout the Mind-Body interface is disrupted and it makes us feel uncomfortable and we are not able to act with our full efficiency. Our Blood circulation becomes Non-ideal and we feel various illnesses. Unfortunately this happens all the time.

Rudraksha beads act as a Stabilizing Anchor. Rudraksha beads' electrical property can be broadly categorized into:

Resistance

There is continuous and subtle flow of bioelectrical signal throughout the body due to potential difference between parts of the Body. Rudraksha beads of particular Mukhi's or Facets have a definitive Factor of Resistance. It is measured in Ohms. When these beads resist the flow of bioelectrical impulses a specific ampere of current flow is generated depending on the factor of resistance. This acts in tandem with heartbeat, streamlining it and sending out specific impulses to brain. These impulses stimulate certain positive brain chemicals. Making us feel better, more confidants, poised and more energetic. It has been observed that specific Mukhi's or Facets of Rudraksha beads send out specific signals acting on a particular brain chemical and thereby by effecting specific positive changes in personality. It is well proven that the state of mind and our personality is governed almost completely by the Brain, it’s functioning and that of Central Nervous System

Capacitance or the Dielectric Properties 


Rudraksha beads act as dielectric (i.e.) as a storage of electrical energy. This property of Rudraksha makes it capable in stabilizing and anchoring the Bioelectric current. The values are measured in units of Farad. This property is very helpful in controlling hyperactivity, palpitations of heart, streamlining heartbeat etc. Due to stress when there is increased physical activity heart beats faster and the overall activity of hormones and nervous system increases. This causes increased energy levels or increase in potential difference. As a result of this the magnitude of the Bioelectric Current Increases. Rudraksha beads acting as Dielectric store this excess Bioelectric Energy thereby streamlining the overall activity to Normalcy 

Inductance Rudraksha beads by it have permanent magnetic properties. The have been observed to send out Inductive vibrations with frequencies measured in units of Henry (Volt Seconds/Ampere). This perhaps the reason why people have felt better even when Rudraksha beads does not touch them physically.   Magnetic Properties Rudraksha beads have Both Paramagnetic and Diamagnetic with the most important property of Dynamic Polarity We all are most probably aware of the beneficial healing properties of magnets. Magnetic Healing is becoming extremely popular off late and everyone who have been using magnets for healing have been getting the benefits and found overall betterment and rejuvenation. Rudraksha beads retain most of the properties of Magnets but it is unparallel in one aspect, that of the ability to change it's polarity or the Property of Dynamic Polarity. The basic way of healing is based on the fact that the when the passage of arteries and veins which carry blood to and from Heart to all the parts of the body is blocked or reduced due to variety of reasons, various illnesses creep. Blood carries oxygen and energy to various parts of the body and cleanses it off waste materials. Any disruption of the smooth flow of Blood circulation is bound to cause illnesses. We experience pain and uneasiness due to improper blood circulation. Every cell in the blood as well as the Arteries and veins are charged either positively or negatively. Magnets have the poles Positive (+) and Negative (-). When magnets are passed on various parts of the body the opposite poles of the magnets and that of cells get attracted and there is an expansion of the passage .The Arteries and veins open up to facilitate streamlined blood circulation. When there is a streamlining of blood circulation most of the illnesses get automatically healed and we feel better and rejuvenated. But with magnets the polarity is fixed. When magnets are brought near a particular part of the body it opens up only those sections of veins and arteries where there is a matching of polarities hence complete healing and streamlining of blood circulation cannot be ensured. We experience healing and feel better but we can still go much further with Dynamic Polarity of Rudraksha beads. Rudraksha has the ability to Change it's polarity-The property of Dynamic Polarity. This in turn is by virtue of its property, Diamagnetism. Diamagnetism is termed as the ability of any material to acquire temporary magnetic property in presence of an external magnetic field. The polarity of the charge induced is opposite to that of the external field inducing the charge. Blood circulation and heart beat automatically induces a magnetic field around the body and particularly the heart Region. Bioelectricity automatically gives raise to Biomagnetism Depending on the polarity of the Induced magnetic field. Rudraksha bead acquires a polarity that is opposite of the inducing field. As a result of this the opening up the passages of Arteries and Veins are far better than that of magnets. Much better healing and rejuvenation is experienced. Various Literatures mention of powerful Anti Ageing properties of Rudraksha beads This is mainly because of the Dynamic Polarity of the Rudraksha a bead thus the healing powers of Rudraksha are far superior to that of Magnets. In some sense Rudraksha beads can be termed to have some additional life or Intelligence as against Magnets.

 

Hindu Temple- what is a Shiv-Ling ?MUST SEE

Miracles_flying siddha at thiruvanamali

LARGEST LORD SIVA TEMPLE IN INDIA

Tiruvannamalai is a well-known temple town in TamilNadu. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of fire. It is trusted that this temple on the foot hill of Annamalai came to be built around 750 A.D., as per the details available from archeological sculptures. It is the largest saivaite temple in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. These shrines in Thiruvannamalai, on a sprawling 24 acre temple campus, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every full moon. In this holy place the 'Karthikai Deepam' festival is of great significance.

This temple offered to Lord Shiva was built by Vijayanagara Kings between the 16th and the 17th centuries. The temple is renowned for its gigantic gopurams (towers). The 11 tier main East Rajagopuram is to a height of 217 feet, while the protected walls perforated with 4 gopura entrances offer an impressive look to this great temple complex . The other three gopurams are: Pei Gopuram, Tirumanjana Gopuram and Ammanaiammal gopuram . Each of the Prakarams (Hall way) has a huge Nandi and several towers such as the Vallala Maharaja Gopuram and Kili Gopuram. The 1000 pillared hall and the temple tank were built by Emperor Krishna Deva Rayar of Vijayanagara. It is one of the 'Panchabhootha' sthalam (five basic elements of the cosmic) and it is representing fire. The other places representing five elements are - Tiruvanaikavil (Appu sthalam - Water) Kanchipuram (Prithvi sthalam - Earth) Kalahasti (Vayu sthalam - Air) Chidambaram (Akasa sthalam - Space)

Thiruvannamalai is home for the Annamalaiyar Temple situated at the foot of the Annamalai Hill and amongst one of the great Siva Temples of Tamil Nadu. The Saiva sect is a world phenomenon and Thiruvannamalai is the headquarters of Saivism. In Tamil Nadu there are 275 sacred places (Temples of Lord Siva) which were admired by 'Thevaram' (Sacred hymns) and were entitled "Thirumurai Thalangal". Out of these sacred places twenty two are found in Nadu Naadu (Heart of Tamil Nadu ). Thiruvannamalai is the most sacred place of these twenty two. Annamalai Annal is the most sacred of the names of the materialization of Lord Siva.The Siva Puranam, a sacred book of saivaites, spots out four sacred places for obtaining salvation. Thiruvannamalai is one of them. The importance of this place is that by mere commemoration of Lord Siva (Arunachaleswarar) at Thiruvannamalai gives salvation to all souls. Saint poets Sundarar, Thirunavukkarasar etc., have visited Temples in Thiruvannamalai, worshiped the Lord Siva and have composed divine poems. Saint Manickavasagar had composed "Thiruvempavai - 20" and "Thiruvammanai". Even today, you can find a temple for Saint Manickavasagar on the Girivalam path at Adi-Annamalai.Each full moon day of every month Girivalam is undertaken by the pilgrims. Millions of devotees take part every month in this healthy sacrament. This word Girivalam is the derivation of the Tamil word "Giri "means hill and "Valam" means coming around. For this reason coming around the hill is called as Girivalam in Tamil.

This monthly ritual is a gesture of dedication working a stage in spiritual developments. The illumination of the full moon light, is a monthly feature pilgrims drawn from different parts of the India visit the temple and dextrally move in a circle in large numbers keeping the hill as the centre covering in a complete round . To finish one full round (Girivalam) the hill, it is around 14 kilometres. And people both young and old devotedly go round on the full moon day. It is believed to bring in plentiful peace or calmness for the mental well being and also uplifting the physical fitness.

The Siddhas and disciples from all part of the country walk around the hill on all days. .But in the full moon day of every month, millions of devotees go around the hill recurrently.

In Thiruvannamalai temple many festivals are celebrated through out the year. Among them Karthigai Deepam is the most important festival that is celebrated with splendor and cheerfulness at Arunachalaeswar temple in the Tamil month of 'Karthikai' that falls between 15th Nov. and 15th Dec. This festival is celebrated as a ten day festival and it widely known as 'Karthikai Deepam'

The tenth day of Karthigai Deepam festival is very important one and it starts at around 4am in the early morning and the 'Bharani Deepam' is lit at the temple. In the evening the 'Mahadeepam' is lit on the top of the Annamalai hill at around 6pm. This ceremony is a very important during the Karthikai Deepam festival. Lord Arunachaleswarar is said to be visually represented in the form of fire on the hill. There is a very huge gathering on this day at the temple to witness this magnificent and sacred event.

After this the night ceremony begins with 'Lord Periya nayagar' going out procession on the gold made Rishaba vahanam. This is another marvelous happening at Arunachaleswar temple at Tiruvannamalai.

SHIVA MEANS....

The Sanskrit word Shiva (Devanagari: शिव, śiva) is an adjective meaning "auspicious, kind, gracious". As a proper name it means "The Auspicious One", used as a name for Rudra. In simple English transliteration it is written either as Shiva or Siva. The adjective śiva, meaning "auspicious", is used as an attributive epithet not particularly of Rudra, but of several other Vedic deities.

The Sanskrit word śaiva means "relating to the god Shiva", and this term is the Sanskrit name both for one of the principal sects of Hinduism and for a member of that sect. It is used as an adjective to characterize certain beliefs and practices, such as Shaivism.

Adi Sankara, in his interpretation of the name Shiva, the 27th and 600th name of Vishnu sahasranama, the thousand names of Vishnu interprets Shiva to have multiple meanings: "The Pure One", or "the One who is not affected by three Gunas of Prakrti (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas)" or "the One who purifies everyone by the very utterance of His name." Swami Chinmayananda, in his translation of Vishnu sahasranama, further elaborates on that verse: Shiva means "the One who is eternally pure" or "the One who can never have any contamination of the imperfection of Rajas and Tamas". Shiva is considered as the Hindu God who has no Aadi or Anant i.e no birth/death.

Shiva's role as the primary deity of Shaivism is reflected in his epithets Mahādeva ("Great God"; mahā = Great + deva = God), Maheśhvara ("Great Lord"; mahā = Great + īśhvara = Lord), and Parameśhvara ("Supreme Lord").

There are at least eight different versions of the Shiva Sahasranama, devotional hymns (stotras) listing many names of Shiva.The version appearing in Book 13 (Anuśāsanaparvan) of the Mahabharata is considered the kernel of this tradition. Shiva also has Dasha-Sahasranamas (10,000 names) that are found in the Mahanyasa. The Shri Rudram Chamakam, also known as the Śatarudriya, is a devotional hymn to Shiva hailing him by many names.

shiva bajan

12 jyotirlingas

The famous 12 jyothirlingas in India:

There are 12 famous Jyotirlingas where Lord Shiva appeared in the form of light (Jyoti) lingam. These have been worshipped from time immemorial. They are mentioned in the Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Stotra given here: -

S“uraashtre Somanaatham, Cha Sree Shaile Mallikarjunam, Ujjayinyaam Mahaakaalam ,Omkaare Mamaleswaram, Himalaye to Kedaram, Daakinyaam Bhimashankaram, Vaaranaasyaam cha Viswesam ,Trayambakam Gowtameethate, Paralyaam Vaidyanaatham cha, Naagesam Daarukaavane, Setubandhe Ramesham, Grushnesam cha Shivaalaye”



According to Linga Purana once Brahma and Vishnu started fighting over who was the Supreme Being. Suddenly, there appeared a Shivalinga before them as a huge column of fire. Both of them decided to find one end each. Whoever returned first would be acknowledged as supreme. Vishnu assumed the form of a boar and went down. Brahma, in the form of a swan, flew upwards. They searched for days but in vain. Then Shiva appeared in the fiery column. Brahma and Vishnu realized their mistake and acknowledged Shiva as the Supreme Being. The Shivalinga represents that column of fire as 12 Jyotirlingas

Somnath

Somnath - Pasrabh Patan in Saurashtra, Gujarat. Somnath at Somnath Patan, near Veraval in Gujarat is a pilgrimage center held in great reverence throughout India. Somnath is considered to be the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Somnath is situated on the south coast of Saurashtra.
SOMNATH
The Skanda Purana, in a chapter on Prabhasa Khanda, describes Somnath. Legend has it that Shiva in the previous aeons was referred to as Mrityunjaya, Kaalagnirudra, Amritesa, Anamaya, Kritivasa and Bhairavanatha at Somnath.


Legend has it that the Kalabhairava Shivalinga (Bhairavanatha) at Prabhasa was worshipped by the moon, and hence Shiva here is referred to as Somnatha. The Skanda Purana describes the Sparsa Linga of Somnath as one bright as the sun, the size of an egg, lodged underground. The Mahabharata also refers to the Prabhasa Kshetra and the legend of the moon worshipping Shiva.


Legend goes that the moon was married to the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati. He was partial to Rohini, his favorite and neglected the others. An angered Daksha cursed him to wane into nothingness. A disturbed Chandra, came down to Prabhasa with Rohini and worshipped the Sparsa Linga of Somnath after which he was blessed by Shiva to grow and shine in the bright half. As the moon regained his light here, this town came to be known as Prabhasa. Bhrama, one of the trinity, installed the Bhramasila, and paved way for the construction of the temple.


The glory and wealth of Somnath was described by the Arab traveller Al Biruni, and his accounts prompted a visit by Mahmud of Ghazini who ransacked and destroyed the temple in 1025 CE. It was immediately rebuilt by King Bhima of Gujarat and King Bhoja of Malwa. This temple was destroyed again by Alaf Khan, the general of Allauddin Khilji in the year 1300 CE. It was rebuilt again by King Mahipala of the Chudasama dynasty.This shrine was destroyed again and yet again in 1390, 1490 , 1530 and finally in 1701 by Aurangazeb. It was rebuilt with perseverence each time after it was destroyed.


In the year 1783, Queen Ahilyabhai Holkar built a new temple nearby, and in 1951, the president of India re-installed the Jyotirlingam of Shiva on the same Bhramasila on which earlier temples had been built.

Mallikarjuna

Mallikarjun - Sree Sailam - 250 km From Hyderabad, near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. This is one of the greatest Saivite shrines in India and it constitutes one of the 12 Jyotirlingam shrines of Siva. The presiding deities here are Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (DeMALLIKARJUN vi).


This is an ancient temple with fort like walls, towers and a rich endowment of sculptural work. This huge temple built in the Dravidian style with lofty towers and sprawling courtyards is one of the finest specimens of Vijayanagar architecture.


The Satavahanas of the 2nd century AD have referred to it and the Saivite Tamil Saints have sung its glory. The Kakatiyas and the Vijayanagar kings (esp Krishnadevaraya) have made several endowments here. This temple is of immense religious, historical and architectural significance.


Antiquity The origins of this temple are buried in antiquity. The Skanda Purana has a chapter dedicated to it. The great religious leader Aadi Sankara is said to have visited this shrine and composed his immortal Sivananda Lahiri here. Praise of this temple has been sung by the Tamil Saint poets of the past millennium.


The shrine dedicated to Bhramaramba is considered to be of great significance. Legend has it that Durga is said to have assumed the shape of a bee and worshipped Shiva here, and chose this place as her abode

 Mahakaleswar

Mahakaleshwar - Ujjain or Avanti in Madhya Pradesh. Ujjain, a historic capital of Central India in Madhya Pradesh is a venerated pilgrimage center enshrining Mahakaleshwara, one of the Jyotirlinga manifestations of Shiva.

The Skanda Purana describes the glory of Ujjain (Mahakaala Vana) in great detail. Ujjain was the capital of Avanti and it was here that King Udayana married princess Vasavadatta. Ujjain played an important role during the period of the Mauryas and the Guptas.


King Vikramaditya Chandragupta of the Gupta period ruled with Ujjain as his capital, and the Nava Ratnas or nine gems - Dhanvantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasimha, Sanku, Vetala Bhatta, Ghatakharpara, Varahamihira, Vararuchi and Kalidasa adorned his court. The Mahakaleshwar Temple has also been referred to in the Tamil hymns of the Nayanmar saints of the 1st millennium CE.


Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Benares, Kanchipuram, Dwarka and Ujjain are considered to be the 7 Mukti Stalas of India. Ujjain is home to the Kumbha Mela, when Jupiter resides in the zodiac sign of Scorpio.


The Mahakaleshwar temple at Ujjain is located near a lake; it has five levels, one of which is underground.The temple itself is located in a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls. The shikhara is adorned with sculptural finery. Brass lamps light the way to the underground sanctum. It is believed that prasada offered here to the deity can be re-offered unlike all other shrines.


Legend has it that a demon by name Dushana tormented the residents of Avanti and that Shiva appeared from the ground and vanquished the demon, and then upon the request of the inhabitants of Avanti, took up permanent abode here as Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga. Also in Ujjain is the temple to Parvati - Harasiddhi Devi temple.

 Omkareshwar

Omkareshwar: 12 miles from Mortakka and close to Bhopal city in Madhya Pradesh on the Mandhata hill on the banks of the Narmada is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.
OMKARESHWAR
The river Narmada branches into two and forms an island Mandhata or Shivapuri in the center. The shape of the island resembles that of the visual representation of the Omkara sound, Om. There are two temples here, one to Omkareshwar and one to Amareshwar.


Legend has it that the Vindhya mountain prayed to Shiva - Omkareshwara and was blessed here. Legend also has it that upon the request of the Devas, the Shivalinga split into two, one half being Omkareshwara and the other Amaleshwara or Amareshwar. King Mandhatha of the Ishvaku clan is believed to have worshipped Shiva here.

Govinda Bhagavatpaada, the guru of Shankaracharya, is believed to have lived in a cave here.
The temple can be reached by ferry from the banks of the river. The Omkareshwar temple built in the Nagara style is characterized by a lofty Shikara. There are also shrines to Annapurna and Ganesha here.

 Kedarnath 

 

Kedarnath, at  the  head  of  the Mandakini River, is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindu.

The temple,  believed to be  very  ancient, has been continually  renovated  over the  centuries.  According  to  legend, Lord   Shiva   wished   to   elude   the Pandavas, and  took refuge in Kedar- nath in the form of a bull. On being followed, He dived into the ground, leaving behind His hump of the surface. The hump is worshipped in the temple of Kedarnath in the conical Shiva pinda form.

The remaining parts of  the  body  are worshipped at four other places —

the arms (Bahu) at Tungnath,

face (mukh) at  Rudranath, 

navel (nabhi)  at Madmaheshwar

and hair (jata) at Kalpeshwar. 

Together with Kedarnath, these places are known as the Panch Kedar.

The lingam  at Kedarnath, unlike  its usual form, is  pyramidal and is regarded as one  of  the 12 Jyotirlings.

*  Kedarnath is situated in the Himalayan slopes in the Gharwal district of Uttar Pradesh.  The uniqueness and greatness of this temple sees mention in the vedas, ithihaasaas, epics.
The term Kedara for the Lord denotes

vThe Lord who holds the holy Ganges in his matted locks & allows it to flow evenly to the world. 
 It could also mean the mark that is left on the Lord's head from the time when Arjuna got the Paasupathastram. 

This shrine is located at an elevation of 11,735 feet above sea level.  The region of the Himlayas, where the shrine is located is known by several names such as Gandhamadana parvatham, Sumera parvatham, Pancha parvatham, etc.  (Pancha parvatham, for this is the spot of five sacred peaks namely Rudra Himalayas, Vishnupuri, Brahmapuri, Udayagiri & Swargarohini.

The exterior of the temple is rather simple, but the interior is adorned with marvellous sculptures.  In the garba griha is an irregular shaped conical rock which is about five feet by four feet.  Lord Siva in the form of jyotirlingam is worshipped here as Lord Kedareshwar.  It is believed that the jotirlingam is actually the rump of the bull, which was the form that Lord Siva assumed, when the Pandavas tried to reach him to atone the sins of the Kurukshetra war.  Since it was not time designated for humans to worship the Lord here, Lord Siva tried to go away in the form of a bull.  It is believed that temple structure that exists till date was actually the one constructed by the Pandavas.

The sannadhi of the Lord is facing South.  There are the idols of Kedaragowri, Krishna, Pandavas, Draupadi, Vinayagar, Veerabadrar, Kaarthikeyan, Nandi.. The shrine is covered by snow for 6 months in a year (closed from Oct-Nov upto Apr-May).  It is believed that this is the time when the Devas are worshipping the Lord.

There is mountain path called Sorga Vaasal, through which the Pandavas, Sankaracharyar are supposed to have gone through.  he river Mandakini flows down from near this area  .

 Bheemashankar

Bhimashankar - Village of Bhavagiri 50 km north west of Khed, near Pune in Maharashtra. It is an ancient shrine, enshrining Bhimashankara one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. It is located 110 km away from Pune in the ghat region of the Sahyadri hills. Bhimashankar is also the source of the river Bhima, which flows south east and merges with the Krishna river near Raichur. The other Jyotirlinga shrines in Maharashtra are Tryambakeshwar and Grishneshwar.

This temple is closely associated with the legend of Shiva slaying the demon Tripurasura associated with the invincible flying citadels Tripuras. Shiva BHEEMANSHANKARis said to have taken abode in the Bhima form, upon the request of the Gods, on the crest of the Sahyadri hills, and the sweat that poured forth from his body after the battle is said to have formed the Bhimarathi river.


The Temple: The Bhimashankara temple is a composite of old and the new structures and is built in the Nagara style of architecture. It is a modest temple yet graceful temple and it dates back to mid 18th century. The shikhara of the temple was built by Nana Phadnavis. The great Maratha ruler Shivaji is also said to have made endowments to this temple to facilitate the carrying out, of worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the sanctum is at a lower level.
Although the structure here is fairly new, the shrine Bhimashankaram (and the Bhimarathi river) have been referred to in literature dating back to the 13th century CE. Saint Jnaneshwar is said to have visited Tryambakeshwar and Bhimashankar.
Other temples and shrines: There is a shrine to Kamalaja near the Bhimashankara temple. Kamalaja is an incarnation of Parvati, who aided Shiva in his battle against Tripuraasura. Kamalajaa was worshipped with offerings of lotus flowers by Bhrama. Shaakini and Daakini the Shivaganas who helped Shiva in the battle against the demon are also honored and worshipped here.
The Mokshakund thirtha is located behind the Bhimashankara temple, and it is associated with the rishi Kaushika. There are also the Sarvathirtha, the Kusharanya thirtha where the Bhima river begins to flow eastward, and the Jyanakund.


Worship: Three worship services are offered each day. Mahashivratri is a season of greate festivity here.
It is to be noted that the Rudrasamhita sloka in its reference to Bhimashankar says, Daakine Bhimashankaram. There is also a Bhimashankar temple at Bhimapur hill near Guwahati in Assam where legend holds that a demon by name Bhima who inflicted havoc upon the beings in the area, was slain by Shiva, as he tried to kill a king enaged in Shiva worship. This is a legend similar to that where Shiva emerged from a Shivalingam to vanquish Yama the Lord of death. The Shiva Purana and the Koti Rudra Samhita refer to Bhimashankar temple in the Kamarupa country. However there is also a reference to Mount Sahya, where it is stated that Shiva - Bhimashankara appeared on the Sahayadris.


There is also a Bhimashankara temple at Kashipur near Nainital, which was referred to as Daakini country in ancient days. It is believed that Bhima the Pandava prince was married to Hidamba, a Daakini here. Mahashivaratri is celebrated in great splendour here too. This temple also has shrines to Bhairavanath and Devi, and a temple tank by name Shivaganga.

 Kasi viswanath

Vishwanath temple in Benares in Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi - Benares - Kaasi is considered to be the holiest of all pilgrimage sites in India. It is considered homKASHI VISHWNATH e to Shiva - Visweswara. Benares is also known as Kaasi because it is beleived that Supreme brilliance shines there, and lights the way to salvation (Kas - to shine). Varanasi is located between two rivers Varana and Asi, and hence the name Varanasi.


This place is said to give the greatest delight to God and hence the name Anandakanana; the five elements lie in this great cremation ground as will all dead bodies at the time of the final deluge and hence the name Mahasmasaanam.


Benares has been a pilgrimage center since time immemorial. It is believed that the fifth head of Bhrama which clung to Shiva's palms came unstuck only after he reached Varanasi. Varanasi has been mentioned in the Tamil Tevaram hymns of the first millennium CE. Kasi is mentioned repeatedly in the scriptures such as the Bhramanas, Upanishads, Kavyas and Puranas. It is the oldest center of learning, and is vibrant with centuries of tradition.


Benares houses the Kaasi Visweswara (Viswanatha) temple, enshrining one of the twelve Jyotirlingams of Shiva. This temple was desecrated and rebuilt several times. The latest structure dating back to the 18th century (thanks to the efforts of Rani Ahilyabhai Holkar) is the center of attention of the millions of pilgrims who converge here, to perform an abhishekam to the sacred Jyotirlingam, with water from the Ganges.
Benares is also considered to be one of the Shakti Peethas of India. It is believed that the left hand of Sati fell at Varanasi, and that Annapurna or Visalakshi represent the Shakti Peetham here.


Apart from these temples, there are five other sacred spots in Benares. The Asi-Ganga sangamam, at Lolarka houses a temple to the Sun God. The rivers Ganga and Varana converge at a spot where there is a shrine to Kesava. The Panchaganga Ghat houses a temple to Bindu-Madhava. It is believed that five rivers Kirana, Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati and Dhuta-papa converge here. The Dasaswamedha Ghat where it is believed that the ancient kings performed the aswamedha sacrifice ten times and took a dip in the Ganga.
The last of the sacred spots is the Manikarnika Ghat. Legend has it that Vishnu dug a pit with his chakra, and the sweat created during his meditation filled the pit. Shiva shook his head and his jeweled earring fell into the pit, hence the name Manikarnika. Tradition has it that those that die at Benares and get cremated at the Manikarnika ghat, get liberated from the cycle of life and death.


Hyuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller visited Varanasi in the 7th century. His travel accounts speak of the grandeur of the city and of its temples. This writer describes a hundred feet high statue of Shiva Maheshwara made of brass that adorned the city.


Several other temples and shrines adorn the city of Benares. Virtually every block houses a shrine here. Mention must be made of the modern shrine to Kaasi Viswanatha elsewhere in the city. Shivaratri in the month of Aquarius is a season of great festivity at Benares.

Trayambakeshwar

Tryambakeshwar - Near Nasik in Maharashtra. Tryambakeshwar located near at a distance of about 30 km from Nasik in Maharashtra is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. Tryambakeshwar is the source of the river Godavari. This is an ancient shrine, howeveTRAYAMBAKESWAR r the current structure is a result of the reconstruction efforts undertaken by the Peshwa Balaji Bajirao in mid 18th century. The other Jyotirlinga shrines in Maharashtra are Bhimashankar and Grishneshwar.


Legend has it that Gowtama muni resided on the Bhramagiri hill here with his wife Ahalya, and by virtue of his devotion received from Varuna, a bottomless pit from which he received an inexhaustible supply of grains and food. The other rishis, jealous of his fortune, arranged for a cow to enter his granary, and caused it to die as Gowtama attempted to ward it off with a bunch of Darbha grass.


Gowtama therfore worshipped Shiva, to bring the Ganga down to his hermitage to purify the premises. The Ganga came down as Godavari, and Shiva took up an abode here in the form of Tryambaka. Interestingly, locals refer to the river here as Ganga and not as Godavari. (Shown above is an image of the Ganga at Haridwar). All the heavenly Gods promised to come down to Nasik, once in twelve years, when Jupiter resides in the zodiac sign of Leo.


The legend relating to the Lingodbhava manifestation of Shiva also prevails here. Legend has it that Bhrama and Vishnu searched in vain to discover the origin of Shiva who manifested himself as a cosmic column of fire. Bhrama lied that he had seen the top of the column of fire, and was hence cursed that he would not be worshipped on earth. In turn Bhrama cursed Shiva that he would be pushed underground. Accordingly, Shiva came down under the Bhramagiri hill in the form of Tryambakeshwar. Circumambulating the Bhramagiri hill is considered sacred. (Please also see the Arunachala Hill, and the legend associated with the Origin of Linga worship).


Tryambakeshwar has been referred to in the Padma Purana. The Bhramagiri hill in Tryambakeshwar is referred to in the literature of Marathi saints. This shrine enjoyed of the patronage of the Peshwa rulers.
The Temple: This templebuilt of blak stone in the Nagara style of architecture is enclosed in a spacious courtyard. The sanctum internally a square and externally a stellar structure houses a small Shivalingam - Tryambaka. The sanctum is crowned with a graceful tower, crowned with a giant amalaka and a golden kalasha.


In front of the garbagriha and the antarala is a mandap with doors on all four sides. Three of these doorways are covered with porches, and the openings of these porches are ornamented with pillars and arches. The roof of the mandapam is formed by curvilinear slabs rising in steps. The entire structure is ornamented with sculptural work featuring running scrolls, floral designs, figures of gods, yakshas, humans and animals.
The Shivalingam is seen in a depression on the floor of the sanctum; water constantly oozes out from the top of the Shivalingam.Usually, the Shivalingam is covered with a silver mask, and on festive occasions with a golden mask with five faces, each with a golden crown. The sivler mask is equivalent to the processional images seen in South Indian temples.

Each Monday, the silver mask of Tryambaka is placed in a palanquin and taken in procession to Kushavarta theertha and given an abhisheka there. This procession with the special golden mask, happens also on Shiv ratris, full moon day in the month of Kartika and during other festive occasions.


Simhasta Parvani which occurs once in every 12 years, when Jupiter enters the zodiac sign of Leo, is a time of great festivity when it is believed that all sacred waters gather in the Kushavarta thirtha. The Ganga avatarana festival is celebrated in the month of Magha


The Kushavarta thirtha is a tank with flights of steps on all sides, with pillared aisles with highly ornate arches. This is considered to be the holiest of all the thirthas here, and is believed to be the spot where Gowtama Rishi finally secured Ganga on earth by spreading the Kusha or the Darba grass around her. The structure around this thirtha was constructed by Raoji Abaji Parnekar (of the Holkars of Indore) in late 18th century.
Other thirthas here are the Gangasagar the Gautamalaya, Bilva thirtha, Indra thirtha, Vishwanath thirtha, Mukund thirtha, Prayag thirtha,Rama Kund, Lakshmana Kund etc. The confluence of the rivers Ahalya and Godavari is also held in reverence.

Vaidyanath

Vaidyanath: Deogarh in the Santal Parganas area of Bihar. This shrine represents one of the 12 Jyotirlingams of Shiva held in reverence throughout the country. Vaidyanath is located at Deogarh in the Santal Parganas region of Bihar.
Deogarh is also known as Vaidyanath, Haritaki Vana, Ketaki Vana, Ravana Vana, Chitabhoomi and Hardapeetha. Some schools of thought believe Vaidyanath near Parali in Andhra Pradesh to be the Vaidyanatha Jyotirlingam. Other schools of thought claim that Kiragram in Punjab and Dabhoi in Gujarat are the Vaidyanatha Jyotirlinga temples. The Vaideeswaran Koyil temple in Tamilnadu (which is not a Jyotirlingam temple) enshrines Vaidyanathar.


Legend has it that Ravana meditated upon Shiva, and requested him to come over to Sri Lanka, in order that his capital may become invincible. It is said that he attempted to lift Mount Kailash and take it with him to his capital; however Shiva crushed him with his finger, and Ravana prayed to him and sought his mercy, after which Shiva gave him one of the twelve Jyotirlingams with the condition that if it was placed on the ground it would take root immediately.


Ravana carried the Jyotirlingam and began his trek back to his capital. Varuna the God of water, entered his belly, and caused him to feel the need to relieve himself. Vishnu then came down in the form of a lad and volunteered to hold the Jyotirlingam as he relieved himself. Before Ravana returned, Vishnu placed the Jyotirlingam on the ground, and it became rooted to the spot. A disappointed Ravana offered severe penances to Shiva here, and cut off nine of his heads. Shiva revived him and joined the heads to the body, as if by the work of a Vaidya or a physician, hence this Jyotirlingam goes by the name Vaidyanath. The same legend holds at Gokarnam in Karnataka.


Another legend has it that this temple was re-discovered by a cowherd Baiju, and hence the name Baijnath.
Vaidyanath is also considered to be one of the 52 Shakti Pitha shrines of Sati. It is believed that the heart of Sati fell here, when her half burnt body being carried by Shiva at the end of Daksha's yagna, was chopped to pieces by Vishnu's discus.


The temple: The temple is situated in a spacious courtyard bounded by stone walls. In the temple complex are twenty two other temples. The Baijnath or Vaidyanath temple faces east. The top of the Shiva Lingam is slightly broken, keeping with the legend that it chipped away when Ravana tried to uproot it. Near the temple is the Sivaganga lake. The Chandrakoopa well, near the main entrance is said to have been built and consecrated with water from several thirthams by Ravana.

Nageshwar

Nageshwar near Dwarka in Gujarat. Nageshwar is regarded as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines of Shiva. It is located on the route between Dwarka and the Bet Dwarka island, on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. The Rudra Samhita sloka refers to Nageshwar with the phrase 'Daarukaavane Naagesham'.
NAGESWAR
Legend has it that a devotee by name Supriya, was attacked by a demon Daaruka, while in a boat and that the demon imprisoned him along with several others at his capital Daarukaavana, where he resided with his wife Daaruki. Shiva appeared in the form of a Jyotirlingam and vanquished the demon with the Paasupata Astram.
This Jyotirlinga manifestation is worshipped as Nageswara, at this shrine on the way to Bet Dwarka from Dwarka. Two other sites in India, one near Audhgram near Purna in Andhra Pradesh and another near Almora in Uttar Pradesh also enshrine temples to Nageswara Jyotirlingam.

Rameswaram

Ramesham: Rameswaram, in Southern Tamilnadu. This Shivastalam is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in India. It represents the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlingams of India and has been a time honored pilgirmage center held on par with Banaras. The island-temple town is located off of the Sethu coast of Tamilnadu (south eastern).
RAMESWARAM
This temple is assocated closely with the Ramayana and Rama's victorious return from Sri Lanka.
Rameswaram is an interesting temple both from the standpoint of its association with Rama and from a structural standpoint. A. huge temple in the island of Rameswaram (reached via the Pamban bridge across the sea), Rameswaram is known for its long ornate corridors and towers and 36 theerthams.


Legend has it that Rama worshipped Shiva in the form of a Shiva Lingam made of earth by Sita, while returning to Ayodhya. Legend has it that Hanuman was entrusted with the task of bringing an image of Viswanathar from Benares. Anticipating delay in Hanuman's return from Benares, Rama is said to have offered worship at a pre-chosen auspicious moment to a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth by Sita. This lingam is referred to as Ramalingam and the town is known as Rameswaram.


There is yet another Shivalingam here - Viswanathar said to have been brought by Hanuman from Banares. This Shivalingam is referred to as Kasilingam and Hanumalingam. Prayers are offered to Viswanathar before they are offered to Ramanathaswamy.


Legend has it that Rama worshipped Tilakeswarar at Devipatnam nearby enroute to Sri Lanka.
There is also a shrine to SethuMadhava and Lakshmi in Rameswaram. Sethu Madhava is also referred to as Sweta Madhava, the term Sweta referring to the white stone with which the image is made.
The Gandamadana parvatam: is a hill on the island which bears a small shrine containing imprints of Rama's feet held in worship .


Architecture and History: This temple, spread over an area of 15 acres , has lofty gopurams, massive walls and a collossal Nandi. Rameswaram also boasts of a 4000 feet long pillared corridor with over 4000 pillars, supposedly the longest in the world. The carved granite pillars are mounted on a raised platform. What is unique about this corridor is that the rock is not indigenous to the island and it was brought in from elsewhere in Tamilnadu across the sea. The eastern Rajagopuram towers to a height of 126 feet and it has nine levels. The Western Rajagopuram, though impressive is not as tall as the Eastern one. The stuccoed image of Nandi is about 18 feet tall and 22 feet in length.


It is believed that the ancient shrine was housed in a thatched hut until the 12th century and that the 1st ever masonry structure was built by Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka. The Setupathy rulers of Ramanathapuram completed the rest of the temple. Some of the temple vimaanams resemble the Vimaanams of the Pallava period. Much of the additions were carried out between the 12th and the 16th centuries. The long corridor (3rd prakaram) dates back only to the 18th century. The Gandhamadhana Parvatam (hill) provides a good view of the temple. This temple has received royal patronage from several kingdoms such as Travancore, Ramanathapuram, Mysore and Pudukkottai.


Worship: Six worship services are carried out each day, the first being at 5am. Special worship services are carried out every Friday.


Festivals: Rama's worship is commemorated in the month of Aani (June 15-July 15); two annual Bhrammotsavams are celebrated in Aadi and in Maasi.
Theertham (Water springs): There are 36 Theerthams in Rameswaram of which 22 are in the temple and these waters are said to possess medicinal properties. Bathing in these is considered to be of great significance. The Agni theertham refers to the ocean while the Koti theertham is located within the temple itself.

Grishneshwar

Grishneshwar: It is located at a distance of 11 km from Daulatabad nearGRISHNESHWAR Aurangabad, close to Near Ellora, in Maharashtra. Grishneshwar is an ancient pilgrimage site revered as the abode of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Daulatabad was once known as Devagiri. Located nearby are the popular tourist attractions Ellora - featuring ancient rock cut monuments from the 1st millennnium CE, and Ajanta known for its exquisite cave paintings again from the 1st millennium CE.


The Grishneswar temple was constructed by Ahilyabhai Holkar who also re-GRISHNESHWAR constructed the Kasi Viswanatha temple at Benares and the Vishnu Paada temple at Gaya. Grishneshwar is also known as Ghushmeshwar.
Legend has it that a devout woman Kusuma offered worship to Shiva regularly by immersing a Shivalingam in a tank, as a part of her daily ritual worship. Her husband's first wife, envious of her piety and standing in society murdered Kusuma's son in cold blood. An aggrieved Ksuma continued her ritual worship, and when she immersed the Shivalingam again in the tank, her son was miraculously restored to life. Shiva is said to have appeared in front of her and the villagers, and then on is believed to have been worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlinga Ghusmes.

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