After taking bath, wearing neat and clean clothes, the worshipper should make oneself sanctified. All the things for Shiv-poojan, as given before in the list of substantial material required, should be kept ready. The CHAUKI, on which the Shiv-Diety is to be throned should be covered by the white cloth and then the phallus-deity be enthroned after giving it a bath in milk, then in GANGAAJAL (water of river Gangaa) in full devotion.
In the same way, the SHIV-TALISMAN should also be placed on the CHAUKI. Shiv-Deity, may be of any metal, stone, wood or clay. It is convenient to have an inscribed Talisman on a copper-plate, otherwise it can be drawn on a bark of birch tree by white sandal.
After giving throne to Lord Shiva, incense stick and the clay-lamp be lighted. The KALASH should also be placed on the right side, filled with water. The leaves of the wood-apple should be sanctified by giving them wash in clean water. It is the assumption that ‘Raam’ ‘Raam’ is also written on these leaves by white sandal, it is more pleasing to God Shiva.
To begin with Pooja after having seat on the Aasan infront of the Diety.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
HOW TO DO LORD SHIVA PUJA !
NANDI, THE SACRED WHITE BULL !
Lord Shiva's guardian is Nandi (the white bull), whose statue can often be seen watching over the main shrine. The bull is said to embody sexual energy, fertility. Riding on its back Lord Shiva is in control of these impulses.
LORD SHIVA IN DANCING FORM !
According to legend Lord Shiva danced vigorously,and to subdue Kali , threw up his leg in the rhythm of the dance. Being a lady Kali could not repeat this feat and stood dismayed.
This dance and the subjugation of Kali, are described in the hymns of the female saint-poet Karaikkal Ammai.
ALMIGHTY LORD SHIVA !
LORD SHIVA IS THE SUPREME COMMANDER
OF ALL THE FORCES IN THE UNIVERSE !
Shiva Nataraj's dance represents both the destruction and the creation of the universe and reveals the cycles of death, birth and rebirth. His Dance of Bliss is for the welfare of the world. In the pose of Nataraj, the King of Dance is giving darshan to his beloved devotees within the "Hall of Consciousness", which is the heart of man. Under his feet, Shiva crushes the demon of ignorance called Apasmara Purusha, caused by forgetfulness. One hand is stretched across his chest and points towards the uplifted foot, indicating the release from earthly bondage of the devotee. The fire represents the final destruction of creation, but the dance of the Nataraj is also an act of creation, which arouses dormant energies and scatters the ashes of the universe in a pattern that will be the design of the ensuing creation.
LORD SHIVA THE SUPREME POWER !
Lord Shiva, the third in the trinity is Shiva, also known as Maheshwar (the great Lord), Mahadeva (the great God), Shambhu, Harihara (in union with Vishnu), Pinaakdhari (bearer of the axe), Mritunjaya (conquerer of death), and represents destruction, austerity & the malignant forces of life.
He is also represented as Mahakala & Bhairava, the terrible as well as many other forms including Rudra (howler). In ancient vedic hymns. Rudra is the malignant God of storm and wind, & is also considered the god of death. Rudra fires arrows of sickness at gods. men and animals. He is the father of Maruts, who were occasionally called Rudras.
As Rudra, he is identified with the star Sirius (Sothis), and is a supreme hunter. His appearance and nature changed with the emergence of Hiduism, when he became a beneficent and beautiful God, the Lord of animals and the patron of the hunters.
His name changed to Shiva, and is since then one of the most prominent deities of Hinduism. Shiva is also the master of all beings of the underworld including demons (bhutas ), ghosts (pretas), and pishachas (flesh eaters) but his destructive activities are compensated by his attitude of favors to his devotees.
He is originator of music and dance (Nataraja - the Dancing Shiva is the symbolism of the dance called Tandava), creator of grammar (vyaakrana), inventor of Yoga & a perfect householder as well as ascetic.
