My humble pranams to this Huge ShivLing at the Kedareshwar Cave at  Harishchandragad which is a hill fort near kalyan in the Ahmednagar region of India.

It is said that when the fourth (and the only remaining) column breaks, the world will end.This is the cave of Kedareshwar, in which there is a big Shivlinga, which is totally surrounded by water.The total height from its base is five feet, and the water is waist-deep. It is quite difficult to reach the Shivlinga, as the water is ice-cold. There are sculptures carved out here. In monsoon it is not possible to reach this cave, as a huge stream flows across the way.

Lets all say Om Namaha Shivaya at this holy temple of Sri Kedareshwar Mahadev

Lets visit One of the best temples in the state of Uttarakhand which is situated in Dehra Dun and is known as the Lakha Mandal temple. This temple was constructed in the ancient times. It enshrines Lord Shiva. The Lakha Mandal temple in Uttarakhand is especially popular amongst the people who belong to the Shakti Cult. They believe that a visit to this temple shrine will bring an end to all their misfortunes and ill destiny. They gladly accept the trouble to come over to this place from far and wide solely in search of peace and eternal bliss. The Lakha Mandal Temple is located 80 kilometers from Missouri-Yamunotri Road and has a strong legendary background. It is believed that the wicked son of blind king Dritarashtra conspired against the Pandavas and wished them to be burnt alive inside the Jatugriha, located here. But fortunately they were saved by the power of the Shakti and therefore a Shakti Temple had been constructed here to commemorate the sacred power of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In the 8th Century, this Lakha Mandal Temple, Dehradun was constructed with numerous stone engraved figures, each with a mythological association.
  Behind the main temple is a shining shivling , if you pour water on it-, it becomes shiny and you can see yourself in it..

My saakshaat pranams to this sacred shivling at Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, India

Lets all pray at Darbar Tombri Sahib, Baddo ke Gosain at Uttam Nagar, New Delhi, India

May Lord Shiva at Chitrangadeshwar kedarghat in Varnasi  grace us all with love , peace and happiness in our lives

Lets all bow down to this amazing Shivling at the Mata Mandir Temple in Amritsar, Punjab - India

May this Gigantic Shiv-Ling before Jabalpur bless our lives with joy and good health

Quote of BABA:

The man who has understanding as his chario­teer (guide) and is able to rein his mind, reaches the end of the journey, which is the supreme abode of the all-pervading Vishnu (Lord).

Hindu Temples in Pakistan

A brief photo-essay on some famous and some not so famous Hindu Temples in Pakistan

Gorakhnath Temple, Peshawar, NWFP

Hindus at the historic Gorakhnath temple in Peshawar, Pakistan. The temple was recently reopened after six decades on the orders of the Peshawar High Court. (November, 2011)

Katas Raj Temples, Chakwal, near Lahore, Punjab

Katas Raj Temple is situated in Chakwal district of Punjab in Pakistan. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has existed before the days of Mahabharata and the Pandava brothers spent a substantial part of their exile here.

It is said that the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the Historical epic Mahabharata, stayed here four out of the 14 years that they spent in exile.

Its origin involves the death of Shiva's wife Satti. When she died, Shiva cried so much and for so long, that his tears created two holy ponds - one at Pushkar in Ajmer, India and the other at the Katas Raj Temple.

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Hindu Temple, Rohtas Fort, near Islamabad, Punjab

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Hindu Temple, Mari-Indus, near Kalabagh, Punjab

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Hindu Temple, Rawalpindi, Punjab

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Hinglaj Mandir or Nani Mandir, Hingol National Park, Baluchistan

An important Shakti Peeth of Goddess Sati, Hinglaj Mandir or Nani Mandir is situated in Hingol National Park in Baluchistan province of Pakistan.

It came into existence when Lord Vishnu cut up Sati's dead body into 52 pieces so that Lord Shiva would calm down and stop his Tandava. These pieces got scattered all over the Indian subcontinent whilst Sati's head fell at Hingula or Hinglaj.

According to ancient scriptures, Lord Rama had also meditated at Hinglaj to atone for his sin of 'Brahmhatya' - killing of Ravana who was a Brahmin and a great devotee of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga.

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Hindu Temple, Umerkot, Sindh

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Hindu Temple, Sialkot, Punjab

Kalka Cave Temple, Arore, near Rohri, Sindh

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Hindu Temples, Tilla Jogian, Punjab

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Hindu Temple, Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore, Punjab

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Hindu Temple, behind Juma Mosque, Rawalpindi, Punjab

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Sri Varun Dev Temple, Manora Cantt, Karachi, Sindh

Situated on the seashore off Manora Cantt, this Temple is about 160 years old and has been specifically designed as per Hindu architecture. The Temple was abandoned & illegally occupied by land grabbers after the 1947 partition. In 2007, Pakistan Hindu Council brought back the sanctity of the Temple by taking a bold step to renovate the same. The Station Commander, PNS Himalaya, Manora Cantt handed over the control of this Temple to Pakistan Hindu Council in June, 2007.

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Hindu Temple, Taxila, Punjab

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Hindu Temple, Taxila, Punjab

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Sadhu Bela Temple, Sindh

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Hindu Temple, near Luddon, Vehari, Punjab

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Hindu Temple, Thar

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Hindu Temple, Thar

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Hindu Temple, Nagar Parkar, Sindh

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Toomri Temple, Ghakkhar Mandi, Gujranwala, Punjab

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Hindu Temples, Malot, Punjab

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Sri Badoki Temple, Gujranwala, Punjab

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Hindu Temple, Lahore, Punjab

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Sharda Devi Temple, POK

Dedicated to Saraswati, the Goddess of learning, Sharda Devi Temple is located in Neelum valley just across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). In the past, it has been a site of a Buddhist University and Adi Shankara is also known to have visited the Temple during his travels across India.

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Hindu Temple, Chiniot, Punjab

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Hindu Temples 

Hindu Temple, Saidpur village, Islamabad, Punjab

    posted by : Vipul  Koul

Mahashivrati in Kashmir

Mahashivrati in Kashmir 'Shivratri' festival is most scrupulously observed by the Kashmiri Pandits, the ancient and original inhabitants of Kashmir. They make thorough preparations and collect eatables, fruits and sweets. The entertainment of the Sivratri festival extends to about three weeks in Kashmiri Pandit house-holds. Each day or a group of days, has a special name and religious function which include social performances also. Some of the names are Akodah, Hurya Aatham, Dyara Daham, Vagarye Bah, Heracnia Truvah, Donya Mavas and Tila Aatham. On each day they have different functions. The Mahashivratri festival is observed as Herath by Kashmiri Pandits and it celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Uma. Herath festival begins on the first day of Phalgun Krishna Paksha and ends on the Amavasi day in Phalgun). In between there are numerous auspicious days like Hur Ashtami . This year the main rituals of Maha Shivratri or Herath festival begins on March 1. Walnuts, whose shape represents the universe, play an important part in Herath rituals. Walnuts are filled in earthen pots and it is then filled with water. The water is changed every day of the festivals. A big earthen pot, two medium sized earthern pot, two small earthen pot, clay modeled to the shape of elephant trunk and seven bowls are used in the Herath ritual and they are known as 'Watuk'. The watuk represents Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Sapta Rishis and other deities. Fasting is observed on the important puja day and it comes to an end at night. The rituals come to an end on the Amavasi day, which follows Shivratri. The puja items, flowers and pots are immersed in rivers. Walntus are distributed as Prasad. 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. Social Aspect Shivaratri provides a wonderful and meaningful get-together for all members of the family. Every member of the house-hold is normally in a festive mood. It is a day of prayer and meditation for the elders and one of fun and frolic for the youngsters, particularly children in their new colorful attires. During the Shivratri festival, all the family members, men, women and children play with cowries (sea shells). Salaam The day after Maha Shivaratri Puja is called salaam, a Persian word for greeting. It is a day of fun and feasting, a sort of Thanksgiving Day when relations, friends and colleagues would exchange greetings. The poor would visit Hindu homes and take their share of Shivaratri presents in cash or kind or both as the case may be. Hayrath Kharch On Shivaratri day, the head of the family offers pocket money to children and other junior members in the family, including the new brides, sons-in-law and the newly wed daughters, called hayrath kharch. It is also sent to nearest relations, including their new born and newly married children. Shivaratri puja is also called Vatuk Puja. Vatuk is a Kashmiri word meaning 'collection or an assemblage of different objects'. Since the main puja on Shivaratri day involves collection of a large number of articles, it is being called by the name Vatuk. They also worship Vatuk Bhairav, supposed to be Shiva's most trusted dwarpal (gate-keeper). In Kashmiri Pandit Community, it is customary for the women-folk, the old and young alike, to visit their parental home and return to their in-laws with some money in token of love which in Kashmiri language is called "atagat" and fire-pot( kangri), considered to be a good omen on this occasion. R. K. Raina, AIR Correspondent, Jammu POSTED BY :VIPUL KOUL eDITED BY  :ASHOK KOUL                                               VIPUL KOUL

Shiv Ratri

A number of festivals are celebrated by Hindus in India and all over the world. One of the most prominent of these festivals is Shiv-ratri. For Kashmiri Pandits, Shiv-ratri is the most important religious festival. Celebration of this festival has remained proverbial from ancient times. In Kashmiri, Shiv-ratri is also known as Har-ratri and Herath. It is said that Lord Shiva called Devi Jagatamba by the name Hairte on this day which eventually got transformed into Herath. Shiv-ratri is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun. In Kashmir we have maintained the ritual of Vatuk-puja, along with the worship of Shiva and Shakti on this day. A historical episode reflects the faith of Kashmiri Pandits in Shiv-ratri. It is said that Jabar Khan, the Pathan governor of Kashmir, forbade people to perform Vatak-puja in Phalgun and instead ordered them to celebrate it in July. Helplessly, people obeyed the order but to everyone's surprise (harath) it snowed on that day in July. Since then the people of Kashmir reacite, ''Jabar Janda-Haras awu Wandha" (Jabar the rag-man, winter came in July). 
Lord Shiva is omnipotent and omnipresent, being beyond all emptiness, the primal source of all. He has five functions: evolution sustenance, involution, preservation and assimilation. Just as a seed evolves into a tree, and in due course of time involutes back to seed, likewise the universal divine Shakti, the energy aspect, has to return to the absolute transcendental rest (Parma Shiva state). An interpretation for the significance of Shiva-ratri may thus be the celebration of the union of Shiva and Shakti, also referred to as Shiva's marriage to Parvati. The 9th century Kashmiri saint-poet Utpaldeva describing Shiva-ratri wrote, "When the sun, the moon and all the other stars set at the same time, there arises the radiant night of Shiva spreading a splendor of its own." 
The worship of Vatuka is dealt within several Tantric works. Vatuka, like Ganesha, has been described as a mind bom son of the Mother Goddess. He is the deity who saves his devotees from all sorts of misfortunes and calamities. When Kashmiri Pandits were driven out if the valley in the first half of the fifteenth century, a few families in the remote villages stayed back. It is speculated that these people may have started worship of Vatuka for their protection, the custom having been continued by others when they retumed to the valley in the later part of that century. 
Kashmiri Pandits used to clebrate Shiv-ratri festival over a period of 23 days. First six days (hurye okdoh to hurye shayam) were devoted to cleaning of the house and buying puja articles. Next 2-3 days were the days for devotional prayers. Dyara daham was designated for giving presents to married daughters and newly weds. Gadkah and Vager bah were special days for the worship of Bhairavas. Herath truvah is the day for Shiva worship. Herath Kharch (gift of money) is given by the eldest person to all members of the family on the following day. Herath truvah is the day for lord Shiva's worship. On Doon mavas, the prasad of walnuts and rice cakes (tomala-chuut) are distributed, in past, this often continued until Tila ashtami. The latter day also marks the end of winter, and is celebrated by burning kangris and singing the chorus of 'ja-tun-tn'. On the social side, there used to be great joy all around. People wore new and their nicest clothes, and families would sit together and enjoy the game with sea shells. 
Since a number of us have migrated to far off places, all over the world, it is rather diffucult to perform the Vatak-puja in the traditional way. However, we need to maintain the spirit of this, the most important festival of ours. Jotshi Prem Nath Shastriji has recently produced an audio tape for a relatively simple Vatak-puja together with a Mahimna Stotram. Offering and eating meat and fish on Shiv-ratri is stictly a Kashmiri Pandit ritual, probably to please 'Bhairavas'. However, there were people like Gurtus and Razdans, who observed strict vegetarinism during the Shiv-ratri festival. Most of us have given up the tradition of offering and eating meat on Shiv-ratri day. 
One other practice was the celebration of salam on the day following Shiv-ratri. Muslim neighbors and friends used to visit us and wish happy Shivratri. People would also invite their relatives and friends for a sumptous dinner. Since for us the significance of this day is gone, we can either do away with it or at least call it by a different name. 
AUM NAMAH SHIIVAYA
In writing this article, I have used information from articles written on this subject by Janki Nath Kaul Kamal, Balji Pandit, Sarwanand Kaul Premi, B.L. Khar and Swami Moti Lal.

                                                     Posted by vipul koul

Maha Shivaratri Festival 2012

The festival of Mahashivaratri is celebrated on Chaturdashi of Falgun Krishna Paksha, every year. According to the scripture, Chaturdashi of every month was liked to lord Shiva but, Chaturdashi of Falgun month is very dear to him. Out of the three Guna that is Sattva Guna, Rajo Guna, Tamo Guna, the quantity of Tamo guna is more in night then day. Hence, lord chose Chaturdashi’s midnight of Falgun Krishna Paksha for the evolution of his Linga.

The significance of Mahashivaratri can be found in all the Purans. Garuda Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana and Agni Purana, all describe the glory of Maha Shivaratri. There are many stories regarding Shivaratri festival but all of them have similar format and description. People observe fast and sing the glory of Shiva on this day. And, worship him with leaves of Bel. As per the ancient scriptures, there was no truth or dishonesty before creation of universe. There was only lord Shiva.

Maha Shivaratri Festival Importance

Festival of Shivaratri is not a mere presentation. Nor it is celebrated by seeing others. It is a great festival and hence, it is called Mahashivaratri. Shivaratri is also called Maha kal. Out of the three forms of God, one is worshipped on Mahashivaratri. Human being has got special boon of worshipping one form of lord in an easy manner on Mahashivaratri. Goswami Tulsidas made lord Ram speak about this festival.

"शिवद्रोही मम दास कहावा। सो नर सपनेहु मोहि नहिं भावा।"

Importance of this fast is described more in Shiva Sagar.

"धारयत्यखिलं दैवत्यं विष्णु विरंचि शक्तिसंयुतम। जगदस्तित्वं यंत्रमंत्रं नमामि तंत्रात्मकं शिवम।"

Meaning:- the one because of whom various powers, lord Vishnu and Brahma are seated in form of different God and Goddess. Because of whom the world exists. Who is Yantra, Mantra. I bow down to lord Shiva seated in form of this Tantra (system).

Mahashivaratri Astrological Importance

According to astrology, moon becomes debilitated on Chaturdashi. Moon does not have the strength to give energy to this earth. Hence, expression of mind also keep growing and falling like the arts of moon. At times, a person’s mind is very upset and he has to face many mental tensions. Moon increases the beauty of lord Shiva’s head. If a person wants to have the grace of moon, he should worship lord Shiva. Worshipping lord Shiva on every Masa Shivaratri makes moon strong. But, if the Puja can not be performed on every Masa Shivaratri, then Puja of Maha Shivaratri should be performed in a systematic manner.

Moreover till Mahashivaratri, Surya Dev also reaches Uttarayana. This is also a time of season change. Hence, this time period is considered auspicious. It is a time for welcoming the spring season. Spring season fills mind with joy and passion. Kamdev also develops during this time. The cupid emotions generated during this time can be controlled only by worshipping lord. It is best to worship lord Shiva during this time. According to astrology, the 12 Jyotirlinga have relation with the 12 Moon Sign.

It is said the Shivaratri is considered the best when it has the touch of Trayodashi, Chaturdashi and Amavasya date. There are many beliefs about Mahashivaratri. according to one of them, this day, lord Shiva was originated from Brahma in the form of a Rudra. Lord Shiva would have burnt the whole universe with his fierce third eye, while performing Tandav on Pradosh Date. Hence, it is called Maha Shivaratri.

Due to these reasons, Mahashivratri is considered to do welfare. Lord Shiva makes a link between destruction and resettlement of universe. Holocaust means sadness and reestablishment means happiness. According to astrology, lord Shiva is considered the giver of happiness. Therefore, various scriptures mention various ways of worshipping lord Shiva on Shivaratri. They also tell the significance of performing different rituals.

Lord Shiva Jyotirlinga in India

The 12 famous Jyotirlinga of lord Shiva are as follows

1. Viswanath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
2. Kedarnath, Uttar Pradesh
3. Vaijnath, Deogarh, Bihar
4. Omkar, Mammaleshwaram, Madhya Pradesh
5. Mahakalaswar, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
6. Somnath temple, Gujarat
7. Bhima Shankar, Dhakini, Maharashtra
8. Nageshwar, Darukavana, Maharashtra
9. Ghurmeshwar, Ellora, Maharashtra
10. Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, Maharashtra
11. Mallikarjun, Srisailam, Andra Pradesh
12. Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

12 Jyotirlinga and 12 Moon sign Relation

Various mythological saga can be found in ancient Purans and Granths about lord Shiva. There are many stories about Maha Shivaratri. Like Trishul, Damaru etc and lord Shiva is linked with 9 planets, Similarly the 12 Jyotirlingas are related to the 12 Moon signs. They are as follows:

Jyotirlinga	Moon sign
.Somnath	Aries
Shrilaisha	Taurus
Mahakalaswar	Gemini
Omkareshwar	Cancer
Baidyanath Dham	Leo
Bhim Shanker	Virgo
Rameshwaram	Libra
Nageshwar	Scorpio
Vishwanath	Sagittarius
Trimbakeshwar	Capricorn
Kedarnath	Aquarius
Gurumeshwar	Pisces			Posted by  :  Vipul Koul

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Posted by :Vipul Koul

Bhishma

Bhishma Parva is the sixth parva of the great epic of Mahabharata and it consists of five sub-parvas. Bhishma Parva is also known as the book of Bhishma, the grandsire of the Pandavas and the Kauravas and the commander of the Kaurava army in the great battle at Kurukshetra. This Parva deals with the introduction of Bhishma as the son of Santanu, the king of Hastinapur and it also narrates the tale of Bhishma`s great vow to remain celibate throughout his life. He stuck to his promise and remained unmarried till his death in the great battle. Bhishma was a great Yogi, and had the deftness of martial art and war tricks. He was the most respected person in the kingdom of Hastinapur. This Parva also gives an account of the marriage of Santanu with Satyavati, a fisher-maid. Bhishma vowed to lead a life of celibacy in order to enable his father to marry Satyavati. Thus, Bhishma was blessed to live as long as he would like and death would only come to him by getting his permission.

Swayamvara of Amba, Ambika and Ambalika
When Santanu died, Bhishma put his half brother Vichitravirya, the son of Satyavati, over the throne of Hastinapur. It was necessary that he should find a suitable marriage for his brother in order to smoothly carry on the royal succession. By that time, the raja of Kasi invited all the kings and princes in the earth, but he did not send any invitation to Hastinapur. When Bhishma heard about the swayamvara, he took it to be a suitable opportunity to get queens for his brother Vichitravirya. Accordingly, Bhishma set out for Kasi as a simple gentleman without any attendants and there he seized the three princess, Amba, Ambika and Ambalika, and brought them to Hastinapur. As the wedding-day of Vichitravirya drew near, Amba disclosed before Bhishma about her prior betrothal to the king of the Shalwas and thus she requested him to send her to the Shalwas. Then Bhishma, with the consent of Satyavati, send Amba to the capital of the king of the Shalwas.

King of Shalwa Rejects Amba
When Amba reached the court of the Shalwas and narrated everything that befell her, the king of Shalwas rejected her by saying that he would not accept someone as his wife who was carried off by Bhishma and intended for another`s bride. Rejected by the king of Shalwas, Amba`s heart was filled with anger and she turned, crying softly, and haughtily and went away from the city and took rest that night in one of the great forest-hermitages. Amba was deeply shocked and confused and did not know whom to blame for her misfortune. Amba sometimes blamed Bhishma, sometimes herself and sometimes her father for her misfortune. Once she cursed her father for announcing that prowess should be the dower of his daughters and then she would blame Bhishma. If Bhishma had not captured her, if he had not taken her to Hastinapur and if he had not arranged for her expedition to the king of the Shalwas, that trouble would not have come upon her. She thus blamed herself, her father, and Bhishma all by turns, but she never blamed the king of Shalwas for his lightness and vanity.

Amba`s Revenge
While staying in the hermitage, Amba grew calm and took the help and advice of the old sages of the ashrama and began to blame ultimately Bhishma as the source and root of her woes and the destruction of Bhishma became the motive of the rest of her life. There is also a description of a great battle in the Bhishma Parva between Bhishma and Parasurama, incarnation of Vishnu, in which Parasurama fought against his student on behalf of Amba. The battle ended without any decision with the intervention of the gods and Amba thanked the great Parasurama since he fought for her cause and went away. Amba undertook severe penance and deep meditation and at last Lord Shiva was pleased with her prayer and blessed her with a boon that she would reborn as a girl and later would attain perfect manhood. He also promised her that she would also form the cause of the defeat of Bhishma in a great battle. After blessed by Shiva, Amba prepared a sacrificial pyre and burned herself to ashes in order to be reborn.

Amba is Reborn as Shikhandi
After blessed by Shiva, Amba sacrificed herself in the sacrificial pyre and was reborn as the daughter of Drupada, and was named Shikhandi. Later on in life, Shikhandi attained perfect manhood with the blessing of a Yaksha in a forest and as per the blessings of Lord Shiva she remembered everything of her previous life and her resolve to defeat Bhishma. The desire of Shikhandi was fulfilled when he helped Arjuna defeat Bhishma in the great battle at Kurukshetra.

The Bhishma Parva of Mahabharata also narrates the incidents of the Great War at Kurukshetra in which Bhishma led the army of the Kauravas. Known to be invincible and a brave fighter, Bhishma killed thousands of soldiers and generals of the Pandavas everyday. The merciless slaughter of the Pandava forces and generals in the hands of Bhishma continued for the first nine days. On the night of the ninth day of the Great War, the Pandavas went to the camp of the Kuru general and got to know from him the way in which he could be defeated. Thus, on the tenth day, Arjuna was accompanied by Shikhandi, and with the sight of Shikhandi Bhishma stopped using his weapons, since he would not use arms against women or someone who was born as a woman and an unarmed person. Seizing the opportunity Arjuna showered several arrows over his grandsire and in a moment the great fighter and the commander of the Kaurava forces was laid on a bed of arrows in the battlefield. With this, ends the sixth episode of the great epic of Mahabharata, the Bhishma Parva.                             Posted by : Vipul Koul