Kah-Kah-Pal

Kah-Kah-Pal

The stone which rises up when persons numbering 11 touch it with their index fingers

At a distance of 32 km. towards the south of Srinagar city on the National Highway there is a town-Bijbehra on the left bank of the River Jhelum. At the southern tip of the town there is a massive stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the compound of the same temple there is a conch shaped stone tapering at one end which is popularly known as Kah-Kah-Pal. The stone does not weigh more than 60 kilos or more and one adult person can move it from side to side.

The marvel of the stone gets apparent when 11 persons encircle it, and apply their 11 index fingers to the base of the stone. While repeating Kah-Kah ( eleven-eleven ) the stone gets lifted above the ground. The stone is popularly know as Kah-Kah-Pal which in Kashmiri means the digit eleven. The stone is in the custody of the pujari of the temple. Many stories and legends about the stone are attributable to it. For example it is related that once it was thrown into the river and next day it reappeared on the bank of the river.

POSTED BY: VIPUL KOUL    , EDITED BY : ASHOK KOUL 

 

 

Narmada River where the Shiva Lingams originate

A "cradle" with the natural Shiva Lingams
polished over centuries by the waters of Narmada river
 

Stones or Shiva Lingams?
 

Narmada River Shiva Lingams

The sacred Shiva Lingams from Narmada River

It is in the areas 300 km northeast of Mumbay that you find the sacred Narmada River Shiva Lingams. The Lingams are sold as far away as in Varanasi, where shops specialize in these particular Shiva Lingams. The Lingams are considered Swayambhu (selfgrown/made) but seems to a large extend to be polished and refined to a perfect oval shape. The naturally smooth formed stones are also known as "Banas". They are made of cryptocrystalline quarts and the rare unique markings on them are regarded very auspicious in the Shaivite tradition - the tradition worshipping Lord Shiva. The Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu has one of the largest Bana Shiva Linga in India.

A variety of Shiva Lingams in a shop at the Omkareswara Jyotir Lingam Temple

Huge Narmada Shiva Lingam in the Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar, Kashmir

The Somnatha Jyotir Shiva Lingam a black stone variety

 

Small Shiva Lingams after being sanctified by the waters in the Narmada River
at the Sangama of Omkareswara.
The rare unique markings on them are regarded very auspicious.

Narmada Shiva Lingam which has touched all the twelve Joytir Lingams in India,
sanctified in the water at the Sangama in Narmada River at Omkareswara

 

Narmada River

Narmada River is, according to Hindu mythology, one of the seven most sacred rivers of India*. It was born out of Lord Shiva's sweat when he performed his cosmic Tandava dance**.  Narmada means - "One who endows with bliss". The Narmada is believed to be embodiment of purity and a legend tells that every year the polluted Ganges comes in the guise of a dark woman and takes a purifying dip in the Narmada. Narmada's waters absolves man from all his sins and by the mere sight of the river he is purified . Rising in the Amarkantak plateau, where the Vindhya and Saptura Mountain ranges meet, the Narmada flows westward for 1247 km across the state of Madhya Pradesh and lastly to Gujarat before it enters into the Arabian Sea aprox. 50km north of Surat, Gujarat. The banks of Narmada are lined with temples and bathing Ghatts. It flows through beautifull landscapes, holy cities, from Amarkantak ("Neck of Shiva"), which is the source of the river through Mandla, Dhuandar Falls (the river drops 25m at this place), Bhedaghat (marble rocks), Hoshangabad, Omkareshwar (OM-shaped island with two of the famous Jyotir Lingam temples, Omkareswara and Amaleswara) and Maheshwara. Sugarcane, cotton and bananas grow along the river. See also: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narmada_river

* The seven most holy rivers of India are: Ganga, Narmada, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Sindhu & Kaveri

** Lord Shiva in the aspect of Nataraja, the Cosmic Danser performs the Tandava dance, which symbolises natures cycle of evolution and transmutation.

 

Narmada flowing through Omkareswara.
The white tempeltower is a very famous and sacred Shiva Temple,
housing the Omkareswara Jyotir Lingam.

Life on the Ghatts

Ghatts along the river

Boat rent

"Omkara" on the slopes

Pilgrim shelters along the banks
 

Narmada River Parikrama

The Narmada Parikrama (circunambulation) is most meritorious act that a pilgrim can undertake. Many sadhus and pilgrims walk on foot from the Arabian Sea at Bharonch, along the river, to the source in Maikal Mountains and back along the opposite bank of the river. It's a 2.600km walk and it takes about two, three years.

Sadhus on Parikrama

 

 

Life at the Sangama

 

The Sangama at Omkareswara
 

Offerings and ritual baths at the Sangama between Narmada and a tributary
 

Drying petticoats ...

... saris after the ritual bath
 

The Narmada River Raksha ritual

The Raksha (thread) connecting the island of Omkareswara to the mainland

Raksha coming from the bank of Omkareswara ...

... and going to the mainland

All kinds of boats pass under the Raksha

The Narmada Dam controversy

Since mid 1980's an ambitious scheme to dam the Narmada has been embroiled in controversy. The Narmada Valley Authority claim that the "Sardar Sarovar Dam" will bring irrigation and drinking water to millions of people. Environmental activists opposing the dam, says that the dam will inundate some 37.000 ha of forest, and displace more than 200.000 villagers, most of them poor tribal people whose distinctive culture and means of livelihood will be wiped out along with their lands. The Supreme Court of India has recently ruled that work on the dam can continue. When completed, it will be the second largest in the world, after the "Three Gorges Dam" in China. See also: www.narmada.org

The river at Omkareswara in its natural flow

POSTED BY : VIPUL KOUL

EDITED BY : ASHOK KOUL   

 

Sidheshwarnath Temple

It is believed that tallest naturally formed Shivling in India is located at the Sidheshwarnath Temple at Lower Subansiri District in Arunachal Pradesh in India. The Holy Shivling has a height of 25 feet and circumference of 22 feet and is still growing bigger. It has been discovered not quite long ago by the people of Arunachal Pradesh in a town called Zero or Ziro also known as Apatani Plateau which is located at an altitude of 5754 ft. (1,780m) above sea level in Arunachal Pradesh of North East India. The district headquarters Ziro is around 147 km from Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Tallest Shivling was accidentally found in the Shravan month in 2004. Shravan is a holy month dedicated to Shiva. Apart from the Shivling, there is also a murti of Goddess Parvati and Ganesha.The amazing fact is that there is constant flow of water at the base of Shivling, which many believe is Ganga.

POSTED BY :VIPUL KOUL            EDITED BY : ASHOK KOUL

Jai Shiv Shankar

As usual, click on any of the below pictures to see the larger view or to save them to your computer..
Trimbakeshwar or Tryambakeshwar or Trambakeshwar is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak, in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, India, 30 km from the city of Nashik -near the mountain named Brahmagiri from which the river Godavari flows.

Trimbakeshwar Temple is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva and as the source of the river Godavari. Just as Ganga is known as Bhagirathi and is one of the most important river in North India, in the same way, Godavari is also known as Gautami Ganga and is the most sacred river in South India.

According to Shiv Purana, it is because of the earnest request of Godavari, Gautam Rishi and other gods that Lord Shiva agreed to reside here and assumed the famous name Trimbakeshwar. Interestingly, locals refer to the river here as Ganga and not as Godavari. All the heavenly Gods promised to come down to Nasik, once in twelve years, when Jupiter resides in the zodiac sign of Leo. On this a grand fair is organized at this place. Devotees take a holy bath in the Gautami Ganga and then seek the blessings of Trimbakeshwar.
Legend Behind Trimbakeshwar Temple

Legend goes that a sage name Gautam Muni resided on the Brahmagiri hill with his wife Ahilya. By virtue of his devotion, the sage 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 Gowtam Rishi attempted to ward it off with a bunch of Darbha grass. Gautam Rishi, therefore, worshipped Lord Shiva to bring the Ganga down to his hermitage to purify the premises. Pleased with devotion, Shiva requested Ganga to flow down and make Sage Gautam pure. After that Ganga flowed down. Lord Shiva told Ganga to stay there eternally for the good of everyone. All the Gods started singing the praises of Gautam Rishi, Ganga and Lord Shiva. On the request of all the Gods, Lord Shiva resided by the river Gautami by the name Trimbakeshwar (one of the Jyotirlingas). Hindus believe that Trimbak Jyotirlinga is one, which fulfills everyone’s desires. It emancipates all from their sins and miseries.

Another popular legend behind Trimbakeshwar Temple is the legend of Lingodbhava manifestation of Shiva. It says once Brahma and Vishnu searched in vain to discover the origin of Shiva who manifested himself as a cosmic column of fire. Brahma 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 Brahma cursed Shiva that he would be pushed underground. Accordingly, Shiva came down under the Brahmagiri hill in the form of Tryambakeshwar. Trimbakeshwar Temple is the only place where Shivlinga is not out but it’s inside.

Some scholars say that Goddess Parvati also came down along Lord Shiva and Ganga. The place is therefore called Tryambakeshwa (three lords). Others believe that the place is so called because of the presence of three Shivlinga of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The Shivlinga of Lord Mahesh has always-flowing water among the three Shivlingas. the floor.

Another Story associated with Trimbakeshwar
At the time of the marriage of Lord Shiva with Parvati, all the Devarshis gathered together. Brahmadev, the creator of the Universe, seeing the beauty of Parvati, had a discharge of semen. Lord Shiva observing this, offered him water of Ganges, the purest water and said, “You will wipe off your sin by this water”. Brahmadev kept the holy water in his kamandalu (a particular container made out of dried fruit carried by Sadhus) and was purified by its bath.
At the entrance to the Trimbakeshwar temple, there is this Lord Ganesha figure on which you will see people sticking coins. It is believed that if your coin sticks, your wish will be granted.
Kushavarta - the place from where river Godavari takes its course. A dip in this sacred river wipes off the sins, is the belief of people. The sage Gautam committed a sin of murdering a cow and by taking bath in this river, wiped off his sin.

Story related to Godavari river
Brahmadev worshipped God Trivikram when he came to Satya Loka (on earth) with the same holy water of the Ganges, to get the river Ganges held up by God Shankar on his head, to flow. River Ganges in the form of a woman was enjoying with Lord Shiva, which was noticed by Lord Shiva's wife Parvati. She planned to drive Ganges away from her husband. Parvati and her son Ganesh came to live in Gautama's Ashram with Parvati's friend Jaya. There was a famine of 24 years and people were affected by the pangs of hunger. However, Varun - the God of Rains, pleased with Sage Gautama arranged rains every day in Gautama's Ashram (dwelling place) which was in Trimbakeshwar. Gautama used to sow rice in the surrounding fields of his Ashram in the morning, reap the crop in the afternoon and with it fed a large group of rishis, who took shelter in his Ashram on account of the famine. The blessings of the group of rishis increased the merit (Punya) of Gautama. Lord Indra's position became shaky because of his increased merit. So Indra ordered clouds to rain all over Trimbakeshwar, so that the famine will be over and Rishis will go back and the increasing merits of Gautama will be weakened. Although the famine was over, Gautama urged the Rishis to stay back and kept on feeding them and gaining merit. Once he saw a cow grazing in the paddy field and he drove her away by throwing Darbha (sharp, pointed grass). The slender cow died by this. It was Jaya - Parvati's friend, who had taken the form of a cow. This news upset the Rishis and they refused to luncheon at his Ashram. Gautama requested Rishis to show a way out of this sin. He was advised to approach Lord Shiva and request him to release Ganges and a bath in the Ganges would set him free of his sins. Gautama then practiced penance by going to the peak of Brahmagiri. Lord Shankara was pleased by his worships and gave him the Ganges. However, Ganges was not prepared to part with Lord Shiva, which irritated him. He made TandavNrutya (dance) on the peak of Brahmagiri and dashed his jata there. Frightened by this action, Ganges appeared on Brahmagiri. Later on Ganges appeared in the Trimbak Tirtha. Gautama praised her but she off and on appeared on the mountain at various places and disappeared in anger. Gautama could not bathe in her waters. Ganges then appeared in Gangadwar, Varaha-tirtha, Rama-Laxman tirtha, Ganga Sagar tirtha. Still Gautama could not bathe in her waters. The Gautama surrounded the river with enchanted grass and put a vow to her. The flow stopped there and the tirtha thus came to be called Kushavarta. It is from this Kushavarta that the river Godavari flows up to the sea. The sin of killing a cow by Gautama was wiped off here.

The Holy Trishul( Symbol Of Shakti) inside the holy shrine : The temple premesis is called Brahmagiri, one of the most sacred place of river Godavari (Brahma Sthalam).
Nandi
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 but on festive occasions a golden mask with five faces, each with a golden crown covers it.

The Sun, Moon and Agni form the three eyes located at different direction on this Jyotirlinga.

Inside the main linga, there are three more lingas visible, of the size of the thumb & they are called as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara - the Creator, the Organizer & the Destroyer.These lingas are natural ( emerged naturally ). Water of Ganges flows over the Linga of Shiva

The deity is worshipped here thrice a day and an additional worship with flowers at pradosha time. There is a belief that, anybody who performs puja for this Jyothirlinga, is considered as actually worshipping all these three Gods.

This place is famous for lots of religious rituals (vidhis). Narayan-Nagbali, Kalsarpa Shanti, Tripindi vidhi are done here. Narayan-Nagbali puja is performed at Triyambakeshwar only. This puja is performed in three days. This puja is performed on special dates. Some days are not suitable to perform this puja. This puja is performed for many reasons like to cure an illness, going through bad times, killing a Cobra (Nag), childless couples, financial crisis or you want to perform some religious puja to have everything.

Those individuals who are interested in getting the Pooja to be done should get the time booked at least 5 days in advance and you can contact them by phone or email - To know more abt this go to http://www.trambakeshwar.com/index.htm

The Lord Shiva at Trimbakeshwar is worshipped by recitations of Rudra, Rudri, Laghu Rudra, Maha Rudra or Ati Rudra puja. Actually Rudrashak is a religious fruit which is said to be found in lord Shiva's neck in the form of Rudra garland. Some of the trees of Rudrashak is also found in Trimbakeshwar.

It is a belief that anybody who visits Trimbakeshwar attains salvation. There is no sacred place like Trimbakeshwar, no river like Godavari, no mountain like Brahmagiri etc. The reasons for its being so sacred are - Godavari river originates in this place, its a place of Tri-Sandhya Gayatri, the birth place of Lord Ganesha, a place of the first Nath of Nath Sampradaya consisting of Gorakhnath and others, a place where Nivrittinath was made to imbibe the holy knowledge by his Guru Gahininath, a place where Nivrittinath made his brothers and sister attain the self by his preaching. This is the holiest place to perform Shraddha ceremony.The Goddess in this temple is called Trimbakeshwari. Trimbakeshwar Temple is the only place where Shivlinga is not out but it’s inside the floor. Hindus believe that Trimbak Jyotirlinga is one, which fulfills everyone’s desires. It emancipates all from their sins and miseries.
According to the Shiv Purana, any one who ever with devotion reads the birth and greatness of this Jyotirlinga shall beget all material happiness and divine status in the end.Let us all start watching the Shiv Mahapuran together. Our teerth Yatra will be incomplete if we all do not hear about all the wonderful leelas of Lord Shiva .Below is the Story about How Ganga came down on Earth and the story of Trimbakeshwar

Shri Nilambika/Dattatreya Temple -

This temple is on top of the Neel mountain. All goddesses ('Matamba','Renuka','Mananmba') came here to see 'Parashuram' when he was performing penance (tapas).After his penance he requested all goddesses to stay there and the temple was formed for these goddesses. There's a myth that God Dattatrya too was born here.
Brahmagiri Mountain : is adjacent to Trimbakeshwar temple & is known for its scenic beauty in rainy/ monsoon season and is surrounded by lush green hills untouched by pollution. Anjaneri mountain, the birth place of Lord Hanuman is 7- 8 Km. from Triambakeshwar towards Nashik
Original Ganges and Trimbak Tirtha are on Brahmagiri mountain. Brahmagiri is another manifestation of lord shiva, and is considered as a huge form of Lord Shiva and hence the mountain climbing was considered as a sin. As lord SHIVA adorns 'Ganga' river up on his head , there is stream of 'Ganga' on the top of this mountain.Moon is also seen on the top of this mountain .There are lots of auspicious 'tirthas' (lakes) on this mountain.
May Lord Hanumaan always teach us the lesson of faith and devotion for the one who created us all..

Origin of Ganga Godavari at Brahmagiri

River Godavari flows in three different directions from the mountain. Eastern stream is called Godavari, Southern stream is known as Vaitarna & one flowing towards West (Western stream) is Ganga. These streams meets ( Godavari and Ganga ) at Chakra teerth
Linga inside the Holy shrine at the top of the Brahmagiri hill, - best for Kalsarpa Shanti & Narayan Nagbali pujaThe first peak of Sahyadri is called Brahmadri. The story associated with this is that Shankar was pleased with Brahmadev and said “I shall be known by your name”. Hence it is called as Brahmagiri. The mountain is 1800 feet high. Its height from sea level is 4248 feet. Five peaks of this mountain are called Sadyo-Jata, Vamdev, Aghora, Ishana and Tat-Purushaand are considered as five mouths of the Lord Shiva and they are worshipped.There are 2 doors to go on the top of the mountain one is at south and other is at North. This mountain is surrounded by 10 mile radius at bottom level and 4 mile at peak level.
Origin of Ganga Godavari from the hill
Origin of Ganga Godavari from Shiv Jata
Gangadwar : Gangadwar is half way to Brahmagiri mountain. There is a temple of Ganga, now known as Godavari River.Ganga appears first time here,after it vanishes from Brahmagiri Mountain. Godavari comes to Gangadwar from Brahmadri. There are 750 steps to Gangadwar.

Gangadwar is one of the five tirthas.There is an idol of Ganga and near her feet is a stone of the shape of cow's head through which Ganga water is flowing drop by drop.
Gorakhnath Gufa is a famous cave located at the halfway ascent in Brahmagiri hills. It is located few steps down to Gangadwar. The cave is intriguing with many attractive carvings. The gufa is on the premises of the Shrine dedicated to Goddess Ganga in The Brahmagiri hills.

Guru Gahininath preached Nivrthinath about the sacred spiritual knowledge at this place.
PS: Photography is not allowed in Gorakh Gumpha (below are rare snaps)

It is believed that the noted Guru Gorakhnath had undergone penance here in this cave. Devotees offer prayers at this Gufa to remove all the sins committed during the earthly living. The beautiful serene ambiance in the region make it a pleasant spot for pilgrimage
Ram Lakshman Tirtha is located just few steps down to Gorakh Gumpha. Gorakh Gumpha was the place where Guru Gorakhnath practiced penance for removing the sin of killing a cow. At this location, River Ganga flows from the roots of a big Audumbar tree. This flow of Ganga in this hilly terrain of Brahmagiri hills is known as Rama-Laxman tirtha.
Legends teach us that Lord Rama spent few days at this Tirtha to do the Shraddha (rituals for the salvation of the souls) for his father Dasharatha. There is a Rama temple at this location. The temple is built by Gopalrao Ghanekar in 1857.
Gautam Gufa : The cave of Gautam for practicing penance where there are 108 Shivalingas [Pindi- symbols of Lord Shiva]

POSTED BY :VIPUL KOUL           EDITED BY : ASHOK KOUL