Kashi / Banaras : Skand Puran

There are many sacred places to be visited in India but Kashi in itself is one of the greatest pilgrimage. Many shashtras have sung praises of it. In Skand puran also Mahadev has eulogized its sacredness to Mother Parvati. So some stories, certain important aspects of various places are being shared here for the information of all. After reading it, when one visits Kashi, one may try to locate the mentioned places and get the fruit of doing specific things there. It is quite possible some places may not be found as the names may have changed in the present times. But still it is worth an effort to locate as many of the places mentioned as possible.

At the end of Mahapralaya when whole of the creation was annihilated, no living beings were left, no planet was left, only Brahm who is explained by the Shrutis as ‘EKMEVADWITIYAM’ was left, who is beyond mind and speech, has no name or form, is effulgence, without any base, is the only one, without any beginning or end, completely at peace, omnipresent and omniscient. In the mind of such a divine power a thought came that I should divide in to two. Though it was without any form yet it divided to play. The form which was manifested out of it was with all resplendence, all knowledge, cause of all and only one to be praised and THAT was HE (Shiva). He was called Ishwar. Then Ishwar created Parvati out of him and at the same time from the ‘timeless’ appeared KASHI.

Both Shiva and Parvati started roaming in Kashi. Even at annihilation it is said that they do not leave Kashi, hence it is called Avimukt kshetra. It gives joy to the lord and hence it is called Ananad Van. Lord Shiva looked at his left side and from there appeared Vishnu. He had lotus eyes, wearing two golden clothes. His navel was full of lotus perfume and had a strong and beautiful body. He was possessor of all the kalas and was called Purushottam.

On prompting of lord Shiva, Purushottam went for tapasya. He with chakra dug a pushkarani and filled it with his own sweat. On the banks of it he did great penance for a long time. Lord Shiva became pleased with him and asked him to seek a boon. On asked to give darshan, Shiva gave darshan to Purushottam and told him that he has lost one kundal adorned with a mani on the bank of this pushkarni and hence it is to be called MANIKARNIKA TITRTH. Since muktikaya kundal has fallen here hence it would also be known as AVIMUKT KSHETRA or MUKTI KSHETRA. Since here jyoti appeared in the form of Shiva hence it is called KASHI. From Brhama to jeeva, whosoever leaves the mortal body here will be granted moksha and whosoever will chant the name of Kashi, all their sins will be burnt immediately.

Kashi is five kos in length and is exceptionally dear to the lord. Here, only the writ of Shiva works and even Yama has no say in this city. There are two river which flow here, one is Varun ( in north) and other is Asi ( in south) and hence the name of Varanasi came to be known. Whosever living even at distance of 100 kos just repeats the name of kashi all his bad deeds are cut asunder.

Any one who offers Ganges water to a Shivlingam for the purpose of ancestors, even if they are in narak, they get satiated.

Even if a drop of ashtdravya ( water, milk, cow milk curd, ghee, honey, Kushagr, red Chandan and red Kaner flower) are offered to lord Sun, then the offerer along with his ancestors resides in the realm of Sun.

During eclipse of sun, or when both day and night are equal i.e Visuvyog- Chaitra – Navami, Ashwin – Navami, Solar eclipse occurring on Sunday or lunar eclipse occurring on Monday, bath in Ganges on that day is highly beneficial.

On Dashmi of Jyeshtha Shukla paksh when hasta nakshatra is there, one should sit on the banks of river Ganges and perform its poojan with ten different flowers, sweets, dhoop, Deepak. Offer this pooja ten times and then offer ten palmfull ghrityukt seasame seeds in to the waters of Ganga. Then offer ten pandas made put of jaggery and barley to Ganges with following mantra

Om! Namah Shivayai Narayanyai Dash Harayai Gangayai Swaha ( 20 akshar mantra).

Also perform poojan of Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, surya, Himvaan, Bhagirath. Offer 10 ser of black sesame seeds to ten Brahmins. Keep fast whole of the day. By doing this one gets free of ten kinds of sins. 3 of body, 4 of speech and 3 of mind. After this one may do path of Ganga ji with stotra, Om Namah shivayai Gangayai……….Namah Shive. (Skand puran, geeta press,page 582-583).

In the north-east side of this tirth, Ishan roams around free as per desire. Whosoever takes bath in this tirth on a Monday and performs Dev, Rishi and Pitr tarpan is benefitted greatly. One who performs sandhya upasana near Gyanvapi that dwij instantly burns all the sins pertaining to time & lok and gets great knowledge. This is Shiv tirth, it is also called Gyan tirth, Tarak tirth and Moksha tirth.

Manikarnika Ghat: Here death is considered auspicious, where life spent is considered good and heavens are considered just like a blade of grass. Here only is the Kapalmochan tirth where kapal fell from the hands of the Bhairav. This is Omkareshwar place where Par Brahm is alone shining. By having darshan of Vishwanath with devotion one gets the fruit of life long celibacy. One should take bath wearing clothes here.

Kashidevi: Just by Her darshan one does not come back in to the mothers womb again.

Chaturvedeshwar: Keeps all the four Vedas and by darshan alone one gets the fruit of studying all the four Vedas.

Yagyeshwar: By having darshan of this Lingam one gets the fruit of performing all kinds of yagyas.

Dharmshastrshwar: By darshan of this Lingam one gets the fruit of studying all the dharm shastras.

Puraneshwar: By darshan of this lingam one gets the fruit of studying all the eighteen puraans.

Sarswatling: It annihilates all kinds of ignorance.

Sapt Tirtheshwar ling: It gives instant cleansing or shudhi.

Saptsagareshwar: Darshan of this lingam gives the fruit of bathing in all the seven seas.

Baneshwar: Sahasrabahu Arjun use to perform poojan of this lingam.

Bhrig Keshav and Vam Keshav: Both are Nar and Narayan.

Sarsvat Srot: Just by taking a dip in it one does not come back on this earth again.

Bindumadhav: This lingam is Luxmi pati. By devotedly bowing down to it, one does not come back in to mother’s womb, all his diseases are removed. This is the only one which naad form, prana form Parmatama.

Mayukhaditya: It annihilates ignorance.

Gabhasteeshwar: It provies divine light.

Dhaut Papeshwar: It washes away all the sins.

Kapileshwar linga: By darshan of it what to say humans even monkeys gets mukti.

Sri Kaalraj mandir: It removes the pain of kaliyug.

Madakini: She came here for tapasya, on experiencing the pleasure of Kashi stay even today she does not want to go to heavens. It one performs sharadh of ancestors here with proper procedure even sinner wont see the face of narak.

Dharamkoop: By offering panda to ancestors here they attain Brahmlok.

Garudeshwar Linga: Just by touching and doing its poojan one gets divine knowledge.

Khakholakaditya in Paishangal tirth: By its darshan one gets instantly disease free and gets desired fruit.

Pishachmochan Tirth: One takes a dip here performs sandhya, vandana, tarpan and pind daan here his ancestors gets released from pishach yoni if they are there even.

Panchganga: Sun did great tapasya here in Kashi and by the rays of Mayukhaditya, great perspiration arose which took the form of Kirna river. It met Dhootpapa. One who bathes in the sangam of the two rivers his darkness of ignorance is removed.

King Bhagirath, son of King Dalip brought Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati here in Kashi. When they met Kirna and Dhootpapa the meeting was known as Panchganga. By taking a bath in it one dies not get a body of five elements again. All his sins are removed. One pierces the brahmand mandal and is elevated to the higher realms. After bath, tarpan, poojan etc here, one who does poojan of Bindumadhav, that person does not take birth in this world again. His ancestors who have gone to various yonis, they also are set free. In Satyug it was called Dharmnad, in Treta it was called Dhootpapa, in Dwapar it was called Bindutirth and in Kaliyug it is called Panchnad tirth. Here offering of even one ahuti in yajna is equal to offering 10 million ahutis elsewhere.

Kapila Kund: Sunanada, Sumana, Sushila, Surbhi and Kapila, these five divine cows filled up this kund with their own milk. By offering of pind daan and tarpan here, all the ancestors gets fully satisfied. It a shradh karm is performed on Amvasya on a Monday, it becomes eternal.

It has ten different names Madhusrava, Kritkritya, Ksheersagar, Vrishdhwajtirth, Pitamah Tirth, Gadadhar Tirth, Pitri tirth, Kapildhara, Sudhkhani and Shivgaya. Here even if shradh tarpan and not performed we just take the names of the ancestors they get satiated.

Jaigeeshvayeshwar ling: Jaigeeshva muni had darshan of lord Shiva after which lord went to Mandrachal mountain. Muni sat again in tapasya to have his darshan again on his return and established a linga. He made a samkalp that he will not drink even a drop of water till lord gives him darshan again. Thus he sat inside a cave. After a long time when lord returned from there, Nandi was sent to accost Jaigeeshv muni and touch him with a lotus given by Lord Shiva. On arising he should be brought for darshan. On the advise of the lord Nandi brought the muni in the presence of the lord. The muni was extremely happy to have darshan of the lord Siva and was given a boon that he would be a yogacharya in the assembly of yogis and he would know the secrets of this knowledge and later get moksha.

From that day onwards this linga became famous and doing its seven for three years gives yog to the practitioner. Doing yogabhyas for six months here one gets sidhi. This lingam removes great many sins, increases all the punyas, removes the great fear and increases Bhakti.

Shaileshwar linga: On the banks of Varuna river, a shiv made of chandrakant mani is located and its called shaileshwar lingam. After taking bath here, one should perform tarpan of the pitras, offer daan to Brahmins , thus doing one never comes back in to this world. Later he achieves moksha.

Kriteshwar linga in Hamsa tirth: Gajasur, brother of Mahishasur appeared in the form of an elephant in front of lord Shiva. He killed him with a trident and lifted him up like an umbrella. He wrapped its skin on his own body. From where he lifted his trident a pond was created. One who takes bath in this kund, performs tarpan, poojan of pitras here is blessed. Various muni established 10200 shivlings here. Out of there Katyayaneshwar is the first and Chyavaneshwar is the last.

Kedareshwar: By taking bath in the kund, performing sandhya, tarpan and then having darshan of this lingam one gets many sidhis. Whatever fruit that is received by darshan of kedar, seven times more fruit is received by darshan of Kedareshwar of Kashi. It removes sins of seven lives’s.

Chitrangadeshwar linga: it lies in the north of Kedareshwar. By its daily poojan one gets pleasures of heavens here.

Neelkanth: In the south of kedareshwar is this lingam. By mere darshan of this lingam one does not get agitated by the poison through the bite of snake in the form of kaliyug.

Ambrisheshwar linga: In the N-W of Kedareshwar is this lingam. By its darshan one gets free of the pains of staying in the mother’s womb. Just nearby it is Indradumaneshwar linga. By its poojan one ascends a plane and goes to heavens. In the south of Ambrisheshwar is Kalanjeshwar linga. By its darshan one gets victory over time and old age. Resides for a long time in the realm of Shiva.

Dharameshwar: Her Girija is present in the name of Vishbhuja and Ganesha is present in the form of Asha Vinayak. Lord Yama did tapasya here and got the name of dharmaraaj, control over south direction and was made witness to the karmas of all the jeevas. On the Ashtami of Kartik month, one who observes a fast here and keeps awake whole night, will not take birth on earth again. In its south is mandap called Mohlaxami. Lord is ever present here. Here doing path of even one Richa gives the fruit of path of all Vedas. In its east is the Gyan mandap where lord gives sermon on knowledge. Their poojan procedure is explained on page no 680-81 of Skandpuraan.

Veereshwar linga:  Daan, poojan, jap, hom or any punya karma performed here is eternal. By poojan and snan here one gets fruit of all the tirthas. After performing poojan here on amavasya and keeping awake whole night, one does not come back in to five element body again. One who performs one japa of Rudri himself or gets its done through others gets a fruit equivalent to 10 million rudris any where else. Bowing down eight times in front of the lord one gets the fruit of 80 million bows. By its seva one gets TARAK gyan.

Kameshwar: Durvasa rishi did tapasya here. One who after taking bath in this kaam kund have darshan of this lingam( early morning , trayodashi with Saturday) he is set free of the dosha from kaam and is set free from the fear of Yama. All his different sins are burnt instantly and all desires are fulfilled.

Vishwakarmeshwar linga:  Tvashta prajapatis son got an order from his gurukul as follows:

From Guru: To make a hut which never withers, ever gets old and is spoiled in rains.

From Guru’s wife: to make vastra to cover the chest which is always tight and never loosens, should not be made out of cloth, should be extremely beautiful, should always remain clean.

From Guru’s son: to make a pare of shoes(khadaon), which are free from any kind of skin, by standing on which ones feet are not covered with mud, which are very comfortable during running, which works on both water and earth.

From Guru’s daughter: Two golden lotuses, some toys made out of  an elephant tusk to play with.

Finding himself unable to create all that, he sat in dhyan of Vishwanathji. Who appeared and gave him the name of Vishwakarma and was granted all the skills. On who does the poojan of this lingam will be given great understanding and will be granted diksha also.

Satishwar linga: Daughter of Daksha performed great tapsya here after burning her body and then this linga appeared. Just by the darshan of it one gets free of all the sins.

Mahadeveshwarlinga: Sarswat koop. One gets Saraswati .

Attreeshwar: One attains realm of lord Vishnu.

Prayaag linga: One attains Brahmlok.

Svaleeneshwar: One gets released from this body and attains mukti.

Bhadrakund: By bathing in it one gets the fruit of offering of thousands of Kapila cows.

Bhadreshwar: By its darshan alone one attains Golok.

This gives an overall view of the Varanasi tirth as one can not cover it in detail the city of lord Shiva………………May add a few inspiring things further, later in this article, so keep a watch…………………..Om!

                                       

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Swaha, Swadha, Dakshina and Phal:

SWAHA AND SVADHA:

Most of us at one or the other time have put ahutis in havan fire. While offering ahutis all of us chant SWAHA. In every family somebody has died at some time or other, hence shradh for the departed souls have also been performed in all the the families. While offering things to ancestors during such rituals specific wording AISH SWADHA ASTU is used. Though, we perform these things automatically but most of us do not know the details about it. To share the information from Brahmvaivart Puraan and Garud Puraan, this small article is being produced here.

A. Swaha:

It is said in B.V.puraan that sage Narada questioned Narayan Muni about Svadha and Swaha shaktis which he lovingly explained to him as below in the Prakriti khand. It goes as below:

Once at the start of the cosmic creation all the devtas went to the abode of lord Brahma and requested him to arrange something so that they receive the required food to sustain themselves. Brahma vowed to provide them food and started meditating on Sri Hari to find the best solution. Sri Hari appeared before him through an ansh in the form of Yagya. What ever ahutis were offered in that yagya, Brahma passed on everything to the respective devtas. But what ever yagyas were performed by Brahmins and Kshatriya on earth with devotion, those ahutis were not received by devtas, thus disheartened they accosted Brahma again. On hearing this, Brahma again meditated on lord Krishna and was advised to pray to Moolprakriti. On being propitiated, that Shakti appeared as power of burning in fire by the name of SWAHA. She was beautiful to look at, was dark in colour and ready to give boons to bhaktas. She asked Brahma to seek a boon. Brahma requested her to become wife of Agni dev as Agni is unable to burn the ahutis in her absence. He told her that who so ever will offer an ahuti in fire by attaching her name with it, that ahuti will be received by the devtas easily and all the divine and humans will always pray to her. On hearing all this she became sad as she wanted to meditate on the lord Krishna and be by His side always. She went for tapasya and stood on one foot for a long time. Lord Krishna became happy with her and gave her darshan. On seeing Him she swooned as she was overwhelmed by his beauty. Lord knew her mental stage and lovingly took her in his lap. He told her that in the Vrahkalp she would become His beloved by the name of Nagnajiti and her father would be king Nagnjit. Right now she should become dear wife of Agni and would be totally cleansed by the mantras, saying this the lord disappeared.

Agni dev came and meditated on Bhagwati, performed poojan of the devi and married her. Both of them enjoyed each other for a period of 100 years. Swaha became pregnant with the tej of Agni dev. She kept it inside her for 12  divine years and at the appropriate time gave birth to three beautiful sons by the name of PAVAK(also called Dakshinagni), PAVMAAN (also called Gharpatya agni)and SHUCHI (also called Ahvahniya agni). Pavak is electricity from water, Pavmaan from churning of great ocean and Shuchi came from Sun. Further Pavak gave birth to Sahraksh, Shuchi to Havyavaha and Paavmaan to Kavyavaha. Sahraksh agni was for Rakshas, Havyavaha agni was given to Devtas and Kavayavaha agni was given to Pitras or ancestors. Same has been tabulated below:-

                                                                       Agni+Swaha(gave birth to three sons)
                                                                                |
                                              ----------------------------------------------------              

Sons:->                               1.  Pavak               2.  Pavmaan              3. Shuchi    
Also called:->                       Dakshinagni           Gharpatyagni         Ahvahniyagni
Source:->                       Electricity from         Churning of great     Came from
                                      Water                          Ocean                       Sun
Gave birth to:->            Sahraksh                      Kavyavaha              Havyavaha
Usage:->                       for Demons                  for Pitras/                for Divinities
                                                                           Ancestors    

Ahvahniya agni was divided in to many parts and put in 16 rivers namely Kaveri, Krishnavena, Narmada, Yamuna, Godawari, Vitsata(Jhelum), Chandrabhaga, Eravati, Vipasha, Kosi (Kaushiki), Shatdru(Satluj), Saryu, Sita, Manasvani, Ahladini and Pavana respectively.   

For poojan of SWAHA devi one should use either a Shaligram shila or establish a Kalash and use mantra Om! Hrim Shrim Vahnijayayai Devyai Swaha. According to Agni dev, Swaha has 16 names as Swaha, Adya, Prakritansha, Mantra Tantra Angroopani, Mantra Pahal Datri, Jagatdhatri, Sati, Sidhiswaroopa, Sidha, Sada Nrinaam sidhida, Hutash dahika Shakti, Hutash Prandhik Rupini, Sansar Saar Roopa, Ghor Sansaar Tarini, Dev Jeevan Roopa, Dev Poshankarini. One who prays to her with these 16 names gets a child if he has none and gets a beautiful dear wife.

B. Swadha:

At the start of creation, Brahma created seven kinds of Pitra or ancestor. Out of them four were with form and three were formless. On creating them he apportioned their food through shradh-tarpan offered with devotion by their family members. Though Brahma devised this whole plan but whatever the brahmins offered to their pitras that did not reach them and hence all of them went to Brahma. On hearing everything a Shakti appeared from the Brahma who was extremely young and beautiful and had all the great qualities. She was smiling and she was named SWADHA. She had all the attributes of bhagwati Laxmi. She was sitting on a white lotus and was made wife of the pitras. It was advised that whosoever will offer things with three times chanting AISH SWADHA ASTU, shall be delivered to the pitras. Just by chanting this three times one gets the fruits of shradh, tarpan and bali. One who repeats this sweet chant in his trikaal sandhya gets a dear and obedient wife.  

It was advised that for her poojan either a Shaligram shila or a Kalash should be used. Her mantra should be Om! Hrim Shrim Klim Swadha Devyai Swaha.  

C. Dakshina and Fruit:

In Gaulok, there was a gopi by the name of Sushila who due to some reason was banished from there by Radhaji. Sushila became Daskhina and did great tapsya and entered in to the body of Luxmi. At that time, what ever difficult yajnas were performed on earth no fruit was provided to devtas. So they went to Brahma again and informed him. He again meditated on Sri Hari and received his instructions. Sri Hari took Dakshina out of the form of Luxmi and gave it to Brahma, who further gave it to yagya Purusha, who became extremely happy. He adored her and performed her poojan, stuti and married her. After some time, she gave birth to a son called Fruit or Phal. This is the fruit of yajna which devi dakshina provides to us. Hence it is advised that whenever we get things performed by Brahmins we must give the agreed Dakshina immediately to them. If it is delayed then it keeps growing all the time and also the fruit keeps decreasing and quite possible whole anushthan may become fruitless. Since she appeared from the right shoulder of Sri Krishna, hence was called Dakshina and being Sheel in swabhav  so was  called Sushila. Her mantra is Om! Shrim Klim Hrim Dakshinayai Swaha.

Thus is the explanation of Swaha, Swadha, Dakshina and fruit of yajna. Hope next time when we are sitting in a havan or shradh, we will perform with greater understanding………….Om!

                                         

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Padmpuraan

Some Interesting Things: from Padmpuran

Geeta is a special scripture which has come directly from the speech of the lord. Many people read it, memorise it and follow it. It has eighteen chapters in it. In the above mentioned puran effects of reading of different chapters have been given which are being shared here below:

Chapter no 4 It uplifts the soul.

Chapter no 5 Even a sinner acquires the knowledge of Parbrahm.

Chapter no 6 One achieves the form of lord Vishnu.

Chapter no 7 Just by listening to it all pataks are removed.

Chapter no 8 All the ancestors who are in narak are transported to Bhagwat dham and provides moksha/final emancipation.

Chapter no 9 One rises above the planetary obstructions.

Chapter no 10 By repetitive reading of this chapter and continuous contemplation darshan of                     the lord become possible and mukti is granted.

Chapter no 11 One goes to the realm of lord Vishnu.

Chapter no 12 Good movement provided to the soul after death.

Chapter no 13 Mukti from this chandaal deh and one goes to heavens.

Chapter no 14 Param gati provided

Chapter no 15 Sidhis granted.

Chapter no 16 Param gati provided.

Chapter no 17 Mukti granted.

Chapter no 18 Most mysterious for the sidhas, destroys Avidya, Remover of all kinds of worldly pains, Cause of discrimination, destroyer of Kaam, Krodh and Mad, just by reading of it yamdoots becomes maun.

Brahmhatya:

Indra divided the brahmhatya in to four parts and put it in four different things as explained below.

Agni: One who does not offer ahuti in a burning fire a part of brahmhatya enters in to that person.

Trinn: One who uproots or cuts any trin without any purpose, brahmhatya will enter him also.

Apsara: One who makes love to a woman who is undergoing her cycles, it will enter him.

Water: One who out of ignorance even urinates and defecates in water, it enters that person also.

MAKAR SANKRANTI YATRA:-

It was another day of working. The surgeon was to go to his private hospital to attend his OPD. Before going to his clinic, he sat for his daily prayers. While sitting there, he had a vision of the banks of Devprayag which is famous for the joining of two rivers, the mighty ferocious Bhagirathi coming down from Gaumukh and the silently flowing Alaknanada descending from Badrinathji, the abode of lord Vishnu. There, he envisioned the traveller along with two other people bathing in the meeting of two sacred rivers, out of which one was known and the other was unknown.

The scene changes and another one is brought forward. A triangle is seen in the air with base on the opposite side and apex directing towards him. He watches the scene in detachment. Suddenly three forms clad in red clothes are seen there. A silent message informs him that they are the three primordial forces of creation by the name of Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati and Maha Lakshami forming a cosmic womb from where the whole world sprouts. Then all of a sudden from the background arises the great form of Kali in her usual ferocious mood with thunderous laughter as she leaps in the air and goes westward. He hears someone saying this is a sacred place! This is a sacred place!

Another scene unfolds in the form of a Shiv Lingam. His mind informs him that it is made up of crystal and its outer shape is not round and smooth but uneven. He perceives two marks on this natural lingam, one of a tripund and another of numeral three with a line which could be read as ancient Om. Not understanding the purpose of whole of the vision, he bows down to the Mother and comes out of his prayer room and starts preparing for the day ahead. Apart from Devprayag, no other place could be co-related by him.

Just then, he receives a call from the traveller, who informs him that he is going to Devprayag for a dip in the Ganges on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. He got surprised and relates the vision he had seen a few minutes back in his prayers about him. On hearing the whole vision he is informed by the traveller of the place where the three primordial shaktis are present together in a triangle and where a secret crystal Shiv Lingam is also located. Both of them felt uplifted and inspired by this divine play.

Boarding a night bus, the traveler along with another person leaves for the pilgrimage. In the cold winters, facing the ice winds they reache Srinagar in Uttrakhand state around 7.30am. He could see people huddled around burning logs of wood to keep themselves warm in these cold morning Himalyan winds. Since a long distance was lying ahead to be travelled so without any stop, they boarded another bus for the onward journey to Rudraprayag, a sacred place, where Mandakani coming from Kedarnath meets Alaknanada coming from Badrinath. From Rudraprayag the traveller hired a jeep to proceed further on his journey to Guptkashi at a distance of 45 km, a sacred place of Lord Shiva. By eleven they reached that place and went straight to the temple of Mahadev. There they took the first bath of Makar Samkranti and performed poojan of Ganesha, Nanadi, Bhirav and Mahadev. Seeking there blessings, the traveller proceeded on the next leg of journey to the sacred place of Kalimath about 12 kms. ahead on a diversion from the main road of Kedarnath whose snow covered ranges were clearly visible from there. One could see fresh snow falling there, while it was cloudy in Guptkashi. Strong icy winds were blowing and people were huddled together here and there enjoying the bonfires. One again sat in another taxi to proceed to Kalimath located at the banks of a clear inviting river about 6-7 feet deep there and where one could see the stones lying at the bottom and fish swimming in it. Coming to the gate of the whole temple area on the road itself on this side of the river one sounded the bell hanging there to announce to the Mother that one has come to bow down to her feet. Thus descending down around 20-30 'gober' smeared steps made out of stones, one crossed the small bridge over the river and again ascended a small path to reach into the very compound of the temple. There also one saw a few shops and all the shop keepers huddled together around another bonfire in front of the temple. One greeted them and enquired for the pujari of the temple who was known to the traveller. In a few minutes one met the pujari who performed poojan of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshami and Maha Saraswati. On enquiring about the crystal Shiva Lingam one was informed that it cannot be seen today but only at 5 am in the morning when he does its daily poojan.

Since the rest of the evening was free, the two strolled to locate another swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Lingam about 3.5 km away. Getting some general direction traveller proceeded in the direction. One reached the bridge and descended in to the valley below. One reached an ashram and was surprised to find a big mandap with different shapes of Yajna kundas built there. They were made as per the instructions of shastras. One discussed with the brahmchari there and when discussing the finer and deeper points of havan prakriya, he expressed his inability to answer them. His gurudev left his body in 2007. According to him the whole place is fully vibrant and devi visits it everyday.

There was another sangam (meeting) of two rivers there. One was Mandakini coming from Kedarnath and the other was coming from Madmaheshwar from the Ukhimath side. There was a small stone covered place with three shiva Lingam kept there under the shade of a few stones. One collected water from the river Mandakini and did their abhishek. When one bathed them one could see the formation of Devi on the shivlingam. One did three times and every time one could see the form in it. One bowed down to the Shakti and went and sat down by the river and repeated one's mantra. The co-traveller also went to do abhishek with milk, water etc and also could see the devi form there. Then he also sat by the river, did his jap and meditated. When the traveller meditated on the river Mandakini, he could hear the sound of bells, cymbals and some female chanting while meditating on the other river one could hear the sounds of damru. One thanked the Lord for this inspiration and after some time returned to the room in the dharmashala of Kalimath.

One had planned to trek during night to Kaalshila, up into the mountains, from where Maha Kali had descended into the temple to kill the demons. As one was keen to see the crystal Shiva Lingam, the traveller decided to stay put there for the night. When a room was taken, one realised that that one had not taken food since last night and felt very hungry. With great difficulty frugal food was arranged, with divine blessings! One retired to the room under the cover of two quilts, as it was very cold. The whole night was spent in warmth for which one was really grateful.

Getting up time and again during the night as not to miss the darshan of the crystal Shiva Lingam, finally it was 5 am. One heard the call of pujari and followed him to the temple of devi where the Shiva Lingam is kept covered up the whole time. He prepared for his poojan and one sat at the door of the sancto sanctorum eagerly awaiting the uncovering of it. The traveller understood that the pujari will show the Shiva Lingam in great detail. But there was only one deepak lite there and no other light. The whole atmosphere was divine and charged. First, the statue of the Mother was brought forward, put in a silver tray and her red cloth was removed and she was given a bath for which one was carrying the panchamrit which pujari happily accepted. Her cloth was given as a Prasad to the traveller and one was happily surprised by this divine kripa. A new golden cloth was used to cover Her after bath and Her sringaar (ornamentation) was done. The whole tray of Panchamrit with which Mother was bathed was given as a Prasad also.          

The room was very small and there was hardly any space left after the pujari sat in front of the many yantras hung on a wooden cover. Suddenly he pulled the front side of the squarish structure and it opened like a door and inside one could see around two feet high natural Shiva Lingam. It was quite darkish in colour and one could not make out in that light as to its material. It was a natural and uncut crystal. The pujari busied himself to offer bel patra to it which were offered by to the pujari for poojan. Then a sacred bath with water, Panchamarit and water again was given. As the pujari was moving from one side to the other in front of the Shiva Lingam, the light of the deepak shone for a few seconds on the Shiva Lingam and one could see a tripund shinning on it. Just then the pujari moved and closed the door and announced the poojan was over. It took hardly 3-4 minutes! One was surprised as one had expected that Pujari would show the lingam in detail and give one some time. But the Pujari announced that this is a secret Shiva Lingam which is not shown and its special marks are also secret & sacred and hence could not be shown intentionally. The other person who was sitting with the traveller and was on his right side informed him that he had the opportunity of seeing the lingam from the side and as the light of the deepak shone for a second on the lingam, a trident was seen which could be interpreted as numeral three or the sign of Om. The Pujari confirmed that these both marks are there on the shiva Lingam. The whole poojan thing was finished in less than 15 minutes and one felt great to be given an opportunity by the Divine to have darshan of the Mother and Shiva who kindly displayed His two secret marks also. One sat by the fire in the dhooni and warmed oneself from the cold of the stone floor below, bowed to the pujari and offered him dakshina. One also collected ashes from the dhooni and took it along. One returned to the room to rest another hour before the day will light up and transportation will be available to proceed to Guptkashi for another bath in the temple of Mahadev.

At around 8 am a taxi was available and one reached Guptkashi in less than half an hour. One proceeded straight to the temple and performed necessary things and came back to the bus stand for a bus to Rudraprayag. From there one took a bus to Devprayag. It started raining and by the time one reached Devprayag around 2.30 pm. It was continuously drizzling. One went straight to the ghat at the banks of the prayag where a group of people were busy under shade with a pandit to perform shradh. One took off one’s clothes and took bath in the rain, in the very meeting of Alaknanada and Bhagirathi, the two different coloured and different swabhav holy rivers. Despite the winter season all the stairs were submerged in the water and many big fish could be seen there. One performed poojans and various pitr tarpans. One offered dakshina to the pandit there as one felt it is ones duty to give something to them even though one could do everything oneself also. After changing one proceeded to the Shiva temple and offered bilvpatra to the shiva Lingam there. Sri Raghunath temple was closed and so one proceeded back to the bus stand in rain to board a bus for Hardwar. Around 8.30 pm in the evening one reached Hardwar and took ones first proper food of the day. At 9:15 pm one boarded the night bus and reached home at 3 am!

Reflecting on the whole pilgrimage, one felt so happy for the envisioner, for the co-traveller and oneself who could co-relate the whole vision of the pilgrimage. Glory to Mother and Glory to Mahadev, Glory to Yogis and Glory to the Sidhas, Glory to the Divine and Glory to whole of the animate and inanimate world. May all be happy, may all achieve their spiritual goals. 

                                      ***************************************

Surya Poojan:

A. As per the tenth chapter of Vishnu Puran, Chariot of Sun is accompanied with different persons in different months of the year. If we know the details of them, same can be utilised for more specific poojan at any time. Keeping this in view, following chart has been generated for the Surya upasakas though it can be used by any serious sadhak as Panchayatan pooja padhati is generally used by them.

Maas   Aditya        Rishi         Gandharv     Apsara         Yaksh    Sarp        Rakshas

Chait     Dhata        Pulsatya    Tumboor     Kratusthala   Rathbhrit    Vasuki       Heti

Vaish.    Aryama     Pulaha       Narad         Punjiksthala  Rathauja      Kachveer  Praheti

Jyesh.    Mitr           Atri           HaHa          Menaka       Rathravan   Takshak   Paurushaya

Ashadh  Varun        Vashishth   HuHu          Sahjanya       Rathchitra   Naag       Rath

Shrvn     Indra        Angira       Vishvasu      Pramlocha    Srot             Elaputra     Sarpi

Bhadr    Vivaswan  Bhrigu        Ugrsen         Anumlocha  Aparan       Shankhpal  Vyaghr     

Ashwin  Pusha         Gautam      Vasuruchi     Dhritachi     Sushen         Dhananjaya Vaat

Kartik    Parjanya    Bhardwaj     Vishwavasu Vishvachi     Senjit          Eirawat       Aap

Marg.     Ansh         Kaashyap     Chitrasen      Urvashi       Taksharya  Mahapadm Vidyut

Paush     Bhag          Kratu           Urvayu         Poorvchitti  Arishtnemi  Karkotak     Sfurj  

Magh     Tvashta      Jamdagni      Dhritrashtra  Tilotama     Ritjit          Kambal     Brahmopet

Phalg      Vishnu      Vishwamitr   Suryavach    Rambha      Satyajit       Ashwatar  Yagyopet

 

B. As per Tantrasaar full year is divided in to six seasons, same way a day is also divided in to six seasons as below, counting from the time of sunrise.

One Ghari=One Dand=24 minutes, 24 hours=60 Dand=8 prahar=30 Muhurt

Sunrise to a span of ten Dand time -------Basant

11^th Dand to 20 the Dand time      -------Grisham/Summers

21^st Dand to 30^th Dand time          -------Varsha/Rains

31^st Dand to 40^th Dand time          -------Sharat

41^st Dand to 50^th Dand time       ----------Hemant

51^st Dand to 60^th Dand time       ----------Shishir

This data can also be utilised to do season specific karmas on any day. Hope the above information proves beneficial to all…………..Om

Brahmvaivart Puran

Luxmi, Saraswati and Ganga:

As per Brahmvaivart Puran Luxmi, Ganga and Saraswati, all three resided with the Lord in Vaikunth. Once Saraswati thought that Sri Hari loves Ganga more than her and with this feeling she said some harsh words to the lord. Then she directed all her ire against Ganga. Luxmi who was watching all this and was extremely peaceful, always ready to pardon any one stopped her. Thinking that she is taking Ganga’s side, Saraswati became angry towards her too and gave her curse that you surely become a tree and flow as a river. Luxmi heard it but did not say anything in return but just held Saraswati’s hand. Seeing all this Ganga gave curse to Saraswati that O sister! You immediately become a river and go flow on earth where sinful people live. On hearing this she in turn gave a curse to Ganga that you also turn in to a river and flow on earth where you will accept the sins of all those who bath in you.  While they were giving curse to each other lord arrived. He knew everything that happened there.

He told told Luxmi to take birth by one of her kala at the house of king Dhradhwaj by the name of Tulsi. You won’t appear from any womb but will appear in the world on your own. There you appear as a tree in the form of Tulsi. Later you will become wife of Shankhchoor, who is my ansh or part. You will also flow as a river by the name of PADMAVATI on earth. Since Luxmi is the most peaceful of you three, so she should stay back here with me in her kalansh.

He advised Ganga to appear as a river on earth to take away the sins of all the mortals. There people will call you as Bhagwati Bhagirathi because king Bhagirath will be instrumental in bring you down to earth and people will always pray to you. With a part of your, you stay close to Shiva.

He directed Saraswati to flow with her kalansh as a river on earth by the same name. With half her part she would remain with Brahma. All three of the devis will remain on earth for a period of 5000 years during the time Kaliyug and then return back to Vaikunth to be with lord again.

In the ancient times there was a king called SAGAR. He had two beautiful wives by the name of Vaidarbhi and Shaivya. Shaivya gave birth to a beautiful son who was named Asmanjas while Vaidarbhi conceived by the blessings of lord Shiva. It stayed inside her womb for a period of 100 years after which it came out in the form of a piece of flesh only. The queen felt very depressed. At that time lord Shankar came in the form of a Brahmin and cut that piece of flesh in to 60000 parts. All of them converted in to beautiful sons of Vaidarbhi. Once Asmanjas released a horse along with great army to prove his muscle power supremacy. Where ever the horse roamed, all the infantry would follow it. If anyone dared to stop that horse, he would have to fight the army of soldiers or accept to be subject of king Asmanjas. After some time the horse was lost and no one could find where it is. Asmanjas sent all his brothers to locate it. They roamed around on earth and could not find it. Then they dug it here and there. Ultimately they came to place below where the horse was grazing alone and they saw a yogi sitting there in Samadhi. Thinking that he is the culprit they challenged him. The yogi happened to be Kapil muni sitting in his sadhna. On being disturbed he got angry. As he cast his gaze on them all the 60000 brothers were instantly charred. On hearing this Asmanjas approached Kapil muni and sought his pardon. Then he went to jungles to do tapasya for Ganga to come down on earth and release the souls of his brothers. He spent whole of his life in meditation but left his body without achieving anything. Later his son Anshuman who ascended the throne devoted whole of his life for the same purpose but he was also killed by the effect of time. Later his son Bhagirath continued the tapasya with the same objective as his ancestors did. He was a param Vaishnav and by the grace of lord Vishnu, Ganga descended on earth and gave gati to the souls of 60000 children of king Sagar. It is said even by the touch of the breeze coming from ganga instantly kills sins performed in millions of life spans. It is said by Mausal Snana( just dipping one body in Ganga and not move any limb but just allow the river to caress whole of the body) is ten times more powerful than the touch or the sighting of the river. Even on ordinary days bathing in it removes sins of many lives. Bathing on special days gives special result. If one bathes on lunar eclipse it is much more propitious. If one bathes on Solar eclipse it is ten times more effective. If one baths at the time of Ardhodaya then it is hundred times more powerful in removing the sins of the bather.  

As per Narad Puran, from the 6^th ( Shashthi) of Krishan paksh to Amavasya Ganga flows on earth; from Shukla paksh 1^st  (Pratipada) to 10^th (Dashmi) it flows in nether world (Pataal); from Shukla paksh 11^th (ekadashi) to 5^th (Panchami) of Krishan paksh it flows in heavens. Hence it is also called Tripatha. During Satyug all tirthas were effective, while in Treta Pushkar tirth was best, in Dwapar Kiurukshetra had great importance but during Kaliyug Ganga is the best. 

As per the the B.V. Puran, Ganga resided in Golak along with Srihari. She appeared from the ansh of Radha and Krishana, hence enjoyed their form only. She was so beautiful that no one could compare with her. She wearing two clothes was sitting with the lord and watching his face which she covered with a cloth so as to let her bhav be known to anyone. At that moment Radha ji came along with innumerable gopis. She asked the lord who is this looking so intently at your face. She wants to unite with you. You on your part are also smiling and laughing with her. She told him of many occasions when he had united with many other gopis. After talking to him she wanted to talk with Ganga. But Ganga was an adept in yog she immediately disappeared and entered in to water. Radha started drinking the water. Ganga understood the meaning of it and she disappeared in to the lotus feet of Sri Krishana. Radha searched for her in all different lokas like Golok, Vaikunth and Brahmlok but could not locate her. Every where scarcity of water occurred. Devtas came to the lord in miserable condition as there was no water to drink. Lord understood their effort and told them that she is sitting in his lotus feet. But before he may give her to them they must make her free of fear. Understanding the situation all the devtas started poojan of Sri Radha ji to appease her. On hearing the stuti of Brahma ji Radha ji smiled and accepted all the things conveyed by the devtas. Then Ganga came out of the feet of the lord and established at the edge of his big toe. Every body praised her and she appeared in her divine form. Then Shiva put her water on his forehead, Brahma kept her in water form in his kamandal and gave her Radha mantra. Later on she went to Vaikunth and then appeared on earth.

There was a manu by the name of Dakshsawarni who was an ansh of lord Vishnu. His son was Brahmsawarni who was of clean antahkaran. His son Dharmsawarni was always in control of his senses and his mind was always occupied with the devotion of Srihari. His son was Indrasawarni who was a great bhakta of lord Vishnu. He bore a son who was great bhakta of Lord Shiva and his name was Vrishdhwaj. Lord Shiva stayed with him for a long time and looked at him as his own son. But he was so devoted to Shiva that he objected to all other kinds of poojans of other devtas. Once Sun, (whose father was Kashyap muni) gave curse to him that all his Shri will be lost soon. Lord Shiva could not accept it and took up his trident to kill. Fearing him Sun went to Brahma who took him to lord Vishnu. Shiva following them came to the place of Lord Vishnu. Shiva himself was great bhakta of Lord Vishnu and performed his poojan. Brahma and Sun performed poojan of Shiva in the court of Vishnu.  Then lord Vishnu talked with lord Shiva and told him to let go of his anger. Lord Shiva asked him that how will his bhakta survive as his splendor has been lost due to curse of Sun. Lord Vishnu informed him look so much time has passed in all this that your bhakta has left that body and even his son Rathdhwaj is no more. His two sons Kushdhwaj and Dharmdhwaj are now there. They are also passing life like their forefathers because of the curse of Sun. Only Luxmi upasana seems to be the goal of their life. From the wombs of their wives, luxmi will appear with her kalansh and then they will be blessed with great wealth and splendour again. Hence forget about the whole episode and return to your abode in peace.

Dharmdhwaj’s wife was Madhawi. She along with the king went to Gandhmadan mountain. They stayed for a long time their and enjoyed each other for a long time. The king developed vairagya and wanted to leave that place but his queen was not totally satisfied. She conceived and gave birth to a beautiful daughter. On seeing the child, people could not compare her beauty with any one (tulna karne mein asmarth), hence she was named Tulsi. Though being stopped by all the near and dear ones, still she proceeded to do tapasya in Badrivan. During summers, she performed panchagni sadhna, during winters she would stand in water and do her sadhna while during rainy season she would sit in the open and perform her penance. She did like this for thousands of years. Then she survived for many years on eating leafs only and later drinking only air for many thousand years. Then Brahma appeared in front of her and asked her to seek a boon. She explained to lord Brahma that in her past life she was a gopi by the name of Tulsi. But by the curse of Radha ji she took birth on earth. Then at that time lord told her to do tapasya on earth after which she would be reunited with him as his wife. Hence she wanted to leave her body and be with her lord. Brahma ji told her that another gop by the name of Sudama has taken birth on earth due to some curse in the form of Shankhchoor, born in the Danu lineage. He is very powerful and controller of all devtas, danavas and Rakshas. She should marry him. He initiated her in the Radha mantra and gave her boon that she would become a favourit of Sri Radha ji and Govind both.

After some time Shankhchoor, who was also initiated in to Krishna mantra by Jaigishavya muni, came to that forest and met her. Later, on the prompting of lord Brahma both married each other. Devtas declared war on him with the help of lord Shiva. He could not be defeated by anyone because of two things. First, he had a body armour which could not be pierced by anything, second, he had a chaste wife who always increased his life span. Lord Vishnu converted himself in to a Brahmin and took away the body armour of Shankhchoor in daan, as because of it he was impenetrable. Then the lord converted himself in to the form of Shaknhchoor and went to Tulsi. She could not distinguish and fell for him. Thus her vow of chastity also was broken by lord Vishnu. On finding out the truth, Tulsi wept and cursed lord Vishnu to become a rock where millions of insects will bite him. Lord Vishnu in turn had to become a rock on earth in the form of Shaligram and Tulsi had to become a river by the name of Gandaki beside it located in present day Nepal. Thus millions of insects cut this rock face everyday in to pieces leaving different impressions carved on them. These all are called Shaligram and considered to be nothing other than lord Vishnu. There are many different categories of Shaligram as explained in the Brahmvaivart puran which are being given here for the knowledge of all the readers.

Hence Shankhchoor was ultimately killed by lord Shankar with the trident of lord Vishnu. Tulsi also left her body. Both of them returned to Golok dham of lord Vishnu.

In all nineteen different Shaligrams have been explained as given below.

1.Symbols of a door, four chakras, Vanmala, black in colour-Luxmi-Narayan. 2. Symbol of one gateway, four chakras- Luxmi-Janardan.3. Sumbol of two gates, four chakras, one cow’s hoof- Raghwendara.4.Two small chakras and black in colour-Dadhivaman.5.Very small with two chakras and Vanmala-Shridhar.6.fully solid, round in shapetwo very clear chakras on it-Damodar.7. Nearly round, two chakras and symbols of bow and tarkas-Ranram.8. Seven chakras, Chakra, tarkas-Rajrajeshwar.9. Black in color and fourteen chakras- Anent (provides dharma, art, Kaam and mocha).10. Which itself is like a chakra, with two chakras, Shri and cow’s hoof engraved on it –Madhusudan. 11. Having only one chakra-Sudarshan.12. Gupt chakra symbol on it-Gadadhar.13. Form as face of a horse-Hayagriva.14. Two chakras and big mouth and appear very fearful, it provides immediate Vairagya to one – Narsimha.15. Two chakras, big mouth and Vanmala, always beneficial for the couples-Luxmi-Narayan.16. With two chakras in the area of gate, symbol of Shri on it-Vasudev.17. Black in colour, very small symbol of chakra on it and having pores in it-Pradyuman.18.With two closely touching chakras, whose back side is big, good for married couples – Sankarshan.19.Beautiful, round, yellow coloured, beneficial to married couples-Anirudh.

It is said where ever this stone resides, lord resides there along with luxmi and all the tirthas. Sin of Brahmhatya is also removed by poojan of Shaligram. One sprinkles water from the Shaligram on to himself bathes in the waters of all the tirthas. At the time of death who so ever drinks water of Shaligram is relieved of all the sins and goes to the realm of Vishnu, there is no doubt about it. One who separates Tulsi from Shaligram will not get the company of wife in the next life. One who keeps Tulsi, Conch and Shaligram together, Srihari is always pleased with him.

Kushdhwaj’s wife was Malawati. She bore a daughter to him who was an ansh of Luxmi. She was named Vedwati. The moment she touched earth she was enlightened. One could hear the slokas of Vedas being chanted in the room where she was born. She took a bath and left for jungles to do her sadhana. For a period of one manwantar she did her tapasya in Pushkar area. Still her body kept its beauty and she looked ever young. She heard an akashwani that she would achieve lord as your husband in the next life. On hearing this she became angry and proceeded to Gandhmadan mountain to perform still harder penance. One day Ravan came in front of her there. She saw him but to discharge her dharma of looking after a guest she treated him well. But Ravan was swept away by her beauty and forcefully held her hand to do her sringaar. By the dint of power of her tapasya she immobilized him. Then understanding her powers he prayed to her. To keep the result of devi poojan kripa in her mind she controlled her anger and released Ravan of the immobilization. But she told him that he would die because of her only and then left her that body as it has been touched by him and thus made impure. In her next birth she was born to king Janak and was called Sita. In this birth only she had the fortune of having lord as her husband in the form of lord Ram.

When lord Ram along with Sita accepted 14 year stay in jungles agni dev in the form of a Brahmin accosted lord Ram. He explained to him that some difficult times are going to befall in near future. So he should give his Sita to him for safe keeping and he in turn will generate a similar Chaya Sita with his yogbal which would accompany him. He would return the original Sita to him at the time of Agni pariksha. Lord agreed to him and accepted chaya Sita who followed him and went through all the events. In the end at the time of his return to Ayodhaya on questioning of people as to the chastity of Sita after living for a long time in the captivity of Ravan she was subjected to a burning pyre. At that time Agni dev returned the original Sita to lord Ram.

Chaya Sita after reuniting of Ram with Sita could not endure her separation from the lord. On the advice of lord and Agni dev, she left for penance for lord Shiva. She again and again requested him for a husband. She repeated her request for five times. Shiva became happy and granted her five husbands which she experienced when she was born as Draupadi, wife of five pandavas.  She took birth as daughter of king Drupad after appearing from the yajna vedi and was known by the name of Draupadi. 

As per Brahmvaivart Puran, Swami Kartikeya explained that one has 16 mothers as per Vedas. 1. One who gives birth (Janani). 2. One who gives her milk (Dhaay). 3. One who gives food (Pachika). 4.Guru’s wife. 5.Wife of the Isht devta. 6. Daughter. 7.Sister. 8. Wife. 9. Mother in law. 10.Grand mother. 11. Father’s mother. 12. Brothers wife. 13.Mother’s sister. 14.Father’s sister. 15.Wife of mother’s brother. 16. Father’s other wife.

Rishi Bhrigu explained to Jamdagni’s wife Renuka that One who gives Bhakti is called Son, One who follows is called wife, One who gives daan is called Bandhu, One who does archana of the guru is called Shishya, One who guards is called Devta, one who looks after the subjects is called a King, One who guides the wife in to Dharma is called Swami, One who provides Hari Bhakti is called Guru.

......................................................................Om!