Sri Siva
Siva is one of the three principal deities of the Hindu pantheon; the other two are Brahma and
Vishnu. His name means ‘auspicious’. He has the power of annihilation or
destruction of evil. He is an ideal for simplicity in our life and to
be detached from worldly objects. He is also called Mruthyunjaya (the conqueror of Death).
SLOKA/PRAYERVandhe Sambhum Umaapathim Suragurum
Vandhe Jagath
Kaaranam
Vandhe Pannaga Bhooshanam Mrigadharam
Vandhe Pasoonaam
Pathim
Vandhe Soorya Sasaanga Vahnni Nayanam
Vandhe Mukundha
Priyam
Vandhe Baktha Janaasryam Cha
Varadham Vandhe Sivam Sankaram
MEANING
I bow to Sambu the Lord of Uma and the teacher of the Devas. I bow to
the Lord Who is the root cause of the entire world. I bow to the Lord, Who has
the serpent as His ornament, Who carries a deer. I bow to the Lord of all
beings. I bow to the Lord Who has the Sun, the Moon and the Fire as His three
eyes. I bow to Him Who is fond of Mukundha. I bow to Him, Who is the refuge of
all devotees and Who grants boons to them. I bow to Siva, the creator of all
auspicious things.
SIVA AT SSVT
In Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Siva is in the form of a Lingam. The linga was
brought from River Narmada. The lingam is the representation of Sri Ramanatha
Swami of Raameswaram, who was worshipped by Rama after he destroyed Ravana and freed Sita. The sanctum and vimana of the Siva Shrine is built
in Chola style architecture. Ganesha, Karthikeya, Dhaksinaamuthi, Brahma,
Chandikeswara, Dhurga and Nandhi are kept in and around the Siva shrine.
Lingam is a representation, striving to give some concrete shape and form to
the abstract, infinite, all pervasive God who is beyond shape and form. Like
Brahmaananda or the cosmic egg, Lingam is another form seeking to represent the
cosmos. It is also what survives Pralaya, the ultimate dissolution and end of
all creation.
AUSPICIOUS DAYS AND FESTIVALSMondays and Pradhosham, thirteenth day of
the fortnight are very auspicious to Siva. Maha Sivarathri is celebrated in
grand style with puja's and bhajans throughout the night. Dharsan of Siva on
days with 'Aardha star and prashodam puja on Mondays and Saturdays are very
auspicious.
SPECIAL OFFERINGSSiva is Abhishekapriya, meaning one who adores sacred
bath. Rudraabishekam, Rudra homam, Mrithyunjaya homam are performed to Lord
Siva. Bilva leaf, Erukku, Thumba and Oleander flowers are auspicious to Siva.
GAYATHRI
Tathpurushaaya Vidhmahe Mahadevaaya Dheemahi
Thanno Rudra(h) Prachodayaath.
MEANING
We worship that ultimate being. Salutations to the Great Lord. May that Rudra
stimulate our faculties.
|
