How to please Lord Shiva by offering leaves

Shiva, the three-eyed Lord of Destruction or Transformation is the most innocent of all. Religiously offering him your true devotion and prayers will not only yields desirable results, but also relieve you of your suffering, poverty, and negativity.

Unlike other Gods, to whom you offer flowers and incense sticks to please them, Lord Shiva can be pleased if you offer him leaves.

It is advised to offer Bilva leaves along with Dhatura and cold milk on Shivlinga, which are considered auspiciously important for his worshipping. But, did you know that Lord Shiva also accepts offering of these 6 different leaves.

1. Peepal

As mentioned in Skanda Purana, the trinity- Lord Brahma (in the roots), Lord Vishnu (in the trunk) and Lord Shiva (in the leave) reside in the peepal tree; each of them holding a sacred place. Hence, offering leaves from Peepal tree to Shivaling is also considered equally auspicious as Bilva. In order to reduce the ill-effects of the ‘Shani dosha’ and other planetary conflicts, it is advised to offer peepal leaves to Lord Shiva regularly.

2. Banyan

In many Hindu scriptures it is mentioned that Banyan tree is a symbol of immortality, but does not signify birth or renewal. Hence, it is refrained from being included in rituals related to fertility and marriage. Lord Shiva symbolically sits under the Banyan, the botanical embodiment of the universal soul, facing the terror of death. So, if one offer leaves from Banyan tree to Lord Shiva, they are blessed with long-life and misfortunes stay at bay.

3. Ashoka

One of the most sacred trees in Hinduism, Ashoka, is considered pious. These leaves are religiously used in almost every auspicious occasion to attract positive energy. Religiously offering Asoka leaves to Lord Shiva would ward off issues related to infertility and help one gain immense fame in society.

4. Mango

Leaves of Mango trees are often used to adorn entrances at home to signify good fortune. Its holy significance has mention in Indian legends, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Offering Mango leaves to Lord Shiva would make him bless us with immense wealth and prosperity.

5. Aak

The fruit of Aak tree is one of the favorites of Lord Shiva and is offered to him on religious occasions. The leaves however, are offered to Shivling, in order to get relief from any kind of mental illness or distress.

6. Anar

Leaves of pomegranate tree are offered to Lord Shiva, with the sole purpose of seeking his blessings and asking him to ward of pain and grief.

What not to offer to Lord Shiva?

According to Hindu culture, it is advised to not keep a ‘Shivlinga’ in a place where it is not regularly worshipped with proper rituals. As showing disrespect to his symbol may anger the lord. It is said that Lord Shiva or Bholenath is very innocent and may get pleased in no time. But, his anger too is well-renowned. Lord Shiva should also not be worshipped with the offerings of some flowers and leaves.

1. Ketaki Flowers

One day, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma ensued in a battled to prove their supremacy among the ‘Divine Trinity’, and just when they were about to use the deadly weapons against each other, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Jyotirlinga. He ordered them to find the origin and end of him. Lord Vishnu headed for the end, but failed to find it, and while Lord Brahma was going up he asked the flower of Ketaki to lie along with him. Upon their respective returns, Lord Vishnu accepted his defeat; Lord Brahma lied that he found the origin and Ketaki flower sided him. Angered by their lie, Lord Shiva cut of one of Lord Brahma’s head and diminished him from ever being worshipped as a Lord. He then turned to Ketaki flower and cursed it to never be used in worshipping his symbol, Shivlinga.

2. Tulsi

According to legends in Shivpurana, an Asura named Jalandhar was killed and burned to ashes by Lord Shiva. Jalandhar was blessed with a boon (that depended on his wife’s chastity) to remain undefeated by gods. So, Lord Vishnu had to breach Jalandhar’s wife Tulsi’s chastity. Upset over her husband’s death and angered by this betrayal, Tulsi banished Lord Shiva from being worshipped by her divine leaves.

3. Coconut Water

Though one can offer coconuts to Lord Shiva, but must never worship Shivlinga with coconut water. Everything offered on Shivlinga is considered as nirmalaya, thus forbidden from being consumed. And, as consuming coconut water after being offered on deities is considered as mandatory to drink, it is thus not offered on Shivlinga.

4. Haldi

The sacred Turmeric powder must never be offered to Shivlinga, as the former is considered to enhance the beauty of females. And, Shivlinga is a symbol of Lord Shiva.

5. Kumkum

Sindoor or kumkum is believed to be sacred for married Indian women; as they apply it to seek the long life of their spouse. But, as Lord Shiva is the supreme destroyer, worshipping his symbol with KumKum is not considered auspicious.

These are the basic dos and donts for the offerings to Lord Shiva. May his blessings bless us all. Om Namah Shivay.

INDIA-PAK-AFGHANISTAN-IRAN ANCIENT HISTORICAL CULTURAL LINKS ESTABLISHED

How GANDHARA's Afghanistan ( Kingdom Of Queen Gandhari Of Mahabharata Era ) Became KANDAHAR ---- Afghanistan’s Epic History starts when it was an important region of Akhand Bharat ( Ancient Hindustan ) called Gandhara. One of its most frequently mentioned cities in the world today is Kandahar, made infamous by Taliban. The earlier name of the city was Quandhar, derived from name of the region of Gandhara. It was always a Strategic site, being on main Persian routes to Central Asia & India. Hence, it has a long history of conquests. Kandahar was taken by Greek Alexander in 329 BC, but he lost Battle & surrendered to King Purushottam ( Porus ) & Chandragupta Maurya in 305 BC as described in Inscription of Emperor ASHOKA. It fell under Arab rule in the 7th century CE & under the Ghaznavids in 10th CE. Kandahar was destroyed by Genghis Khan & again by Turkic conqueror Timur, after which it was held by Mughals ---- Early reference in Vedas & Puranas, Gandhara was locus of ancient Indian-Persian interaction, a center of world trade & culture. It was a major Hindu-SIKH-Buddhist intellectual hub for centuries. The giant Buddhist statues recently destroyed by Taliban were in Bamiyan, one of the important Buddhist cities of ancient times ---- IRANIAN's ( PERSIANS ) were Originally ZOROASTRIANS who worshipped AGNI DEV - Fire Worship of AGNI Bhagavan - Ahura Mazda ( Avestan Atar ) most of whom were Killed & remaining Forcibly Converted to Islam by Arabs ---- There is also evidence of Followers, Devotees & Worshippers of Maa Devi, Durga & Kali in the same areas. Shaivism was also an important influencial ancient religion in this region.The worship of Zun is related to old shrine of SUN God ADITYA at Multan. The worship of Zun ( SHIVA ) was primarily Hindu ( Sanatana Dharma ). Gandhara was the trade crossroad & cultural meeting place between India, Central Asia & Middle East. Buddhist writings mention Gandhara's Kingdom ( Peshawar, Swat, Balochistan, Kabul Valleys & Kandahar ) as one of 16 major states of Northern INDIA at that time ---- The Gandhara region was very much culturally & politically a part of Hindustan. King Shakuni, brother of Gandhari, fought with Pandavas in famous Epic Historical Battle Dharma Yudh Mahabharata. The battle was fought in Kurukshetra, heartland of India. Gandhari was married to King Dhritarashtra. Economic & Cultural Exchanges between Gandhara ( Kandahar ) & Hastinapur (Delhi) were well Established & Intense --- Mehrgarh, located in this region & part of the Indus Valley civilization, is the oldest town excavated by archeologists Dating back to 8000 BC---- Places mentioned in Bhagwan Ram's Ramayana & Krishna Bhagavaan's Mahabharata like Kubha ( Kabul ) - Purushapura (Peshawar) - Luvkushpura (Lahore) - Mulasthana (Multan) - Gandhara ( Kandahar ) etc are very much Ancient Kingdoms of Akhand Bharat lived & inhabited by our Ancestors & Forefathers !!!

Origin of Jewish Flag lies in the Shakti Yantra

It has been well known to us the cultural similarity between the jews and the hindus. In the left, we see the image of BALA SHAKTI yantra. A physical representation of the female side of lord shiva, the Shakti or Infinite energy.

More Yantras at: http://www.sics.se/~piak/yoga/yantra/

The image of Shakti Yantra is quite similar to the flag of Israel. which shows a 6 pointed star.

The image of Lord Vishnu within us

Based on the description in scriptures, idols and paintings of different Gods and Goddesses were developed and portrayed by our ancestors.

The painter portrayed Lord Vishnu like this - there is a sheer sagar (ocean of milk) with a bed of snakes, on which Maha Vishnu, the lord, rests. 

Sheer sagar is the blissful mind, the mind in which waves of contentment arise. 

The snake represents an awakened state of mind, kundalini shakti, that is within us. 

The consciousness rests in the blissful and awakened state of mind.

There are three layers to it.The ocean of milk means that the environment is very balanced. Only when the environment is favorable can samadhi (deep meditation) happen. Even for the discussion of scriptures or to sit and think peacefully, one needs to be assured that the atmosphere is free from trouble. If there is a flood or earthquake around, then no one would read scriptures or talk of research and knowledge. Thus the ocean of milk represents a favorable environment. Until the depth of knowledge is experienced, it remains on the surface. No matter how many Vedantas one reads, it is important to have a favorable environment.

When the kundalini shakti rises, the chaitanya shakti that lies within us, the infinite and eternal reigns. From the stomach of that infinite power, a lotus comes out effortlessly, from which Brahma appeared. Thus the creative power rose from there.

A blissful consciousness gives rise to creative power. The greatest of scientists came up with new inventions, only when they were in rest. It is extremely vital for researchers and those who experiment to have a favorable environment, one without noise and chaos. You cannot ask someone to do an invention in two days. Invention is not bound to time and cannot take place in an unfavorable environment.

Blue colour body

It means that the body is transparent as if it was not there. Even Krishna, Shiva, Rama are depicted in blue. That doesn’t concern the physical body but inside is infinity. Whatever is infinity is represented by blue: sky is blue, ocean is blue, the great, the big, enormous depth and that bliss, that being- the soul. 

Padmanabha

In Sanskrit,

Padma = Lotus 

Nabhi  = Navel

Padmanabha means whose navel is the size of lotus. Lord Vishnu is known as Sri Padmanabha.

The navel is also called the second brain. There are two brains in our body. One is the head and the other, the navel. It is called the solar plexus. The work that brain does is supported by the solar plexus. Half of the work is done by it. That is why when the stomach is upset, mostly there is chaos in the mind, there are a lot of thoughts in the mind.

So it is said, those who practice yoga sadhana have a blossomed solar plexus. Those who don't practice yoga sadhana have a solar plexus smaller in size like that of an amlakundalini shakti is fully, it is even bigger than an orange – it is like a blossomed lotus. (Indian Gooseberry). The solar plexus grows to the size of an orange for those who do yoga sadhana and meditation.

Lord Vishnu is depicted lying down, and a lotus comes out of his navel, followed by Brahma. Creation came later, first the strength to nurture was born. (In Hindu philosophy, Vishnu is considered to be the sustainer of the universe and Brahma is considered as the creator of the universe).

Many people believe that God is tired after working. No, no! For God, creation is effortless. Like for a housewife, making tea is effortless – she can talk, sing and still make the tea.

How does God reward?

“Om Namo Bhagvate Vasuevayah”

Dear devotees many of us worship God for different purposes and God rewards the devotee as per the devotion.

Now let take one example, one devotee wanted a Car, and for that he prayed God using all the possible method. Now question arises, Can God send him a Car? Have anybody seen a Car or any such physical thing arriving from sky?
I don’t think it ever happens or it is even possible. Then how does this whole method of worship and then God giving the reward works?

Here is the answer: Please have a look at the shloka:
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Ch10:Sh10
tesam satata-yuktanam bhajatam priti-purvakam
dadami buddhi-yogam tam yena mam upayanti

To those who constantly devoted and worship me with love, I give them theYoga of wisdom(Understanding) by which they attain me.
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We all must remember that this whole universe is bounded by the law of Karma. Nothing in this universe can happen which can break that invincible divine law. If law of karma is broken, this whole universe will land into chaos within few moments.

God provides human with the inner sense, clarity in thoughts and intellect and the power to perform action. Human still have to perform those actions to achieve the desired result. This is the whole process how worship and God rewarding for worship works.
Hope this discussion will provide clarity in knowing how God reward for worship.

May Bhagvan Krishna bless you.

“Hari Om Tat Sat”

Truth behind 33 crore (330 million) gods in Hinduism

The fact of the matter is, there exist NO 33 crore Gods.. The exact word that occurs in the Vedas for 'crore' is Koti (कोटी) which in many languages like Marathi literally indicate the numerical value of crore. But are we really to take that meaning?
If we go deep in the language of Sanskrit, we understand that the word Koti indeed does mean 'crore' but more correctly, it means 'types'. So 33 Koti Gods means 33 types or families of Gods.
Accepting this, then who are those 33 'families' of Gods which we have?  Plus, do Gods like Durga, Gnpati, Skanda,etc have any place in that?

So here are the 33 families of Gods- 12 Adityas + 11 Rudras + 8 Vasus + 2 Ashwini Kumar = 33 Families
The last two families of Ashwini Kumar are replaced by Indra and Prajapati sometimes. But this seems improbable since Indra or Prajapati was a general post with many people being named as Indra or Prajapati at many times.

Let us see these people in detail-
12 Adityas or द्वादशादित्य are the sons of Aditi and hence called Adityas. The names of these 12 Adityas are Tvashta (त्वष्ट), Pusha (पूषा ), Vivasvan (विवस्वान), Mitra (मित्र ), Dhata (धाता), Vishnu (विष्णू), Bhaga (भग), Varuna (वरुण), Savitru (सवितृ ), Shakra (शक्र ), Ansha (अंश ) and Aryama (अर्यमा). The Rigveda has just eight of these Adityas with certain Brahmanas mentioning all 12 of them. The Puranas unanimously mention the number to be 12. Their mother Aditi along with these are praised in the Rigveda as proper Gods. These were the sons of Kashyapa rishi. One of these Aditya, Vivasvan was the father of Vaivasvat Manu from whom the genealogies of kings started.

11 Rudras or एकादशरुद्र are those Rudraganas who are said to have originated from Brahmadeva's anger. Their names are Manyu (मन्यु), Manu (मनु), Mahinas (महिनस ), Mahan (महान ), Shiv (शिव ), Rutudhvaj (ऋतुध्वज ), Ugrareta (उग्ररेता ), Bhava (भव), Kaal (काल ), Vamdev (वामदेव) and Dhrutavrat (धृतव्रत). Their names vary in different scriptures but the number remains same.

8 Vasus or अष्टवसू are sons bron from Dharma rishi and Vasu. Their names are Drona (द्रोण ), Pran (प्राण ), Dhruva (ध्रुव ), Aka (अक), Agni(अग्नी), Dosha (दोष), Vasu (वसू) and Vibhavasu (विभावसु ).

The 2 Ashwini Kumars were born from the Sun and were the doctors of the Devas. These tow had helped Chyavan Bhargav rishi to regain his youth.

If we see, many scriptures do clarify on the truth of these 33 families of Gods. If one observes, major Gods like Brahma, Vishnu, Ganpati, Shakti,etc don't find place in here. It seems these 33 families of Gods were the oldest and were worshiped but got replaced by Gods having a larger role to play in our lives. But over time the meaning of 'koti' got changed and we started to believe that there were indeed 33 crore Gods.

But does that really matter ? Because looking at the current state, we have at least 100 Gods which are worshiped in some form or other. THAT is our real asset- Our Polytheism and the overwhelming tolerance of people worshiping different Gods. This ability of ours has led us to believe that the whole world is ours. Because, after all, Every type of worship leads to the same thing- Paramatma or Brahman..

|| एकं सत् विप्र बहुदा वदन्ति ||

It has been documented in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad - Chapter 3.


Śākalya         : "How many gods are there?"
Yājñavalkya  : "Three hundred and three." Then he says, "Three thousand and three."

Śākalya         : "Is this the answer that you give me to my question, how many gods are there? Three thousand and three; three hundred and three! Have you no other answer to this question?"
Yājñavalkya  : There are thirty-three gods.

Śākalya         : "All right!" (not satisfied with answer) ...Tell me again properly; how many gods are there?"
Yājñavalkya   : "Six are there."

Śākalya         : "How many gods are there. Tell me again. Think properly."
Yājñavalkya   : "Only three gods are there."

Śākalya         : "How many gods are there? Tell again.
Yājñavalkya   : "Two gods are there."

Śākalya         :  "Tell again; how many gods are there?"
Yājñavalkya   :  "One and a half gods"

(Then he was very much upset)

Śākalya         :  "What is this you say, one and a half gods. Tell again properly; how many gods are there?"
Yājñavalkya  :  "One god is there,"

Śākalya         : "All these numbers that you have mentioned – three thousand and three, three hundred and  three – what are these gods? Give the names of these gods, the deities."
Yājñavalkya  :   "All these three thousand and all that I mentioned – they are not really gods. They are only   manifestations of the thirty-three. The thirty-three are the principal manifestations, and others are only their glories, radiances, manifestations, magnificences or forces, energies,  powers."

Śākalya         : "But what are these thirty-three?"
Yājñavalkya   : "The thirty-three gods are eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, twelve Ādityas, then Indra and Prajāpati – these make thirty-three gods."

Śākalya         : "What are these Vasus which are eight in number?"
Yājñavalkya   : "Fire is one deity; earth is one deity; air is another; the atmosphere is one deity; the sun is one deity; the heaven is one deity; moon is one deity; the stars are one deity. These constitute eight groups"

Śākalya         : "Why do you call them Vasus?"
Yājñavalkya   : "Everything is deposited as it were in these constituent principles. Therefore, they are called Vasus."

Śākalya         : "Who are the Rudras?"
Yājñavalkya  : "The ten senses and the mind make eleven. These are the Rudras."
       
Śākalya         : "What are the twelve Ādityas, the suns?"
Yājñavalkya   : "They are twelve forces of the sun, takes away the vitality of people."

Śākalya         : "Who is Indra? Who is Prajāpati?"
Yājñavalkya   : "The rain cloud can be called Indra. Sacrifice can be called Prajāpati."

Śākalya         : "What do you mean by rain cloud?"
Yājñavalkya   : "By rain cloud I do not actually mean the cloud, but the lightning which is the embodiment of energy."

Interaction of senses with Prakriti

======Hot, cold, happiness and sadness======
=====Caused by nteraction of senses with Prakriti=====
“Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevayah”

Ch2:Sh14
मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः ।
आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत ॥

संधि विक्छेद के साथ
--------------------------

मात्रा स्पर्शः तू कौन्तेय शीत उष्ण सुख: दुखः दः
आगम अपायिनः अनित्यः तान तितिक्ष्व भारत


भावार्थ : हे कुंतीपुत्र! इन्द्रीय और भौतिक पधार्थों का विभिन्न मात्रा में संयोग, सुख, दुःख, सर्दी, और गर्मी का अनुभव देते हैं| इन्हें बिना भ्रमित हुए सहन करो(करना चाहिए) क्योंकि यह अल्पकालिक एवं अनित्य [होते] हैं|

Ch2:Sh14
matra-sparsas tu kaunteya sitosna-sukha-duhkha-dah
agamapayino 'nityas tams titiksasva bharata

O Son of Kunti! The interaction of sense and sense objects which are temporary experience give pleasure, happiness, sorrows, cold and heat, O scion on Bharata! Try to tolerate them without being disturbed.

“Shri Hari Om Tat Sat”