“Shiva was accredited with a
peculiar penchant for earth, roaming its length and breadth in general, but
preferring in particular its mountains, the Himalayas, as His abode.The Himalayas actually meant ‘The abode of snow’. They were noted for their majestic
stature, always touching the sky; noted for their stunning beauty and their
crisp air, as though preserving the pristinity of life itself.” Said Rishi Suta.
Shaunaka looked to the North, where he could actually see the snow-clad mountains, and smiled.
“Ironically, the other place where Shiva was said to visit frequently was where life ended: it was said He was always present at the cremation grounds. A presence as certain as the lit-up pyres that devoured life. Some of them were actually named ‘Shiv Dhaam’—The sacred place of Shiva,” Suta said, changing the mood. Shaunaka shifted uneasily.
“In all His mentions, different aspects abounded, both magnificent and terrible, which were spoken of, in whispers. Over a period of time, the repetitive whispers became a routine and a fervent chant. And in times of need and fear, these came to be passed off as a prayer to Shiva Himself.”
“I see, Gurudeva,” said Shaunaka.
Shaunaka looked to the North, where he could actually see the snow-clad mountains, and smiled.
“Ironically, the other place where Shiva was said to visit frequently was where life ended: it was said He was always present at the cremation grounds. A presence as certain as the lit-up pyres that devoured life. Some of them were actually named ‘Shiv Dhaam’—The sacred place of Shiva,” Suta said, changing the mood. Shaunaka shifted uneasily.
“In all His mentions, different aspects abounded, both magnificent and terrible, which were spoken of, in whispers. Over a period of time, the repetitive whispers became a routine and a fervent chant. And in times of need and fear, these came to be passed off as a prayer to Shiva Himself.”
“I see, Gurudeva,” said Shaunaka.
“Bhujgendrahaaram,” said Suta
loudly. “The one who wears snakes as garlands. Damrudhaaram—The One who rattles
an hourglass drum to time all of life.” Then changing his tone to a musical
note, he continued, “Nataraja Dum Dum—The one who dances in rhythm with the
drum-beat created by Himself, as though to set a pace for us. Trinetra
Devam—The Three-Eyed One, who is the most powerful. Yogi Dhyaanam—yet,
unassuming like a recluse ascetic in the forest. Jai Shiva Trinetra Trisuldhaaram!”
resounded Suta.
“Hail Shiva, the Three-Eyed One who wields in turn, the three-pronged spear” repeated Shaunaka.
“So you see, my child, a prayer to Shiva, was the description of Shiva, repeated to Him.”
Shaunaka found to his surprise that his own hands had folded into a position of worship, into salute of Namaste.
“With the passage of time, these prayers of attribute became longer and more speculative; and somehow, fear showed a greater propensity to grow, than love,” Suta continued. “So, while He was accredited with dance, it was a dance of death; while He lived on the mountains, it was a hidden abode of a Warlord; if He was strong, it was a strength you must be defeated by, always. Not to forget, that He was The Lord of the cremation grounds where, at the end of one’s life, His portals only just began.”
“I am beginning to understand, Gurudeva.”
“Ultimately, that Shiva was the God of destruction, became a label that found itself stuck in the majority of minds. Vinasham Aaghoram Samharam—the Terrible dissolver, who ends it all.
This description also crept into the string of epithets that made for prayer,” said Suta.
“But it doesn’t seem to me that Shiva is terrible! So then, Shiva began to be known as the Destroyer; I understand,” said Shaunaka with remorse.
~ From the book SHIVA, The Ultimate Time Traveller. by Shail Gulhati
Available on Amazon as an E book
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017ECI6CU
and for INDIA exclusively:
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B017ECI6CU
“Hail Shiva, the Three-Eyed One who wields in turn, the three-pronged spear” repeated Shaunaka.
“So you see, my child, a prayer to Shiva, was the description of Shiva, repeated to Him.”
Shaunaka found to his surprise that his own hands had folded into a position of worship, into salute of Namaste.
“With the passage of time, these prayers of attribute became longer and more speculative; and somehow, fear showed a greater propensity to grow, than love,” Suta continued. “So, while He was accredited with dance, it was a dance of death; while He lived on the mountains, it was a hidden abode of a Warlord; if He was strong, it was a strength you must be defeated by, always. Not to forget, that He was The Lord of the cremation grounds where, at the end of one’s life, His portals only just began.”
“I am beginning to understand, Gurudeva.”
“Ultimately, that Shiva was the God of destruction, became a label that found itself stuck in the majority of minds. Vinasham Aaghoram Samharam—the Terrible dissolver, who ends it all.
This description also crept into the string of epithets that made for prayer,” said Suta.
“But it doesn’t seem to me that Shiva is terrible! So then, Shiva began to be known as the Destroyer; I understand,” said Shaunaka with remorse.
~ From the book SHIVA, The Ultimate Time Traveller. by Shail Gulhati
Available on Amazon as an E book
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017ECI6CU
and for INDIA exclusively:
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B017ECI6CU
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