The Shiva Purana - 10

 Vidyeswara Samhita  - Chapter - 3

The omnipotent Shiva Purana amplifies the essence of the Vedantas - Bhakthi, Jnana and Vairagya. Once upon a time when the creation started in this kalpa, a great dispute raised among the sages and they approched Brahma to find the answer about what is imperishable. His answered that Lord Mahadeva was omniscient and can only be realised by supreme devotion and nothing else. The sages were instructed to perform a devout sacrifice with Lord Shiva as the presiding deity for thousand years and then one can undersatnd the essence of mystic learning - Vedas and Vedanta. While performing the Yagna, the Sadhaka should devotedly perform the rites free from desire and offering the fruits of achievement to Lord Siva. Through the Salokya, one can attain the holy feet of Lord Shiva. 

Further Brahma explains that Sruti is our recluse. Sravana or listening to Lord's divine story is the first rite. Then one should glorify or indulge in Kirtana and finally deliberate, meditate or follow Manana to gain Shiva yoga. Body gets rid of materialistic cravings, ailments are nullified and one can achieve supreme bliss. The achievement is an embodment of Shiva gnana - Salokya (to be in the same world along with the Lord), Samipya (nearness to the deity), Sayujya (union with God), Sarupya (assimilation to the deity) and become a Sarsti (equal in rank, condition and power) which is the final destination of Mukthi (Salvation).

Om Namah Shivaya!

D. Ashalatha Reddy

Discover India Series - 5

 Mogili - Where we can feel the benevolence of Lord Shiva

Sometimes it is natural that we are fascinated by nostalgia and many memories. In the course our many road trips and short getaways I remember our visit to Mogili. There are no words to express how I miss Daddy. I always think of how much he used to feel elated to visit many places. As workaholic as he was he never took out time to travel. After his retirement he quite enjoyed his small trips and many tours. One place which I visited along with him some 12 Years ago was a small and lovely village Mogili.

The sacred temple of Sri Mogilieshwara Swamy is located at a distance of 90 Kms from Tirupati, 60 Kms from Vellore and 30 Kms from Chittoor on the Tirupati-Bangalore Highway very close to Bangarupalem. The main temple houses Lord Shiva who is said to be found by Mogilliappa, a farmer who later placed it under a Mogili tree, and started worshipping it. That’s why this temple got the name “Mogili Eswara Temple”. The temple facing east with three gopuras also has the shrines of Lord Dakshina Murthy, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. The Sanctum hailed as Dakshina Kailasam has the shrine of Godess Kamakshi on the Northern side who bestows benevolent boons for all her devotees. The Tempe is surrounded by a compound wall, beautiful architecture and inscriptions dating back to the reign of Raja Raja chola, a Paadal Petra Shthalam praised in the holy hymns of Nayanars.

The perennial temple pond is famous for having medicinal and benefac effects and hence a dip is considered a blessing. The worship of Nandi and Lord Shiva is considered to give peace and prosperity. The Shivaratri Brahmotsavam is very famous and thronged by people in large number. This temple is a boon for childless couple and hence said to be a place to get the desires fulfilled if prayed with utmost devotion. South to this Temple, a big hill is situated with a big stone of 3 miles in diameter and more than 100 feet in height. This stone is popularly known as Devara Konda. Though the path to Devarakonda is slippery and not well laid as of now, it is beautiful place in the lap of nature to unwind and meditate.

The simple joys of life make our living stress free and what best than spend time with family in a place which is blessed too.

Om Namah Shivaya

D. Ashalatha Reddy