Kanchi Periva Forum - Maha Shivaratri Special Edition Ebook

E-Book from Kanchi Periva Forum
The Essence of Hindu Tradition and Culture

Maha Shivaratri Special Edition
Volume : 11
Published : March 2013
Copyrights reserved Kanchi Periva Forum www.periva.proboards.com & www.periva.org Page 1 of 35
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3
Maha Shivaratri - Overview .......................................................................................................................... 4
Observance of Maha Shivaratri and its significance ..................................................................................... 4
Shri Maha Perivas discourses....................................................................................................................... 6
Shivaratri - Deivathin Kural Volume 1 ....................................................................................................... 6
Easwaran - Deivathin kural Volume 1 .................................................................................................... 8
Greatness of Siva Naama & His grace - Deivathin kural Volume 3 ...................................................... 10
The Glory of Paramasiva ......................................................................................................................... 11
3 .............................................................. 12
................................................................................................................... 14
Shivaratri Puja Procedure ........................................................................................................................... 17

Shivratri Prayers .......................................................................................................................................... 19
Bilvashtakam ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Shiva Panchakshara stotram ................................................................................................................... 20
Lingashtakam .......................................................................................................................................... 22
Dwaadasa (12) Jyotirlingams in India ......................................................................................................... 23
Rameshwaram ........................................................................................................................................ 24
Srisailam .................................................................................................................................................. 24
Bhimashankar ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Grishneshwar .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Tryambakeshwar ..................................................................................................................................... 27
Somnath .................................................................................................................................................. 28
Dwarka .................................................................................................................................................... 29
Omkareshwar .......................................................................................................................................... 29
Ujjain ....................................................................................................................................................... 30
Vaidhyanath ............................................................................................................................................ 31
Varanasi................................................................................................................................................... 32
Kedarnath................................................................................................................................................ 33
Acknowledgements..................................................................................................................................... 35
Shri Kanchi Maha Periva Thiruvadigal Saranam

Introduction
Hari Om!
We are pleased to bring you the Eleventh edition of the e-book series from the Kanchi Periva
Forum.
This months ebook is a special edition on Maha Shivaratri celebrated on Sunday 10th March
2013. As we all know, our Paramacharya is none other than incarnation of the Lord
Parameshwara Himself. Hence, the occasion of Shivaratri must be celebrated by all Periva
devotees with grandeur. It is His wish and command as well, as could be seen in the
discourses contained in this ebook.
Through this ebook, we bring you Sri Maha Perivas discourse on Shivaratri, in addition to
information on the significance of the festival, pooja procedure and some interesting details on
the Twelve Jyothirlingams.
We are sure that this Ebook will be a feast to your eyes and we request you to forward this to
all your friends and relatives.
For those who are not familiar about our website and forum, we welcome you to visit
www.periva.org for a collection of rare videos and complete online library of upanyasams of
Sri Maha Periva. Please also register on the forum www.periva.proboards.com to stay updated
on devotees experiences and to receive our regular newsletters.
We humbly submit this Eleventh e-book at the lotus feet of Shri Maha Periva. Though this book
is for restricted circulation among like-minded members of the society, this is a Free publication
like all our other publications, which can be downloaded from www.periva.proboards.com
Any feedback or queries may be sent to us at kanchiperiva@gmail.com
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Jaya Jaya Shankara, Hara Hara Shankara!

Maha Shivaratri - Overview

Shivaratri, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated on the moonless night of the month of
Phalguna, which is the fourteenth day in the krishnapaksha or dark half. Owing to a special
planetary conjunction, spiritual practices done on this day are considered to be especially
auspicious and beneficial. Devotees observe upvas (fasting) on Shivaratri to get blessings of
Lord Shiva.
In the Puranas many kathas (stories and legends) explained the origin and significance of the
festival Maha Shivaratri. As per one, during the period of churning the ocean (sagar manthan)
by the gods and the demons, a pot of poison (Kaal koot) emerged from the ocean.
This sudden incident terrified the dev ganas and asura
ganas as the poison was capable of creating mahapralaya
(deluge), which can destroy the entire universe. To save
themselves and the universe they went to Lord Shiva for
help. For the worlds safer existence and the survival of
living beings, Shiva drank the Kaal koot visha (terrible
poison). But, instead of swallowing he kept it in his throat
(it is also said that Devi stopped the poison in His throat
and did not allow it to be actually swallowed). Keeping the
deadly poison in his throat made Shivas throat turn blue.
Because of this great miracle Shiva is also called
Neelakanta, the one who has blue throat.
To commemorate the event of Shiva protecting the world with his miraculous act, we celebrate
Maha Shivaratri. There is a reference in one of the Puranas, where Shiva himself tells Parvati
Devi [the Divine Mother] that this day is particularly dear to him, and that those who perform
the prescribed austerities on this day will be freed from all sins.
Observance of Maha Shivaratri and its significance

(Source: www.kamakoti.org)
Austerities by way of day/night fasts and dedicated

devotion on Maha Shivaratri falling on Krishna
Paksha or dark fortnight of Phalguna month every
year are considered as the sure steps to Iham and
Param viz. Happiness in the current phase of Life
and Attainment of Salvation threafter! In the early
morning of Shivaratri day, a devotee should take a
vow to observe day/night austerities.
In the night or Shivaratri, there must be Archana, Abhisheka, Japa and full fledged worship
either at a Temple or at home depending on convenience; actually the worship by way of
continuous Maha Nyasayutha Abhisheka with Archana along with Shodasopacharas or the
sixteen types of Services and Arti, but for the sake of convenience, the Puja may be repeated
every three hours during the night along with Laghu Nyasa Abhisheka, Archana, Arti etc.
The night long austerity must be followed by Punah Puja next morning and Bhojan (meals)
along Brahmanas, who should also be satisfied with Dakshinas. After observing Shivaratris for
fourteen consecutive years, one could perform Udyapan or successful completion of the
Shivaratri Vratha.
Observance of Maha Shivaratri even by mistake could yield fruits, let alone proper and
systematic worship; this was illustrated by an incident said Sutha Muni at the congregation of
Sages at Naimisaranya.
There was a poor hunter named Gurudruha
who became extremely hungry along with his
family members on a whole day and that night
happened to be a Shivaratri. He entered a
forest on the eve of Shivaratri and waited for
any animal to kill and satisfy the hunger; he
waited near a water body over a bel tree
nearby under which there was a Siva Linga as
a coincidence.
Having waited for the first Prahara (three
hours) of the night, he was lucky to have
sighted a female deer along its kids approaching the water body to quench its thirst. He pulled
out his bow and an arrow ready to aim at the mother deer and by a twist of fate the branch of
the bel tree on which he sat moved, some bel leaves fell on the Siva Linga and some water in a
vessel carried by the hunter got spilt down on the Linga, thus performing the first Phahara
puja.The deer which was very sensitive even to small sounds of leaves and water falling from
the tree noticed that the hunter was ready to kill it. The animal made a sincere and convincing
request to the hunter that if allowed it desired to leave the deer kids to their father and
definitely return back to be killed by him.
Very reluctantly, the hunter agreed and let the animals leave. The second Prahara was closing
but there was no trace of the mother deer. But the sister of the earlier deer approached the
pond along her kids and the happenings of the earlier Prahara repeated viz.the hunter pulled
out his bow and arrow, the bel tree leaves as also the water drops from the hunters vessel fell
on the Siva Linga, the sister deer made a similar request and the hunter let the animal leave as
he did to the earlier one, thus accomplishing the worship of the third Prahara.
As the third Prahara was closing, the husband of the original deer came in search of the female
deer and the kids and the earlier happenings repeated once again and the earlier Prahara puja
too was executed successfully.
It was a great sight of all the deers of both the
families approached during the final Prahara and
the hunter was delighted that he could have a
feast any time but the earlier happenings
repeated and the fourth Prahara worship too was
implemented.
But, after the fourth worship, Gurudruhas
psychology was transformed; he repented for his
evil thoughts and took a vow to eschew his
erstwhile acts of violence.
Bhagavan Siva revealed Himself before Gurudruha as a transformed person and blessed him
that in his next birth, he would be Nishad during Ramas incarnation and the latter would give
him the boon of attaining Vaikuntha.
Shri Maha Perivas discourses

Shivaratri - Deivathin Kural Volume 1
In all Siva Temples, on the western wall of the, 'Garba
Graha' or 'sanctum sanctorum', you will find a statue of,
'Lingodbhava Murthy', meaning, 'form arising out of linga'.
Lingodbhava Murthy, is one of the sixty four forms of Siva,
such as, Vrushabaruder, Ardhanareeswarar, Hariharar,
Natarajar,
Kaamari,
Bairavar,
Dakshinamurthy,
Somaaskandar,
Bikshanadanar,
Oordvathandavar,
Jalandarasura Samhaarar, Kaala Samhaarar and so on.
That is the form, on the rear / western wall, in which we
find the outlines of a Linga, within which is sculpted
another figure, whose head and feet are not seen. Below is
a Varaha form and above is the Hansa form. Who is this
'Lingodbhavar'? (In some temples, this spot may be
occupied by a statue of Maha Vishnu). Whenever and
wherever, Sri Rudra Abhishekam is done, by pouring oblations over a Siva Linga statue,
traditionally, the following sloka is chanted: Copyrights reserved Kanchi Periva Forum www.periva.proboards.com & www.periva.org Page 6 of 35
apathala nabhah sthalaantha buvana brhmaanda maavispurath

jyothih spaatika linga mouli vilasath poornendu vantamruthai :
asthokaplutham ekam asam anisam rudranuvakan japan
dyaayeth eepsitha siddhaye (a)druthapadam vipro bhishincheth sivam
The sloka says, that we should do 'abhishekam', to the brilliant 'Spatika Linga', that is spread
from the nether worlds to limitless expanse of the skies. Spatika is a naturally occuring crystal.
Crystal has no colour. Whatever is kept behind it, it will reflect that colour. It is spotless. If you
keep a green leaf behind it, the whole Linga will seem green. Same with a red flower. It is as
though reflecting our mental make up. It is transparent, pure, open as the primordial thing.
As said in the sloka, on its head is 'poornendu', meaning, total full
moon. When Siva is in 'sakala roopa', with all body parts, then He
has a thick matted hair, known as 'Jadha'. Then He has the Ganga
river and the third night sliver of the crescent perched on the
jadha. Then He is known as 'Chandramouli'. But when He is,
'nishkala tattva' as a Linga, without any form, He has the full moon
on his head, from which the nectar of Amruta flows. Yogis,
meditate on the 'effulgent light', in the thousand petalled lotus, in
the Chandra Mandala, in the peak of their head. Jyotir Linga is
representative of the entire cosmos. Abhishekam to the Linga is
paying obeisance to the whole orderly, harmonious, systematic
universe. The above sloka says all this.
All the 'Brhmaanda', or cosmic egg, is Siva Linga, says Sri Rudram. Sri Rudram says, that
everything in the universe, good and bad, is the form of Siva. Why is the Lingam spherical? For a
sphere, there is no head or tail; no start or end. Lingam shows that Sivam is without an origin or
finish. Instead of being a perfect sphere, it is ellipsoidal. The universe is also ellipsoidal. The
Solar system collectively and all the planets in it individually are all similarly ellipsoidal! When
the sloka says 'Brhmandam aavispurath', it is borne out to be true, by modern science of
Astronomy.
We think of some relative and feel happy. The happiness is greater when you see the person.
Similarly, if Siva comes in a recognizable form, it will be more thrilling. Only Gnanis can
understand the formless form of the Almighty God. Common people would rather prefer even
the primordial truth in some form. That is why, instead of being the shapeless shape of Siva
Linga, He shows the 'Lingodbhava Murthy', within the Linga! Even here, He has no top or
bottom, no start or end!
He stood as an effulgent light, of enormous immesureable proportions, on Siva Rathri night, as
Jyotirlinga, extending beyond the skies, in all directions. Vishnu, went down in to the Earth,
looking for the lower end of the phenomenon, as Varaha, the digger. (The boar has this
capability to dig deep, looking for roots.) Brahma, flew up looking for the top of the head of the
Jyotirlinga, in the form of a Swan or Hansa. Neither of them could reach the end. The Swan
came back and bluffed. As per belief, this is the reason that there is no Temple for Brhma the
Creator!
The idea behind Vishnu and Brhma, not finding the ends, is not to decry their capabilities, but
to indicate that the "formless is limitless". This is also to indicate that, what could not be traced
by Brhma and Vishnu, cannot be approached by 'pride and prejudice'!
But that formless, limitless Siva is easily pleased. One of His names is 'Aasutosh', meaning,easily
satisfied. On the night of 'Maha Siva Rathri', let us think deeply, repeatedly, that we are in Him!
Original article in Tamil : http://www.kamakoti.org/tamil/part1kurall43.htm
Easwaran - Deivathin kural Volume 1

Gnani or a man of self awareness, does not see anything other than the Self or Athma or God. He knows
and is aware that it is one Being, that is seen as many. One Self appearing as all. He discards the outer
appearances as Maya and sees only the inner Being and is in Bliss for that reason. Since the apparent
world is Maya, he has nothing to do with the world. For him the Seer, Seen and Seeing; is all One, and so
has no job or work or duty. The Upanishads say that He is himself Brhmam.
Brhmam has no work to perform. But those who are deluded
by the Maya, think of the world as real, and pray to Easwara,
for success in their endevours. When the prayer is made with a
good mind, for good jobs, Easwara gets them done. This
means that, Easwara is not one without job. Even if we do not
pray to Him, Easwara conducts the affairs of the Universe in an
orderly manner and feeds all the life forms.
So, should we say that the Action-less Brhmam is different
from Actionful Easwara? No. Gnanis Brhmam is the same as
Agnanis Easwara, who manages the entire Universe.
Sivas Dakshinamoorthy form indicates the Brhma stage. There
is no work there. Only silence. The same Siva has done all the
works. He is Dancing in Chidambaram. Chidambaram is not
only a place in Tamil Nadu, but also the Chid-Ambaram, ie., the minds of all the people.
He comes as the beautiful Bikshanana to Tharuka Vana and enamours all the wives of the Rishis. In
Daksha Yagnya, He knocks out Surya, with an uppercut to the jaws and breaks all his teeth. He drinks the
Alahala Poison, in the battle of Devas and Asuras and becomes Neelakant, by stopping the poison in the
throat.
Swami ever remains hidden as Brhma, and does all the work as Easwara. Common folks are swimming in
the ocean of life. On the other side Gnanis are standing in the fields. In between, is the high mound of
the border of the ocean.
Gnanis do not see the world. Swami is also known as the Thatastha, the via-media. He knows the
world, people in the world and the gnanis. He can tell the gnanis to lift the swimming mass, from the
morass of worldly involvement and bring them ashore.
Though Swami knows all to be oneself, he plays around with the
people who think of themselves as different from Him. There is a
beautiful poem by Sri Neelakanta Deekchidar, known as,
Sivaleelarnava. Let me give you its meaning. You all know that Lord
Parameswara came as a casual labourer and carried mud in
exchange for Pittu, a sweet-meat as wages, when the Vaigai river
was in spate and the river banks were broken. He purposefully
malingered and
The Pandya King supervising the work, punished this labourer, by
beating with the cane, resulting in all the living forms, feeling the
pain and have marks on their backs. By this God had revealed His all
pervasiveness! The Poet says, It is alright that you revealed your allpervasiveness. But tell me, is that only applicable for getting beaten
up? You ate up the sweet pittu. Why did not all the life forms get
an opportunity to partake in that pleasure?
What happens to the principle of Oneness, when there are two different rules; one when you are happy
and another for sharing your pains?
Swami is the inner static being. He is the outer dynamic force. He is said to have five duties known as,
pancha-krutyam, or five fold jobs. You all know, the three, namely, creation, maintenance and
destruction. All these three are of , the Maya, or apparent condition only. The fourth one is called as
thirodanam, or hiding. That is, hiding the fact of reality. Hiding Maya, from being known as unreal!
The fifth one is the process of relieving us from the unreal Maya. That is Anugraham, meaning
compassionate blessings. Without this anugraham, we can never be relieved of the delusion of Maya.
To pray for this compassion, believing Him to be kind-hearted and to love him with a melting heart is
devotion or Bakthi!
Original Tamil version: http://www.kamakoti.org/tamil/part1kurall06.htm
Greatness of Siva Naama & His grace - Deivathin kural Volume 3

If Sivas name is extolled in Siva Purana-s, Aagama-s, Tevaaram-s and such Saivite oriented scriptures, it
is only to be expected and nothing special. But, when Vaishnavite scriptures do so, then it is something
to be noted. Similarly, if an ardent devotee of Vishnu talks about the power of Sivas Grace, then it is to
be given serious attention! Sivas Grace and His Name have plenty of the above two attributes.
Bhagawatam came into being with the purpose of establishing the superlative importance of Vishnus
exploits, power and message. In the middle of Bhagawatam is the story of Dakshayani. In it through Her
words, the value of the Name of Siva, has been explained by the author Suka Acharyal. He is Brhma
Swaroopam, known as Sukabrhmam. His words have special value as the all knowing repository of
knowledge in almost all the Purana-s. Then, the one extolling the values of the Name of Siva is
Dakshayani Herself, the wife of Siva! Then, it is worth the while to note the context in which she praises
the Siva Nama!
She came there because, it was Her Father who was conducting a
great Yaaga. She came uninvited. She was Dakshayani, a name
derived from the fact that she was Daksha Prajapathis daughter.
Actually Her name was Sati. That was previous to Her being born
as Himavans daughter named Parvathy. Parameswara Her
husband told Her, It is better not to go there, as you are
uninvited! Without listening to Her husbands advice, She came
there, because of Her being Daksha Prajapathis daughter.
Parameswara lived the life of a recluse, neither respecting nor

disrespecting others! Daksha was one of the Brhma Putra-s as a
Prajapathi, who is a head of peoples clans. He always had much
pride of office, authority and position. He always looked forward
to people extending him much respect. People also did so.
Siva was a different type of being, who did not display much of respect for Daksha or anyone else for
that matter. Somehow, obedient to Brhmas words Daksha got the marriage of his daughter done and
sent her to Kailasa. The father daughter relationship was cut off since then. It was Her nostalgia for her
childhood home and relatives that was possibly the cause of her coming uninvited, despite Her
husbands advice, not to go! Having invited 330 millions of Devata-s, Daksha did not invite his daughter
and son-in-law that is Siva!
Having arrived, once She saw all the invited guests, the fact of Her Husband Siva not being invited, hurt
Her the most! This maha pativrata (woman who is truly faithful to her wedded husband) was completely
shattered. The recurrent thought in Her mind was one of repentance for having committed the mistake
of visiting. Then, not only that Her Father did not welcome Her, he started talking ill of his son-in-law!
She could just not control her sorrow or anger!
She thought, Should I go away from here? If so, go where? Should I go to Kailas, my Husbands place?
There can be no better place than that for a wife! O K. Then why dont you go there? If, by chance if, He
were to say, Despite my warning, you have gone there and earned fat lot of disrespect! Now, why do
you come here?, then what will I do? Is this the thought? No, no. He is the very embodiment of Love.
He is compassion personified. He will not ask such questions. It is my mind that will raise these questions
and accuse me.
One more thing. In future when He is playing around with me, even if He
inadvertently happens to call me Dakshayani, that is enough! Do I need
any more punishment? It is a name that I have inherited for being the
daughter of someone who talks ill of Siva. There is no bigger punishment
than to continue to carry the burden of that name! Better than this is to
give up this body, which is due to him, who is Anti-Siva! Let this body be
destroyed. I thought of where to go. Now I have the answer. Let us leave
this body and go back to Siva and merge in Him without a second!
Near the Yagna Kundam (dug out place for the purpose of lighting the
fire of oblation), She sat with these thoughts and got herself sublimated,
says the Bhagawatam. Other Siva Aagamaa-s and Puraanaa-s, talk of her
jumping into the Yagna Kundam and immolating Herself. Before such self
immolation, in Bhagawatam, there is a description of what she told Her
Father Daksha, in praise of Her Husband Siva! This is the Siva Nama
Mahima, that I have mentioned in the title for to-days talk.
The Glory of Paramasiva

Sri Maha Periva performed the special Shivaratri pujas on February 23, 1952 at Naagangudi and gave the
following talk to the devotees on the glory of Paramasiva:
The ghee when melted has no colour. When it is cooled it acquires a colour. Sastras say that Siva has
no form. But when He is cooled by the intensity of devotion shown to Him by His devotees, He takes a
form to redeem His devotees. He takes different forms and protects us. Though He has not taken
avatars like Vishnu, He captures the hearts of devotees by His several charming forms.
The Lord takes the form of Bhikshandar with no jewels on and with natural beauty. He appears as the
handsome Sundareswarar. He also appears as the Bhairavamurthi who removes the fear of those who
have fear. It is the same Lord who appears as the brave Veerabhadra. To give the Devas the happiness
they desired, He dances as Nataraja in Chitsabha.
Above all, in the Dakshinamurthi form He gives the ultimate knowledge through His silence to Sanaka
and other rishis. Like this, Paramasiva has taken sixty two forms. He is Sarvesvara who is Brahma when
creating the world, Vishnu when protecting it and Siva when destroying it and absorbing it into Himself.
Of the three Murthis we have to think that Parameswara is the most compassionate. Brahma, the
creator does not need to be compassionate. He is not at fault even if he does not create. Vishnu gives
the people happiness and sorrow according to their sins and punya. But Paramasiva gives everyone a
little rest from this samsara whether they are saints or sinners during the time of Pralaya. Hence He is
the ocean of compassion and grace.
Even the first of the Vaishnava Azhwars has sung in praise of Siva as
Mukkannappa (Lord with three eyes). Thayumanavar appeals to the
Lord as Ammayappa (One who is both mother and father). Shivaratri
is the day to celebrate Siva who is compassionate and is the refuge of
all beings. Even though He is formless, in response to the prayers of
His devotees, He assumed the form of a Lingam which is neither a form
in the real sense nor is it formless.
The midnight when the Lord who is without a beginning took
Viswaroopam as Lingothbava is Shivaratri. Brahma who went up as a
swan to see the head and Vishnu who took the form of a boar and
went down to the netherworld in search of His feet could not see the
whole form. This form can be seen in all Siva temples in the rear of the
sanctum sanctorum installed facing west. The swan is seen looking up
and the boar looking down.
This holy day when the Lord came out as Lingam from the Jyothi form and then attained a beautiful
form is good for meditation and prayers. Paramasiva took this form at midnight. We should fast the
whole day, avoid sleep, chant His name and pray to His form in temples in memory of His having
manifested as Lingam in response to the love of the devotees.
We have to meditate on Siva every day and especially on Shivaratri and be the recipients of His
blessings.
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Shivaratri Puja Procedure

Fasting on Shivratri
Most people fast for the entire day. But if you are unable to keep fast for 24-hours, then you
can always opt for a single vegetarian diet or fruit or juice diet.
Time of Prayer during Shivratri

The entire day is dedicated to Lord Shiva. So you can start the prayers from the morning by
visiting a Shiva temple. Most Shiva devotees start the prayers in the evening after 20:00 hrs and
continue till 04:00 hrs in the morning. The reason is that Lord Shiva is believed to have
appeared during this period in a form that the human eye can accommodate.
First, before starting puja, chant Sankalpam for Shiva puja. In Sankalpam, the place, gothra,
nama, tithi, vara, nakshatra, and some other details are chanted in mantra form. You can also
just say your name and gothra if you not much aware of Sankalpa mantra.
Start puja with Ganesh Puja. Chant some simple mantras of Lord Ganesh and pray for
destruction of obstacles during Shiva Puja.
The third step is Gauri Puja. Take approximately 5 gms of turmeric (haldi) powder and make it
like a cone shaped structure and consider it as Goddess Gauri and chant simple prayer to Gauri
or Parvati. (Some devotees skip Gauri Puja). Nandishwara Puja, Veerabhadra Puja, Kartikeya
Pooja, Kubera Pooja, Keerthimukha puja, and Sarpa Puja are optional.
Now, the main Shivapuja begins with Dhyanam.
Think of Lord Shiva and pray to Him with akshata.
As the first step, Lord Shiva is offered Shuddodaka Snanam (bath with gangajal or
sanctified water)
Panchamrita snan is performed as the next step. (bath with milk, ghee, curd, honey and
coconut water)
Shuddodaka Snanam is performed again
Jalabhishekam (pour water on linga drop by drop) is
observed.
Yagnopaveetham is worn (especially in South Indian
puja procedure)
Offer Bhasma (vibhooti), Gandha (sandalwood
paste), and Kumkum to Shivalinga. Sprinkle akshata
on the Lord
Flower garland is offered to the deity
Bilva Puja is performed while chanting Bilvasktakam.
Dhoop or agarbatti or incense sticks are lit and dhoopam is given to Shivalinga
Light a lamp or deepa.
Shiva Aarti is chanted
Aatma Pradakshina (self circumambulation) is performed as the last step. This marks the
end of simple Shivaratri Puja.
Those who are inclined to perform a detailed and elaborate Puja, can download the below
document for their reference. Please note however that this should have been learnt from an
appropriate Guru to avoid any unintentional negative effects in pronounciation or
performance:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwuDCferB6sJaURTUVdNWWUzdDQ/edit?usp=sharing
Shivratri Prayers
Apart from fasting and keeping vigil at night, Hindu devotees also chant sacred prayers and
mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri night. In fact these slokas can be chanted on
a daily basis. Some of the Holy slokas recommended for Maha Shivaratri are given below.
Bilvashtakam
(The leaves of Bilwa(Aegle marmelos), which has multiple
leaves, with each leaf consisting of three leaves is very dear
to Lord Shiva.
Offering this leaf to Lord Shiva pleases him especially on the

Shivaratri .There are several stories how people got
salvation by offering one Bilwa leaf to Lord Shiva.)
Tridalam trigunakaaram trinethram cha triyayusham,
Trijanma papa samharam Eka bilwam shivarpanam. 1
I offer one leaf of Bilwa to Lord Shiva, Which has three leaves, Which causes three
qualities,Which are like the three eyes of Shiva, Which is like the triad of weapons,
And which destroys sins of three births.
Trishakhai bilwapathraischa hyachidrai komalai shubai,
Shiva poojam karishyami , Eka bilwam shivarpanam. 2
I offer one leaf of Bilwa to Lord Shiva, Which has three shoots, Which do not have holes,
Which are good and pretty, And worship Lord Shiva.
Aganda bilwa pathrena poojithe nandikeshware,
Shudhyanthi sarva papebhyo , Eka bilwam shivarpanam. 3
I offer one leaf of Bilwa to Lord Shiva, For if an uncut leaf is offered, To his steed the god Nandi,
We get cleaned of all our sins.
Salagrama shilamekaam vipranam jatha cha arpayeth,
Soma yagna maha punyam, Eka bilwam shivarpanam. 4
I offer one leaf of Bilwa to Lord Shiva, For it is equal to, offering a saligrama to a Brahmin,
Or the great blessing got out of performing Soma Yaga.
Dandi koti sahasrani vajapeya sathani cha,
Koti kanya maha danam, Eka bilwam shivarpanam. 5

I offer one leaf of Bilwa to Lord Shiva, For it is equal to gifting thousand elephants, Or the
performing of hundred fire sacrifices, Or giving away billions of girls (kanya-daanam).
Lakshmyasthanutha uthpannam mahadevasya cha priyam,
Bilwa vruksham prayachami, Eka bilwam shivarpanam. 6
I offer one leaf of Bilwa to Lord Shiva , For it is equal to giving a tree of Bilwa, Which was born
from the breast of Lakshmi, And which is very dear to the Lord Shiva.
Darshanam bilwa vrukshasya, sparsanam papa nasanam,
Aghora papa samharam, Eka bilwam shivarpanam. 7
I offer one leaf of Bilwa to Lord Shiva, As seeing and
touching of a tree of Bilwa, Washes away ones sins and
also ,Very great sins.
Kasi kshethra nivasam cha kala bhairava darshanam,
Prayaga madhavam drushtwa, Eka bilwam shivarpanam. 8
I offer one leaf of Bilwa to Lord Shiva, After living in the city of Kasi, Seeing the Kala Bhairawa,
And also visiting the temple Of Madhawa in Allahabad.
Moolatho brahma roopaya , madhyatho Vishnu roopini
Agratha shiva roopaya , Eka bilwam shivarpanam 9
I offer one leaf of Bilwa to Lord Shiva, As Brahma resides at its bottom, Lord Vishnu lives in its
middle, And Lord Shiva lives in its tip.
Bilwashtakam idham punyaam, padeth shiva sannidhou,
Sarva papa nirmuktha Shiva loka maapnuyath. 10
Reading this holy octet of Bilwa, In the presence of Lord Shiva, Would save one from all sins,
And in the end take him to the world of Shiva.
Shiva Panchakshara stotram

Shiva is the destroyer among the trinity and is worshipped as their main deity by millions of
Hindus. The holy word chant to worship him is made of five letters and is popularly called
Panchakshara- Na Ma Si Va ya. In this popular stotra each of these letters is considered as him
and he is praised for his great qualities.)
Nagendra haraya Trilochanaya, Basmanga ragaya maheswaraya,

Nithyaya shudhaya digambaraya, Tasmai nakaraya namashivaya. 1
My salutations to the letter Na , which is Shiva, Who wears as garland the king of snakes.
Who has three eyes, Who wears ash all over Him, Who is the greatest Lord, Who is forever,
Who is the cleanest, And who wears the directions themselves as dress
Mandakini salila chandana charchithaya, Nandeeswara pramadha nadha maheswaraya,
Mandra pushpa bahu pushpa supoojithaya, Tasmai makaraya namashivaya. 2
My salutations to the letter Ma , which is Shiva, Who is bathed by waters of ganges, Who
applies sandal paste all over him, Who has Lord Nandi as his chiefton, Who is the greatest lord,
And who is worshipped by Mandhara and many other flowers.
Shivaaya gowri vadanara vinda, Sooryaya daksha dwara naasakaya,
Sri neela kantaya vrisha dwajaya, Tasmai sikaraya namashivaya. 3
My salutations to the letter Si , which is Shiva, Who is peace
personified, Who is like Sun to the Lotus face of Gowri, Who
destroyed the fire sacrifice of Daksha, Who has a blue neck,
And who has a bull in his flag.
Vasishta kumbhodhbhava gowthamadhi. Munendra devarchitha
shekaraya,
Chandrarka vaiswanara lochanaya, Tasmai vakaraya namashivaya.
4
My salutations to the letter Va , which is Shiva, Who is worshipped by great sages like,
Vasishta, Agasthya and Gowthama , As also the devas, And who has sun , moon and fire as his
three eyes.
Yaksha swaroopaya jada dharaya, Pinaka hasthathaya sanathanaya,
Divyaya devaaya digambaraya, Tasmai yakaraya namashivaya. 5
My salutations to the letter Ya , which is Shiva, Who takes the form of Yaksha, Who has a
tufted hair, Who is armed with spear, Who is forever filled with peace, Who is godly, Who is the
great God, And who wears the directions themselves as dress.
Phalasruthi
Panchaksharamidham punyam, Ya padeth Shiva sannidhou,
Shivaloka maapnothi, Shive na saha modathe.
Those who read these holy five letters great, In the temple of Shiva, Would go to the world of
Shiva, And be forever happy with Him.
Lingashtakam
Brahma Murari Sura architha Lingam, Nirmala bashitha Shobitha Lingam,
Janmaja dukha vinasaka lingam. That pranamami sada shiva lingam.
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu
and other Devas, Which is pure and resplendent, And which destroys sorrows of birth.
Deva Murari pravarchitha Lingam, Kama dahana Karunakara lingam,
Ravana darpa vinashana lingam, That pranamami sad shiva lingam.
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is worshipped by great sages and
devas, Which destroyed the god of love, Which showers mercy, And which destroyed the pride
of Ravana.
Sarva sukandhi sulepitha lingam, Budhi vivarthana karana lingam,
Siddha surasura vandhitha lingam, That pranamami sada shiva
lingam.
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is
anointed by perfumes, Which leads to growth of wisdom, And
which is worshipped by sages, devas and asuras.
Kanaka mahamani bhooshitha lingam, Panipathi veshtitha
shobitha lingam,
Daksha suyagna vinasana lingam, That pranamami sada shiva
lingam.
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is
ornamented by gold and great jewels, Which shines with the snake being with it, And which
destroyed the Yagna of Daksha.
Kunkuma chandana lepitha lingam, Pankaja hara sushobitha lingam,
Sanchitha papa vinasana lingam, That pranamami sada shiva lingam.
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is adorned by sandal paste and
saffron, Which wears the garland of lotus flowers, And which can destroy accumulated sins.
Deva Ganarchitha sevitha lingam, Bhavair bakthi pravesa lingam,
Dinakara koti prabhakara lingam, That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is served by gods and other beings,
Which is the doorway for devotion and good thought, And which shines like billions of Suns.
Ashta dalopari veshtitha lingam, Sarva samudbhava karana lingam,
Ashta daridra vinasana lingam, That pranamami sada shiva lingam.
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva, Which is surrounded by eight petals,
Which is the prime reason of all riches, And which
destroys eight types of poverty.
Suraguru sura vara poojitha Lingam, Sura vana pushpa
sadarchitha lingam,
Parathparam paramathmaka lingam, That pranamai
sada shiva lingam.
I bow before that Lingam, which is the eternal Shiva,
Which is worshipped by the teacher of gods, Which is
worshipped by the best of gods, Which is always
worshipped by the flowers,
From the garden of Gods, Which is the eternal abode,
And which is the ultimate truth.
Lingashtakam, Idam Punyam padeth Shiva Sannidhow,
Shivalokam avapnothi shive na sahamodathe.
Any one who chants the holy octet of the Lingam, In the holy presence of Lord Shiva, Would in
the end reach the world of Shiva, And keep him company.
Dwaadasa (12) Jyotirlingams in India

The following slogam explains the twelve points in India where the Jyotir Lingams are situated
Saurashtre Somanaatham Cha Sree Saile Mallikarjunam
Ujjayinyaam Mahaakaalam Omkaare Mamaleswaram
Himalaye to Kedaram Daakinyaam Bhimashankaram
Vaaranaasyaam cha Viswesam Trayambakam Gowtameethate
Paralyaam Vaidyanaatham cha Naagesam Daarukaavane
Setubandhe Ramesham Grushnesam cha Shivaalaye ||
Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram - the southernmost of the Jyotirlingas
Rameshwaram is an island situated in the gulf of manner at the very tip of the Indian peninsula.
A very important pilgrim centre of the Indians. Rameshwaram is the place from where Lord
Rama, built a bridge across the sea to rescue his consort Sita, from her abductor, Ravana.
This is also the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of killing
Ravana. Both the Vaishnavites and Shaivites visit this pilgrimage which is known as the Varanasi
the south.
Ramnathswamy temple was built in the 17th century. Situated close to the sea on the eastern
side of the island, this temple is famous for its 1200 gigantic granite columns. The 54 metre tall
gopuram (gate-tower), 1220 metres of magnificent corridors and the flamboyant columns
embellish and render fame to the temple. The water in each of the 22 sacred wells in the
temple tastes different.100 metres away from the temple is Agnitheertham, where Rama
worshipped Lord Shiva, to absolve himself from the killing Ravana.
Gandamadana Parvatham:
The imprint of Lord Rama's feet placed on a
Chakra (wheel) is found in this shrine which is at
the highest point on the island at 2 km from
Rameswaram.
Dhanushkodi named after Rama's bow, is at the
eastern end of the island at a distance of 8 kms
from Rameshwaram. The boulders around the sea
between Srilanka and this place known as Adam's
bridge, are believed to be used by Hanuman to
reach across Srilanka.
Dhhanushkodi was completely destroyed by the cyclones of 1964. Kothandaramaswamy temple
is the only salvage of the cyclone. Idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishana
(brother of Ravana), surrendered to Rama, here.
Srisailam
Srisailam - also one of the 52 Shakthi Peethams - where Sivananda Lahari was sung
Sree Sailam near Kurnool enshrines Mallikarjuna in an ancient temple rich in architectural and
sculptural wealth. Adi Sankaracharya composed his Sivanandalahiri here.
Located admist the Nallamalai forests on a height of 457 mt on the southern banks of river
Krishna in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is Srisailam also known as Sriparvata, home of the
'Chechu' tribes. Srisailam boasts of India's largest tiger reserve, home to tigers, leopards,
pangolins, panthers and around 200 species of birds and is spread over an area of 3,560 sq.
kms.
The temple situated here is dedicated to Lord Shiva
and is among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The
temple sculptures narrate in stone, epics from thre
great Hindu epics-Ramayana nand Mahabharata.
Srisailam is well connected by APSRTC bus services.
The nearest railway station to Srisailam is
Markapur Road.Sri Sailam Devasthanam provides
accommodation for their pilgrims at their cottages
and choultries.
Bhimashankar
Bhimashankar - the birth place of the river Bhima
Situated on a high peak, surrounded by thick
dense forests, is a major pilgrim centre called
Bhimashankar. The place has got its name
because of the origin of Bhima, a prominent
river in Maharashtra. Near the origin of the
river, Bhimashankar houses one of the five
'Jyotirlinga' of Maharashtra. The annual
Mahashivaratri fair is held in Bhimashankar in
February-March and attracts upto 25,000
pilgrims.
Countless devotees from all over Maharashtra and from places outside the state, flock near the
temple during 'Tripuri Poornima'. Bhimashankar is more popular as a tourist place than a
religious one due to its extravagant beauty and breathtaking scenery. This place is situated at a
height of approximately 3250 feet resulting in chilly weather. Being at the edge of the mountain
range, the place gives a clear view of the surrounding areas. The thick and dense forests are a
major attraction for trekkers and mountaineers as well as tourists.
The 'Shani temple' is located inside the main complex of the temple of Bhimashankar. Between
the two pillars outside the 'Shani' temple, one comes across an ancient huge Portuguese bell.
Behind the temple, there is a small pathway that leads us to the banks of a river. The dense
forest of the Bhimashankar Wild Life Sanctuary, plays abode to most of the flora and fauna. To
name a few, there are boars, sambars, hyenas, porcupines and even the leopards. The plant life
includes anything and everything from mangoes to spices.
After a short climb to the west of the temple, one comes across a peak termed the 'Nagfani'.
The height of all these peaks is approximately 2750 feet above sea level. The peaks reveal a
beautiful picture of all the forts and hill-stations like Matheran and even small lakes.
Two routes lead to Bhimashankar from Khandas that meet at a plateau. The Koli village is
situated on the plateau. The route to Bhimashankar begins from this village. One comes across
the Pune-Bhimashankar road nearby. The first route is the tar route of a distance of 2
kilometres. This route though longer, is less difficult than the second one. The second route is
shorter but much steeper and climbs straight out to Koli village.
This place is at a distance of 265 kilometres from Mumbai via Pune by road. The nearest airport
is the Pune Airport which is at a distance of 95 kilometres from Bhimashankar. The nearest rail
route is from Pune too.
Bhimashankar is situated around 260 kms and 7 hours drive from Mumbai. You could drive upto
Bhivandi along Mumbai-Agra (Highway No.3), and then via Kalyan to Murbad. You have to take
the road that goes to Wada to reach Bhimashankar.
The route takes you through the fast moving highway traffic where you need to be extra careful
while driving. The forest road has lesser traffic and driving along this road is an experience to
cherish.
Grishneshwar
Grishneshwar - near Ellora
Grishneshwar also known as Ghushmeshwar is

another site revered as the abode of one of the
12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. It is located at a distance
of 11 km from Daulatabad near Aurangabad in
Maharashtra. The temple was constructed by
Ahilyabhai Holkar who also re-constructed the
Kasi Viswanatha temple at Benares and the
Vishnu Paada temple at Gaya.
There has to be legend associated with every
temple. This one too is no exception. There was once a devout woman Kusuma who was an
ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and she regularly immersed a Shivalingam in a tank, as a part of
her daily ritual worship. Her husband's first wife, envious of her piety and standing in society
murdered Kusuma's son in cold blood. An aggrieved Kusuma continued her ritual worship, and
when she immersed the Shivalingam again in the tank, her son was miraculously restored to
life. Shiva is said to have appeared in front of her and the villagers, and ever since then the
shivalingam here has been worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlinga Ghusmeshwar.
Tryambakeshwar
Tryambakeshwar - the birth place of river Godavari
Tryambakeshwar, 30 km from Nasik in Maharashtra
is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of
Shiva. It is here that the river Godavari is born. This is
an ancient shrine, but what you see today is thanks
to the reconstruction efforts undertaken by the
Peshwa Balaji Bajirao in mid 18th century. The other
Jyotirlinga shrines in Maharashtra are Bhimashankar
and Grishneshwar.
Legend has it that sage Gowtama resided on the
Brahmagiri hill here with his wife Ahalya, and seeing
his unflinching devotion received a boon from
Varuna - a bottomless pit from which he received an inexhaustible supply of foodgrains. This of
course enraged other sages who conspired for a cow to enter his granary, and caused it to die
as Gowtama attempted to ward it off with a bunch of Darbha grass. Because of this misfortune
Gowtama therefore worshipped Shiva, to invoke the Goddess Ganga down to his hermitage to
purify the premises. Ganga came down as Godavari, and Shiva took up an abode here in the
form of Tryambaka. Interestingly, locals refer to the river here as Ganga and not as Godavari.
Legend has it that Brahma and Vishnu searched in vain to discover the origin of Shiva who
manifested himself as a cosmic column of fire. Brahma lied that he had seen the top of the
column of fire, and was hence cursed that he would not be worshipped on earth. In turn
Brahma cursed Shiva that he would be pushed underground. Accordingly, Shiva came down
under the Brahmagiri hill in the form of Tryambakeshwar. The shrine enjoyed the patronage of
the Peshwas.
The Nagara style of architecture is what typifies this temple made of black stone. It is enclosed
in a spacious courtyard and the sanctum (internally a square and externally a stellar structure)
houses a small Shivalingam - Tryambaka. The sanctum is crowned with a graceful tower ,a giant
amalaka and a golden kalasha.
In front of the garbagriha and the antarala is a mandap with doors on all four sides. Three out
of the four doorways are covered with porches, and the openings of these porches are
ornamented with pillars and arches. The roof of the mandapam is formed by curvilinear slabs
rising in steps. The entire structure is ornamented with sculptural work featuring running
scrolls, floral designs, figures of gods, yakshas, humans and animals. The Shivalingam is seen in
a depression on the floor of the sanctum with water constantly oozing out from the top of the
Shivalingam. Usually, the Shivalingam is covered with a silver mask, and on festive occasions
with a golden mask with five faces, each with a golden crown. The silver mask is equivalent to
the processional images seen in South Indian temples.
Kolhambika is a temple dedicated to Parvati, where she is believed to have slain the demon
Kolhasura who had swallowed the Ganga river. Also here is the Ganga Devi temple enshrining a
white marble image of Ganga. This temple was built in 1879. Other shrines here include those
to Kedarnath, Rameshwar, Gowtameshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, Jareshwar, Kanchaneshwar,
Tribhuvaneshwar, Rama, Parasurama, Krishna, Balaji, Lakshmi Narayan and Hanuman.
Three worship services are carried out each day. During the night worship service sheja-aarti is
carried out and the silver mask is placed in a bed in the hall of mirrors. Each Monday, the silver
mask of Tryambaka is placed in a palanquin and taken in procession to Kushavarta theertha and
given an abhisheka there. This procession with the special golden mask, happens also on Shiv
ratris, full moon day in the month of Kartika and during other festive occasions.
Somnath
Somnath - the first and foremost of the Jyotirlingas
Somnath is the foremost of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines of Shiva, held in reverence throughout
India imbued with legend, traditions and history.
It is located at Prabhas Patan in Saurashtra in
Gujarat.
It is a pilgrimage centre held in great reverence
throughout India. Situated 79 kilometres from
Junagadh and 25 kilometres from Chorwad, the
legendary shore temple of Somnath is one of the
twelve most sacred Shiva shrines in India.
According to the legend, Somnath is as old as
creation, built by none other than the Moon God
himself.
It is believed that he had built this temple with gold. Later it was built by Ravana in silver, then
Lord Krishna in wood and Bhima in stone. Legend has it that the Kalabhairava shivalinga at
Prabhasa was worshipped by the moon and hence, the Lord is called as Somnatha. The
Somnath temple also houses the remains of the ancient Sun temple.
Towards the east of the town is the Bhalka Teertha. This is where, Lord Krishna is believed to
have been injured by a tribal arrow. Somnath was destroyed and rebuilt several times.
Mehmud of Gazni having heard of its fabulous treasure, raided it in 1026 and carried away
camel loads of jewels and gold. Lunch is available here in the simple dining hall in the temple
compound, north of the main gate. One cannot get the cameras inside.
The temple is located by the beautiful blue waters of the Arabian Sea. The Somnath beach is a
fascinating sight. The fresh blue waters, humming waves and the cool sands, gives you a feeling
of having landed in a paradise. Nearby is the Prabhas Patan Museum, which houses the 11th
century version of the Somnath temple with 5 domes and many pillars.
Somath is located at a distance of 47 KMs from Keshod, an airport connected with Mumbai, and
is about 5 KMs from Veraval Railway Station.
Dwarka
Nageshwar - at Dwarka
Nageshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines of Shiva. It is
located between Dwarka and the Bet Dwarka island, on the
coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat.
Legend has it that once while rowing a boat, a devotee by
the name of Supriya, was attacked by a demon Daaruka,
and imprisoned him along with several others at his capital
Daarukaavana, where he resided with his wife Daaruki.
Once again, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a
Jyotirlingam and vanquished the demon with the
Paasupata Astram.
Two other sites in India, one near Audhgram near Purna in
Andhra Pradesh and another near Almora in Uttar Pradesh also enshrine temples to Nageswara
Jyotirlingam.
Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar & Amareshwar
Omkareshwar an island in the course of the river
Narmada in Madhya Pradesh is home to the
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga shrine and the Amareshwar
temple.
Omkareshwar located in Madhya Pradesh, on the
Mandhata hill on the banks of the Narmada is one of
the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is
located at a distance of about 12 miles from Mortakka. The river Narmada branches into two
and forms an island Mandhata or Shivapuri in the center. The shape of the island resembles
that of the visual representation of the Omkara sound, Om. There are two temples here, one to
Omkareshwar and one to Amareshwar.
Legend has it that the mountain called Vindhya once prayed to Lord Shiva - Omkareshwara and
was blessed here. Legend also has it that upon the request of the Devas, the Shivalinga split
into two, one half being Omkareshwara and the other Amaleshwara or Amareshwar. The
temple can be reached by ferry from the banks of the river.
The Omkareshwar temple built in the Nagara style is characterized by a lofty shikhara. There
are also shrines to Annapurna and Ganesha here.
Ujjain
Mahakaleshwar at Ujjain
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga's shrine in Ujjain is
an ancient and historic and was also called
Avanti in Madhya Pradesh.
Ujjain, a historic capital of Central India in
Madhya Pradesh is a venerated pilgrimage
centre enshrining Mahakaleshwara, one of the
Jyotirlinga manifestations of Shiva. It was
Ujjain that played a prominent role during the
reign of the Mauryas and the Guptas and it
was at Avanti the capital of Ujjain that Kind
Udayana married princess Vasavadatta. In fact the Skanda Purana describes the glory of Ujjain
(Mahakaala Vana) in great detail.
During King Vikramaditya Chandragupta, one of the Gupta kings' reign the nine gems
viz.,Dhanvantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasimha, Sanku, Vetala Bhatta, Ghatakharpara,
Varahamihira, Vararuchi and Kalidasa) adorned his court. Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar,
Benares, Kanchipuram, Dwarka and Ujjain are considered to be the 7 Mukti Stalas of India.
Ujjain is home to the Kumbha Mela, when Jupiter resides in the zodiac sign of Scorpio.
The Mahakaleshwar temple at Ujjain has five levels one of which is undergound. The temple
itself is located in a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls near a lake. The shikhara or
the spire is adorned with sculptural finery. Brass lamps light the way to the underground
sanctum. It is believed that prasada (holy offering) offered here to the deity can be re-offered
unlike all other shrines.
Legend has it that a demon by the name of Dushana tormented the residents of Avanti and that
Shiva appeared from the ground and vanquished the demon, and then upon the request of the
inhabitants of Avanti, took up permanent abode here as Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga. The

temple to Parvati - Harasiddhi Devi temple is also located at Ujjain.
Vaidhyanath
Vaidhyanath - a.k.a. Baijnath
The ancient pilgrimage town of Deogarh in the Santal Parganas area of Bihar is revered as one of the 12
Jyotirlingas of Shiva.
This shrine located at Deogarh in the Santal Parganas region of Bihar represents one of the 12
Jyotirlingams of Shiva held in reverence
throughout the country. Deogarh is also
known as Vaidyanath, Haritaki Vana, Ketaki
Vana, Ravana Vana, Chitabhoomi and
Hardapeetha. Some schools of thought believe
Vaidyanath near Parali in Andhra Pradesh to
be the Vaidyanatha Jyotirlingam. Some others
believe that Kiragram in Punjab and Dabhoi in
Gujarat are the Vaidyanatha Jyotirlinga
temples.
The legend of Vaidyanathan goes something
like this. The demon lord from the Ramayan, the devout Ravana meditated hard in order to
invoke Lord Shiva, and requested him to come over to Sri Lanka, in order that his capital may
become invincible. It is said that he attempted to lift the holy mountain, Lord Shiva's abode,
Mount Kailash and take it with him to his capital; however Shiva crushed him with his finger,
and Ravana prayed to him and sought his mercy, after which Shiva gave him one of the twelve
Jyotirlingams with the condition that if it was placed on the ground it would take root
immediately and hence Ravana had to carry it back on his trek to his capital. Varuna the God of
water, entered Ravana's belly, and caused him to feel the need to relieve himself.
Vishnu then came down in the form of a lad and volunteered to hold the Jyotirlingam as he
relieved himself. But before Ravana could return, the young lad placed the jyotirlingam on the
ground to which it became rooted. A disappointed Ravana offered severe penances to Shiva
here, and cut off nine of his heads as a part of his repentance. Shiva revived him and joined the
heads to the body, like a Vaidya or a physician, hence this Jyotirlingam goes by the name
Vaidyanath. The same legend holds at Gokarnam in Karnataka.
Another legend has it that this temple was re-discovered by a cowherd Baiju, and hence the
name Baijnath.
Vaidyanath is also considered to be one of the 52 Shakti Pitha shrines of Sati. It is believed that
the heart of Sati fell here, when her half burnt body being carried by Shiva at the end of
Daksha's yagna, was chopped to pieces by Vishnu's discus.
The temple of Vaidyanath is situated in a spacious courtyard bounded by stone walls. In the
temple complex are twenty two other temples. The Baijnath or Vaidyanath temple faces east.
The top of the Shiva Lingam is slightly broken, which is in keeping with the legend that it go
chipped when Ravana tried to uproot it. Near the temple is the Sivaganga lake. The
Chandrakoopa well, near the main entrance is said to have been built and consecrated with
water from several thirthams (thirthams meaning holy waters) by Ravana.
Varanasi
Varanasi - a.k.a. - Benares
The Vishwanath temple in Benares in Uttar Pradesh is the destination of thousands of pilgrims
that visit this ancient city. Probably the most famous site not just in India, but the world over,
the Vishwanath shrine is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.
Varanasi - Benares - Kaasi is considered to be the
holiest of all pilgrimage sites in India and in fact
people from all over the world come here to pay
obeisance. The name Varanasi is derived from the
names of two rivers, Varana and As and this holy
place is considered home to Shiva - Visweswara.
Benares is also known as Kaasi because it is
believed that Supreme brilliance shines there, and
lights the way to salvation (Kas - to shine). This
place is supposed to be God's favourite place and
hence the name Anandakanana but it is also
known as Mahamasaanam where the five
elements lie in this great cremation ground as will all dead bodies at the time of the final
deluge.
This temple was desecrated and rebuilt several times. The latest structure dating back to the
18th century (thanks to the efforts of Rani Ahilyabhai Holkar who incidentally was also
responsible for the building of the Grishneshwar temple in Aurangabad) is the main centre of
attention for the millions of pilgrims who converge here, to perform an abhishekam to the
sacred Jyotirlingam, with water from the Ganges. Benares is also considered to be one of the
Shakti Peethas of India. It is believed that the left hand of Sati fell at Varanasi, and that
Annapurna or Visalakshi represent the Shakti Peetham here.
Apart from these temples, there are five other sacred spots in Benares. The Asi-Ganga
sangamam a temple to the Sun God, a shrine to Kesava, the Panchaganga Ghat housing a
temple to Bindu - Madhava (where it is believed that five rivers Kirana, Ganga, Yamuna,
Saraswati and Dhuta-papa converge) and the Dasaswamedha Ghat where it is believed that the
ancient kings performed the aswamedha sacrifice ten times and took a dip in the Ganga. The
last of the sacred spots is the Manikarnika Ghat.
It is believed that when Shiva shook his head and his jeweled earring fell into the pit that Vishnu
had dug the name Manikarnika came into being. Tradition has it that those that die at Benares
and get cremated at the Manikarnika ghat, get liberated from the cycle of life and death.
Mention must be made of the modern shrine to Kaasi Viswanatha elsewhere in the city.
Shivaratri in the month of Aquarius is a season of great festivity at Benares.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath - the northernmost of the Jyotirlingas
Kedarnath, nestled in the snow clad Himalayas is an ancient shrine rich in legend and tradition.
It is accessible only on foot, six months in a year.
One of the most important temples in the Himalayas,
Kedarnath is amongst the major Shiva temples of the country.
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and
one of the Panch Kedars and is located at the source of the
river Mandakini.
According to mythology the deity of Kedarnath temple is
identified with the rump of a bull, a form assumed by Lord
Shiva, when eluding the Pandavas, who had come to repent for
killing their kith and kin, during the battle of Kurukshetra .
When the Pandavas followed him to the site, he dived into the
ground leaving behind him a hump on the surface. This conical
projection is worshipped as the idol in the temple.
The remaining parts of the body are worshipped at four other
sites - the arms (Bahu) at Tungnath, mouth (mukh) at Rudranath, navel (nabhi) at
Madmaheshwar and hair (jata) at Kalpeshwar. These five shrines collectively are known as the
Panch Kedar.
The Pandavas are given credit for building the temple of Kedarnath. The statue of Nandi, the
divine bull of Shiva, stands at the entrance of the temple. The wall inside the temple, is
exquisitely carved with images, and the temple houses a shiva lingam, which is worshipped by
hordes of pilgrims. What is truly unique about the lingam is that it is pyramidal.
As winter dawns in the month of November, the holy statue of Lord Shiva, is carried down from
Garhwal (Kedarkhand) to Ukhnimath, and is reinstated at Kedarnath, in the first week of May. It
is at this time, that the doors of the temple are thrown open to pilgrims, who flock from all
parts of India, for a holy pilgrimage.
Kedarnath is situated in very scenic locales and is enveloped by lofty, snow-covered mountains
and grassy meadows covering the valleys. The Kedar dome peak, which can be seen from great
distance, is located immediately behind the temple. The sight of the temple and it's perpetually
snowed landscape will take your breath away.
Kedarnath is situated at a distance of 234 Kms from Rishikesh and 251 Kms from Dehradun.
Best season is from May to October except Monsoon. Heavy Woollen Clothes would be
required if travel is undertaken in winter (September November)
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the following blogs and websites which contained a treasure of
information for compiling this Ebook on Maha Shivaratri.
1. http://kamakoti.org/
2. http://advaitham.blogspot.in/
3. http://www.hindupad.com/
4. http://www.vedarahasya.net/
5. Stotras translation - by Sri P R Ramachander
Jaya Jaya Shankara, Hara Hara Shankara!


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The Essence of Hindu Tradition and Culture

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Shivaratri Puja Procedure ........................................................................................................................... 17

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Shri Kanchi Maha Periva Thiruvadigal Saranam

Jaya Jaya Shankara, Hara Hara Shankara!

Maha Shivaratri - Overview

Observance of Maha Shivaratri and its significance

Austerities by way of day/night fasts and dedicated

Shri Maha Perivas discourses

apathala nabhah sthalaantha buvana brhmaanda maavispurath

Easwaran - Deivathin kural Volume 1

Original Tamil version: http://www.kamakoti.org/tamil/part1kurall06.htm

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Greatness of Siva Naama & His grace - Deivathin kural Volume 3

Parameswara lived the life of a recluse, neither respecting nor

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The Glory of Paramasiva

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Shivaratri Puja Procedure

Time of Prayer during Shivratri

Offering this leaf to Lord Shiva pleases him especially on the

Koti kanya maha danam, Eka bilwam shivarpanam. 5

Shiva Panchakshara stotram

Nagendra haraya Trilochanaya, Basmanga ragaya maheswaraya,

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Dinakara koti prabhakara lingam, That pranamami sada shiva lingam.

Dwaadasa (12) Jyotirlingams in India

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Grishneshwar also known as Ghushmeshwar is

inhabitants of Avanti, took up permanent abode here as Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga. The

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Jaya Jaya Shankara, Hara Hara Shankara!

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