Bhogi Pandaga Subhakanshalu

Draksharamam Temple - Andhra Pradesh, Bhimeswara Swamy Temple

Near the delta of the sacred Godavari River, in the northeastern costal regions of Andhra Pradesh, India, exists an ancient storehouse of Divine Energy, a timeless treasure known as Draksharamam Temple. The temple stands on hallowed land that has witnessed some of the most significant events in Sanatana Dharma (Hindu) faith. Today, Drākṣārāmam Temple enshrines the world’s largest svāyambhu (or self-born) Śiva Lingam and is one of the 18 Śaktī Peethas (or centers of divine feminine energy in the world). The Śiva lingam here is 14 feet tall and known as Śrī Bhīmeśwara Swāmi, which literally translated means the awe-inspiring form of Lord Śiva. His consort is the Goddess Śrī Māṇikyamba Devī, one the 18 Shakti Peethas in the world as recognized by Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, the great saint who lived in the 8 century CE that with unified the main branches of thought within Hinduism.

Drākṣhārāmam Shakti Peetham The history of this important pilgrimage place begins countless of years ago,in previous yugas (or ages), with the story of Lord Śiva and the human incarnation of the Divine Mother known as Satī Devī. At times the Divine Mother, Śakti, has taken birth as a human being to reunite with and marry Lord Śiva. Such was the case when Satī Devi was born into the family of a powerful but arrogant ruler,  Dakṣha Prajāpati. The Prajāpati despised Lord Śiva. But despite her father’s staunch disapproval, Satī Devī eventually married Lord Śiva. After their marriage, Dakṣha Prajapati traveled from North India to Drākṣhārāmam to perform a large yajnam, or fire ceremony, that has become known as Dakṣha Yajnam. Dakṣha invited the entire celestial realm, all of the Devatas (Gods) were invited, with the the exception of Lord Śiva and Satī Devī. In an attempt to convince her father to accept Lord Śiva as both her husband as well as a form of the Supreme Being, Satī Devī left Lord Śiva and attened Dakṣha’s Yajnam. Tragedy soon followed when the Prajāpati refused Satī Devī and her requests to welcome Lord Śiva. Dakṣha continued to insult the Lord and Satī Devī, until enraged Satī Devī was driven to end her human existence by self-immolation.

Upon witnessing this awful scene, the all-knowing Lord Śiva descended to earth and mourned the loss of his eternal Love, the complement of his own Self in human form, Satī .  Today, a portion of the remains of Goddess Satī still remain at Drākṣhāramam, and the other locations in the world where they are known as the Śaktī Pīthas.  It is worth noting that Drākṣhārāmam was earlier known as Dakṣhārāmam.

The portion of Satī Devī that exists in Dakṣaramam was installed by Lord Śiva.  Much later, about 1200 years ago, the Ādi Śaṅkarācārya visited this place and installed a powerful Śrī Chakra here in the shrine of the Goddess. This extremely powerful form of Divine Mother is known as Māṇikyamba Devī, and is one of the 18 recognized Śaktī Pīthas. Today the temple is under the shield of the Indian government’s archeological department.

Neighboring the Drakṣhārāmam Temple we can still see today the Dakṣha Prajāpati’s Homa Kunda (or sacrificial fire pit) where Satī Devī left her body. Now the homa kunda retains water and has become a small tank. An effigy of the Goddess Satī has been enshrined in the center and small temple exists adjacent to the homa kunda.

Śrī Bhīmeśhwara Swāmi – the largest svāyambhu lingam in the world.  Towering at 14 feet high and tunneling to unknown depths underground, Śrī Bhīmeśwara Swāmi is an awesome experience to behold.  The lingam was not carved or fashioned by any human hands, rather it is svāyambhu (or self born).  It is a sphaṭika (or crystal) lingam that now has an opaque hue from ages and ages of abhiṣhekam (bathing the lingam in various auspicious substances). It is one of the five Panchārāma Lingams, which literally means a Lingam of the ‘five pieces’. Each of these five Śiva lingams were originally a single, extremely powerful lingam that came from the ātma of Lord Śiva Himself.  As such, this lingam grants health, wealth, material needs and comforts to His devotees. And most importantly Śrī Bhīmeśwara Swami bestows mokṣha or spiritual illumination to the devout.

Budhanilkantha Temple Nepal- A Statue of Sleeping Vishnu

The Budhanilkantha statue of the Hindu god Vishnu, located approximately 10 kilometers from the center of Kathmandu at the base of the Shivapuri Hill, is the largest and most beautiful stone carving in all of Nepal. It is also the most enigmatic.

Carved from a single block of black basalt stone of unknown origin, the Budhanilkantha statue is 5 meters in length and it lies in a reclining position inside a recessed tank of water (representing the cosmic sea) that is 13 meters in length. Called the Sleeping Vishnu, or Jalakshayan Narayan, the statue depicts the deity reclining on the twisting coils of the cosmic serpent Shesha (Shesha is the eternal, multi-headed king of the serpent deities known as Nagas, and also is the servant of Vishnu). Vishnu’s legs are crossed and the eleven heads of Shesha cradle his head. Vishnu’s four hands hold objects that are symbols of his divine qualities: a chakra or disc (representing the mind), a conch-shell (the four elements), a lotus flower (the moving universe) and the club (primeval knowledge).

 Budhanilkantha literally means “old blue-throat’ and how it got that name is fascinating, as explained by the excellent Rough Guide to Nepal:

“Budhanilkatha’s name has been a source of endless confusion. It has nothing to do with the Buddha (budha means “old”, though that doesn’t stop Buddhist Newars – a particular sect of Nepalese Buddhists - from worshipping the image). The real puzzler is why Budhanilkantha (literally “Old Blue Throat”), a title which unquestionably refers to Shiva, has been attached here to Vishnu. The myth of Shiva’s blue throat, a favorite in Nepal, relates how the gods churned the ocean of existence and inadvertently unleashed a poison that threatened to destroy the world. They begged Shiva to save them from their blunder and he obliged by drinking the poison. His throat burning, the great god flew up to the range north of Kathmandu, struck the mountainside with his trident to create a lake, Gosainkund, and quenched his thirst – suffering no lasting ill effect except for a blue patch on his throat. The water in the Sleeping Vishnu’s tank is popularly believed to originate in Gosainkund, and Shaivas claim a reclining image of Shiva can be seen under the waters of the lake during the annual Shiva festival there in August, which perhaps explains the association. Local legend maintains that a mirror-like statue of Shiva lies on the statue’s underside.”

Two old stories offer differing explanations of the origin of the Budhanilkantha statue. One says that the statue was sculpted and brought (by devotees or forced labor) to its current location in Kathmandu during the reign of the seventh-century monarch Vishnugupta, who controlled the Kathmandu valley under the Licchavi king Bhimarjunadev.

An alternate legend relates that in times past a farmer and his wife occupied a farm in an (unspecified) area and while cultivating the land they struck the Deity. Immediately afterwards blood began to flow from the ground and thus the lost deity of Budhanilkantha was recovered and placed in its rightful position.

Whatever the actual source of the statue and the time of its creation, it is known that for much of its history it was considered a representation of Vishnu. This is understandable, given the fact that the main sect of Hinduism in Nepal was Vaishnavism, or the worship of Vishnu. At different times, however, for example in the 12th and 13th centuries of the Malla Dynasty, when Shiva became the most popular deity, the Budhanilkantha was not so revered.

In the late 14th century, the Malla king Jayasthitihi (1382–1395) is credited with reviving the Vishnu cult by claiming to be the latest incarnation of this often-incarnated god. Subsequent kings of Nepal, most notably Pratap Malla (1641-1674) have made the same claim. According to a story originating from this time, Pratap Malla had a prophetic vision, which resulted in his strong belief and fear that should the King of Nepal visit the Budhanilkantha temple, death would be imminent upon his departure. Continuing to this day the Hindu Kings of Nepal will not visit the temple. The devotional practice of other Hindus is to approach Vishnu’s feet and, after touching them, make prayers and/or give thanks to the god (but it is forbidden for foreign visitors to do this).

Budhanilkantha has become the site on which Haribondhini Ekadashi takes place during the 11th day of the Hindu month of Kartik (October – November). Attended by many thousands of pilgrims, it is the principle festival for the year in celebration of the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his long sleep

Palani Murugan Temple and History

Palani Murugan Temple

Palani has been mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature as "Podhini", which came to be called as Palani later. This temple is situated in Palani Town and a Taluk in Dindigul District. It is an ancient and very big temple getting a large income among all the temples in TamilNadu. This temple is one among the Six Padaiveedus (abode) of Lord Muruga.that is the third Padaiveedu namely Arulmigu Thiruvaavinankudi temple which is one of the subtemples of this temple. Many "Siddhas" are said to have lived in this region. The idol of Palani Andavar is said to have been made of "Navapashanam" by Siddhar Bogar. Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram are very famous festivals and a large number of devotees are coming here for those festivals. 38 sub-temples are attached with this temple. It belongs to 9th century and the king namely Cheraman Peruman constructed this temple. As per the historical records the main Deity Arulmigu Palaniandavar idol is consisted of Navapashanam, ie a combination of 9 poisonous herbals mixed in a proportion to give a high medicinal power to cure the diseases of immunity and it was designed and made up by a siddar named Bohar.

The Thiruvaavinankudi temple (Adhi) is said to be the temple in Adivaram. Lord muruga, stayed for a while and went up the hill. so both the hill temple and Thiruvaavinankudi are considered to be the places of sancity.

Height of the Hill Temple : 50 M

Total no. of Steps : 693

Direction the Temple : Towards WEST

Pragaram around the Hill(Giriveethi) : 2.4 KM

Mythology

Sage Narada once visited the celestial court of Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash to present to Him a fruit, the gyana-pazham (literally, the fruit of knowledge), that held in it the elixir of wisdom.

Upon Lord Shiva expressing his intention of dividing the fruit between his two sons, Ganesha and Karthikeya, the Sage counselled Him against cutting it. There at, He decided to award it to which ever of his two sons first circled the world thrice. Accepting the challenge, the Lord Karthikeya started his journey around the globe on his sacred bird, the peacock.

However, Lord Ganesha, who surmised that the world was no more than his parents Shiva and Shakti,circumambulated them. Pleased with their son's discernment, Lord Shiva awarded the fruit to Lord Ganesha. When the Lord Subrahmanya returned, he was furious to learn that his efforts had been in vain. In deep dudgeon, he decided to leave Mount Kailash, and take up his abode in a place where the land and people would be unequivocally his and for him. Thus, it was that He came to what is today known as Palani, a name derived from the manner of His Parents trying to mollify him and prevail upon him to return to Kailash - Gnana Pazham Nee appa (Tamil for "You are the fruit of wisdom sire") and thus, implying that being the embodiment of wisdom, he had no need for the fruit. Thus, being the abode of wisdom, the place took on its master's name - Pazham Nee or Pazhani, anglicised as Palani.

Navapashanam

The icon made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances (Navapashanam). The deity of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, The Lord having the Staff in his Hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navapashanam. Some people say it is a combination of medicinal herbs. It consits of the following items : Veeram, Pooram, Rasam, Jathilingam, Kandagam, Gauri Pasanam, Vellai Pasanam, Mridharsingh, Silasat. The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. He has the look of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. He has just a loincloth besides the baton. He is a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The icon is unique in the whole world. It was made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances (Navapashanam). Murugan signifies beauty and Lord Murugan of Kurinji land is the god of Beauty and Youth

Kukke Subramaneswara Swamy Temple and History

Sri Kukke Subramanya Swamy Temple ,Dashina Karnataka

 Kukke Subramanya :-

 Kukke Subramanya (Tulu: ಕುಕ್ಕೆ ಸುಬ್ರಹ್ಮಣ್ಯ Kannada: ಕುಕ್ಕೆ ಸುಬ್ರಹ್ಮಣ್ಯ) is a Hindu temple located in the village of Subramanya in the Sullia taluk of Dakshina Kannada District near Mangalore, Karnataka, India. The temple is one of the pristine pilgrimage locations in India. Here Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped as the lord of all serpents. The epics relate that the divine serpent Vasuki and other serpents found refuge under Lord Subrahmanya when threatened by Garuda.

Kukke Lapped in the luxurious abundance of the beauty of the nature the village of Subramanya lies in the Sullia Taluk in Dakshina Kannada with a sancity which very few places can boast of. The temple is situated in the heart of the village. Nature reveals herself in all her unhidden beauty in the rivers, forests and mountains which the temples is surrounded by. It is about a 105 KM from Mangalore and can be easily reached by train,buses or taxis.Subramanya used to be called as Kukke Pattana in the past. In the 'Shankara Vijaya' Anandagiri observes that Sri Shankaracharya camped here for a few days during his religious expedition (Digvijaya). Shankaracharya referred to this place as 'Bhaje Kukke Lingam' in his 'Subrahmanya Bhujangaprayata Stotram'.Sri Subrahmanya kshetra has been brilliantly described in the 'Thirthakshetra Mahimanipurana' chapter of the Sahyadrikhanda comprised in the Sanatkumara Samhita of Skanda Purana. This kshetra is situated in the banks of the river 'Dhara' which originates in the Kumara mountain and proceeds to the western sea.

According to ancient lore, the temple has been created at the spot where the king of snakes Vasuki prayed to Lord Shiva and asked him to protect snakes from the wrath of Garuda. Pleased by the penance, Lord Shiva sent Subramanya to protect the snakes and since then he has been worshipped as the protector of snakes.

One of the interesting aspects of the temple is the Garuda tower. The silver tower has been constructed to protect devotees from the poisonous fumes of Vasuki's breath. It is believed that Vasuki resides inside the temple. Ashlesha Bali and Sarpa Samskara are two of the important poojas that are conducted in the temple.

In the past, Subramanya was known as Kukke Pattana. There are many shrines which you can visit while at the place some of which include. Uttaradi Mutt, Biladwara, Kumaradhaara River, Rudrapada, Kashikatte Ganapathi Temple and many others. Devotees worship at the temple with the belief that they will be able to reach their desires immediately. You will get access to quality facilities when you visit the place. The temples guest house offers accommodation to the devotees and visitors. Food is free to both devotees and visitors and its cuisine is authentic Indian tradition.

The Rishis also found it difficult to go on with their penance and hence they went to Lord Shiva and requested him to redress their grievances. Luckily enough, it was the seventh day since his son Subrahmanya was born, and through this child aged seven days only, the demon Tarakasura was slain in a hand-to-hand fight, and Sri Subrahmanya permanently made his abode nearby which is called "Adi Subramanya". Near this temple is a Madhwa Math.


The Name Kukke:-

It has been learnt from legends that Subrahmanya used to be called Kukke Pura or Kukke Pattana in the past.

In more recent times Guru Adi Sankaracharya visited Subrahmanya and referred to this place as 'Bhaje Kukke Lingam' in his composition Subrahmanya Bhujangaprayata Stotram makes, the above evidence all the more convincing.

Features:-

Though the main entrance of the temple faces east, the devotees enter from west through main Gopuram, after taking a holy dip in the Dhara River. A Garuda pillar covered with silver is seen here. According to traditions, the pillar was fixed to protect the devotees from the poison flames which gush out from the breath of Vasuki, existing inside the temple. Next to the pillar is the outer hall and then the inner hall. A platform is seen in the center of sanctum. On the upper platform is the idol of Sri Subrahmanya, on the middle portion is the idol of Vasuki and at lower level is the idol of Shesha. Legends say that the divine serpent Vasuki and other serpents took shelter under Lord Subrahmanya, when they were detained by Garuda. A group of Lingas known as Kukke Lingas are found to the west of inner sanctum. At the southern side of the inner sanctum is the shrine of Lord Bhairava.


Shrine of Uma Maheswara:-

The shrine of Lord Uma Maheswara (Lord Shiva) is seen on the north-eastern side. One can also worship the deities, Surya (the Sun God), Goddess Ambika, Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesh here. During Navaratri, special worships are offered to Ambika. Mahashivaratri is celebrated for Lord Uma-Maheswara, and on Rathasapthami, rituals are performed for the Sun God, Surya. The idol of Vedavyasa Samputa Narasimha is found in the south-eastern side of the sanctum.  Narasimha Jayanthi is celebrated for the deity during the month of Vaishaka. The shrine of mother Goddess Hosaligamma, lies to the south of the temple. Hosaligamma and Purusharaya are supposed to be the bodyguards of Lord Subrahmanya. Devotees make offerings to the deities such as Kunkumarchana, Mangalarathi and Hannukai. Other notable features of the temple are the Sringeri Mutt, Subrahmanya Mutt, the statue of Ballalaraya and Uttaradi Mutt. Darpana Thirtha, a rivulet, flows from north to south in front of Subrahmanya Mutt.


The Deity of Sri Karttikeya:-

Skanda Purana narrates how, after Karttikeya had slain Tarakasura, Lord Brahma installed the deity of Karttikeya in Subrahmanya Ksetra along with the deity of Vasuki through whom Karttikeya accepts the worship of his devotees. The deity is popularly known as ‘Sri Subrahmanya Svami’. In front of the altar is a slivergaruda-stambha which is said to have been erected and consecrated with special mantras in order to shield the devotees from the poisonous vapors from Vasuki’s mouth within the garbha-grha (altar-room).

Different utsavas (festivals) are held for the Deity according to the season. Some months he is taken on a ratha (chariot), other times he   is taken on a palki (palanquin) accompanied by traditional music and colourful banners.

The biggest festival held here is on Campa-sasti during the month of Margasirsa (Nov/Dec) when the deity is taken out on the huge brahma-ratha.

On the south side of the temple there is a deity of Bhairava Kapalesvara (a fierce aspect of Lord Siva) which is said to have been installed by Karttikeya himself after killing Tarakasura.

On the same side as the shrine of Bhairava are the ancient deities of the mother-goddess Hosaligamma and Purusa-raya. They are considered to be the bodyguards of Subrahmanya.

On the north-east side of the temple compound are the deities of Uma-Mahesvara which were installed by Sri Narada Muni.

History:-

Lord Subramanya is worshiped in the form of a Cobra in the temple of Kukke Subramanya. According to Hindu Mythology Lord Kumaraswamy killed the demon rulers Taraka, Shoorapadmasura and others in a war; and the Lord washed his Shakti Ayudha (Axe in the shape of a bayonet) in this river. Hence forth the name Kumaradhara was given to the river.

After the battle Lord Subrahmanya came to the top of Kumara Parvatha along with his brothers Lord Ganesha, Veerabahu and other aides. Lord Indra along with other Gods received him and prayed the Lord to be kind enough to marry his daughter Devasena. Thus Indra’s daughter Devasena married Kumaraswamy on the banks of Kumaradhara on ‘Margashira Shudda Shashti’.Lord Kumaraswamy also gave darshan to Vasuki the head of nagas, who was making a penance requesting him to be with the Lord permanently. Granting Vasuki’s wish the Lord has made his spiritual presence in this shrine along with his wife Devasena and Vasuki.Every year a famous car festival is being held here on ‘Margashira Shuddha Shashti’ with special poojas to the Lord.

The great Shiva Bhakta and Serpent king Vasuki was performing tapas for years in the Biladwara caves of Kukke Subrahmanya to avoid the attack of Garuda. Following Lord Shiva`s assurance Shanmuka gave darshan to Vasuki and blessed him that he would stay with his parama bhakta in this place forever. Hence the poojas offered to Vasuki or Nagaraja are nothing but the poojas to Lord Subrahmanya.


Kumara swamy offering ‘abhaya’ to Vasuki:-

Previous to Karthikeya, Garuda, the mount of Vishnu was once chasing Vasuki (the king of serpents) and he saw Vasuki washiding in a large cave. Both of them engaged in a severe fight. Kashyapa appeared before them and asked Garuda to stop fromkilling Vasuki, who was devotee of Lord Shiva. Kashyapa suggested Garuda, alternate way of getting food. Kashyapa also advised Vasuki to go to Kumara Kshetra and pray for Lord Shiva.Vasuki arrived Kumara kshetra and performed a severe penance. Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva appeared to Vasuki and replied: My son Karthikeya will arrive this place after killing the demon king, Tarakasura. Indra will celebrate the marriage of his daughter Devasena with Karthikeya. You will be blessed by Karthikeya, you will be united with Karthikeya and has been worshipped alongside Karthikeya ever since. Garuda will never trouble any more (even today one cannot find Garuda at this place). Vasuki then lived in a place called Moola Subrahmanya, eagerly waiting the arrival of Karthikeya.After killing the demon Tarakasura, Lord Brahma installed the deity of Karthikeya in Subrahmanya Kshetra along with the deity of Vasuki through whom Karthikeya accepts the worship of his devotees and bless them all with fulfillment of their desire immediately. The deity is popularly known as ‘Sri Subrahmanya Swamy’.Dhara River (also called as Kumaradhaara)It is believed that after killing the demon Tarakasura, Karthikeya washed the demon’s blood from his spear in the River Dhara.

In the Treta-yuga, Lord Parasurama came to this place and bathed in the River Dhara in order to absolve himself of the sins of exterminating the kshatriya-race twenty one times over.In Dvapara-yuga, when Samba was cursed with leprosy, he came to bathe in the Dhara in order to become free from the disease.By smearing the mud (mrithika) from the riverbank over his body and bathing in the river, he regained his original beauty.It is believed that Kumaradhara is most efficient place of remedy for elimination the sufferers from even the most incurable diseases.