12 Jyotirlinga

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The 12 Jyotirlingas are sacred sancturies devoted to Lord Shiva, and they hold important significance in Hindu mythology. Each Jyotirlinga represents a unique incarnation of Lord Shiva's divine power. Here's a brief overview of the story behind each of the 12 Jyotirlingas:

1. Somnath (Prabhas Patan, Saurashtra, Gujarat):

The first Jyotirlinga, Somnath, is said to have been established by the Moon God (Chandra) to seek penance for his sins. The temple has been rebuilt several times due to various historical events.

2. Mallikarjuna (Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh):

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is positioned on the Shri Shaila mountain on the banks of the Krishna River. The temple is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati.

3. Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh):

Mahakaleshwar is located in Ujjain and is believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva appeared as a column of light (Jyotirlinga) to master the demon Dushana.

4. Omkareshwar (Mandhata Island, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh):

The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is positioned on an island in the Narmada River and represents Lord Shiva as the "Om" sound, the early sound of creation.

5. Kedarnath (Kedarnath, Uttarakhand):

Kedarnath is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas. The Jyotirlinga here is associated with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata and is believed to have been established by them.

6. Bhimashankar (Pune, Maharashtra):

Bhimashankar is located in the Sahyadri Range, and its origin is linked to a battle between Lord Shiva and the demon Tripurasura.

7. Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh):

Kashi Vishwanath, positioned in Varanasi, is one of the holiest temples in India. The Jyotirlinga represents Lord Shiva's incarnation as the sovereign of the universe.

8. Trimbakeshwar (Nashik, Maharashtra):

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is located near Nashik and is associated with the source of the Godavari River. It is believed to have been established by Rishi Gautama.

9. Vaidyanath (Deoghar, Jharkhand):

Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is positioned in Deoghar and is connected to the legend of Goddess Sati's limbs falling here during Lord Shiva's Tandava dance.

10. Nageshwar (Dwarka, Gujarat):

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is positioned near Dwarka and is associated with the story of a demon named Daruka and the demoness who sought blessings from Lord Shiva.

11. Rameshwar (Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu):

Rameshwar Jyotirlinga is located on Rameswaram Island and is connected to the story of Lord Rama installing a Shivalinga here after the Ramayana.

12. Grishneshwar (Aurangabad, Maharashtra):

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is situated near Ellora Caves and is linked to the story of a pious woman named Kusuma seeking Lord Shiva's blessings.

Devotees believe that visiting these Jyotirlingas and seeking Lord Shiva's blessings can grant them spiritual enlightenment and fulfillment of their wishes.

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Previous Life of Ravan and Kumbhakaran

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In Hindu mythology, Ravana and Kumbhakarna are two prominent characters associated with the epic Ramayana. In their previous lives, Ravana and Kumbhakarna were originally two celestial beings who were known as Jaya and Vijaya. They served as the gatekeepers of Lord Vishnu's abode, Vaikuntha (the divine realm of Vishnu), in their celestial forms. Four Kumaras (four divine sages) also known as Sankadik Muni, visited Vaikuntha but were stopped by Jaya and Vijaya. As they wasted 3 seconds of Sankadik Rishi, the four kumara's cursed Jaya and Vijaya that they will be born on Earth as demon princes for three lifetimes and will be killed by Lord Vishnu. These lifetimes are depicted in three different contexts in Hindu mythology:

In the first incarnation, Jaya and Vijaya were born as the demon brothers Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha. Hiranyakashipu was the father of the demon king Prahlada, who became a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, leading to the defeat of Hiranyakashipu by the Narasimha avatar of Vishnu, half-lion and half-human.Hiranyaksha was killed by Varaha the 3rd Incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

In the second incarnation, Jaya and Vijaya were born as Ravana and Kumbhakarna, respectively. Ravana, the powerful king of Lanka, abducted Lord Vishnu's consort, Goddess Sita, leading to the epic battle with Lord Rama, Vishnu's seventh avatar.

In the third incarnation, Jaya and Vijaya were born as Shishupala and Dantavakra, respectively. They were enemies of Lord Krishna and were slain by him during the great war at the Rajasuya Yagna.

After these three lifetimes, Jaya and Vijaya were freed from the curse and were allowed to return to their original celestial abode as Lord Vishnu's gatekeepers in Vaikuntha.

The tale of Jaya and Vijaya serves as a significant aspect of Hindu mythology, illustrating the interplay of fate, curses, devotion, and redemption. Their story also emphasizes the supremacy of Lord Vishnu and his avatars in vanquishing evil and restoring dharma (righteousness) in the world.

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Curse of Vedavati to Ravana

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Vedavati was a virtuous and devout woman born to Brahmarishi Kushadhvaja, who was the son of Brihaspati, the guru of devas. Vedavati was the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. She was devotee of Lord Vishnu and wanted him as her Husband. In an act of penance and dedication, Vedavati decided to perform severe austerities (tapasya). During her meditation, she endured immense hardships and stood in the middle of five sacred fires, absorbing their heat. 

Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, happened to pass by and saw Vedavati in her penance. He was struck by her beauty and wanted to possess her, but Vedavati rejected his advances, stating that she had reserved her heart for Narayana alone. Ravana, known for his arrogance and lust, became infuriated and tried to force himself upon her. In response, Vedavati cursed Ravana that he would be destroyed by a woman in the future.

Vedavati then invoked the Agni (the fire god) to consume her body, and before being engulfed by the flames, she declared that she would return to the mortal world and be the reason that will bring an end to Ravana's life.

True to her words, Vedavati was born as the daughter of Ravana. Soon the baby was born, a voice from the sky warned that the baby will be responsible for ravana's death. As to save his life, he threw the baby into the sea. The baby fell on the lap of Sea Goddess Varuni, she took the baby to the shores and handed her to Goddess of Earth, Prithvi Devi. Later Prithvi Devi handed the Child to King Janaka. 

Sita eventually married Lord Rama, and as the story goes, Ravana's infatuation with Sita and his abduction of her led to his ultimate downfall. Lord Rama, along with the help of Hanuman and his army of monkeys, waged a war against Ravana and defeated him, fulfilling the curse of Vedavati.

This event is considered one of the pivotal moments in the Ramayana and symbolizes the consequences of arrogance, lust, and mistreatment of women. It also highlights the power of a devoted and virtuous woman's curse, which played a significant role in shaping the events of the epic.

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Krishna and his 16108 Wives

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Krishna, the 9th Avatar of Vishnu; In Hindu mythology, is believed to have had multiple wives and consorts. One of the most well-known stories associated with Krishna is his marriage to 16,108 women.

According to Hindu scriptures, Krishna's story is described in the ancient epic, the Mahabharata, specifically in the section known as the "Harivamsa." The narrative goes that Krishna rescued 16,100 women who had been captured and held captive by the demon Narakasura. Narakasur was a demon who kidnapped 16100 girls; Krishna defeated Narakasura and released the captive women, The girls were afraid of not being accepted by the society they expressed their desire to marry him as a token of gratitude and to protect their honor. Krishna accepted their proposal and married all 16,100 women.

 Krishna already had eight principal consorts called the Ashtabharya, which included Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Nagnajiti, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Bhadra, and Lakshmana. These eight queens are considered the primary consorts of Krishna, and their stories are described in various Hindu texts.

It is important to note that the concept of polygamy was more prevalent in ancient times, and the practice varied across different cultures and religions. In the case of Krishna, his marriages are often understood in the context of his divine nature and his role as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is considered the supreme deity in Hinduism.

The story of Krishna's multiple marriages serves various symbolic purposes in Hindu mythology and conveys spiritual teachings. It is seen as an allegory highlighting the relationship between the divine and the individual soul. The multitude of wives represents the numerous aspects of the human soul seeking union with the divine, with Krishna being the embodiment of that divine love.

It's important to approach these mythological narratives with an understanding of their cultural and religious significance rather than applying modern social norms and values to them.

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Shakti Peethas

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The Shakti Peethas are revered pilgrimage sites in Hinduism that are associated with the divine feminine energy, known as Shakti or Devi. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that when Sati, Lord Shiva's consort, immolated herself in the fire of her father's Yagna, Lord Shiva, who was devastated by the loss of his wife, carried her in his arm and started performing Krodh Tandav with grief and anger. The universe trembled seeing this and to stop Lord Shiva's fury, Lord Vishnu used Sudarshan Chakra to scatter Sati,s body and each body part fell in different locations across the Indian subcontinent, and those places became powerful centers of worship.

There are traditionally considered to be 51 Shakti Peethas, although the exact number may vary according to different interpretations. Each Shakti Peetha is associated with a specific body part or ornament of Sati. These holy sites hold immense religious significance and attract devotees from far and wide. Shakti Peethas are believed to be places where devotees can connect with the divine feminine and seek blessings, protection, and spiritual enlightenment. Pilgrims undertake arduous journeys to these sites, often enduring physical hardships as acts of devotion.

Each Shakti Peetha has its own unique story and associated legends. Some of the prominent Shakti Peethas include:

1. Kamakhya Devi Temple, Assam: This temple is associated with Sati's yoni (reproductive organ). It is believed to be the place where her womb and vagina fell.

2. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir: This holy shrine is associated with Sati's right arm. It is a popular pilgrimage site, situated atop the Trikuta Mountains.

3. Kalighat Kali Temple, West Bengal: It is associated with Sati's toes. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is considered to be a fierce incarnation of Devi.

4. Chamundeshwari Temple, Karnataka: This temple is associated with Sati's hair. It is located atop the Chamundi Hills in Mysore and is an important religious site in South India.

5. Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, Uttar Pradesh: This temple is associated with Sati's earrings. It is situated in Vindhyachal, near Mirzapur, and is considered one of the most sacred Shakti Peethas.

These are just a few examples of the numerous Shakti Peethas spread across the Indian subcontinent. Each site carries its own mystical aura and serves as a focal point for devotion and spiritual practices. Pilgrims visit these holy places to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessings for various aspects of their lives.

The list of 51 Shakti Peethas for reference: 

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Shiva and Sati

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Do you know the story of Lord Shiva and Sati? 

Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of destruction and transformation, resided in eternal meditation in Kailash. His divine energy radiated throughout the cosmos, captivating the hearts of gods and humans alike. Also, there lived a beautiful and devout princess named Sati. She was born into the prestigious family of King Daksha, who ruled over a prosperous kingdom. From a young age, Sati was drawn to the path of spirituality and had an intense desire to seek Lord Shiva as her husband.

Sati's devotion and longing for Lord Shiva grew stronger with each passing day. Her heart burned with love and reverence for the mighty deity. Upon reaching Kailash, Sati immersed herself in rigorous penance, meditating for years to win the favor of Lord Shiva. Her devotion and unwavering faith caught the attention of Lord Shiva and he was moved by her sincerity, decided to bestow his grace upon her. Captivated by Sati's devotion and purity of heart. He accepted her as his consort, and they entered into a divine union, becoming one in their love and devotion for each other. 

Daksha organised a grand Yagna as he had a deep dislike for Shiva so he did not invite him to the yagna. Sati, feeling deeply hurt by her father's actions, decided to attend the yagna against Shiva's advice. When Sati arrived at the yagna, Daksha humiliated her and spoke ill of Lord Shiva in front of all the assembled guests. Unable to bear the insults towards her beloved husband, Sati was consumed by immense rage and decided to sacrifice her own life in the fire of the yagna. News of Sati's death reached Lord Shiva, who was devastated by the loss of his beloved wife. In his grief and anger, Shiva plucked a lock of his hair and threw it on the ground. From this lock of hair, Veerabhadra emerged.

Veerabhadra was an incredibly powerful and fearsome form of Shiva. He had a thousand arms, a thousand fiery eyes, and wore a garland of skulls. Accompanied by an army of fierce beings, Veerabhadra stormed Daksha's yagna and wreaked havoc. He destroyed the sacrificial fire, disrupted the proceedings, and caused chaos and destruction.

In the midst of the chaos, Veerabhadra located Daksha and beheaded him, thus avenging Sati's death and punishing Daksha for his disrespect towards Lord Shiva. The other gods and sages present at the yagna were filled with fear and awe at the display of Veerabhadra's power.

Veerabhadra

The gods feared that the world would be destroyed by Lord Shiva's fury. To calm his wrath and protect the world, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, intervened. He used his divine Sudarshan Chakra to sever the lifeless body of Sati, scattering her remains across various sacred sites on Earth. These sites came to be known as Shakti Peethas, powerful energy centers associated with the divine feminine.

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Lord Jagannath's Divine Illness

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Lord Jagannath, a deity worshipped in the Hindu religion, is believed to fall ill during a specific annual ritual known as the "Nabajouban Darshan" or "Nava Yauvana Darshan." This event occurs on the day following the Snana Purnima, which is a bathing ceremony of the deities.

According to the religious beliefs Lord Jagannath falls ill during this time to experience the emotions and conditions of an ordinary human being. It is believed that this is a divine play or lila, where Lord Jagannath willingly undergoes a period of physical discomfort and seclusion to empathize with his devotees and understand their sufferings. 

During this period, the idols of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, are kept in a separate chamber called the "Ratan Vedi" Devotees are not allowed to see the deities during this time (15 days), as it is believed that they need rest and seclusion to recover from their "illness." After a prescribed period, known as the "Anasara" the deities are believed to regain their health and reappear for public darshan or viewing by devotees.

It's important to note that these beliefs and rituals are rooted in religious traditions and vary according to different interpretations and practices within the Hindu faith.

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