Shiva is a Sanskrit word meaning “welfare or auspicious”. Shiva is cited to be peace bringer in Yajurveda. ‘Shi’ means the destroyer of sins, whereas the meaning of ‘V’ means the donor.
Shiva has two bodies. The one who is expressly expressed, the second, which is known as the subtle impenetrable gender. The highest worship of Shiva is done only in the form of a ling stone. There is much confusion about the word ling. In Sanskrit, ling means symbol. In this sense it is used for Shivling. Shivaling means – Integrated symbol with the nature of Shiva ie the Supreme Lord.
Shiva’s name is associated with Shankar. People say – Shiv Shankar Bholenath. In this way many people unknowingly call Shiva and Shankar two names of the same power. Basically, the statues of both of them are of different motifs. Shankar is always shown in ascetic form. In many places Shankar has been shown meditating on Shivling. Shiva has composed three subtle deities named Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Mahesh is also the name of Shankar), respectively, for the establishment, observance and destruction of the creation. In this way Shiva became the creator of the universe and Shankar made a composition of him. Lord Shiva is also called Mahadev hence. Apart from this, Shiva is also known as 108 other names and is worshiped.
Why is Lord Shiva called Ardhanarishvar
Shiva has also been called Ardhanarishvar, it does not mean that Shiva is half male or not in totality. Actually, it is Shiva, which is also complete even though half. The basis and the creator of this creation , ie men and women, are the forms of Shiva and Shakti. This world is driven and balanced by the union and creation of them. Both are complementary to each other. Woman is nature and male male. Without nature the male is useless and the nature without the male. Both have interdependence relationship. Ardhanarishwar Shiva is a symbol of this reciprocity. In modern times, the emphasis on equality of man and woman can be understood in this form of Shiva-it can be understood. It tells that when Shiva becomes power, then it is capable. In the absence of power, Shiva remains without ‘Shiva’ and remains ‘dead body’.
Why is Goddhideva called Neelkanth
When the God-demon was churning with enthusiasm and velocity with the desire to get nectar, only then there was a terrible poison called Calcutta. The fire of that poison began to burn ten directions. There was a laugh in all the creatures. The gods and demons, including the sage, Muni, Man, Gandharva and Yaksa etc, started burning with the heat of that poison. On the prayers of the gods, Lord Shiva got ready for poisoning. They filled the terrible poison in the palms and remembered Lord Vishnu and drank it. Lord Vishnu takes the trouble of his devotees. He stopped that poison in Shivaji’s throat and stopped the effect. Due to the poison, Lord Shiva’s throat turned blue and he became famous in the world by the name of Nilkanth.
Bhole Baba
There is a story about a hunter in Shiva Purana. Once he was late in the jungle. Then he decided to spend the night on a vine tree. He thought of a trick to stay alive He breaks one leaf all night and throws it down. According to the story, the leaves of the vine are very dear to Shiva. There was a shiveling right below the vine tree. Shiva was pleased to see the offerings of dear leaves on Shivling, whereas the hunter did not realize his auspicious work. He gave a boon to the hunter and to fulfill his wish. It is clear from the story that Shiva is easily pleased. Shiva is filled with such stories and stories filled with glory.
Mahamratunjya mantra
ओम् त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे, सुगंधिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनात्, मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्।।
