Rameswaram - The Legend Of Two Shivalinga

Rameswaram is a grand temple that is situated about 150km from the city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu.The presiding deity at Rameswaram is Lord Shiva. According to legends, it is believed that Lord Rama returned from Lanka to this spot after his grand victory over Raavana. Lord Rama was advised to appease Lord Shiva so that he may atone for his sins of killing a great Shiva bhaktha (it is also said that Raavana was a brahmin and Lord Rama did it to also get rid of 'brahma hathya paapa', or the sin of killing a brahmin). Lord Rama told Lord Hanuman to bring an appropriate Shiva linga from Kailash, so that he could establish it there and do pooja. As Lord Rama waited for Lord Hanuman to return, the holy muhoortha (auspicious time) was getting over. Hence, Sita devi build a shivalinga out of sand, which hardened due to Devi's divine touch. Meanwhile, Lord Hanuman returned from Kailash, and was disappointed to see the other shivalinga. (It is said that Lord Hanuman tied his tail around the other shivalinga and tried to uproot it, but failed to do so). Lord Rama then pacified Lord Hanuman and said that from that day onwards, the shivalinga which Lord Hanuman brought would have pooja performed before the one made by Sita devi. Then Lord Rama appeased Lord Shiva and washed himself from the sin of killing Raavana..The shivalinga brought by Lord Hanuman is called 'viswalingam' and the one made by Sita devi is called 'Ramalingam'.

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The above post has been submitted by one of our valuable readers, Anil Kumar. Thank you very much  Anil Kumar

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Sloka By Lord Brahma On Lord Vishnu

The following is a sloka that was sung by Lord Brahma in praise of Lord Vishnu, according to a version of the Ramayana :-

Indraneelabhum paramindira manohara mandiravakshasthalum

vandhyamanandhodhayum

valsslanjachanavalasam padapankajabhakthavalsam

samasthalokolsavam salsevithum

merusannibhakiridodhyal kundalamukthaharakeyuramgada

kadakakadisuuthra

valayaamguliiyakaadhyakhila vibhushanakalithakallebharum

kamalamanohara

The above sloka that praises Lord Vishnu and requests for his infinite compassion to be shown on us. This sloka is apt for any Lord Vishnu/Krishna bhaktha to start their daily prayer and can be used as a 'dhyana sloka'. 

Panchagavya - Preparation & Uses Of The Holy Cow's Gifts

Panchagavya is an important component of many rituals and poojas. It is the mixture of 5 (pancha-) elements obtained from cows. The cow is considered to be very holy according to Hinduism. It is said that more than 33 crore gods exist in the body of a cow and hence prostrating before a cow is equivalent to praying to all these gods.

Panchagavya is used for abhisekha in many major temples during certain rituals. Panchagavya is also used to treat some severe diseases after empowering the panchagavya with suitable mantras. The constituents of panchagavya have the ability to trap tremendous positive mantra energy and hence becomes much more effective than water empowered with mantras. Panchagavya is even being used in organic farming methods to enrich the soil and protect plants. (the agricultural mixture includes jaggery,banana,etc also)

The constituents of Panchagavya are - dung, urine and milk from the cow, along with ghee and curd. Individually these components have significant therapeutic effects and are utilized in ayurveda system of medicine.

Cow dung is said to have anti-septic and anti-fungal properties and is hence used to treat skin diseases. Cow's urine is used to treat stomach disorders in kids. The benefits of ghee, curd and milk are quite well-known and hence i presume it doesn't need further explanation. Though these products are all individually effective and useful, together they become exponentially better.

The ratio for the preparation of panchagavya is fixed on the quantity of cow dung that is taken.The ratio of the other components are as follows :-

                  cow's urine = cow dung  x 2  

ghee (from cow's milk) = cow dung x 4

curd (from cow's milk) = cow dung x 5

                     cow's milk = cow dung x 16

Kubera Sloka - For Wealth and Prosperity

Everyone is frantically in search of a way to make more money. The scriptures proclaim that Lord Kubera is the God of wealth. Hence Lord Kubera needs to be pleased to fulfill your requirements for more wealth and prosperity. The sloka given below may be chanted 512 times daily for 21 continuous days as a form of saadhana to appease Lord Kubera and hence get his blessings.

Om manuja vahya vimana varasthitham

garuda rathnnibhum nidhinayakum

shivasaghum makudadi vibhushithum

varagadhe dhadhathum bhaja thundilum

Benefits Of Different Abhisheka

The ritual of 'abhisheka' (showering) of the deities idol is one that is seen in almost every temple. The abhisheka ritual is of great significance and can help a devotee who is facing problems. Various items are used for the abhisheka of the idols depending on the purpose and regional beliefs. The following is a generalized list of some of the specific benefits of doing abhisheka with the mentioned items.

Water - To purify the soul and to remove all evil thoughts from the mind
Oil - To have respect/devotion to god and parents
Turmeric powder- To usher in prosperity to the household
Milk - To reduce anger/frustrations and get peace of mind
Curd - To enhance health
Ghee/Butter - To have a wholesome life
Rosewater - To get fame
Bhasma/Vibhuti - To gain knowledge/wisdom
Panchamritha - To atone for all sins
Tender coconut water - To beget good children

You may gain the specified benefit of the abhisheka by praying in front of the idol while it is done in the temples also.

Please do add any extra info regarding 'abhisheha' in the comments. Om