வலைப்பதிவுகள் — Lord Shiva

When we hear the name Ravana, the first image that comes to mind is that of the ten-headed demon king, the villain of the Ramayana. His abduction of Sita and battle with Lord Rama have defined his character for centuries. But beyond this perception, there is another side to Ravana—a learned scholar, a great devotee, and a ruler who his people revered.  Ravana: The Great Ruler  Ravana or Dashanan, the mighty king of Lanka, was the grandson of Sage Pulastya, one of the revered Saptarishis in Indian mythology. He was born to Sage Vishrava and Kaikashi, an Asura mother. Ravana was...

Our ancient scriptures are filled with timeless love stories, but one that truly stands out is the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Their story is more than just a tale of love—it is a symbol of unwavering faith, devotion, and the perfect balance of energies. Spanning across two lifetimes, beginning with Sati and continuing as Parvati, their journey teaches us that true love always finds its way, no matter the obstacles. Shiva and Parvati are two halves of the divine energy; one is not complete without the other. In their relationship, Shiva, the ascetic, and Parvati, the goddess...

Lord Shiva, the supreme god in Hinduism, is often depicted with distinctive features such as his matted hair, the serpent around his neck, and the third eye on his forehead. Among these iconic attributes, one of the most striking is his blue throat, which has earned him the name Neelkanth (the Blue-Throated One). This unique characteristic is linked to a fascinating and profound story in ancient Hindu scriptures.  The Churning of the Ocean – Samudra Manthan  The gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) were always fighting for control of the universe. They decided to work together to find Amrita, the nectar that...

Kasi Vishalakshi Devi, one of the most revered deities in Varanasi, holds immense spiritual significance. Known as the “Goddess with Wide Eyes,” she is a manifestation of Goddess Parvati. The Vishalakshi Temple in Varanasi is among the 51 Shakti Peethas and attracts millions of pilgrims each year. This sacred site is part of the revered triad of temples, which includes Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi, and Kasi Vishalakshi.  Historical Significance  The origins of the Shakti Peethas are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to legend, Goddess Sati, the first consort of Lord Shiva and the daughter of Daksha Prajapati, self-immolated in protest...

The 12 Jyotirlingas are among the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, spread across India. These temples are revered not just for their spiritual significance, but also for their rich history and association with numerous myths and legends. Devotees believe visiting these sacred places can lead to moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) and bring divine blessings, protection, and fulfillment of wishes What is a Jyotirlinga? A Jyotirlinga is a sacred representation of Lord Shiva, appearing as a column of divine light ("Jyoti" means light, and "Linga" symbolizes Lord Shiva). According to Hindu scriptures, these Jyotirlingas manifest when...