Sri Siva

Sri Siva

Sri Siva

Siva is one of the three principal deities of the Hindu pantheon; the other two are Brahma and Vishnu. His name means ‘auspicious’. He has the power of annihilation or destruction of evil. He is an ideal for simplicity in our life and to be detached from worldly objects. He is also called Mruthyunjaya (the conqueror of Death).

Special Pujas and Festivals
Sivarathri
Trimurthi Puja

SLOKA/PRAYER

Vandhe Sambhum Umaapathim Suragurum
Vandhe Jagath Kaaranam
Vandhe Pannaga Bhooshanam Mrigadharam
Vandhe Pasoonaam Pathim
Vandhe Soorya Sasaanga Vahnni Nayanam
Vandhe Mukundha Priyam
Vandhe Baktha Janaasryam Cha
Varadham Vandhe Sivam Sankaram

MEANING

I bow to Sambu the Lord of Uma and the teacher of the Devas. I bow to the Lord Who is the root cause of the entire world. I bow to the Lord, Who has the serpent as His ornament, Who carries a deer. I bow to the Lord of all beings. I bow to the Lord Who has the Sun, the Moon and the Fire as His three eyes. I bow to Him Who is fond of Mukundha. I bow to Him, Who is the refuge of all devotees and Who grants boons to them. I bow to Siva, the creator of all auspicious things.

SIVA AT SSVT

In Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Siva is in the form of a Lingam. The linga was brought from River Narmada. The lingam is the representation of Sri Ramanatha Swami of Raameswaram, who was worshipped by Rama after he destroyed Ravana and freed Sita. The sanctum and vimana of the Siva Shrine is built in Chola style architecture. Ganesha, Karthikeya, Dhaksinaamuthi, Brahma, Chandikeswara, Dhurga and Nandhi are kept in and around the Siva shrine. Lingam is a representation, striving to give some concrete shape and form to the abstract, infinite, all pervasive God who is beyond shape and form. Like Brahmaananda or the cosmic egg, Lingam is another form seeking to represent the cosmos. It is also what survives Pralaya, the ultimate dissolution and end of all creation.

AUSPICIOUS DAYS AND FESTIVALS

Mondays and Pradhosham, thirteenth day of the fortnight are very auspicious to Siva. Maha Sivarathri is celebrated in grand style with puja’s and bhajans throughout the night. Dharsan of Siva on days with ‘Aardha star and prashodam puja on Mondays and Saturdays are very auspicious.

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

Siva is Abhishekapriya, meaning one who adores sacred bath. Rudraabishekam, Rudra homam, Mrithyunjaya homam are performed to Lord Siva. Bilva leaf, Erukku, Thumba and Oleander flowers are auspicious to Siva.

GAYATHRI

Tathpurushaaya Vidhmahe Mahadevaaya Dheemahi Thanno Rudra(h) Prachodayaath.

MEANING

We worship that ultimate being. Salutations to the Great Lord. May that Rudra stimulate our faculties.