Rudraksha : The Eyes of Lord Shiva

Rudraksha meaning—the eye of Rudra [Shiva] is considered to be the most potent manifestation of the Cosmic Force. Hence Rudraksha is the object of veneration and also the source to reach the higher self. Rudraksha is often believed to symbolize the link between the earth and the heaven. These beads are the seeds of the Rudraksha fruit obtained from Rudraksha trees. The Rudraksha tree is botanically known as ELAEOCARPUS GANITRUS ROXB. Its English name is UTRASUM BEAD TREE.

Rudraksha trees are mostly found in South Eastern Asian Islands of Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Bali, Iran, Java, Timor (Indonesia) and parts of South Asian Kingdom of Nepal. Around 70% of the Rudraksha trees are found in Indonesia, 25% in Nepal and 5% in India. Considered a major stress reliever, reducing circulatory problems and of course as the best beads, the berry (Elaeocarpus Ganitrus) was first spotted in Indonesia and is now grown in Nepal and Hardware. However, because it is expensive, clinical research of its medicinal properties has not been possible, often resulting in the berry being subjected to esoteric mumbo jumbo.

There are clefts called Mukhi on the surface of the beads. The number of Mukhi on the surface of a Rudraksha beads helps in determining its quality. According to the number of Mukhi the Rudraksha bead ranges from single face to a several faced bead. Asians have used Rudraksha beads traditionally. Asian Yogis and Monks found that merely wearing the Rudraksha beads gave them astonishingly tremendous amount of tranquility, concentration that helped them meditate for a long period of time with spectacular control over their mind.

Instructions , Precations to wear :

Once you have managed to obtain a high quality, empowered and energised Rudraksha, it is of extreme importance that you take certain precautions in order to get the maximum benefit from it and maintain its sanctity.

BEFORE wearing the Rudraksha for the first time, it should be blessed and empowered by chanting the specified mantra, performing the prayers and ritual rites for its sanctification.

ALWAYS keep the Rudraksha oiled... After regular cleaning, oil the bead and treat it with incense. This is of UTMOST importance. especially when not using the bead for sometime, or storing it for a while.

ALWAYSwear the Rudraksha bead around the neck in a thread or gold or silver. Never wear the Rudraksha in form of bracelet.

ALWAYS keep your Rudraksha clean. Dust and dirt can settle in the pores of the bead. Clean these as frequently as possible with something with soft, fine bristles. If the thread becomes dirty or worn out, change it.

AFTER cleaning, wash your Rudraksha with some blessed holy water. This helps maintain its sanctity.

NEVER wear the Rudraksha while having sex.

WOMEN must not wear the Rudraksha during their menstrual cycle.

NEVER wear the Rudraksha to a funeral or when visiting a new born baby.

Find Different Types Of Rudraksha or Mukha s

Read more...

Hindu : Hinduism

Hinduism is a religion or philosophy that originated from India. Hinduism encompasses many religious rituals that widely vary in practice, beliefs, as well as many diverse sects and philosophies. Many Hindus, influenced by Advaita philosophy, venerate an array of deities, considering them manifestations of the one supreme monistic Cosmic Spirit, Brahman, while many others focus on a singular concept of Brahman (God), as in Vaishnavism, Saivism and Shaktism.

Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world, with approximately 900 million adherents. It is also the oldest known religion in the world today. Unlike many other religions, Hinduism has no main founder. It also has no single holy book — it has many, with all pointing to the same Truth - its original scriptures were the four Vedas, but as time has passed, many other scriptures have also emerged.

Core concepts

* The Eternal Way (Sanatana Dharma)
* Basic beliefs
* Nature of God (Prakriti)
* The many deities (Parts and Parcels of God)
* Practice (Yoga Dharma)
* The four pursuits of life
* The four stages of life (Varnashram Dharma)
* The four classes of society (further Varnashram Dharma)

Hindu Sacred Texts

* Shruti
* Bhagavad Gita
* Smriti

Origins & History

* Origins of Hinduism
* Vedic religion
* Temples
* Current geographic distribution

Hindu Philosophy

* Yoga
* Purva Mimamsa
* Uttara Mimamsa: The Three Schools of Vedanta
o Non duality: Advaita Vedanta
o Qualified non-dualism: Vishistadvaita Bhakti-Vedanta
o Dualism: Dvaita Vedanta

Important themes and symbols in Hinduism

* Tilaka (symbol on the forehead or between the eyebrows)
* Ahimsa (non-violence), vegetarian diet and the cow
* Hindu symbolism
* Murtis (icons)
* Mantra

The Vedas

The knowledge about the Supreme Being or Brahman and Dharma have been handed down from one generation to the next in the form of scriptures and are known as the Vedas. By virtue of his tapas in the previous kalpa, Rudra created a new Brahma for the Swetavaraha Kalpa (the present Kalpa) to create a new Universe. Brahma had forgotten the Order of creation and performed penance. Rudra appeared before him and taught him the technique and order of creation.

Read more...

Bheemarama , Samarlakota

Bhimaramam is located at Samalkot near Kakinada and it constitutes one of the five Pancharama Shiva shrines of Andhra Pradesh. The five pancharama temples are Draksharama, Kumararama, Ksheerarama and Bheemarama and Amararama. By some accounts Bhimaramam at Samalkot is also known as Kumararamam.

It is believed that when Subramanya killed the demon Tarakasura, the Shivalingam in the demon's throat broke and fell in five different spots, which became the Panchaarama kshetras. The foremost of these is Amareswara at Amaravati where Indra and the Devas are believed to have worshipped Shiva. The others are Draksharama, Somarama at Kotipalli, Bheemarama at Kakinada and Ksheerarama or Palakollu.

Legend has it that the Shivalingam here was installed by Skanda and hence the name Kumararamam. There are puranic references to Kumararamam in the Skanda Puranam. Parvati here is referred to as Bala Tripurasundari.

As with the other shrines in this group, the Shivalingam is a large one, and it is housed in a three storeyed sanctum, and worship services are performed in the upper level.

The temple received royal patronage from the Chalukyas (especially the ruler Bhima Chalukya). The sculptural wealth of the temple is worthy of mention. Such is the intricacy of stone work here that a black granite swing actually sways when rocked.

Read more...

Ksheerarama , Paalakollu

Ksheeraramam, also known as Paalakollu is located near Narasapuram in the West Godavari belt of Andhra Pradesh. It is considered to be one of the five pancharama Shiva shrines of Andhra Pradesh. the five pancharama temples are Draksharama, Kumararama, Ksheerarama and Bheemarama and Amararama.

Several legends tie together the five Pancharama temples dedicated to Shiva.

Legend has it that Upamanyu, the son of Kaushika muni requested Shiva that he be granted the desired quantity of milk for the performance of his daily rituals and that Shiva caused the Ksheera Pushkarini tank to overflow with milk from the mythical Ksheera Saagaram (the milky ocean). Hence the names Paalakollu, Dugdapovanam and Ksheeraramam.

Legend has it that Shiva was worshipped by Rama at this shrine as in Rameswaram.


This is a large temple with a towering Rajagopuram. The white marble Shivalingam worshipped in the sanctum is referred to as Ramalingeswara Swami as well as Ksheeraraameswaraswamy.

Read more...

Kumararama, Kotipalli

Someswaram or Kotipalli (Kumararama) is an important pilgrimage center in coastal Andhra Pradesh, located near Rajahmundry. Located nearby is Drakshaaraama, one of the five well known pancharaama shrines dedicated to Shiva in Andhra Pradesh.

Koti Palli or Koti Theertham is located at confluenece of the river Godavari with the sea. At the origin of the river is the Tryambakeshwar Jyotirlinga shrine in Maharashtra. The river Godavari is revered as one of the gifts of nature and is held in great regard both at its origin Triambakeshwar and at its confluence with the ocean. Thus, worship at Someswaram or Kotipalli is closely associated with a ritual bath in the river Godavari.

Someswaram is rich in legend and tradition. Shiva is worshipped here as Someswara or Koteeshwara and Parvati as Rajarajeswari. The Mahasivaratri festival is celebrated in great splendour here. Legend has it that the moon God Chandra was cursed by Daksha to lose his brilliance and that he was relieved of his curse after he offered worship to Shiva at Koti Theertham at the mouth of the river Godavari. This legend is very similar to the one held at Somnath Jyotirlinga shrine in Gujarat. It should also be noted that Draksharama - one of the pancharaama shrines, is associated with the legend of the destruction of (the vain) Daksha's ritual sacrifice.

For time immemorial it has been believed that a ritual bath in the river Godavari at Kotipalli is symbolic of a new beginning in life, a change in direction. Legends illustrating this symbolism have a common theme, that of forgiveness of heinous sins committed by repentant souls.

The most classic of these legends is that of Ahalya-Indra saapa vimochanam. This legend occurs in the grand epic Ramayana. Gowtama believed to be one of the foremost rishis of ancient India was married to Ahalya. Indra the king of the Devas lusted after Ahalya and using a ploy, diverted Gowtama and assuming the disguise of Gowtama led Ahalya in his embrace. An enraged rishi cursed his wife who petrified into a rock immediately and was absolved of her curse by Rama (incarnation of Vishnu). Indra the king of Devas was cursed with a life of disease. Legend has it that he lived through his curse and performed severe penances (at the instance of Gowtama rishi) and finally was absolved of his curse and forgiven when his penance concluded with a ritual dip in the Godavari river at Someswaram.

It is to be known that the one of the characters in this legend, i.e. Gowtama Rishi is believed to have brought the river Godavari down to the earth at Tryambakeshwar where the Godavari is referred to as the Ganga.

There are several other local legends associated with Kotippalli, all based on the theme of forgiveness of sins of lust.

A ritual bath in the river is considered special in the month of Kartika, and on Mahasivaratri day earlier on in the calendar year.

It should be noted that Bhimavaram in West Godavari district also bears a temple dedicated to Someswara and it is also considered to be Somaramam. This temple is of historic significance as it was patronized to a great deal by the Chalukyas. This temple is associated clearly with legends related to the moon God Soma. The temple tank here is known as Chandra Pushkarini. The Someswara lingam (crystal) is said to glow with differing levels of brightness depending on the phase of the moon. Ths Shivalingam is 5 feet in height and is housed in a two storeyed sanctum, with Annapurna - Parvati on the 2nd floor.

Read more...

Draksharama , Draksharamam

Drakasharama is located in East Godavari district near Kakinada. Rajahmundry is the nearest airport. Draksharama constitues one of the five Arama kshetras of Andhra Pradesh, sacred to Shiva, the other four being Kumararama, Ksheerarama and Bheemarama and Amararama. Draksharama, Sree Sailam and Kalahasti together constitute the three sacred Shivalingams of Andhra Pradesh, giving it its ancient name Trilinga Desa.

Draksharama is one of the important centers of Shiva worship in Andhra Pradesh.

Several legends tie together the five Pancharama temples dedicated to Shiva.

Legend also has it that Vyasa installed the Shivalingam at Draksharama. Legend also has it that Draksharama was the site of Daksha yagna. Since it is believed that Sati immolated herself at the site of her father's sacrificial hall, no sacrificial yagna rituals are performed here.

The Bhimeswara temple at Draksharama has two prakarams. The outer prakaram is pierced with four entrances each with a gopuram. The gopuram on the west is a five tiered one. The entrance to the inner prakaram is on the south. A pillared two storeyed verandah lines the inner prakaram (tiruchutrumaaligai in the ancient temples of Tamilnadu). The sculptural work in the mukha mandapam depicts clear Chalukyan features.

There are shrines to Lakshmi Narayana, Sankaranarayana, Ganapati and the Navagrahas.

The sanctum is two storeyed. The walls surrounding both levels are beautified with sculptural work. Two flights of stairs lead to the upper level of the sanctum. Bhimeswara is enshrined in the form of a ten feet high Shivalingam in the sanctum. Shiva's consort here is Manikyamba.

Mahashivaratri and Navaratri are some of the festivals celebrated here.

History: This temple was built by the Eastern Chalukyan King of Vengi - Bhima, during very troubled times (9th -10th centuries), when his kingdom was under attack by the Rashtrakootas. Inscriptions reveal that he had to fight as many as 360 battles. Chalukya Bhima also built the Chalukya Bhimeswaram temple at Samalkota nearby. The Draksharamam temple contains as many as 400 inscriptions going back to the 11th century. These inscriptions can be traced back to the Eastern and the Western Chalukyas as well as the Cholas and Kalinga rulers.

How to reach

Air : The nearest airport to Draskharamam is in Vijayawada at Ryali Templea distance of 185 km. Rail :The nearest rail head is in Kakinada at a distance of 17 km. Road : One can easily reach Draskharam by bus from Kakinada and Rajahmundry.

Where to stay

Choultries are available at Drakshramam. Budget hotels in Kakinada and Rajahmundry.

Read more...

Amareshwar / Amararama , Amaravathi

Amaravati is a historic pilgrimage center and a storehouse of ancient Buddhist sculpture. Amaravati is home to the Amareswara temple which constitutes one of the five Pancharama temples of Andhra Pradesh sacred to Shiva, the other four being Kumararama, Ksheerarama and Bheemarama and Draksharama.Amaravati is said to be a pilgrimage shrine on par with Benares. Amaravati is located about 15 miles away from Guntur near Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh.

Several legends tie together the five Pancharama temples dedicated to Shiva.

As the name Amaravati implies, legend has it that Amaravati was once the abode of the Gods - the Devas, the yakshas and the kinnaras, who performed penances to Shiva to request him to rid the earth of the mighty demon Tarakasura. Legend has it that Shiva's son Subramanya vanquished the demon.

It is believed that the Shivalingam that shattered into five pieces was a huge one, and the biggest of the five pieces is a fifteen foot long column of white marble which is worshipped as Amareswara at the Amaravati temple (this is very similar to the Shivalingam at the Draksharama temple). Legend has it that it was installed by Indra the king of the Devas, Brihaspati the guru of the Devas and Sukra the preceptor of the Asuras.

The Amaravati temple is located on a small hillock referred to as Krouncha Shaila, alongside the river Krishna which flows for a short distance in a North-Southerly direction, although for the most part, the river heads eastwards towards the ocean. The river Krishna is held in reverence at this pilgrimage site, and a ritual dip in this river here is considered to be meritorious.

The temple has ancient origins, however the structural foundations as seen today, seem to date back to the 11th century CE. The Vijayanagar kings did provide grants to maintain the temple. However it was the local kings of the 18th century CE that provided vast endowments to this temple. The temple is decorated with four lofty gopurams in its outer circumambulatory path. Shiva here is referred to as Amareswara, Agasteswara, Kosaleswara, Pranaveswara, Someswara and Parthiveswara and Parvati - Bala Chamundi.

Amaravati was a center of Buddhist art. The Buddhist stupa and sculptures depicting the life of Buddha at Amaravati are of great beauty.

Read more...

THE FIVE PANCHARAMA KSHETRAS

1) Amareshwar / Amararama

2) Draksharama,Draksharamam Kakinada

3) Kumararama at Kotipalli

4) Ksheerarama at Palakollu

5) Bheemaramam at Samralakota

Legend has it that when Subramanya killed the demon Tarakasura, the Shivalingam in his throat broke and fell in five different spots, which became the Pancharama kshetras. The foremost of these is Amareswara at Amaravati where Indra and the Devas are believed to have worshipped Shiva. The others are Draksharama, Kumararama at Kotipalli, Bheemarama at Samalkota and Ksheerarama or Palakollu. Some beliefs refer to Amararama, Draksharama, Somarama at Bhimavaram, Bhimarama or Kumararama at Samalkota and Ksheerarama at Palakollu as the five Pancharama Kshetras, while some even refer to the Chalukya Bhimeswara temple at Bhimavaram as Bhimarama.

It is believed that the Shivalingam that shattered into five pieces was a huge one, and the biggest of the five pieces is a fifteen foot long column of white marble which is worshipped as Amareswara at the Amaravati temple (this is very similar to the ten feet high Shivalingam at the Draksharama temple).

Yet another legend links the pancharama kshetras. The five Shivalingams worshipped at these shrines are said to be a part of a single Shivalingam said to have been created by Surya or the Sun God. This original Shivalingam is said to have been held in worship by the seven rishis - Kasyapa, Atri, Gowtama, Kousika, Bharadwaja, Vasishta and Jamadagni. These rishis are believed to be present in the seven tributaries of Godavari, of which the Bharadwaja, Kousika and Jamadagni Godavaris are not in existence anymore. It is believed that the seven rishis brought water into the Godavari river from their points of origin. It is also believed that the waters from the seven tributaries constitute the water sources in the temple tank.
realted search : THE FIVE PANCHARAMA KSHETRAS

Read more...