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<\/a>Ramakant Tiwari<\/p>\nSiva<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/i><\/b>\u00a0should not be nomenclature-d at all as He is Infinite and \u2018Nirakara<\/i>\u2019. Yet He has been named more than a thousand times possibly with the na\u00efve intention of adding more and more dimensions to His Infiniteness !! Though every name is supposed to mitigate His infinite glory, on the contrary, it adds a few more dimensions to His mystical existence.<\/b><\/p>\n
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His consecration as\u00a0Mahakala<\/i>\u00a0 is the name that appears to be the most mystical one. It has compelled humanity to discern and acknowledge convergence of Science and\u00a0Adhyatma<\/i>\u00a0 which existed eternally yet human frailties dissuaded us to do that for long. That Science is a progeny of\u00a0Adhyatma<\/i>\u00a0 would have been too explosive a revelation for the frail human wisdom to assimilate. Proposition of Einsteinian Theory of Relativity and its affirmation through discovery of Gravitational Waves on the surface of Universal\u00a0Akasa<\/i>–Kala<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0Matrix revealed beyond an iota of doubt to gross human wisdom that\u00a0Kala<\/i>\u00a0 is one of the most fundamental parametres of creation, sustenance and dissolution. It happened to be a scientific affirmation in a small measure, what\u00a0Rsi<\/i>-s and\u00a0Maharsi<\/i>-s had established thousands of years ago.<\/b><\/p>\n
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Kala<\/i><\/b>\u00a0 is the dimension that cannot be pinioned at all. If at all it is pinioned or shackled, it is in the manifest of\u00a0Vartamana<\/i>, very\u00a0Vartamana<\/i>\u00a0 that is incessantly passing away, never to return at all.\u00a0Akasa<\/i>\u00a0 exists because\u00a0Kala<\/i>\u00a0 exists as\u00a0Akasa<\/i>\u00a0 is a proceed of\u00a0Kala<\/i>. Manifestation of\u00a0Sakara<\/i>\u00a0 is the proceed of\u00a0Akasa<\/i>\u00a0 as various physical \/ gross attributes exist within the domain of\u00a0Akasa\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>alone. It is\u00a0Kala<\/i>\u00a0 that transforms itself within the domain of\u00a0Akasa<\/i>\u00a0 to allow innumerable manifests of physical existence to come into being. This cosmic reality of mysticism, most fundamental of all realities, is reverentially adored as\u00a0Siva<\/i>. Literally,\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 means \u2018Nothing\u2019 as also, almost 99% of the cosmos !! It is in reality, the vibrant and dynamic aspect of\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 that is named as\u00a0Kala Bhairava<\/i>. When He is as tranquil as absolutely stilled, He is transformed into\u00a0Mahakala<\/i>.\u00a0Kala Bhairava<\/i>\u00a0 is also annihilator of\u00a0Ajnana<\/i>\u00a0 which then, leads to\u00a0Moksa<\/i>, Ultimate Emancipation from shackles of cycles of birth and death. When the last citadel of\u00a0Ajnana<\/i>\u00a0 is demolished,\u00a0Moksa<\/i>\u00a0 is attained in the eternity of\u00a0Vartamana<\/i>, not only here itself but also within ourselves. Nothing more remains to be attained or renounced, in the midst of Absolute Nothing i.e.\u00a0Mahakala<\/i>. \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
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Androgyne manifest of\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 is\u00a0Ardhanarisvara<\/i>\u00a0 wherein left half of the deity is depicted as\u00a0Devi<\/i>\u00a0 in compatible contours and hues. In this manifest,\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0and\u00a0Sakti<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0enjoy equal prominence being\u00a0Purusa<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0and\u00a0Prakrti<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0respectively. Just as fire and its blaze are distinguishable albeit inseparable,\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 and\u00a0Sakti<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0too, are not only inseparable but also mutually inclusive. In the state of intense meditation, divine splendor of\u00a0Devi\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0is perceived to have overshadowed bright white of\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 imparting an illusion of\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 having been assimilated into Her. This experience allowed the doctrine of\u00a0Sakta<\/i>, also known as\u00a0Kaula<\/i>s, to rise wherein only\u00a0Sakti<\/i>\u00a0 need to be worshipped as\u00a0Siva<\/i>–Tattva<\/i>\u00a0 stands absorbed within\u00a0Sakti<\/i>. Theory of creation and dissolution propounds cyclical and evolutionary nature of\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 and\u00a0Sakti<\/i>.<\/b><\/p>\n
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So vividly narrated\u00a0Jagadguru Adi Samkaracarya<\/i>\u00a0 in his\u00a0Saundarya Lahiri<\/i>\u00a0\u2013<\/b><\/p>\n
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Jagatsute Dhata Hariravati Rudraha Ksapayate Tiraskurvannetat Svamapi Vapurisastirayati<\/i><\/b>\u00a0 I<\/b><\/p>\n
Sada Purvaha Sarvam Tadidmanugrhnati Ca Sivastavajna<\/i><\/b>–malambya Ksanacalitayorbhulatikayoha<\/i><\/b>\u00a0 II 24 II<\/b><\/p>\n
Brahma<\/i><\/b>\u00a0 brings forth universe;\u00a0Hari\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0sustains and protects;\u00a0Rudra<\/i>\u00a0 destroys that;\u00a0Mahesvara<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0absorbs all these deities into Himself, then disappears into\u00a0Sadasiva<\/i>. Then\u00a0Sadasiva<\/i>, when mandated by Her through the movement of Her brows, impels them into activity.<\/b><\/p>\n
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Therefore, there can be no maiden creation or final conclusion in the manifest of dissolution. Creation is reversal of the state of involution and both states are known as\u00a0Kalpa<\/i>\u00a0 and\u00a0Pralaya<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0respectively, each continuing for billions of human years. In\u00a0Sakta<\/i>\u00a0 doctrine,\u00a0Sakti<\/i>\u00a0 and\u00a0Prakrti<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0appear to be differentiated with\u00a0Prakrti<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0<\/i>being effect of\u00a0Sakti\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>while in most others, both are identified to be one. At the instance of\u00a0Sakti<\/i>,\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 initiates creation based on the template of imprints retained from previous creation. Hence, in\u00a0Sakta<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0doctrine,\u00a0Sakti<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0is supreme and initiator of creation while in others,\u00a0Prakrti\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0initiates creation at the instance of\u00a0Siva<\/i>. Without\u00a0Sakti<\/i>,\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 is entirely incapable of creation or any movement.<\/b><\/p>\n
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Siva<\/i><\/b>\u00a0 crushes the demon of\u00a0Ajnana<\/i>\u00a0 during\u00a0Siva<\/i>–Tandava<\/i>, emancipates all from fetters of\u00a0Karma<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0<\/i>by raising one foot and initiates cosmic phenomenon of destruction which is in reality, re-construction devoid of all desecrations. By opening\u00a0Ajna Cakra<\/i>, He dissolves all delusions including irrational identification with gross body and reminiscences of past. His\u00a0Yogic\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0posture of deep meditation with eyes semi-closed, focused on nose-tip symbolizes intense engagement through introversion merged in the Supreme Self. This is the state of\u00a0Vairagya<\/i>\u00a0 i.e. ultimate renunciation of\u00a0Prakrti<\/i>, its\u00a0Maya<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0and\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0abides in the manifest of Existence-Consciousness-Bliss.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
According to\u00a0Trika Darsana<\/i>\u00a0 with three systems of\u00a0Pratyabhijna<\/i>,\u00a0Krama<\/i>\u00a0 and\u00a0Kaula<\/i>, also recognized as Kashmir\u00a0Saivism<\/i>, ubiquitous\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 consciousness itself is the universe.\u00a0Trika<\/i>\u00a0 implies all compacted into one entity with\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0<\/i>discerning Himself from\u00a0Sakti<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0only to dominate the universe through\u00a0Sakti\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0on the auspicious night of\u00a0Sivaratri<\/i>. All manifestations of bliss are expressions of self-recognition in the spirit of\u00a0Aham Brahmasmi<\/i>. This self-recognition has been held to be\u00a0Prakasa<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0i.e. blaze of Supreme Consciousness and\u00a0Vimarsa<\/i>\u00a0 i.e. faculty of self-discernment. At the core, both are innately and inseparably integrated. It is this\u00a0Vimarsa<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0that every\u00a0Jivatma<\/i>\u00a0 is mandated to strive for. Each expression of this Consciousness is\u00a0Spanda<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0i.e. subtle wave and every\u00a0Spanda\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0is superceded by another, immediately after. All\u00a0Spanda<\/i>-s are interdependent and integrated just as no two waves on ocean surface are separable in spite of being identifiable individually. Ultimately, all\u00a0Spanda<\/i>-s are integrated with Supreme Consciousness just as all waves are with the ocean, all inseparably albeit identifiable. Bliss of consciousness is perfect identification and harmony with the Supreme Consciousness after shedding infinite multiplicity just as two or more sound-waves of identical amplitude and frequency create a node upon superimposition. As we dive deeper into the cosmic ocean of consciousness, we migrate deeper into non-duality, deeper into omni-existence, an existence that exists at the core of all entities.\u00a0Mahasivaratri<\/i>\u00a0 is celebrated on 14th<\/sup>\u00a0day of\u00a0Krsnapaksa<\/i>\u00a0 of the month of\u00a0Phalguna<\/i>. Due to planetary configurations, northern hemisphere of Planet Earth is positioned in such a way that natural upsurge of cosmic energy in human beings is inevitable. On this day-night, we are inspired to stay awake, fast and meditate on\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0to arrogate ourselves with as much cosmic energy as possible. For a\u00a0Grihastha<\/i>,\u00a0Mahasivaratri\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0is a celebration of His wedding anniversary, for ambitious ones it is a day when\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 conquers all His foes and finally for ascetics \/ renunciants,\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0is absolutely still like\u00a0Kailasa Parvat<\/i>.\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 is\u00a0Adi<\/i>–Guru<\/i>\u00a0 i.e. first point of universal wisdom. After infinite number of millennia in intense\u00a0Samadhi<\/i>,\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0is absolutely stilled, celebrated and adored on\u00a0Mahasivaratri<\/i>. On this auspicious occasion, we are inspired to discern infinite vastness of\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 overriding all infinite number of creations in the entire expanse of universe.<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Jvala Linga<\/i><\/b>\u00a0 is another name of\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 that appears on\u00a0Mahasivaratri<\/i>\u00a0 radiating immense energy all around which cooled down by mid-night.\u00a0Sunya Putula<\/i>\u00a0 is the prime representation of\u00a0Jvala Linga<\/i>\u00a0 worshipped as 18-armed\u00a0Svacchanda Bhairava<\/i>. Entire universe is visualized as\u00a0Visvadeva<\/i>\u00a0 and oblations are offered to all entities as a mark of conclusion to the festival. According to\u00a0Siva Purana<\/i>, worship of\u00a0Siva<\/i>\u00a0 on\u00a0Mahasivaratri<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0must include offering\u00a0Bilva<\/i>\u00a0 leaves after the ritual of His bath symbolizing sanctification of\u00a0Atma<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0through dissolution of unredeemed\u00a0Samskara<\/i>-s, applying vermilion paste on\u00a0Linga<\/i>\u00a0 symbolizing virtues, offering food conducive to longevity symbolizing gratification of desires, fragrance of incense-sticks \/ oil lamp symbolize attainment of wealth \/ knowledge respectively and finally, offering betel leaves symbolize attainment of joys of life.<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Vatesvara<\/i><\/b>, an ancient\u00a0Sivalingam<\/i>\u00a0 worshipped by\u00a0Ravana<\/i>, used to prognosticate impending events through luminescence emanating from\u00a0Sri<\/i>–Cara<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0engraved on it, as described in \u2018Rajatrangini<\/i>\u2019.\u00a0Somyara<\/i>\u00a0Lingam<\/i>\u00a0 of\u00a0Habbakadal<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0too, emits effulgence synchronized with lunar waxing. These may be perceptible only to highly advanced\u00a0Sadhaka<\/i>-s. Rabindranath Thakur said about Kashmir\u00a0Saivism<\/i>, \u201cKashmir\u00a0Saivism<\/i>\u00a0 has penetrated to that depth of living thought where diverse currents of human wisdom unite in a luminous synthesis.\u201d What renders Kashmir\u00a0Saivism<\/i>\u00a0 different from\u00a0Advaita Darsana<\/i>\u00a0 is that\u00a0Sakti<\/i>\u00a0 is manifestation of Absolute Consciousness\u00a0 in entire universe. On the contrary,\u00a0Advaita Darsana<\/i>\u00a0 holds Absolute Consciousness being absolutely inactive and the universe, being its\u00a0Maya<\/i>. Kashmir\u00a0Saivism<\/i>\u00a0 is mostly based on monistic elucidation of\u00a0Bhairava Tantra<\/i>-s while\u00a0Advaita<\/i>, on\u00a0Upanisad<\/i>-s and\u00a0Brahmasutra<\/i>-s. Kashmir\u00a0Saivism<\/i>\u00a0 claims to have superceded dualism enunciated in\u00a0Saiva Siddhanta<\/i>.\u00a0Citi<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0i.e. Universal Consciousness,\u00a0Mala<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0<\/i>i.e. Consciousness that evolves into innumerable,\u00a0Upaya<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0<\/i>i.e. tormented owing to entanglement and longing to emancipate and finally\u00a0Moksa<\/i>\u00a0 i.e. supreme liberation, are the four elements that constitute Kashmir\u00a0Saivism<\/i>. Three\u00a0Mala<\/i>-s are individual\u00a0Mala<\/i>, mind\u00a0Mala<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0i.e.\u00a0Maya<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0and\u00a0Karma<\/i>–Mala<\/i>. It prescribes four pursuits to be attained to the Supreme viz.\u00a0Anavopaya<\/i>\u00a0 i.e. method of body,\u00a0Saktopaya<\/i>\u00a0 i.e. of mind,\u00a0Sambhavopaya<\/i>\u00a0 i.e. of consciousness and\u00a0Anupaya<\/i>\u00a0 i.e. un-defined method.\u00a0Sadhana<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0<\/i>that is pursued in Kashmir\u00a0Saivism<\/i>\u00a0 is mostly\u00a0Astangayoga<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0of\u00a0Maharsi<\/i>\u00a0Patanjali<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0<\/i>and it demands attainment of Infinite Bliss here, in this life itself.<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Mahasivaratri<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0is also celebrated on the day of\u00a0Trayodasi<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0as\u00a0Bhairavotsava<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0wherein elaborate\u00a0Bhairava<\/i>\u00a0Yajna<\/i>\u00a0 is performed propitiating\u00a0Bhairavi<\/i>,\u00a0Vatuka Bhairava<\/i>,\u00a0Rama Bhairava<\/i>\u00a0 etc. who emerged from vessels of various shapes and sizes. All others celebrate the festival on\u00a0Caturdasi<\/i>\u00a0 when the Deity is presumed to have been pacified.\u00a0Bhairavi<\/i>, also known as\u00a0Sarika<\/i>, is regarded as full-fledged\u00a0Devi<\/i>\u00a0 in her own right.\u00a0Sarika Pitha<\/i>, also known as\u00a0Cakresvari<\/i>, is located on a hill-top in central\u00a0Srinagara<\/i>. Esoteric manifest of\u00a0Siva\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0as\u00a0Svacchanda Bhairava<\/i>\u00a0 with His consort\u00a0Aghoreswari<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0had been in existence even in medieval times.\u00a0Svacchanda<\/i>\u00a0 implies liberty of spontaneity and\u00a0Advaita<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0Consciousness alone signifies singular, non-dual union with the Absolute. Endowed with\u00a0Iccha<\/i>\u00a0 i.e. will,\u00a0Jnana<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0i.e. discriminatory wisdom and\u00a0Kriya<\/i>\u00a0i.e. faculty of action,\u00a0Svacchanda Bhairava<\/i>\u00a0 creates this universe with actions of\u00a0Srsti<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0i.e. creation,\u00a0Stithi<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0i.e. sustenance,\u00a0Samhara\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0i.e. dissolution,\u00a0Triodanha<\/i>\u00a0 i.e. concealment and\u00a0Anugraha<\/i>\u00a0 i.e. revelation. Through His acts of\u00a0Srsti<\/i>, He creates and sustains the universe.\u00a0Stithi<\/i>\u00a0\u00a0is persistence wherein consciousness merges with manifest.\u00a0Samhara<\/i>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0is dissolution through retraction of consciousness towards non-dualism.\u00a0Triodanha<\/i>\u00a0 is enfolding creation from Space-Time matrix and\u00a0Anugraha<\/i>\u00a0 is its reversal. Entire creation is regarded as reflection of\u00a0Svacchanda Bhairava<\/i>\u00a0 alongwith\u00a0Aghoreswari<\/i>. Thus, auspicious festival of\u00a0Mahasivaratri\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0is essentially a celebration of\u00a0Advaita<\/i>.<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SIVA,\u00a0SAKTI\u00a0 AND\u00a0MAHASIVARATRI Ramakant Tiwari Siva\u00a0\u00a0should not be nomenclature-d at all as He is Infinite and… more