Jagadguru Speaks: Siva Purana

[S Jayanarayanan]

(Around the beginning of the month, a nugget of Wisdom from the Jagadguru may be posted
on the Chaturamnaya list : http://lists.advaita-vedanta.org/cgi-bin/listinfo/chaturamnaya )
 
 
Siva Purana deals extensively with a number of subjects, such as the greatness of Bhagavan Paramasiva and his worship,
the pilgrim centres dedicated to Siva, and stories of his bhaktas or devotees. 
 
Among Siva kshetras, Banaras has a special greatness. It is called avimukta kshetra. Many sages did upasana on the Lord
there and attained mukti or salvation. Maharshi Markandeya became immortal by the grace and blessings of Lord Siva.
 
Siva's name is highly auspicious. 
 
  shivanaamani bhaavitentara~Nge mahatijyotiShi maaniniimayaardhe .
  duritaanyapayaanti duradure muhuraayaanti mahaanti ma~Ngalaani ..
 
  शिवनामनि भावितेन्तरङ्गे महतिज्योतिषि मानिनीमयार्धे |
  दुरितान्यपयान्ति दुरदुरे मुहुरायान्ति महान्ति मङ्गलानि ||
 
Sri Sankara Bhagavatpada says in this sloka that the mere remembrance of Siva's name dispels all sins and bestows good.
Devotees should read the stotras composed by  Sri Sankara. These include particularly Sivananda Lahari, Siva Bhujangam
and Siva Panchakshara stotras.
 
Among the days specially auspicious for Siva puja, Sivaratri stands out most prominently. Sastras declare that if anyone
keeps awake the whole night and performs Siva puja, he will attain salvation. 
 
The bilva leaf is important in Siva puja. The puja done with devotion will fulfil all desires of the worshipper.
 
May all benefit by reading the Siva Purana which extols the greatness of the Lord. 
 
  namashshashikalaakoTikalpyamaanaa~Nkurashriye .
  prapanna janasaMkalpa kalpavR^ikShaaya shambhave ..
 
  नमश्शशिकलाकोटिकल्प्यमानाङ्कुरश्रिये |
  प्रपन्न जनसंकल्प कल्पवृक्षाय शम्भवे ||
 
I bow down to the wish-fulfilling Lord Sambhu who spreads bliss and fulfills the desires of those who seek his refuge.