|
Epic
Evidence
The epic Mahabharata is packed with many an awe-inspiring event,
enacted on this Punya Kshetra, displaying exemplary prowess and
spiritual glory of the Pandavas. Bharavi's Krishnarjuniyam embodies
the thrilling and existing episodes of Arjuna's peerless skill in
the archery that won from Lord Maheswar, the much--coveted
Pasupatastra. The Lord, it appears, was more pleased with, Arjuna's
unparalleled dauntlessness and sublime large-hearted manliness than
the penance: Yudhistra was initiated by Veda Vyasa on this Punya
bhoomi. To cap all, as it were, when advised by the elderly wisemen,
the Pandavas came to this Kshetra to atone the sins of Kurukshetra
war, but Lord Maheswar seeing them approaching at the time set apart
for the gods only, assumed the form of bull and started running
away. When the Pandavas tried to catch him, He entered the Earth, so
only the rump -- the hind parts of His body remains visible at this
place and He is worshipped as Kedareswar. The other parts of the
Lord's body like limbs, face, naval and jata are visible at other
places, such as arms at Tunganath, face at Rudranath, belly at
Kapaleswar and front part at Nepal. The legend ends
that Siva when entered thus became five fold; and all are held
sacred. All these places are located in the Himalayas and they go by
the name of Pancha Kedaras. The Pandavas then built a shrine and
worshipped Him with unequalled fervor. It is said that the very same
temple is existing without alternations and the self-same Siva linga
is worshipped by the devotees now.
|
