| That Lord Siva To Be Adored |
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| Temples Of India |
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MODES OF SIVA PUJA |
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| Smilingly
Siva said that he who comes first touching either the adi bottom or
the anta-top is superior over the other. Forthwith, Vishnu taking
the form of primal boar started digging the earth to reach the
bottom Finding it impossible, he turned up accepting his
inability. Meanwhile Brahma sitting on His vehicle swan flew up and
returned saying that he had touched the top, and for evidence he
produced a ketaki flower which nodded its head to honour the word
given to Brahma when met Him mid-way. Lord Siva -- the Omniscient
GOD cursed Brahma for lying, and Ketaki. abetting the unjust
action.
This happened on the midnight of Maghabahula chaturthi and Siva's avatarana -- descent on that auspicious moment was named Lingodbhava punyakala. Since then special pujas are offered to Siva, and if fasting Vupavasas and waking up -- jagarana throughout the night are observed on that day with namajapa, one attain emancipation. Ardent devotees neither eat nor drink even a drop of water. Why, even swallowing saliva is prohibited which according Agamas tantamounts to drinking water. They scrupulously adhere to all the injunctions and feel that their life attained charitartha.
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