| That
Lord Siva To Be Adored |
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| Temples
Of India |
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SIVABANOPASANA |
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The emergence of this type of worship has a fascinating background
and reflects Siva's Omnicompassion, which knows no equal and
timeless also. It is recorded the puranas that the valorous Banasura,
son of the formidable demon Bali, who ruled over the three worlds
did penance on the bank of river Narmada for centuries. When Siva
was pleased with his long penance, appearing before him asked to
name his desire for instant granting. Being a fervent
worshipper, and desiring to see Him always, in some form for the
other atleast, he asked Him to give darsan in the river and the
nearby mountain. Always. Would that astritapakshapatha -- partial to
devotees said 'no'? Certainly Never. He said them Amen ! Accordingly
He got converted Himself into unaccountable Sivalingas instantly.
They are fittingly called Banalingas. This oddity has given rise to
a popular adage -- Narmada ke kankar subasankar - all the stones of
Narmada are images of Sankara. So offering worship to any one of
them tantamounts to worshipping theLord. Bana not only enjoyed the
sight of his ishtadaiva, but became means of conferring the forture
of offering prayers to Siva abiding in those stones by the
passionate Saivates, who bring those Banalingas and worship in their
houses, with a procedure odd. Hail Bana hail !
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