Being Shiv (Part2)

Let us remember the source across the course. Now, let us take a recap of the previous part.

We saw that a boon was rendered to Tarkasura. He was cherished with immortality till a descendent of Lord Shiva kills him. The chaos in the heavens disturbed the peace and harmony. Anxious demigods thought of sending Kamadev, Lord of Lust to bring Shiva Ji to the gross plane of consciousness. As a twig was shot at the glabella, rage burnt Kamadev into ashes. Now, let us see the other part.

Soon, Mother took birth as Parvati to Mother Maina and Lord Himachal. Narad Ji visited their dwelling to bless the child. He pretended to read Her palm, and proclaimed a majestic destiny. He said that She will have Her consort as Lord Shiv, if She practices deep contemplation and penances for fourteen years. And, She could get married to no one except Lord Shiva.

Her parents were happy, listening to the glorious fortune of their daughter. She grew up as a beautiful lady, and an intense ascetic by heart. Glabella was never left forgotten, and soon the Kundalini reached the Ajna and a majestic union occurred. She unveiled the Shakti, and became capable of uniting with Mahadev.

At the same time, Tarkasura was flourishing in a full-fledged manner. The celestial demigods were worried. They went to Lord Brahma again. Lost in meditation, Brahma ji fluttered His eyes. The gods pleaded to help them. Lord appeared obstinate. He asked them to go to Lord Shiva and to convince Him, to marry Mother Parvati. All of them began vibrating in fear. They all went to Lord Vishnu, along with Brahma Ji. Lost in contemplation, He too twitched His eyes. He too appeared wilful. After hours of conviction, He agreed to convince Lord Shiva. But, He warned that His efforts might run futile. He said that convincing Mahadev would be like asking the Guru to carry out an order. But, He smiled and left with others for Kailash.

At Kailash, lost in pondering over the Name, Lord Shiva was meditating in a stiff posture, as if a ramrod. Reaching the peak, Narayana hailed in Mahadev’s Name. Jai Mahadev, Om Namah Shivay, Om Namah Shivaya…. . In response, Lord Shiva greeted Lord, enunciating WELCOME O NARAYANA, MY GURU. GREETINGS TO THEE.. O GURU… OM VISHNAVAAY NAMAH. Narayana asked Mahadev to marry Mother Parvati. Mahadeva said that the orders of the Guru are the paramount words in the cosmos. He agreed. The devas began rejoicing. Despite, Mahadeva had killed Kamadev, Lord of lust into cinders, still the words of Guru were taken up unrivalled.

Soon, Mahadeva and Mother Parvati were married. After marriage, both of them began living like grave ascetics, and lust never creeped in their way. But, they were to bear a son, who could kill Tarkasura. Narayana appeared before them and blessed them, to possess a son. He assembled the penta-elemental lump into a living body, and son was endowed. He was named Kartikeya, who is worshipped as Lord Murugan in South India.

Now, let us understand the concept of Guru. In this parable, Narayana said that He was always immersed in Divine Contemplation. Only the Name of Shiva slipped out of His mind. And on the other hand. Mahadeva also greeted Narayana as His Guru. This may appear contradictory, and also despite being the Transcendental beings, they worshipped their subtle clone? In a gross view, Mahadeva is unborn, was never delivered by a Mother. Narayana took many incarnations of earth, which was only possible through a Mother. The incarnations of Rama, Krishna and the rest performed their worship for Mahadeva. In journey to Lanka, Lord Rama established a Shiva temple, which came to be known as Rameshwaram, the dwelling place of Rama’s Guru, Mahadeva.

Let us understand from Mahadeva’s stand point. The Transcendental Existence, in formless perpetuity, is like a lotus to ego. Nothing stains It. But, a five elemental body, fused with soul, might be soiled by ego. So to remain grounded, Mahadeva believed that His Guru is Vishnu.

Such penances were practiced by the Incarnations as well. But, the practice on our part….