STORIES OF LORD SHIVA

PART 2

Why Eeshvara is known as 'Bhola Shankara'

Once upon a time there was an Asura (demon) named Gajaasura. He performed a penance. Eeshvara, pleased with his penance, offered him as a boon whatever he desired. Eeshvara is a deity who is easily propitiated. Hence he is known as Bhola Shankara. When he is pleased with a devotee, He gives the devotee whatever he asks.

Sometimes he gets into a difficult situation, as in the case of Bhasmaasura who was granted by Shiva the boon to turn into ashes anyone on whose head he placed his palm. Immediately after getting the boon Bhasmaasura wanted to test his power by trying to place his hand on Shiva's head itself! What was the boon Shiva gave to Gajaasura? The demon desired that fire should go forth from him continuously so that no one dare approach him. Shiva granted him the boon.

Gajaasura continued to do penance and Shiva used to appear before him off and on once Shiva asked him what he wanted. The demon said- "I want you to dwell in my stomach." Shiva granted the boon and lodged himself in the demon's stomach. Shiva's consort Paarvathi, searched for Shiva everywhere and could not find Him. As a last resort, she went to her brother, Vishnu, and appealed to Him to trace the whereabouts of her husband. The all-knowing Lord assured her: "Don't worry dear sister. Your husband is Bhola Shankara. He grants readily whatever boon his devotee prays for, without considering the consequences. I suspect that he must have got into some trouble. I shall find out what has happened."

How Vinaayaka got Gajaasura's head

Vishnu, who is the director of the cosmic play, staged a minor drama. He converted Nandhi (Shiva's bull) into a dancing-bull and led it before Gajaasura, while himself assuming the role of a piper playing music on the pipe while the bull did the dancing. Gajaasura was in ecstasy over the dancing performance of the bull. He asked the piper (Vishnu) what he wanted. The piper replied- "Can you give what I ask?" "What do you take me for? I shall readily give you whatever you ask." The piper said: "If that is so, release from your stomach Shiva who is dwelling there."

Gajaasura then realised that the piper was none other than Vishnu Himself, who alone could know the secret of Shiva's presence inside his stomach. He fell at the feet of Vishnu, released Shiva from his stomach and prayed to Him for a boon. He said- "I have been blessed by many boons from you. My last request is that all should cherish my memory by worshipping my head after I pass away" Shiva thereupon brought his son and placed Gajaasura's head on him. Ever since, the tradition has prevailed in Bhaarath that every auspicious function of any kind commences with worship of Ganapathi. It was the result of Shiva's boon to Gajaasura.

http://www.sathyasai.org/search/volume30/sss30-20.pdf

I shall tell you the story of Ishwara Sankalpa (Will of the Supreme Lord) and how nothing could stop its realisation. Shiva was every day discoursing on Kailaasa to sages and saints and Dhevas in the evening hours. One day, Paarvathi suggested that a Hall be constructed for accommodating them all, so that they could all listen without being affected by the constant fog and mist and cold winds.

Shiva did not have the Sankalpa to put it up; still, Paarvathi insisted that her idea must be implemented. The astrologer who was consulted before the foundations were dug said that "The stars forecast that the Hall will be consumed by fire, since Shani (Saturn) is not propitious from the very beginning." The Hall was completed, nevertheless. Now, that set a problem for the Couple. Shiva proposed to ask Shani for the favour of saving the Hall from his anger, though He doubted whether the Planet, reputed for his inevitable ire, would ever agree. Paarvathi felt deeply hurt and she resolved not to give the tiny tyrant, Shani, the credit for destroying the Hall that She had got built. She swore that instead of giving him the chance to declare arrogantly that he had set fire to the Hall, she would herself set fire to it.

But Shiva asked her to first await the outcome of His appeal to Shani, for He was Himself proceeding to his headquarters! He told Her, "If Shani agrees to exempt the Hall from his anger, I shall come back and report the good news to you; but if he is adamant, I shall raise My Hand and twirl this Dhakka (double drum). On hearing that signal, you may set fire to the Hall and rob Shani of the credit for doing so."

Paarvathi was ready with a burning torch in anticipation of the signal, so that there may not be a moment's chance for the wicked Planet to execute his nefarious plan of revenge. Shani, however, agreed to the request made by Shiva; he said that he would not bum down the Hall in Kailaasa and Shiva was happy at his reply. So, when Shani prayed that he may be granted one small boon, Shiva agreed and asked him what it was. It seems Shani had never before seen the famous Dance of Shiva which all the stellar divinities were extolling and Shani craved that Shiva may show him a step-or two. Shiva readily assented and started the Thaandava (frantic dance of Shiva), raising His hand and sounding the Dhakka! Listening to the signal, Paarvathi applied the torch and the Hall was, as per the Sankalpa of Shiva, burnt to ashes! Divine Sankalpa must be fulfilled! Shani was just a tool in the Divine Plan.

http://www.sathyasai.org/search/volume02/sss02-16.pdf

To attain God, Love is enough

God is the embodiment of compassion. He watches for a grain of goodness or humility so that He can reward it with tons of Grace. In a certain temple for Shiva, the priest had silver basin with a hole in its base for water to drip continuously. He filled it with water and hung it over the Lingam (the idol of Shiva) so that the God who swallowed the poison which would have destroyed the Universe could be cooled and comforted!

Even at night when the doors of the  shrine were locked by the priest as he went home, the silver basin of water, was in its position. So, a thief broke into the sacred apartment; his eyes were on the silver: he could not reach the rope that kept the basin in position; so, he climbed on the Lingam itself in order to take the costly booty down. Even as he was standing on the holy idol Shiva manifested Himself in all His glory before him, saying, "Son! I appreciate your surrender; you have cast on me your entire burden!"

The thief prayed that Shiva may help him to secure the silver;-there was no ladder or bench or any other article on which he could climb. So, the Lingam was his only refuge..

PART - 1