| All about Shiva: This
introductory article describes the nature of Shiva,
outlines his attributes, and links you to several legends associated with Shiva. |
The Shivalingam:
The non - anthropomorphic Shivalingam, worshipped
in temples is a visible symbol of the (Invisible) Absolute Reality. |
The Agamas:
Temple construction, image dimension, worship protocols are governed by the Agamas (traditions), the age old scriptures related to temple
worship. |
| All about Ganesha:
An introduction to Ganapati (Vinayaka), his attributes
and associated legends. |
All about Skanda:
An introduction to Skanda (Kartikeya), his attributes,
associated legends etc. |
All about Shakti:
Introduction to Shakti - a manifestation of the primeval energy
as the mother Goddess worshipped all over India. |
| Origins of Shivalinga Worship:
This legend portrays Shiva's manifestation as a huge cosmic
column of fire. The Shivalingam is symbolic of this column of light and of Absolute
Reality. |
Iconic
Representations of Shiva: Learn about Nataraja, Somaskanda, Bhikshaatanaa,
Ardhanaareeswara, Dakshinamurthy and more. |
Tripura Samhaaram:
This legend from the Shivapuraana speaks of the destruction of the three evil citadels Tripurams by Shiva. |
| Dasaavataaram:
Learn about the ten incarnations of Vishnu, who came
down to the earth in various forms, to re-establish righteousness and destroy evil. |
The story of Amrita:
Amrita the nectar of immortality, was churned out of the
celestial ocean of milk by the Gods and the demons. Shiva, two avatars of Vishnu, and the
shadow planets Rahu and Ketu are involved in this legend. |
The Story of
Markandeya: Markandeya, the eternally
youthful - was saved from the clutches of death by virtue of his devotion to Shiva. |
| Narasimhavatara
- The Man-Lion incarnation of Vishnu: Vishnu protected
his devotee Prahlada demonstrated his omnipresence and killed the evil demon
Hiranyakashipu in this incarnation. |
The Story of Daksha
Yagna: The immolation of Sati at the site of her father's yagna, caused its destruction, and the origin of the Shakti
Peethas of India. |
Kumara Sambhavam:
Kaama, the Lord of desire was burnt to ashes by the gaze of Shiva's third eye. Shiva's
marriage to Uma resulted in the birth of Skanda, the
valiant commander of the Gods. |
| The fifth head of
Bhrama: Did you know that the four headed Bhrama originally had five heads? This legend involves Bhrama, Vishnu and Shiva - Kapaalika,
Bhikshaatanaa, and Kankaalamurthy. |
Kiraataarjuneeyam:
Learn about this interesting encounter between Shiva and
Arjuna the Pandava prince as portrayed in the Mahabharata. |
Hanumaan: Hanumaan or Anjaneya,the monkey attendant of Rama and the
son of Vayu is portrayed as the embodiment of goodness, love, loyalty,
devotion and bravery. |
| Gajaasura Samhaaram:
Shiva the destroyer of evil, vanquishes the demon Gajaasuran. |
Andakaasura
Samhaaram: The blind demon Andakaasuran, was destroyed by Shiva in this legend from the Shiva Purana. |
Jalandaraasura
Samhaaram: Shiva the destroyer of evil destroys the demon Jalandaraasuran (born of the ocean). His widow Brinda
re-incarnated as the Tulsi plant |
| Legends related to
the Ganga: Several colorful legends
are associated with the river Ganga, as related in the Indian epics. |
|
The Story of the
descent of Ganga: Ganga, the
heavenly river was brought down to the earth through the efforts of the ruler Bhagiratha. |
| Story of the birth
of Skanda The Skanda Purana and Kumara Sambhavam in sanskrit, as well as Kanda
Puranam in Tamil narrate the colorful legend of Skanda's
birth. |
Story of Skanda's
marriage with Valli: Murugan's marriage with Valli
is celebrated at Tiruttani, Vallimalai, Velimalai and other shrines. An interesting legend
surrounds this divine marriage. |
Story of the birth
of Ganesha: Describes the origin of the
elephant headed God Ganesha, the battle between Shiva's forces and the valiant warrior
Ganapati. |
| Nataraja and the
Significance of the Cosmic Dance of Bliss.
Chidambaram in Tamilnadu deifies Shiva in his most poetic form as the Cosmic Dancer. |
Explore legends surrounding
Meenakshi (Parvati) and the celestial
marriage - Meenakshi Kalyanam with Sundareswarar. |
The Tiruvilayaadal Puraanam
describes in poetry several of the legends related to Sundareswarar and Meenakshi in the
Madurai region. |
| Explore legends tracing the
origin of the ancient city
of Madurai. |
Somaskanda Iconography: Somaskanda
refers to a manifestation of Shiva with Skanda and Uma by his side. |
Legend has it that the
Tyagaraja (Somaskanda) image at Tiruvarur was created and worshipped by Maha Vishnu.
Somaskanda is symbolic of fertility, of royal lineage etc. |
| Ajapaa
Natanam is associated with the dance of the image of Somaskanda worn by
Vishnu, in synch with his breath. |
Mucukunda Chola Legend:
The valorous Chola king brought back from Indra 7 images of Somaskanda. |
Sapta Vitanka Shrines
refer to seven temples in the Chola kingdom enshrining images of Tyagaraja brought to
earth by Mucukunda Chakravarti. |
| Miracles associated with the life of Maanikkavaacakar
at Tirupperumturai and Madurai are narrated in the Tiruvilaiyaadal
Puraanam. |
Explore the legacy of Aandaal and visit temples mentioned in
her literary works. Aandaal, revered as an incarnation of BhuDevi is also regarded as one
of the 12 Alwars. |
Explore the legacy of Maanikkavaacakar . Learn about the life
and the literary contributions of the Saint Poet. |
