Sri Kailasanathar (Lord Siva)
Lord Siva in our temple is called Sri Kailāsanāthar. Kailāsh is a sacred place and is the abode of Lord Siva and hence the name ‘Kailāsanāthar’. The idol is made out of a monolithic stone from the river Kandaki in Nepal. It has an extra bright shine as compared with other stones elsewhere. The Lingam is affixed to the basis on a six-angled facet, which is very special in terms of artistry. The Sannidhi is flanked by two Dwārapālakās, called ‘Dindi’ and ‘Mundi’. The Lord is faced by a large Nandikeswarar at the front of the Sannidhi. Rudra Abhishekam is performed on all Mondays as well as on Pradhosham days and important festive days such as ‘Maha Siva Rāthri’.
Shiva (Sanskrit: Auspicious One) is one of the main deities of Hinduism that is worshipped as the paramount lord by the Shaivaite sects of India. Lord Shiva is regarded as the representation of the Supreme Being. He is known as the third element in the Hindu Trinity (Trimurti), the other two members being Lord Brahma – the creator and Lord Vishnu – the protector. Shiva is the destructive form of the Almighty. As the cycle of destruction and recreation is always in a circle, Shiva’s primary responsibility is maintaining the life cycle.
Lord Shiva is also considered to be the most unique of all Hindu gods and also the God of all. A great ascetic, Shiva is the only godhead who is forever in deep meditation, totally absorbed in contemplation in His abode, Kailaasa Mountain in the great Himalaya. Lord Shiva is also said to be inseparable from Shakti. There is no Shiva without Shakti and no Shakti without Shiva, the two are one – or the absolute state of being.
Favourite Days:
Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Shiva is easily pleased. Therefore many people observe Upvaas on Monday. Thosedevotees observing fast only eat food once. People visit Lord Shiva shrines and conduct pujas, especially, Ardhanarishwara puja. The mantra ‘OmNamah Shivaya’ is chanted continuously. Siva devotees also read ShivaPurana. Unmarried women observe the Vrat to get good husbands. Others observe it for a happy and prosperous family life.
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli
Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee
Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree
Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning: Oh, Lord Shiva, who is seated on Mount Kailas, whose forhead is decorated with the moon and the king of serpents as a crown, who is the Ocean of Mercy and the remover of delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
