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Jyotirling-Introduction-2
Origin of the Ling
Once Brahmaa and Vishnu argued that among them who was the most powerful
Devtaa (god). Brahma Jee, the great architect, thought he was the best as
he created the whole Universe, while Vishnu argued that he wouldn't be
able to keep it running if He, the sustainer, could not sustain the created
world. Everyone recognized this by worshiping Vishnu in his many forms.
Brahmaa Jee argued back, that love of materialism was love for him and
therefore…
As the arguments continued,
a huge pillar of light appeared between them, infinite and bright. It stretched from
one side of forever to the other. They were surprised to see such a tall pillar which
had no end. They wanted to know of what was it and where it came from. So Brahmaa Jee
started going upward to search for its end or beginning, Vishnu also wanted to know
this so he also decided to investigate it. He went down to search the cause. Eons passed,
but no end of that pillar was in sight. In surrender they both prostrated before the
blazing pillar of Light, and Shiv gave his blessing, acknowledging that it was he in
that form and thus he was the infinite Jyoti (light). Since then that pillar became the
symbol of Shiv. Since this pillar had no end, its end was shaped as a dome of the sky.
Shamans as Carlos Castenada have spoken of the soul as an infinite column of light
stretching through the universe. Moses also saw the burning pillar in his vision of God
on Mt Sinai . The Jyotirling itself represents the Aatmaa, the soul, which is seen as light,
infinite and eternal light. It is the light of knowledge, the light of illumination,
the light of Truth, Aum Tat Sat.
This Ling is
the energy of creation, it is represented by a column of stone (symbolic
of the dome of the sky) and sitting in the Yoni (representing the earth).
Sometimes it has a more phallic presentation symbolic of the interwoven
Divine male and female energies. There are twelve Jyotirling temples found
throughout India , where there are naturally occurring Ling. These are the
places where the Ling was found and a temple was built around it. The
found Ling already had the power of Shiv within it, it did not need Praan
Pratishthaa (to invoke life) to awaken it or instill Shiv's energy into
it.
Authenticity of Jyotirling
The names and locations of 12 Jyotirling are mentioned in Shiv Puraan,
Shat-Rudra Sanhitaa, 42/2-4. They are as follows
(1) Somnaath - The most revered among all the Jyotirling, is located in
Prabhaas Patan, in Sauraashtra in Gujaraat.
(2) Mallikaarjun, also called Shree Shail - Is the name of the pillar
located on Shree Shail Mountain near Krishnaa River, in Kurnool, in AP.
Aadi Shankar composed his Shivaanand Laahiree here.
(3) Mahaakaal - in Ujjain or Avantee, in MP. This Ling is believed to be
Swayambhoo - the only one to be so. It is also the only one facing South.
(4) Omkaareshwar - in MP, on an island in Narmadaa River
(5) Kedaarnaath - in Uttaraakhand, the Northernmost Jyotirling, it is
accessible only by foot and only for six months.
(6) Bheemshankar - in Sahyaadri range of Mahaaraashtra, associated to the
destruction of Tripuraasur.
(7) Vishwanaath - in Banaaras, UP, the most visited Jyotirling.
(8) Tryambakeshwar - near Naasik, in Mahaaraashtra, associted with the
origin of Godaavaree River.
(9) Baidyanaath Dhaam, also called Vaidyanaath or Baijnaath Temple - in
Devghar, in Jhaarkhand, in Bihaar.
(10) Naageshwar Temple - in Dwaarakaa, in Gujaraat. The "daaruk Vane" term
in Shlok for Naageshwar is interpreted as Jogeshwar, also situated in
Himaalaya. "Daaruk Vane" means Daaruk Van eg Devdaar Forest.
(11) Raameshwaram - in Tamilnaadu, is revered as the Southernmost
Jyotirling among all Jyotirling in India.
(12) Grishneshwar - in Aurangaabaad, Mahaaraashtra, near the rock temples of Elloraa.
Jyotirling and Astrology
There are 12 Jyotirling in India. Thus there is one Jyotirlingam associated with one
sign of the Zodiac. The cause of one's creation, the purpose of one's being can be
seen from the Ling that is associated with the sign. By meditation on this individual
Ling, using its special mantra, and by pilgrimage to this holy site, one comes closer
to an understanding of the purpose of the Aatmaa's creation. It will help reveal one's
purpose of creation. Let us see which Jyotirling is related to which Zodiac Sign.
Aries with Rameshwaram in Tamilnaadu Libra with Mahaakaal in Ujjain, MP
Taurus with Somanaath in Gujaraat
Scorpio with Vaidyanaath, near Bodhgayaa, Bihaar
Gemini with Naageshwar
Sagittarius with Vishwanaath
in Banaaras, UP
Cancer with Omkaareshwar
Capricorn with Bheemshankar
Leo with Dhusaneshwar
Aquarius with Kedaarnaath in Himaalaya
Virgo with Mallikaarjun
Pisces with Tryambakeshwar
As the Jyotirling is the form of Lord Shiv
as light, it is important for Jyotishee (astrologers) to worship the Jyotirling to get
in touch with the Jyotir Vidya and awaken the light of the Aatmaa (soul), to help make
their inner light shine.
(1) Raameshwaram - associated with Aries
Raamwshwaram is named after Lord Raam,
who is the incarnation of Vishnu who represents perfect Dharm. Aries is the Sun's
exaltation position, this is where the Sun has the most vitality, vigor and ability
to express its energy. This is a place of power and control, a place of leadership,
kings and generals. The Sun signifies our Dharm, it is concerned with righteousness,
justice and truth. The Mantra is Aum Namah Shivaya Namo Rameshwaraaya. Located on the
island of Raameshwaram in Tamilnaadu at a point closest to Shree Lankaa.
(2) Somanath - associated with Taurus
Taurus is the Moon's exaltation position.
It is the place of abundance and fulfillment. It is the place of Ras (joy), the nectar,
good taste. Also health, the strength of Ojas, the immune system. The Mantra is Aum Namah
Shivaaya Namo Somanaathaaya.
This Temple is located in Veeraaval, just on the seashore, in the western part of Gujaraat.
(3) Naageshwar - associated with Gemini
Naageshwar is named after the Snake lord Shesh
Naag or Anant. According to Jaimini it is the exaltation place of Raahu. It has the power
to reach the masses, the power to manipulate communication. The Mantra is Aum Namah Shivaaya
Namo Nagesheshwaraya. Located near Dwaarakaa, in Gujaraat.
(4) Omkaareshwar - associated with Cancer
Omkaareshwar is named after Omkaar (the sound
of Om). Patanjali says, “Om is the word denoting God (Eeshwar) 2:27. Constant repetition
of Om and meditation on its meaning is to surrender to God] 2:28. From that practice, the
consciousness turns inwards and obstacles are overcome 2:29.” Omkaareshwar is the Jyotirling
which represents the Lord in the form of Omkar. Sometimes Aum is connected with Shiv also,
as it is the primal sound from which all others arise. Sometimes it is connected with Ganesh
as it comes before all other words in prayer. Sometimes it is used as a transcendental word
for denoting the Divine, or the primal and vibration of the Universe. Cancer is Jupiter's
exaltation and thereby is the strength and blessings of the Guru. It is the place of the
highest use of the "Dhi" Shakti, the power of intelligence. The Mantra is
"Om Namah Shivaaya Namo Omkaareshwaraaya".
Omkaareshwar is located in Madhya
Pradesh. Take a train to Bobal and then a bus to Omkaareshwar. It is an island situated in
the Narmada river, where the popular naturally formed Ling are found and sold throughout the
world. The island contains many modern and ancient temples and shrines with Shiv Ling. Also
worth visiting on the top of the island is a six foot high large onyx ling. This Temple is
located on the banks of Narmadaa River in between Indore and Khandavaa, on an island which
is surrounded by Narmadaa River, in MP.
(5) Dhusaneshwar OR Amarnaath OR Grishneshwar (near Elloraa Caves) - associated with Leo
Ghrishneshwar is the Lord of Tapaswee. A Tapaswee
is who lives in forests or in remote areas. It has the power to forgive you of earlier sins.
Dhusaneshwar vowed to forgive everyone. The Mantra is Aum Namah Shivaaya Namo Dhusaneshwaraya.
(6) Mallikaarjun - associated with Virgo
Mallikaarjun is the greatest Bhakt of Shiv Jee.
It is the exaltation place of Mercury. The Mantra is Aum Namah Shivaaya Namo Mallikaarjunaya.
This temple is located on Shreeshail Mountain, near Krishnaa River, Kurnool, AP.
(7) Mahaakaaleshwar - associated with Libra
Mahaakaal is Shiv as great Time. It is the exaltation
place of Saturn as the governor of time. Saturn is the son of Chaayaa, the shadowy one, who has
all the curses. Jyotishee go to this Ling to get the knowledge of Time, Varahamahir used to worship
at this Ling. A watch is the Yantra of Mahaakaal, and therefore should not be worn on the right hand.
The right hand belongs to Jupiter and the left hand belongs to Venus. The Mantra is Aum Namah Shivaaya
Namo Kaaleshwaraaya. Mahaakaal is located in Ujjayinee city in MP.
(8) Vaidyanaath or Baijnaath - associated with Scorpio
Vaidhyanaath is Shiv
as the divine physician. Vaidya is the Sanskrit word for doctor which
literally means one who has the knowledge, and Naath means Lord. From the
Ved, Rudra was called the first physician. Shiv is the modern day form of
Rudra. Vaidyanaath has an eight house connection being associated with
Scorpio - the natural ruler of the eighth house. It is healing that has to
do with holistic modalities working on the spiritual, psychological as
well as physical level of healing. The Mantra is Aum Namah Shivaya Namo
Vaidyanaathaaya. Vaidyanath is located near Bodhgayaa in Bihaar, in Devgarh
or Deoghar.
(9) Vishwanaath - associated with Sagittarius
Vishwanaath is the Lord of all
gods. It is also called Vishweshwar Temple and is the most revered Temple
among all. According to Jaimini, Sagittarius is the exaltation place of
Ketu. It is a place of spiritual liberation. Ashes are taken to Kaashee
Vishwanaath to get liberation. The Mantra is Aum Namah Shivaaya Namo
Vishwanaathaaya. Vishwanath is located in Vaaraanasee, also known as Benares
or its earlier name as Kaashee.
(10) Bheemshankar - associated with Capricorn
Bheemshankar is Shiv as the
great warrior. Capricorn is the exaltation place of Mars. Shiv has always
incarnated with Lord Vishnu whenever he can be of His service. In the
Ramaayan Shiv incarnated as Hanuman to help Raam, the hero of the epic. In
the Mahaabhaarat, Shiv incarnated as the great warrior Bheem. The Mantra
is Aum Namah Shivaaya Namo Bheemshankaraaya. Located at the source of
Bheem River, in a Forest Reserve, 3 hours from Poonaa, Mahaaraashtra.
(11) Kedaarnath - associated with Aquarius
Kedaarnaath is located in the high Himaalaya.
Aquarius is the sign of Saturn and Rahu. It is a sign of ingenuity. This temple is located
on the banks of Mandaakinee River flowing on the west side of Kedaar Hills, in Himaalaya,
in UP.
(12) Tryaambakeshwar - associated with Pisces
Tryambakeshwar is the three eyed
Lord. Pisces is the exaltation place of Venus. Venus did Tapasyaa (hung
from one leg on a tree for twenty years) to obtain the power to bring back
somebody to life. On a material level Venus brings us back with the sperm
and ovum (Shukra Dhaatu), love, and the sexual act. This is why the 7th
house is the house of rebirth. Spiritually, Venus brings us back again and
again to get Moksa (liberation). One will come with Venus Uchha (exaltation)
when ready for liberation. It is She who is exalted in the last sign of the
Zodiac. Bija Aum Jum Sa. The Mantra associated with Tryaambakeshwar is the
Mrityunjaya Mantra which cures disease and asks that one be made ready for
liberation like a ripe fruit ready to fall off the vine. It is located at the
source of Godaavaree River, about 20 kms from Naasik, Mahaaraashtra.
These temples
are closely linked with legends from Puraan and are rich in traditions and
history.
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