INTRODUCTION TO SIVAPURANAM

Shiva is the third god in the Hindu triumvirate. The triumvirate consists of three gods who are responsible for the creation, upkeep, and destruction of the world. Shiva is known to have untamed passion, which leads him to extremes in behavior. Sometimes he is an ascetic, abstaining from all worldly pleasures. Purana means a vast genre of Indian literature about a wide range of topics.

So Sivapuranam is an epic of Lord Siva. The value of Sivapuranam is a globe. This poem has 95 lines with many grateful meanings. It is recited largely at temples, homes, and special occasions. Every Lord Shiva’s devotee sing Sivapuranam and Namachivaya mantra in any circumstances. Sivapuranam shares some of the dominant characteristics of this body of literature.

It is written by Saint Manikavasagar lived in the district of Madurai. He is a sincere devotee of Lord Siva. Saint Manikkavasagar, the author of Thiruvasagam and Thirukkovaiyar; the 8th Thirumurai is the 4th Samayacharya. Thiruvasagam is the compilation of 656 devotional verses of a very high order for the soul’s realization. This part contains 51 separate poems, the first is called the Sivapuranam.

The Shivapuranam is the most sacred and the bhakta who reads it with utmost devotion will gain both, material and spiritual pleasure –
The Shivapuranam mention these benefits of the one who reads it listens to it –

  1. A man ceases to exist as a mere man. Instead, he becomes Rudra, a manifestation of Shiva.
  2. Just by reading it, a man gains the merit of Rajasuya Yagna and 100 Agnistomas.
  3. The one who listens to it, will not suffer from any unfortunate event or mishap and remain away from sinful thoughts and deeds.
  4. He will attain salvation and go to Lord Shiva’s Loka.
  5. He will be unaffected by worldly despairs, the one who reads Shivapuranam. He will escape the cycle of Karma.
  6. Particularly in the age of Kali there is no greater virtue conducive to the achievement of liberation by men, than listening to Sivapurana.
  7. The house where the discourse on this Śhivapurāṇa is held becomes a holy center. It destroys the sins of the inmates of the house and will have peace and lovely life.
  8. All the desires of the man is fulfilled.

People always believe Shiva and Shakti are considered to be the epitome of love, power, and togetherness.
Meanwhile in Shivapuranam, lines 31 to 35 are so meaningful. The lines mean a human takes much birth, dies, and suffers but at last, we surrender ourselves under Shivan’s feet.

‘The grass and herb and worm and tree
The diverse beast,the bird and snake
The stone and man, the ghoul and hosts
The mighty demons, sages and gods
Among these static and mobile
Forms all of species of life
I’ve been born and wearied My Lord.

This is the main reason Shivapuranam mostly recite at funerals to ensure the death soul rest in peace and everyone at the home understand the meaning of life and death. They also pray together to the soul’s inner peace.

So, every Hindu should chant ‘Namachivaya and Shivapuranam for a peaceful mind and life. Lord Shiva would not let down his devotee.

OM NAMASHIVAYA

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