|
|
| Om Namah Shivaya |
|
By this effortless and unconscious worship, he made Shiva appear. He appeared before Gurudruh and said, "Gurudruh! You have shown compassion and taken pity on those who are innocent and harmless. You have worshipped and pleased me. So, you are absolved of all sins." By Shiva's grace, all the evil thoughts in Gurudruh's mind vanished. Therefore, he began to lead a pious life. This is the greatness of Shivaratri and this is the benevolence of Shiva.
Worship and adoration of Shiva is of utmost importance. It is said that by the grace of Shiva any living being, high or small, can achieve salvation. A story from the "Shivapuran" is narrated here:
There was a demon whose name was Bhima. He pleased Lord Rama with austere penance. Rama asked him what boon he desired. Bhima prayed to Rama to grant him a boon that nobody could defeat him in fighting. Rama agreed to fulfil his wish. Armed with the boon of invincibility, the demon attacked the country of Kamarup. The king of Kamarup was defeated and imprisoned. That king was a righteous man. When he was put behind the bars, he began to worship Shiva by placing an earthen Shiva-Linga before him.
The demon, Bhima attacked and vanquished many other kings. He ordered his soldiers not to allow anyone worship Gods or perform any religious rituals. Then he invaded Swarga, the land of Gods.
The Gods were helpless. When they could do nothing and Bhima's atrocities kept on increasing, they worshipped stealthily. Appeased with God's prayers and worship, Shiva said to them, "I am pleased with your devotion towards me. Tell me what troubles you."
The Gods replied with great humility, "O Lord! There is a demon, called Bhima. He is invincible. He does not allow us to perform our duties. Kindly protect us from him." Shiva assured them, "Well! Wait for some time. These days the king of Kamarup is in Bhima's prison. He will be killed through that captive king."
The tyranny and tortures inflicted by Bhima kept on increasing day by day. His horrible-faced strong and sturdy soldiers let loose a reign of terror. They would wander about here, there and everywhere to find out if people were performing pious and sacred deeds and rituals. If they came across saints and sages praying to God or reading sacred scriptures, they were lashed black and blue mercilessly. There was no one to protect them.
They groaned and endured the beatings at the hands of the demons. They waited patiently for some bolt from the blue which could eliminate the demoniac forces."
|
| |
|