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| Om Namah Shivaya |
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You have read about Shiva's "Nataraj" form. His Tandav (Destruction) dance is equally important and meaningful. It is believed that the alphabet was born of the dance. During this dance, Shiva played upon his Damaru (mini-drum) fourteen sounds of the alphabet or letters. Words are made of these letters. In due course of time, these sounds were developed into language and grammar. All knowledge and sciences are based on language.
In one of the hands of Lord Vishnu is shown a discus, called Sudarshan Chakra. This discus was presented to Vishnu by Shiva as a token of his pleasure towards him. Once to Gods, led by Vishnu, worshipped and pleased Shiva. Vishnu offered lotus flowers to him out of devotion and respect to him. Shiva, to test Vishnu's faith in him, picked one flower out of them and put that aside. Thus the number of the offered flowers was short by one flower. Vishnu noticed what had happened. He did not have an extra flower. So, he immediately put one of his eyes and presented that before Shiva.
Shiva was immensely pleased by Vishnu's devotion and offering. He appeared before Vishnu. He returned his eye. In addition to this, he presented his Sudarshan Chakra, the divine missile, to Vishnu as a gift. Shiva can easily be pleased. This makes him to be called "Ashutosha."
Another great quality of Shiva is of granting boons indiscriminately. He creates problems for others and at times he invites trouble for himself.
Once a demon, named Vrika, instigated by Narad, worshipped Shiva at Kedar mountain. When Shiva did not appear before him, Vrika decided to offer his head by cutting it into pieces. When he was about to behead himself, Shiva appeared and said, "O great devotee! I am pleased. You need not kill yourself. I shall grant you the boon you desire."
Vrika was happy. He prayed to Shiva, "You are the greatest. Please grant me the power of burning anybody to ashes by putting my hand on the head of that person." Shiva said, "Let it be so! "When Vrika's desire was fulfilled, he thought to confirm his power. He raised his hand. Shiva understood what he had in his mind. He could do nothing. He at once began to run. Vrika ran after Shiva. In fact he wanted to kill Shiva to get Parvati.
Shiva is known as 'Ashutosha'. It means he who gets pleased too soon. Lord Shiva is the only deity who can be pleased even if you offer him simple water or a leaf. The doors of his temples alone are wide open at all the twenty four hours. It means Shiva alone is ready to embrace you at all hours. He is called 'Bhola' the most innocent one. He can grant you any boon you desire. Just worship him sincerely!"
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