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Showing posts from June 27, 2016


Markandeshwar Mahadev in Ujjain – Story of Markandeshwar Form of Shiva – 36th Shiva Temple in Ujjain

Markandeshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. It is believed that those worshipping Markandeshwar form of Shiva will get healthy and intelligent children. The temple dedicated to Markandeshwar Mahadev is located behind the Ram Janardan temple complex. This form of Shiva is associated with Rishi Markandeya and devotee Mukand. Markandeshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 36th temple visited during the parikarama of Shiavalayas here. Story of Markandeshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain Mukand was an ardent devotee of Shiva. But he did not have any children. To overcome this, he performed intense austerities in the Himalayas. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva asked him to offer prayers to a Shivling located north of Pattaneshwar in Mahakaal Van (present day Ujjain). Mukand went to Ujjain and performed austerities at the Shivling. Shiva and Parvati appeared fr

Bhuta Shuddhi in Tantric Worship

Bhuta Shuddhi is an important part of tantric worship and is performed before the worship of a deity in Tantrism. The human body is made of five bhutas or elements – earth, water, fire, air and vaccum or ether. By purifying the five bhutas a tantric aspirant transforms his body into a divine form. The aspirant does this ritual so that the body can be fit to be an abode of the deity. Primarily the body is cleansed so that it can be fit for the deity to enter it and reside in it. Bhuta Shuddhi is attained by smearing body with ash, sprinkling it with water, reciting mantras and through breath control or pranayama. It is one among the eight external steps in Tantra. It is known as Bahya Upasana.