Bhajans

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Lord Shiva

The Destroyer and Transformer

Lord Shiva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism, known as the destroyer and transformer within the Trimurti (the Hindu Trinity). He represents the cosmic forces of destruction and regeneration, and is revered as the supreme yogi, the master of meditation, and the lord of dance (Nataraja).

Divine Attributes

The Great Destroyer
Lord of Dance (Nataraja)
Supreme Yogi
Master of Meditation
Destroyer of Evil
Transformer of Universe

Domain & Festivals

Divine Domain:

Destruction, Transformation, Meditation

Associated Festivals:

Maha ShivaratriShravan MonthPradosh Vrat

Sacred Shloka

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

Sanskrit:

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥

English Translation:

We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva, who is fragrant and who nourishes all beings. May he liberate us from death for the sake of immortality, just as a cucumber is detached from its creeper.

Meaning:

This is the most powerful mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. It is believed to have the power to conquer death and grant immortality, both spiritual and physical.

Sacred Stories

Shiva's Cosmic Dance (Tandava)

Lord Shiva performs the cosmic dance called Tandava, which represents the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe. In his form as Nataraja, the Lord of Dance, Shiva dances within a ring of fire, symbolizing the cosmic cycles of time. His dance maintains the rhythm of the universe, and when he stops dancing, the universe will end, only to be recreated again. This dance represents the dynamic aspect of existence and the continuous flow of energy in the cosmos.

The Churning of the Ocean and the Poison

During the great churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the gods and demons to obtain the nectar of immortality, a deadly poison called Halahala emerged that threatened to destroy all creation. To save the universe, Lord Shiva drank the poison and held it in his throat, which turned blue from the poison's effect. This is why Shiva is also called Nilakantha (the blue-throated one). This act of supreme sacrifice demonstrates Shiva's role as the protector of the universe and his willingness to bear suffering for the welfare of all beings.

Devotional Bhajan

Bholenath Se Binti Hai Hamari

Hindi/Sanskrit:

भोलेनाथ से बिनती है हमारी हे शिव शंकर पार लगा दो नैया हमारी भोलेनाथ से बिनती है हमारी गंगाधर हरे त्रिशूलधारी डमरू की आवाज़ से जगत को तार दो नीलकंठ हे महादेव भक्तों की सुध लो हमारी भोलेनाथ से बिनती है हमारी

English Translation:

Our prayer is to Bholenath O Shiva Shankar, help our boat cross to the other shore Our prayer is to Bholenath O bearer of Ganga, holder of trident With the sound of your damaru, liberate the world O Nilakantha, O Mahadeva Take care of your devotees Our prayer is to Bholenath

Meaning:

This devotional bhajan is a heartfelt prayer to Lord Shiva, addressing him by his various names and asking for his guidance and protection. It acknowledges his power to help devotees cross the ocean of worldly existence.

Sacred Aarti

Om Jai Shiv Omkara

Hindi/Sanskrit:

ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा, स्वामी जय शिव ओंकारा ब्रह्मा विष्णु सदाशिव, अर्धांगी धारा ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा एकानन चतुरानन पंचानन राजे हंसासन गरुड़ासन वृषवाहन साजे ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा दो भुज चार चतुर्भुज दस भुज अति सोहे तीनों रूप निरखते त्रिभुवन जन मोहे ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा अक्षमाला वनमाला रुद्राक्ष की माला चंदन मृगमद सोहे भाले शशि विशाला ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा

English Translation:

Om Jai Shiv Omkara, Lord Om Jai Shiv Omkara Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv, with Ardhangini (half-body as Parvati) Om Jai Shiv Omkara One face, four faces, five faces reign Swan-seated, Garuda-seated, bull-mounted arranged Om Jai Shiv Omkara Two arms, four arms, ten arms look beautiful Seeing the three forms, people of three worlds are enchanted Om Jai Shiv Omkara Rosary, forest garland, rudraksha beads garland Sandal and musk adorn, broad moon on forehead Om Jai Shiv Omkara

Meaning:

This aarti is a beautiful and widely sung prayer to Lord Shiva. It praises his infinite form and his various divine attributes, such as his three eyes and his presence in the entire cosmos. It is a devotional song seeking his blessings for a life free from evil and ignorance.