Shiva Adhikhyam

Essential Characteristics of supreme lord :

1) He should be source of all, protecter of all and destroyer as well.
2) He should ever possess the strength of godhead.
3) He should be the father of the universe
4) He should be the lord of all beings.
5) He should be blissful and undecaying.
6) He should pervade all things and all beings both in heavens and in earth ,through his lordship
7) None should overcome him.
8) He should be the 'mightest' of the mighty. ( not just simply powerful )
9) He should be the sovereign of entire universe.
10)He should have multiple forms. ( ie., forms of god)
11) He should be the heart of all gods(ie., all gods are just part and parcle of him only )
12 ) He should alone yieldth to no second.
13) He should be able to give liberation (moksha) from death cycle and grant immortality.

Now Let us analyze,as per vedas, whether lord Rudra Possess such qualities.

Rudra is the supreme manifested form of absolute Brahman/parama purusha ( Sivam ). Rudra himself manifests as different Gods like Soma,Agni,Vayu.Indra,Prajapati,Visnu,Maruts,Yama etc. All these gods are different aspects of Lord Rudra.

"Rudra by day, Rudra at night we honour with these our songs, the UNIVERSE'S FATHER. HIM GREAT AND LOFTY, BLISSFUL, imperishable(ACHYUTAM), LET US CALL SPECIALLY AS THE SAGE IMPELS US". ( Rigveda 6:49:10 )


"To Rudra bring these songs, whose bow is firm and strong, the SELF-DEPENDENT GOD with swiftly-flying shafts, The Wise, the Conqueror whom none may overcome, armed with sharp-pointed weapons: may he hear our call. " ( Rigveda 7 :46: 1 )

"He(Rudra) through his lordship pervades in all things and beings on the earth, on heavenly beings through his high imperial power." ( Rig veda 7:46:2 )


We Worship Tryambaka(shiva), Who spreads Fragrance and Increases nourishment, May He LIBERATE (moksha) us, like the cucumber from its stem, from Mortal life, and give us Immorality.( Rig veda 7 :59 :12 )


LORD OF ALL BEINGS ART THOU IN GLORY, Rudra, armed with the thunder, MIGHTIEST OF THE MIGHTY. Transport us over trouble to well-being repel thou from us all assaults of mischief. ( Rig veda 2:33:3 )


"With firm limbs, MULTIFORM, the strong, the tawny adorns himself with bright gold decorations: THE STRENGTH OF GODHEAD NEVER DEPARTS FROM RUDRA, HIM WHO IS SOVEREIGN OF THE UNIVERSE, THE MIGHTY. "( RigVeda 2:33:9 )


Homage to him who haunteth the mountains, and to him who is in form of Çipivista.(visnu) ( Yajurveda iv. 5.5 f )

Homage to you(rudra) who is sparkling hearts of the gods ( Yajurveda iv. 5. 9 p )


The Rudra in the fire, in the waters, in the plants, the Rudra that hath entered all beings, to that Rudra be homage ( Yajurveda v. 5. 9. i )


Soma ( sa + uma ) ie., Along with Uma. :

This form of rudra is benificient or sattwa in nature. The form of soma is 'divine knowledge.' which satisfies the spiritual quest of all. hence it is identified with "Rasa or liquid". obviously, Gods like indra,visnu etc have more thirst for soma. infact, they are born out of soma only.Soma (Sa-Uma) is the father of heaven, earth, Vishnu, and Indra. Soma is the seed prolific for birth of Adityas and Vishnu. He is the highest heaven where Vak resides.

"Father of sacred chants, Soma flows onwards, the Father of the Earth, Father of the Celestial region: Father of Agni, the creator of Surya, the Father who gave birth to Indra and Vishnu" (Rig Veda.IX.96.5)
NOTE : SOMA ( an aspect of Rudra ) IS THE FATHER WHO BEGET INDRA, AGNI,SURYA AND VISHNU

" [O Soma!]Father and generator of the gods, the skillful, the Pillar of the Heavens (ie. Linga), and supporter of Earth. Rishi and Illuminated Sage, greatest of people, apart and wise, Ushana (Shukracharya) in knowledge" (Rig Veda .IX.87.2-3)
NOTE: SOMA IS THE FATHER OF GODS AND SUPPORTER OF HEAVENS AND EARTH.

Rig veda 1 : HYMN CLXIV. Visvedevas.
34 I ask thee of the earth's extremest limit, where is the centre of the world, I ask thee. I ask thee of the Stallion's seed prolific, I ask of highest heaven where Speech abideth.

35 This altar is the earth's extremest limit; this sacrifice of ours is the world's centre.THE STALLION'S SEED PROLIFIC IS THE SOMA; THIS BRAHMAN HIGHEST HEAVEN WHERE
SPEECH ABIDETH.


Is visnu really supreme ?

Generally, Many arrogant Vishnavites bash Lord Rudra as demigod and worshiper of vishnu. They are very arrogant while dealing with advaitins or shaivates. They often cite stories from vaishnava puranas to prove vishnu's superiority. When shaivates try to claim shiva's superior position from shaiva puranas, they simply mock shaivates by ignoring shaiva puranas as "Tamasic". In the disguise of "Bhaktas" or "Dasas" , those hypocrite vaishnavites often hurt the hearts of Shiva bhaktas by talking nonsense about lord Shiva. They claim superiority just because they are 'vaishnavites'. They usually spend most of their time in belittling Lord shiva and his devotees. They are often in the delusion that they are "The Best". They mock shiva bhaktas as "Tamasic". They often humiliate shiva bhaktas as material mongers. They strongly believe that shiva bhaktas cannot be liberated at all unless they take visnu's refuge. Their hearts may not fill with delight when they hear the name of "vishnu/krsna" but, certainly, they whole heartedly enjoy shiva ninda(abuse) . If someone bashes Lord Shiva then that person is surely a vaishnava. Even atheists may not bash harshly as vaishnavites abuse lord Siva. A Shiva bhakta will not bother much even if an atheist questions the existance of lord. But those hypocrite vaishnavas, who are behaving like demons of kali yuga, accepts the existance of Siva but they belittle the status of shiva to such an extent that it almost breaks the heart of shiva bhaktas. They resolve to cheap tactics like calling shiva as Gatekeeper,servent, an evil , ghost, full of tamas, brainless , ignorant, Coward etc without understanding the true nature of Lord Shiva. The Vaishnava Acharyas intentionally hide the true nature of Lord shiva in order to satisfy their EGO. They use their grammer jugglery to belittle Shiva. Of couse, Truths can never be hided for a long lime. Perhaps, Sankaracharya might have visualized these wicked Vaishnavas and for their sake, he has written "Bhaja Govindam".

"BhajaGovindam,BhajaGovindam Govindam Bhaja Moodahmathe. ...."

O Wicked Vaishnava fools, worship Govinda ... These grammer jugglery which are used by you to belittle Lord Shiva will not help you in any way at the time of death..... if you are interested in vishnu then worship vishnu why are you wasting time with grammer rules to belittle shiva.......

Unlike those wicked vaishnavas,Most of the shaivates cannot counter their attacks by belittling Vishnu. But some vaishnavites,who are replacing the role of demons in kaliyuga, always resolve to cheap tricks. As most Shivates are advaitins, they are not interested in bashing vishnu. Hence, They accept Hari and Hara as peers or same reality with two different names and forms. Without understanding the "The principle of Absolute Truth" the wicked vaishnavas show their inborn demonic nature by bashing Shaivates.

But, as per vedas, even vishnu cannot be the ultimate god.

Please see this verses.

When Visnu, through thine (indra's) energy, strode wide those three great steps of his, Then thy two beautiful Bay Steeds carried thee on. ( Rigveda 8:12:27)

Comment: if vishnu is supreme what is the need for him to use Indra's energy ?

Visnu, Varuna, Mitra sing thy (indra's) praise: In thee the Maruts' company have great delight. (Rigveda 8:15:9)

Comment: if vishnu is supreme lord, what is the need for him to to sing Indra's praise ??

This majesty of his, Visnu extols and lauds, making the stalk that gives the meath flow forth with might ( Rigveda 10:113:2 )

Comment: why does vishnu always Extols and lauds Indra's majestic glory .

"Step forth with wider stride, my comrade Visnu; make room, Dyaus, for the leaping of the lightning.Let us slay Vrtra, let us free the rivers let them flow loosed at the command of Indra" (Rigveda 8:89:12)

Comment : why did vishnu work at the command of indra ? can Indra dare to command his boss ?

Yajur Veda iv. 4. 9.
(Thou art) ---------- Visnu when being taken down; ---------- Vayu when covered up; the gazer on men when revealed;

YajurVeda vi. 5. 6.------ The gods kept Rudra away from the sacrifice [2], he followed the Adityas; they took refuge in the creatures for two deities,

Comment : Because of fear of Rudra, Adityas flee and took refuge in the creatures. !! . This may be Daksha Yagna story. Do vaishnavites have right to comment shiva regarding Basmasura's story ?

RV Book 10 HYMN XCII. Visvedevas.

9 With humble adoration show this day your song of praise to mighty Rudra, Ruler of the brave: With whom, the Eager Ones, going their ordered course, he comes from heaven Self-bright, auspicious, strong to guard.

11 For these songs, the Earth and Heaven with their abundant seed, four-bodied Narasmsa, Yama, Aditi, God Tvastar Wealth-bestower, the Rbhuksanas, Rodasi, Maruts, Visnu, claim and merit praise.


Why does the supreme god of Vaishnavas sings praise of indra. works at the command of indra ?

it may be because Indra is superior to him. In Rigveda, Indra represents the "RULER" aspect of shiva. but in later periods, the status of indra has been reduced. but, in Rigveda, Indra represents the "Lordship" aspect of lord Shiva .

Even, In Rig Veda, the term śiva is used to refer to Indra. (2.20.3, 6.45.17, and 8.93.3.)

Hence, superiority of vishnu is not free from doubt.

Often vaishnavites quote a verse from Aithareya brahmana (1:1:1)

"Agnir vai devAnAm avamo Visnuh paramas, tadantarena sarvA anyA devatA"

meaning: Agni is the lowest among devatas and Visnu is the highest. All other devatas occupy positions inbetween.


But, it doesn't represent the hierarchy, it is about Bhagawan Rudra's Weapons.

Lord Rudra possess all the required characteristics of supreme godhead.

Superiority of shiva from Bhagavata purana:

" O Lord siva , Those devotees who have fully dedicated their lives unto your lotus feet will certainly recognise as Paramātmā in each and every being, and as such they do not differentiate between one living being and another. Such persons treat all living entities equally. They never become overwhelmed by anger like animals, who can see nothing without differentiation ". ( Srimad bhagavatam 4:6:46 )

"O most auspicious lord, you have ordained the heavenly planets, the spiritual Vaikunthha planets and the impersonal Brahman sphere as the respective destinations of the performers of auspicious activities. Similarly, for others, who are miscreants, you have destined different kinds of hells which are horrible and ghastly. Yet sometimes it is found that their destinations are just the opposite. It is very difficult to ascertain the cause of this" ( Srimad bhagavatam 4:6:45)

"O Bhagavan shiva , you create this cosmic manifestation, maintain it, and annihilate it by expansion of your personality, exactly as a spider creates, maintains and winds up its web." ( Srimad Bhagavatam 4:6:43 )

"Lord Brahmā said: O supreme lord Śiva, I know that you are the controller of the entire material manifestation, the combination father and mother of the cosmic manifestation, and the Supreme Brahman beyond the cosmic manifestation as well. I know you in that way" ( srimad Bhagavatam 4:6:42 )

"O King, when that uncontrollable poison was forcefully spreading up and down in all directions, all the demigods, along with the Lord Hari Himself, approached Supreme Lord Śiva [Sadāśiva]. Feeling unsheltered and very much afraid, they sought shelter of him. ( Srimad Bhagavatam 8:7:19)

"The demigods Headed by Lord Sri Hari observed Supreme Lord S'iva sitting on the summit of Kailâsa Hill with his wife, Bhavânî, for the auspicious development of the three worlds. He was being worshiped by great saintly persons desiring liberation. The demigods offered him their obeisances and prayers with great respect" ( Srimad Bhagavatam 8:7:20 )

"The prajâpatis said: O God of all gods (Deva deva), Mahâdeva, Supereme soul of all living entities and cause of their happiness and prosperity, we have come to the shelter of your lotus feet. Now please save us from this fiery poison, which is spreading all over the three worlds." ( Srimad Bhagavatam 8:7:21)

"O lord, you alone are the cause of bondage and liberation of the entire worlds( sarva jagat) because you are alone its ruler (tvam ekaḥ sarva-jagataīśvaro ). Those who are advanced in spiritual consciousness surrender unto you, and therefore you are the cause of mitigating their distresses, and you are alone the cause of their liberation. We therefore worship Your Lordship." (Srimad Bhagavatam 8:7:22)

"O lord Shiva, you are self-effulgent and supreme. You create this material world by your personal energy, and you assume the names Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Maheśvara when you act in creation, maintenance and annihilation." ( Srimad Bhagavatam 8:7:23 )

" O Lord Shiva, You are the cause of all causes, the self-effulgent, inconceivable, and you are alone that Secret Para Brahman (tvaḿ brahma paramaḿ guhyaḿ ). You manifest various potencies in this cosmic manifestation. You are the Supreme soul and supreme personality of godhead (tvam ātmā jagad-īśvaraḥ) " ( Srimad Bhagavatam 8:7:24 )

tvaḿ śabda-yonir jagad-ādir ātmā prāṇendriya-dravya-guṇaḥ svabhāvaḥkālaḥ kratuḥ satyam ṛtaḿ ca dharmastvayy akṣaraḿ yat tri-vṛd-āmananti ( SB 8:7:25 )

"O lord Shiva, you are the original source of Vedic literature. You are the original cause of entire creation, the life force, the senses, the five elements, the three modes and the mahat-tattva. You are eternal time, determination and the two religious systems called truth [satya] and truthfulness [ṛta]. You are the shelter of the syllable oḿ, which consists of three letters a-u-m." ( Srimad Bhagavatam 8:7:25 )

"O Shiva, father of all planets, learned scholars know that fire is your mouth, the surface of the globe is your lotus feet, eternal time is your movement, all the directions are your ears, and Varuṇa, master of the waters, is your tongue." ( SB 8:7:26 )

O lord, the sky is your navel, the air is your breathing, the sun is your eyes, and the water is your semen. You are the shelter of all kinds of living entities, high and low. The god of the moon is your mind, and the upper planetary system is your head ( SB 8:7:27)

"O lord shiva, you are the three Vedas personified. The seven seas are your abdomen, and the mountains are your bones. All drugs, creepers and vegetables are the hairs on your body, the Vedic mantras like Gâyatrî are the seven layers of your body, and the Vedic religious system is the core of your heart" ( SB 8:7:28)

"O lord, the Vedas are represented by your five faces, from which the thirty-eight most celebrated Vedic mantras have been generated. Your Lordship, being celebrated as Lord Śiva, is self-illuminated. You are directly situated as the supreme truth, known as Paramātmā." (SB 8:7:29)

O lord, your shadow is seen in irreligion, which brings about varieties of irreligious creations. The three modes of nature - goodness, passion and ignorance - are your three eyes. All the Vedic literatures, which are full of verses, are emanations from you because their compilers wrote the various scriptures after receiving your glance ( SB 8:7:30 )

O Lord Girîsha, since the You are Brahman which is transcendental to the material modes of goodness, passion and ignorance, the various directors of this material world certainly cannot appreciate it or even know where it is. It is not understandable even to Lord Brahmâ, Lord Vishnu or the King of heaven, Mahendra ( SB 8:7:31)

"When annihilation is performed by the flames and sparks emanating from your eyes, the entire creation is burned to ashes. . What then is to be said of your destroying the Dakṣa-yajña, Tripurāsura and the kālagara ? Such activities cannot be subject matters for prayers offered to you. because, We all do not know how this happens " ( SB 8:7:32)

"Exalted, self-satisfied persons who preach to the entire world think of your lotus feet constantly within their hearts. However, when persons who do not know your austerity see you moving with Umā, they misunderstand you to be lusty, or when they see you wandering in the crematorium they mistakenly think that you are ferocious and envious. Certainly they are shameless. They cannot understand your Supreme Trascedental Reality". ( SB 8:7:33)

"Even personalities like Lord Brahmâ and other demigods cannot understand your position, for you are beyond the Truth (sat) and unTruth(Asat) (sad-asatoḥ parataḥ). Since no one can understand your actual nature (nāñjaḥ svarūpa-gamane). how can one offer you prayers? It is impossible. As far as we are concerned, we are creatures of Lord Brahmâ's creation. Under the circumstances, therefore, we cannot offer you adequate prayers, but as far as our ability allows we have expressed our feelings." (SB 8:7:34)

"O Supreme Ordinator ( maheśvara) , your actual identity is impossible for us to understand.(etat paraḿ prapaśyāmo na ) As far as we can see, your presence brings flourishing happiness to everyone. But your transcedental nature is unknown (avyakta-karmaṇaḥ) ( SB 8:7:35)

in spite of Bhagavatam repeatedly glorifying lord shiva as 'parabrahman' , the Wicked vaishnava Acharyas who are governed by 'EGO' refuses to accept Shiva as supreme lord. They resort to cheap tactics and shout ........ "it won't apply to shiva" , " it refers to antaryami vishnu who is in shiva"... etc..etc. But such evil remarks can never hide the truth.

Those Wicked Vaishnava fools who spit venom should keep their mouth shut.

They should follow what Naradha said in Narada pancharatra.

Narad Pancharatra:

"Shivo Harirhariha Shakshatchiva Eva Nirupitaha

Shivadveshi Haridrohi Vishnum Nityam Bhajanapi"

Meaning:

‘Shiva is Hari and Hari is none other than Shiva. An enemy of Shiva is an enemy of Hari, even though he may daily worship Vishnu.’