Shri Shiva Leelamruta - Chapter 06 [ Simantini ]

|| Shri Ganeshaya Namaha ||

Once upon a time, there lived a great king whose name was whispered in awe and reverence: Citravarma. He was hailed as one of the greatest kings to ever rule, comparable to the legendary Raja Harishchandra and Raja Neela.

Citravarma was known to be a fearless warrior, his victories on the battlefield spreading his fame far and wide, and his generosity towards his subjects earning their undying loyalty. He was blessed with many sons, each one as glorious and mighty as their father, and the kingdom flourished under their rule.

But he and his Queen always longed for a daughter. So, after many years of austerity, by the blessings of Lord Shiva, the Queen gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. They named her Simantini. The King invited astrologers to foretell the future of the baby girl. All the famed astrologers concluded that the girl would growup and be the Queen of a prosperous and happy kingdom and that she would rule by the side of her husband for ten thousand years.However, one learned scholar of astrology predicted that the young princess would be widowed at the age of fourteen. On hearing this, the King felt as if someone had removed the ground from under his feet. He felt as if he had been stabbed in the heart. The astrologer then predicted that she would however regain her husband three years after loosing him, by the mercy of Lord Shiva. The King then bestowed riches on the astrologers till all of them had been satisfied.

Fourteen years had passed and Simantini had grownup to be a beautiful young girl. She was wise as she was beautiful. Her father, King Chitravarma had not told her of what the astrologer had predicted. He thought of his dear daughter becoming a widow and this gave him a lot of grief and he had lived with this grief for the past fourteen years. She however found out of this from her friends who had heard the story from someone. She was angry with her father and was immensely saddened and confused on what needed to be done. She then decided to meet Maitreyi, the wife of Sage Yagnavalka.

Mother Maitreyi was a very wise woman and she consoled the young Simantini who had told her the entire story. Maitreyi advised her to worship Lord Shiva and follow the Somavar Vrat. She was to feed brahmins, worship married couples and give them garments and ornaments in charity. She was to chant the "Panchakshari Mantra", "Om Namah Shivai" and worship Lord Shiva during the night. Under even the most dire circumstances was she to follow the vrata. Infact, Maitreyi told her that she was to follow the vrat even if her husband died.

The Kingdom of Naishada had been ruled by a king named Nala. His son was Indrasena who was the current ruler of Naishada. He was married to Queen Lavanyavati. They had a handsom young son who was named Chitrangada. Both Chitrangada and Simantini were married to each other in a ceremony that lasted for over four days. Simantini had continued with her vrat.

As was the custom, King Chitavarma had insisted that his new son-in-law stay with his in-laws to celebrate the festivals of Dushera and Diwali. The young prince and his entourage had one day gone hunting. It was a very hot day and they came the river Yamuna. At the bank of the river, they saw a beautiful boat. The young prince sat in the boat with his friend and they rowed upto the middle of the river. Just then, the river turned violent and capsized the boat. A rescue operation was mounted but the young prince was not to be seen anywhere. It was eventually assumed that he was dead and news was sent of this to his parents, King Indrasen and Queen Lavanyavati. Both mourned the loss of their only son, their pride and joy. What was to become of their new daughter-in-law ? Simantini was struck with grief. The propehecy had come true and she was widowed. Had all her effort at appeasing Lord Shiva had failed.

But, she remembered the words of Maitreyi and continued with her vrata. She would worship eleven hundred couples in eight days and offer them garments and ornaments and feed brahmins. She would stay awake worshipping Lord Shiva in the night and engage in Shiva Kirtan to glorify Lord Shiva.Taking advantage of the morose atmosphere in the Naishada kingdom, the neighbouring king, Papamati annexed Indrasen's kingdom. The King and Queen fled into the forest but were soon captured and imprisoned.It was truly the worst of times for both the kingdoms.

Meanwhile, Prince Chitrangada found his way to the Netherworld where the Nagas lived. Nagas were divine serpents who could assume human form and had magical powers. There were beautiful women in this place and precious gems could be seen scattered on the ground as pebbles on a road. It seemed to have comforts that could parallel those in heaven. He was taken before King Takshak, the famed king of the serpents. King Takshak asked Chitrangada how he had come to find himself in Patala Loka (The Netherworld). Chitrangada told him what had happened. King Takshak then asked him about his worshippable deity and learned that Chitrangada, like himself, was a devotee of Lord Shiva. King Takshak was very pleased with the young prince and asked him to stay. The prince said that he would love to but was anxious to see his wife and parents. King Takshak then granted him the strength of twelve thousand serpents and gave him many magical gems and jewels. He then wished him all the best and arranged for him to be escorted to the surface of the river Yamuna.

It had been three years since Chitrangada had drowned and Simantini had diligently followed the Somavar Vrat. She wore the garb of a widow and had become frail as she did not eat well because of grief. Just then, Chitrangada appeared out of the water. He had changed a lot in appearance and Simantini did not recognise him but she felt that she had a special bond with this mystical stranger. Chitrangada told them that he was a mystic who travelled the three worlds. He then took Simantini's hand into his own and acted as if he was reading her palm. He then predicted that her husband would return in three days and that she was to keep this news to herself and not share it with anyone.She agreed though it was difficult to keep such glorious news to herself. She promised to herlself that if the Mystic's words came true, she would worship and serve eleven thousand couples, offer eleven thousand ghee lamps and offer eleven thousand bilva leaves to Lord Shiva. Chitrangada then told her that he would now tell her in-laws of their son's return and left for his own kingdom.

The evil king Papa Mati had been ruling Naishada. On the outskirts of the capital, Chitrangada invoked a Naga messenger and asked him to deliver a message to the evil king that the rightful prince had returned to claim his rightful kingdom. Out of fear of the Nagas, the evil king returned the kingdom to Indrasen and Lavanyavati. Chitrangada then revealed himself to his parents. The entire kingdom was overjoyed. Messengers were sent out in all directions and ambassadors were sent to Chitravarma. The King was overjoyed to learn that Lord Shiva had returned his son-in-law and his daughter had been saved from a life of widowhood. The prophecy had been completely fulfilled. He loudly chanted "Jai Jai Shiva Umanath".

Prince Chitangada and Princess Simantini were married again and gifts were distributed to all. After some years, King Indrasen handed the kingdom to his son and after performed many austerities which ensured that he reached Shiva Loka (abode of Lord Shiva) after death. Queen Simantini performed Somavar Vrat, Pradosh Vrat and Mahashivratri with great faith. She had eight sons and ruled with her husband for ten thousand years just as the astrolgers had foretold.

Women who listen to this story are granted long lives for their husbands, lost husbands come back again, widows can remarry good husbands. In addition, a lost son will return home again, fortune, health, knowledge, wisdom are gained, death is avoided, obstacles are removed and enemies are defeated.

|| Aum Namah Shivay ||

Shri Shiva Leelamruta - Chapter 04 [ Shrikara ]

Lord Shiva is the one with no beginning and no end, the doer and the one who is not understood by even Brahma and the Demi-Gods. Lord Shiva is truly magnificent and glorious.

In the kingdom of Kirata, there once reigned a king named Vimarshana, renowned for his great bravery and military conquests that were the talk of neighboring lands. 

However, Vimarshana was also known for his cruelty - he enjoyed hunting in the forest, indulging in alcohol, and consuming fish and meat in every meal. He also regularly sported with women from all four castes. 

Despite these vices, Vimarshana was a fervent worshipper of Lord Shiva, observing the Pradosh Vrat, Somvar Vrat, and Mahashivratri. He delighted in singing and dancing for the pleasure of Lord Shiva and often recited the Shiv Leelamrut.

One day, Kunudavati, his beautiful and wise queen, could not help but express her confusion over her mighty husband's contradictory behavior. She asked him directly why he would engage in such a weird fashion: killing animals cruelly and worshiping Lord Shiva with complete devotion.

The king narrated an incident from his past birth:

"In my previous birth I was a dog and I lived in the kingdom of Pampa. There was a magnificent Shiva temple in the center of the town where I lived and on the day of Shivaratri, I went to the temple, hoping that I would get something to eat. When I reached the temple, I was fortunate enough to see the complete ritual bathing of Lord Shiva. Just then the temple guards tried to chase me away and I ran halfway around the temple. I went back to the main door after somtime but was chased again and again by the temple guards. One of them shot an arrow at me. I died infront of the Shiva Linga. Thus due to this act of circumambulating Lord Shiva, I have been fortunate enough to be born a king. However, my habits from previous births have come with me and hence the animal like behaviour of killing and the taste for meat and mating."

Queen Kunudavati was amazed at hearing the story of her husbands previous birth. She asked him to tell her who she had been in her previous birth. Th King the narrated the following incident from her past life:

" My dear Kunudavati; you were a pigeon in your previous birth. One day, you were being chased by a large hawk which was after the morsel of meat that you had held in your beak. You tried to escape and in this attempt, unknowingly circumambualted a Shiva Temple three times. You were eventually killed by the hawk and fell in front of Shiva Linga where you left your body. As a result of this act done without any concious thought, you are born a human and that too a Queen who is beautiful and wise. Such is the glory of Lord Shiva".

The Queen then asked Vimarshana to tell her about the births that they would take in the future. She praised him saying that he was the knower of the past, present and future. The King told her that in all the births that were to follow, they would be born in royal families, marry each other and worship Lord Shiva with increasing devotion in each birth. In their seventh birth, he would be initiated into the Shiva Sampradaya by the great Sage Agastya. He would hand over the reins of the kingdom to their son and the both of them would make their way to the abode of Lord Shiva at the end of their lives.

It is said in the holy scriptures that all knowledge, all power, all wealth is useless one worships Lord Shiva.

Let us hear why glorifying Lord Shiva is very important.

The kingdom of Ujjain was ruled by the great king Chandrasen. He had a very good friend who was known as Manibhadra who was pious, wise and merciful. The King had such a good friend only because of his pious acts in his previous births. Ujjain is the city where Lord Mahakaleshwar is worshipped and the King was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Manibhadra had gifted a precious stone to Chandrasen that had many magical properties. It could turn any metal into the purest gold. Its wearer could convert enemies into devoted friends and would shine brilliantly like the sun. His kingdom would be free of thieves, wild animal and snake attacks, famines and illnesses of all sorts. It would bestow immense wealth on the wearer. Chandrasen grew very powerful.

The neighboouring kings came to hear of the stone and wanted to possess it for themselves. They combined their forces and mounted an attack on Ujjain. They laid seige to the fortified city. Chandrasen was a valiant king but was against needless bloodshed. He was now in a dilema. If he gave away the stone, it would avert the war but he would not be doing his duty as a Kshatriya (warrior). If the refused to giveup the stone, it was war. It was a catch twenty two situation. He directed his generals to hold off the enemy for as long as they could while he prayed to Lord Shiva for guidance and help. He made his way to the temple of Lord Mahakaleshwar where under the guidance of learned priests he started his worship.

At the temple, among those who had gathered to see the king perform the ritual worship of Lord Shiva, was a young widow with her six year old child. As noon approached, she took her son home and went into the kitchen to cook food. The child meanwhile, made his way to the dilapidated hut nextdoor. He noticed that there was a stone in the hut that resembled a Shiva Linga. The child began worshipping the stone having seen the King doing the same at the Mahakaleshwar temple some time ago. He use the pebbles as offerings of flowers, fruits, incense, camphor and so on. He then went into a trance as he fixed his mind on Lord Shiva.


His mother called out to him at lunch time but he did not reply so she went out looking for him. She saw him playing with stones in the hut next door and told him to come inside. The child did not respond. She disrupted his worship by scattering the neatly arranged stones and yanked him. The child opened his eyes and saw what his mother had done. He started crying and beating his chest, lamenting that he deserved to die for not being able to worship properly. His mother was angered by his behaviour. She let him be and went home to have lunch and then have some rest.

The merciful Lord Shiva who is the husband of Mother Parvati, was pleased with the worship that the boy had performed. To bless him, he turned the hut into a beautiful temple with diamond pillars decked with precious stone and a magnificent steeple. All the paraphernalia for the worship of the Lord, was laid out. Lord Shiva then appeared before the boy and told him to ask for a boon. The boy glorified the Lord and requested him to forgive his mother. The Lord forgave his mother. The boy then went to fetch his mother so that she may benefit by seeing Lord Shiva.


The Lord truly grants more that what is asked for the boy's hut had been transformed into a palace. His mother was beautiful again and was adorned with precious jewels and finest garments. She realised her mistake and begged forgiveness from Lord Shiva. After blessing both of them, Lord Shiva dissapeared. The woman then ran to tell the King. On hearing the amazing tale, all the kingdom came to meet the child that had seen Lord Shiva. Chandrasen was a humble person and he fell at the feet of the child knowing that he was no ordinary child. He was praised throughout the city.

Even the enemies of Chandrasen expressed a desire to meet the boy, which the king fulfilled by personally escorting them into the city. The enemy then went away, not as bitter rivals but as good friends of the King. Just then, someting truly amazing happened. Lord Hanuman appeared in front of the boy. Everyone fell at his feet and offered their respect. Maruti initiated the boy and gave him the "Panchakshara Manta" which is "Om Namah Shivai". He told that the eight descendent of this child would be Maharaj Nand and Lord Shri Krishna would be born to Maharaj Nand. Maruti placed his hand over the child's head and the boy became a master in he fouteen bodies of knowledge. He gave him the name Shri Kara and instructed him to perform Pradosh Vrat, Somwar Vrat and Mahashivratri which the boy performed diligently with devotion throughout his life.

Lord Shiva can fulfill any wish. A dumb person could become a learned scholar, a mute could become an orator, a paraplegic could run faster than the wind, a blind persom could be an expert on gemstones (a skill that requires very good eyesight) and lady luck would smile on the misfotuate only by the mercy of Lord Shiva. Anyone who worships Lord Shiva will be glorified in the three worlds, master in Vedas even without studies and will be successful in all undertakings.

One who reads these stories would be blessed with progeny, wealth and long life. Obstacles would be afraid of such a person.

Namah Parvati Pataye, Har Har Mahadev.

Shri Shiva Leelamruta - Chapter 02 [ Mahashivratri ]

Fortunate and Glorious are those people who worship Lord Shiva. The worship of Lord Shiva is so potent, that even if someone accidentally worships Lord Shiva, they would still get the benefit of his worship. It is just like drinking divine ambrosia. Even if one does not know that it is ambrosia, one would still get the benefit of the drink and becom immortal and extremely strong.

Once upon a time, there was a great Shiva Temple that stood at the edge of a dense forest. This forest was inhabited by a large number of animals but deer were particularly in plenty. A hunter visited this forest daily to hunt deer with his bow and arrow and would sell the meat from his prey and also the skin in the local market. This is how he provided for his family. He had in this manner killed a large number of animals throughout his life.

In the Hindu month of Maagh, on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight, Mahashivratri is celebrated. This is a very special day or appeasing Lord Shiva. The hunter planned to hunt in the forest on this day too. As he made his way towards the forest, he saw throngs of people near the Shiva Temple. They were chanting "Om Namah Shivai" and performing the ritual bathing of the Lord. Learned scholars were reciting various hymns to glorify Lord Shiva while musicians played various ins instruments. It was a various joyous atmosphere in the temple.

The hunter was not a devotee of Lord Shiva and he found all the excitement to be unwarranted. Afterall, it was just a piece of stone that was being worshipped. Why starve oneself and fast when delicious food could be partaken. This was madness in his opinion. He mockingly started chanting "Om Namah Shivai" and made his way into the forest. Just as he made his way through the large gathering, he unknowingly circumambulated the temple. He then entered the forest.

After roaming in the forest for a long time, he finally came to a pond. A magnificent Bilva tree stood at the edge of the pond. It's branches were spread far and wide and was so dense that not even the sunlight nor the moonlight could reach the forest undergrowth. He reasoned that this was a good a spot as any as some animal or the other would come to have a drink of water. Also, the dense tree branch would help him hide from sight. He climbed up the tree and pearched on a branch with is bow and arrow ready to strike any unsuspecting prey. He was still chanting "Om Namah Shivai". As night fell, it became harder for him to see and he started to pluck the Bilva leaves and dropped them on the ground below. The hunter had not noticed but at the bottom of the tree there was a Shiva Linga that had been installed by Mother Lakshmi. The Bilva leaves were falling on it and it was considered as an offering to Lord Shiva.


Just then a doe (female deer) came to the pond to have a drink of water. She was pregnant and was to give birth at any time. She begged the hunter not to kill a pregnant female and her unborn child. This act would bring great misfortune on the hunter and would be a most sinful and horrific act. The hunter argued that he had many mouths to feed at home but was impressed by the doe's talk of sins and authority over the scriptures. He asked her to explain how she knew all of this. The doe narrated her story:

The doe was the celestial nymph Rambha who was very beautiful and enchanting. She was so beautiful that all the demigods, demons and even ascetics were lusty after her. She eventually grew proud of her beauty and she took to drinking alcohol instead of drinking milk offered to Lord Shiva. She stooped performing Somawar Vrat, Pradosh Vrat and Mahashivratri. She began residing with a demon by the name of Hiranya. He too never worshipped Lord Shiva. One day, Hiranya was out hunting when Rambha felt a desire to have darshan of Lord Shiva. She made her way to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was very angered on seeing her and he cursed her saying that as she had degraded in her conciousness, she must be born as a deer on earth. Her two best friends would be born as deer and also her lover Hiranya. Rambha pleaded with the Lord, she cried and begged for forgiveness. She truly repented her actions. Lord Shiva is very merciful and is easily pleased. He told her that she and her associates would be free of the curse in twelve years.

The hunter was amazed on hearing the story. The doe promised him that she would come back to be his prey after she had delivered her child. If she did not return, she would suffer the fruits of horrible sins. Having promised thus, she left to give birth to her child. The hunter still chanting "Om Namah Shivai" mounted his pearch on the Bilva tree and waited. After some time, a second doe came to have a drink of water. She too asked mercy from the hunter saying that she was desirous of satisfying her husbands desires and would promptly return after doing so. After making the same promise as the earlier doe, she too left and the hunter sat on top of his pearch waiting.

It was now late into the night and the hunter was very hungry. He had not had a drop of water to drink nor had he eaten anything the whole day. He was constalntly chanting "Om Namah Shivai" and offering Biva leaves on the Shiva Linga below the tree. The male deer came to have a drink of water. He too begged for mercy and said that he would reurn after saying farewell to his children and wives. The hunter let him go after he made promises similar to the two deer. It was now early morning. It seemed to the hunter that he would not get any prey. Just then another doe came to the pond. This one begged mercy saying that she was to feed her children and would return once they were fed. The hunter let her go as before.

The night of Shivratri had ended and the hunter had fasted, chanted and offered Bilva leaves to Shiva. He had also shown compassion to God's creatures. The sins that he had committed in previous seven births had been burnt. As promised, at sunrise all the four deer came to see the hunter along with their children to surrender to him. All of them pleaded to be killed before the others. This melted the hunters heart and he started to weep with compassion. He fell at the feet of the deer and begged for forgiveness. Clearly these were no ordinary creatures and were spiritually more advanced than him. He asked them to tell him of the glories of Lord Shiva.

Just then a divine plane from Shiva Loka (abode of Lord Shiva) came to receive all of them. They mounted the plane chanting "Jai Jai Shiva Har Har". All of them took forms similar to Lord Shiva, with ten hands and five heads. All of them then went to Shiva Loka where they were eternally engaged in serving Lord Shiva. Even today the Orion constillation is the hunter who is talked about in this story.


This story which details the importance of worship of Lord Shiva on Shivaratri burns the sins of the listener while fortunate and glorious are those who recite it.

Namah Parvati Pataye, Har Har Mahadev.

Shri Shiva Leelamruta - Chapter 11 [ Mahananda ]

|| Shri Ganeshaya Namaha ||

All Glories, All Glories, All Glories to those who regularly worship Lord Shiva. Those who wear the Rudraksha beads and smear the holy ash on their bodies are glorified in the three worlds.

The holy scriptures recommend wearing a different number of beads on different parts of the body. One bead on the shikha, 16 on each of the upper arms, 12 on each wrist, 6 on each ear, 24 on the forehead, 32 on the throat, and 108 around the neck.

The scriptures also tell us that the single-faced rudraksha bead is especially beneficial for bestowing special fortune when it is worshipped. The 5,6,8 and fourteen-faced rudraksha beads are said to bestow wealth. Worshipping rudraksha beads is equivalent to worshipping Lord Shiva himself.

Let us narrate a story that tells us the importance of worshipping Lord Shiva with proper prayers.

King Bhadrasen ruled the kingdom of Kashmir, where he was known for his righteousness and was beloved by all his citizens. He was fortunate to have a beautiful and chaste wife, as well as a young son, Prince Sudharma. The king's loyal minister also had a son, Taraka, who was the same age as Prince Sudharma. The two children were inseparable and spent all their time playing together as constant companions.

These two special children were unlike most others their age. They kept to themselves and didn't enjoy the typical pleasures of childhood. They were indifferent to their expensive garments and ornaments, preferring instead to wear rudraksha beads and smear holy ash on their bodies. When pressured to dress like royalty, they would simply donate their clothes and jewels to poor Brahmins and discuss Lord Shiva with them. Their unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva was evident at all times. Naturally, both fathers were worried about the future of their children and the kingdom that Prince Sudharma was destined to rule one day.

As fate would have it, Sage Parashar visited King Bhadrasen along with his disciples. Both the King and his minister welcomed and revered the Sage, who was the grandson of Sage Vashistha and the father of Sage Vyas. King Bhadrasen shared his worries with Parashar Muni and sought his guidance. The sage then narrated the following story:

In the distant past, in the kingdom of Kashmir, there was a wealthy prostitute named Mahananda. She resided in the city of Nandigram and was renowned for her beauty and charm. Mahananda was not only a talented dancer and singer but also enjoyed immense wealth with servants to attend to her every need. However, it was not these attributes that made her special and sought-after by men. She had a unique policy that she had followed for years - she remained faithful to each of her customers as if he were her husband and was ready to share in all his sorrows and misfortunes, just like a chaste and faithful wife would. This was unheard of anywhere. During the time her customer was with her, she would dedicate herself fully to him and serve him as his maid. Her devotion to her man was so strong that not even Indra, with his immense charm, could sway her resolve.

Mahananda was a devout follower of Lord Shiva, strictly observing the Somwar Vrat, Pradosh Vrat, and Mahashivratri. She was known for her charitable nature and ensured that nobody went hungry at her house as she regularly donated food. Mahananda engaged learned priests to perform the Rudrabhishek regularly and chanted the Rudra Hymns to glorify Lord Shiva. During her performances in the dance hall, she worshipped Lord Shiva in the Linga form and danced and sang to please him. She offered a hundred thousand bilva leaves daily in Lord Shiva's worship, and during the month of Shravan, she made ten million Shiv Lingas. 

Mahananda always listened to the glories of Lord Shiva and shared her devotion with her pets, a cock, and a monkey, who she had adorned with Rudraksha beads and sacred bhasma. She sometimes allowed them to dance and play in the dance hall while she performed for Lord Shiva, and through her association, these two creatures also benefitted greatly from her devotion.

One day, a handsome trader arrived at Mahananda's residence, and she was immediately drawn to him. She cordially welcomed him and offered him a seat on her ornate chair. While conversing, Mahananda noticed a divine bracelet on his wrist and marveled at its intricate beauty. She exclaimed that such a masterpiece could only be crafted by Vishwakarma, the designer of the Gods in heaven. The trader, enchanted by her admiration, gifted her the bracelet. In return, Mahananda promised to be his companion for three days. However, the trader soon revealed a divine object that he worshiped, the 'Atma Linga,' which radiated a brightness unlike that of the sun. As a devotee of Lord Shiva, Mahananda was instantly captivated by its splendor and pledged to protect it during his stay. The trader disclosed that he had taken a vow to give up his life by fire if the Linga was damaged or burned. Mahananda, accepting the responsibility, readily agreed to safeguard the Atma Linga.

That fateful night, while both were fast asleep, the trader, who was revealed to be none other than Lord Shiva, set fire to her opulent palace. In the chaos and confusion that ensued, Mahananda managed to save her beloved pets, the cock and the monkey, by releasing them into the open ground. As the flames engulfed her home, the trader demanded his Atma Linga. It was then that Mahananda realized her grave mistake, having completely forgotten about the precious possession. Overcome with guilt and remorse, she begged for his forgiveness. The trader, however, held her responsible for the loss of his most valuable possession and reminded her of his sacred vow. Without a second thought, he lit a colossal pyre and chanted "Om Namah Shivai" as he climbed into the inferno. Not wanting to break her own vow, Mahananda gave away all her material possessions and after taking a purifying bath, fearlessly entered the raging flames to be with her man.

As Lord Shiva emerged from the burning pyre, the sight was beyond awe-inspiring. The darkness that had engulfed the place was replaced by the divine light radiating from the Lord. He stood tall with his ten hands, each holding a powerful weapon, and his five heads exuded immense power and grace. 

His body was adorned with elephant skin and tiger skin, and the Ganga flowed through his matted locks. His three eyes shone with a divine light that could mesmerize anyone who gazed upon them. The ashes smeared over his body and the garland of human heads around his neck added to his intimidating aura. With a blue throat and a snake around his neck, the Lord had assumed the form of Chandramouli, the protector of his devotees. 

And in his arms, he held Mahananda, who had proved her love and devotion for him by following him into the fire.

As Mahanada gained consciousness, still in the arms of Lord Shiva, felt a sense of deep peace and fulfillment. She had fulfilled her vow to her beloved and had been granted a boon beyond her wildest dreams.

Looking up at the Lord's face, she felt a sense of gratitude and wonder. How fortunate she was to have been blessed with his divine presence, to have been granted such a great boon.

Lord Shiva, sensing her thoughts, smiled down at her and spoke, "My dear Mahanada, you have shown great devotion and selflessness. You have earned the highest reward. But there is one more gift that I have for you."

With these words, he gently placed her on the ground and disappeared from sight. In his place, a magnificent temple stood, its spires reaching towards the sky, its walls adorned with intricate carvings of gods and goddesses. 

Nandigram had been transported to Shiva Loka, the eternal abode of Lord Shiva.

Sage Parashar informed Bhadrasen that the two children were none other than the cock and the monkey that Mahananda had previously released, and in this birth, they were born as devotees due to their association with her in their past life.

Upon learning of the prince's fate, the grateful king beseeched Sage Parashar to reveal the duration of his son's life, to which the sage disclosed that the boy was destined to pass away on the seventh day hence.

Overwhelmed by grief, the King immediately fell to the ground in a faint, while the Queen's sorrow erupted in loud cries and frantic chest beating as she clung to her child.

When the King regained consciousness, Sage Parashar advised him to perform Rudrabhishek with the chanting of Rudra Hymns for the benefit of the boy. The King was instructed to have this done by the best priests, ten thousand times every day for seven days. At the end of the seven days of worship, the holy water was to be sprinkled on the boy, so that he would live longer.

On the seventh day, all the Vedic sacrifices had been completed, when suddenly the young Prince fell to the ground. He had died. Everyone panicked and the King broke out in tears. Just then, Sage Parashar sprinkled the holy water on the boy and called out to him. The boy awoke as if he had been asleep. The sage asked him to describe what he had seen. The boy said that he was being taken away by Yamaraj, the God of Death when four Shiva Dootas (messengers of Lord Shiva, who have a form similar to the Lord himself) came to his rescue.

Just as everyone paid their respects to Sage Narada, the revered sage began to explain that Lord Shiva had dispatched his agent, Virabhadra, to confront Yamaraj regarding his attempt to take the young Prince's life. It so happened that Yamaraj had calculated the young Prince's fate and had missed the horoscope's clear indication that the Prince would be revived through the power of prayer to Lord Shiva and would live for over ten thousand years. Realizing his error, Yamaraj pleaded for the Lord's forgiveness, which was granted.

The young prince was eventually crowned as the king and his dear friend became his loyal minister, ruling their kingdom for over ten thousand prosperous years. After their earthly duties were fulfilled, both Bhadrasen and his minister ascended to the divine abode of Lord Shiva. It is said that those who read this chapter of the Shiv Leelamrut with devotion will be blessed with a long and healthy life, and an abundance of progeny, and will reside in the abode of Lord Shiva after death. The mere act of reading this chapter once a day will annihilate all grave sins. And if recited thrice a day, it will not only prolong life but also remove the malefic effects on all the planets. Those who are afflicted with the curse of a short life as per their horoscopes are especially advised to read this chapter to negate the effects of the curse.

|| Aum Namah Shivay ||