Table of Contents
Who is Bhagawan Shiv?
Bhagawan Shiv is one of the most popular and loved deities of Sanatana Dharma. ‘Si’ means ‘in whom all matter lies’ and ‘Va’ means the personification of grace. He is the earth from whose womb creation manifests.
Where do you find the Famous Shiva Sahasranama?
There are many versions of the Shiva Sahasranamam. It is present in the Shiva Purana, Linga Purana and the Mahabharata. According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Vishnu uttered the Shiva Sahasranama for the very first time and received the Sudarshana Chakra from Bhagawan Shiv as a blessing.
In this video post, I shall cover the version mentioned in the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata.
Bhishma Instructs Yudhishthira
Anushasana literally means discipline. In this Parva, Bhishma instructed Yudhishthira on matters of Dharma and spiritual discipline. Yudhishthira requested Bhishma Pitamaha to reveal the thousand names of Bhagawan Shiv.
To this, Bhishma said that Lord Krishna is the best person to answer this question. Talking about Bhishma you may like our video titled Benefits of reciting Bhishmadeva’s Prayers | Why should we recite Bhishma Stuti
Lord Krishna directed this question to Sage Upamanyu who enlightened them on the names of Mahadeva. According to the Phala Shruti, reciting this prayer burns sins, establishes oneself in yoga and gives heaven.
Who All received the Blessings of Shiva Sahasranama
Bhagawan Shiv blesses one with his eternal presence and grants one, the knowledge of Samkhya Yoga. Lord Brahma taught this prayer to Indra who delivered this knowledge to Yama.
Yama then revealed this secret prayer to the Dwadasha Rudras. Under Brahma’s supervision, Rishi Thandi learnt the same and taught it to Shukracharya, the guru of the Asuras. A few names who benefited from this sacred text are Rishi Gautama, Vaivaswata Manu, Nachiketa Muni and Markandeya.
Finally, Sage Markandeya taught it to Rishi Upamanyu. The Shiva Sahasranama Stotram describes the pastimes and qualities of Bhagawan Shiv, each name having a unique meaning.
8 Questions from Sanatana Dharma
The scores generated in this Quiz are absolute. There are right or wrong answers to each Question. A percentage towards 100 indicates that you are more aligned to the overall subject matter.
Some Benefits of Bhagawan Shiv’s Sahasranama
It grants health, longevity and prosperity.
Since Bhagawan Shiv is the lord of the Bhoota ganas, he protects his devotees from Asuras, Yaksha, Rakshas, Pishachas and Sarpas. According to Lord Krishna, those who recite this Stotram with purity, without taking pauses, acquire the merit of performing Ashvamedha Yagna.
Maharshi Vaisampayana says that Mahadeva protects one from nightmares, bad omens, wrong lifestyle, bad habits, accidents, natural calamities, poisonous creatures, evil planetary influences and so on.
The benefits of reciting Shiva Sahasranamam are endless. Bhagawan Shiv is pleased just by reciting his name once. What to speak of the benefits of reciting his thousand names. You may also want to watch our video titled Lord Shiv grants boons to Ravana | What blessing does Lord Rama give Tulsidas Goswami
Solving Nervous Disorders and Raising Consciousness
After regular recitation, the names reveal their meaning to you automatically. The Stotram calms the nervous system, improving coordination. It brings positivity and raises one’s consciousness. A protective aura shields you from negative forces. Also, it is beneficial for heart and blood pressure patients. Our perspective towards life changes.
Most importantly, the Stotram grants peace of mind, and a good night’s sleep. It reduces mind chatter at night time. One may even have the divine vision of Bhagawan Shiv, if chanted with perfect celibacy for about 2 years.
It all depends on the extent of your surrender towards him. A point to note- Set your priorities first. Do not chant the Stotram for fulfilment of desires. Enjoy the process. Else You shall lose your interest quickly.
Pure Intentions give Pure Results
Intention is the key to everything. Chant the Stotram to attain the love of Bholenath. The lord shall be very pleased with this intention. Chanting with ulterior motives is like bribing one’s own parents. According to the Bhagavad Gita, performing karma is in our hands, we should leave the rest to God.
Try to visit the Shiva temple twice a week and offer milk. Watch our video titled Why Do We Offer Milk to Shivling. | Benefits of Milk Abhishekam for Bhagawan Shiv to know the significance
How to Chant the Shiva Sahasranama?
Now, I shall explain chanting Shiva Sahasranama Stotram. There are no specifications. You can chant it at any time of the day. Just ensure that you maintain purity of mind and body.
You also need to follow the 5 Yamas and Niyamas for the chanting to bear fruit.
Also, stick to a vegetarian diet as the gods are Satvik in nature. Avoid pungent and stale food. Bhagawan Shiv knows the past, present and future. Chanting the Sahasranama brings one close to Him.
He becomes one’s personal guide and well-wisher. He shall hold one’s hand and help one sail through the ocean of Samsara. This my guarantee to you.