The Significance of Keeping a Shiva Lingam at Home

Shiva Lingam, a sacred symbol representing Lord Shiva, holds immense significance in Hinduism. It is believed to embody the divine energy and power of Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer in the Hindu Trinity. Keeping a Shiva Lingam at home is a common practice among devotees who seek to establish a connection with the divine and invite Lord Shiva's presence into their lives.

The placement of the Shiva Lingam within your home is an important aspect to consider. While it is permissible to keep it in various areas such as the lawn or balcony, the North-East corner of the house is considered the most auspicious location. This corner is believed to be conducive to the energy associated with Lord Shiva and is often recommended by spiritual experts and priests.

However, it is not enough to simply place the Shiva Lingam as a decorative object in your home. If you wish to establish a deep connection with Lord Shiva, regular worship and rituals are essential. Without consistent devotion, the Lingam remains a mere symbol without its spiritual significance.

Performing daily rituals, known as puja, is a significant practice for connecting with the divine energy of Lord Shiva. Through prayers, mantras (japa), and specific rituals, you create a sacred atmosphere within your home and invite the presence of Lord Shiva. The more sincerely and diligently you engage in the puja, the more you can imbue the Lingam with the essence and blessings of Lord Shiva.

While daily puja is highly recommended, certain circumstances may prevent you from physically performing the rituals, such as when you are travelling. In such cases, it is advisable to mentally perform the puja. By maintaining a meditative state, visualizing the rituals, and offering prayers to Lord Shiva in your mind, you can continue to connect with the divine energy even when physical worship is not possible.

It is also suggested to divide your house into nine equal parts and worship Lord Shiva while sitting in the North, North-East, or East corner of the house. Facing towards the North, North-East, or East direction during worship is believed to enhance the spiritual connection and amplify the positive energies associated with Lord Shiva.

For daily worship of Lord Shiva, the Sadhana App offers a multitude of rituals, including yajna, japa, abhishekam, and nitya pooja. With this app, one can conveniently engage in these practices and deepen his/her spiritual connection with Lord Shiva.

By following these guidelines and approaching the worship of Lord Shiva with immense devotion, you open yourself to receive blessings and spiritual growth during the auspicious month of Shravana or at any time throughout the year.

In conclusion, keeping a Shiva Lingam at home can be a powerful way to establish a connection with the divine energy of Lord Shiva. By placing it in the North-East corner of your house and engaging in regular worship and rituals, you create a sacred environment and invite the presence of Lord Shiva into your life. Remember, it is not just the physical placement of the Lingam but also the sincerity and devotion in your worship that can truly imbue it with the essence of Lord Shiva.

My Recommended Reading List on Kundalini

Recently someone asked me about Kundalini, my views and experiences about it. So, here they are....

In our body, we have 72,000 channels called nadis. Among them, there are 7 energy centres known as chakras. Kundalini energy is a dormant energy form. When it awakens, different types of sensations are felt. Some may feel as if a serpent is moving when the energy awakens, hence the name 'serpent.' However, everybody's experience is different.

When the Kundalini energy moves from the base chakra (mooladhara), it can be felt in various parts of the body, not just the spine. Wherever there is a concentration of energy, heat or burning sensation can be felt, as energy is naturally warm.

Individuals may experience a wide range of sensations as the Kundalini energy awakens and moves through their system. These sensations can vary from person to person, but here are some common experiences reported by practitioners as follows. 

1. Tingling or Vibrations: Many people feel subtle vibrations or tingling sensations in various parts of their body, particularly along the spine or at the energy centres (chakras).

2. Heat or Cold: Some individuals may feel waves of warmth or coolness flowing through their body or specific areas. These sensations are often associated with the movement of energy.

3. Electric-like Currents: People may experience sensations akin to an electric current moving through their body. It can be described as a gentle or intense energy flow.

4. Spontaneous Movements: Uncontrollable bodily movements, such as spontaneous jerks, twitches, or spontaneous yoga postures (kriyas), can arise as a result of Kundalini awakening.

5. Waves of Bliss or Ecstasy: Practitioners may feel intense states of bliss, joy, or ecstasy, which can be accompanied by feelings of deep peace, connectedness, and love.

6. Emotional Release: Kundalini Sadhana can sometimes trigger emotional release, leading to cathartic experiences, tears, laughter, or a wide range of emotions surfacing and dissipating.

7. Expanded Awareness: Some individuals may experience heightened states of awareness, increased clarity, or a sense of expanded consciousness during their practice.

It's important to note that these experiences are subjective and can vary greatly.

While most people's kundalini energy returns to the base chakra, advanced yogis can keep it at the third eye chakra (aagya chakra). This is a challenging practice and only a few yogis can achieve it. It requires intense tapas (austerity) and japa (recitation). The sadhanas (spiritual practices) for this are also very tough, so only a few yogis know how to hold their kundalini at the third eye chakra.

Typically, my Kundalini energy resides within my heart chakra. However, during meditation, it occasionally ascends to the Aagya chakra. Additionally, I have been fortunate enough to experience its presence in my sahasrara chakra, all thanks to the Grace of my esteemed Guru, Sri Om Swamiji.

To invoke the Kundalini, you can refer to page 93 of my book 'Japa Meditation: The Easiest Way to Calm the Mind' and follow the prescribed pranayama technique. Each person's experience of truth is unique.

It's not always necessary for the energy to descend back to the base chakra. If someone performs their work in a meditative state, with detachment, the kundalini energy will remain around an important chakra instead of slipping back to the base. That's why yogis advise performing duties with non-attachment while following the path of truth.

Because there’s a huge lack of authentic content online, it is recommended to read books, along with authentic websites like kundaliniyoga.org and my blog chandrikashubham.blogspot.com 

You can also consider reading books mentioned by My Guru Sri Om Swamiji in His Kundalini Retreat:

1. Tantraloka by Abhinavagupta in English and Hindi.

2. Shatchakranirupani in Hindi 

3. Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swami Muktibodhananda.

4. Rudra Yamalam in Hindi.

5. The Serpent Power by Arthur Avalon in English.

6. Kundalini: The Untold Story by Om Swamiji in Hindi and English

Other than these, one can follow the Hatha Yoga book series of ‘The Bihar School of Yoga’  to learn more about mind, pranayama, asana, mudras and bandhas are as follows: 

1. Manage the Mind by Swami Satyananda.

2. Mudra Vigyan: Philosophy and Practice of Yogic Gestures - from the teachings of Swami Satyananda Saraswati and Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati.

3. Prana Vidya - Bihar School of Yoga.

4. Kundalini Tantra by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

5. Sure Ways to Self-Realization - Bihar School of Yoga.

6. Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha: A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Technique of Yoga and Kriya - Bihar School of Yoga.

7. Taming the Kundalini by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

8. Gherand Samhita: Commentary on the Yoga Teachings of Maharishi Gheranda - Bihar School of Yoga.

9. Tattwa Shuddhi: The Tantric Practice of Inner Purification - Bihar School of Yoga.

10. Mooladhara Chakra - Bihar School of Yoga.

11. Ajna Chakra, Manipura Chakra, and Swadhisthana Chakra - by Rishi Nityabodhananda.

12. Moola Bandha: The Master Key by Swami Buddhananda.

Hindi versions of most of the books mentioned above are also available and are subject to availability.

For books on Kundalini Yoga, Swami Sivananda's books are highly recommended as they provide good and validated experiences shared by many.

Along with the above mentioned books one must also read these books:

1. Meditation and Mantras by Swami Vishnu Devananda

2. Kundalini: Path to Higher Consciousness

   Book by Pandit Gopi Krishna

3.  Autobiography by Gopi Krishna

   (Only available in English)

4. Books of Chakhmba Publication have also been praised in this subject.

1. Vagyoga: Kundalini Meditation by Dr. Vagish Shastri

2. Shrivagyogtantram Aparnam Shrikundalinigtantram श्री वग्योग्तंत्रम अपर्णम श्री कुंडलिनीग्तंत्रम (only in Hindi) Dr. Vagish Shastri

3. Shakti Ka Jagran Or Kundalini शक्ति का जागरण और कुण्डलिनी by M. M. Pt. Gopinath Kaviraj (only in Hindi) 

4. Chakras Healing And Kundalini Awakening By Yogic Techniques: Theory, Practices, And Benefits by Jai Paul Dudeja (only in English)

5. Kundalini Sadhana Prasangकुण्डलिनी साधना प्रसंग by Arun Kumar Sharma. (only in Hindi)

6. Kundalini-Shakti कुण्डलिनी-शक्ति by Arun Kumar Sharma.(only in Hindi) 

5. Gyaneshwar Gita in Hindi and English

List of some more books is here.

Shravan Adhik Maas: The Auspicious Month to Worship Lord Shiva

In the Hindu calendar, Shravan Maas holds great significance as it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme God of destruction. He enhances inner transformation through non attachment with materialistic things. This month is considered highly auspicious for devotees of Lord Shiva who engage themselves in different spiritual rituals, acts, practices and sadhanas for their spiritual progress, overall happiness and to seek His blessings.

Every three years, an extra lunar month called Adhik Maas, also known as Purushottam Maas, falls between the regular months to fill the gap between the solar and lunar calendar time. Adhik Maas is considered even more auspicious than the regular months, and when it coincides with Shravan Maas, it becomes a special time for spiritual aspirants. This year it is from 18th July to 16th August 2023. It is believed that performing spiritual practices and seeking Lord Shiva's blessings during this period can yield manifold (Adhik) benefits and accelerate one's spiritual growth. 

Devotees engage in various forms of worship and rituals during Shravan Maas to please Lord Shiva. Chanting powerful mantras like ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, ‘Dasha Akshari mantra’ and ‘Mahamrityunajaya mantra’ in Kailasha of Sadhana App are considered highly beneficial for spiritual growth, and overall well-being. Continuous repetition (japa) of these mantras helps spiritual seekers to build a strong bond with the Lord Shiva and to seek His Blessings.

Rudram, the ancient Vedic hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds immense significance during Shravan Adhik Maas. Devotees can perform daily recitation of Rudram in Kailash of Sadhana App to invoke the divine energies and seek protection and blessings from Lord Shiva.

Apart from mantras and hymns, devotees also find spiritual solace in scriptural reading during this month. The Shiv Puran, available in both English and Hindi, is a revered text that recounts the stories, teachings, and glory of Lord Shiva. Engaging in scriptural reading helps deepen one's understanding of Lord Shiva's divine qualities and speeds up their spiritual growth.

Charitable acts hold immense significance during Shravan Adhik Maas. Devotees can donate items such as milk, curd, ghee, sugar, bananas, and white cloth to poor and needy people. These offerings are considered auspicious and symbolize devotion, purity, and surrender to the divine by seeing that same divine in everybody. It is an auspicious time to donate in Kailasha of Sadhana App.

Shravan Adhik Maas acts as a spiritual catalyst for seekers, providing an opportunity to develop intense devotion, self-discipline, and self-transformation. It is believed that sincere and dedicated observance of spiritual practices during this auspicious month can bring grace, protection, and spiritual upliftment. May this sacred month of Shravan bring abundance, blessings, and spiritual growth to all those who embark on this divine path with utmost devotion and love. Om Namah Shivaya!

Purushottam Maas/ Adhik Maas or Mal Maas

Purushottam Maas, also known as Adhik Maas or Mal Maas, is an additional lunar month in the Hindu calendar that occurs approximately every three years. Despite being regarded as an inauspicious month due to its association with the word 'Mal,' meaning impure or dirty as the festivals are not celebrated during this period. It is also called ‘Purushottam Maas’ as it holds significant spiritual importance for devotees as they can foster their inner journey through penance. The name is derived from its association with Lord Vishnu, as 'Purushottam' translates to 'Supreme Person.' It has a spiritual significance as the solar and lunar calendars are aligned with its addition and are also reasons for its name. This is also a very important month as in Shiv Puran it is mentioned, “The worship of Lord Vishnu performed during the month of Shravan fulfils desires and bestows good health!”

The phenomenon of Adhik Maas is a unique aspect of the traditional Hindu calendar. According to the Vasishtha Siddhantha, it occurs every 32 months, 16 days, and 8 ghadi (with one ghadi being 24 minutes approximately). In a solar year of 365 days and about 6 hours, and a lunar year of 354 days, there exists a gap of 11 days, 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 12 seconds. Over a time period of three years, this gap accumulates each year to form an additional month known as Adhik Maas/ Mal Maas/ Purushottam Maas. Generally, it is added within one of the months ranging from Chaitra to Ashwin, and occasionally in Phalgun as well. Although, it is not inserted during the months of Margasheesh, Paush, and Magh. It takes nearly 19 years for the Adhik Maas to reoccur in the same month.

According to Bhavishaye Puran, Malmas or Adhik Maas (also known as Purushottam Maas) is a month in the Hindu lunar calendar that does not have a corresponding solar month. It occurs approximately every two and a half years (thirty two months). During this month, there are no significant solar or lunar events. All ancestral rituals and ceremonies can be performed, but rituals like Yajna and marriage ceremonies are not conducted. Devotional activities such as pilgrimage, dev- darshan (viewing of deities), fasting, and rituals like Simantonnayan (baby shower) can be observed during this month. Similarly, these activities can also be performed in Shukrast (Venus is combust). Even royal coronation ceremonies can take place during Malmas. However, there are restrictions on certain activities during Malmas, such as starting of new fasts and new vows, establishing new deities, Chudakarma (tonsure), Upanayan (sacred thread ceremony), Mantrapasana (chanting of mantras), marriage, construction of new houses, housewarming ceremonies, adoption of a new stage of life (ashram), pilgrimage, consecration ceremonies, Kanya (girl) Dwiragaman (returning to parents' home after marriage), and Yajna (sacrificial rituals). 

Here are some key points regarding the importance of Purushottam Maas:

1. Purification and Atonement: Purushottam Maas is considered a time of purification and spiritual growth. It is believed that performing righteous deeds, engaging in spiritual acts, and observing religious practices during this month can help cleanse one's sins and purify the soul. It is a sacred month when individuals can embark on a transformative journey of spiritual purification and personal enlightenment.

2. Observances and Austerities: Many devotees undertake various religious observances and austerities during Purushottam Maas. This mostly includes observing fasts, reading sacred scriptures, performing religious rituals, offering prayers, and engaging in acts of charity. Such practices are believed to yield greater spiritual merit and accelerate one's progress on the spiritual journey.

3. Spiritual Discipline: Purushottam Maas provides an opportunity for devotees to intensify their spiritual discipline and deepen their connection with their Isht. It is seen as a favourable time for self-reflection, introspection, and strengthening one's devotion through chanting, meditation, and reciting of scriptures.

4. Resolving Past Karmas and Obligations: Purushottam Maas is considered a favourable period for clearing past karmas, fulfilling pending obligations, and resolving any past mistakes or shortcomings. Devotees often use this time to confess misdoings, seek forgiveness, make amendments, and rectify any past wrongdoings.

5. Special Festivals and Rituals: One prominent festival during this month is the Purushottam Ekadashi, a significant day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On this special day, the devotees observe fast and chant His mantras. Other special days to offer prayers are Purushottam Dwadashi and Purushottam Purnima.

May the blessings of Sri Hari, the Supreme Person, be showered upon us, guiding us on the path of righteousness and bestowing spiritual enlightenment. May this Adhik Maas bring joy, peace, and spiritual progress to all, filling our lives with Divine Grace and Blessings.

Happy Adhik Maas to all, may this sacred month be a time of transformation, enlightenment, and Divine Blessings for each and every one of us.

Pic - Sadhana App

A Vision of My Mother's Manifestation as Goddess in Meditation

Whose eyes are these? They are so familiar!

During a recent chanting session of the Guru Mantra, an extraordinary experience unfolded before me. As I closed my eyes, I found myself immersed in the powerful mantra given to me by my revered Guru Sri Om Swamiji. I saw the radiant eyes, tenderly and lovingly, gazing at me. Gradually, the entire face became clearly visible. Aha! It was my mother! During the whole day, I talked and worked with her but she had given me a vision for the first time in meditation. This unique experience of witnessing my mother's manifestation as a Divine Goddess during meditation is unparalleled. It was a revelation, akin to the visions of revered deities such as Ma Kalratri and Ma Siddhlakshmi.

This spiritual experience reminds me of the interconnectedness of human relationships and spirituality. It highlights that the divine resides not only in holy places or places of worship but within our family members with whom we share the bond of love and affection. The Divine Mother, in her infinite Grace, chose to reveal Herself to me in the form of my own mother, amplifying the significance of our bond and the divinity within each and every person.

It stirred me like one of my previous spiritual experiences during Sri Hari's live aarti. At that moment, I was in tears, yearning for the love of Maa Lakshmi, when suddenly my mother entered my room. With utmost tenderness, she placed her right hand upon my head, providing comfort and assurance that she would always be there, supporting me through both laughter and tears. As I had always worshipped her as Ma Lakshmi!

The extraordinary vision of my mother as a manifestation of Divine Mother has forever imprinted itself upon my spiritual path as she is a guiding force behind my success in all endeavors. It has reaffirmed the boundless power of love and devotion that transcends the limitations of our earthly existence. A poignant reminder is that divinity can manifest in the most unexpected ways, offering solace, guidance, and a profound revelation of our interconnectedness within the tapestry of divine creation.

Vision of Red Light(s) in Deep Meditation

A spark of red light!

While performing the sacred sadhana of Maa Siddhalakshmi in the Golden Palace of Sadhana App, I had a vision of vibrant red light, the sacred color that adorned the form of the benevolent Goddess. It was Her color indicating Her presence. It was a profound sign, a testament to the intimate connection that I had built up over the time with the Divine Mother, the embodiment of abundance and prosperity. 

And as I continued my devotional practices, I found solace in the knowledge that the Divine, in all its boundless Grace, had chosen to reveal itself to me through the wondrous prism of bright red light. The red hue became a catalyst for introspection, compelling me to delve deeper into the depths of my spiritual practice. 

This was not the first time I had seen a red light in meditation. A few years back I experienced it. I was doing the mystical ‘Khand Mand Sadhana’, an extraordinary ritual of profound self purification as mentioned by Om Swamiji in ‘Devi Bhagavatam’ virtual retreat. As I began this intricate Sadhana, I surrendered myself to the Mother Divine with unwavering devotion. My consciousness became one with the ethereal realm, and a serene aura enveloped me like a loving embrace. In the midst of this profound practice, a sight greeted my yearning soul that I had never before witnessed. A brilliant flash of red light shimmered before me in deep meditation, illuminating the inner recesses of my being. My heart longed, and a sense of awe consumed me, for this sight was far from ordinary.  

And so, I continued my sacred Sadhana, basking in the radiance of the red light, forever grateful for the profound connection I share with the Divine. In the depths of my being, I carry the flame of devotion, seeking to explore the uncharted realms of spirituality and transcendence, forever immersed in the boundless love and grace of the Divine Mother. And then, a realization dawned upon me like the first light of dawn as red light dispels the darkness, ignorance, stimulates inner detachment from earthly interests and it is purely uplifting.

In the days that followed, the memory of the red light remained etched within the depths of my consciousness. It became a guiding beacon, a reminder of the profound spiritual journey that lay ahead. The vision of that extraordinary hue became a symbol of the Divine blessings that flowed into my life, a gentle reminder that our beloved Mother, in Her benevolence, would forever guide and protect me. With each passing day, I walked the path of devotion with newfound purpose, knowing that the realm of the Divine held endless mysteries waiting to be unravelled.

You see, in my spiritual journey, I had often encountered divine lights of violet and blue hues, their radiant glow signifying the presence of higher spiritual realms and self purification. Yet, the sight of red light, vibrant and fiery, held an inexplicable power that stirred my soul!

Book Review : Public Speaking Success Secrets: Keys to Powerful Platform, Media and Speaking Skills' by Marsha Sue Petrie

The audiobook named 'Public Speaking Success Secrets: Keys to Powerful Platform, Media and Speaking Skills' by Marsha Sue Petrie provides practical advice to improve public speaking by being a sparkle when you speak.

The book states a clear message about recognising the audience, customising the message to the audience's need and electrifying the group. It advises on overcoming uneasiness, building confidence, and using positive self-talk and visualisation. The book also discusses body language, visual assistance, handling challenging questions, and media management.

It can be of great help for enhancing the public speaking skills, in becoming more confident and effective in front of the audience.