Manifestations of Lord Shiva - Sadjyot Mukha Murti

5. Sadjyot Mukha Murti

During the 19th Kalpa, that is Shwetakalpa, Lord Shiva manifested in meditation form. This manifestation is known as Sadjyot. The direction of this face is west. This face represents Lord Shiva's Power of Creation. It is considered to be the first manifestation of Lord Shiva. 

Following murtis are considered to be originated from Sadjyot murti.

(a) Lingothbhava Mukha Murti

This manifestation has been discussed in our earlier blog.
(http://shrisainathmaharajtrust-sharing.blogspot.com/2016/09/lingothbhavar.html)

(b) Ardhanarishwar Murti

This manifestation has been discussed in our earlier blog.
(http://shrisainathmaharajtrust-sharing.blogspot.com/2016/10/ardhanarishwara.html)

(c) Harihara Murti

In this form, Lord Shiva manifested before Parvati at her request. 

Here Lord Shiva manifested with right half of his body as Lord Shiva and the left half as Lord Vishnu. Hence this manifestation is known as Harihara Mukha Murti or Shankarnarayana Murti. 

The place where this manifestation took place is at Shankarnarayankovil in Tamil Nadu. 

Details of this manifestation may appear in our succeeding blogs. 

Photo Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harihara
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harihara#/media/File:British_Museum_Harihara.JPG
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harihara#/media/File:Harihara_Badami.jpg

(d) Sukhasana Murti

In this manifestation, Lord Shiva is seen sitting with his consort Parvati. 

In this murti, Lord Shiva's right hand is giving upadesh (upadesh mudra) and his left hand is around the waist of his consort Parvati.

According to Vedas and Purans, this idol represents the time when Lord Shiva gives upadesh to Parvati and he appears to be in a pleasant mood.

It is believed that worshiping this form of Lord Shiva brings peace and happiness. 

Photo Source: 1. http://collections.artsmia.org/art/5369/uma-maheshvara-india
2. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1987.218.1/

(e) Umamaheshwar MurtiI

This is the 6th manifestation of Lord Shiva. Here He is seen sitting with his consort Uma, in an embracing position.

It is believed that by worshiping this form, we attain success, peace and happiness.

This form is found in Shiva temples in southern India. 

Photo Source: http://www.simbolarium.ru/iconography/hinduism/icon/siva/chandrashekhara-murti.htm

Manifestations of Lord Shiva - Vamadeva Murti

4. Vamadeva Mukha Murti

During the 20th Kalpa, known as Raktakalpa, the manifestation of Lord Shiva took place with Red complexion. This manifestation os known as Vamadeva. The direction of this face is north. This face represents Lord Shiva's Power of Preservation.


Following murtis are considered to be originated from Vamadeva murti.

(a) Kankala Murti (Gangala Murti)

This manifestation of Lord Shiva highlights him as destroyer of evil forces.

In this form, he wears bones and skulls as ornaments and dances in high spirits.

This manifestation of Lord Shiva is discussed in detail at the time of destruction of whole universe. This form of Lord Shiva is rarely worshiped. 

The idol is found at Uthrapathishwara Swami temple in Thiruchengattankudi in Tamil Nadu.

Photo Source: 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kankalamurti#/media/File:Kankalamurti.jpg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kankalamurti)
2.http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/44806109.jpg

(b) Chakradhara Murti

According to Shiva Purana, Sudarshan Chakra was given by Lord Shiva to Lord Vishnu. The murti depicting the scene is known as Chakradhara Murti.

Lord Vishnu, who is the protector of the universe, meditated on Lord Shiva and did penance to obtain a powerful weapon. He offered 999 or 1007 lotus flower to Lord Shiva but could not find the 1000th or 1008th lotus (reader may come across different numerical numbers). Hence he offered his own eye* as the final flower. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva gave the Sudarshan Chakra to Lord Vishnu.

The literary meaning of Sudarshan (Su + Darshan) is Good-Vision which justifies the above legend. 

Vishnu’s Eligibility / Devotion & Shiva’s Reciprocation
(*Beautiful Nayan/ Eyes are known as Kamal-Nayan/ Lotus-Eyed. Pictorial representation instead of Murti.)
Photo Source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/fSoEqZJ82xg/T7jILn9NLJI/AAAAAAAACbo/
1hUgfIeoczc/s1600/ShivaVishnuSudarshanChakra.jpg
(http://hindumythologybynarin.blogspot.ae/
2012/05/lord-vishnu-receives-sudarshan-chakra.html?view=magazine)

(c) Chandikeshwar Murti

This manifestation has been discussed in our earlier blog. 
(http://shrisainathmaharajtrust-sharing.blogspot.com/2016/08/chandikeshwara.html)

(d) Gajantika Murti

In this manifestation Lord Shiva bestowed his grace on Indra's Mount i.e. the Elephant Airawat. 

Hence in this idol, Lord Shiva is seen with the Elephant Airawat. 

Photo Source: http://indianmandirs.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-world-heritage-place-of.html

(e) Ekapada Murti

In this manifestation Lord Shiva is seen standing on one leg. 

This idol represents the manifestation of Lord Shiva in which he destroys all beings (i.e. destruction of the universe).

In this form he had Lord Brahma on one side and Lord Vishnu on the other.

This aspect is mainly found in southern India, Odisha and occasionally in Rajasthan and Nepal.

In this form, Lord Shiva is often accompanied by ascetics (sages). This emphasizes His connection to severe penance and being a universal teacher. 

Photo Source:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekapada
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekapada#/media/File:Ekapada_shiva.jpg
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekapada#/media/File:Ekapada.JPG
3. https://aryayogi.wordpress.com/2014/03/11/ekapada-shiva-an-unusual-yogic-form/

Ekapada Shiva – An Unusual Yogic Form

Manifestations of Lord Shiva - Aghoramukha Murti

3. Aghoramurti

This manifestation of Lord Shiva, i.e. Aghoramurti, took place after Peetvasa Kalpa. It is one of the five faces of Lord Shiva. This faces south direction. This face represents Lord Shiva's Power of Dissolution.

As the legend goes, there was an asura named Marutwasura who caused trouble to sages. Responding to the prayers of sages, Lord Shiva commanded his vahana i.e. Nandi to go and defeat the demons. Nandi fought with demon and defeated him and threw demon into the sea. Still alive, Marutwasura performed penance by praying Shiva and as a result obtained a sula and again started troubling sages. Again responding to prayers, Lord Shiva sent Nandi. However this time Nandi could not defeat demon and demon caused hurt to Nandi using sula. This caused anger to Lord Shiva and he opened his third eye to kill demon. Since this manifestation is out of anger of Lord Shiva, it is called Aghoramurti.

Following murtis are considered to be originated from Aghoramurti.

a) Gajasamhara Murti

The idol of this manifestation is located at a temple in Vazhvoor in Tamil Nadu, about 9 kms from Mayiladuthurai.

When Lord Shiva was wandering in Darukhvanam as a lunatic, the sages over there performed a yagna in order to annihilate Him. From the yagna rose a gigantic, monstrous and ferocious elephant. This elephant started destruction all around. All the people around there, including Parvati (who was with child Skanda) were scared. Lord Shiva killed this rogue elephant. He had manifested in a manner by which even Goddess Parvati was scared. He tore that elephant and wrapped its skin around him. Then the sages realized that the lunatic was none other than Lord Shiva Himself. This manifestation of Lord Shiva is known as Gajasamhara Murti.

   

Photo Source: https://kshetrapuranas.wordpress.com/2009/06/26/to-kill-a-rogue-elephant-vazhuvoor/

b) Veerbhadra Murti: 

(mentioned in our earlier blogs http://shrisainathmaharajtrust-sharing.blogspot.com/2016/09/veerabhadrar.html)

c) Dakshina Murti: 

(mentioned in our earlier blogs http://shrisainathmaharajtrust-sharing.blogspot.com/2016/09/dakshinamurty.html)
 

d) Kirata (Hunter) Murti:

This manifestation of Lord Shiva depicts wherein He grants Astra to Arjuna during the Mahabharata war. The idol depicting this incident is found at the Shiva Temple at Thiruverkalam near Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu.

According to Kshetra Purana, Arjuna did penance at this place to obtain the Astra. To disturb his penance, Duryodhana sent an Asura (demon) in the form of a pig. In order to test Arjuna, Lord Shiva appeared as a hunter. Hence the manifestation is known as Kirata Murti.

Both Lord Shiva and Arjuna killed the pig with an arrow and each of them started claiming the honor. It resulted in a fierce battle between them. Finally Lord Shiva lifted Arjuna with his leg and blessed him for his valor and gave the Pashupata-astra.

Photo Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kiratarjuna.jpg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kir%C4%81t%C4%81rjun%C4%ABya)

e) Neelkantha Murti:

The temple at Suruttappalli in Chithoor district of Andhra Pradesh is the place where the idol of Lord Shiva is known as Neelakantheshwara (Pallikondeshwara as it is in lying position) Murti.

In this place Lord Shiva is reclining on the lap of His consort Parvati. The Gods Ganesha, Karthikeya, Surya, Chandra, Indra and sages such as Narada are seen standing around Him. Lord Shiva consumed the Halahala poison during the Samudra Manthan to rescue the beings of the Universe. His consort Parvati stopped the poison from going down the throat by clutching His throat tightly. Due to this, Shiva’s neck became blue and He got the name Neelakantheshwara. Then Shiva proceeded to Kailash along with Parvati and others. On the way, He felt exhausted due to the effect of the poison and lied down to relax at this place that is Suruttappalli. This is depicted at the temple here.

Photo Source: http://hindumythologybynarin.blogspot.com/?view=classic

Manifestations of Lord Shiva - Tatpurusha Murti

2. Tatpurusha Murti

This is the most popular 3rd manifestation of Lord Shiva in the 21st Kalpa known as Peetvasa. Tatpurusha, one of the five faces of Shiva, represents Power of Concealment which limits individual jiva's awareness about its true nature, its past and future, and thus allowing jiva to evolve itself. The following murtis are considered to be originated from Tatpurusha.

a) Bhikshatana Murti:

Lord Shiva, in order to teach a lesson to the sages in Darukhvanam takes this manifestation. He appears as a nude lunatic with the Brahma Kapal in his hand and enchants the wives of the sages and ladies of the Darukhvanam.

Photo Source: https://kshetrapuranas.wordpress.com/2009/06/26/to-kill-a-rogue-elephant-vazhuvoor/

b) Kamadahana Murti:

This manifestation of Lord Shiva took place after the death of his consort Parvati. In this manifestation, He gives Upadesha to Sanakadi Munis. Then, He sits in deep meditation. Then Manmatha (Kamadeva) tried to disturb His meditation. Lord Shiva opened His 3rd eye and burned Manmatha. The place where this event is supposed to have taken place is known as Thirukurukkavur in Tamil Nadu.

Photo Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamadeva#/media/File:Madan-Bhasma_(Shiva_Turns_to_Ashes).jpg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamadeva)

c) Kalasamhara Murti:

In this manifestation, Lord Shiva rescued the boy Markandeya from death (Yama). Markandeya was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. When Yama came to take away his life, Markandeya clutched the Shiva Linga in a bid to escape death. It is believed that Lord Shiva manifested and killed Yama to save Markandeya. In different Puranas, this event is supposed to have taken place in different places. Some believe that it took place at Thirukadaiyur near Karikal in Tamil Nadu.

Photo Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amritaghateswarar-Abirami_Temple,Thirukkadaiyur#/media/File:Raja_Ravi_Varma,_Markandeya.jpg

d) Jalandhara (Salandhara) Samhara Murti:

In this manifestation, Lord Shiva slays the demon Jalandhhar (Salandhara) with the help of Lord Vishnu. The demon was supposed to have manifested from Lord Shiva’s sweat. When the demon tried to remove from Lord Shiva’s feet the Sudarshan Chakra given to Lord Shiva by Lord Vishnu (for slaying the demon), he was slayed by Him. The place where this Samhara took place is Verkudi near Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu.
Lord Vishnu transformed Jalandhara’s wife Brindha (very staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu) into Tulsi at this place. Hence Lord Vishnu got a curse which was the cause of Lord Vishnu's Rama avataar.

Photo Source: https://kshetrapuranas.wordpress.com/2009/06/26/to-kill-a-rogue-elephant-vazhuvoor/

c) Tripurari Murti:

This manifestation of Lord Shiva was to annihilate the three demon sons of Tarakasur. They represent the Ego, the Karma and the Maya. This manifestation implies that it is necessary to overcome these three impurities in life. The temple town of Banrutti in Cuddalore district (Tamil Nadu) celebrates the slaying of Tripuras by Lord Shiva.

*Tripura Vijaya Deva Koneri Rajapuram Tanjore Dist. Sembiyan Mahadevi Concecration. 990 C.E
*Photo Source: http://tamilartsacademy.com/journals/volume2/articles/tripurantaka.html

Manifestations of Lord Shiva - Ishan Mukha Murti

1.  ISHAN MUKHA MURTI 

In the VISHWAROOPA KALPA, ISHAN was manifested from LORD SHIVA. Ishan, one of the five faces of Lord Shiva, signifies the subtle and ethereal form of Shiva that represents transcendental knowledge. It also represents Power of Revelation, one of five powers of Lord Shiva namely Power of Creation, Power of Sustenance, Power of Dissolution, Power of Concealment and Power of Revelation. Also, the direction Ishanya (North-East) represents prosperity and knowledge. The following murtis are considered to be originated from Ishana.

(a) SOMASKANDA MURTI:

This murti represents the state of Sat-Chit-Anand.

In this state, Shiva represents 'Sat', Lord Skanda represents 'Chit' and Parvati represents 'Ananda'. This indicates that the three states are united together. It is a family representation of LORD SHIVA. This idol is found in almost all the SHIVALAYAS in southern India, the most important place being THIRUVARUR in Tamil Nadu.

*A Depiction of Somaskanda with a dancing Skanda (Lord Murugan) in the middle of Uma and Shiva.
*Photo Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somaskanda

(b) NATARAJA MURTI:

This manifestation of Lord Shiva clearly explains the PANCHAKSHARI MANTRA and PANCHAKRITIS (a set of 5 KRITIS in CARNATIC music).

Idols of this manifestation are found in SHIVA Temples in Ananda Tandava form.

The most important idol of NATARAJA is at CHIDAMBARAM in Tamil Nadu.

This place (CHIDAMBARAM) is one of the Five Stages (Sabha) where LORD SHIVA performed Nritya (Tandava).

*A 10th century Chola dynasty bronze sculpture of Shiva,
the Lord of the Dance at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
*Photo Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nataraja#/media/File:Shiva_as_the_Lord_of_Dance_LACMA_edit.jpg
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nataraja)

(c) RISHABHA ARUDH MURTI:

After Samudra Manthan when LORD VISHNU went to Patala Loka he was infatuated by a beautiful woman. From her, he had many sons who were cruel and monstrous. LORD SIVA took form of an Ox and killed them.

In this manifestation, LORD SHIVA is depicted as sitting on an Ox.

*Ancient Khmer sculpture of the Hindu god Lord Shiva riding a bull.
Pediment at Banteay Samre Temple, part of the Angkor complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Ancient sculpture, hundreds of years old.
*Photo Source:
http://www.featurepics.com/online/Shiva-Sculpture-2255126.aspx

(d) CHANDRASHEKAR MURTI:

This form represents the manifestation in which LORD SHIVA absolved the curse of CHANDRA (MOON).

LORD SHIVA gave a boon so that the MOON can wax and wane alternately for 15 days resulting in Full-MOON and New-MOON.

Photo Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
File:Lord_Shiva_Images__An_artistic_representation_of_Lord_Shiva_and_the_12_Jyotirlingas_associated_with_him.jpg
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva)

(e) KALYANSUNDARA MURTI:

This is also known as PANIGRAHA MURTI.

It depicts the marriage of LORD SHIVA with HIS consort PARVATI.

It shows LORD VISHNU along with HIS consort LAXMI giving away the bride.

LORD BRAHMA is depicted as the official priest. This temple is at THIRUMANANCHERI.

*Kalyanasundara scene, Ellora Caves
*Photo Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ellora-caves-1.jpg
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalyanasundara)

In coming articles we will provide information about following manifestations (2) TATPURUSHA, (3) AGHORESH, (4) VAMADEVA and (5) SADJYOT

Manifestations of Lord Shiva - Introduction

We had listed 64 manifestations (MURTHAMS) of LORD SHIVA in our Forms (Murtis) of Lord Shiva article. It is stated in SHIVA PURANA, that 25 of them are most significant.

According to scriptures, these manifestations have originated from 5 different faces of LORD SHIVA. They are (1) ISHAN, (2) TATPURUSHA, (3) AGHORESH, (4) VAMADEVA and (5) SADJYOT.

*1 Five-faced Mukhalinga, Himachal Pradesh; currently in LACMA

*2   The 10th century five headed Shiva, Sadashiva, Cambodia.

Photo Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shivalinga_Cover_with_Five_Faces_LACMA_M.85.279.5.jpg
   (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mukhalinga)
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva#/media/File:10th_century_five_headed_Shiva_Sadashiva_Cambodia_Metmuseum.jpg
   (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva)

In the next few articles, we will try to enumerate some of these manifestations.

Please note that these write-ups are brief introductions/pointers to the Vedic/Puranic repository of Hindu religion and culture so that interested readers are encouraged to explore further. 

Eleven Rudrars

According to Vishnu Purana, Rudra (Shiva) was born from the anger of the creator, Brahma. Rudra was in the ArdhaNari (half male and half female) form. The male half form split into eleven forms forming eleven Rudrars. Some of them had white complexion and were gentle. The others were dark in complexion and were fierce. These Rudrars were named as:

1. Manyu
2. Manu
3. Mahmasa
4. Mahan
5. Siva
6. Rtudhvaja
7. Ugraretas
8. Bhava
9. Kama
10. Vamadeva
11. Dhrtavrata

From the female half form, Rudranis were formed and they became the consorts of Rudrars. Their names (may not be in the 1:1 order of Rudrars) are:

1. Dhi
2. Vrtti
3. Usana
4. Urna
5. Niyuta
6. Sarpis
7. Ila
8. Ambika
9. Iravati
10. Sudha
11. Diksa

According to other Puranas, the Rudrars are named as:

1. Aja
2. Ekapada
3. Ahirbudhnya
4. Tvasta
5. Rudra
6. Hara
7. Shambhu
8. Tryambaka
9. Aparajita
10. Isana
11. Tribhuvana

In Vedic mythology, Rudrars are considered as attendants of Rudra (Shiva). Mahabharata describes Rudrars as companions of Indra and also as servants of Shiva and Skanda. In Matsya Purana, Kapali, Pingala, Bhima, Virupaksa, Vilohita, Ajesha, Shasana, Shasta, Shambu, Chanda and Durva are mentioned as the ferocious Rudrars who aid Lord Vishnu in his fight against demons.

Rudra

Shiva shares many features with Vedic Rudra. In Hindu scriptures (Purana) both are viewed as the same personality. Hence, Shiva is the Puranic form of Vedic Rudra. The earliest mention of Rudra is found in Rigveda, Yajurveda  and Atharvaveda.

The evolution of Hindu Religion centers around two important periods, namely Vedic Period and Puranic period. During Vedic period, God was represented by nature and emotions. For example Indra was God of Thunder, Agni was God of Fire, etc.

Rudra represents God of Fear and things that create fear, such as high winds, storms, hurricane, typhoon, lightening, etc.

In Sanskrit, RU means frightening and DRA is superlative meaning – mightiest or greatest. Hence Rudra can be concluded as mightiest or greatest roarer or creator of fear. During the Puranic period, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Shakti (divine feminine power) came into existence as the greatest powers. At the same time, the Vedic Gods were transformed into Puranic Gods.

Both Rigveda and Yajurveda recommend the worship of Rudra (Shiva) to get Moksha, by reciting what is popularly known as Maha Mritunjaya mantra. In the various recital recensions (shloka, mantra, etc.) of Yajurveda, a number of stanzas praising Rudra are found. Together they are known as Shata Rudriyam. On Mondays, Lord Shiva is worshiped by reciting what is known as Rudra Namakam and Rudra Chamakam.

* Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudra

Nandikeshwar

Nandi idol at Shri Sai Temple at Dapoli, Maharashtra.
Courtesy: Shri Sainath Maharaj Trust Dapoli

Sri Nandikeshwara or Nandi is a very important deity, since he is the only witness to the creation of the Universe and all beings therein through Shiva-Shakthi. So praying to him will bestow us with spiritual knowledge, and enhance our receptiveness of the Lord's grace. Nandi is also the embodiment of intuition and instinct. That is why it is said that we should look at Lord Shiva from in between Nandi's horns. That way, we can perceive and receive the Lord's grace by maximizing our instinctive and intuitive abilities. 

An idol of Nandi is commonly seen at all Shiva temples facing Lord Shiva, signifying constant and silent conversation with the Lord. He is regarded as the Lord's mount, is the foremost of the Ganas (followers of Shiva), and is a gatekeeper at the Lord's door. He is most often depicted as a Divine Bull, and sometimes as having a human body with a Bull's face. There are temples in India solely dedicated to Nandi. Devotees are often seen whispering their wishes in Nandi's ears, since it is believed that all sincere & pure wishes conveyed to him will be granted. According to shaiva siddhanta Nandi is the chief Guru of 18 siddha munis. The word Nandi is derived from sanskrit word which means happy or joyous person.

Mythological Legend 

To obtain the nectar of immortality Devas and Asuras performed the churning of the ocean using Mount Mandara for a churning rod, perched on Maha Vishnu in the form of the Kurma (Tortoise) Avatar for stability; and the serpent Vasuki for a churning rope. The asuras pulled the head-end of Vasuki, and the Devas took the tail-end. Several cosmic forces and divine objects emerged from the ocean. 

During the process, Vasuki - the King of the serpents emitted out the deadly poison Hala-Hala, which represents the remaining karmic residuals of all living beings in the past creation and dissolution cycle, and which would have wiped out all earthly creations, and threatened the very existence of all divinities. Lord Shiva came to the rescue, along with Nandi. Lord Shiva collected the poison in the palm of his hand, drank it, and held it in his throat. Hence, he is also known as Neelakantha (one with a blue throat). At that time, Nandi observed some poison spilling out of Lord Shiva's mouth, and immediately drank it to prevent it from harming others. The Devas and Asuras were at once concerned if Nandi could survive the poison. Lord Shiva assured them that Nandi was so steeped in devotion towards him, that he had access to all of Lord Shiva's powers and his complete protection. 

According to another legend Sage Shilada meditated on Lord Indra and did a severe tapasya to have a child with immortality. Indra advised him to pray to Lord Shiva to get the boon. After a long period of tapasya the body of the sage was eaten away by termites. Lord Shiva gave darshan to the sage and restored him to his old form. He gave him the boon to have a child with immortality. Shilada performed a yagnya for getting a child. From the yagnya a child appeared clad in the armor made of diamonds. After some years the deities Mitra and Varuna informed the sage that the boy would have a short life. Worried by the message of the deities Sage Shilada did tapas to please Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva blessed the child and declared that he would be worshipped along with him and will be his mount. There are other instances in the purana where Nandi is mentioned. In almost all the Shiva temples Nandi is located in front of Shiva Linga. Some puranas mention Nandi as the chief of Shiva’s army. Spiritually, Nandi represents an individual jiva (soul) and the message that the jiva should always be focused on Atman (Paramatma).

Some of the famous temples of Nandi are 1) Brahadiswara temple in Tamil Nadu. Chamundi hills in Mysore. Rameshwaram temple and Nandi temple at Khajuraho.

Ardhanarishwara

Source: wikipedia

Ardhanarishwara is one of the manifestations of Lord Shiva. Literally it means the lord who is half male and half female. The legend behind this form of Lord Shiva has its reference in several puranas and the epic Mahabharata. In almost all the major puranas there is the mention of Ardhanarishwara. The kshetra-purana in Tamil narrates the event that led to this manifestation. Once, all the sages and munis gathered at Kailash to pay their respects to Lord Shiva and Parvati. Sage Bhringi, who had vowed to worship only Lord Shiva, ignored Parvati. Enraged by this sage's behavior Parvati cursed Bhringi Rishi to become only a skeleton losing all his flesh and blood. On seeing this condition of sage Lord Shiva blessed him with a third leg so that he could stand erect. Parvati who felt defeated performed severe tapasya to please Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva granted her the boon of uniting with him so that Bhringi Rishi will be compelled to worship her along with Lord Shiva in the form of Ardhanarishwara. But the sage assumed the form of bumblebee and circumambulated only the male half of idol by drilling the hole in idol of the deity. Amazed by the devotion of the sage Parvati reconciled with the sage and blessed him. 

In the Kalika purana, Gauri is set to have suspected Lord Shiva of infidelity when she saw her own reflection in the breast of Lord Shiva. A conjugal dispute erupted and was resolved quickly. Parvati expressed a wish to fuse with Lord Shiva. Accepting her request Lord Shiva fused with Parvati to form Ardhanarishwar. In Shiva Purana the legend states that Brahma created Prajapatis who were all males so they were unable to create. Brahma approached Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva appeared as Ardhanarishwara at the request of Lord Brahma and a number of female beings were created to Ardhanarishwara for the creation to progress.

The idol of Shiva in Ardhanarishwara form is found in almost all Shiva temples in South India and South East Asia. The main temple is at Thiruchengode in Namakkal disctrict in Tamil Nadu and also in Rishivandiam near Kallakurichi in Tamil Nadu.

Navaratri

Navaratri festival is dedicated to Goddess “Durga”. During this festival, Devi is worshiped in 9 different forms. This festival generally lasts for 9 nights and 10 days. Sometimes it may last for 9 to 11 days. Last day i.e. 10th day (generally, but this time as per tithi it is 11th day) is celebrated as Dasera. This festival is celebrated all over India, Nepal and wherever Hindus reside in the world. There are 5 different Navaratris mentioned in Puranas. Of these, Sharad Navaratri is the most popular one and also known as Maha-Navaratri. 

1. Shakambari Navaratri (Paush Navaratri) – This is celebrated in the month of Paush. It begins on Paush-sukla Ashtami and ends on Paush Pournima. Paush Shukla Ashtami is also known as “Banada Ashtami”. Shakambari Devi is an incarnation of Devi Bhagawati. She took this incarnation to feed the sages and all living beings during the great famine. Presently this is celebrated in Karnataka, Andhra, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal.
2. Vasant Navaratri – This is spread over 9 days during which Shakti is worshiped. It is observed in the month of Chaitra Shukla Paksha. The beginning of Vasant Navaratri also marks the beginning of Lunar calendar Vikrami Samvatsar. This Navaratri is also known as Chaitra Navaratri as it occurs in month of Chaitra.
3. Aashadha Navaratri – It is also known as Gupt Navaratri. It is a 9 day festival dedicated to Goddess Varaahi. Generally this is performed by sadhakas. It involves tantrik rituals for Satkarma (good deeds).
4. Sharad Navaratri – This is commonly known as Maha Navaratri and celebrated all over the world by Hindus. It is considered to be most important. It begins on Shukla Pratipada in month of Ashwin and may last 9/10/11 days according to Tithi.
5. Maagh Navaratri – It’s a Gupt (गुप्त) Navratri celebrated mostly in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It is celebrated during the Shukla Paksha in the month of Maagh. It is generally observed for getting protection from evil forces, danger, injury and destruction etc. It is observed by the sadhakas for obtaining Riddhi & Siddhi.

In South India during Sharad Navaratri the first 3 days Devi is worshiped as Durga, next 3 days as Laxmi & last 3 days as Saraswati and 10th day is known as Vijayadashami.

Below is table that lists different offerings on each day of Navaratri

Day	Devi	Navratri Color	Devi’s Pooja name	Flower	Specialty of day	Naivedya
Day 1	Durga	Grey	Maheshwari/ Koumari	Jasmine (Mogra)/ Bilva	Madhu-Kaitabh Samhar	Fruits
Day 2	Durga	Orange	Trimurtini	Jasmine (Chameli)/ Tulsi		Mango & Tamarind rice
Day 3	Durga	White	Varahi/ Kalyani	Champak/ Sweet majoram (Murwa)	Mahishasur Vadh	Sweet Pongal
Day 4	Laxmi	Red	Mahalaxmi / Rohini	Pink Jasmine (Gulabi Chameli)	Mahalaxmi Avatar	Curd Rice
Day 5	Laxmi	Royal Blue	Vaishnavi/ Kalika	Fragrant flowers	Shumbh-Nishumbh meet Devi	Pongal (Rice with Toor daal, black pepper & salt)
Day 6	Laxmi	Yellow	Indrani/ Chandika	Parijat, Saffron flower	Chandika Avatar	Orange & Coconut rice; Pomegranate
Day 7	Sarswati	Green	Mahasaraswati/ Shambhavi	Jaswanti, Ketaki, Tamba flower	Maheshwari Avatar	Lemon rice
Day 8	Sarswati	Peacock Green	Narasimhi	Champa, Henna flower	Sarswati Avatar	Kheer made of rice, milk & sugar
Day 9	Sarswati	Purple	Subhadra/ Chamundi	Lotus, Dawana	Tripursundari Avatar	Sweet Pongal
Day 10	Mahishasur Mardini	-	Ambika	-	-	-

Mostly in North India during the Navaratri 2016, the pooja will be performed as given below.

Day 1 – Shailputri Pooja

Day 2 – Chandra Darshan

Day 3 – Bramhacharini Pooja

Day 4 – Chandraghanta Pooja

Day 5 – Kushmanda Pooja

Day 6 – Skandamata Pooja

Day 7 – Katyayani Pooja (Saraswati avaahan)

Day 8 – Kalaratri Pooja

Day 9 – Saraswati Pooja, Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Pooja

Day 10 – Mahanavami Pooja

Day 11 – Vijayadashami Pooja