Sometime back we wrote a blog on "How Vishnu Helped Shiv". In fact Vishnu has always been helpful to other Devtaa, whether it is Shiv or Brahmaa or other Devtaa. Today we will tell you a story when Shiv fought with Vishnu. It seems strange in hearing, but it it is true. For this we have to go long back in history - in Krishn's times.
Story of Ushaa and Aniruddh
There was an Asur named Baanaasur in the family line of Hiranyakashyap; Hiranyakashyap --> Prahlaad --> Virochan --> Bali --> Baanaasur. When Narasinh Bhagvaan killed Hiranyakashyap, He granted a boon to Prahlaad that He would not kill anybody in his lineage.
Now Baanaasur had a daughter named Ushaa. He loved her very much so he cared for her very much. As the time went on, Ushaa grew up in a fine young woman. One day she went to Devee temple and asked her as who will be her husband. Devee said - "On one night you will see a Prince in your dream, the same Prince will be your husband." So according to Devee's statement, one night Ushaa saw a Prince in her dream. She got attracted to him and as he made love to her (of course in her dream), she woke up and got very sad at her separation from that prince. She started crying for him. Her dream was gone but she could not forget that Prince. She became sad and sickly remembering him.
Ushaa had a friend, Baanaasur's Minister's daughter, Chitralekhaa. Chitralekhaa noticed this and asked her the reason for her sadness. Ushaa told her everything. She asked her who was he, but Ushaa could ot tell anything about him. Chitralekhaa was a good artist so she drew many sketches and at last got success in making out the name of that Prince. That Prince was Aniruddh, son of Pradyumn (Krishn's son). She knew some Maayaa too, so one night she brought sleeping Aniruddh to Ushaa to please her and put him in bed near Ushaa.
Now Ushaa was very happy to see the Prince of her dream. Aniruddh stayed there for some time. Ushaa's palace was separate and well-secured and well-guarded. After a while Ushaa got pregnant and the marks of her pregnancy appeared on her body. One day the guards noticed this and reported to Baanaasur. Baanaasur doubted their security measures but the guards assured him that nobody else came in the palace of the Princess in their knowledge. Baaanaasur himself came there found Aniruddh living there. he got very angry at this.
Shiv Fights With Krishn
On the other side Krishn and Pradyumn were worried at Aniruddh's disappearance. came to know from Naarad Jee that Aniruddh was living in Baanaasur's palace, so they both came with their army either to marry Aniruddh to Ushaa or to fight with Baanaasur. Baanaasur had a boon from Shiv Jee that he would guard his city, so when Krishn and Pradyumn came to Baanaasur with their army, Shiv's Gan came to fight with Krishn. Krishn's army was defeating. Shiv's Bhoot Gan so they started running away. Shiv Jee released a 3-headed and 3-feet Jwar burning all directions Seeing this Jwar coming Krishn released His own Jwar and both Vaishnav Jwar and Maaheshwar Jwar started to fight. At last Maaheshwar Jwar got defeated and came in the shelter of Krishn. Krishn made him fearless and that Jwar went away.
In the meantime Baanaasur came to fight, but Krishn spared him just cutting his all arms (he had 1,000 arms) leaving his 4 arms. Shiv came to Krishn and requested His grace for his devotee. Krishn replied - "Hey Mahesh, Otherwise also I could not have killed him as I have already promised to Prahlaad that I will not kill anybody in your lineage."
Then Baanaasur came to Krishn with Ushaa and Aniruddh. He married them and on Shankar's request Krishn appointed Baanaasur as Shiv's Chief Paarshad.
That is how Shiv fought with Vishnu to protect his devotee Baanaasur. Read this story in full here in Bhaagvat Puraan, 10/u10
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Showing posts with label Shiv. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shiv. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Divine Weapons-2
Last time I wrote about Vishnu's Weapons. This time I am writing about some other Divine weapons which were used by other Devtaa. Although there are many Divine weapons apart from Vishnu's Divine weapons, but Shiv's Tri-shool (trident), Indra's Vajra are some other powerful ones.
Shiv's Tri-shool
According to one story, when Vishwakarmaa shaved off Soorya's Tej for his daughter Sangyaa, he made several Divine weapons from that shaving. Vishnu's Divine Disc was one, and Shiv's Tri-shool was another. In fact Tri-shool is not only three points are not only the points, but they depict many things, such as 3 Naadee, means energy channels. These three Naadee are Idaa, Pingalaa and Sushumnaa. There are many other three things which these three points depict, such as - Trinity (Creator, Sustainer and Destructor); three Ggun (Sat, Raj and Tam); Kaal or Time (past, present and future) etc etc. Shiv's Tri-shool is very powerful. It has done lots of jobs, Shiv Jee severed Ganesh's head with it. He kept Tripuraasur's head over it for 1,000 years.
Shiv's Bow
Shiv Jee has a bow also. Its name is Pinaak, that is why he is called as Pinaak-dhaaree. Pinaak has the snake in place of bowstring," and this snake is a 7-headed snake. This bow is of rainbow color. He destroyed Tripur with an arrow shot from this bow.
Shiv's Shaft
He has a shaft too. Its name is Paashupat Astra. Once he gave this Astra to Arjun. Sage Upamanyu says that this Astra is superior than Brahmaastra, Vaishnavaastra, Varunaastra etc.
Shiv's Shool
he has one another weapon, called Shool. He gave this weapon to Lavanaasur and Lavanaasur killed King Maandhaataa with this weapon. It is a very terrible weapon making people's hair stand. The handle of this Shool is made of snake. It is indescribable.
Shiv'a Axe
He has one another weapon, that is axe. He gave this weapon to Parashuraam to destroy Kshatriya. Parashuraam used it to destroy them to empty Prithvi 21 times. It is sharp-edged battle-axe and is also adorned with snake.
Indra's Vajra
Indra's Vajra is another powerful Divine weapon. It was made when he had to subdue Vritraasur Raakshas. He was unable to be killed by any weapon, so Indra went to Brahmaa Jee and Brahmaa Jee sent him to Vishnu. Vishnu suggested him to go to Maharshi Dadheechi. He said - "Dadheechi's body is very strong after doing so hard Tap, so you go to him and ask him his bones. then you ask Vishwakarmaa to make a weapon from those bones and then you kill Vritraasur." Indra obeyed Him and went to Dadheechi and asked for his bones. Dadheechi left his mortal body through Yog for the welfare of Devtaa. Indra gave those bones to Vishwakarmaa, he made the Vajra out of those bones and then only Indra could kill Vritraasur.
Indra's Bow Vijaya
Indra had a Divine bow named Vijaya. When Parashuraam Jee killed Sahastrabaahu, he got so happy that he gave his Vijaya named bow to him. Parashuraam Jee used this bow to empty Prithvi from Ksahatriya 21 times. Later pleased with his disciple Karn, he gave this bow to him. Karn became unconquerable with the help of this bow.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Shiv's Tri-shool
According to one story, when Vishwakarmaa shaved off Soorya's Tej for his daughter Sangyaa, he made several Divine weapons from that shaving. Vishnu's Divine Disc was one, and Shiv's Tri-shool was another. In fact Tri-shool is not only three points are not only the points, but they depict many things, such as 3 Naadee, means energy channels. These three Naadee are Idaa, Pingalaa and Sushumnaa. There are many other three things which these three points depict, such as - Trinity (Creator, Sustainer and Destructor); three Ggun (Sat, Raj and Tam); Kaal or Time (past, present and future) etc etc. Shiv's Tri-shool is very powerful. It has done lots of jobs, Shiv Jee severed Ganesh's head with it. He kept Tripuraasur's head over it for 1,000 years.
Shiv's Bow
Shiv Jee has a bow also. Its name is Pinaak, that is why he is called as Pinaak-dhaaree. Pinaak has the snake in place of bowstring," and this snake is a 7-headed snake. This bow is of rainbow color. He destroyed Tripur with an arrow shot from this bow.
Shiv's Shaft
He has a shaft too. Its name is Paashupat Astra. Once he gave this Astra to Arjun. Sage Upamanyu says that this Astra is superior than Brahmaastra, Vaishnavaastra, Varunaastra etc.
Shiv's Shool
he has one another weapon, called Shool. He gave this weapon to Lavanaasur and Lavanaasur killed King Maandhaataa with this weapon. It is a very terrible weapon making people's hair stand. The handle of this Shool is made of snake. It is indescribable.
Shiv'a Axe
He has one another weapon, that is axe. He gave this weapon to Parashuraam to destroy Kshatriya. Parashuraam used it to destroy them to empty Prithvi 21 times. It is sharp-edged battle-axe and is also adorned with snake.
Indra's Vajra
Indra's Vajra is another powerful Divine weapon. It was made when he had to subdue Vritraasur Raakshas. He was unable to be killed by any weapon, so Indra went to Brahmaa Jee and Brahmaa Jee sent him to Vishnu. Vishnu suggested him to go to Maharshi Dadheechi. He said - "Dadheechi's body is very strong after doing so hard Tap, so you go to him and ask him his bones. then you ask Vishwakarmaa to make a weapon from those bones and then you kill Vritraasur." Indra obeyed Him and went to Dadheechi and asked for his bones. Dadheechi left his mortal body through Yog for the welfare of Devtaa. Indra gave those bones to Vishwakarmaa, he made the Vajra out of those bones and then only Indra could kill Vritraasur.
Indra's Bow Vijaya
Indra had a Divine bow named Vijaya. When Parashuraam Jee killed Sahastrabaahu, he got so happy that he gave his Vijaya named bow to him. Parashuraam Jee used this bow to empty Prithvi from Ksahatriya 21 times. Later pleased with his disciple Karn, he gave this bow to him. Karn became unconquerable with the help of this bow.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Shiv and Number 5
It is so amusing to learn that Shiv is associated with Number 5 in so many ways, maybe one even can't remember in how may ways. And second interesting thing to know about Shiv is that his most places are in southern India, and that is almost all in Tamil Naadu or in its vicinity. The first one related to number 5 is Shiv's own form, let us start with it ---
Panchaanan Shiv
Shiv is 5-faced. According to Shaiv Aagam, Shiv performs 5 actions - creation, preservation, dissolution, concealing grace and revealing grace. And each of the actions corresponds to a name and form of a Shiv with varying attributes. His Names with Relation to Action Performed, Direction Faced, and Associated Element are given here --
Sadyojaat - Creation. West. Earth.
Vaamdev - Preservation. North. Water.
Aghor -Dissolution/ Rejuvenation. South. Fire
Tatpurush - Concealing Grace. East. Air.
Eeshaan - Revealing Grace. North-east. Ether (Aakaash).
Though bearing each a different name, form, and set of qualities, these are all aspects of a one Supreme Being - Shiv, and are not to be looked upon as different Deities.
Shiv's Main Mantra
Even Shiv's main Mantra is also Panchaakshar (5-letter) Mantra - "Namah Shivaaya". The 5 alphabets of this Mantra - Na, Ma, Shi, Vaa, and Ya; represent his Eeshaan, Tatpurush, Aghor, Vaam Dev, and Sadyojaat named 5 faces.
Shiv has many temples which are also related to number 5 in many ways. Let us start with
(1) Panch Bhoot Ling Temples
These five Ling Temples are base on 5 elements of Nature - Earth, Water, Ether, Air and Fire. They are located at (1) Ekaambarnaath Temple (at Kaancheepuram, Tamil Naadu - Earth Lingam) - and here the Deity's name is Ekaambareshwar
(2) Kaalaahastee Temple (Near Tirupati, AP - Air Lingam) - and here the Deity's name is Srikaalaahasteeshwar
(2) Chidaambaram Temple (at Chidaambaram, Tamil Naadu - Ether Lingm) - and here the Deity's name is Nataraaj
(3) Arunaachalam Temple (at Tiruvannamalaai, Tamil Naadu - Fire Lingam) - and here the Deity's name is Arunachaleshwar
(5) Thiruvanikkaval Temple (Jambookeshwar at Trichy or Trichanaapallee, Tamil Naadu - Water Lingam) - and here the Deity's name is Jambookeshwar.
(2) Panch Kedaar Temples
These are also 5 and all of the 5 Kedaar Temples are located in Himaalaya, Uttaraakhand
(1) Kedaarnaath or Kedaareshwar
(2) Tungnaath,
(3) Rudranaath,
(4) Madhya-maheshwar, and
(5) Kalpeshwar
(3) Panch Sabhaa
These Panch sabhaa are also 5, and they are also located in Tamil Naadu. these are those 5 places where Shiv performed his Taandav Nritya (dance). Panch Sabhaa means 5 Assembly Halls, so Shiv danced in these 5 Halls various Taandav dances
(1) Chidaambaram - Kanak Sabhaa (Golden Assembly Hall) - Here he performed Aanad Taandav.
(2) Thiruvalngaadu - Ratna Sabhaa (Gem Assembly Hall) - Here he performed Oordhwa Taandav
(3) Madurai - Rajat Sabhaa (Silver Assembly Hall) - Here he performed Sandhyaa Taandav
(4) Tirunalvelly - Taamra Sabhaa (Copper Assembly Hall) - Here he performed Muni Taandav
(5) Kutraalam - Chitra Sabhaa (Picture Assembly Hall) - Here he performed here Tri-Pur Taandav
(4) Panch Raam Kshetra
Panch Aram Kshetra are those 5 Kshetra (places) where the Swaayambhoo Ling, which was broken at the time of the killing of Taarakaasur broke in his throat in 5 pieces. are installed. This Swaayambhoo Ling was being carried by Taarakaasur in his throat and Subramanya (Kaarttikeya) killed him. At that time those 5 pieces fell on the Earth on these places --
(1) Draakshaashraam - Draakshaash Raam Swaamee
(2) Samal Kot - Bheem Raam or Kumaar Raam Swaamee
(3) Guneepundee (Bheemvaram) - Som Raam Swaamee
(4) Palakolloo - Ksheer Raam Swaamee
(5) Amaraavatee - Amar Raam Swaamee - this is the foremost place among all. It is believed that here Indra and other Devtaa worshipped Shiv.
(5) Panch Mahaa Kshetra
Last but the least there is Panch Mahaa Kshetra. All of them are related to one or the other legend...
(1) Mahaabaleshwar at Gokarn,
(2) Shejjeshwar,
(3) Gunavanteshwar,
(4) Murudeshwar, and
(5) Dhaareshwar.
Thus these five Shiv Kshetra are also associated with number 5.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Panchaanan Shiv
Shiv is 5-faced. According to Shaiv Aagam, Shiv performs 5 actions - creation, preservation, dissolution, concealing grace and revealing grace. And each of the actions corresponds to a name and form of a Shiv with varying attributes. His Names with Relation to Action Performed, Direction Faced, and Associated Element are given here --
Sadyojaat - Creation. West. Earth.
Vaamdev - Preservation. North. Water.
Aghor -Dissolution/ Rejuvenation. South. Fire
Tatpurush - Concealing Grace. East. Air.
Eeshaan - Revealing Grace. North-east. Ether (Aakaash).
Though bearing each a different name, form, and set of qualities, these are all aspects of a one Supreme Being - Shiv, and are not to be looked upon as different Deities.
Shiv's Main Mantra
Even Shiv's main Mantra is also Panchaakshar (5-letter) Mantra - "Namah Shivaaya". The 5 alphabets of this Mantra - Na, Ma, Shi, Vaa, and Ya; represent his Eeshaan, Tatpurush, Aghor, Vaam Dev, and Sadyojaat named 5 faces.
Shiv has many temples which are also related to number 5 in many ways. Let us start with
(1) Panch Bhoot Ling Temples
These five Ling Temples are base on 5 elements of Nature - Earth, Water, Ether, Air and Fire. They are located at (1) Ekaambarnaath Temple (at Kaancheepuram, Tamil Naadu - Earth Lingam) - and here the Deity's name is Ekaambareshwar
(2) Kaalaahastee Temple (Near Tirupati, AP - Air Lingam) - and here the Deity's name is Srikaalaahasteeshwar
(2) Chidaambaram Temple (at Chidaambaram, Tamil Naadu - Ether Lingm) - and here the Deity's name is Nataraaj
(3) Arunaachalam Temple (at Tiruvannamalaai, Tamil Naadu - Fire Lingam) - and here the Deity's name is Arunachaleshwar
(5) Thiruvanikkaval Temple (Jambookeshwar at Trichy or Trichanaapallee, Tamil Naadu - Water Lingam) - and here the Deity's name is Jambookeshwar.
(2) Panch Kedaar Temples
These are also 5 and all of the 5 Kedaar Temples are located in Himaalaya, Uttaraakhand
(1) Kedaarnaath or Kedaareshwar
(2) Tungnaath,
(3) Rudranaath,
(4) Madhya-maheshwar, and
(5) Kalpeshwar
(3) Panch Sabhaa
These Panch sabhaa are also 5, and they are also located in Tamil Naadu. these are those 5 places where Shiv performed his Taandav Nritya (dance). Panch Sabhaa means 5 Assembly Halls, so Shiv danced in these 5 Halls various Taandav dances
(1) Chidaambaram - Kanak Sabhaa (Golden Assembly Hall) - Here he performed Aanad Taandav.
(2) Thiruvalngaadu - Ratna Sabhaa (Gem Assembly Hall) - Here he performed Oordhwa Taandav
(3) Madurai - Rajat Sabhaa (Silver Assembly Hall) - Here he performed Sandhyaa Taandav
(4) Tirunalvelly - Taamra Sabhaa (Copper Assembly Hall) - Here he performed Muni Taandav
(5) Kutraalam - Chitra Sabhaa (Picture Assembly Hall) - Here he performed here Tri-Pur Taandav
(4) Panch Raam Kshetra
Panch Aram Kshetra are those 5 Kshetra (places) where the Swaayambhoo Ling, which was broken at the time of the killing of Taarakaasur broke in his throat in 5 pieces. are installed. This Swaayambhoo Ling was being carried by Taarakaasur in his throat and Subramanya (Kaarttikeya) killed him. At that time those 5 pieces fell on the Earth on these places --
(1) Draakshaashraam - Draakshaash Raam Swaamee
(2) Samal Kot - Bheem Raam or Kumaar Raam Swaamee
(3) Guneepundee (Bheemvaram) - Som Raam Swaamee
(4) Palakolloo - Ksheer Raam Swaamee
(5) Amaraavatee - Amar Raam Swaamee - this is the foremost place among all. It is believed that here Indra and other Devtaa worshipped Shiv.
(5) Panch Mahaa Kshetra
Last but the least there is Panch Mahaa Kshetra. All of them are related to one or the other legend...
(1) Mahaabaleshwar at Gokarn,
(2) Shejjeshwar,
(3) Gunavanteshwar,
(4) Murudeshwar, and
(5) Dhaareshwar.
Thus these five Shiv Kshetra are also associated with number 5.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Saturday, November 26, 2011
How Vishnu Helped Shiv
In the last blog we wrote that both Shiv and Vishnu worship each other. Shiv has helped Vishnu and Vishnu has saved Shiv. Today we will write about how Vishnu saved Shiv several times. Shiv is called Bhole Baabaa and in this Bholaapan (innocence) he gives odd types of boons which many times are used against him. Here are some of them and the how Vishnu saved him from his own given odd boons..
(1) Vrikaasur
Vrikaasur was a very mighty Daitya. Once wandering around, he met Naarad Jee. He asked him who was the Devtaa who could be pleased the soonest. Naarad Jee said - "Shiv Jee." So he did Tap to please Shiv Jee and got a boon from him that "On whosoever's head I put my hand, he should die immediately." Shiv Jee bestowed the boon. Vrikaasur was very evil-minded, he desired to have Paarvatee Jee. For this had to kill Shhiv Jee first, so as he got the boon he tried to put his hand on Shiv's head. Shiv Jee guessed it so he ran away from there. Now Shiv Jee was in front and Vrikaasur was behind him. He headed towards the end of the Prithvi, towards Swarg but found Vrikaasur still following him. He turned towards North. Even the great Devtaa could not find the solution of his problem. In the end he came to Vaikunth Lok. There lives Vishnu Himself.
Vishnu found Shiv in trouble, so He assumed the form of Mohinee and sat in the way from where Vrikaasur was coming. Following Shiv Vrikaasur saw a beautiful woman standing. he paused briefly seeing her, that Mohinee asked him - "Where are going running so fast, take some rest." Vrikaasur said - "I have to catch Shiv." "tell me if I can do anything for you?" Vrikaasur stopped for a while and told her whatever happened between Shiv and him. Mohinee asked - "So you want to put your hand on Shiv's head? No need to run after him. I teach you how to do it." Saying this she asked him to copy her so that she could teach him the way to put his hand on his head. Mohinee started dancing and asked him to copy her. While dancing Mohinee kept her own hand on her head, so Vrikaasur also did it the same way, and as soon as he did it, he got killed.
Shiv thanked Vishnu to save his life.
(2) Gajamukhaasur
Once there was an Asur, Gajamukhaasur. He did a severe austerities for Shiv Jee and got a boon from him that Shiv should live in his stomach. Shiv could not say "no" to him and entered in his stomach. Now Paarvatee Jee did not see Shiv Jee for some time, so she went to Vishnu and told her problem. Vishnu assured her that He would surely find him soon. So He took along Nandee and came out in the form of a flutist in search of Shiv Jee. They started wandering in search of Shiv Jee.
Wandering around He came to the Asur's house and started playing His flute while Nandee started dancing on His tune. All living nearby came out to see this strange and funny dance. That Asur also came out. That Asur was so happy to see that dance that he asked Vishnu to ask whatever He wanted without knowing Him who He was. Vishnu got this opportunity and asked that he should free Shiv Jee. When Shiv Jee came out of his belly, his belly burst out, the Asur died and Shiv Jee got free.
It was then Shiv Jee promised Vishnu that he would serve Vishnu in one of His future Avataar and will help Him the same way as He did for him now. So when Vishnu incarnated as Raam, Shiv sent his one of the 11 forms as Hanumaan to help Him and protect Him. Thus Vishnu freed Shiv from that Asur's clutches.
(3) Killing of Bhasmaasur
This story is similar to Vrikaasur's story given above. Bhasmaasur was another such Daitya who was killed by Vishnu. Once Bhasmaasur did severe penance and pleased Shiv Jee. Shiv Jee appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. Bhasmaasur desired that his mere touching somebody's head should reduce the person to ashes. Shiv Jee conferred him the boon. Now Bhasmaasur wanted to test it. Who else was better candidate than Shiv himself for this test? so he proceeded towards Shiv Jee. Shiv Jee guessed it in time so he took to flight. He went in all Lok but he found Bhasmaasur following him, so he proceeded towards Vaikunth Lok.
When Vishnu saw Shiv Jee running like this, He understood that Shiv is in trouble. In order to save him from that predicament, Vishnu appeared as a voluptuous damsel (Mohinee) before the pursuing Asur and enticed him. He became amorous seeing the damsel and made advances to her. Vishnu said - "You are smelling very badly, go to that spring and rub your body with water. When you become clean, then you can embrace me." As he was taking bath under the spring, his hand touched his body, and eventually his head to in order to clean his head. As soon as he touched his head, he fell down in a heap of ashes. That is how Vishnu saved Shiv Jee. He asked Shiv Jee - "Why do you grant such boon that you have to run all around to save yourself?"
Read also Shiv Fights Vishnu
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
(1) Vrikaasur
Vrikaasur was a very mighty Daitya. Once wandering around, he met Naarad Jee. He asked him who was the Devtaa who could be pleased the soonest. Naarad Jee said - "Shiv Jee." So he did Tap to please Shiv Jee and got a boon from him that "On whosoever's head I put my hand, he should die immediately." Shiv Jee bestowed the boon. Vrikaasur was very evil-minded, he desired to have Paarvatee Jee. For this had to kill Shhiv Jee first, so as he got the boon he tried to put his hand on Shiv's head. Shiv Jee guessed it so he ran away from there. Now Shiv Jee was in front and Vrikaasur was behind him. He headed towards the end of the Prithvi, towards Swarg but found Vrikaasur still following him. He turned towards North. Even the great Devtaa could not find the solution of his problem. In the end he came to Vaikunth Lok. There lives Vishnu Himself.
Vishnu found Shiv in trouble, so He assumed the form of Mohinee and sat in the way from where Vrikaasur was coming. Following Shiv Vrikaasur saw a beautiful woman standing. he paused briefly seeing her, that Mohinee asked him - "Where are going running so fast, take some rest." Vrikaasur said - "I have to catch Shiv." "tell me if I can do anything for you?" Vrikaasur stopped for a while and told her whatever happened between Shiv and him. Mohinee asked - "So you want to put your hand on Shiv's head? No need to run after him. I teach you how to do it." Saying this she asked him to copy her so that she could teach him the way to put his hand on his head. Mohinee started dancing and asked him to copy her. While dancing Mohinee kept her own hand on her head, so Vrikaasur also did it the same way, and as soon as he did it, he got killed.
Shiv thanked Vishnu to save his life.
(2) Gajamukhaasur
Once there was an Asur, Gajamukhaasur. He did a severe austerities for Shiv Jee and got a boon from him that Shiv should live in his stomach. Shiv could not say "no" to him and entered in his stomach. Now Paarvatee Jee did not see Shiv Jee for some time, so she went to Vishnu and told her problem. Vishnu assured her that He would surely find him soon. So He took along Nandee and came out in the form of a flutist in search of Shiv Jee. They started wandering in search of Shiv Jee.
Wandering around He came to the Asur's house and started playing His flute while Nandee started dancing on His tune. All living nearby came out to see this strange and funny dance. That Asur also came out. That Asur was so happy to see that dance that he asked Vishnu to ask whatever He wanted without knowing Him who He was. Vishnu got this opportunity and asked that he should free Shiv Jee. When Shiv Jee came out of his belly, his belly burst out, the Asur died and Shiv Jee got free.
It was then Shiv Jee promised Vishnu that he would serve Vishnu in one of His future Avataar and will help Him the same way as He did for him now. So when Vishnu incarnated as Raam, Shiv sent his one of the 11 forms as Hanumaan to help Him and protect Him. Thus Vishnu freed Shiv from that Asur's clutches.
(3) Killing of Bhasmaasur
This story is similar to Vrikaasur's story given above. Bhasmaasur was another such Daitya who was killed by Vishnu. Once Bhasmaasur did severe penance and pleased Shiv Jee. Shiv Jee appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. Bhasmaasur desired that his mere touching somebody's head should reduce the person to ashes. Shiv Jee conferred him the boon. Now Bhasmaasur wanted to test it. Who else was better candidate than Shiv himself for this test? so he proceeded towards Shiv Jee. Shiv Jee guessed it in time so he took to flight. He went in all Lok but he found Bhasmaasur following him, so he proceeded towards Vaikunth Lok.
When Vishnu saw Shiv Jee running like this, He understood that Shiv is in trouble. In order to save him from that predicament, Vishnu appeared as a voluptuous damsel (Mohinee) before the pursuing Asur and enticed him. He became amorous seeing the damsel and made advances to her. Vishnu said - "You are smelling very badly, go to that spring and rub your body with water. When you become clean, then you can embrace me." As he was taking bath under the spring, his hand touched his body, and eventually his head to in order to clean his head. As soon as he touched his head, he fell down in a heap of ashes. That is how Vishnu saved Shiv Jee. He asked Shiv Jee - "Why do you grant such boon that you have to run all around to save yourself?"
Read also Shiv Fights Vishnu
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
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