Lord shiva and Origin of Yoga

Yoga is believed to have been first taught by Hindu God Shiva and it was compiled by Rishi Patanjali. Origin of Yoga begins with Shiva’s unhappiness over the world created by Brahma. Legend has it that Shiva was unhappy with the pain and suffering in the world due to Maya. Shiva complained to Brahma about this. But Brahmadev was proud of his creation and sprouted four heads to view it from all sides. He was so proud that a fifth head popped out to watch His creation.

This enraged Shiva who took the terrible form of Bhairava and chopped off the fifth head of Brahma.

Brahma complained that he did not create unhappiness or misery. It is mind which is the result of all misery.

Shiva retorted that it was Brahma who created mind.

Brahma then answered that the mind can be controlled and enlightened. The mind which is the cause of unhappiness, if controlled is the path to bliss.

Shiva soon realized that Maya had overpowered him. He felt remorse for his anger and for the sin committed.

Shiva then went to Avimukta in Kashi and meditated on ways to control the mind.

Finally he came with the secret of Yoga.

All living beings who were frustrated with the materialistic world and sought to attain moksha crowded near Shiva.

Shiva as Dakshinamurti then unraveled the great cosmic truth.

Shiva first explained the main aim of yoga and then taught the physical postures.

Shiva is believed to have showed 8, 40, 000 postures – each representing a bird or animal.

Sage Patanjali compiled the teachings and saved it for the future generation. Today a miniscule part of the original teaching is available

 

Shravan Somvar Vrat – Mondays of Shravan Month Dedicated to Lord Shiva

Mondays in the Hindi month of Shravan or Shrawan (July – August) is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Hindus in North India observe Shravan Mas Somvar Vrata or Sravan Somavara Upvaas. In this month, Shivling is bathed with holy water from River Ganga. Fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset on all Mondays in the month. In 2013 Shravan Somvar days are July 29, August 5, August 12 and August 19 as per traditional calendar followed in North India.

In Maharashtra and Gujarat, Shravan Somvar Vrat in 2013 is on August 12, August 19, August 26 and September2.

Married women observe the fast for a happy and long married life. Unmarried women observe it for getting good husbands. Men observe it for a happy and peaceful life. Those who observe fast eat only a single vegetarian meal. Shivlinga is bathed with Ganga water or milk at temples. Devotees also offer flowers or Bilva or Bel leaves to the Shivalingam.

Mondays in Hindu religion is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The importance of Shravan Somvar is because it is believed that the Samudra Manthan (Churning of Ocean) took place in this month and Lord Shiva drank the poison Hala Hala to save the world during this period.

Offering milk to Lord Shiva in this month is considered highly auspicious. People also worship Goddess Parvati, Ganesha and Lord Kartik in this month.