The Teacher of Shiva

Wednesday 10 September 2014

The Teacher of Shiva

The Teacher of Shiva

As per Hindu legend, Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, disrespected Muruga (the son of Shiva) at the time of
visiting Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. The child Muruga got angry with Brahma and asked him how he was
creating living beings. Brahma said that he was creating living beings with the help of the Vedas (Hindu scriptures).
On hearing the reply, Muruga asked Brahma to recite the texts from Vedas. Brahma started to recite the text with
the holy word called Pranav Mantra, "Om". At that time Muruga stopped Brahma and asked him to explain the
meaning of the Pranava Mantra. Brahma could not reply and hence Muruga knocked Brahma on his forehead with
his clenched fists and punished him with imprisonment. Muruga took up the role of the creator. The Devas
(celestial deities) were surprised by the absence of Brahma and they requested Vishnu to negotiate with Muruga to
release Brahma. Vishnu could not help and as the last resort, Shiva went to the rescue of Brahma.
Shiva came to Muruga and asked him to release Brahma from imprisonment. Muruga refused to release him
stating Brahma was unaware of the meaning of the Pranav Mantra (Hindi: ॐ AUM). Shiva asked Muruga to explain
the meaning and Muruga extolled to Shiva the meaning of the Pranava Mantra. Shiva behaved like a student to a
teacher, listening with rapt attention from his son, giving Muruga the name "Swaminatha Swami". The meaning of
this name is "The Teacher of Shiva". Following the legend, the shrine of the son Muruga is atop the hillock, while
the father Shiva's shrine is located at the basement.
in delhi they hav constructed swaminathtemple known as malai temple.
परोपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षा: परोपकाराय वहन्ति नद्यः।
परोपकाराय दुहन्ति गावः परोपकाराय इदं शरीरम्।।