Existence of Shiva & Pastimes:
Who is Shiva – Mahadeva, he is the greatest of all vaishnavas. Sri Shiva Dhama exists above the Fourteen lokas of Devi Dhama(the Material Universe). One part of this Dhama which is totally under darkness is known as “Mahakala Dhama”. On the contrary, the other part which is super effulgent is known as “Sadashiv Lok”.
Sri Shiva resides in his Dhama in a beautiful male form, with a complexion as white as camphor, three-eyed, sky-clad, and a crescent moon on His head. He holds a trident(Trishul)in his hand, his body smeared with ashes, matted locked hair, and wears a garland around his neck, which is prepared by Himself from the bones of great Vaishnavas. He is being served by His consort Sri Gauri (Sri Parvati Devi). He is materially detached, greatest amongst the liberated beings, and still enjoys the chamar and umbrella. He is Parameswara, controller of religion, at times acts immoral, but one should never see fault in Him. The reason is, that He is dearest to Vaishnavas and is worshipped by all liberated beings above the level of salvation. He is always absorbed in Harinaam Sankirtan, dancing and singing in ecstasy, overwhelmed in the love of Sri Krishna, and is spreading the same pleasure amongst the devotees. He is nondifferent from the Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna, still engaged in teaching Krishna Bhakti (devotion of Lord Krishna). He is not the servant of the universe, but the Master of it, yet with infinite love, He is eternally worshipping the million-headed Sri Shesha form of Bhagwan Sri Vishnu.
Vaishnava and Non-Vaishnava ideology of worshipping Sri Shiva:
Sri Shiva or Sambhuare His two forms. In the Vaishnava philosophy, He is regarded as the “JagadGuru” (Guru of The Universe) – “Vaisnavanam-Yatha-Sambhu” (The greatest of Vaishnavas, ref SB 12.13.16). The Vaishnava philosophy truly reveals the identity of Sri Shiva and Shambhu where He is not the companion of Maya but rather beyond it. “Mahakala Rudra”, the cause of destruction is another form of Sri Shiva. His consort in this form is Maya or Mahakali. In Vaishnava philosophy, Sri Shiva is the dear most to Sri Vishnu and should be considered nondifferent to Him. Also, Sri Shiva is neither under the mode of ignorance nor should He be discriminated against based on that. In Vaishnava philosophy, Uma-Mahesvara is regarded as Vaishnavaand Vaishnavi. Both support Hari bhajan and respect each other as Vaishnavas.
Sri Shiva/Mahadeva as a Vaishnava:
The mood between Sri Vishnu and Sri Shivaare that of the Lord and servant respectively. Therefore, Sri Shiva in His servant mood is all auspicious, and those who accept to serve Him (Sri Shivain servant mood) are inclined towards the propitious and compassionate Sri Sadashiv and not the form of Rudra. Sri Sadashiva is our worshipped deity and not Rudra (Guna incarnation). As an authoritative Demi-God, Rudra executes all the tasks of Sri Bhagwan related to Prakriti(His material potency). We do not associate with this form (Rudra), we are related to the compassionate and auspicious form (Sri Sadashiv). Sri Sadashiv is the worshiper of Rama Nama. Sri Sadashiv respectfully always places SriSesadeva around his neck, as his Gurudeva. In constant association with his Gurudeva, He is listening and reciting the glories of Srimad-Bhagavatam. He is a great “Guru-devatatma” (accepting Sri Gurudeva as His life and soul). Our aim and objective are to have the association of such Guru- devatatma. Sri Sadashiva is eternally all auspicious. He is above the three modes of Maya – Sattva- Raja-Tama Guna. “JagatmangalSriShiva” (Well-wisher of the entire universe) substantiates this name by holding Ganga (which is like Virja) on His head, respecting her to Sri Vishnu’s charanamrit (feet bathing water).Sri Sadashivaholds Sri Suradhuni (another name of Ganga)on his head as Sri Vishnu’s prasad(remnant), Teertha (holy shrine), and charanamrit. Around his neck, He keeps his beloved Gurudeva Sri Anantadeva. Sri Siva is dearest to Sri Krishna hence is worshipped by the preachers of Srimad-Bhagavatam. He is free from material recognition and appreciation, also he is the manifestation of the Love of Sri Krishna. He is mad in a deep love for Sri Krishna and is insanely wandering from the crematorium to the crematorium. The mood in which the scholars of Srimad Bhagavatam have worshipped Sri Shiva is the ideal and authentic way to worship Sri Shiva.
