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Top 10 Most Sacred Lord Shiva Places

Lord Shiva, is the most worshiped God among all and is believed all over the world. We find his disciples not only in India which is a country where he is worshiped, but there are people around the Globe and since many previous centuries there are beautiful temples built in the name of lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is believed to be the destroyer and is the destroyer of ego of mankind. He is a reason for a new creation and a new individual and hence Lord Shiva is considered the reason, for the new creation by Brahma who is a creator and Vishnu the preserver. There are so many temples all over the world which are very important with its power, history, architectural heritage and in truth the peace the temples offer. India alone have many Lord Shiva temples. Considering Lord Shiva is worshiped all over the world, the top 10 Lord Shiva places are

10. Baphuon Shiva Temple in Angkor- Cambodia

Cambodia is a place of many temples and each one is as famous for its rich heritage and for ancient architectural built. The temple was rebuilt from its ruins and it was constructed by Udayadityavarman II. It was poorly constructed in comparison to all the other temples in Angkor and the French were trying to rebuild it. They were forced to leave before they could complete the process. The famous thing of this temple is the bas-reliefs which are the ancient scenes of daily life carved in small squares of rocks, although only few could be seen and remaining are destroyed. These temples are under the process of rebuilding, though there are lot of ruins which is beyond any correction.

 

 9. Katasraj temple in Pakistan

 Before the partition, India and Pakistan had been one nation, and there were certain temples located around the areas of Pakistan. Some of these temples are still there, even after the partition and people visit these temples on occasion of the festivals. Katasraj temple is located in the Katas village of Chakwal district of Punjab in Pakistan. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the oldest one which has existed since the times of Mahabharatha. It is believed that Pandava brothers spent their time here at the time of their deport. The Pakistan government wants to take measures of restoration as it is one of the world heritage site.

 8. Thiru Koneshwaram temple of Trincomalee-Sri Lanka

 Sri-Lanka is also one of those place which has a rich heritage of temples and Hindu deities. Thiru Koneswaram of Triconmalee is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the entire continent is proud with many Lord Shiva temples. The temple is built on top of the Swami Rock. This temple is known with multiple names and is also known as the “sacred hill of three temples”. The temple is been mentioned in many epics and it goes back for many centuries. It is considered that the architecture of the temple has a great influence of the Pallava dynasty who have also built many prominent temples. The temple has been destroyed by the Portuguese invasion and its under renovations.

 7. Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal

 Nepal is another place of many Shiva temples and lot many devotees of Lord Shiva. Pashupathinath temple is the most sacred and famous among all the other temples situated on the river banks of Bagmathi. Pashupathi is one of the names of many different names to Lord Shiva. There are many different stories about how the temple came into existence and it is believed that Lord Shiva, when he tried to escape from Varnasi took concert here in this place in the form of a gazelle . When he was found he tried to escape along the banks of the river and in the meanwhile his horns broke into four pieces. Since then he is worshiped here as Pashupathi. The temple is 26.3 meters above the ground. This temple is open only for Hindu disciples.

 6. Puru Ulun Danu Bratan- Indonesia

 Puru Ulun Danu temple is one of the most beautiful and spectacular temples of Lord Shiva and it is build on the lake Bratan. There are four different gods worshiped here and the Lingga Petak Temple is the Shiva temple. The temple is built by the king of Mengwi in 1633. This temple is situated in Bedugal islands 1239 m above sea level and is one of the famous temples of Bali.

 5. Ramnathaswamy temple

 A temple built in the 12th century is another of the famous Jyothirlingam temple of India and the most sacred of all. The temple is a pilgrimage place for most disciples of Lord Shiva and is also known as the longest corridor temple. According to the epic stories, Rama built this temple in the name of Lord Shiva after the battle of Lanka. A grand festival of worshiping Lord Shiva is held from June 15th to July 15th every year. The temple measured about 15-20 acres with a large compound wall. The famous thing of this temple is its longest corridor in the world about 6.9 m height, 400 feet in both east and west. Total length is about 3850 feet.

 4. Somnath Temple

 Somnath temple is one of the Dwadasa Jyothirlinga temples in India and most sacred place for the Hindu Lord Shiva disciples located in Gujarat. The temple was destroyed by Mohamed Ghazni in 1025 A.D and it is rebuilt. Lord Shiva was worshiped by moon here and hence known as the Somnatha. The moon God was cursed by his father-in-law for neglecting his 26 wives and showed more interest in Rohini. Lord Brahma advised him to build a temple in the name of Lord Shiva. The temple is constructed in the Solanki style. The details of the pinnacle height with 155 feet, Kalash atop weighs 10 tonnes, the flag is 37 feet long and all these details attracted Ghazini to look for himself and destroyed it. Later Sultans Allauddin and Muhammad Begda also were reason for more destruction of the temple. Later, when the Maratha’s took over Gujarat, a small temple was built next to the destroyed one and God is worshiped here ever since.

 3. Kedarnath temple

 Kedarnath of the Himalayas is one of the highest and most sacred of the Shiva temples worshiped in India and is one of the Jyothirlingam temples. This temple can be visited only six months in a year and the remaining period of the year it is too cold to visit as it is located in the Himalayas and during that period it is covered by snow. The Lord’s idol is brought down to the other temple and is worshiped until the the temple on top reopens after the winter and snowfall. The pilgrims have to visit all the other famous temples on the way to visit Lord Shiva temple such as the Rishikesh, Devprayag, Sonprayag etc. The famous story of Lord Shiva cutting the neck of Lord Ganesha and replacing it with elephant head, has a statue of headless Ganesha here in Gaurikund. The route to this temple is a difficult one and heavy vehicles cannot pass through. Some walk through it and for some aged people there are carriages. Although how much ever difficult it is, people consider its worth it to visit the Lord here.

 2. Lingaraj Temple

 Some places are known for its temples and Bhubaneshwar is a city of Orissa with many famous temples, which are world famous and is a tourist attraction as well. Among all those, the largest is the Lingaraj temple. The temple is said to have built in the 7th century by the ruler Yayati Kesari. Inscriptions from the king Kalinga king Anangabhima III period of 13th century are seen here. Based on the structure, the Parasurameshawara temple dates back the oldest among all the temples and Lingaraj temple is dated to the 10th century. According to the stories, the Bindu Saras lake is built by Lord Shiva for Goddess Parvathi to quench her thirst when she kills the two demons Kritti and Vasa who desires to marry her. It is believed that this place is one of the favorites of Lord Shiva, which prompts for the Goddess to visit and look for herself about its uniqueness. The temple tower rises up to 180 feet and is completely carved.

 1. Kailash Manasarovar in Tibet

 The most sacred place for Shiva and the most visited of all is the Kailash Manasarovar where it is believed of Lord Shiva existence. The Manasa Sarovara is the most holiest lake in the entire world and the water is considered as the blessed water and used for healing purposes. Mount Kailas is a 6,714 meter high peak in Tibet. There are two lakes to the south of this mount and they are Manasarovar and Rakas Tal It is one of the major religious beliefs of people all over the world who try to visit Mount Kailash at least once in their lifetime. The Lake Manasarovar is the most sacred of all and it is believed to be the heavenly place, while the Rakas Tal is an evil lake. Although there are scientists arguments as both the lakes have been one lake many years ago and the changes now can be a reason of evolution. According to the scripture of Pali that Lord Buddha took bath here in Rakas Tal, which was called as the Lake Anotatta.

Siva Temples of South India

TWELVE JYOTIRLINGAS

 

PLACE	NAME OF LORD
Somnath (Gujarat) Srisailam (AP) Ujjain (MP) Omkareswara (MP) Kedarnath (UP) Bhimashankar (Maharashtra) Varanasi (UP) Tryambakeswar (Maharashtra) Vaidyanath (Bihar) Nageswar (Gujarat) Rameswaram Ghirishnesh	Somnatheswara Mallikarjuneswara Mahakaleswara Omkareswara Kedareswara Bhimashankara Visweswara Tryambakeswara Vaidyanath Nageswara Ramanathaswamy Ghirishneshwara

PANCHA BHOOTA KSHETRA
 
The five great Elements of nature are represented at each one of these temples. Together these temples are called the Pancha Bhoota Kshetras

PLACE	NAME OF LORD	Element
Srikalahasti (AP) Kancheepuram Tiruvannamalai Chidambaram Tiruvannaikaval	Srikalahastiswara Ekambareswara Arunachaleswara Nataraja Jambukeswara	Air Earth Fire Akasha (Ether / Space) Water

ASHTA VEERATANNA KSHETRA
These are certain places where Lord Siva assumed Rajo Guna and performed heroic deeds for destroying evil forces. Eight such places are specifically mentioned and collectively called Ashta Veerattana Kshetras.
 

PLACE	NAME OF LORD
Tirukkoyilur Tiruvadigai Tirrukadavur Parasalur Kurrukai Valuvur Virkudi Kandiyur	Andhakasura Samharam Tripura Dahanam Kala Samharam Daksha Samhanam Kama Dahanam Gajasura Samhanam Jalandrasura Samharam Brahma’s head was plucked

SAPTHA VIDANGA KSHETRA
 
Saptha Vidanga Kshetra are the seven places where the seven places where the seven Lingas said to have been brought by Mucukunda Chakravarti from Devaloka are worshpped. These Linga Murti’s are called “Vidanga” because they were created by Maya without a chisel (Vi means without and Danga means Chisel). Further each of these places are indentified with a dance form of Thyagaraja (Lord Siva)
 

PLACE	NAME OF LORD	DANCE
Tiruvarur Tirunallar Nagapattinam Tirukuvalai Tiruvaimur Tirukkaraivasal Vedaranyam	Veedhi Vidangar Nagara Vidangar Sundara Vidangar Avani Vidangar Nila Vidangar Adi Vidangar Bhuvani Vidangar	Ajapa Natanam Unmatha Natanam Para Vira Taranga Natanam Biringa Natanam Kamala Natanam Kukkuta Natanam Hamsapada Natanam

PANCHA SABHA
The five places where Lord Nataraja performed his Tandavam are collectively known as Pancha Sabha meaning five assembly halls of Lord Nataraja
 

PLACE	NAME OF SABHA	DANCE
Chidambaram Tiruvalangadu Madurai Tirunelveli Kutralam	Kanaka Sabha Ratna Sabha Rajata Sabha Tamira Sabha Chitra Sabha	Ananda Tandavam Oordhva Tandavam Sandhya Tandavam Muni Tandavam Tripura Tandavam

PANCHA ARAMA KSHETRAM
 
Pancha Arama Kshetram are those five places where the pieces of a Swayambhu Linga are installed. This Swayambhu Lingam was being carried by Tarakasura in his throat, which was broken into five pieces by Kumaraswamy (Subramanya) during the course of the battle with him and these pieces fell at the following places.
 

PLACE	NAME OF LORD
Drakshashrama Samalkot Gunipundi (Bhimavaram) Palakollu Amaravati	Drakshashrama Swamy Bhimarama Swamy Somarama Swamy Kshirarama Swamy Amararama Swamy

ARUPADAI VEEDU
 
The Arupadai Veedu are identified as directly associated with Lord Muruga. These six places collectively are called the Arupadai Veedu

PLACE

Tiruttani Swamimalai Palani Pazhamudir Solai Tiruparakundram Tiruchendur

Navagraha Kshetra
 
Worship of the Navagraha Murti is done in various ways not only to appease them for mitigation of their malefic influence but also to seek their blessings for acquiring peace, wealth, prosperity and longevity of life in the world. Perhaps, to satisfy this need, a shrine is set up apart for the planetary deities in all Siva temples. They are installed on a single platform with the Sun God as the presiding deity in the centre.  There are however a few temples where one or the other of the Navagraha deities individually find a shrine exclusively dedicated for them
 

Suryanarkoil Tirvarur / Tingaloor Vaitheeswaran Kovil Tirvenkadu Alangudi Kanjanoor Tirunallar Keezhperupallam Tirunageswaram

Sun Moon Mangal (Mars) Budha (Mercury) Guru (Jupiter) Sukra (Venus) Shani (Saturn) Ketu Rahu

 

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 ॐ नमः शिवाय

Aum Namah Shivai (ॐ नमः शिवाय) is the foremost mantra for lord Shiva and is chanted by millions of devotees every day. In the simplest meaning Aum namah shivai simply means

    I bow to Shiva or
    Salutation to Shiva

But then, the mantras significance goes far beyond its literal meaning. The subtle meaning, the resonance of its sound makes this mantra a maha mantra.

Significance of Mantra

Mantra is general are sounds, syllable, words or a group of words that are capable of performing transformations. When pronounced correctly radiate  powerful sound energy. Most of these mantras have originated in Vedas and they have powerful and positive effect on the person who recites them and even on the surrounding environment.

Several of the mantras in Vedas are Japa Mantras (meant for meditation) and they consist of seed letters (बीज अक्ष्रर). These bija-mantra are simple in their layouts and seem to have a equally simple meaning; yet their sound radiate vibrant energy and have a subtle meaning. Aum namah shivaya is one of the finest examples.

The manatra has got two variants –

    The  Five lettered mantra (पंचाक्षर मंत्र) consisting of letters Na (न), Ma (म), Shi (शि) , va (वा), ya (य) .
    The Six lettered mantra (षडाक्षर मंत्र) which is obtained by prefixing the seed letter Aum (ॐ) to the five lettered mantra.

Important to understand, is the fact that each of the letters of this mantra has got special meaning and vibration.
Vibration of Aum namah shivaya
 
Aum (ॐ)

Aum (ॐ) is the universal sound; it represents the supreme being – the param brahm – Shiva. Aum is a the most important of all bija-mantra and a complete mantra in itself. Yet is used as the begining of most of the Vedic mantras. Aum (ॐ) itself consist of three syllable  A (अ) , U (उ) , M (म) and represents conscious, unconscious or dream, and subconscious or deep sleep states. Aum has got another explanations too. But then an entire explanation will require a dedicate volume of works.
Five lettered mantra (पंचाक्षर मंत्र)

The remaining 5 letters, represent the 5 primary elements which constitute the entire universe – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Sky (Space).

    Na (न) is the sound of earth (पृथ्वी).
    Ma (म) effects water factor (जल).
    Shi (शि) energises the fire factor (अग्नि)
    Va (वा) energises the air factor ( वायु)
    Ya (य) energises the  space (अंतरिक्ष)

Everything in the universe, including our body is made up of these five basic elements. The sound of each of these 5 letters effects the respective constituents thus causes a positive vibration with purifying effect. Thus the mantra purifies the whole body and the surrounding.
Namah Shivaya represents Transformation

Apart from the positive vibration that the mantra produces, it has got a subtle meaning and significance. Shiva has many aspects – embodied or the personified and a transcendental existence in as formless, attribute less  non-being or the universal being.

    Na (न) represents the concealing aspect of the Lord Shiva. It is an aspect which is not evident and needs maturity of individuals.
    Ma (म) represents the material world and our binding with the material existance. It is in three forms – ego our of ignorance, the cause and reward of karma (work) and illusion (माया).
    Shi (शि) represents Shiva himself.
    Va (वा) represents the revealing aspect of Shiva; one that is achievable by concentration and maturity. It is the spiritual awakening.
    Ya (य) represents the soul. It signifies unification of individual soul to the universal soul. It unifies the chanter with Shiva.

So what is the overall significance? namah shivai is mantra that causes transition from the concealing (not knowing) and materialistic existence to knowing the Shiva, realising him through spiritual awakening and finally attaining him. Thus one who enchants the mantra is sure to achieve Shiva. Note Shiva is the centre and the pivot of the transformation.
Namah Shivai is Shiva

Yet another explanation defines the five lettered word as -

    His feet are the letter Na.
    His navel is the letter Ma.
    His shoulders are the letter Shi.
    His mouth, the letter Va.
    His radiant cranial centre aloft is Ya.

Thus the five letter defines Shiva. Now how does this explanation go with the previous one. Well they are different ways to explain the same idea. We Start with Na (न) his feet and then subsequently rise to achieve the whole of him.

Namah Shivai negates Ego

One of the final and perhaps the most beautiful way to understand Namah shivai is this way -

    Na (न) signifies not or negation. mah (म:) means mine. So Namah (नम:) means not mine. What is not mine? that belongs to Shiva (शिवाय).

Thus this maha-mantra, in its subtle meaning, emphasises negating our ego of possession and moving to the state of being possessed by the supreme being.

    There is only one truth; Wise poeple and sages explain it in different ways.

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8 Shocking things done by Lord Shiva before reaching the Amarnath cave

Among the many shrines of Lord Shiva, the cave of Amaranth is a world-famous destination. The Shivling made of ice in the cave is the symbol of people’s faith and trust. The beginning of the journey till this cave has numerous stops in between that are extremely beautiful and increases ones faith in Shiva even more.

The legendary importance of Amarnath’s cave is related to the secret of immortality told to Lord Shiva’s wife Parvati. When Lord Shiva was insisted by his wife to reveal the secret of immortality, he decided to proceed towards the cave. On his way to the cave he did a few things,which were great according to his devotees. Because of these few things, the entire way to the cave became blissful. 

Actually, in order to reveal the secret of amarkatha, Lord Shiva left his son, vehicle, etc in various isolated places, which is why all these places seem like tirthasthal.

There are two ways for Amarnath journey – Pahalgam and Sonmarg Baltal. According to mythology, Lord Shiva took the Pahalgam route to reach the cave.

Pahalgam - When Lord Shiva took Parvati to the cave to tell her the amar katha, he first left his vahan, Nandi at the same location.  This place was later called as Pahalgam. It is 96 kms from Srinagar and is surrounded by mountain peaks.

Chandanbadi – the next place after Pahalgam is Chandanbadi. It is 16 kms from Pahalgam. According to beliefs, Lord Shiva did a very unique thing here. Also known as Chandramauli, Lord Shiva sacrificed the moon from his headhere. The moon then waited for Lord Shiva to return here. This is how the name of this place became Chandanbadi. 

Pissu Top – Slightly ahead of Chandanbadi is Pissu Top.  The importance of this place is related to the darshan of Amarnath. According to this, for the darshan of Amarnath, a huge fight between the Gods and Demons occurred.That time with the help of Lord Shiva, Gods defeated the Demons. With the dead bodies of demons, a mountain was formed. From then this place is known as Pissu Top. 

Sheshnag – After Pissu Top the next destination is Sheshnag. Lord Shiva had dropped the snake from his neck here. There is a lake of blue water here, which proves that this is the place of Sheshnag. It is 12 kms from Chandanbadi.

Mahagunas Mountain – it is around 4 to 5 kms from Sheshnag. It is at an altitude of 14,000 feet. It is believed that Lord Shiva had left his beloved son Ganesha here. This place has several waterfalls and scenic overlooks. The winters are extremely cold here.

Panchatrani – it is 6 kms from Mahagunas Mountain. It is at an altitude of 12,500 feet. It is believed that Lord Shankar sacrificed the five Panchabhut here i.e. space, air, water, fire and earth. Here is the confluence of five rivers. It is believed that five rivers flowing here come out from the tangles of Lord Shiva’s hair.

Amarnath Cave – this is the final desination of the journey. The cave is situated at an altitude of 13,500 feet. The path of 3 kms to the cave is covered with snow. After crossing the river of ice, the cave is finally seen. The cave is about 100 feet long and 150 feet wide.In this cave the ice-Shivling is formed. In this cave Lord Shiva told the secret of immortality to Parvati.

 

Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh have the world’s largest Shivalinga

A miraculous discovery of Shiva Lingam of Sidheswar Nath Temple took place in the 1-forthnight of July'2004. According to the Hindu Calendar, it is the month of Shravana, a sacred month to worship Lord Shiva. A Nepalese, Mr Prem Subha was cutting tree standing at the right of the Lingam. The tree was expected to fell just over it, fortunately, nothing harmed it and the tree landed a few meters away from the Lingam. He felt surprised over it and looked at the rising stone. Suddenly something struck in his mind and realized that it was not a mere stone. It stood clearly visible which appealed him to believe it as Shiva Lingam. Being fully inspired with his beliefs, he started telling the people all about what he had seen and what had happened.
The mystery of this Lingam in Ziro has obviously mentioned in the SHIVAPURANA in 17th chapter of the ninth section (Nava Khand ke Satrahwa Adhyaya) edition 1893 that the tallest Shiva Lingam will appear at a place which will be called Lingalaya and the later the whole will be known as Arunachal.
Now it makes everyone belief about the reality of its appearance. There one can see not only the Lingam but also the image of Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha with trunk turning leftward. It is also said that the goddess of water, the Ganga lives with Lord Shiva. Therefore, the constant flow of water from the base of the Lingam can be clearly seen.

Location : It is about 4 Km away from Hapoli township. The height of Shiva Lingam is 25ft. and 22 ft width at Kardo. Million of devotees who offer their prayers, worship and faith of Lord Shiva in the remote Himalayan region of Tribal beliefs and tradition

About Ziro:
Ziro is the head-quarter of Lower subansiri district in Arunachal Pradesh located in north eastern part of India. It is located at an altitude of 5754 ft. Its unique scent and temperature are subjects of thought for many passing through. The weather is cool in summers and chilling cold in winters sometimes below zero degrees.
It feels  thousand heavens  on earth , to see the sunrise  at around 4.30 in morning with the fresh eyes and appreciating the  unique mountains with green skin. The Valley’s  air which is “distinctly and undeniably soft” touching  the face curing what ails you.All in all an excellent way to spend a whole day, enjoying  time communing with the natural wonder all around.

People of Ziro:
Ziro is a fascinating place where people of many different communities and religions live together in unity, the denizens, the business people and the people serving Arunachal government from other states and other places of Arunachal Pradesh. A supportive and healthy environment among people is a live example of unity in diversity.
Denizens of Ziro:  Apatani Tribal is the denizen of Ziro and belongs to Mongoloids ethnic group.
Languages:
Apatani-the local language spoken by denizens.
Hindi and Assamese:  Almost everyone can communicate in Hindi & Assamese.
English -known to majority of people.

6 management lessons from Lord Shiva & Parvati

The tales of Lord Shiva and goddess Durga have many interesting lessons that one can draw parallels from in today's world. From leadership tips to desire management, Indian mythology can help solve a modern-day executive's many problems.

Here is a look at six such parallels that can be drawn from Lord Shiva and goddess Durga's life.

 Shiva & Indra's tale: Toxic byproducts of success

 Both Shiva and Indra are immortal deities. Shiva's immortality is achieved by tapasya; Kama, god of desire, is sacrificed during tapasya. Indra's immortality is achieved through yagna performed to satisfy bhoga, the fulfillment of desire. As long as there is desire for bhoga, there will be yagna.

Yagna demands sacrifice, bali. But bali has consequences which Indra more often than not cannot handle. Indra churns the ocean of milk for Amrita, nectar of immortality; along with it comes Halahal, a poison that threatens to destroy the whole world. Indra wants to consume Amrita but is unable to handle Halahal. He does not know what to do with it? He offers it to Shiva who locks it in his throat. With this one deed, Shiva becomes Mahadeva, God who is greater than gods, while Indra remains Deva, god.

Every leader wants to generate Amrita that will give him immortality. He is willing to perform a yagna and give a bali. But not every one is able to handle Halahal. He cannot wish it away. Halahal is the husk of the grain, the garbage of the household, the pollutant of the industry. Managing it is critical, else it will return to haunt the Yajaman

 Value is imagination!

 Sati asked Shiva to show her his house. Shiva did not have any. "What protects you from the heat in summer?" she inquired. Shiva took her down to the valley full of Deodar trees. "What protects you from the rain?" she asked. Shiva took her into a cave. "What protects you from the cold in winter?" Shiva took her to the snowy peak of Mount Kailasa. "Where do you keep fire?" Shiva took her to a crematorium where there was always a funeral pyre burning.

Sati declared Shiva to be Bhola, the simpleton, a guileless pure soul; she fell in love. Sati's father, Daksha, declared Shiva to be uncouth, uncivilised, a destroyer of all things respected in culture. Shiva found Sati's need for a house incredible, an imagined unnecessary need. He found Daksha's opposition to him bizarre: in nature nothing is excluded; everything has its place.

Value is imagination. When an animal is hungry, it values food. When an animal is frightened, it values shelter. It is this notion of value that enables in maximising revenue. Value transforms a commodity into a brand and allows for the charging of a premium. People do not buy products or services or ideas; they buy value. Value mitigates imagined fears, satisfies the predator and comforts the prey that lurks in every human being.

 Durga's lesson on team empowerment

 The gods had to defeat the buffalodemon, Mahisha, and were told to release their inner power, Shakti, and merge it outside to create the goddess of external power, Durga, who would kill the demon. Shakti is our inner strength. Durga is the strength that we get from outside. Praise for example empowers us because we get Durga from outside. Insults disempowers us, we feel stripped of Durga by our critic. Thus Durga is a currency of exchange, just like wealth or Lakshmi.

In all human interactions there is exchange of Durga. We have a vast supply of Durga to give, but we rarely take advantage of it. Instead we are too busy taking power.

Your team's failure to respond as you want them to frustrates you. But your treatment frustrates them. You are not providing Durga - worse, you are taking Durga. No one feels empowered. A disempowered team is unable to reach its goal. A motivational talk, or fake 'great jobs', as you call them, grants power to people, makes them feel they can do it. Not everyone has Shakti, most rely on Durga from external sources.

 Amravati & Kailasa: Management of desires

Humans can imagine a world where there is no hunger. Such a world is called Kailasa. It is the mountainous abode of Shiva. Humans can also imagine a world where every hunger is satisfied. Such a world is called Amravati, the abode of the Devas. Kailasa is about yoga, outgrowing hunger pangs. Amravati is about bhoga, indulging hunger pangs. Given a choice, humans refer to Amravati as paradise, Swarga.

Vision statements about Kailasa or yoga are considered unrealistic and spiritual, unfit for the business world, meant for hermits rather than householders. Business exists to satisfy bhoga - of the consumer and the businessman. It is the desire of bhoga that creates the bazaar, the market place, where goods are exchanged.

Kama is the god of desire who induces hunger not only of the stomach but also the senses. In Kailasa, Shiva burns him to ashes. But in the marketplace, he is resurrected again, and again and again.

 Should employees focus on Kailas or Kashi?

Shiva, the ascetic god, sits in Kailas located high up in the snow capped Himalayan range as well as in Kashi located down in the plains, on the banks of the river Ganges. Atop Kailas, Shiva sits in serene meditation as the teacher, Adi Nath.

Down below in Kashi, Shiva is Vishwanath, lord of the world, involved in activities of life and death, along with his consort Annapoorna, the goddess of food. Which Shiva matters more?

There is Kailas and Kashi in the corporate world too - the boss sits in Kailas while the customers, in Kashi. Who should one focus on? The boss upstream or the customers downstream. Downstream is where performance happens and value is created, but upstream is where appraisal is done, and promotions granted.

This is the irony of the corporate world. Despite all efforts to create an objective foolproof appraisal system, it relies heavily on the subjectivity of those upstream while the real value is generated with customers way downstream.

The Prajapatis and Shivas in office

Chandra, the moon-god, disobeyed his father-in-law, Daksha Prajapati. An angry Daksha cursed Chandra that he would suffer from the wasting disease. Being a Deva, a sky-god, Chandra turned to Indra. "The only person you can turn to is Shiva," said Indra.

Chandra sat before Shiva, trembling, afraid and desperate for help. Shiva opened his eyes, looked at the miserable moon-god. Without speaking a word, Shiva picked Chandra up and gently placed him on his forehead. Instantly, the moon began to wax once again.

Offices are filled with Daksha Prajapatis and Shivas. Daksha Prajapatis are colleagues who cause us to wane. Shivas on the other hand have a calming effect. Without doing too much, just by their mere presence, they can energize and bring back enthusiasm in the most depressed of colleagues.