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What Blessing Should One Ask from Bhagwan Shiva?

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat
24 February 2025
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What Blessing Should One Ask from Bhagwan Shiva? by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat

(Speech by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on occasion of Mahashivratri)

Bhagwan Shankar is God, the Supreme Power, as declared in the Vedas. Bhagwan Shiv possesses infinite divine powers – He manifests the universe, sustains it, and ultimately dissolves it. At times, He engages in the bhakti (devotion) of Shri Krishna, and at other times, Shri Krishna and Shri Ram engage in His devotion. These are all divine pastimes, the sacred play of the Leela realm.

Sometimes, Bhagwan Shankar manifests as two beings – He assumes the forms of Shankar and Parvati and then enacts the divine drama of their marriage. A wedding takes place between Shankar and Parvati, but marriage is between two separate beings, isn’t it? Or is He marrying Himself? 

Today marks the sacred occasion of their divine wedding – Mahashivratri.

That very Bhagwan Shankar, who is the embodiment of Supreme bliss, even participated in the Maharaas. From the perspective of divine pastimes, Parvati had already entered the Raas, as she possessed a female form. In the Maharaas, only those in female forms were permitted to enter. The men – those who were sons of Agni in their past birth, the Paramhansas of Dandakaranya, and others – were all granted entry only after transforming into women.

Shankar Ji, however, entered in his male form. Someone stopped him at the entrance. “Who are you?” they asked.

He replied, “I am Shankar.”

“Shankar? Which Shankar? From where?”

Shankar Ji was startled – this Gopi was challenging him!

He responded, “My dear, I am Shankar, the governor of the countless universes created by Chaturmukhi Brahma.”

The Gopi said, “No male can enter. Only one man remains inside – Shri Krishna.”

Shankar Ji said, “Alright then, I will take a female form.”

So, he transformed into a Gopi and entered. Parvati laughed, saying, “You always claimed to be a man, but today, you had to become a woman!”

This event is only briefly mentioned in the Bhagavatam in just a few verses:-

“Among rivers, Ganga is the most exalted. Among all divine forms of worship, Shri Krishna holds the supreme position.”  His divine pastimes are so captivating that the mind quickly becomes drawn to them.

Now, what about Bhagwan Shankar’s divine play? If you ever see his companions – ghosts and spirits – you might be utterly shocked and have a heart attack!  Some have no faces, some have no hands, and some have no legs – it is a truly bizarre gathering! Even Bhagwan Shankar himself adorns a garland of skulls around his neck. If one were to see him in this form, they might be filled with fear!

When Lakshmi Devi emerged from the churning of the ocean, everyone – yogis, sages, rishis, gods, demons – stood there hoping she would choose them. Lakshmi held the garland of marriage and looked at everyone.

She saw some who were of old age but indifferent to worldly love – they wouldn’t understand love. “They are of no use to me,” she thought. Some understood love, but their lifespans were uncertain. “What if they leave me too soon?” she thought. “They are also of no use.”

Some had both qualities, like Bhagwan Shankar – but his appearance was terrifying! “How can I love him?” she thought. “Not suitable either.”

Then, she looked at Shri Krishna. He wasn’t even looking at her! Everyone else was eager for her to choose them, but Shri Krishna was completely indifferent.

Lakshmi realized, “I only desire Him alone.” Without hesitation, she forcefully placed the garland around Shri Krishna’s neck.

He said, “Alright, since you’ve put the garland on me, come along!” Just like that, indifferently.

So, even Lakshmi was frightened by Bhagwan Shankar’s fearsome form.  If even Lakshmi is scared, what to say of ordinary people of the world?

But remember – Vedas declare –  Just as Bhagwan Shankar is the greatest devotee of Shri Krishna, among all the Puranas, the Bhagavatam stands supreme.

Bhagwan Shankar is the topmost Vaishnav, and he became a Gopi in the Maharaas.

That is why Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj says to Bhagwan Shiv:

“You have attained the supreme Gopi love of Shri Krishna and have participated in the Maharaas. Please grant me that Shri Krishna-Prem as well! You already possess it – so please allow me to experience that divine Raas-bliss too.

Just as you stood among the Gopis in Shri Krishna’s Raas, let me stand beside you as well. Grant me your blessing, O Lord Shiva – you are, after all, ever compassionate and innocent at heart (bhola bhala).”

By Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj

*A brief introduction of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj*

(Known by His devotees as Shri Maharaj Ji)

The original title of Jagadguruttam (Greatest Spiritual Teacher of the World) was bestowed upon Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on January 14, 1957, by Kashi Vidvat Parishad (a council of 500 greatest scholars saints of India). He composed divine texts like Prem Ras Madira, Prem Ras Siddhant, and Radha Govind Geet to lead us on the right path of devotion. He also gave priceless monuments as gifts to the world which include Bhakti Mandir located in Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, Prem Mandir located in Vrindavan Dham, and Kirti Mandir located in Barsana Dham. Shri Maharaj Ji also built hospitals for the impoverished, the Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Vrindavan, Jagadguru Kripalu Chikitsalaya in Barsana, and another one in Pratapgarh. All three help millions of underprivileged to gain free access to medical care. His Kindergarten, School, and College for impoverished girls Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Education is located in Kunda and provides completely free education.