Many a times, when we go for yatras, we visit temples of Lord Shiva. We may visit them as a formality, not understanding what to pray for, or we may miss its importance being mesmerized by the grandeur of the place, or we may think that we are devotees of Krishna, why do we at all go to so many Shiva temples?
If someone asks us if we are worshipper of Shiva, what would be our answer? When we go to temples of Lord Shiva, what should we do and pray?
Here are some thoughts:
1] We do ‘Worship’ Shiva:
Lord Shiva is the topmost Vaishnava. And Krishna mentions to Uddhava – mad-bhakta-pūjābhyadhikā, “The Lord is extremely satisfied with those who offer worship to His pure devotees, and He rewards them accordingly.“
In that sense, we are definitely worshippers of Lord Shiva. We worship Shiva as a devotee, and we seek His blessings to become a better devotee.
2] Lord Caitanya visited many Shiva temples:
In the course of His travels, Mahaprabhu visited many Shiva temples, and converted all of them into Vaishnavas. Following the footsteps of Mahaprabhu, we also visit temples of Lord Shiva.
I was seeing our devotees carrying an amplifier with a huge sound and singing the Hare Krishna Mahamantra in the premises of Shiva temple (outside the garbhagrha). I was a bit apprehensive about it. I was more concerned that the pujaris should not criticize our devotees. But then, I thought, Lord Caitanya also chanted the Holy Name in Shiva temples. (But definitely, we should not do so in a fanatic manner, spoiling ISKCON’s reputation. We are not Mahaprabhu, but we are His followers)
Furthermore, if Lord Shiva hears the chanting of Holy Names of Krishna, won’t he be pleased?? Whenever any devotee comes to our temples, we welcome him or her with Harinama Sankirtana. Lord Shiva is the topmost devotee. How blissful will he feel when he hears the Holy Names?
rāma rāmeti rāmeti
rame rāme manorame
sahasra-nāmabhis tulyaṁ
rāma-nāma varānane
“[Lord Śiva addressed his wife, Durgā:] ’O Varānanā, I chant the holy name of Rāma, Rāma, Rāma and thus enjoy this beautiful sound. This holy name of Rāmacandra is equal to one thousand holy names of Lord Viṣṇu.” CC Madhya 9.32
3] Prayers to Lord Shiva:
Bestowal of Krishna’s Darshan: Lord Shiva’s darshan to the Pracetas granted them Lord Vishnu’s audience. Lord Shiva’s recitation of Srimad Bhagavatam was heard by Sukadeva in the form of a parrot who later became the speaker of Srimad Bhagavatam. We could pray for Lord Shiva’s grace to get Krishna’s darshan and blessings.
Compassion for All: Lord Shiva’s compassion extends to the most fallen. He delivers the ghosts and spirits. As followers of Shrila Prabhupada, who manifested unlimited compassion by delivering the ghost-like living beings, we can pray to Lord Shiva to empower us, and get a drop of the compassion he possesses for all living entities. Lord Shiva drank halahala poison simply for the benefit of all.
Sacrifices for Others: In the 8th Canto, Sukadeva Goswami glorifes Lord Shiva for his great sacrifice.
tapyante loka-tāpena
sādhavaḥ prāyaśo janāḥ
paramārādhanaṁ tad dhi
puruṣasyākhilātmanaḥ
It is said that great personalities almost always accept voluntary suffering because of the suffering of people in general. This is considered the highest method of worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is present in everyone’s heart. SB 8.7.44
We can beg the strength to make sacrifices for the benefit of others, to whatever degree possible for us.
Thus, if we have the right disposition, visiting temples of Lord Shiva can be an extremely uplifting experience for us. Connection with Lord Shiva has the potential to award us dedication, devotion, and determination in our practice of Krishna Consciousness.
