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== Legends ==
=== Parvata ===
Once upon a time there was a great maharshi popular by the name “Shilaada“. He had great Tapas-shakti and was a maha-gnyaani. He once thought it will be nice if he has santaanamwho will continue his lineage of divine knowledge. He then again did a great tapas for Shiva for getting Satsantaanam. Parameshwara appeared and blessed him with two children: Nandi, and Parvata. All of us know the story of Nandi,who went on to become the Vaahanam of Shiva.
Parvata, also followed the foot steps of his father and brother, and did a great tapas for Shiva. Parameshwara appeared and Parvata was filled with brahmaanandam. He did not ask for anything as he attained Brahma-gnyaanamat the very sight of Shiva. However Shiva insisted that Parvata must ask some Varam. Parvata then wished that he will become a mountain and Parameshwara should always stay on him. Shiva blessed the same and said he would stay on Parvata as Parvateshwara in a Jyotirlinga form. Parvata was extremely happy. Shiva went on and said, “not only this, you will also become Me (You will get Shiva-aikyam)”. Then Parvata went on to ask that Shiva must bless all those who come to this mountain.
As blessed by Parameshwara, Parvata took the form of a huge mountain range with 5 main shikharams:
# the main shikharam is what we call today as ShriShailam. This became the “Eeshaana” mukham of Shiva.
# On the East, Tripurantakam-shikharam became the “Tatpurusha” mukham
# On the West, Brahmeshwaram–shikharam (Alampuram) became the “Sadyojaata” mukham
# On the North, Maheshwaram-shikharam (Uma-Maheshwaram) became the “Vaamadeva” mukham
# On the South, Siddhavatam-shikharam became the “Aghora” mukham
Thus, Parvata, with 5 shikharams, became the sthaavara-shareeram of Parameshwara. And on top of the main shikharam, again Shiva stayed back as Parvateshwara Jyotirlingam, which later on became Mallikaarjuna-Jyotirlingam.
A thousand Namaskaarams to the great bhakta, Parvata, who brought Shiva to earth, in and as, the great ShriShaila Kshetram!
=== Vasumati ===
Once upon a time there was a princess by name Vasumati. She was a great Shiva bhakta. She did Tapas for a long time. Brahmadeva then appeared and said “O Vasumati! As a result of your severe Tapas you now have poorna-gnyaanam of all Vedic knowledge, and hence I am giving you the title `Shri‘ “.
`Shri‘ then humbly replied to Brahma “O Pitaamaha! What is the use of such titles? They only increase one’s ahankaaram. I think one who merely has good name and fame is not a dhanya, but one who has additionally has given it up to Shiva (one who does Shiva-arpanam of his Naamam) is a real dhanya. I heard that the great bhakta Parvata not only did Shivaarpanam of his name (his name was taken by Shiva as Parvateshwara), but also he gave-up his roopam (his mountain form became Parvateshwara‘s body). Parvata attained Shiva-aikyamby giving up his Naama-Roopas!”.
Brahmadeva was happy to see the Gnyaana-Vairagyam in Shri. He then advised her to continue her Tapas for Shiva and then her desire to do Shiva-arpanam of her Naamam (equivalently Shiva-arpanam of her divine Vedic knowledge) will be fulfilled. Shri then performed a very long and severe tapas for Parameshwara. The Lord appeared, accepted her name, and Shri attained the un-attainable moksham. From then onwards the Parvata mountain range became popular as “ShriParvatam” or equivalently “ShriShailam” and Parvateshwara jyotirlinga became popular as “ShriParvateshwara“. Thus Shiva, the ''Bhaktavatsala'', included Her name in His name.
This story is indeed an eye-opener, as most perform ''tapas'' to merely obtain something from God. However, ''Vasumati'' performed ''tapas'' not only for obtaining divine knowledge, but also to give it up to ''Paramaatma''.
=== Chandravati ===
Once upon a time there was a princess by name ''Chandraavati''. Because of ''janma-janmaantara mahaa-punyams'' she was a ''Shiva bhakta'' from childhood. She used to like doing ''pooja'' of ''Shiva'' with ''mallika'' flowers. Because ''Parameshwara''‘s color is described in ''Shaatra''s as spotless white (''Arjuna Varnam''), she considered ''mallika'' flowers the best suit for His ''pooja''.
She performed such ''nischala pooja'' with ''mallika haaram''s to the ''ShriParvateshwara Jyotirlingam''. Her ''tapas'' in the form of ''mallika pooja''continued for so many years that the nearby ''teertha kundam'' became popular as ''Mallika Kundam''! Even today one can have ''darshan'' of this ''Divya Kundam'' in ''ShriShailam,'' which as per ''Shaastra''s contains the ''punya-jalam'' of ''Saraswati'' river.
''Shiva'', the ''Dayaalu'', was deeply moved by ''Chandraavati’s nirmala bhakti'' and appeared before her and asked her wish. ''Chadraavati'' replied saying “O ''Parameshwara''! I only have one wish. Please accept this ''mallika haaram''. Please wear it on your forehead, just below the crescent moon and above Your third eye. I will be a ''dhanya'' seeing You decorated like this”. It is indeed difficult for us common people to even partially understand such ''nishkaama bhakti'' as ''Chandraavati''‘s. When ''Mahaadeva'', who controls all the 14 ''lokam''s, appeared as a result of so many years of severe ''tapas'', and asked for a wish, she had nothing to ask for herself and only wanted to see her ''ishta-daivam'' decorated with ''mallika haarams''.
''Chandrashekhara'' was impressed with the selfless wish and immediately took the ''mallika haaram'' and decorated Himself with it in exactly the same position as was desired by ''Chandraavati''. While decorating Himself, few drops of ''Ganga''from ''Shiva''‘s ''Jataajuutam'' and few drops of ''makarandam'' from the ''mallikaahaaram'' also fell into the ''MallikaKundam'', multiplying its divinity further.
He then asked “O dear ''Chandraavati''! How do I look now?”. ''Chandraavati''experienced ''brahmaanandam'' and replied “O ''Bhagavaan''! I am unable to decide whether You are fairer or the ''mallika haaram'' decorating you is fairer. Since ''Shaastra''s describe You as ''Arjuna'' (one who is white by color and by deeds), please accept the name ''Mallikaarjuna''“. From then onwards ''ShriParvateshwara Jyotirlingam'' became popular as ''Mallikarjuna Jyotirlingam''. ''Chandraavati'' then attained ''Shiva-aikyam''. ''Paramaatma'' is the only one who makes a ''Sharanaagati''as Himself, showing that His ''Karuna'' has no limits!
While this story gives one meaning of ''Mallikaarjuna'', there are others as summarised below:
# When ''Subrahmanya'' stayed back at ''Kumaaragiri'' in ''Tripuraantaka kshetram'', ''UmaaDevi'' (''Parvati)'' and ''Shiva'' could not stay in ''Kailaasam'' without seeing their dear son, hence both came down to earth as a ''Jyotirlingam'' on ''ShriShailam'' centered in a ''Arjuna-Vruksham'' around which a ''Mallika'' creeper was there. Hence the ''ShriShaila Jyotirligam'' is called as ''Mallikaarjuna''. This ''Jyotirlingam'' can now be seen in ''ShriShailam'' by the name ''VruddhaMallikaarjuna''. ''UmaaDevi'' then performed ''Tapas'' for ''Parameshwara'' in ''UmaMaheshwaram'' and became ''Ardhanaareeshwari'', who is the one of the main ''ShaktiPeethams'' in ''ShriShailam''. Even today one can see ''Ardhanaareeshwari Devi''on the left of main ''Mallikaarjuna’s Garbhaalayam''.
# ''Shaastra''s described ''Shiva'' as one who is with ''Shuddha-Sattva Gunam'' and appears white like a ''Mallika''. Hence a ''siddha-naamam'' for Shiva in ''Shaastra''s is ''Mallikaarjuna''. Accordingly, there are many other ''Arjuna-kshetra''s too in our glorious India.
=== Indra and Other Devatas ===
Once there was a ''Raakshasa'' by name ''Arunaasura''. His ''tapasshakti'' was equal to that of ''Mahishaasura'', ''ShumbhaNishumbha'', ''MadhuKaitabha'', ''Chanda-Munda'', ''Bhandaasura'' all put together! Like weapons in hands of the wicked are dangerous, such enormous ''shakti'' with ''Arunaasura'' turned out to be devastating for all the 14 ''lokams''. ''Asuras'' from all corners of all the worlds, joined him and chose him as their leader.
Once the wicked get powerful, they show their power on everyone indiscriminately. Like how the barbaric ''Mughals'' and ''Portugese'' destroyed the magnificent and majestic Temples of India, ''Arunaasura'' destroyed the divine ''Nandana-Vanam'' of ''Indra'' (for no explicit reason!). Then ''Devendra'' and other ''devata''s fought with ''Arunaasura'' and his armies. However, at that point of time, the ''tapasshakti'' of ''Devata''s was lesser than that of the ''asura''s, and hence were defeated in the war.
All the ''Devatas'' then went to ''Vishnu'' for protection. ''Mahaavishnu'' then gave the following memorable ''upadesham'' to ''Devata''s (and indirectly to us): “Previously when ''Bhandaasura'' attacked You, My Sister (''Vaishnavi'') Lalita Devi gave You ''abhayam'', and slayed ''Bhandaasura''. Since then for a long time all of You enjoyed very favourable conditions. However, because everything was being favourable, there was a small slack in Your ''Devata-aaraadhana'' and ''Tapas''. You all ended up spending unnecessarily more time on ''bhogam'' than on ''Bhagavat-Yogam''. Hence severe ''Bhagavat-Upaasana'' is a must not only during difficulties, but also during favourable times.”.
''Devatas'' immediately followed ''Vishnu''‘s ''Upadesham'' and went to ''Pavitra Himavat Parvatam''s for doing ''Devi-Upaasana''. Some did ''anthar-yaagam'' by doing ''Shodhana'' of ''Shadchakram''s, while some others did ''Upaasana'' of ''Shri-Chakram''. Some did ''Mantra-Japam''s, some did ''Homam''s, while some performed ''Shodashopachaara-pooja''s, and some others did ''stotra-paaraayana''. Some listened to ''Punya-katha''s of ''Devi'' while some others listened to ''Vedanta-pravachanam''s. Like this, everyone did ''Upasaana'' of ''Devi'' in one or the other ways as prescribed by the ''Shaastras'', and as per their likings. Their ''Upaasana'' continued for many years, however they did not get ''Devi-Saakshaatkaaram''! Finally, they all cried for ''Devi'' with ''nishchala bhakti'', then ''Devi'' appeared first as a ''Mahaa-Naadam'', which slowly took form as ''Devi'' in ''Sowmya-roopam''.
She then gave ''abhayam'' to ''Devatas'' and slayed the army of ''Arunaasura'' taking ''Ugra-roopam''. Then there was a fierce battle between ''Arunaasura'' and ''Devi.'' Finally, ''Devi'' took the form of a ''Bhramaram'' making ''Mahaa-naadam'' and slayed ''Arunaasura''. ''Devata''s happily performed a ''Divya-stotram'' of ''BhramaraambaDevi,'' in ''Sowmya-roopam''.
''BhramaraambaDevi'' was deeply moved by the ''Stotram'' (and ''tapas'') of ''Devata''s and asked them for their wish. They all said that ''Devi'' had already given them ''abhayam,'' slayed the ''asura,'' and hence they did not wish for anything else. When ''BhramaraambaDevi'' insisted they all requested Her to stay back in this ''Divya-roopam'' and bless other ''bhakta''s. ''Devi'' was impressed with their self-less wish. “''Bhramara''“''amba'' then decided to stay with “''Mallika''“''arjuna'' at ''ShriShailam''as ''Bhramaraamba Shaktipeetham'' (along with ''Ardhanaareeshwari Shaktipeetham''and 10 crore other ''Shaktipeetham''s in ''ShriShailam'').
Since all ''mantra''s are made from ''Akshara''s, and all ''akshara''s are in-turn made from (''Bhramara'') ''Naadam'', ''Bhramaraamba'' is described in ''Shaastras'' as ''Sarva-mantratmika.'' Hence elders say that if one does any ''mantra japam''near ''Bhramaraamba Shaktipeetham,'' then the ''japa''–''phalitam'' will be multiplied several times. Also, ''Praana-Naadam'' (''Anaahatanaadam'') is what is inside us as ''praana-shakti''. Hence ''Bhramaraamba'' also refers to ''mukhya-praana-shakti''. Because of these two reasons, ''Bhramaraamba'' is same as ''Gaayatri Devi''. ''BhramaraambaDevi'' is also known as ''ShrungagraahikaaDevi'', as She chose this ''divya-shrungam'' to stay back.
=== Karavira ===
Once upon a time there was an ''asura'' by name ''Karaveera''. Though he was born as an ''asura'', he was a great ''Shiva Bhakta''. With ''Yama-niyama''s, he controlled his natural ''asura''–''guna''s and performed ''sattvika tapas'' for ''Parameshwara'' at the ''ShriShaila-Shikharam''. As a result of his ''nishchala-tapas'', ''Karaveera'' had ''divya-saakshaatkaaram'' of ''Parameshwara'' and attained ''Shivaikyam''. The ''lingam'' worshipped by this great ''bhakta'' is known as ''Karaveereshwara''. Even today one can have ''darshanam'' of this ''divya-lingam'' in ''Shikhareshwaram'' at ''ShriShailam'' (now people call it ''ShikhareshwaraLingam'').
----Comments:
# ''ShriShailam'' is also referred to as “''Krouncha'' ''parvatam''” and “''Mandara'' ''paravatam''” in ''Shaastras''.
# ''ShriShailam'' is 30 ''yojana''s wide, 30 ''yojana''s long and 1 ''yojana'' high. Has five main ''shikharam''s, and totally eight ''Shikharam''s:
## Main ''ShriShaila Suvarna Shrungam:'' decorated with ''Markata Mani''s, ''Kalpa Vruksham''s. Here ''Shiva'' stays with His ''parivaaram''. Many ''teertha''s flow in this Kshetram. Main 24 are ''Aananda, Nandini, Shukla, Gomati, Keerthi, Mangala, Bhadra, Vipula, Ramya, Vichitra, Jaahnavi, Taamra, Aaruni, ChaaruGhosha, Bhaarati, Vijaya, Jaya, Jyotis, Archis, Pruthuvu, Vaktra, Shuddha, Kshemotsava, Nitya.''
## ''Ahobalam'': decorated with ''Marakata Mani''s. Here ''Narasimha Swamy'' stays with His ''Parivaaram'' and worships ''Shiva''. Here three teerthas flow: ''Bhadra, Vipula, Ramya.''
## ''Brahmeshwaram'': Decorated with ''Indra-neela Mani''s. Here ''BrahmaDeva'' stays with His ''parivaaram'' and worships ''Shiva''. Here three teerthas flow: ''Vichitra, Jaahnavi, Taamra.''
## ''SkandaSomeshwaram'': Decorated with various ''Ratna''s. Here ''Subrahmanya Swamy'' stays with His parents and ''Parivaaram'' and worships ''Shiva''. Here three teerthas flow: ''Aaruni, ChaaruGhosha, Bhaarati.''
## ''Tripurantakam'': Decorated with ''Vaidhuryam''s. Here ''Ashta Vasu''s stay with ''Parivaaram''s and worships ''Shiva''. Here three teerthas flow: ''Vijaya, Jaya, Jyotis.''
### ''Nandeeshwaram'': Decorated with ''Gairika aadi dhaatu''s. Here ''Nandi'' ''aadi. Pramatha Gana''s stay and worship ''Shiva''. Here three teerthas flow: ''Pruthuvu, Vaktra, Shuddha, Kshemotsava.''
## ''Maheshwaram:'' Decorated various ''Mani''s. Here ''PaarvatiDevi'' worships ''Shiva''. Here one teertham flows: ''Nitya.''
## ''Pushpagiri'': Decorated with ''Pravaalam''s. Here ''Urvashi'' and other ''Apsara''s stay and worship ''Shiva''. Here three ''teertha''s flow: ''Utsava, Kshema, Shlukla.''
# There are five main ways in which one Has to worship ''Mallikarjuna Jyotirlingam''. One has to do all of them to get ''poorna-anugraham'':
## ''Namaskaaram''
## ''Praarthana''
## ''Darshana''
## ''Sparshana''
## ''Bhaavana''
# If one does ''darshanam'' after three ''Pradakshina''s to ''ShriGiri'', then he will get ''Shuddha Chittam'' and ''Shiva'' ''Gnyaanam''.
# Once if ''Archana'' of ''Mallikaarjuna'' is done with ''Trikarana-Shuddhi'', then he gets same ''punyam'' as doing huge ''daanam'' in ''Kurukshetra'', Ganga-snaanam 2000 times, Long Tapas in Narmada-teeram, Long stay in Vaaranaasi, together.
# If one does ''keertana'' or ''stotram'' for ''Mallikaarjuna'', then he and his entire ''parivaaram'' will reach ''Shiva''.
=== Parvata ===
Once upon a time there was a great maharshi popular by the name “Shilaada“. He had great Tapas-shakti and was a maha-gnyaani. He once thought it will be nice if he has santaanamwho will continue his lineage of divine knowledge. He then again did a great tapas for Shiva for getting Satsantaanam. Parameshwara appeared and blessed him with two children: Nandi, and Parvata. All of us know the story of Nandi,who went on to become the Vaahanam of Shiva.
Parvata, also followed the foot steps of his father and brother, and did a great tapas for Shiva. Parameshwara appeared and Parvata was filled with brahmaanandam. He did not ask for anything as he attained Brahma-gnyaanamat the very sight of Shiva. However Shiva insisted that Parvata must ask some Varam. Parvata then wished that he will become a mountain and Parameshwara should always stay on him. Shiva blessed the same and said he would stay on Parvata as Parvateshwara in a Jyotirlinga form. Parvata was extremely happy. Shiva went on and said, “not only this, you will also become Me (You will get Shiva-aikyam)”. Then Parvata went on to ask that Shiva must bless all those who come to this mountain.
As blessed by Parameshwara, Parvata took the form of a huge mountain range with 5 main shikharams:
# the main shikharam is what we call today as ShriShailam. This became the “Eeshaana” mukham of Shiva.
# On the East, Tripurantakam-shikharam became the “Tatpurusha” mukham
# On the West, Brahmeshwaram–shikharam (Alampuram) became the “Sadyojaata” mukham
# On the North, Maheshwaram-shikharam (Uma-Maheshwaram) became the “Vaamadeva” mukham
# On the South, Siddhavatam-shikharam became the “Aghora” mukham
Thus, Parvata, with 5 shikharams, became the sthaavara-shareeram of Parameshwara. And on top of the main shikharam, again Shiva stayed back as Parvateshwara Jyotirlingam, which later on became Mallikaarjuna-Jyotirlingam.
A thousand Namaskaarams to the great bhakta, Parvata, who brought Shiva to earth, in and as, the great ShriShaila Kshetram!
=== Vasumati ===
Once upon a time there was a princess by name Vasumati. She was a great Shiva bhakta. She did Tapas for a long time. Brahmadeva then appeared and said “O Vasumati! As a result of your severe Tapas you now have poorna-gnyaanam of all Vedic knowledge, and hence I am giving you the title `Shri‘ “.
`Shri‘ then humbly replied to Brahma “O Pitaamaha! What is the use of such titles? They only increase one’s ahankaaram. I think one who merely has good name and fame is not a dhanya, but one who has additionally has given it up to Shiva (one who does Shiva-arpanam of his Naamam) is a real dhanya. I heard that the great bhakta Parvata not only did Shivaarpanam of his name (his name was taken by Shiva as Parvateshwara), but also he gave-up his roopam (his mountain form became Parvateshwara‘s body). Parvata attained Shiva-aikyamby giving up his Naama-Roopas!”.
Brahmadeva was happy to see the Gnyaana-Vairagyam in Shri. He then advised her to continue her Tapas for Shiva and then her desire to do Shiva-arpanam of her Naamam (equivalently Shiva-arpanam of her divine Vedic knowledge) will be fulfilled. Shri then performed a very long and severe tapas for Parameshwara. The Lord appeared, accepted her name, and Shri attained the un-attainable moksham. From then onwards the Parvata mountain range became popular as “ShriParvatam” or equivalently “ShriShailam” and Parvateshwara jyotirlinga became popular as “ShriParvateshwara“. Thus Shiva, the ''Bhaktavatsala'', included Her name in His name.
This story is indeed an eye-opener, as most perform ''tapas'' to merely obtain something from God. However, ''Vasumati'' performed ''tapas'' not only for obtaining divine knowledge, but also to give it up to ''Paramaatma''.
=== Chandravati ===
Once upon a time there was a princess by name ''Chandraavati''. Because of ''janma-janmaantara mahaa-punyams'' she was a ''Shiva bhakta'' from childhood. She used to like doing ''pooja'' of ''Shiva'' with ''mallika'' flowers. Because ''Parameshwara''‘s color is described in ''Shaatra''s as spotless white (''Arjuna Varnam''), she considered ''mallika'' flowers the best suit for His ''pooja''.
She performed such ''nischala pooja'' with ''mallika haaram''s to the ''ShriParvateshwara Jyotirlingam''. Her ''tapas'' in the form of ''mallika pooja''continued for so many years that the nearby ''teertha kundam'' became popular as ''Mallika Kundam''! Even today one can have ''darshan'' of this ''Divya Kundam'' in ''ShriShailam,'' which as per ''Shaastra''s contains the ''punya-jalam'' of ''Saraswati'' river.
''Shiva'', the ''Dayaalu'', was deeply moved by ''Chandraavati’s nirmala bhakti'' and appeared before her and asked her wish. ''Chadraavati'' replied saying “O ''Parameshwara''! I only have one wish. Please accept this ''mallika haaram''. Please wear it on your forehead, just below the crescent moon and above Your third eye. I will be a ''dhanya'' seeing You decorated like this”. It is indeed difficult for us common people to even partially understand such ''nishkaama bhakti'' as ''Chandraavati''‘s. When ''Mahaadeva'', who controls all the 14 ''lokam''s, appeared as a result of so many years of severe ''tapas'', and asked for a wish, she had nothing to ask for herself and only wanted to see her ''ishta-daivam'' decorated with ''mallika haarams''.
''Chandrashekhara'' was impressed with the selfless wish and immediately took the ''mallika haaram'' and decorated Himself with it in exactly the same position as was desired by ''Chandraavati''. While decorating Himself, few drops of ''Ganga''from ''Shiva''‘s ''Jataajuutam'' and few drops of ''makarandam'' from the ''mallikaahaaram'' also fell into the ''MallikaKundam'', multiplying its divinity further.
He then asked “O dear ''Chandraavati''! How do I look now?”. ''Chandraavati''experienced ''brahmaanandam'' and replied “O ''Bhagavaan''! I am unable to decide whether You are fairer or the ''mallika haaram'' decorating you is fairer. Since ''Shaastra''s describe You as ''Arjuna'' (one who is white by color and by deeds), please accept the name ''Mallikaarjuna''“. From then onwards ''ShriParvateshwara Jyotirlingam'' became popular as ''Mallikarjuna Jyotirlingam''. ''Chandraavati'' then attained ''Shiva-aikyam''. ''Paramaatma'' is the only one who makes a ''Sharanaagati''as Himself, showing that His ''Karuna'' has no limits!
While this story gives one meaning of ''Mallikaarjuna'', there are others as summarised below:
# When ''Subrahmanya'' stayed back at ''Kumaaragiri'' in ''Tripuraantaka kshetram'', ''UmaaDevi'' (''Parvati)'' and ''Shiva'' could not stay in ''Kailaasam'' without seeing their dear son, hence both came down to earth as a ''Jyotirlingam'' on ''ShriShailam'' centered in a ''Arjuna-Vruksham'' around which a ''Mallika'' creeper was there. Hence the ''ShriShaila Jyotirligam'' is called as ''Mallikaarjuna''. This ''Jyotirlingam'' can now be seen in ''ShriShailam'' by the name ''VruddhaMallikaarjuna''. ''UmaaDevi'' then performed ''Tapas'' for ''Parameshwara'' in ''UmaMaheshwaram'' and became ''Ardhanaareeshwari'', who is the one of the main ''ShaktiPeethams'' in ''ShriShailam''. Even today one can see ''Ardhanaareeshwari Devi''on the left of main ''Mallikaarjuna’s Garbhaalayam''.
# ''Shaastra''s described ''Shiva'' as one who is with ''Shuddha-Sattva Gunam'' and appears white like a ''Mallika''. Hence a ''siddha-naamam'' for Shiva in ''Shaastra''s is ''Mallikaarjuna''. Accordingly, there are many other ''Arjuna-kshetra''s too in our glorious India.
=== Indra and Other Devatas ===
Once there was a ''Raakshasa'' by name ''Arunaasura''. His ''tapasshakti'' was equal to that of ''Mahishaasura'', ''ShumbhaNishumbha'', ''MadhuKaitabha'', ''Chanda-Munda'', ''Bhandaasura'' all put together! Like weapons in hands of the wicked are dangerous, such enormous ''shakti'' with ''Arunaasura'' turned out to be devastating for all the 14 ''lokams''. ''Asuras'' from all corners of all the worlds, joined him and chose him as their leader.
Once the wicked get powerful, they show their power on everyone indiscriminately. Like how the barbaric ''Mughals'' and ''Portugese'' destroyed the magnificent and majestic Temples of India, ''Arunaasura'' destroyed the divine ''Nandana-Vanam'' of ''Indra'' (for no explicit reason!). Then ''Devendra'' and other ''devata''s fought with ''Arunaasura'' and his armies. However, at that point of time, the ''tapasshakti'' of ''Devata''s was lesser than that of the ''asura''s, and hence were defeated in the war.
All the ''Devatas'' then went to ''Vishnu'' for protection. ''Mahaavishnu'' then gave the following memorable ''upadesham'' to ''Devata''s (and indirectly to us): “Previously when ''Bhandaasura'' attacked You, My Sister (''Vaishnavi'') Lalita Devi gave You ''abhayam'', and slayed ''Bhandaasura''. Since then for a long time all of You enjoyed very favourable conditions. However, because everything was being favourable, there was a small slack in Your ''Devata-aaraadhana'' and ''Tapas''. You all ended up spending unnecessarily more time on ''bhogam'' than on ''Bhagavat-Yogam''. Hence severe ''Bhagavat-Upaasana'' is a must not only during difficulties, but also during favourable times.”.
''Devatas'' immediately followed ''Vishnu''‘s ''Upadesham'' and went to ''Pavitra Himavat Parvatam''s for doing ''Devi-Upaasana''. Some did ''anthar-yaagam'' by doing ''Shodhana'' of ''Shadchakram''s, while some others did ''Upaasana'' of ''Shri-Chakram''. Some did ''Mantra-Japam''s, some did ''Homam''s, while some performed ''Shodashopachaara-pooja''s, and some others did ''stotra-paaraayana''. Some listened to ''Punya-katha''s of ''Devi'' while some others listened to ''Vedanta-pravachanam''s. Like this, everyone did ''Upasaana'' of ''Devi'' in one or the other ways as prescribed by the ''Shaastras'', and as per their likings. Their ''Upaasana'' continued for many years, however they did not get ''Devi-Saakshaatkaaram''! Finally, they all cried for ''Devi'' with ''nishchala bhakti'', then ''Devi'' appeared first as a ''Mahaa-Naadam'', which slowly took form as ''Devi'' in ''Sowmya-roopam''.
She then gave ''abhayam'' to ''Devatas'' and slayed the army of ''Arunaasura'' taking ''Ugra-roopam''. Then there was a fierce battle between ''Arunaasura'' and ''Devi.'' Finally, ''Devi'' took the form of a ''Bhramaram'' making ''Mahaa-naadam'' and slayed ''Arunaasura''. ''Devata''s happily performed a ''Divya-stotram'' of ''BhramaraambaDevi,'' in ''Sowmya-roopam''.
''BhramaraambaDevi'' was deeply moved by the ''Stotram'' (and ''tapas'') of ''Devata''s and asked them for their wish. They all said that ''Devi'' had already given them ''abhayam,'' slayed the ''asura,'' and hence they did not wish for anything else. When ''BhramaraambaDevi'' insisted they all requested Her to stay back in this ''Divya-roopam'' and bless other ''bhakta''s. ''Devi'' was impressed with their self-less wish. “''Bhramara''“''amba'' then decided to stay with “''Mallika''“''arjuna'' at ''ShriShailam''as ''Bhramaraamba Shaktipeetham'' (along with ''Ardhanaareeshwari Shaktipeetham''and 10 crore other ''Shaktipeetham''s in ''ShriShailam'').
Since all ''mantra''s are made from ''Akshara''s, and all ''akshara''s are in-turn made from (''Bhramara'') ''Naadam'', ''Bhramaraamba'' is described in ''Shaastras'' as ''Sarva-mantratmika.'' Hence elders say that if one does any ''mantra japam''near ''Bhramaraamba Shaktipeetham,'' then the ''japa''–''phalitam'' will be multiplied several times. Also, ''Praana-Naadam'' (''Anaahatanaadam'') is what is inside us as ''praana-shakti''. Hence ''Bhramaraamba'' also refers to ''mukhya-praana-shakti''. Because of these two reasons, ''Bhramaraamba'' is same as ''Gaayatri Devi''. ''BhramaraambaDevi'' is also known as ''ShrungagraahikaaDevi'', as She chose this ''divya-shrungam'' to stay back.
=== Karavira ===
Once upon a time there was an ''asura'' by name ''Karaveera''. Though he was born as an ''asura'', he was a great ''Shiva Bhakta''. With ''Yama-niyama''s, he controlled his natural ''asura''–''guna''s and performed ''sattvika tapas'' for ''Parameshwara'' at the ''ShriShaila-Shikharam''. As a result of his ''nishchala-tapas'', ''Karaveera'' had ''divya-saakshaatkaaram'' of ''Parameshwara'' and attained ''Shivaikyam''. The ''lingam'' worshipped by this great ''bhakta'' is known as ''Karaveereshwara''. Even today one can have ''darshanam'' of this ''divya-lingam'' in ''Shikhareshwaram'' at ''ShriShailam'' (now people call it ''ShikhareshwaraLingam'').
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# ''ShriShailam'' is also referred to as “''Krouncha'' ''parvatam''” and “''Mandara'' ''paravatam''” in ''Shaastras''.
# ''ShriShailam'' is 30 ''yojana''s wide, 30 ''yojana''s long and 1 ''yojana'' high. Has five main ''shikharam''s, and totally eight ''Shikharam''s:
## Main ''ShriShaila Suvarna Shrungam:'' decorated with ''Markata Mani''s, ''Kalpa Vruksham''s. Here ''Shiva'' stays with His ''parivaaram''. Many ''teertha''s flow in this Kshetram. Main 24 are ''Aananda, Nandini, Shukla, Gomati, Keerthi, Mangala, Bhadra, Vipula, Ramya, Vichitra, Jaahnavi, Taamra, Aaruni, ChaaruGhosha, Bhaarati, Vijaya, Jaya, Jyotis, Archis, Pruthuvu, Vaktra, Shuddha, Kshemotsava, Nitya.''
## ''Ahobalam'': decorated with ''Marakata Mani''s. Here ''Narasimha Swamy'' stays with His ''Parivaaram'' and worships ''Shiva''. Here three teerthas flow: ''Bhadra, Vipula, Ramya.''
## ''Brahmeshwaram'': Decorated with ''Indra-neela Mani''s. Here ''BrahmaDeva'' stays with His ''parivaaram'' and worships ''Shiva''. Here three teerthas flow: ''Vichitra, Jaahnavi, Taamra.''
## ''SkandaSomeshwaram'': Decorated with various ''Ratna''s. Here ''Subrahmanya Swamy'' stays with His parents and ''Parivaaram'' and worships ''Shiva''. Here three teerthas flow: ''Aaruni, ChaaruGhosha, Bhaarati.''
## ''Tripurantakam'': Decorated with ''Vaidhuryam''s. Here ''Ashta Vasu''s stay with ''Parivaaram''s and worships ''Shiva''. Here three teerthas flow: ''Vijaya, Jaya, Jyotis.''
### ''Nandeeshwaram'': Decorated with ''Gairika aadi dhaatu''s. Here ''Nandi'' ''aadi. Pramatha Gana''s stay and worship ''Shiva''. Here three teerthas flow: ''Pruthuvu, Vaktra, Shuddha, Kshemotsava.''
## ''Maheshwaram:'' Decorated various ''Mani''s. Here ''PaarvatiDevi'' worships ''Shiva''. Here one teertham flows: ''Nitya.''
## ''Pushpagiri'': Decorated with ''Pravaalam''s. Here ''Urvashi'' and other ''Apsara''s stay and worship ''Shiva''. Here three ''teertha''s flow: ''Utsava, Kshema, Shlukla.''
# There are five main ways in which one Has to worship ''Mallikarjuna Jyotirlingam''. One has to do all of them to get ''poorna-anugraham'':
## ''Namaskaaram''
## ''Praarthana''
## ''Darshana''
## ''Sparshana''
## ''Bhaavana''
# If one does ''darshanam'' after three ''Pradakshina''s to ''ShriGiri'', then he will get ''Shuddha Chittam'' and ''Shiva'' ''Gnyaanam''.
# Once if ''Archana'' of ''Mallikaarjuna'' is done with ''Trikarana-Shuddhi'', then he gets same ''punyam'' as doing huge ''daanam'' in ''Kurukshetra'', Ganga-snaanam 2000 times, Long Tapas in Narmada-teeram, Long stay in Vaaranaasi, together.
# If one does ''keertana'' or ''stotram'' for ''Mallikaarjuna'', then he and his entire ''parivaaram'' will reach ''Shiva''.