[Advaita-l] Stories from the Shiva Purana - 5 (The Greatness of Rameswaram)

[S Jayanarayanan]

(Continued from the previous post. The location where Rama worshipped Shiva, before defeating Ravana:
https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/shiva-purana-english/d/doc226532.html
Section 4, Chapter 31)
 
 
Formerly, Vishnu, the favourite of the good, took his incarnation as Rama on the earth. Rama’s wife Sita, the daughter of Janaka,
was kidnapped by Ravana, the wielder of great Maya and taken to his abode in Lanka. Searching for her, Rama went to the city called
Kishkindha. Having alliance with Sugriva, for his benefit he killed Vali. After staying there for sometime, he held consultations with
Lakshmana, Sugriva and others eager to find her out. The prince Rama sent the monkeys, the chief of whom was Hanuman, to various
directions in order to find her out. On getting the crest-jewel of Sita and on knowing from the excellent monkey that she was in Lanka,
Rama rejoiced much. Accompanied by Hanuman, the chief of monkeys, Lakshmana, Sugriva and other monkey chiefs of great might and a
vast army of monkeys eighteen thousand billions in number, Rama reached the shores of the Southern salt ocean. Reaching there,
Rama the favourite of Shiva, stationed himself on the shore, being served by the monkeys and his brother Lakshmana.
 
Rama worshipped Shiva performing all the sixteen ancillary services like invocation etc. with devotion according to the rules obtaining.
After propitiating Him with obeisances, divine eulogies etc. strenuously, Rama joyously prayed to Shiva with great devotion.
 
Rama said, “O Lord Shiva, O Great Lord, always favourably disposed towards Your devotees, save me Your devotee, dejected in the mind
and seeking refuge in You. O Bhavatarana (One who takes devotees across the ocean of worldly existence), this ocean is very deep.
The Rakshasa Ravana is heroic and mighty. The army of monkeys is a very fickle instrument of war. How can my task be achieved,
resulting in pleasing acquisition? In that, O Lord of good rites, help must be rendered to me. O Lord, without Your help my purpose
is difficult to be achieved. Ravana is Your devotee. He is invincible in every respect to everyone. He is haughty due to the boons
granted by You. He is a great hero who has conquered the three worlds. O Shiva, I too am Your slave, in every respect subservient to You.
Considering this, You shall be partial to me.”
 
Eulogising in diverse ways and bowing to Shiva joyously, he requested for his victory in the imminent fight with Ravana. Delighted in
His heart at Rama's devotion, Lord Shiva said lovingly, “O great king, may you be victorious.”
 
Rama said, “O Shiva, if You are pleased, You shall stay here, O Lord, to sanctify the worlds and to render help to the people.”
 
Thus implored, Shiva took up the phallic image named Rameswaram. It is now famous on the surface of the world. It was by Shiva's favour
that Rama crossed the ocean soon, killed Ravana and other Rakshasas and regained his beloved. The Greatness of Rameswaram became wonderful
and unequalled in the world. It yields worldly pleasures and salvation and bestows all desires on the devotees always.
 
 
(To be Continued)