My Shiva Journey

I have embarked on a profound journey with Shiva, spanning across numerous lifetimes. In my present existence, my deep connection with the Lord commenced at a tender age of three, during a pilgrimage to Varanasi, the sacred land of Ganga and the eternal abode of Mahadev, along with my parents. From that moment onwards, whenever I contemplated the divine, closing my eyes to envision the formless, attribute less Supreme Being, I found solace in the presence of Shiva.

Hinduism, a religion rich in its diversity, does not adhere to a monotheistic belief system. Instead, it recognizes the trinity of deities: Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the preserver; and Shiva, the destroyer. As a child, I grappled with the concept, questioning why there was a multitude of religions, each with their own perception of GOD. I wondered why every religion deemed their deity superior to others. Even within Hinduism, I found myself perplexed by the multitude of GODs and Goddesses, each with their own unique attributes and stories. These inquiries lingered within me, unresolved and begging for answers.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, I delved into various scriptures, books, and philosophical teachings, hoping to find the answers that eluded me. Yet, despite my dedicated pursuit, I could not find a definitive answer that satisfied my quest for understanding. Nevertheless, my yearning to truly know GOD remained steadfast and unwavering.

Embark on the sacred journey of purification to unravel the essence of Shiva, the embodiment of auspiciousness. As we shed the layers of impurities, we awaken the dormant potential within, paving the way for a profound connection with the eternal auspiciousness that Shiva embodies.

The perplexities and contradictions I encountered along my path did not deter me. Instead, they fuelled a deeper longing within my heart, spurring me to seek a profound connection with the divine. My journey continues, propelled by an unyielding curiosity and a desire to unravel the mysteries of GOD, to discover the essence that transcends the boundaries of religions and human perceptions. In this quest, I find solace in the eternal presence of Shiva, the embodiment of transformation and transcendence. While the answers may elude me for now, my unwavering determination to know Shiva remains resolute, guiding me along a path of spiritual exploration and self-discovery.

From the age of three, I found myself captivated by the formless presence of Shiva. As a child, I would gaze upon the calendar depiction of the Lord—Jatadhari, adorned with serpents, bearing the sacred Ganga. Though I did not comprehend the full meaning or significance of GOD, my heart recognized a force greater than the vast expanse of the universe itself. This profound love for Shiva grew within me, leading me to embrace daily worship of the Shivlinga, observing fasts, and engaging in devotional practices. At the age of 18, guided by an inexplicable calling, I embarked on a pilgrimage to the sacred Jyotirlingas, starting from Rameshwaram, even though I lacked a complete understanding of the significance of these revered places at the time.

Since that transformative journey, I have revisited all twelve Jyotirlingas numerous times, each visit deepening my connection with the divine. Finally, when I turned 40, I found myself drawn to the pinnacle of my spiritual quest—Kailash Mansarovar. The journey to this sacred abode was filled with mysticism, unveiling the profound nature of my Shiva-centric odyssey.

Through these awe-inspiring experiences, my journey with Shiva has transcended the boundaries of the known, delving into the realm of the mysterious and the mystical. It is a pilgrimage filled with wonder, where the veil between the mortal and the divine is lifted, and profound revelations unfold. In the embrace of Shiva’s divine presence, my heart continues to be enthralled by the enchanting mysteries of this journey. Each step taken, each prayer offered, and each moment of devotion experienced has deepened my connection to the eternal, formless essence of Shiva.

The journey towards Shiva is not confined to a single lifetime. It is not within our power to choose Shiva; rather, it is Shiva who selects us. When our soul is prepared to transcend and undergo a profound metamorphosis, that is when the divine call from Shiva resounds within us. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have embarked upon this sacred journey in this present existence, as well as throughout numerous past lifetimes. As time passed, I gradually recognized the eternal bond between myself and Lord Shiva. Each experience, whether joyful or painful, every trial endured, and mistakes/errors that I made, served as stepping stones on my path of progression towards the divine realm of Shiva.

Our enduring suffering persists because what we seek cannot be obtained from the material world, be it love or happiness. To the external world, including my own family, friends, and acquaintances who have known me throughout my life, I may have appeared as a person driven by ambition, and worldly pursuits, along with my fair share of imperfections, which I humbly accept. However, deep within, I carried an immense unhappiness from my early years. I perpetually yearned for love and happiness, not that I didn’t receive it from my family. Despite the support of my family, an underlying discontent persisted within me. It seemed as though my soul was in constant search for something that eluded its grasp. Over time, I came to realize that no accumulation of material comforts provided solace to my soul. Gradually, I comprehended that while my physical self found fleeting happiness in material indulgences, my soul remained deeply discontented. It yearned for a divine connection. It was only through the progression of my journey towards Supreme Shiva that my soul found solace and tranquillity.

In a world where even your closest loved ones, friends, and family may abandon you, there is solace in knowing that the Lord will never forsake you. It is through this realization that I discovered my true happiness, joy, bliss, peace, and comfort reside in Shiva alone. What He can bestow upon me, no one else can.