SRI PURI DHAM MAHATMYA-MUKTA-MALA

(8) Mahaprabhu’s Journey to Puri:
Bhuvaneshwar Sri Lingaraj

In ancient times, Sivji Maharaj, who used to live in the holy abode of Kashi, told the great sage Narada, ‘I do not want to stay here anymore. Even proper religion will not stay here because everybody has become unreligious and wicked! I cannot practise my austere vows here anymore. But where shall I stay?’ Then, following Narada Muni’s guidance, Sivji Maharaj came together with Parvati Devi to Kailash.

In the meantime, after Lord Siva left Kashi, human kings started to enjoy in Kashi without restrain. Among them there was a king called Kashiraj. His wickedness gradually increased more and more, and as the result he became determined to defeat Lord Krishna, so he started performing severe austerities to worship Lord Siva. Siva Thakur’s name is Ashotosh (it means that it is easy to please him), so, satisfied with the austerities of the king, Lord Siva came to him and asked him what he wanted. The king said that he wanted to defeat Krishna, and Siva promised to help him with his pashupat weapon.

Krishna is the Lord of Lords, He knows everything. He summoned His Sudarshan chakra and beheaded the king with it. All residents of Varanasi shivered out of fear and prayed to Lord Krishna. When Lord Siva saw Sudarshan chakra, he became very scared too and surrendered at the holy feet of Lord Krishna, asking Him to forgive his offence. To teach everybody, Lord Krishna forgave the offence of His dear eternal servitor Siva.

After that, Sivji Maharaj very meekly asked Lord Krishna, ‘O Lord, where shall I go now? Where shall I live?’

‘Go to the forest Ekamraka, you can live there,’ merciful Lord Krishna replied.

This Ekamraka forest is called ‘Gupta Kashi’ (‘Hidden Kashi’) or ‘Bhuvaneshwar’. Supreme Lord Krishna Himself said, ‘I have given you a place to the north of My town Puri. This charming place grants all wishes and liberation. Live there; you will be renowned as “Sri Bhuvaneshwar” (the Master of the Earth)’ (Sri Chaitanya-bhagavata, 3.2.378–379) and, ‘Listen, Siva, you are non-different from My own body. That which is dear to you is even dearer to Me. I am present wherever you are – it cannot be otherwise. I have given you a place at every holy place, so you are the protector and the caretaker of all My places – I have bestowed this right on you. You must stay at this Ekamraka forest that I have given you in your fully manifest form. This is My very favourite place, so please Me by staying here all the time’ (Sri Chaitanya-bhagavata, 3.2.389–393).

Jay Sri Bhuvaneshwar Lingaraj ki jay.

Sri Bhuvaneshwar Lingaraj's temple.

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