KSHETRA FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2013

                                                        

                                                           NANDIPURAVINNAGARAM

There is no difference between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Those who perceive differences and speak ill of the Lords only project their own jealousy. The devotees of Shiva who show prejudice against Vishnu and vice versa cannot please either of the Lords. Just as a man- takes duty as an officer in his office, as a father at home and as a pilgrim on a holy tour, the lord is one. He takes several roles, as a creator, sustainer and destuctor. As a creator He is known as Brahma. As one who protects the world He is called Vishnu and as the destructor He is known as Shiva. These are but roles of one and the same person. In order to show this to the world a divine sport took place at Kailasa.

                                         Lord Shiva was discussing Brahma Vichara with the rishis at Kailasa. They started discussing the origin of the world and the person who was the sole reason behind the world. Just then Veda Vyasa entered the sadas.

   He lifted both his hands and proclaimed “ I can tell with authority that the Vedas are the most authentic shastras and Lord Vishnu is the greatest of the Gods.” “ Narayana is Parabrahma.” Nandikeswara was angered by these words. He felt it was an insult to Lord Shiva. He hence paralysed the hands of Veda Vyasa. Shiva was inturn angered by the actions of Nandi. He said “ Everyone knows that Nrayana is Parabrahma and I also accept this statement. You have committed a sin by unnecessarilily paralysing Vyasa’s hands. This only reflects your jealousy towards him. May you get out of Kailasa”. Vyasa pleaded with Shiva “ nandi is your true devotee. Out of staunch devotion he has committed the same. He is Dharmaswarupa. Lord Vishnu resides in your heart and Syou reside in Vishnu’s heart. Those who do not know the essence of the shastras do not know this too. I beg you to forgive him and take him again to ypour feet.” Lord Shiva said “ Nandi, Go to Bhooloka, worship Lord Vishnu there and get relieved of your sin.  You may then continue your service at Kailasa. Those who perceive differences between me and Vishnu are indeed traitors.

                       Thus nandi came to a place near Kumbakona and cleansed himself of his sin by worshipping SriNatha at the banks of river Manimuktha. Hence this place came to be called Nandipuravinnagaram.