erik
« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2007, 03:20:44 PM »
Sri Yama is responsible for a very important function in a soul's evolutionary path, that of separating it from the body when it has lived out its allotted time in that body. The severity of this process depends upon the soul's karma baggage. For spiritual adepts and devotees, Sri Yama arranges a spiritual celebration and conducts these great souls personally to their respective destinations in advanced spiritual realms. For sinners, this process is neccesarily painful in keeping with their bad karma. Sri Yama sends His representatives who pluck the soul from the body causing it much suffering. They replay the doings of the soul like a highlights (lowlights?) film thus making the soul realize its life's work in a nutshell. The soul evaluates its mistakes and wasted opportunities and is struck with remorse. This process is quite painful and it must be undergone by all of us who don't lead spiritual lives.
Markandeya, son of sage Mrikandu was predicted to live for only 16 years. As advised by his father, Markandeya worshipped Amritaghateswarar in Tirukkadaiyur, bringing the water from Ganges through an underground passage to the temple. The passage is in existence to this day, to a depth of a flight of 20 steps. On the destined day, Yama appeared with his noose, kala paasa. Markandeya sought refuge in the Lord and embraced the Shiva Lingam. The Lord warned Yama not to touch Markandeya as he was under His protection. Yama did not listen and threw the noose that bound Markandeya and the Lingam together. Angered by this act of rashness, the Lord kicked him with the left leg and held him under His left foot, making him inactive.
Images in the temple depict the Lord with a raised forefinger, warning Yama. The mark of the kala paasa is visible on the Lingam. With Yama being rendered inactive, there were no deaths on earth. As nature should have its way, the Kala-samhara-moorthi, the other name by which Amritaghateswarar is known - Lord Shiva brought Death to life. It is here that the significance of 'kicking with the left leg' is spoken about. Had He desired to quell Yama forever, He would have held him under His right leg - as in the case of Muyalaka. The very fact that He used His left leg points to the fact that He intended it as a punishment for an act of rashness and not otherwise.
« Last Edit: November 29, 2023, 02:25:02 AM by Juhani »
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