Damaruka Shila Garbhagriha Puja-Garbha Kaagara Nivritti Marga

Devi Parvati evinced enthusiasm in learning from Maha Bhairava about the background of Daamaruka Ganeshwara, and how he turned into a shila or stone as also how the ‘Shilaasthala’ evolved itself as a Punya Kshetra. Shrunu vakshe Maheshani charitam Daamara sambhavam, Ena Karma vipaakena Shilibhuto Ganeshwarah/ Yacchutwaamuchyate janturvighna samsaghnai ranekashah/(Maha Bhairava narrated the episode as to how Vighna Nayaka turned into a Shila and why various obstacles faced by human beings could be removed into auspiciousness by the darshana and puja of Daamaruka Vighnesha) Paraanartana shilasya Dhurjateh Sandhyayordhyayoh, Shanmukham kreera maanasya Sandhya kaalo bhavat Priye/ (Devi Parvati! Parameshwara was totally involved in ‘Tandava Nritya’ even as Sandhya Kaala was round the corner and Shanmuhka Swami was playful with Parvati). At this juncture, Shiva concluded his nritya and got concerned as Sandhya Samaya was over and he would have to take up his nitya-naimitthika karyas. Parvati noticed that Maha Deva was disturbed since he might get late for his daily chores. Ayam Mahaa Ganodeva damarum guhya tishthat, Sandhyaaya vedanaatha cha chira kaalam Maheshwara/ (Devi Parvati remarked that already Shiva was mentally disturbed yet Ganeshwara had not stopped his Damaruka still!) On hearing this, Shiva feigned a mischievous joke as though to tickle Shanmukha too! But since Ganeshwara continued his damaruka, Shiva got highly irritated since Sandhya time was almost concluded and his daily chores were upset! Sandhyaa kaala punastatra vyayatya gaacchika pardhinah, Vimrushya sandhyaalopamsa Deva Devo bhavah swayam, Kruddhaah shashaapa Girije Maha damarukam ganam/ (Since Sandhyaa kaala was already over, Shiva got furious and declared to Devi Parvati that he was therefore giving a ‘shaap’or curse to Ganashwara) Yasmaannidraa vashenaapi Sandhyaa lopah krutasta yah, Mama tasmaacchiram tishthaa shileebhuto Ganaadhamam/ (My night slumber since converted now as ‘Aavesha’ or anger due to my schedule of Sandhyaa Karyas is exceeded, I curse this ‘Ganaadhama Damaruka’ or the so called Chief of Ganas alias damakuka as obsessed with the Play of damaru to be converted as a Stone forever!) Having thus given the Shaap as a punishment to Ganesha, who turned into a Shila at once, Maha Deva retreated to Tapasya for a long duration, yet bestowing a boon to humanity as follows: Yah kaschin maanavoLoke Ganam Daamarukam shreyet, Sa yaati Brahmano Lokamiti Satyam vadaamite/ Yah kaschidapi cheshaati Punya Garbhagamham shrayet, Garbhasta muchyte janturiti Satyana te shape/ (In this world, if anybody reaches the Damaruka Ashrama, that person would doubtless attain Brahma Loka and this indeed is a Truth! Devi Ishaani! Whosoever could enter the ‘Sanctum Sanctorum’ or the Garbha Griha of the ‘Damaruka Ashrama’ would achieve ‘Garbha Mukti’or the riddance of rebirth! This is a ‘Satya vachana’ or an essential Truth again too.). Those, who come out of Garbha Dwaara of the Temple, would attain Shiva Loka and have no rebirth. Yah Kaschadapi cheshaani Brhunahaa Guru talpagah, Maatruhaa Pitruhaa chaapi Suraapo bhraatruhaapicha, Sayaati Paramam divyam padam Sadaa Shivam Priye/ (Anybody who might have committed Pataakas like Bhru-Bhatru-Matru-Pitru-Guru hatyaas or Madya Paanas too would then be pardoned out right and become eligible for Shiva Loka Praapti) Mahaa Paapavanam chhetum prasabhimicchase Priye, Tadaashrayasya Devesha garbhaagaara vinisrutaa/ ( If one has an intense desire and conviction to extricate from Maha Paatakas, Upa Patakas, and the worst kind of sins, one should exit the Garbha dwaara of the Damaruka Sthaana and perform the most severe and sincere worship to Parameshwara!)

Sri V.D.N.Rao and Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham

Kamakoti.org presents the Essence of Puranas in English, condensed by Sri. V.D.N.Rao, devotee of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. Compiled, Composed and Interpreted by V.D.N.Rao, Former General Manager, India Trade Promotion Organisation, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India The author can be contacted at [email protected]