Who is Lord Shiva?

Lord Shiva is known as the god who lived in the Himalayas. Parvati was his wife and Ganesh and Kartik were his sons. There are stories in the scriptures that talk about Lord Shiva as being very docile and innocent and hence the name ‘Bhole Nath’. He is also known as ‘Neelkanth’, – the blue-throated, because he drank all the poisons that were offered to him.
In reality Shiva is anyone whose ego has completely vanished and has become a source of blessing to all others. Salvation awaits such a one.

What is the true meaning of ‘Neelkanth’?

‘Neelkantha’ means anyone who swallows the poisons (insults and abuses) the world throws at him, with equanimity and not only that, but he blesses everyone including his opponents and oppressors; hence one becomes Shiva. 

The ultimate transition from ‘Om Namah Shivay’ to ‘Shivoham, Shivoham’

This is how you become Mahadev

Whenever I go to all the temples of Lord Mahadev (Shiva), I sing. Whenever a busload of us, go to visit Lord Shiva’s temple, we stop, do His darshan, and sing. Do you know what we sing?
Questioner: “Trishul chhataye jagat zera pinaro Shankar pan hunja ane nilkantha hunja chhu.”. Despite possessing three-pronged weapon (of the mind, speech, and body) I ingest the world’s poison. I am Shankar and I am also Nilkant).
Dadashri: I go to visit Ranchodji’s temple in Dakor and the whole village does my darshan when they take me around because Ranchodji, himself has come to their village. He comes sometimes and so people like it. That is when I say, “Shri Ranchodrainu radayakamad hunja chhu.” (I am the very heart of Ranchodrai – i.e. Lord Krishna)
Dadashri: Do you want to become Mahadevji or not?
Questioner: Yes we do.
Dadashri: Then I will show you how. It is easy. There is no problem. Make a decision that from today onwards, if people at home or elsewhere say you are worthless, you will drink that ‘poison’ and you will bless them at the same time. If your father or your friends criticize you, just swallow what they tell you and bless them. Will you drink that poison? You get angry, don’t you? I have been drinking it all my life and that is how I became Mahadevji. I have not acquired this status by any ordinary means. Will you be able to drink that poison? One will have to drink the poison even when he becomes weary and tired, will he not? The whole world is doing so. You have to drink it willingly and obligingly. You won’t stop drinking the glasses of such poison will you? Why don’t you drink it?

In the ignorant state (i.e. without Self-Realization), one considers oneself separate from Shiva and recites ‘Om Namah Shivay’ (I bow to Shiva), but after Self-Realization, one comes into a constant awareness of being the Soul, which is separate from the body. So instead of bowing to Lord Shiva, he experiences the state of, ‘Shivoham, Shivoham’ meaning, “I am Shiva, I am Shiva.” I am the Soul and not the body. There remains no distinction between Shiva and myself.  Shiva is my true Self and when I realize this, I become Shiva.

So if you remain in this awareness of the separation of body and Soul, then only are you truly realized to Lord Shiva.  This means your state is that of ‘Shivoham…Shivoham.’

Gyani Purush Pujya Dadashri became fully enlightened in June 1958.  He used to bestow upon others the state of Self-Realization in just two hours. Pujya Niruma (Dr. Niruben B. Amin) attained Self-Realization from Dada in 1968 and after Dada’s demise in 1988 she continued his work until her own death early this year. At the present time, it is Pujya Deepakbhai Desai- whom Dada also blessed with the same powers to impart to all seekers the state of Self-Realization- who is continuing the work of the Gnani Purush.

You too can attain the state of Self-Realization that will lead you to your ultimate salvation. All you need to do is meet with the one who has attained that state and has been graced with the power to bestow it upon others.