“Shiva is Truth, Shiva is Beauty; indeed, there is none greater than Shiva.”
Some know him as Aghordhari, some as Nataraja. For some he is Mahadev, for others Mahakala—the timeless one. To many he is Ashutosh, the easily pleased, moved only by sincerity and pure intention.
One incident in my life became a turning point—a moment where Shiva’s grace unfolded before me with unmistakable clarity.
Every Monday, it is my sacred routine to perform abhishekam to Lord Shiva while chanting mantras. That week, however, a dilemma arose. Our college NSS camp—held only once a year—was scheduled for seven days, and attendance was mandatory. Missing it could affect my entire year and even my future eligibility for the C-Level certificate.
But in the middle of those seven days, a Monday was inevitable.
Should I honor the camp or my devotion to Mahadev?
My heart whispered, “Choose Shiva. Whatever He wills will be for your good.”
I decided that even if it cost me the camp, I would not give up my worship.
Just then, I learned that a student had been granted leave to attend a match. Encouraged, I explained my situation to the teacher. To my relief, she granted me permission too. The path opened effortlessly, as if Mahadev himself had arranged it.
That Monday, I returned home and began my abhishekam. A cow quietly approached during the puja—an auspicious sign—yet my mind was restless, slipping back into thoughts of the camp. I feared that perhaps Shiva was displeased by my wandering focus.
With folded hands and a trembling heart, I prayed:
“O Lord Shiva, forgive me. My mind is unsteady today. If you have accepted my prayer, may the flame of this lamp suddenly brighten so I may know your grace.”
I stared at the lamp. Within moments, the flame grew brighter—then formed the shape of a damru. Looking closer, I saw a trishul-like outline and a circular symbol beneath it. Unsure whether it was illusion or vision, I rubbed my eyes. The shapes remained.
At that very moment, my brother began playing a drum, and instantly one pearl-studded end broke off. My heart trembled. I prayed again, asking Shiva for one more sign. Instantly, the other end of the drum broke too.
In that moment, all doubt dissolved. A deep, unwavering faith filled me—Mahadev had heard me. He had forgiven me. He had accepted my devotion.
This was no ordinary incident. It became a sacred memory, a living proof that Shiva responds to sincere emotion. He is not just worshipped in stone; He breathes through compassion, forgiveness, and the quiet signs He sends to His devotees.
Shiva is Truth.
Shiva is Beauty.
And when the heart is pure, Mahadev always answers.
(The writer of this article is Bhagyashri)