What is poison and nectar in our life? – Shravan Month Sandesh – Article 1

Let us start Shravan month with a Sandesh by Pujya Bhaishri whereby he explains the meaning of the poison Lord Shiv drinks as well as what nectar truly means in life. Pujya Bhaishri further sings the glory of Lord Shiv and his large-heartedness.

Mahadev is the conqueror of death.

Oṃ tryaṃbakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭivardhanam
urvārukamiva bandhanān mṛtyor mukṣīya mā’mṛtāt

Meaning, we worship the three-eyed Absolute Reality that permeates and nourishes all like a fragrance. May we be bestowed with liberation from death, just like the cucumber is severed from its bondage to the creeper.

When we mature spiritually, we are liberated from the cycle of life and death. Let us pray, “O Mahadev! liberate us from the cycle of life and death. Unite us with nectar.”

He is the God of Gods. When it comes to drinking poison, He will drink it Himself, provide us with nectar and say, “go enjoy my children”. He is so graceful.

When we take refuge in Lord Shiv, He will protect us from the poisons of this world and bestow us with nectar. For this to come to fruition, we must have faith in him with total surrender and our minds engrossed in him.

The definition of this nectar changes according to one’s calibre. For some it is a child’s marriage, good in-laws for their daughter, good health, peace or happy family. Slowly with the worship of Lord Shiv, the name of Lord Shiv becomes nectar to one. Then one develops love for Katha and satsang. This is gained through Mahadev’s grace. As we listen to Katha, we develop devotion for Him. This is nectar. Finally, one gains the nectar of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Mahadev and Maa Parvati (the parents of this world) cannot see their children in sorrow. After giving, He forgets. He is so large-hearted; he will not feel bad if you forget him. He will always ask when you go to Him, “What can I do for you?”

Tulsidasji in his Vinay Patrika write a divine prayer on Lord Shiv. Watch this video as a continuation of this article in which Pujya Bhaishri explains further. This is followed by the divine Rudrāṣtakam sung by Pujya Bhaishri.

Remember, when we offer water on the Shiv linga, that water is symbolic of him taking away our sorrows in the form of poison from us. In return, He blesses us with nectar.