Lord Shiva: Why Is He Called Tripurari?

Lord Shiva is the Supreme Hindu God who has different names. As Tripurari is a well-known name, many may not be aware of its importance. Are you curious to know why Lord Shiva is called Tripurari? Let us dive deep into the details to understand the entire story.

Triputanka Shiva/Tripurari Meaning

In Hindu Mythology, Tripurari is the name of Lord Shiva, a.k.a. Lord Triputanka Shiva. This name means the enemy of Tripura, Mahadev. This also means the one who destroyed three flying cities. 

Tripurasura was a demon and Lord Shiva’s enemy. Lord Shiva destroyed his three cities and killed Tripurasura. According to Hindu society, this name impacts a person’s personality.

The Legend Behind Tripurari

According to Hindu Mythology, the three evil demons, Vidyunmali, Tarakasha, and Kamalaksha, were the demon children who worshipped Lord Brahma to receive boons. They worshipped him with all their hearts, which pleased the Lord.

As Lord Brahma gifted demons three flying immortal cities, Tripurasura got the blessing of immortality. The people who resided in them had the power of immortality. Unfortunately, a negative aspect was related to those cities. 

Why did Lord Tripurari Mahadev Kill Tripurasur?

Lord Brahma said, If anybody could hit the cities with his arrow, the power and the demons in those would vanish. The sages became sacred as the demons continued to harm the people through their evil practices, for which Lord Shiva was offered prayers.

Lord Tripurari Mahadev Mahadeva killed the demons and the cities with his bow and arrow by listening to their prayers. This is why Lord Shiva is called Tripurari.

Also Read: The Ultimate Power & The God Of Gods: Lord Shiva

Tripurari Festival And Celebrations

There are many festivals and celebrations of Lord Tripurari, which devotees worship worldwide.
Some known festivals of this day are the Bhai Dooj, Hanuman Jayanti, Govardhan Puja, Dev Diwali, Tulsi Marriage, and Bhishma Panchak. The Jains consider this month holy and visit pilgrimage centres. The Odia people celebrate the festival as Boita Bandana. 

Tripurari Purnima: Importance and Beliefs

After Shiva killed the Asuras, Lord Vishnu named him Tripurari, which occurred on Kartik Purnima, a.k.a. Tripurari Purnima. People celebrate Dev Diwali in this month. On this beautiful day, people light lamps to bring salvation to their ancestors and perform other festival rituals.

Did you know that Lord Shiva took the form of a Matsya (fish) on this great day? Devotees from all over the world bathe in Ganga, especially in Varanasi, to receive Mahadev’s blessings, which is why Lord Shiva is called Tripurari.

Other Festivals Celebrated in Tripurari Purnima

1. Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj is a lovely festival celebrated by Hindus worldwide in the month of Kartik. We celebrate this festival with our siblings and share presents. Rituals follow this festival, and sisters fast and pray for a longer and healthier life for their brothers.

2. Govardhan Puja

The Vraj devotees celebrate this puja in the month of Kartik and offer food like rice, curries, and vegetables to Lord Krishna. The story behind this festival is about Lord Krishna, who saved the villagers by lifting the mountain from Indradev (the God of Rain).

3. Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated twice a year, in the Chaitra and Kartik months and in Chaturdashi during the Kartik month. Devotees offer worship for Lord Hanuman’s selfless duties, loyalty, and courage. They recite hymns and perform rituals to him.

4. Tulsi Marriage

According to Hindu Mythology, Tulsi is said to be the incarnation of Mother Goddess Lakshmi, which is why Lord Shiva is called Tripurari.

5. Bhishma Panchak

During this month, devotees fast for their children’s good health. And on the same day, we will also celebrate Vaikuntha Chaturdashi.

Tripurari Purnima: Puja Rituals

• In the early morning, devotees should take a holy bath.
• They should offer prayers to Lord Shankara and Vishnu.
• Chanting the mantras can reward them with the things they want. One should read religious books
• and texts.
• One can organise yagya or Hawan at their homes
• Devotees should offer Arghya to the moon.
• Lighting a lamp can bring good results.

Do’s and Don’ts on Tripurari Purnima

• People should not cut their hair or nails on this great day.
• One should donate clothes and food to poor people.
• One should not drink alcohol on this holy day.

Tripurari Purnima Among Different Cultures

• Jains celebrate this festival in Kartik month by visiting a pilgrimage centre called Palitana and enjoying a holy journey called the ‘Shri Shantrunjay Teerth Yatra’, done barefoot. After a journey covering 216 km, they reach the temple of Lord Adinath, where they offer worship.
  
  
• The Orissa people celebrate this festival as Boita Bandana by floating small boats made of Betel leaves. The Tamils celebrate Tripurari Purnimas as Karthika Deepam. On this day, they light lamps, make Kolams (floral patterns) and pray for their family’s health by keeping a fast.
  
  
• The people of Telangana celebrate this month as Karthika Maasa by lighting lamps, making rangolis, and bursting crackers. The Goans enjoy the festival by organising a boat festival this month, which ends at the end of the Diwali season. So, this is why Lord Shiva is called Tripurari.
  
  
• In Sikh culture, Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on the same day as Kartik Purnima. On this day, Sikhs wake up early to sing hymns and recite poems in Gurudwaras. After the prayers, they serve Langar. 

Also Read: What Are the Benefits Of Wearing a Rudraksha?

Important Lord Tripurari Mantras

Chanting these divine mantras can bring good results and positive energy to one’s life.

1. Tulsi Mantra

Mahaprasad janani sarv saubhagyavardhani,
Adhi vyadhi hara nityam tulsi tavm namustute.

महाप्रसाद जननी सर्व सौभाग्यवर्धिनी,
अधि व्याधि हरा नित्यं तुलसी त्वं नमोस्तुते।।

Meaning: This mantra expresses heartfelt prayers and gratitude to Tulsi Mata. By chanting it, one becomes pure from impurities, gains high concentration, and achieves things without trouble.

2. Vishnu Mantra

Shantakaaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanabham Suresham
Vishwadharam Gaganasadrisham Meghavarnam Shubhangam.
Lakshmikantam Kamalanayanam Yogibhirdhyanagamyam
Vande Vishnum Bhavabhayaharam Sarvlokaikanatham.

शान्ताकारम् भुजगशयनम् पद्मनाभम् सुरेशम्
विश्वाधारम् गगनसदृशम् मेघवर्णम् शुभाङ्गम्।
लक्ष्मीकान्तम् कमलनयनम् योगीभिर्ध्यानगम्यम्
वन्दे विष्णुम् भवभयहरम् सर्वलोकैकनाथम्॥

Meaning: This is a bow to Lord Vishnu, a protector of this universe and the Supreme Lord. He’s the husband of Goddess Lakshmi, and one can get him through meditations. He has two different forms: one is dark, and the other side is fair. He’s our protector from negative powers.

3. Shiva Mantra

Om Trayambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam
Urvarukamiv Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Mamritat ॥

ॐ त्रयंबकं यजामहे सुगंधिम पुष्टि-वर्धनम्
उर्वारुकमिव बंधनान मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥

Meaning: In this mantra of Mahadev, there is a line between the finite and the infinite, and one can gain wisdom and spiritual experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Also Read: What Is The Difference Between Shiva and Shankar?

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