Cosmic Energy on tap

My friend Anil has posted this quote in Facebook

“Kaasyanatu Maranaanmuktihi Smarana DarunachaleDarsana Deva Sri Saile Punarjanma Na Vidyate”


and has prompted me to write this. The gist of the verse above is that one will attain salvation, either by facing death in Varanasi (Kasi), chanting the name of God in Arunachalam ( Thiruvannamalai) or by simply visiting the Srisailam.

Such is the power of the temple in Srisailam, the famous temple of Mallikarunaswamy in Kurnool Dist of Andrapradesh.. Let me try and give some scientific basis to this.  Srisailam is listed in the Siva Purana as one of the twelve Jyothirlingam temples (12  ज्योतिर्लिङ्ग). Jyothir lingam in Sanskrit essentially means Shiva (Lingam) in the form of light ( Jyothi). Lord Shiva has always been associated with Agni or fire. Again, this interpretation is only symbolic at the superficial level.

At a much deeper level, Lord Shiva represents the very life in this universe.  The term "Destroyer" is often alluded to him, and in a sort of misrepresented way. (Brahma- Creator; Vishnu - Protector; Shiva- Destroyer). At a philosophical level, one can take that Shiva is the destroyer of evil ( most common articulation). 

However,at a deeper level, Shiva can be construed as being responsible for a variety of things related to life:

1. the activity of the cosmos- as beautifully described by the Nataraja form.
2. determination of when life in it's current form will end and when new life is born.
3. Most importantly, keep the entropy of the super system called the universe intact. Those with a  little scientific initiation will appreciate this. Entropy never decreases and only continues to increase  and Shiva represents the very force behind this. 

More on points 1 and 3 above, which is of scientific import. the Law of Entropy ( and for that matter, the Second Law of thermodynamics) states that systems evolve toward states of increasing disorder.Imaging stirring a pile of chocolate chips into cookie dough. With enough stirring, the chips become dispersed. But if you try to reverse the stirring action, the chips do not gather at the centre. 

If we consider the Universe as a closed system, then according to the Law of entropy, the Entropy of the system cannot be reversed. Which has forced the likes of famous scientists like Stephen Hawking to concede that there may perhaps be God ( but cannot be proven in a lab!). 

This is also corroborated by the Big Bang Theory of the Universe ( "In the beginning, 13.7Billion years ago, there was nothing. And suddenly with one big bang, there was everything", or something to that effect). I do not want to delve into this aspect, but the point here is, this is an irreversible process of constant "motion" ( or "dance" as Shiva's Natarja concept shows). Shiva is believed to be the one who controls this "orderly disorder" ( pardon the oxymoron here) - a method in the madness, as it were.

But this also brings another interesting aspect. While Entropy bring disorder, it also is a measure of usable energy. Scientists will confirm that the more the entropy, the more the percentage of usable energy in a closed system. Extend this concept to a philosophical plane, and it is apparent that Shiva focuses on the energy, and more pertinently the usable energy that Life has, at it's disposal. So, in my opinion, Shiva holds a lot more significance, in terms of LIFE than mere destruction, as He is often misconstrued.


Back to Srisailam. The name Sri Sailam crudely translates to " Heavenly mountain". Sailaha सैल: in Sanskrit literally means  a mount or a hillock. The interesting fact here is - along with Arunachalam ( Thiruvannamalai), this temple also is situated in a special hillock. I call it special because Siddhas have resided here ( as also in Thiruvannamalai), to practice Siddha Yoga, tap the cosmic power available in these mountains. It is to be noted that cosmic power has been found to be tapped in only certain hillocks and mountains, and not all mountains. The World religions are full of proof of this. The first Revelation for prophet Mohammed is believed to have come in Mount Hira. Mount Sinai holds religious significance for the Hebrews and Christians alike. The prophets and saints of almost all religions universally have long recognized the fact the cosmic energy can be tapped more effectively from certain hill tops ( recollect many rishis doing penance in the Himalayas for the same reason).

An interesting snippet here. the Siddhas who live(d) here had perfected the science of Rasavadam (  रसवादं) . This is essentially alchemy - the science of converting Mercury (Rasam) into various other metals, including gold. It is fascinating that the world's oldest form of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry has been detailed in the Vedas, especially the Atharva Veda. To me, this strongly proves that there is cosmic energy available on tap, in these holy hillocks ( like Palani, Thiruvannamalai, Tirupathi, Srisailam, Himalayas etc.) 

By the way, the famous 12th century Kannada/ Telugu Philosopher Akka Mahadevi lived here, did penance in the hills in the vicinity to attain the cosmic energy.

Now if this is not enough, here comes the clincher. A very Classic example of how we totally misunderstand Hinduism as a religion.

One of the  most appealing features of Srisailam temple is that anyone of any cast and creed, can touch the deity and worship here, a custom not found anywhere in Andhra Pradesh. Even today , you can watch people of all races, caste and creed doing their own pujas at the temple, an act usually reserved for the priests. 

The common misinterpretation is that this is a socialistic temple, in the sense that everyone has "equal access" to God.  Put the Cosmology theory (concentrating cosmic energy in this temple precinct) in front,  and you will understand why the individual is encouraged to go right to the Lingam, and perform puja. This is the Hindu Agama Shashtra - the architectural science of building temples in the most appropriate locations, in order to get the maximum out of Cosmic energy available - at one of it's very best.


No reason other than to tap the cosmic energy at the individual level, something that all devotees aspire for, for their well being. That, to me, is the real meaning of "Jyothir Lingam" ( energy in cosmic light) and tells you clearly that when it comes to divinity, no one else comes in between you and God, in the true Hindu way of life.

The next time you visit Andhra Pradesh, do not forget to include SriSailam (Seshachalam) in your itinerary. Do visit with the consciousness that you are visiting a place where cosmic energy is available on tap. And yes, do not forget to perform yourself at the Garba Griham, along with your family.