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Maheshasthala
Maheshvara Sthala (The phase of ordeals and temptations): The next step onwards is the Maheshvara Sthala. The devotee who seeks perfection goes from devotion to firm faith in God and hence becomes a Maheshvara. Faith is nothing but a constant love for God; one loves God to the extent of firmly believing in Him and placing his entire trust in Him. He receives and accepts everything whole heatedly, whether it is sweet or bitter taste of life, as a gift from the God. The faith of a Maheshvara is enlightened through the spiritual-master, which is the image of God. Hence, devotee listens to the words of spiritual-master as if they are the words of God. The master therefore becomes Gurulinga.
Maheshasthala involves the actual practice of the above concept, which enables to lose the desire for material wealth, not coveting and not longing for unrighteous sensual pleasures. The belief in Shiva becomes an unflinching faith through the observance of Maheshasthala
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