Prasadisthala

Prasadisthala

Prasada is the seventh shield of Ashtavarna, which means grace of God or grace of superior being. In most religions, the Prasada has taken to mean the favor or grace of God shown to the devotee. However, in Veerashaiva religion it is more than this - it is the Prasada in a real sense that leads to the peace of mind by the grace of God. Impure mind is the root of all evils. If the mind is kept clean through the Prasada, all evils will disappear. Hence, real Prasada means keeping mind clean and calm. The purity and equanimity of the mind are responsible for bringing purity and freedom to the soul, as the mind is the vehicle and organ of the soul. The Anga in the third stage of development as a devotee becomes Prasadi by attainment of Prasada.

To obtain the grace of God, the devotee has to think that whatever he/she does, like eating, seeing, hearing, and enjoying, are owing to the God. Therefore, whatever he/she does is God's Prasada. He/she should address all that he/she does to God before taking or doing the same for himself/herself. When the mind is tainted, by doing this it gradually develops the sense of purity and calmness leading towards a gradual liberation of the soul from Karmasanskara and attaining freedom from further transmigration in stepping towards the final bliss.

This entire quest is possible during the Linga Pooja. However, the practical component of Prasada is that of Guru and Jangama, whose Prasada the Bhakta (devotee) receives. Trough such a practice the Bhakta learns the secret of Prasada and the proper method of addressing God. Thus, the Prasada of Guru, Linga, and Jangama is an exercise of critical importance in the spiritual development.

Prasadi Sthala (The recognition of Lord's presence in all aspects of life, including the senses of devotee): In this Sthala, everything becomes God's gift to him. The soul, which loves God with invincible faith, becomes God's favored child. In turn, God pours onto him/her everlasting grace that becomes a vehicle for devotee to understand God. This knowledge, as a result of worship of God, becomes Shivalinga. Devotee now understands all things as God's and grows humility towards Him. This is the hallmark of the spiritual person. Now the devotee has taken a new turn towards a greater spirituality leading to the stage known as Prasadi.

Prasaadisthala states that all things in this world are gifts of Shiva and whatever human receives as God’s gifts must be returned to him through the intermediacy of the Jangama , who represents Shiva. Since the seeker offers back the gifts from Shiva, this is considered to be the Prasaadisthala.