Tripundrarudrakshadrutiryesham Syat Svakulagta |
Taistuvipradibhiha Kapi Na Tyajya Sa Madashritauha ||46||
This Shloka really extols the greatness of Lord Swaminarayan, who accepted the two great Sampradais - Vaishnavism and Shaivism. He himself preached that both are of significance and equal. No one Sampradai should be slandered in any way. The Lord accepted the worship of Lord Shiva as a means to salvation. He taught the greatness of Lord Mahadev and himself often performed Poojan of Shiva-Linga. Therefore none should criticise Lord Shiva or the Shaiva Sampradai.
Shatanand explains that the Tripundra and Rudraksha are worn in order to receive the fruits of worship of Lord Shiva. Linga Purana explains, ‘The Tripundra on a forehead and the Rudraksha Mala should never be renounced. Those that do, loose their fruits of worship (Pooja) of Lord Mahadev.’ Shatanand Muni says, Vaishnavrajashrishankaralingatvacheti Bhavaha: ‘This is the sign of King of Vaishnavas - Lord Shankara.’ (In reference to the Tripundra and Rudraksha). Therefore to renounce these signs in effect causes the diminishment and insult of a Vaishnav Bhakta, which can never be tolerated by Lord Shree Hari. The Lord has often said that he can tolerate an insult to himself, but never an insult to his faithful devotee. The pains of his devotee are far greater than even his own pains and sufferings.
The Bhagwat accepts that Shiva is the best amongst Vaishnavas: Vaishnavanam Yatha Sambhuha. In Garuda Purana’s Second Adhyaya, Lord Shiva himself says to Lord Brahma:
Aham Dhyayami Tam Vishnum Parmatma Namischaram |
Sarvadam Sarvagam Sarvam Sarvaprani Hrudi Stitam ||
‘I meditate upon Lord Vishnu Paramatma. He is the all-giver (Sarvadam), the source of all (Sarvagam) and the in-dweller of all hearts.’
Bhasmodhmulitdehastu Jatarudrakshamaridtaha |
Vishnoraradhanartham Mae Vratmetat Pitamaha ||
‘O Grandfather! Marking the body with ash or dust, adorning a matted lock of hair (Jata) and Rudraksha are merely a ritual for worshipping Lord Vishnu.’ Shiva is therefore respected as the greatest of Vaishnavas - Vaishnavshreshtatva. To serve and worship Shiva is to serve and worship Vishnu. Shiva is one of only a few who fully understand Vaishnav Dharma and for such reason he is truly great. Yama Raja explains:
Swayambhurnarada Shambhuha Kumaraha Kapilo Manuha |
Prahlado Janako Bhishmo Balirvaiyaskirvayam ||
‘Brahma, Narad, Shankar, Sanakadik Rishis, Kapil, Manu, Prahlad, Janak, Bhishma, Baliraj, Sukdevji and Yamaraja understand Bhagwat Dharma. Such Dharma is reticent, pure and understood only through plight. By understanding this Dharma, one can attain Paramatma.’ Thus these are the twelve Bhagwad-Acharyas worthy of praise as they are a means to attaining God Supreme.
Rudraksha and Bhasma (ash) are a means of purifying oneself and are a great source of Punya. In the discussion between Shiva and Kartik Swami it is said, ‘Those who perform fruitful acts, wearing a Mala of twenty-seven Rudraksha receive endless more Punya.’
It is also possible to become one with Shiva - ‘Shankar-Rupa’: Bopadev explains, ‘Those who wear thirty-two Rudraksha around their neck, forty around the head, twelve around each arm, sisteen around each upper arm, one in the middle of each eye, one on the pigtail or ‘Chotli’ and one hundred and eight in their heart; are themselves Shivarupa.’
In this way the greatest of Lord Shree Shiva-Shankar is glorified and therefore by praising him and wearing the Rudraksha which has been worn for years is desirable. There seems to be a great boundary between Vaishnavas and Shaivites that needs to be broken. The two Sampradais are often thought of as totally distinct and even apposing. Lord Swaminarayan here however has made a move to bring these two great Sampradais together and has proved that the two are not distinct. Both have a place and both are to be equally respected.
A question arises – If Shiva is the greatest of Vaishnavas - then why is it necessary as Vaishnavas, to give praise to Shiva? Note the greatness of Shiva as a devotee: his Lord lives in a great palace of luxury therefore he chooses to live in a cemetery (Shmashaan); his Lord wears kingly dress therefore he chooses to wear tiger skin and ash; his Lord wears a necklace of gold so he chooses to wear a necklace of snakes. Thus he is truly a great devotee, indeed the best. He is forever performing penance of Lord Vishnu and as a result He should never be slandered but should always be praised by all for his dedication and greatness. The Lord further says: (on shlok 47)