GURUDEV:
Salutations.
DISCIPLE:
Guru Dev, we have heard of Lord Shiva by the name "Shankar." But is "Bhimshankar" another name for Shiva? If so, where is He located, and what is the story behind it? If you could please explain.
GURUDEV:
There are twelve Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivlings, known as the Dwadash Jyotirlingas. They are located in various places across India.
DISCIPLE:
The twelve Jyotirlingas, right?
GURUDEV:
Well, this one is specifically famous as "Bhimshankar." It is located in Kamrup, Kamakhya, in Assam. People have immense respect for it. The history behind it is quite remarkable. You might know of Kumbhakarna, the younger brother of Ravana. Kumbhakarna married a Rakshasi (demoness) named Karkati. From the union of Kumbhakarna and Karkati, a son was born named Bhimasura.
DISCIPLE:
Bhimasura.
GURUDEV:
Yes, Bhimasura. He was incredibly destructive from birth. He engaged in all sorts of wicked acts, including killing humans. However, during his time, his father was killed by Lord Rama. When Bhimasura heard of this, he sought revenge. He eventually prayed to Lord Brahma.
GURUDEV:
Brahma was pleased with his penance and granted him a boon. Empowered by this boon, he first attacked the kingdom of Kamrup, Kamakhya. He conquered the king of Kamrup and seized everything—his elephants, horses, and wealth—leaving him with nothing.
GURUDEV:
In this state of distress, the King of Kamrup created a Parthiva Shivling (a Shiva lingam made of clay). He and his wife began to worship Lord Shiva together, narrating the atrocities of Bhimasura to the Lord. Eventually, Shiva was awakened. Upon hearing their plight, Shiva first used his Trishula (trident) to shatter all of Bhimasura's weapons so he could no longer fight. Then, Shiva attacked and killed Bhimasura and all his followers in that battle.
GURUDEV:
At that moment, the deities descended from the heavens. They addressed Him as "Mahadev" and said, "You are the auspicious one, the benefactor of all. Our request is that you remain here in Kamrup, Kamakhya, and be worshipped by the name Bhimshankar." Since he slew Bhimasura, the name became Bhimshankar. There is a temple there today where He resides.
DISCIPLE:
Does He fall within the twelve Jyotirlingas?
GURUDEV:
No, those are different. The twelve Jyotirlingas are Swayambhu—they emerged and receded on their own. They are found in twelve places across India. These are distinct from others. For example, Tarakeswar in Hooghly is not a Jyotirlinga. Many such prominent places exist that are not Jyotirlingas. Only those that emerged from the earth on their own are called Jyotirlingas. If someone manages to visit all twelve, they are considered extremely fortunate.
DISCIPLE:
Guru Dev, you mentioned the difference between the Swayambhu Jyotirlingas and established ones. Is there a difference in their power?
GURUDEV:
There is a difference in everything. The name "Jyotirlinga" comes from the fact that "Jyoti" (light) emanates from them. This doesn't happen with others. If someone visits all twelve, it is spiritually very significant.
GURUDEV:
Now, regarding the one in Kamakhya, it is a Parthiva (established) Shivling. It was established for worship, and Lord Shiva responded to those prayers to defeat Bhimasura. As I said, because He slew Bhimasura, He is called Bhimshankar.
DISCIPLE:
I see. Guru Dev, could you tell us something about Lord Shiva’s influence on your own life?
GURUDEV:
Look, without worshipping Shiva, nothing can be accomplished. I always establish Shiva before any worship. Even when I performed the Mahamrityunjaya Yagna, I established Shiva first. Wherever I have sat for Sadhana (spiritual practice), I have always kept a large Shivling with me. Shiva must be pleased first; if He is not satisfied, no one else will be. If Shiva is pleased, everyone is pleased.
GURUDEV:
People often try to gain power by pleasing Lord Brahma, but that power doesn't last long because they often misuse it. Ravana did the same. When Ravana performed penance to please Brahma, he stood on one leg on a mountain. When Brahma didn't appear, Ravana began cutting off his heads. By the time he had cut off nearly ten heads, Lord Vishnu (Narayan) and Mahadev told Brahma, "Go and grant him a boon, otherwise, the world will be filled with severed heads!"
GURUDEV:
Brahma appeared and asked, "What do you want?" Ravana replied, "I want immortality." Brahma said, "You cannot have immortality. Ask for anything else—all the wealth in the world—but not that." Ravana refused to budge. Finally, Brahma asked, "From whom do you want protection?" Ravana listed gods, demons, spirits, ghosts, and celestial beings, asking that none of them be able to kill him. Brahma said, "So be it."
GURUDEV:
However, Ravana forgot to mention "humans" in his list. He thought, "I am a Rakshasa; I eat humans. Why would I fear them?" But Brahma had left that one loophole. That is why Lord Vishnu had to incarnate as a human, in the form of Rama, to kill Ravana.
DISCIPLE:
That is a beautiful story. Guru Dev, one small question: Why did you suddenly start the Mahamrityunjaya Yagna? Was there a specific reason?
GURUDEV:
I received a command from "above"—a divine instruction to perform the Mahamrityunjaya Yagna.
DISCIPLE:
Was this after you established the Lord Shiva here?
GURUDEV:
No, it was before that. The instruction was to perform the Yagna for three years, or a thousand days. I took the vow and completed it. Many people have done it, and I did it here for a thousand days.
DISCIPLE:
Friends, we had a short but wonderful discussion with Guru Dev, primarily about Bhimshankar.
GURUDEV:
Yes, He is called Bhimshankar because He killed Bhimasura. He stayed there at the request of the deities and is still worshipped there in his temple.
DISCIPLE:
As I was saying, our main topic was Bhimshankar, but we also touched upon a few other spiritual matters. I hope you enjoyed listening. Stay well and stay healthy. Salutations, Guru Dev.
GURUDEV:
Salutations.