The title Boothnath ascribed to Lord Shiva is highly interesting and is endowed with a deep meaning. The literal translation of the word means the Lord (Nath) of Bhooth (here booth could mean five elements, spirits or ganas). Here we discuss the different dimensions of this name.

The term Booth means the five elements that make up the universe namely ether, air, fire, water and earth. Lord Shiva is depicted in the form of Linga which is otherwise known as the Hiranya Garbh (Golden Womb) or the primordial matter from which the cosmos emerged during creation. Also, this is the destination that absorbs the entire created universe during dissolution. Therefore Linga can be understood as the source as well as destination – ‘Liyate’ or emanation and ‘Gamyate’ or mergence). Lord Shiva being the source and origin of all the five elements, He is called as Boothnath.

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The term Boothnath also can mean Lord Shiva as the Lord of spirits. Lord Shiva is the God of destruction. His favorite dwelling place is the crematory grounds. He wears garlands of skulls, smears his body with the ashes from the pyre and dances in ecstasy along with all the ghosts and spirits that live over there. Shivashtakam describes him as ‘Smashane Vasantam Manojam Dahantam’ meaning the resident of the cremation grounds and also the destroyer of the thoughts born out of the mind. He is the final point where everything culminates. Therefore he is beyond destruction and ever existing as the eternal witness to everything manifested and also un-manifested (Sarvatii Saakshi Bhootam). He is the deliverer of all the beings who confers Moksha to every created soul upon emancipation. Therefore the term Boothnath views Shiva as the supreme master of all souls (spirits).

There is also yet another interesting interpretation to the term Boothnath. Lord Shiva has a massive army also known as Ganas. Shiva Ganas comprise of different tropps namely bhootas, pramathis, naagas, raksha ganas, yakshas, guhyakas, pishacas, vinayakas, manushyas, devas, gandharvas, vidhyadharas, and siddhas. Since Lord Shiva is the master of such a versatile and massive army, he is called as Boothnath.

Here it is appropriate to recall the first verse from Shivashtakam with its meaning:

prabhum praana naatham, vibhum vishwanaatham

jagan naatha naatham, sadaananda bhaajam

bhavad bhavya bhooteshwaram bhoota naatham

shivam shankaram, shambhu mesha na meede

Meaning: I pray You, Siva, Sankara, Sambhu, You are the Lord, You are the Lord of our lives, You are Vibhu, You are the Lord of the world, You are the Lord of Vishnu (Jagannatha), You always dwell in happiness, You impart light or shine to everything, You are the Lord of living beings, Who is the Lord of ghosts, and Who is the Lord of everyone.

Therefore the term Boothnath has several shades of meanings. The most obvious meaning of the term ‘Booth’ is a ‘living entity’. So, the term Boothnath is ascribed to Lord Shiva since He is the Lord of all beings or lives. He is the Supreme Soul or Paramatma where all the Jivatmas merge after emancipation.

Bholenath is one of the most interesting names of Lord Shiva that means the innocent Lord (Bhole – innocent; Nath – Lord). Shiva is merciful and highly compassionate to his devotees. The easily pleased Lord blesses his devotees with bounteous boons often without even reflecting on the repercussions of the boons he gives. This is an obvious reason why ends up inviting troubles for himself after granting the boons his devotees asked. In granting boons and showering mercy, Shiva has no parallel and hence this name Bholenath applies to him in a highly fitting way. Here is an interesting story that shows how careless (unmindful or generous) Lord Shiva is in giving away the boons asked.

Once there was a demon named Gajasura who was a terror to the three worlds. He was named so since he had an elephant head. Once upon a time, Gajasura committed himself to a severe penance and Shiva appeared in front of him to grant the boons he wanted. Gajasura demanded that the Lord entered his stomach and resided there all the time. Without a second word, the Lord complied with the demon’s request and entered the stomach of Gajasura. All the worlds got confused not being able to find the Lord anywhere. The situation continued for some time.

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At Kailas, Mother Parvati (the consort of Lord Shiva) was getting worried on not knowing the whereabouts of the Lord. It was a huge surprise for everyone to miss the all-powerful Lord nowhere to be seen. Being helpless, Mother Parvati approached her brother Lord Vishnu and reported the matter. Lord Vishnu went in search of Lord Shiva and found out the entire story that had happened. He reported that Lord Shiva had entered the stomach of Gajasura and was residing there.

In order to bring out Lord Shiva, he assumed the form of a street player and left for the country where Gajasura ruled. The divine bull (Nandi and the captain of Shiva’s army) accompanied Lord Vishnu. Directed by Lord Vishnu in the disguise of the street player, Nandi performed several interesting dances. The whole of the city was enamored by such a thrilling dance by a bull they had never seen in their lives.

The matter reached the king Gajasura that there was a bull and the street player who were offering fantastic dance performances. Gajasura wanted to view the mysterious performance and therefore summoned the street player and his bull to the court. Lord Vishnu agreed to offer a special show for the king on a condition that the king gave him whatever he wanted at the end of the show. Gajasura gave the word and the performance started.

The mysterious dance by Nandi delighted the king beyond compare. He now asked what they wanted in return to the performance. Vishnu in the disguise of the street player demanded that he released Lord Shiva from his stomach. In order to keep his promise, Gajasura agreed to free Lord Shiva. The Lord tore open Gajasura’s stomach and came out. All the three returned to Kailas. Mother Parvati rejoiced getting her Lord back. In this way, often the most merciful Lord gets into trouble because of the vulnerability created by his innocence and therefore the name Bholenath very well applies to him.

The term Ashutosh means one who is easily pleased. Lord Shiva is called by this name since He is highly compassionate and merciful and does not discriminate between devas (gods), asuras (demons) and naras (humans) for granting the boons they ask for. There are several stories from mythology that highlight Shiva’s easily pleased nature.

Once the arrogant and proud Ravan, the demon ruler of Lanka and the villain in Ramayan was passing over the Hi9malayas in the sky. When he was about to cross over the Mount Kalias on which Shiva resides, Nandi Dev (the mighty bull god who is the guardian of Lord Shiva’s abodes) stopped him and said he cannot directly pass over the abode of Shiva and so he must only go around to move to the other side. Ravan’s ego could not digest being asked to take an alternative route. In all his arrogance, he insulted Nandi Dev and also said he can uproot the whole of the Himalayas with his mighty power.

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Ravan came down and put his hands below the Himalayan hills in an attempt the overthrow it. The entire region trembled as though it experienced strong tremors. Shiva in a playful way pressed his toe against the land below him and Ravan got trapped blow the mountain and wailed in agony unable to bear the weight pressing on him. A sage engaged in penance in that region advised Ravan to sing a song in praise of Lord Shiva which would please the Lord and win his grace. Ravan started plucking his own nerves to make a harp and started singing the glories of the Lord. The most merciful one at once got pacified and appeared in front of Ravan.

The Lord showered his mercy on Ravan and said he was highly pleased with Ravan’s song. Lord Shiva released Ravan from below the mountains and also granted a sword named Chandrahaas, which is unconquerable. However, Shiva also advised that if the sword was used for an unethical purpose, it would leave Ravan and reach Lord Shiva once again. Being forgiven and also granted a boon, Ravan praised the Lord for his mercy and moved forward with his voyage. In this story we see how Shiva is easily pleased to grant his boons to those who pray him.

If you remember the story of Ramayana, Ravan used this sword to kill the bird Jatayu who tried to stop Ravan when Ravan had abducted Mother Sita and carried with him. Since it was an unrighteous act for which he was not supposed to use the sword gifted by Shiva, the sword disappeared and reached Lord Shiva as per the caution made by Shiva earlier while gifting the sword to Ravan.

Now the point is, the story illustrates to point that Lord Shiva is highly merciful and granted bounteous boons even to Ravan who first intended to insult Lord Shiva. Therefore, the expression Ashutosh – the easily pleased one is a fitting title to describe Lord Shiva. There are hundreds of stories that highlight the merciful nature of Lord Shiva.

Introducing oneself is essential when meeting someone for the first time or in a public gathering. When you meet a Tamil speaking crowd, you can introduce you in this way.

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On some occasions, we might have to say we do not like a person. Here are the ways in which you can do it in Tamil.

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Different languages use expressions and words differently. When you say ‘just like that’ in Tamil, it will mean it can’t be anything different.

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Most greetings wish people to be happy. Smile is a beautiful gift of nature to men alone. Here are the ways to tell people to keep smiling.

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You might ask people not to speak either to achieve some silence around or to stop them from talking unnecessarily. Whatever be the purpose, here are the ways to do it.

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Most cultures wish people to have a good day as a matter of greeting or wishing them good luck. Here are a few ways of doing it in Tamil.

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You can wish people a great day while parting with them after a meeting in order to wish them a lucky day ahead. You can do it in Tamil in these ways.

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Love is a universal feeling. Different cultures say ‘I Love you’ in different ways. Here are how a Tamilian will say a girl “I love you”.

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You may need to call a person to come near you for some reason. Here are the different ways to ask someone to come near in Tamil.

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Appreciating the achievements or good work of someone is a good value and a popular etiquette. Here are a few ways in which you can appreciate someone in Tamil.

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Considered as the largest waterfall of India, Athirapally (Athirappilly) is a great tourist destination if you are visiting Kochi or Thrissur. It is around 80 Km from Kochi. We were staying at Kochi Caprice hotel from where we too an auto to reach Vytilla Hub. We were told that there were no direct buses–so, we took a state transport bus to Chalkudy and from there we took another bus to Athirapalli.

The KSRTC buses had a fair of 40/- INR while on our way back we took an AC bus and the fare was 90/- per person. From Chalkudy to Athripally falls, the fare is 25/- per person. The downside of traveling by bus is that after a long journey, they make you get down at the ticket counter which is located almost 1 Km from the actual entrance of the waterfalls. So, it gets very tiring before you even start the actual ascent and descent for the waterfall.

As you enter and reach the point where you actually start seeing the water, you will notice a lot of people taking bath in the river. However, the view is from the feet of the waterfall where you get occasional sprinkles of the water thrown on your face.

We visited the place in the month of March and we were told that there is not much water–during rains, it gets almost flooded and they don’t allow to get down at the feet of the waterfall (I am not sure about it though).

The overall journey to the falls is very tough and tiring–however, it is worthwhile because you won’t get he picturesque scenery anywhere else–the beauty of the place makes it worthwhile.

Cold drinks and ice-cream counters are available at the falls. Toilets are also available though the water is not there–it is better to carry a water-bottle along with you. There are shops, eateries outside the premise and you can buy souvenirs and toys etc for children.

Overall, a place to visit if you are visiting Kochi or nearby areas.

In most cultures, people extend their courtesy by asking people whether they had their food. In Tamil there are different ways of doing it.

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While greeting someone, we say good morning. This can be done in Tamil in the following ways.

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While parting from someone, we wish them good bye. In Tamil here are the ways to say it differently.

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Traveling to the National Capital in the State-run roadways-bus, I sit at the last window-seat adjacent to the exit gate.

The journey spreads beyond 300 Km, wading through many towns, cities, and the countryside.

Somewhere, a Myna sits on the high-voltage tower, standing unmoved, carrying the load of electricity through fields and lands.

The sky is deep, ridden with smoke that comes from the wheat-fields that are set afire after being robbed of the precious berries with combine harvesters.

The scorching heat of Northern plains that appeared determined to break all the existing records seems pacified by the absorbing cover of clouds.

Some children dive and splash in a small aquatic channel that runs underneath the road towards the villages.

Vehicles whizz-by and speed fast on the track that looks taking you to some unknown destination, while a bullock cart keeps its persistent movement along the side-track where sand meets the tar.

Oblivious to the effort or attention that the driver has to put in while driving, I enjoy my travel.

I am totally, surprisingly, and blissfully unconcerned about how the bus is making its way on the road.

All I have to do is to sit, contemplate, relax or perhaps doze off whenever I feel like.

Suddenly, I feel an urge to compare this journey with the journey of life.

I have heard of a term called surrender where the demand of ‘let go and let God’ is continuous and uncompromising.

Like I surrendered my bus-travel in the hands of that government-hired driver, I must surrender the journey of life to God.

I have to buy a ticket and ride the bus—I will be delivered at my destination without any troubles on my part: A ticket to make sure that I do not harm others, and to ride the bus to make sure that I am active and not a road-block for others.

The obligation of making me arrive at my destination lies with the Driver.

What a pleasant surprise—all the while, God was waiting for me to board the bus.

And look at me: I kept putting all my efforts in making sure I understand the GPS route-maps; know how to drive a 4-wheeler; and plan my budget to own all these gadgets and machines!

While I sit dormant and lethargically avoiding any activity, I feel everything inside me dancing like a refreshed athlete.

When I travel in a 3-wheeler where around thirteen people are huddled like broiler chickens, I feel everything inside me flying with the speed of sound.

When I sit inside my dark chamber trembling with each rumble of the thunder, I feel everything inside me counting the beats of Pakhâwaj.

While in the hustling crowd, I feel supremely calm; when walking alone on a long deserted road, I feel a presence of eternal companionship.

When I hear the overture through my worn-out headphones, I feel like standing in the middle of a large chapel somewhere in Europe and enjoying the unheard sound.

When I try to clench everything with my fist, I feel a force pressurizing me from all corners; when I ‘let go and let God’, I feel everything happening automatically with almost negligible effort from my side.

While everything else seems deeply engrossed in something crucial, significant and interesting, I feel observing everything yet unconcerned.

I am not able to name this state as ‘blissful’ but, perhaps, a tunnel that seems forsaken yet promising; lonely yet full of expectation; excruciatingly demanding yet calm.

I am…

In those pulverizing moments when no one cares to sit beside you, for, you are illogical, who would you seek for?

When each and every thing, object, agreement, coherence comes only when you lose interest in it, who would you seek for?

If you come to realize that there could be nobody who could simply live for you, who would you seek for?

Assuming this ‘you’ to be ‘me’, I scribble down what I seek:

In those realms of endless and pitch-dark angular paths, I feel a piercing and beaming light.

At the giddying heights of those snow-decked mountains, I feel a comforting warmth that engulfs my being.

Ambling around the lonely corridors, I feel a presence of constant companionship.

Who are you!

What is this overpowering right that you have over me!

Why I feel that I am with my mother when I sense you gazing at me!

Why my being wants to sleep in that lap forever!

Who are you!