On the occasion of Mahashivratri, it is important to think of all the glaciers, mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and seashores associated with Lord Shiva. Mount Kailash, which is considered as Shiva's abode, is a peak in the Himalayas at an altitude of 22,000 ft. The sources of major rivers such as the Indus, the Sutlej, the Brahmaputra and the Karnali lie close to Mount Kailash. Out of all 12 Jyotirlingams, Mallikaurjuna at Shrisailam is in the heart of dense forest of Nagarjunsagar-Shrisailam Tiger Reserve providing catchment to Krishna River; Bhimashankar is situated in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary protecting some of the densest forest habitats in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra; Trimbakeshawar that is a source to River Godavari in Maharashtra; Kedarnath that is situated next to Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary which is host to rare Himalayan flora-fauna; Rameshwar which is situated in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve having some of the most beautiful coral reefs in India; and Mahakaleshwar in the city of Ujjain that is situated on the river bank of Shipra which falls into nearby flowing Chambal are some of the examples that have close connection between Lord Shiva and India's phenomenal biodiversity and natural landscapes that are protected and/or need to be protected for posterity. It is essential for us to understand the underlying message of CONSERVATION which is as crystal clear as is the water of River Ganga that flows from Lord Shiva's matted hair.
Now it is up to us Indians to really understand the purpose of these places of worship and to uphold their sanctity by caring for and preserving the natural landscapes and the biodiversity that the supreme Lord protects. The Lord does not ask for thousands of litres of milk to poured over Him. Instead, he would prefer if this milk is fed to the poor and needy than wasting down the drain. He does not crave for Aegle (Bel) leaves, instead seeks our help in protecting his beloved Bel Tree. He asks us to clean His rivers, lakes and forests of all of the pollution as he once drank the poison to protect the Universe.
Har Har Mahadeo!!!
