Brahmahatya Relief
Destroys Brahmahatya dosha and other grave karmic impurities.
The Story of Kapaaleswara
"By the mere darshan of Kapaaleswara, even Brahmahatya dosha is destroyed."
After revealing the glory of Trivishtapeswara, Maharudra described to Devi Parvati the eighth sacred Shiva Linga of Mahakalavana: Kapaaleswara Mahadeva.
In the Vamadeva Kalpa, during Treta Yuga, Lord Brahma performed a great yajna in the divine Mahakalavana. Many vipras and sacred beings were seated there, offering havis into the holy fire.
At that time Maharudra entered the yajna assembly in the form of a Kapalika. He wore torn cloth, bore the marks of cremation-ground ash, carried a skull staff and appeared in a fearsome avadhuta-like form.
The assembly did not recognize the divine mystery behind that form. In the sacred play of Shiva, the incident became connected with the destruction of Brahmahatya dosha and the revelation of a hidden Linga beneath a heap of skulls.
When Maharudra had darshan of that Linga, the skull in His hand fell to the earth, showing that the great dosha had been removed. He named that sacred Linga Kapaaleswara, the Lord connected with the kapala.
The vipras then worshipped the Linga and became purified. Maharudra declared that all who worship Kapaaleswara with devotion become free from stains of sin and gain the path toward Shiva's supreme abode.
"The skull reminds the seeker: life is brief, truth is urgent, and Shiva alone is the final refuge."
Divine Benefits of Kapaaleswara Shiva Linga
According to Maharudra's teaching, darshan and worship of Kapaaleswara Mahadeva remove severe sins and bless devotees with purity, health, long life and Kailasa grace.
Sin Removal
Removes sins committed through action, mind and speech.
Chaturdashi Worship
Worship on Chaturdashi is especially praised for purification.
Kailasa Grace
Guides sincere devotees toward the supreme abode of Shiva.
Long Life
Blesses devotees with long life and health.
Enemy Relief
Removes opposition and protects the devotee's dharmic path.
Rare Wishes
Grants even difficult and rare desires when worshipped with devotion.
Gana Blessing
A year of disciplined darshan is praised as leading to Shiva's retinue.