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Shivabalayogi: Tapas Photos
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Parvati
Devi and Ardhanarishwara Swami inside the Dhyana Mandir.
Photo taken in 1994.
When Shivabalayogi completed his twelve-year tapas, his Divine Guru in the
forms of Shiva and Parvati physically merged into his body.
Thereafter, Swamiji's body quite literally manifested both the male and
female aspects of God. One could see that his left side was more
masculine in its appearance and feel, and his right more feminine.
Typically in Indian temples, the goddess is on the left. Swamiji
explained that it just so happened that Parvati was on Swamiji's right when
the gods merged into him, so when he installed Shiva and Parvati in
the Dhyana Mandir, he made them face the same as they do in his own body.
Once installed and consecrated, a deity has life and must not be moved.
Clearly visible in this photo is the high platform on which Swamiji
installed the god and goddess. The practical purpose for the height
became apparent when the Dhyana Mandir was demolished and the new temple
constructed. With its deep foundations, the floor level of the new
temple is only a foot or so below the original platform which was not
disturbed.