Who is Runa Vimochana Lingeshwarar?
The word ‘Runa’ denotes ‘debt’, and ‘Vimochana’ means freedom. Thus Runa Vimochana means ‘freedom from debt’. Lingeshwarar refers to Lord Shiva in his Linga form. In many temples, Shiva is usually worshipped in this form. In Tamil, Runa Vimochana Lingeshwarar also has the name, Kadan Nivartheeswarar, which means the same. There is a famous temple in Thirucherai village in Kumbakonam, which is dedicated to Runa Vimochana Lingeshwarar. Kumbakonam is in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Many people visit this temple seeking relief from their debts.
The Three Types of ‘Runa’
‘Runa’ basically means ‘debt’. But it has a broader meaning too and is not limited to financial liabilities only. The Vedas and other Hindu scriptures say that all human beings have 3 kinds of debts. They are Deva Runa, Rishi Runa, and Pitru Runa. Deva Runa is the debt we owe to the Gods. Rishi Runa refers to our debt to the sages, while Pitru Runa refers to the debt towards our ancestors.
All human beings who are born into this world carry these 3 debts. They must clear these debts in their lifetime, too. The method of repaying these Runas is mentioned in the scriptures.
To clear Deva Runa, we must worship the Gods and show kindness to other beings by serving them. We can clear Rishi Runa by following a strict moral and ethical code of conduct in life that the ancient sages laid down. To clear Pitru Runa, we must do our duty towards our parents and other elders. We should do this not only during their lifetime but also after they are dead by performing the traditional ceremonies for the departed souls.
It is not possible to avoid repaying any of these debts unless you want to take birth again in this world.
It is believed that the blessings of Runa Vimochana Lingeshwarar will enable us to repay all these debts and also our financial obligations. Worshipping him has been an age-old prescription or Pariharam (remedy) for debt removal.
How to Worship Runa Vimochana Lingeshwarar
Mondays are highly auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. Rudra, who is the fierce form of Shiva, has 11 forms. Hence ‘11’ has special significance in Shiva worship. By praying to Runa Vimochana Lingeshwarar and doing Poojas for 11 consecutive Mondays, we can earn his grace and get relief from all our debts.
A Temple for Debt Removal
The Runa Vimochana Lingeshwarar temple in Thirucherai is filled with the divine energies of Shiva. Many devotees come here to get rid of debts, financial problems, sins, and past karma. The deity here is also called Seneriappar or Sara Parameswara. It is said that Sage Markandeya once mounted a Linga here and worshipped daily for the welfare of the people in this region.
Chola kings built this temple a thousand years ago. Lord Sara Parameshwarar (Shiva) and Goddess Gnanavalli (Parvati) are the chief deities here. By doing Runa Vimochana Pooja or 11 Monday Shiva Pooja here, you can be free of all debts.
Runa Vimochana Lingeshwarar Moola Mantra
Shivaya namah Om bhavaya namah |
Bhavaya namah Om namah Shivaya
Meaning: Oh Lord Shiva, we bow to your existence, our sincere honor and respect to you
Mangalo bhoomi puthrascha runahartha dana pradha,
Sthirasanomaha kaya sarva karma virodhaka
Lord Shiva blesses devotees with early marriage, clearing of debts, and leading a healthy life.
Runa Vimochana Lingeshwarar Homam
Runa Vimochana Lingeshwarar Homam is a special Homa that is performed to get rid of all debts. It can supposedly clear all 3 types of debts or Runa and bestow happiness, wealth, and abundance in life with the blessings of Shiva.
Benefits
· Eliminates past sins and brings success in all endeavors
· Removes hostility and enmity
· Bestows mental and physical balance
· Removes instability
· Cures diseases
· Brings happiness, peace, and harmony
· Removes adverse effects and evil spirits
· Remove depression and hardships
· Removes afflictions
