Baikuntha Man Shrestha

The primordial nature consists of three modes of temperament- goodness, passion and ignorance (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas respectively).
In the cycle of creation, maintenance, and destruction of the cosmic world, Lord Vishnu represents the parameter of goodness, Brahamaji passion and Lord Shiva ignorance. With the interaction of these maha tattva originates Ego (Ahankar), which is the outcome of ignorance.
Happiness And Distress
Ignorance is that element which binds living beings and causes happiness and distress in life. Shiva (Rudra) is the deity who represents ego.
Lord Shiva possessed effulgence pervaded by glaring light. In the continuation of the living being of the mundane world, the effulgence of Lord Shiva is eternal.
According to the eternal religion (Sanatan D harma), the manifested emblem of the male generative organ (linga) joined to feminine generative organ (Yoni) of the goddess, the deity of power from whom the power sprang up and that manifested emblem of Lord Shiva, is designated as the Divine Halo of Lord Shiva.
This emblem of the Divine Halo is the symbol of progenitor of offspring of lives. From ancient times, the devotees of Lord Shiva and followers of the Sanatan Dharma worship the Divine Halo of Lord Shiva. In various states of India, the twelve main Divine Halo of Lord Shiva have been worshiped from ancient times.
It is mentioned in various epics and literature of eternal religion that the devotees of Lord Shiva get the chance to behold the sight of the effulgence of benevolent lord Shiva.
The emblem of the halo of Lord Shiva made by devotees from materials and installed in temples or some place at their will to worship is called in general terms the Shiva Linga.
In Vedic literature and epics, it is mentioned that on devotion and worshipping of the halo of Shiva Linga of Lord Shiva, the devotee is bendicated with boons and fulfillment of their desire.
Along with worshipping, the halo of Lord Shiva established in different temples is a practice to worship Shiva Linga, mostly constructed with the sand clay, ashes and cow dung, according to availability.

Jagat Guru
In the beginning of 2072 B.S, Jagat Guru of Nepal Ananta Sri Vibhusit Balsanta Sri Mohan Saran Devacharya Maharaja Sri undertook a Mahakali-Mechi Walk.
The journey started from a western district of Mahakali Zone and ended in Mechi of the eastern border of the country.
In course of his journey, he had brought to light information about the existence of chief twelve ancient Divine Halos of Lord Shiva in different districts of Nepal, which has been worshipped by Vaishnav and the followers of the Sanatan Dharma from ancient times located in different states of India.
Jagat Guru Maharaja Sri has mentioned about the background description of the origination of these divine halo, their location and references of epics supporting his argument about origination and existence of these divine halo from ancient time in Nepal.
He himself has visited the sites of all the Divine Halo in the districts.
The twelve major Divine Halo mentioned by Jagat Guru are:
Mallikarjun Divine Halo: Mallikarjun Divine Halo is situated at the foothills of Saila Mountain, which lies between the Mahakali and Ranamajvati rivers in Mallikarjuna village of Darchula District.
Nageswara Divine Halo: It is situated at the foothill of Nagu Mountain of Nauguda village development committee of Darchula District
Kedareswara Divine Halo: Kedareswara Divine Halo located on Rawadari Mountain of Baitadi district of Mahakali zone.
Viswanath Divine Halo: Viswanath Divine Halo on the bank of Saryu River flowing northern course near the city of Patan in Baitadi District.
Rameshwor Divine Halo: Rameshwor Divine Halo located on the bank of confluence of Saryu River and Ram Ganga river, the river flowing from middle of panchaswore and patan city of Baitadi district.
Vaidyanath Divine Halo: Vaidyanath Divine Halo is found on the bank of Vridha Ganga River in Sanfebagar of Achham district of seti zone.
Someswore Divine Halo: Someswore Mountain is in the Mustang District of Gandaki zone. Later there originated a Divine Halo, which is designated by Someswore Divine Halo.
Tryambakaswore Divine Halo.: Trimbakeshwar Divine Halo is located in Sindhuli·district of Janakpur zone.
Ghumeswore Divine Halo : Ghumeswore Divine Halo is in Ramechhap district on the bank of Jata River and Dhumavati river. The site is famous for Shivalayas in that area.
Bhimeswore Divine Halo: Bhimeswore Divine Halo is in Charikot of Dolakha district of Bagmati zone.
Omkaraswore Divine Halo: Omkareshwar Divine Halo is situated in Khotang district of Sagarmatha zone.
Mahakaleshwor Divine Halo: Mahakaleshwar Divine Halo is situated on the confluence between Tamor and Kavali River in Mewakha in Taplejung district of Mechi Zone.

(Shrestha is a retired government officer)