Margabandhu Stotra: A Hymn on Margasahaya Shiva By Appayya Deekshita

Margabandhu stotra is a hymn on lord Shiva sung by the great shaivate scholar - Appayya deekshita who was an expert in Vedas, smrutis, Agamas, puranas, kavya shastra, vyakharan shastra. Hundred and four great works are attributed to him. Margabandhu Shiva also known as margasahayeshwara was the family deity (kula devata) of Appayya Deekshita.The name Margabandhu is so special and got a very deep meaning. The name is comprised of two words marga and bandhu. Marga means journey, way, path, Bandhu means he who is our relative, friend, connection, association, kin, etcMargabandhu is the one who is our true relative and support in our journey. This form of shiva is generally prayed bore starting a journey and while travelling and after reaching the destination to seek his blessings for a safe and happy journey. The shrine of margasahaya swami is in of tamil nadu. There is a form of Shiva named pathishad-rudra described in the mantra shastras. आत्तसज्जधनुर्बाणटंकएणं वृषस्थितंअन्नपूर्णासमाश्लिष्टं पथिशद्रुद्रमाश्रये āttasajjadhanurbāṇaṭaṃkaeṇaṃ vṛṣasthitaṃannapūrṇāsamāśliṣṭaṃ pathiśadrudramāśraye He who holds bow and arrow in ready position, holds chisel, and deer in two of his lower hands, he is seated on the bull and is embraced by mother Annapoorna. I seek him as my shelter. He is worshipped for protection during travel, his consort is Annapoorna (she who bestows us with food)Food and safety are the two many needs when you travel to an unknown place.