Shiva: The Legends of the Immortal - A Comprehensive Guide to the Hindu God of Destruction and Transformation
Shiva The Legends Of The Immortal: A Guide To The Hindu God Of Destruction And Transformation
Shiva is one of the most revered and complex gods in Hinduism. He is the supreme deity of Shaivism, one of the major branches of Hinduism, and has many roles and aspects. He is the destroyer and transformer of the universe, the lord of the cosmic dance, the master of yoga and meditation, the husband of Parvati and the father of Ganesha and Kartikeya. He is also known as Mahadeva, Nataraja, Rudra, Bholenath, Shankara, and many other names.
Shiva The Legends Of The Immorta
In this article, we will explore the legends and stories of Shiva, his origin and meaning, his symbolism and iconography, his attributes and powers, his family and consorts, his worship and devotion, and his influence on Hindu culture and spirituality. We will also learn how to connect with Shiva and seek his blessings in our lives.
The Origin And Meaning Of Shiva's Name
The name Shiva comes from the Sanskrit root word "shvi", which means "to be auspicious". Shiva is also called "Shivam", which means "the auspicious one". He is the source of all goodness and benevolence in the world. He is also the embodiment of pure consciousness and bliss.
Another meaning of Shiva's name is "the one who is not". This refers to his transcendence of all dualities and limitations. He is beyond form and name, beyond time and space, beyond birth and death. He is the absolute reality that pervades everything.
The Symbolism And Iconography Of Shiva
Shiva has many forms and manifestations, each representing a different aspect of his personality and power. Some of the most common symbols and icons associated with Shiva are:
The trident (trishula): This is Shiva's weapon of choice, which he uses to destroy evil and ignorance. It also symbolizes his control over the three realms of existence (heaven, earth, and underworld), the three qualities of nature (sattva, rajas, and tamas), and the three energies of creation (will, action, and knowledge).
The drum (damaru): This is Shiva's musical instrument, which he plays to create and sustain the rhythm of the universe. It also symbolizes his power over sound and vibration, which are the basis of all creation.
The snake (naga): This is Shiva's ornament, which he wears around his neck or coils around his body. It symbolizes his mastery over the serpent power (kundalini), which is the primal energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine. It also symbolizes his wisdom and immortality, as snakes shed their skin and renew themselves.
The crescent moon (chandra): This is Shiva's adornment, which he wears on his forehead or as a crown. It symbolizes his connection with the lunar cycle, which influences the tides, the seasons, and the emotions. It also symbolizes his grace and compassion, as the moon is the source of light and nourishment in the dark.
The third eye (ajna): This is Shiva's attribute, which he opens to unleash his cosmic vision and power. It symbolizes his insight and intuition, which enable him to see beyond the ordinary and the obvious. It also symbolizes his destruction and transformation, as he burns away all illusions and impurities with his fiery gaze.
The ashes (bhasma): This is Shiva's mark, which he applies on his body or wears as a robe. It symbolizes his detachment and renunciation, as he lives in cremation grounds and smears himself with the remains of the dead. It also symbolizes his purity and holiness, as he transcends all worldly attachments and desires.
The bull (nandi): This is Shiva's vehicle, which he rides or sits on. It symbolizes his strength and virility, as well as his loyalty and devotion. It also symbolizes his calmness and patience, as he tolerates all hardships and challenges.
The Attributes And Powers Of Shiva
Shiva has many attributes and powers, which reflect his multifaceted nature and role in the universe. Some of the most important ones are:
He is the destroyer and transformer of the universe: He dissolves all forms of existence at the end of each cosmic cycle, making way for new creation. He also transforms all beings and things from lower to higher states of consciousness and existence.
He is the lord of the cosmic dance: He performs the dance of creation, preservation, and destruction, which regulates the movement and evolution of the universe. He also teaches the dance of bliss, which liberates the soul from bondage and suffering.
He is the master of yoga and meditation: He practices and teaches various forms of yoga and meditation, which help to unite the individual self with the universal self. He also bestows various powers and blessings to those who follow his path.
He is the husband of Parvati and the father of Ganesha and Kartikeya: He loves and protects his family, who are also his divine counterparts and companions. He also guides and supports his devotees, who are his spiritual children.
The Family And Consorts Of Shiva
Shiva has a large and diverse family, which consists of his wife, children, siblings, friends, allies, enemies, followers, and devotees. Some of the most prominent members of his family are:
Parvati: She is Shiva's consort and equal, who represents the feminine aspect of divinity. She is also known as Shakti, Uma, Durga, Kali, Gauri, Annapurna, Lalita, and many other names. She embodies various qualities such as beauty, love, power, wisdom, compassion, fertility, wealth, art, music, and more.
Ganesha: He is Shiva's eldest son and the remover of obstacles. He is also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, Vighneshvara, Siddhi Vinayaka, Ekadanta, Lambodara, Gajanana, and many other names. He has an elephant head and a human body, which symbolize his intelligence and strength. He is the lord of success, wisdom, education, arts, sciences, commerce, travel, and more.
Kartikeya: He is Shiva's younger son and the commander of the gods' army. He is also known as Skanda, Murugan, Subrahmanya, Shanmukha, Kumara, and many other names. He has six heads and twelve arms, which symbolize his omniscience and omnipotence. He is the lord of war, courage, youth, beauty, martial arts, and more.
The Legends And Stories Of Shiva
Shiva has many legends and stories that illustrate his deeds and adventures in various epochs and realms of existence. Some of the most famous ones are:
The Creation And Destruction Of The Universe By Shiva
The Dance Of Shiva And The Cosmic Cycle
Shiva is also known as Nataraja, the lord of the dance, who performs the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. He dances in a circle of fire, which represents the cycle of time and the boundary of the universe. He has four arms, which symbolize his four functions: creation (upper right hand holding a drum), preservation (lower right hand in a gesture of blessing), destruction (upper left hand holding a flame), and liberation (lower left hand pointing to his raised foot). He stands on a dwarf, who represents ignorance and illusion. He lifts his right foot, which represents his grace and salvation. He has long matted hair, which represents his asceticism and detachment. He wears a skull garland, which represents his conquest over death. He has a serene smile, which represents his bliss and peace.
Shiva's dance is not only a symbol of his power and role in the universe, but also a metaphor for the dynamic and rhythmic nature of reality. Everything in existence is constantly changing and moving, following a pattern and a purpose. Shiva's dance is also a model for human life and spirituality. We can learn to align ourselves with the cosmic rhythm and harmony, to balance our creative and destructive impulses, to overcome our ignorance and ego, and to attain liberation and bliss.
The Marriage Of Shiva And Parvati
Shiva and Parvati are the ideal couple in Hindu mythology, who represent the union of opposites and the harmony of duality. They are also the parents of Ganesha and Kartikeya, who are the most popular gods in Hinduism.
Shiva and Parvati have a long and romantic story of their courtship and marriage, which involves many trials and tribulations. The story begins with Shiva's first wife, Sati, who was the daughter of Daksha, a powerful king and a devotee of Vishnu. Sati loved Shiva dearly, but her father despised him for his unconventional and ascetic lifestyle. He insulted Shiva in front of his guests at a grand ceremony, which enraged Sati so much that she immolated herself in protest. Shiva was heartbroken and furious at Daksha's disrespect. He carried Sati's corpse around the world, unleashing his wrath on everything he saw. He also created Virabhadra, a fierce warrior, who attacked Daksha and his guests, killing many of them and cutting off Daksha's head.
The gods intervened and pacified Shiva's anger. They restored Daksha's life with a goat's head and asked him to apologize to Shiva. They also convinced Shiva to let go of Sati's body, which he did reluctantly. The places where Sati's body parts fell became sacred sites known as Shakti Peethas, where Parvati is worshipped as various forms of Shakti.
Parvati was the reincarnation of Sati, who was born to Himavan, the king of the Himalayas, and Mena, his queen. She was destined to marry Shiva again, but she had to win his love and attention first. She performed severe penances and meditations to please him, but he remained indifferent and aloof. She sought the help of Kamadeva, the god of love, who shot his arrow at Shiva while he was meditating. This disturbed Shiva's concentration and aroused his desire for Parvati. However, he also realized that Kamadeva had interfered with his meditation and burned him to ashes with his third eye.
The Birth And Adventures Of Ganesha And Kartikeya
Shiva and Parvati had two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, who were both born in miraculous and unusual ways. Ganesha was created by Parvati from the dirt of her body, while Shiva was away. She asked him to guard the door of her chamber, while she took a bath. Shiva returned and wanted to enter the chamber, but Ganesha did not recognize him and stopped him. Shiva was angry and cut off Ganesha's head with his trident. Parvati was devastated and demanded that Shiva restore her son's life. Shiva agreed and sent his attendants to find a suitable head for Ganesha. They found an elephant's head and brought it to Shiva, who attached it to Ganesha's body. Thus, Ganesha became the elephant-headed god, who was blessed by Shiva with wisdom and success.
Kartikeya was born from the sparks of Shiva's third eye, which he opened to destroy the demon Tarakasura, who had a boon that he could only be killed by Shiva's son. The sparks were carried by the wind god Vayu and the fire god Agni to the river Ganga, who deposited them in a reed forest. There, six beautiful nymphs called Krittikas found them and nursed them. The sparks turned into six babies, who were later merged into one by Parvati, who claimed him as her son. Thus, Kartikeya became the six-headed god, who was blessed by Shiva with courage and beauty.
Ganesha and Kartikeya had many adventures and exploits in their childhood and youth. They fought with demons, gods, and each other. They also learned from their parents and other sages and teachers. They became the favorites of their devotees, who worship them for various reasons and benefits.
The Battle Of Shiva And Ravana
Ravana was the king of Lanka and the leader of the rakshasas, who were a race of powerful and wicked beings. He was a great devotee of Shiva and had performed many penances to please him. He had also obtained many boons from Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu, which made him invincible and arrogant. He had ten heads and twenty arms, which symbolized his knowledge and strength.
One day, Ravana decided to conquer Mount Kailash, where Shiva lived with Parvati. He lifted the mountain with his hands and tried to shake it. This disturbed Shiva's meditation and annoyed him. He pressed his toe on the mountain, which crushed Ravana's hands and trapped him under it. Ravana cried out in pain and begged for mercy. He sang praises of Shiva for a thousand years, until Shiva finally released him and forgave him. He also gave him a powerful sword called Chandrahasa as a gift.
The Curse And Redemption Of Shiva And Sati
Sati was the daughter of Daksha and the first wife of Shiva. She loved Shiva dearly, but her father despised him for his unconventional and ascetic lifestyle. He insulted Shiva in front of his guests at a grand ceremony, which enraged Sati so much that she immolated herself in protest. Shiva was heartbroken and furious at Daksha's disrespect. He carried Sati's corpse around the world, unleashing his wrath on everything he saw. He also created Virabhadra, a fierce warrior, who attacked Daksha and his guests, killing many of them and cutting off Daksha's head.
The gods intervened and pacified Shiva's anger. They restored Daksha's life with a goat's head and asked him to apologize to Shiva. They also convinced Shiva to let go of Sati's body, which he did reluctantly. The places where Sati's body parts fell became sacred sites known as Shakti Peethas, where Parvati is worshipped as various forms of Shakti.
Parvati was the reincarnation of Sati, who was born to Himavan, the king of the Himalayas, and Mena, his queen. She was destined to marry Shiva again, but she had to win his love and attention first. She performed severe penances and meditations to please him, but he remained indifferent and aloof. She sought the help of Kamadeva, the god of love, who shot his arrow at Shiva while he was meditating. This disturbed Shiva's concentration and aroused his desire for Parvati. However, he also realized that Kamadeva had interfered with his meditation and burned him to ashes with his third eye.
Parvati was disappointed by Shiva's reaction and continued her penance with more intensity. She impressed Shiva with her devotion and determination, and he finally agreed to marry her. Their wedding was celebrated with great joy by all the gods and beings in heaven and earth. They settled in Mount Kailash, where they lived happily ever after.
The Worship And Devotion Of Shiva
Shiva is one of the most worshipped and revered gods in Hinduism. He has millions of devotees who follow his path and seek his blessings. He is also the patron god of many sects and schools of Hinduism, such as Shaivism, Pashupata, Kapalika, Natha, Kashmir Shaivism, Siddha, Lingayat, Aghora, Nayanar, and more.
Shiva is worshipped in various ways and forms, such as:
The Temples And Shrines Of Shiva
Shiva has many temples and shrines dedicated to him all over India and the world. Some of the most famous ones are:
Kashi Vishwanath: This is one of the oldest and holiest temples of Shiva in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It houses a lingam (a symbol of Shiva) that is said to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (manifestations of Shiva's light). It is also one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism.
Kedarnath: This is one of the highest and most remote temples of Shiva in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. It houses a lingam that is said to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is also one of the four sacred sites (Char Dham) in Hinduism.
Somnath: This is one of the oldest and most revered temples of Shiva in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat. It houses a lingam that is said to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is also one of the seven sacred rivers (Sapta Sindhu) in Hinduism.
Amarnath: This is one of the most sacred and mysterious shrines of Shiva in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir. It houses an ice stalagmite that is said to be a natural lingam that changes its shape and size every year. It is also one of the most difficult and dangerous pilgrimages (Yatra) in Hinduism.
Rameshwaram: This is one of the most sacred and ancient temples of Shiva in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu. It houses a lingam that is said to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is also one of the four sacred sites (Char Dham) in Hinduism.
Chidambaram: This is one of the most beautiful and artistic temples of Shiva in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. It houses a lingam that is said to be one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalas (manifestations of Shiva's five elements). It also represents Shiva's cosmic dance as Nataraja.
The Festivals And Celebrations Of Shiva
Shiva has many festivals and celebrations dedicated to him throughout the year. Some of the most popular ones are:
Maha Shivaratri: This is the great night of Shiva, which falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna (February-March). It commemorates the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, as well as the night when Shiva performed his cosmic dance. Devotees fast, chant, pray, and offer milk, water, flowers, fruits, leaves, and sweets to Shiva's lingam throughout the night.
Shravan: This is the month of Shiva, which falls in July-August. It is considered auspicious to worship Shiva during this month, especially on Mondays. Devotees observe various rituals and vows, such as wearing a sacred thread (Rudraksha), carrying water (Kanwar), pouring water (Abhishek), offering leaves (Bilva), and visiting temples (Darshan).
Karthikai: This is the festival of lights, which falls in November-December. It celebrates the birth of Kartikeya from the sparks of Shiva's third eye. Devotees light lamps, candles, and bonfires to honor Kartikeya and his victory over evil. They also worship Ganesha and Parvati on this occasion.
Pradosha: This is the twilight period before sunset on the 13th day of every lunar fortnight. It is believed that Shiva and Parvati are in a playful mood during this time and grant wishes to their devotees. Devotees perform special prayers and offerings to Shiva's lingam during this time.
Ardra: This is the star that represents Shiva's third eye, which falls on different dates depending on the lunar calendar. It is considered auspicious to worship Shiva as Nataraja during this star. Devotees perform special dances and music to please Shiva and seek his blessings.
The Mantras And Prayers Of Shiva
Shiva has many mantras and prayers dedicated to him, which are used by his devotees for various purposes and benefits. Some of the most common ones are:
Om Namah Shivaya: This is the most basic and universal mantra of Shiva, which means "I bow to Shiva". It invokes his name and essence, and expresses devotion and surrender to him.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra: This is one of the most powerful and ancient mantras of Shiva, which means "the great mantra of victory over death". It invokes his protection and healing, and grants longevity and liberation. It is also known as the Tryambakam Mantra, which refers to Shiva's three eyes.
Rudra Gayatri Mantra: This is a variation of the Gayatri Mantra, which is the most sacred and universal mantra in Hinduism. It invokes Shiva as Rudra, the fierce and benevolent aspect of divinity. It bestows wisdom and enlightenment, and removes obstacles and sins.
Shiva Tandava Stotram: This is a hymn composed by Ravana, the king of Lanka and a devotee of Shiva. It praises Shiva's cosmic dance and his various attributes and aspects. It also expresses Ravana's admiration and gratitude for Shiva's grace and forgiveness.
Shiva Sahasranama: This is a list of 1008 names of Shiva, which describe h