The Shiva Purana is a very famous Hindu religious text belonging to the Purana genre of Sanskrit Texts in Hinduism. It is an integral part of the Shaivism literature corpus. The Shiva Purana is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. However, it also references and reveres all gods. This post shares with you details about Shiva Purana.
The original manuscript of Shiva Purana consisted of 100,000 verses that were set out in twelve Samhitas (books). It has been written by Romaharshana, who was the disciple of Sage Vyasa, belonging to the Suta class.
Its surviving manuscripts have been found in many different versions and content. For example, one major version has seven books; another version has six books, and the third version is traced to the medieval Bengal region of the Indian Subcontinent that has two large sections, namely the “Purva-Khanda” and the “Uttara Khanda.”
However, like other Puranas, Shiva Purana also existed as a living text that was occasionally edited, recast, as well as revised over a long period. It is estimated that the oldest manuscript of surviving texts had been likely composed around 10th to 11th century CE. Some of its chapters were likely composed after the 14th century.
The Shiva Purana contains several chapters that are centered on Shiva cosmology, mythology, and relationship with Gods, Yoga, Ethics, Pilgrimage Sites, Bhakti, Rivers, as well as Geography and other topics.
The Shiva Purana also throws significant insights on Advaita Vedanta philosophy. The text proves an important source of historical information on the theology behind Shaivism around 2nd-millennium CE.
Table of Contents
Who is Shiva?
Shiva, who is also called Mahadeva or Bholenath, is one of the main deities of Hinduism. Shiva is considered as the “Destroyer” within the Trimurti that includes Brahma and Vishnu. According to the Shaivism tradition, Shiva is considered to be one of the supreme beings who creates, protects, as well as transforms the Universe.
In fact, Hindu scriptures have both benevolent and fearsome depictions of Lord Shiva.
As far as his benevolent aspects are concerned, Shiva has been described as an omniscient Yogi who leads the life of an ascetic on Mount Kailash.
He is also depicted as a householder having Parvati as his wife, and Ganesh and Kartikeya as his two children. However, in his fierce aspects, Shiva is portrayed as slaying the demons. Shiva is also known as “Adiyogi” and is regarded as the patron God of yoga, meditation, and arts.
Shiva is shown with a serpent around his neck. He adorns the crescent Moon, and the holy Ganga River flows from his matted hair. He adorns the third eye on his forehead and holds the Trishul or Trident as his weapon. He also holds the Damuru drum. He is usually worshipped in the iconic form of Shiva “Lingam.”
The Hindus call Shiva as “Parabhrahman” which means nothingness. Shiva is portrayed to be omnipresent, omnipotent, and even present in the form of one’s consciousness. In his Nataraja form, Shiva is worshipped in a human figure format. However, he is usually worshipped in the Lingam figure.
The Sanskrit word, Shiva, means auspicious, gracious, kind, benevolent, and friendly. Here, the root word “Si” means “in whom all things lay” and “Va” signifies “embodiment of grace.” The Vedas portray Shiva as Rudra who is the auspicious one and liberates the soul from the bondage of life and death.
Shiva is known by numerous names such as Vishwanath, Mahadeva, Maheshwar, Shankara, Shambu, Rudra, Neelakantha, Trilokinatha, Hara, Devendra, and Ghrneshwar (lord of compassion).
You may like Lord Shiva Mantras
Who wrote Shiva Purana?
The Shiva Purana was written by Romaharshana, who was the disciple of Sage Vyasa, belonging to Suta class.
What is Shivling, according to Shiv Puran?
A Shiva Lingam is an abstract or aniconic representation of Lord Shiva. It is a simple cylinder that is set inside a yoni and placed within a disc-shaped platform. It is regarded as a form of spiritual iconography.
As per the Shiva Purana, the Shiva Lingam has been described as the beginning-less and endless cosmic pillar of fire. It is the cause of all causes. Lord Shiva is shown as emerging from the lingam in the form of a cosmic pillar of fire that proves his superiority over other gods such as Brahma and Vishnu.
So, the Shiva Lingam symbolizes the infinite nature of Shiva.
Famous Stories from Shiva Purana
Here, we narrate one of the most famous stories in Shiva Purana. This story goes as follows:
Once, Lord Vishnu was having a nap on the serpent king Sheshanaga. Goddess Lakshmi was serving him along with his attendants. It so happened that Lord Brahma came to see him. He went angry with Lord Vishnu as the later did not get up and saluted him. He argued with Lord Vishnu and said that He was the protector of the world.
However, Lord Vishnu told Brahma that the whole universe is situated within him. He told Brahma that he had emerged from the navel seated in the lotus. So, Brahma was his son.
They continued to argue with each other, and finally, they were ready to fight. Lord Brahma sat on his Swan, and Lord Vishnu sat on his Garuda and started to fight with each other.
It was a terrible fight as both showered deadly weapons on each other. All the Devas witnessed the terrible fight and decided to approach Lord Shiva to end this terrible war between Brahma and Vishnu.
So, they went to Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. There they saw Lord Shiva sitting in the company of Goddess Uma. All the Devas bowed down before Lord Shiva.
Now, Lord Shiva told the Devas that he already knew about the fight between Brahma and Vishnu. Lord Shiva reached the battlefield where the terrible war was going on. He assumed the form of huge column fire and stood in between them. This column of fire had neither beginning nor any end. So, Brahma and Vishnu decided to find its beginning and end.
Lord Vishnu attained the form of a Boar and headed downwards to find the end of the column of fire. However, Lord Brahma attained the form of a Swan and headed upwards in search of the end of the column of fire.
Now, Lord Vishnu was not able to find the root of the column and returned to the battleground. However, Brahma went on flying to prove his supremacy.
Lord Shiva laughed to see this struggle of Brahma, and the Ketaki flower fell from his head. Then Brahma asked Ketaki to lie for him that he had found the end of the fire column.
Now, Brahma went down and told Vishnu that he had found the beginning of the column of fire. Ketaki gave its proof. Then, Vishnu nodded before Brahma and said to him, “Oh! Brahma, you are greater than me.”
This made Lord Shiva turn red with anger. He came to his real form and scolded Brahma that he was lying as there was no beginning to this column.
He opened his third eye, and a ferocious being emerged from it. He was Kala Bhairava, who chopped the Brahma’s head. Now, Lord Shiva told Brahma that no one would worship him as he had lied before Vishnu.
Lord Shiva told Vishnu that as he had followed the path of truth, he would be worshipped as “Satya Narayan,” and your devotees would perform Satya Narayan Puja on Poornima.
Now, Lord Shiva returned to his abode Kailash.
Here, we narrate another interesting story from Shiva Purana. This story describes the birth of Mangal (Mars), Graha.
According to the Shiva Purana, Mangal was born out of Lord Shiva’s sweatdrop. It so happened that after the death of Sati, Lord Shiva went into the state of deep Samadhi. When he opened his eyes, his sweatdrop fell down.
His sweat drop took the form of a child and started to cry. The mother earth took the form of a woman and held the child in his hands and calmed him down.
Now, Lord Shiva told Goddess Earth that this red colored baby would be called Mangal, and you would have to bear the role of his mother.
He will always be near your position in the solar system. So, our ancient Rishis knew much about the solar system. Now, it is scientifically proven that Mars is a red-colored planet and is near to the earth.
Signs of death according to Shiv Puran
Shiva Purana describes eleven signs that indicate the death of a person. Lord Shiva told Goddess Parvati about the following signs of death:
- A person cannot see his or her shadow if one month is left in a death
- If the tongue of a person gets swollen suddenly and teeth are filled with puss, then it means that death is very close
- If the tongue, mouth, ear, eyes, and nose become hard like a stone, then it means that the person has a month only to leave this world
- If a person is not able to see any color except black color, then it means that death will happen very soon
- If a person begins to see the sun, moon, and sky as red, then it means that death is very close
- When a person dreams of an owl, then it indicates that death is very near
- If a person left-hand goes on twitching, then it signals that death is very near
- If a person is not able to locate the Dhruva star in the sky, then it means that the person will die within six months maximum
- If a person is not able to view his or her reflection in the water, mirror, and oil, then it means that death is going to happen soon
- If a person gets suddenly surrounded by blue flies, then it means that he or she will die within a month
- If a crow, vulture, or pigeon sits on someone’s head, then it means that death is near
- If the color of a person turns into pale yellow, then it is indicative that death will occur shortly
- When a person is not able to see the light of the sun, moon, stars, and fire, then it means that the person will die within six months
12 Jyotirlinga according to Shiva Purana
The 12 Jyotirlinga, according to Shiva Purana, are as follows:
- Kedarnath in the Himalayas
- Bhima Shankar in Dakinya
- Viswesvara in Varanasi
- Triambakeshwar on the banks of River Gautami
- Somnath in Saurashtra
- Mallikarjuna in Sri Sailam
- Mahakaal in Ujjain
- Amareswara at Omkara
- Vaidyanath in Chitha Bhumi
- Nagesa at Daruka
- Rameshwara in Setu Bandhanan
- Ghrishneswara
Can anyone read Shiva Purana at home?
Not only Shiva Purana but also all other Puranas as well are sacred religious texts of Hinduism. So, you can certainly keep any of the Hindu Purana literature (including Shiva Purana) at home as they are pure and pious religious documents of life at large.
The Shiva Purana is a holy religious text that should not only be kept at home but read and understood well. It goes on to enhance your understanding of life. All these religious texts, including Shiva Purana, tell the truth of life, which may not be sweet to you. So, you should be prepared to face the truth.
The Shiva Purana should be placed in a clean, neat, and sanctified place in your home. You should read them slowly so that you can digest their sayings. It will help to resolve you as a person.
So, now you should have got clarity on the subject of whether you should read Shiva Purana at home.
Shiva Purana Book
The Shiva Purana Book is available in Kindle Edition. Many other publishers have also come up with numerous editions of Shiva Purana. For example, Geetapress Gorakhpur has come up with Hardcover Shiva Purana in four volumes. It is cheaply priced and available at all leading online stores such as Amazon.
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FAQs
What is the summary of Shiva Purana? ›
It primarily revolves around the Hindu god Shiva and goddess Parvati, but references and reveres all gods. The Shiva Purana asserts that it once consisted of 100,000 verses set out in twelve Samhitas (Books), however the Purana adds that it was abridged by Sage Vyasa before being taught to Romaharshana.
What does Shiva Purana teach us? ›Important teachings of Shiva puran is consist of to Lord Shiva & his avatars and it highlights about Shiva bhakti,Shiva glory & Shiva's character. Along with this, there is also a description of the glory of the fruits of knowledge, salvation, fasting, penance, chanting, etc.
How many Shiva Purana is there? ›The twelve books or Samhitas of Shiva Purana are Vidyeshvara Samhita, Rudra Samhita, Vainayaka Samhita, Uma Samhita, Matri Samhita, Rudraikadasha Samhita, Kailasa Samhita, Shatarudra Samhita, Sahasrakotirudra Samhita, Kotirudra Samhita, Vayaviya Samhita, and Dharma Samhita.
Who is Shiva according to Shiva Purana? ›According to Shiva Purana, Shiva or Maheshwar is the creator of Maya. That is, the Supreme Lord Shiva is beyond everything. He is immaculate, omniscient, above the three modes of nature and the ultimate Supreme Brahman. He is unborn and he is the origin of all.
What happens when you read Shiv Puran? ›Many holy figures and literature state that reading the Shiva Purana Odia can help one get rid of any crises and shortcomings and make life easier. It is also appropriate to mention that the person can get clear of their sins and move towards the path of salvation by reading it with a dedicated mind, body, and soul.
Who wrote Shiva Purana? ›Originally written by Maharishi Ved Vyas, Shiva Purana has the topmost place among the sacred mythological texts. In this book, there is a mention of the glory of the devotion of Lord Shiva and that holy love, which leads to freedom from all sins and attains the supreme abode.
What makes Lord Shiva happy? ›After taking a bath, one should offer milk and honey to Lord Shiva. It is believed that doing this, the problems related to livelihood, job or business gets eliminated. After that, devotees should perform Abhishek of Shiva linga by bhasma and water. After Abhishekh of Shivling, one should offer sandalwood.
What is Shiva's main purpose? ›Shiva's role is to destroy the universe in order to re-create it. Hindus believe his powers of destruction and recreation are used even now to destroy the illusions and imperfections of this world, paving the way for beneficial change. According to Hindu belief, this destruction is not arbitrary, but constructive.
What are the five activities of Shiva? ›The gestures of the dance represent Shiva's five activities (panchakritya): creation (symbolized by the drum), protection (by the “fear-not” pose of the hand), destruction (by the fire), embodiment (by the foot planted on the ground), and release (by the foot held aloft).
What is the highest form of Shiva? ›Sadasiva (Sanskrit: सदाशिव, Sadāśiva, Tamil: சதாசிவம்), is the Supreme Being in the Shaiva Siddhanta tradition of Shaivism. Sadasiva is the omnipotent, subtle, luminous absolute, the highest manifestation of Shiva.
Which is the most important Purana? ›
The Bhagavata Purana has been among the most celebrated and popular text in the Puranic genre, and is, in the opinion of some, of non-dualistic tenor.
What are the 11 forms of Shiva? ›1) Kapali 2) Pingal 3) Bheem 4) Virupaksha 5) Vilohit 6) Shastra 7) Ajapaad 8) Ahirbudhnya 9) Shambhu 10) Chand and 11) Bhav. These 11 Rudra Avatars of Lord Shiva, came into existence to protect divine beings and were gifted in battle.
Who created Shiva god? ›He was created automatically! He was there when there was nothing and He will remain even after everything is destructed. That is why; he is also loving called as the 'Adi-Dev' which means the 'Oldest God of the Hindu mythology.
Who is Shiva first child? ›In Shiva Purana and Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Kartikeya is seen as the elder son of Shiva, and Ganesha the younger. Some legend state Kartikeya as the elder son of Shiva, others make him the younger brother of Ganesha. This is implied by another legend connected to his birth.
What is the first hand of Shiva? ›Shiva's front left hand, pointing to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for the troubled soul. The energy of his dance makes his hair fly to the sides. The symbols imply that, through belief in Shiva, his devotees can achieve salvation.
What is Shiva's curse? ›The sages, unable to recognise Shiva, abused and cursed him, even assaulting him. They cursed that his Linga (phallus) should fall off. Shiva allowed it to be so and the Linga became an infinite fiery pillar of light.
What happens when you chant Shiva? ›It works as a stress buster and calms your mind, helps relax and unwind. Om Namah Shivay is a powerful mantra. Chanting it helps you gain control over your senses. It also gives you a direction for your life and helps you understand yourself better.
What are the benefits of chanting Shiva Puranam? ›The one who listens to it, will not suffer from any unfortunate event or mishap and remain away from sinful thoughts and deeds. He will attain salvation and go to Lord Shiva's Loka. He will be unaffected by worldly despairs, the one who reads Shivapuranam. He will escape the cycle of Karma.
How old is Shiva god? ›Lord Shiva is considered immortal. However, Holy Scriptures prove that life span of Lord Shiva is finite. Similar is the situation with Brahma and Vishnu.
Is Shiva a man or woman? ›Shiva and Vishnu
In Vaishnavism and Shaivism, God, Vishnu or Shiva respectively, is personified as male. God, however, transcends gender in these sub-schools, and the male form is used as an icon to help focus the Puja (worship). The use of icons is not restricted to male forms.
Why does Shiva have a snake? ›
The coiled snake around Shiva's neck also reminds devotees to keep their ego under control. When the ego is in check, peace prevails in life forever. Interestingly, Shiva is also known as Nageshwar, meaning Lord of the snakes. There are temples dedicated to this form of the Lord across the country.
Which flower does Shiva like? ›As per legend, Shiva consumed the poison that was obtained during the ocean churning. Doing so, Datura emerged from his chest and ever since, it is believed to be his favourite flower.
Who does Shiva pray to? ›Shiva always meditates on Shri Vishnu. It's written that one day in Kailash, while Shiva was in deep meditation, Maa Parvati calls him.
What is Lord Shiva favorite? ›03/11Lord Shiva
The Mahayogi loves kand-mool as per the shashtras. His favouries include bhang, dhatura, milk, thandai and sweets white in colour.
...
| Jalandhara | |
|---|---|
| Parents | Shiva (creator) |
| Spouse | Vrinda |
While there are numerous rules to follow when observing the auspicious Maha Shivratri fast, devotees refrain from wearing a few colours on the festival's day. Most devotees dress in a variety of colours such as green, yellow, red, orange, white, pink, and many more!
Why is Shiva so powerful? ›He is the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism. Shiva is known as "The Destroyer" within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity which also includes Brahma and Vishnu. In the Shaivite tradition, Shiva is the Supreme Lord who creates, protects and transforms the universe.
What is the Favourite number of Lord Shiva? ›The number 13 is actually a very lucky number. In fact, in India, the 13th day of the lunar fortnight is known to be highly auspicious and is called Triyodashi. It belongs to Lord Shiva and is said to bestow long life, peace and good fortune.
Who is Shiva first devotee? ›...
Kannappa.
| Kannappa కన్నప్ప | |
|---|---|
| Born | unknown Unknown Uduppurai, Bharatavarsha |
Shiva engaged him in battle and pierced his heart, but Andhaka was able to recover and strike Shiva with his mace. The blood that fell on the ground from the wound gave rise to the eight forms of Bhairava.
What is the most powerful weapon of Shiva? ›
It was the Trident of Lord Shiva. According to Shaiva traditions, the most powerful weapon in Hindu mythology, infallible, cannot be stopped by anyone, except Lord Shiva himself and Goddess Shakti; the consort of Lord Shiva in Parvati form.
Who is supreme than Shiva? ›| Trimurti | |
|---|---|
| Supreme Trinity of the Universe The Gods of Creation, Preservation, and Destruction Para Brahman, the Supreme Being | |
| Shiva (left), Vishnu (middle), and Brahma (right) | |
| Affiliation | Brahma (The Creator) Vishnu (The Preserver) Shiva (The Destroyer) |
Destroyer of Darkness - Shiva is also known as the Destroyer or Transformer. The deeper symbolism is that we can overcome our inner demons and embrace the shadow within through self awareness, self awakening and self control. By working on ourselves, we can transform the darkness into light both within and around us.
What are the five sections of Purana? ›The Puranas contain five sections, each focusing on different matters: sarga, pratisarga, vangsha, manvantara and vangshanucharita.
What are the benefits of Siva Puranam? ›It destroys the sins of the inmates of the house and will have peace and lovely life. All the desires of the man is fulfilled.
What is Shiva in the Bible? ›Shiva is a Hebrew word meaning "seven" and refers to a seven-day period of formalized mourning by the immediate family of the deceased. Shiva begins immediately after the burial and concludes a short time after the morning service (Shacharit) on the seventh day.
What makes Shiva happy? ›The nature of sandalwood is cold and it is believed that by doing so, life becomes peaceful and full of happiness. One should keep on chanting this mantra, Om mahashivay somay nam. After doing this, devotees should offer flowers and fruits to Lord Shiva and also should perform Shiva aarti.
What are the 5 powers of Shiva? ›The pañcānana (Sanskrit: पञ्चानन), also called the pañcabrahma, are the five faces of Shiva corresponding to his five activities (pañcakṛtya): creation (sṛṣṭi), preservation (sthithi), destruction (saṃhāra), concealing grace (tirobhāva), and revealing grace (anugraha).
Which Puran is oldest? ›The Matsya Purana (IAST: Matsya Purāṇa) is one of the eighteen major Puranas (Mahapurana), and among the oldest and better preserved in the Puranic genre of Sanskrit literature in Hinduism. The text is a Vaishnavism text named after the half-human and half-fish avatar of Vishnu.
What is the basic knowledge of Hindu Puranas? ›The Puranas (Sanskrit: पुराण purāṇa, "of ancient times") are Hindu religious texts. They contain narratives about the history of the Universe from creation to destruction and the genealogies of kings, heroes, sages, and deities. Some of the Puranas are discourses on cosmology, geography and Hindu philosophy.
How to read Shiva Purana? ›
- Keep yourself clean.
- It is better to read in the morning.
- Need full concentration and faith in God.
- If you are going to read the first time then first listen to Shiva Puran from a spiritual person because listening is the first step in reading.
- Even, Listening Shiv Puran give magical effect.
...
Shiv Puran Mahapuran (Hardcover, Hindi, Manohar lal sharma)
| Book | Shiv Puran Mahapuran |
|---|---|
| Number of Pages | 592 |
| Language | Hindi |
There are traditionally 18 Puranas, but there are several different lists of the 18, as well as some lists of more or fewer than 18. The earliest Puranas, composed perhaps between 350 and 750 ce, are the Brahmanda, Devi, Kurma, Markandeya, Matsya, Vamana, Varaha, Vayu, and Vishnu.