शिव
Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism, embodies the destructive aspect of the supreme Trinity (Trimurti), as described in various texts such as the Shiva Purana, which details his divine attributes, myths, and spiritual teachings. His consort is Parvati—whose story is explored deeply in the context of Shiva’s divine consorts—and together they have two sons: Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander of the Devas’ army, and Ganapati (Ganesha), the remover of obstacles.
Shiva resides on Mount Kailasa with his followers, the Ganas, and his vehicle is Nandi, the divine bull. His iconic weapon is the bow Pinaka, which gives him the epithet Pinakapani. Shiva is often associated with asceticism, deep meditation, and fierce devotion to his cosmic role.
Connection to Sati and Parvati:
Shiva’s first wife, Sati, was the daughter of Daksha, who opposed her marriage to Shiva. When Daksha insulted Shiva by not inviting him to a grand yajna (sacrifice), Sati, deeply humiliated by her father’s actions, committed self-immolation (in the event known as Daksha Yajna). After her death, Shiva was heartbroken and retreated into deep meditation, renouncing worldly ties.
Later, the Devas became concerned because only a son of Shiva could defeat the demon Taraka. They sought the help of Kama (the god of love) to awaken Shiva’s affections for Parvati, who was the reincarnation of Sati and the daughter of Himavan, the King of the Mountains. When Kama shot his arrows of love, Shiva was infuriated by this disturbance to his meditation and burned Kama to ashes with his third eye. However, at the pleading of Kama’s wife, Rati, Shiva later revived him, making Kama formless but still present in the universe as the force of love. The unfolding of this divine plan is chronicled in the story of the birth of Kartikeya and Tarakasura’s defeat, revealing Shiva’s indirect yet essential role in preserving cosmic balance.
| Figure | Relation to Shiva | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Parvati | Consort of Shiva | Reincarnation of Sati, symbolizes love, devotion, and fertility |
| Sati | First wife (reincarnated as Parvati) | Her death led to Shiva’s retreat into meditation |
| Skanda/Kartikeya | Son | Commander of the Devas’ army, slayer of Tarakasura |
| Ganesha | Son | Remover of obstacles, god of wisdom and beginnings |
| Kama | God of love | Incinerated by Shiva’s third eye but later restored by the prayers of Rati |
| Nandi | Mount | Divine bull and gatekeeper of Shiva’s abode, symbolizing strength and devotion |
Weapons and Symbols:
Shiva wields the Pinaka, a powerful bow that represents his role as the destroyer of ignorance and evil. His third eye symbolizes the destruction of desire and illusion, while his snake Vasuki wrapped around his neck, and the Trishula (trident) further reinforce his cosmic powers.
Related Stories and Significance:
- Daksha Yajna: The story of Sati’s self-immolation and is a pivotal episode in the Shiva Purana that demonstrates the sanctity of divine unions and cosmic justice.
- Skanda’s birth and Tarakasura’s defeat: This event emphasizes the protective and warrior aspect of Shiva’s family, particularly through his son Skanda.
Shiva’s complex nature as both a destroyer and ascetic, combined with his fierce devotion to dharma, positions him as one of the most revered and multifaceted deities in Hindu mythology. His life is interwoven with numerous other entities and myths, from the rise of Kartikeya to Ganesha’s creation and Kama’s rebirth.