Tales Of Shiva

The traditional understanding of Shiva told through stories and teachings from the Shiva Mahapurana • Explains Shiva’s contradictory forms, such as destroyer or benefactor, and how his form depends on the needs of the devotee • Reveals how Shiva’s teachings allow one to see through the illusions at the root of all grief and alienation in human life • Explores Shiva’s relationships with Durga, Shakti, Sati, and Parvati and with his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya Shiva, the most ancient and complex deity of the Hindu pantheon, has been portrayed in many contrasting lights: destroyer and benefactor, ascetic and householder, wild demon slayer and calm yogi atop Mount Kailash. Drawing from the Hindu sacred text the Shiva Mahapurana--said to be written by Shiva himself--Vanamali selects the essential stories of Shiva, both those from his dark wild side and those from his benevolent peaceful side. Vanamali discusses Shiva’s many avatars such as Shambunatha and Bhola, as well as Dakshinamurti who taught the shastras and tantras to the rishis. She explores Shiva’s relationships with Durga, Shakti, Sati, and Parvati and with his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya. Examining Shiva’s acceptance of outsiders, Vanamali explains why ghosts and ghouls are his attendants and why his greatest devotees are demon kings, like Ravana. She includes famous Shiva stories such as the Descent of the River Ganga and Churning the Milky Ocean as well as those that reveal the origin of the festival of lights, Diwali; his creation of the cosmic couple, or hierogamos; and how Shiva and Parvati taught the world the secrets of Kundalini Shakti. The author also draws upon Shaivite teachings to illustrate the differences between Western science and Vedic science and their explanations for the origins of consciousness. Integrating Shiva’s two sides, the fierce and the peaceful, Vanamali reveals that Shiva’s form depends on the needs of the devotee. Understanding his teachings allows one to see through the illusions at the root of all grief and alienation in human life, for Shiva is the wielder of maya who does not fall under its spell. While Ganesha is known as the remover of obstacles, Shiva is the remover of tears.

Includes the following titles: Sati and Shiva, Shiva and Parvati, Tales of Shiva, Ganesha, Karttikeya

A powerful demon threatens the gods in their heaven. They need a saviour, who, Lord Brahma decrees, will be the son born to Shiva and Parvati. But Shiva – a badly-dressed, untidy, solitary ascetic – seems to enjoy bachelorhood. Even Parvati’s unmatched beauty aided by Kama, the god of love, seems unequal to the task of enchanting the stern lord. This illustrated classic is based on Kumara Sambhava of Kalidasa.

Only Sati could fulfill Shiva's exacting demands. As his companion she could match his ascetic ways as well as be a loving wife. Unfortunately, her happiness was overshadowed by an arrogant father. Sati countered Daksha's insensitivity with an immense, ho

Vishnu, they say, is just one of a powerful threesome, the highest lords of the universe. However, though Brahma has created the universe and Shiva can destroy it, it is up to the great god Vishnu to keep all creatures within it well and happy. Always compassionate, he is also the wisest of the trinity. It is he who good-naturedly sorts out the mess the others create and above all, Vishnu always favors the good and the pure.

India, 1955. As the scars of Partition are beginning to heal, seventeen-year-old Meera sits enraptured: in the spotlight is Dev, singing a song so infused with passion that it arouses in her the first flush of erotic longing. But when Meera's reverie comes true, it does not lead to the fairy-tale marriage she imagined. Meera has no choice but to obey her in-laws, tolerate Dev's drunken night-time fumblings, even observe the most arduous of Hindu fasts for his longevity. A move to Bombay seems at first like a fresh start, but soon that dream turns to ashes. It is only when their son is born that things change and Meera is ready to unleash the passion she has suppressed for so long.

The stories that await you are an exhilarating mix of devotion, history and myths! Dance of Shiva & Other Divine Tales explores the mysteries that lie behind some of our most ancient and revered temples—from Kanyakumari to Kanchipuram. Revealing the legends behind the origins of these temples and the wonders associated with them, these stories will delight anyone fascinated by Indian folklore. These timeless and enchanting stories narrate the triumph of good over evil; they portray god’s compassion towards man; they reveal the miracles worked by devotion. Immensely engaging and magical, the action in these narratives ranges over heaven and earth: Indra is punished for lusting after a sage’s wife; Narada uses his tricks to stop Shiva’s marriage to Parvati; Kannagi’s curse reduces Madurai to ashes; Vishnu saves Gajendran, the elephant, from the crocodile’s clutches … and much more. A collection that is in equal parts enlightening and enthralling.

Originally published in comic book form.

The great Lord Shiva is the destroyer of all that is evil in the three worlds of Heaven, Earth and Hell. He forms the Hindu Trinity of gods with Brahma, the creator and Vishnu, the preserver of mankind. This beautifully illustrated book tells the glorious tales of this mighty god - traditional tales from Hindu mythology that are passed on from generation to generation. Read of the fascinating legend of Sati, how Parvati became Lord Shiva's wife, how Shiva came to have a blue throat, why we celebrate the festival of Shivratri and why Ganga was tied up in Shiva's hair.

Welcome to the Mystical World of Shiva Purana! In the vast ocean of Sanatana Dharma, the Shiva Purana stands as a monumental testament to the spiritual and cultural depth of ancient wisdom. This collection of stories, traditions, and teachings revolves around the figure of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities revered in Sanatana Dharma. Shiva, known as the destroyer and transformer, embodies the complexities of existence, merging the paradoxes of life and death, creation and destruction, into a profound unity. This e-book invites readers, young and old, to embark on a journey through the mesmerizing tales of the Shiva Purana. From the cosmic dance of the Tandava to the timeless love stories of Shiva and Sati, and then Shiva and Parvati, each chapter unveils the mysteries and teachings that have captivated the hearts and minds of millions over centuries. Designed to educate, inform, and enlighten, our journey through these ancient narratives is more than just a retelling of mythological stories. It's an exploration of the values, philosophies, and insights that these tales impart. With a mix of informal and conversational tones, complemented by captivating illustrations and intriguing fun facts, we aim to bring these stories to life in a way that resonates with readers of any age. So, let's begin our exploration of the Shiva Purana, where each story is a gateway to understanding the multifaceted nature of the divine, the universe, and our place within it.