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Shiva: Stories and Teachings from the Shiva Mahapurana
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 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.
• 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 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.
272 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2002
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480 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 1, 2021
Om Namah Shivaya!
December 31, 2019
What a fascinating book this was.
December 14, 2019
An absolutely incredible book!!!!
Throughout this book I was just fascinated by how charming Shiva was!! As if I needed a reason to love him more. The book handles the age old stories in the most profound way possible!
Throughout this book I was just fascinated by how charming Shiva was!! As if I needed a reason to love him more. The book handles the age old stories in the most profound way possible!
December 24, 2017
An excellent collection concerned with Shiva. Vanamali provides great insight into each story with an exegesis which decodes the esoteric symbolism of each.
October 21, 2017
About the rider on the bull, the wearer of the pure white moon on his locks ... Saint Sambandar.
I was looking for a long time to find out more about the whereabouts and adventures of Lord Shiva and this book is an excellent example. With dignity and respect Vanamali tells us all there is to know about Shiva and his appearances, manifestations which also paints a big smile on your face to read what this rascal-deity sometimes is up to.
I was looking for a long time to find out more about the whereabouts and adventures of Lord Shiva and this book is an excellent example. With dignity and respect Vanamali tells us all there is to know about Shiva and his appearances, manifestations which also paints a big smile on your face to read what this rascal-deity sometimes is up to.
October 24, 2017
I loved the Introduction in the book. It was enlightening. It also compares the Hindu puranic view versus the Modern Science view of energy and matter.
The book goes very deep in the mythological stories of Hindu Gods. Not the stuff i was looking for. I wanted more spiritual level rather than religious. So, I skipped a lot in chapters.
The book goes very deep in the mythological stories of Hindu Gods. Not the stuff i was looking for. I wanted more spiritual level rather than religious. So, I skipped a lot in chapters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2019
There are a lot of great aspects to this book with knowledge and information
Really does a great job of explaining a lot of the stories after having read this you will walk away with more knowledge
Really does a great job of explaining a lot of the stories after having read this you will walk away with more knowledge
October 6, 2018
Good experience reading, so well explained the myth
May 21, 2019
Om namah Shivaya.
August 25, 2019
Superb book. Best amongst the books on shiva other than holy books. You’ll fall in love with lord shiva yet again after reading
July 2, 2024
Incarnations of shiva wed eternally to shakti… stories of the first yogi the blue throated god… where shivaya and krishna worship each other in a perennial cosmic dance
November 14, 2022
2.5/5
I would change title to just stories from the Shiva Mahapurana. I picked this book to understand about Shiva, why people worship him the way they do and importance of him in Hinduism but I was disappointed
I would change title to just stories from the Shiva Mahapurana. I picked this book to understand about Shiva, why people worship him the way they do and importance of him in Hinduism but I was disappointed
January 5, 2022
A wonderful book, very clearly explained! This covers everything from Shiva’s devotees to his stories, which I’m very thankful for as there does not seem to be many readily available translations of the Shiva Mahapurana.
Om Namah Shivaya🙏 Har Har Mahadev! ❤️
Om Namah Shivaya🙏 Har Har Mahadev! ❤️
March 18, 2021
- perfect to pick up and read aloud, with family and friends during the week, when honoring MahaSivaratri. Vanamali's eloquence and devotion - makes the stories sparkle with life. Along with her words, we could envisions the ancient sacred-fables. We used her nuggets of discernment in each story, to debate with one another and have fun conversations as we kept awake for several hours... Highly recommended.
May 8, 2021
Great book! While other writers use poetry or incomprehensible language to explain stories this book is clear and concise. Using simple prose the author transports you to the mountains of Kailasa Shiva’s abode. This is a great book to read for anyone. The tales of the Shiva Mahaparanas are beautifully told. Also, there is a handy glossary at the back that readers can easily access the meanings of any Sanskrit terms used.
July 8, 2021
What I learnt?
1. Teachings about advaita
2. How advaita ties to Shiva tattva...
3. What is the real meaning of kundalini
4. Origin of Shiva (not really origin...but..existence)/ Shiva Leela (how karma affects maha yogi)
5. Stories about origin of Universe
6. Stories about Vishnu
7. Links between stories of Vishnu and how that ties with stories from Shiva Mahapurana...
This was a great read...! :)
1. Teachings about advaita
2. How advaita ties to Shiva tattva...
3. What is the real meaning of kundalini
4. Origin of Shiva (not really origin...but..existence)/ Shiva Leela (how karma affects maha yogi)
5. Stories about origin of Universe
6. Stories about Vishnu
7. Links between stories of Vishnu and how that ties with stories from Shiva Mahapurana...
This was a great read...! :)
June 14, 2020
Wonderful experience reading this book! An enchanting book. Writer Vanamali is superb in rendering the ancient knowledge in simple and conscise language from Shiva Mahapurana.
July 7, 2021
Must Read for all Lord Shiva Devotees!! Om Namah Shivay
August 18, 2021
must read for all humanity
August 17, 2024
This book collates the most wonderful stories of Shiva.
I’ll share with you a favourite one of mine:
One day, a prudent man visited the court of King Chitraghanu. Finding the king fasting, he became curious and wanted to know the reason for his self-denial from food and water. The noble king, whose mind was so clear that he could remember his previous lives, told him the following story:
“Once, in my former life, I was a hunter, a pariah, living on the outskirts of Varanasi. In order to feed my wife and children, I had to kill animals and birds and sell them on the market.
“One day, as I was ranging the jungle far from the city, night overtook me. In order to escape the prowling wild animals and other dangers of the night, I climbed up a tree, which happened to be a bel tree, and tied my game into one of the branches. Though fatigued, it was impossible to even think of sleep. I was very famished and thirsty.
As I thought of my poor family, which was starving and did not know what had happened to me, teardrops rolled down my cheeks and fell to the ground. To pass the time, I plucked the trifoliate leaves and let them float down. Finally, as the new morning dawned, I could climb down and go home. On the way, I sold the deer I had shot the day before and bought some food to take to my family. On the way, I met a poor beggar. I fed him even before I myself had eaten anything.
“Many years passed and I had long forgotten the incident, when, one day, two angels came to me. Even though I was an outcaste, they carried me to Shiva’s abode, and then I realized what had come to pass that night. Without my having known it, that very night was Shiva’s wedding night. Unintentionally, I had respected the three-eyed God with my fasting and waking.
Below the bel tree, there had been a Shiva lingam, which I had inadvertently washed with my salty tears and decorated with bel leaves I had mindlessly plucked. Through these acts, I earned enough distinction that I could enjoy the bliss of Shiva’s heaven for many, many years. Having to take care of remaining karma, I had to come back. Thus, incarnated as a king, this is my last incarnation.”
Modern physics defines matter not as flaccid and torpid, but as unceasingly twirling and vibrant. Physicists speak of the nonstop dance of subatomic particles and use the words “dance of creation“ and “energy dance.”
Now take a look at a sculpture of the dancing Shiva, the Nataraja, this description of the physicists comes forcibly to mind. The Nataraja is the personification of this cosmic dance. Modern photographic techniques have been able to project the particle tracks emanating from the dancing image of Shiva.
This image is a concrete symbol of the great principle that the seers tried to portray—that life is a rhythmic interplay of birth and death, formation and obliteration. Scientists have shown this in their particle accelerators. Shiva’s cosmic dance depicts the mad gyrations of energy particles.
His damaru beats to the rhythm of the cosmic vibrations, and his energy, or shakti, is activated by the Divine Mother, personified by many goddesses in the Hindu pantheon, including Durga and Parvati. The Divine Mother is the enchantress who creates and nourishes and gives suck to all beings, human and subhuman. All are infants of this Divine Mother.
The Greeks who came to India around 300 BC saw in Shiva a likeness of their own god, Dionysius. He was the dissident who opposed their classical divinities and sought redemption in esoteric rituals.
By the time of the Christian era, the craze of Shiva had seized the minds of all and had spread from Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari at the very tip of the Indian subcontinent. Now we will look at how the concept of Shiva is dealt with in Puranic literature.
O Destroyer! By that supremely peaceful form of yours, which is auspicious and blissful and destroys sin, give us the knowledge supreme. : “SRI RUDRUM,” YAJUR VEDA
I am shapeless and without any variation or characteristics. I am all-pervading and free. I am ever the same all the time, neither bound nor liberated. I am the essence of consciousness and bliss—Shivoham! Shivoham! - “NIRVANASHTAKAM” BY ADI SHANKARACHARYA
I’ll share with you a favourite one of mine:
One day, a prudent man visited the court of King Chitraghanu. Finding the king fasting, he became curious and wanted to know the reason for his self-denial from food and water. The noble king, whose mind was so clear that he could remember his previous lives, told him the following story:
“Once, in my former life, I was a hunter, a pariah, living on the outskirts of Varanasi. In order to feed my wife and children, I had to kill animals and birds and sell them on the market.
“One day, as I was ranging the jungle far from the city, night overtook me. In order to escape the prowling wild animals and other dangers of the night, I climbed up a tree, which happened to be a bel tree, and tied my game into one of the branches. Though fatigued, it was impossible to even think of sleep. I was very famished and thirsty.
As I thought of my poor family, which was starving and did not know what had happened to me, teardrops rolled down my cheeks and fell to the ground. To pass the time, I plucked the trifoliate leaves and let them float down. Finally, as the new morning dawned, I could climb down and go home. On the way, I sold the deer I had shot the day before and bought some food to take to my family. On the way, I met a poor beggar. I fed him even before I myself had eaten anything.
“Many years passed and I had long forgotten the incident, when, one day, two angels came to me. Even though I was an outcaste, they carried me to Shiva’s abode, and then I realized what had come to pass that night. Without my having known it, that very night was Shiva’s wedding night. Unintentionally, I had respected the three-eyed God with my fasting and waking.
Below the bel tree, there had been a Shiva lingam, which I had inadvertently washed with my salty tears and decorated with bel leaves I had mindlessly plucked. Through these acts, I earned enough distinction that I could enjoy the bliss of Shiva’s heaven for many, many years. Having to take care of remaining karma, I had to come back. Thus, incarnated as a king, this is my last incarnation.”
Modern physics defines matter not as flaccid and torpid, but as unceasingly twirling and vibrant. Physicists speak of the nonstop dance of subatomic particles and use the words “dance of creation“ and “energy dance.”
Now take a look at a sculpture of the dancing Shiva, the Nataraja, this description of the physicists comes forcibly to mind. The Nataraja is the personification of this cosmic dance. Modern photographic techniques have been able to project the particle tracks emanating from the dancing image of Shiva.
This image is a concrete symbol of the great principle that the seers tried to portray—that life is a rhythmic interplay of birth and death, formation and obliteration. Scientists have shown this in their particle accelerators. Shiva’s cosmic dance depicts the mad gyrations of energy particles.
His damaru beats to the rhythm of the cosmic vibrations, and his energy, or shakti, is activated by the Divine Mother, personified by many goddesses in the Hindu pantheon, including Durga and Parvati. The Divine Mother is the enchantress who creates and nourishes and gives suck to all beings, human and subhuman. All are infants of this Divine Mother.
The Greeks who came to India around 300 BC saw in Shiva a likeness of their own god, Dionysius. He was the dissident who opposed their classical divinities and sought redemption in esoteric rituals.
By the time of the Christian era, the craze of Shiva had seized the minds of all and had spread from Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari at the very tip of the Indian subcontinent. Now we will look at how the concept of Shiva is dealt with in Puranic literature.
O Destroyer! By that supremely peaceful form of yours, which is auspicious and blissful and destroys sin, give us the knowledge supreme. : “SRI RUDRUM,” YAJUR VEDA
I am shapeless and without any variation or characteristics. I am all-pervading and free. I am ever the same all the time, neither bound nor liberated. I am the essence of consciousness and bliss—Shivoham! Shivoham! - “NIRVANASHTAKAM” BY ADI SHANKARACHARYA
November 10, 2022
First book of the year! Well, I started this in 2018 but read through the majority this year. I knew most of the stories if not all, but I liked Vanamali's style. I loved some of the customs in the deep South India. I'd like to read more Lord Shiva stories.
Solid read. Especially if you like to tell stories to friends and family. 4/5!
Solid read. Especially if you like to tell stories to friends and family. 4/5!
January 11, 2020
Many good stories, some bad ones. The book also had stories from the Periya puranam in addition to the Shiva Mahapurana. There was some science bashing, which was absolutely unnecessary. I learnt a good deal about the colorful personality of Shiva.
June 3, 2025
3,5 stars!
loved how extensive it was, it truly made me connect more to him! however, sometimes the language used or views shared in the book are a bit too crude/ rough around the edges for my taste
loved how extensive it was, it truly made me connect more to him! however, sometimes the language used or views shared in the book are a bit too crude/ rough around the edges for my taste
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September 20, 2022Interesting read about Shiv. A glimpse of few stories from shivpuran...
April 4, 2023
Fascinating book full of lots of interesting stories of Shiva's life.
August 8, 2023
Inspiring
Another inspiring book by this devout writer. I truly felt a personal connection with Mahadev after reading this beautiful text.
Another inspiring book by this devout writer. I truly felt a personal connection with Mahadev after reading this beautiful text.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews