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Siva: The Siva Purana Retold
One day of Brahma has 14 Indras; his life has 54,000 Indras, One day of Vishnu is the life time of Brahma. The life time of Vishnu is one day of Siva There are eighteeen Mahapuranas,great Puranas,and the Siva Purana is one of them. The book, Siva is a vivid retelling of the Siva Purana for today's reader. The book contains all the major legends of Siva, bringing them alive again for a new generation. The characters and events one encounters here are awesome,many are cosmic. Siva himself is the Auspicious One. He is Mahadeva,the greatest God.
324 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 3, 2024
A closer look at the vast pantheon of Sanatan puranas and Hindu texts often invoke confusion. It's common for one text to contradict the other. And chapters and narratives clash repeatedly throughout. The act of seeking God, both for the believer and otherwise, thus, verges on being dense, obtuse and incoherent at times. The problem intensifies when you're not adept at Sanskrit, to verify things, without resorting to a third-party medium.
It is what it is. And I'm quite glad for Ramesh Menon's assistance.
Kudos to him for sieving through the fat and drawing the skeleton out of the Shiva Purana. It's not perfect, obviously. But for an abridged version, it's readable. Accessible for anyone concerned. It presents the primordial Adiyogi, with controlled language and infused flair. There's all the major stories here. The Shiv-Sati saga, Dakhsayajna, The Twelve Jyotirlingas, Uma's Penance, Kartik-Ganesh, Amrita-Halahala, Tarakasur Vadh, Jalandhar, Tripur Dahan, all of it and so much more. Although, it does shy away from delving within the avatars. Mentioning only three of them in passing.
And sure, it gets wordy at times. The descriptions - wild, untamed and prone to contention. The author exercises much liberty in choosing from several versions of singular events. Mostly, narrating the one that suits his vision. I personally see little problem with such a take. Being a believer, that is. And will suggest taking one's sweet time with this. Rushing through the universe of Mahadeva, does one no good. A much better option than putting yourself through shoddy soap operas and badly made TV specials.
Negating a few stars, however, for the lack of annotations and proper scholarly commentary, which plays a veritable role in rounding up a book of such stature. Could have done away with the occasional crudeness in highlighting the underlying eroticism as well. The sensuality is all too literal at times. Which can baffle an unsuspecting reader.
But that's just me. It's flawed for sure. No way, the primary source for all things Shiva. For that, a curious reader will always need to scratch beyond the surface and dig deeper. But the book is fun. It's rewarding and quite fulfilling, if you're invested enough.
As such, happy reading!
𝐀𝐮𝐦 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐲
(3.5/5)
It is what it is. And I'm quite glad for Ramesh Menon's assistance.
Kudos to him for sieving through the fat and drawing the skeleton out of the Shiva Purana. It's not perfect, obviously. But for an abridged version, it's readable. Accessible for anyone concerned. It presents the primordial Adiyogi, with controlled language and infused flair. There's all the major stories here. The Shiv-Sati saga, Dakhsayajna, The Twelve Jyotirlingas, Uma's Penance, Kartik-Ganesh, Amrita-Halahala, Tarakasur Vadh, Jalandhar, Tripur Dahan, all of it and so much more. Although, it does shy away from delving within the avatars. Mentioning only three of them in passing.
And sure, it gets wordy at times. The descriptions - wild, untamed and prone to contention. The author exercises much liberty in choosing from several versions of singular events. Mostly, narrating the one that suits his vision. I personally see little problem with such a take. Being a believer, that is. And will suggest taking one's sweet time with this. Rushing through the universe of Mahadeva, does one no good. A much better option than putting yourself through shoddy soap operas and badly made TV specials.
Negating a few stars, however, for the lack of annotations and proper scholarly commentary, which plays a veritable role in rounding up a book of such stature. Could have done away with the occasional crudeness in highlighting the underlying eroticism as well. The sensuality is all too literal at times. Which can baffle an unsuspecting reader.
But that's just me. It's flawed for sure. No way, the primary source for all things Shiva. For that, a curious reader will always need to scratch beyond the surface and dig deeper. But the book is fun. It's rewarding and quite fulfilling, if you're invested enough.
As such, happy reading!
𝐀𝐮𝐦 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐲
(3.5/5)
June 12, 2013
I love this book, it is my favorite book of all time. I adore Siva!
The stories are amazing, the settings, the creatures, the love, all of it. This was the first book by Ramesh Menon I read, and my first ancient Indian text. I was delighted with space ships, pleiadians, fairies, demons and on and on. I never imagined that a book so old could contain so much. I also enjoyed the relationships between Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. I laughed and cried. Excellent!
The stories are amazing, the settings, the creatures, the love, all of it. This was the first book by Ramesh Menon I read, and my first ancient Indian text. I was delighted with space ships, pleiadians, fairies, demons and on and on. I never imagined that a book so old could contain so much. I also enjoyed the relationships between Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. I laughed and cried. Excellent!
November 27, 2017
OM NAMAH SHIVAY 🙏🙏🙏🙏...This is a pretty good book to have an idea of importance of Lord Shiva and his major legends in Hindu Mythology...
it is an abridged version of Siva Purana one of 18 important puranas in Hindu faith and religion...If someone Want to know deeper stuff about Lord Siva it's better to read the 2000+ pages book which covers everything...but I recommend this book to anyone who want to have a great reading experience of Lord Siva legends and have a life changing experience...
it is an abridged version of Siva Purana one of 18 important puranas in Hindu faith and religion...If someone Want to know deeper stuff about Lord Siva it's better to read the 2000+ pages book which covers everything...but I recommend this book to anyone who want to have a great reading experience of Lord Siva legends and have a life changing experience...
December 6, 2025
This is one of the best retellings of Shiva Purana you’ll ever read. And with Shiva, the ultimate enigma, the ascetic who dances annihilation into creation, you need that kind of narrative touch—equal parts devotion, drama, and raw cosmic swagger.
What makes this retelling so compelling is that it never feels like a textbook or a sermon. Instead, Menon tells these stories with the pace and glow of a fireside legend.
Every episode—from Shiva’s solitude in the Himalayas to Sati’s tragic immolation and from the cosmic romance with Parvati to the birth of Ganesha and Kartikeya—unfurls with emotional clarity. The mythology feels alive, breathing, and deeply human even in its most supernatural moments.
Menon doesn’t flatten Shiva into a single interpretation. He gives you all his contradictions: the terrifying Rudra, the gentle Ashutosh, the dancer who destroys worlds, the lover whose grief sets creation trembling, and the yogi who sits outside time itself.
And somehow, Shiva becomes not just a god but an experience—something vast, magnetic, slightly dangerous, and unbelievably tender.
The prose is lush without being heavy. Menon knows when to dazzle and when to step back, letting silence do the talking.
The battles crackle, the romances smoulder, the meditations whisper. He makes the divine feel intimate—like the gods are speaking in low tones across the centuries, nudging you to pay attention.
But the real magic lies in how he handles the emotional undercurrents. Sati’s pain, Parvati’s devotion, Shiva’s compassion, the gods’ anxieties—Menon renders these with a modern sensibility without compromising their mythic essence.
It’s the perfect bridge between past and present: respectful but never dusty, poetic but never opaque.
‘The Siva Purana Retold’ becomes more than mythology—it becomes a mirror. It asks gentle, unsettling questions about desire, ego, loss, transformation, and the balance between destruction and renewal.
It reminds you that gods in Indian tradition aren’t perfect—they’re cosmic metaphors for our inner landscapes.
If you want to experience Shiva not as a symbol but as a force—wild, loving, mysterious—Menon’s retelling is a gorgeous, immersive gateway.
It’s mythology retold with heart, rhythm, and a sense of awe that stays with you long after the final page.
Recommended.
What makes this retelling so compelling is that it never feels like a textbook or a sermon. Instead, Menon tells these stories with the pace and glow of a fireside legend.
Every episode—from Shiva’s solitude in the Himalayas to Sati’s tragic immolation and from the cosmic romance with Parvati to the birth of Ganesha and Kartikeya—unfurls with emotional clarity. The mythology feels alive, breathing, and deeply human even in its most supernatural moments.
Menon doesn’t flatten Shiva into a single interpretation. He gives you all his contradictions: the terrifying Rudra, the gentle Ashutosh, the dancer who destroys worlds, the lover whose grief sets creation trembling, and the yogi who sits outside time itself.
And somehow, Shiva becomes not just a god but an experience—something vast, magnetic, slightly dangerous, and unbelievably tender.
The prose is lush without being heavy. Menon knows when to dazzle and when to step back, letting silence do the talking.
The battles crackle, the romances smoulder, the meditations whisper. He makes the divine feel intimate—like the gods are speaking in low tones across the centuries, nudging you to pay attention.
But the real magic lies in how he handles the emotional undercurrents. Sati’s pain, Parvati’s devotion, Shiva’s compassion, the gods’ anxieties—Menon renders these with a modern sensibility without compromising their mythic essence.
It’s the perfect bridge between past and present: respectful but never dusty, poetic but never opaque.
‘The Siva Purana Retold’ becomes more than mythology—it becomes a mirror. It asks gentle, unsettling questions about desire, ego, loss, transformation, and the balance between destruction and renewal.
It reminds you that gods in Indian tradition aren’t perfect—they’re cosmic metaphors for our inner landscapes.
If you want to experience Shiva not as a symbol but as a force—wild, loving, mysterious—Menon’s retelling is a gorgeous, immersive gateway.
It’s mythology retold with heart, rhythm, and a sense of awe that stays with you long after the final page.
Recommended.
March 19, 2015
"As I see images of solar prominences,
Have I glimpsed the opening of another eye?
The unifying third that perceives and destroys it all?
In a trance I watch those dancing flames;
Looping onto themselves at times,
Jumping up with sheer abandon at others.
In the darkness that surrounds this brilliance,
I have seen the blue-throated one
And his consort wrapped in red too.
Melded in their eternal dance;
Balancing conception with annihilation,
and blending sustenance with genesis.
It is Him surely, is it not?"
This is how I saw Him while reading this amazing rendition of the shiva purana.
Have I glimpsed the opening of another eye?
The unifying third that perceives and destroys it all?
In a trance I watch those dancing flames;
Looping onto themselves at times,
Jumping up with sheer abandon at others.
In the darkness that surrounds this brilliance,
I have seen the blue-throated one
And his consort wrapped in red too.
Melded in their eternal dance;
Balancing conception with annihilation,
and blending sustenance with genesis.
It is Him surely, is it not?"
This is how I saw Him while reading this amazing rendition of the shiva purana.
August 7, 2017
Author has made a good attempt in summarizing the great Siva Purana, but too much of pervert sensual imagination in the narration undermines the spirituality of the purana. Those who do not have prior reading of purana are likely to misinterpret and completely miss the teachings of the great Purana.
November 4, 2012
Loved the book. Learnt so much about Hindu Gods. There are places that a reader could get confused. Like when Indra calls Vishnu his brother but a little bit of googling really help while reading this.
As one reviewer already mentioned, u will be surprised by the similarities u will see between Indian and Greek mythology.
As one reviewer already mentioned, u will be surprised by the similarities u will see between Indian and Greek mythology.
May 25, 2023
হিন্দু পুরাণে আমার দেখা প্রথম চরিত্র, যিনি স্ত্রী-ভিন্ন কোনো নারীতে নিয়োজিত হননি। আর তাতেই আগ্রহ বাড়লো। এখন থেকে ৫ বছর আগের কথা। 'শিবের গীত' শোনায় তখন প্রবল আগ্রহ আমার, সীতাকুন্ডের চন্দ্রনাথ পাহাড় বেয়েছিলাম তীর্থযাত্রীর ঝোঁক নিয়ে, শিব-পুরাণের গল্প শুনতে শুনতে। কোনোকিছুতে নতুন আগ্রহ জন্মালে যা হয়, সারাদিন মাথায় ঘোরে কেমনে আরো ঘাঁটা যায়।
'শিব'-এর উল্লেখ বেদ-এ আসলেও, প্রধান তিন দেবতার একজন হয়ে ওঠার সময়টা এসেছে আরো পরে, যখন পুরাণগুলো রচিত হলো। তাই শিবকে জানতে হলে পুরাণ পড়তে হবে। ঢাকা বাতিঘরে শিব পুরাণ চোখে পড়েছিল। হাতে চাঁদ পাওয়ার খুশিতে তাক থেকে নামিয়ে যেই না পড়তে ধরেছি, জোঁকের মুখে নুন পড়লো। সংস্কৃত না কী ভাষায় লেখা, পড়ে কিসসু বুঝার জো নাই! আমার পুরাণ-পাঠের সেখানেই আপাত ইস্তফা।
বছর কয়েক পর, সম্ভবত লকডাউনে এই বইটার হদিস পাই। রমেশ মেননের ইংরেজি অনুবাদে, সরলীকৃত শিব পুরাণ। ইপাব নামিয়েছিলাম তক্ষুণি। সহজ ইংরেজিতে, সংক্ষেপে গল্পগুলো বলা। সংক্ষেপ করতে গিয়ে কিন্তু কোথাও অলঙ্কার বাদ যায়নি... পুরাণে যত রঙচঙে উপমা দিয়ে ঘটনা আর সাজসজ্জার মাহাত্ম্য বর্ণনা করা হয়েছে, সবই রাখা হয়েছে এখানেও।
৯টা 'কান্ড' আছে এখানে। মূল শিব পুরাণের সবটাই এসেছে কিনা জানা নেই, তবে শিবকে নিয়ে যেসব কাহিনী ইতিউতি খুঁজে পেয়েছিলাম, তার অধিকাংশই আবার এখানেও পেয়েছি। সতীর সাথে বিয়ে, সতীর আ*ত্ম*ত্যাগে দক্ষযজ্ঞ ধ্বং*স, আবার পার্বতী নামে দুর্গার পুনরাগমন, কার্তিকের জন্ম, গণেশের কাহিনী। শিব কী করে 'পশুপতি' হলেন, শিবলিঙ্গ কোথেকে এলো, আর কেনই বা তাকে যো*নি-রূপ পাত্রের ওপর স্থাপন করা হয়, এইসবের অরিজিন স্টোরি-ও পড়েছি সবিস্তারে। কাহিনীগুলো ছুটা-ছাটা শোনা আর বই থেকে পড়ার তফাৎ বেশ লক্ষ্য করতে পেরেছিলাম।
'শিব'-এর উল্লেখ বেদ-এ আসলেও, প্রধান তিন দেবতার একজন হয়ে ওঠার সময়টা এসেছে আরো পরে, যখন পুরাণগুলো রচিত হলো। তাই শিবকে জানতে হলে পুরাণ পড়তে হবে। ঢাকা বাতিঘরে শিব পুরাণ চোখে পড়েছিল। হাতে চাঁদ পাওয়ার খুশিতে তাক থেকে নামিয়ে যেই না পড়তে ধরেছি, জোঁকের মুখে নুন পড়লো। সংস্কৃত না কী ভাষায় লেখা, পড়ে কিসসু বুঝার জো নাই! আমার পুরাণ-পাঠের সেখানেই আপাত ইস্তফা।
বছর কয়েক পর, সম্ভবত লকডাউনে এই বইটার হদিস পাই। রমেশ মেননের ইংরেজি অনুবাদে, সরলীকৃত শিব পুরাণ। ইপাব নামিয়েছিলাম তক্ষুণি। সহজ ইংরেজিতে, সংক্ষেপে গল্পগুলো বলা। সংক্ষেপ করতে গিয়ে কিন্তু কোথাও অলঙ্কার বাদ যায়নি... পুরাণে যত রঙচঙে উপমা দিয়ে ঘটনা আর সাজসজ্জার মাহাত্ম্য বর্ণনা করা হয়েছে, সবই রাখা হয়েছে এখানেও।
৯টা 'কান্ড' আছে এখানে। মূল শিব পুরাণের সবটাই এসেছে কিনা জানা নেই, তবে শিবকে নিয়ে যেসব কাহিনী ইতিউতি খুঁজে পেয়েছিলাম, তার অধিকাংশই আবার এখানেও পেয়েছি। সতীর সাথে বিয়ে, সতীর আ*ত্ম*ত্যাগে দক্ষযজ্ঞ ধ্বং*স, আবার পার্বতী নামে দুর্গার পুনরাগমন, কার্তিকের জন্ম, গণেশের কাহিনী। শিব কী করে 'পশুপতি' হলেন, শিবলিঙ্গ কোথেকে এলো, আর কেনই বা তাকে যো*নি-রূপ পাত্রের ওপর স্থাপন করা হয়, এইসবের অরিজিন স্টোরি-ও পড়েছি সবিস্তারে। কাহিনীগুলো ছুটা-ছাটা শোনা আর বই থেকে পড়ার তফাৎ বেশ লক্ষ্য করতে পেরেছিলাম।
March 22, 2013
The title says Siva Purana retold...but the author lost the essence of Shiva in his attempts to sensationalize it. Greater focus was on the sexual escapades of the Gods, rather than Shiva and his Shakti. I bought it going by the title...thinking it will help me discover Shiva...was thoroughly disappointed!!
November 23, 2020
“It is by the wonder of the five-syllabled mantra that the worlds, the Vedas, the rishis, the dharma, the universe, and the devas exist. 'AUM Namah Sivayah' is the seed of all the living.”
― Ramesh Menon, SIVA PURANA
Unputdownable! This is the one best book, I've read in 2020. The exquisite untamed charm of its own kind!
Hailing from a highly religious Shaiva family, I had been familiar with almost all the stories of Original Shiva Purana in Tamil, which I have listened to, like anthologies in my childhood, in the typical Tirunelveli style, along with sessions on Thevaram & Thiruvasagam Muttrothudhal.
The extremely lucid language of Ramesh Menon presents the most delicious & auspicious Prasada of Shaiva-Siddhanta in a way to ingest inexhaustible, in English. The battle scenes were picture-perfect, especially the encounter of Kartikeya and Tarakasura. I became a fan of Mr. Menon's writing, and am intending to proceed with his books in 2021 to make it a more remarkable year of reading.
First, I found the sensual contents quite repugnant as part of the highly-revered Siva Purana. But, later understood that the author had taken a bold step to expose the Grihastha aspect of the Universal Lord.
|| Thiruchitrambalam ||
Gratitude to @SruthaVenkatesan for recommending this to me, and for my first buddy-read. ✌️
― Ramesh Menon, SIVA PURANA
Unputdownable! This is the one best book, I've read in 2020. The exquisite untamed charm of its own kind!
Hailing from a highly religious Shaiva family, I had been familiar with almost all the stories of Original Shiva Purana in Tamil, which I have listened to, like anthologies in my childhood, in the typical Tirunelveli style, along with sessions on Thevaram & Thiruvasagam Muttrothudhal.
The extremely lucid language of Ramesh Menon presents the most delicious & auspicious Prasada of Shaiva-Siddhanta in a way to ingest inexhaustible, in English. The battle scenes were picture-perfect, especially the encounter of Kartikeya and Tarakasura. I became a fan of Mr. Menon's writing, and am intending to proceed with his books in 2021 to make it a more remarkable year of reading.
First, I found the sensual contents quite repugnant as part of the highly-revered Siva Purana. But, later understood that the author had taken a bold step to expose the Grihastha aspect of the Universal Lord.
|| Thiruchitrambalam ||
Gratitude to @SruthaVenkatesan for recommending this to me, and for my first buddy-read. ✌️
March 22, 2013
Thanks to the author, a very powerful and complicated text has been made available to the English-speaking new generation of India. He does not dilute or twist the content to fit today's context. This is also potentially where I struggled- simply reading a story, and then in the chapter's end, being told that the reader is blessed for all his/her lives and achieves Moksha, failed to create that feeling of spiritual elevation.
Again, the book -potentially like the Puran itself- was very interesting, but at times promising effects like Moksha to the reader which I find difficult to comprehend, judging purely by the moral learnings from the book - for example, reading it in a non-religious context, I found it strange that reading about how, to stop a raging war, Vishnu would use sexual deceit on an asura's wife, and then once the Asura was vanquished, I read that reading this story will cleanse my past sins. I missed the 'why'.
Again, the book -potentially like the Puran itself- was very interesting, but at times promising effects like Moksha to the reader which I find difficult to comprehend, judging purely by the moral learnings from the book - for example, reading it in a non-religious context, I found it strange that reading about how, to stop a raging war, Vishnu would use sexual deceit on an asura's wife, and then once the Asura was vanquished, I read that reading this story will cleanse my past sins. I missed the 'why'.
September 8, 2019
I am struggling to finish this book as everytime I try reading this book after only few pages it left me with disgust. The way it is describing all the stories are so full of sensuality and without meaning that it has exactly opposite impact on the reader as it should have been. I am not sure if this is what it is written in the original purana but I would never recommend this book to anyone who is an admirer of Lord Shiva and wanting to understand more about him.
April 23, 2013
What a powerful and a surreal depiction of Siva ! Very different style of writing compared to Menon's previous books I've read.
Not to be mistaken as one of the 'Modern rendition'; its ancient, antiquated but awe-inspiring nonetheless.
Siva and VIshnu's depiction and their reincarnates are spell-binding.
Not to be mistaken as one of the 'Modern rendition'; its ancient, antiquated but awe-inspiring nonetheless.
Siva and VIshnu's depiction and their reincarnates are spell-binding.
December 28, 2019
This is my first attempt at reading the Siva Purana hence i do not have a reference. I found the stories intriguing and the writing fluid. The book is in a narrative form and it seems like an english translation of the versions available.
July 25, 2020
This is a good book. It contains short stories about Lord Shiva. I found the stories about Twelve Jyotirlinga most useful. These provide a very useful knowledge about Lord Shiva's greatness.
December 18, 2016
Shiva - the ultimate God
Book Review for Shiva by Ramesh Menon
This book encompasses the myth of Shiva-Sati, Shiva-Parvati, origin stories of Ganesha and Kartikeya, stories about all twelve Jyotirlingas, and demons which Shiva kills, which can't be killed by other Gods. Stories here make one believe why is Shiva the biggest of Gods, not the Vishnu, Sustainer of God trinity, (one might get a different feeling if one reads some other Puranas), as there are some stories where Vishnu has accepted the defeat and either went to Shiva or sent Indra, King of Heaven, perpetually troubled by Asuras, to Shiva for help.
I learned that many characters like Rudra, Virabhadra and Kirtimukha (he who eats himself, Google it!) emerge from Shiva, and are actually essence Shiva. I previously thought Shiva reincarnated themselves into them but not Shiva sent them out while he was busy doing meditation or sex. His stories with Sati and Parvati (both reincarnation of Mother Goddess Kali) shows the human side of God we know not much off. Story of Sati, as it is told here, seemed like a warning story for parents of a female child. It is essentially a story of girl who wasn't loved by her parents at all and ended up self-immolating herself. Of course, she would be born again: what would Shiva without her? But one must have a strong reason for the Goddess to be reborn and her marriage with Shiva. So thanks to Brahma, creator of God trinity, who gave a boon to Tarakasura that he will die only at the hands of Shiva's son. So, that's why Kartikeya/Murugan, was born, who has mysterious birth (read can't explain scientifically! Same goes for Shiva's other son, Ganesha) and unique childhood. Third son Shiva which is not well known in northern India is Ayyappan or Ayyappa Swamy, who originated from lusty union of Shiva with Mohini (Vishnu), in presence of Parvati. (One might read the reasons like some asura will only be killed by the union of two males, which seems like a later addition to me. I could be wrong!)
The two villains who turned out to be almost invincible until, of course, Shiva Showed up to the fight (yes they weren't even killed by Shiva's positive essences: Rudra, Virabhadra etc.) are Jalandhara and Andhaka (both originated from Shiva's essence. Surprise!). Their birth and their childhood once again demonstrate the inability of Shiva to really take parenting seriously (Remember Kartikeya was abandoned too! Nope, I haven't heard that they raise him either.) as he abandoned Jalandhara or given Andhaka for foster parenting to asuras. They were tough villains and had to be killed using Oedipus complex, when these asuras have taken a liking to their own mother, Parvati, unknowingly, of course. Shiva used this glitch in the boon to kill two of his sons.
Though I thoroughly enjoyed the stories narrated in this book but Shiva, being the biggest God, granted these stories an inevitability that by the end everything will be alright (no surprise), of happiness. In addition, the author had often ended the stories, with religious warnings and morals.
Overall, author has curated interesting stories from Shiva Purana which paints the picture of ultra cool, aloof, meditative, and destructive Shiva. He had also narrated stories about his family and his villains. I only wish that the author had told them with complete abandon, without the baggage of religiousness, as he did in his book, Krishna.
Book Review for Shiva by Ramesh Menon
This book encompasses the myth of Shiva-Sati, Shiva-Parvati, origin stories of Ganesha and Kartikeya, stories about all twelve Jyotirlingas, and demons which Shiva kills, which can't be killed by other Gods. Stories here make one believe why is Shiva the biggest of Gods, not the Vishnu, Sustainer of God trinity, (one might get a different feeling if one reads some other Puranas), as there are some stories where Vishnu has accepted the defeat and either went to Shiva or sent Indra, King of Heaven, perpetually troubled by Asuras, to Shiva for help.
I learned that many characters like Rudra, Virabhadra and Kirtimukha (he who eats himself, Google it!) emerge from Shiva, and are actually essence Shiva. I previously thought Shiva reincarnated themselves into them but not Shiva sent them out while he was busy doing meditation or sex. His stories with Sati and Parvati (both reincarnation of Mother Goddess Kali) shows the human side of God we know not much off. Story of Sati, as it is told here, seemed like a warning story for parents of a female child. It is essentially a story of girl who wasn't loved by her parents at all and ended up self-immolating herself. Of course, she would be born again: what would Shiva without her? But one must have a strong reason for the Goddess to be reborn and her marriage with Shiva. So thanks to Brahma, creator of God trinity, who gave a boon to Tarakasura that he will die only at the hands of Shiva's son. So, that's why Kartikeya/Murugan, was born, who has mysterious birth (read can't explain scientifically! Same goes for Shiva's other son, Ganesha) and unique childhood. Third son Shiva which is not well known in northern India is Ayyappan or Ayyappa Swamy, who originated from lusty union of Shiva with Mohini (Vishnu), in presence of Parvati. (One might read the reasons like some asura will only be killed by the union of two males, which seems like a later addition to me. I could be wrong!)
The two villains who turned out to be almost invincible until, of course, Shiva Showed up to the fight (yes they weren't even killed by Shiva's positive essences: Rudra, Virabhadra etc.) are Jalandhara and Andhaka (both originated from Shiva's essence. Surprise!). Their birth and their childhood once again demonstrate the inability of Shiva to really take parenting seriously (Remember Kartikeya was abandoned too! Nope, I haven't heard that they raise him either.) as he abandoned Jalandhara or given Andhaka for foster parenting to asuras. They were tough villains and had to be killed using Oedipus complex, when these asuras have taken a liking to their own mother, Parvati, unknowingly, of course. Shiva used this glitch in the boon to kill two of his sons.
Though I thoroughly enjoyed the stories narrated in this book but Shiva, being the biggest God, granted these stories an inevitability that by the end everything will be alright (no surprise), of happiness. In addition, the author had often ended the stories, with religious warnings and morals.
Overall, author has curated interesting stories from Shiva Purana which paints the picture of ultra cool, aloof, meditative, and destructive Shiva. He had also narrated stories about his family and his villains. I only wish that the author had told them with complete abandon, without the baggage of religiousness, as he did in his book, Krishna.
May 4, 2020
The Shiva Purana contains stories about various events in Shiv's life like his marriage to Sati and Parvati, the establishment of the twelve jyotirlings and the killing of powerful Asuras. But mainly it is about relationships. It is a giddy love story of Shiv with Sati, later reborn as Parvati; an intense and playful friendship with Vishnu and a sense of deep loyalty with his devotees.
He is not swayed by material things and shallow, aggressive emotions. He can be swayed only by friendship, love and devotion; because for these he would forgive a thousand times and bear a thousand pains.
He is the primordial God who created the universe and yet he is not an all knower. For example, when Sati goes to her father's yagna, he did not accompany her because he was wise enough to know he was being snubbed but not all knowing enough to know her tragic fate.
He is a yogin. But he is not above pain, longing and self doubt. For if he was, he would not be the all compassionate one. I particularly liked the part when Shiva is curious about and obviously attracted to Parvati but is pretending hard not to be. It makes him so human.
The book is obviously set in a time period which is patriarchal. There are rules for how a woman should behave but are most often quite flexible. Shiv himself doesn't particularly care about them and neither does the goddess. Theirs is a marriage of partnership.
The Puranas are fascinating examples of storytelling. They often use the motif of story within a story and has multiple dimensions and points of view.
The author has done a good job of re writing the Purana in a language accessible to modern times while preserving its spirit at the same time. I enjoyed it and would definitely read a retelling of another Purana by him.
He is not swayed by material things and shallow, aggressive emotions. He can be swayed only by friendship, love and devotion; because for these he would forgive a thousand times and bear a thousand pains.
He is the primordial God who created the universe and yet he is not an all knower. For example, when Sati goes to her father's yagna, he did not accompany her because he was wise enough to know he was being snubbed but not all knowing enough to know her tragic fate.
He is a yogin. But he is not above pain, longing and self doubt. For if he was, he would not be the all compassionate one. I particularly liked the part when Shiva is curious about and obviously attracted to Parvati but is pretending hard not to be. It makes him so human.
The book is obviously set in a time period which is patriarchal. There are rules for how a woman should behave but are most often quite flexible. Shiv himself doesn't particularly care about them and neither does the goddess. Theirs is a marriage of partnership.
The Puranas are fascinating examples of storytelling. They often use the motif of story within a story and has multiple dimensions and points of view.
The author has done a good job of re writing the Purana in a language accessible to modern times while preserving its spirit at the same time. I enjoyed it and would definitely read a retelling of another Purana by him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2018
A must read...
For me the best part of the book is getting to know so many Siva stories in details which I always wanted bcz I am a ardent devotee of the Mahadeva.The way major stories are transformed in English from Sanskrit,is really commandable. For some stories I have heard different versions from other folklores but I believe the version told by Mr. Menon in Siva Purana is the true one.Out of curiosity I want to ask Mr. Menon that in almost all the chapters ( barring few ) you mentioned different incidents of explicit sexual acts between Gods and Goddesses and other mortal beings,were all of them actually told in the Sanskrit version?as no chapter/page/lines/verses was referred from the oiginal piece.Rather it is applicable in all stories as neither of them was mentioned with referrence.Would love to get a reply on this😊
For me the best part of the book is getting to know so many Siva stories in details which I always wanted bcz I am a ardent devotee of the Mahadeva.The way major stories are transformed in English from Sanskrit,is really commandable. For some stories I have heard different versions from other folklores but I believe the version told by Mr. Menon in Siva Purana is the true one.Out of curiosity I want to ask Mr. Menon that in almost all the chapters ( barring few ) you mentioned different incidents of explicit sexual acts between Gods and Goddesses and other mortal beings,were all of them actually told in the Sanskrit version?as no chapter/page/lines/verses was referred from the oiginal piece.Rather it is applicable in all stories as neither of them was mentioned with referrence.Would love to get a reply on this😊
July 9, 2018
The translation seems apt, and the book is loaded with in-detail stories about Shiva and those that worshipped or fought against him. But the reason I dislike this book is, it approaches the stories from a God-fearing mindset.
While we come from a very mature and evolved Ancient India, we're often mislead into false notions of an eternal hell and unforgivable sins, which is often the premise in most of the stories.
It's evident, this book comes from a place of conservative and old school thinking that was made by people who wanted to have power over others. We need to hear these stories from a God-loving side instead, so I'd encourage reading more new-generation Spiritualists such as Devdutt Patnaik and Sadhguru.
It is insightful from a story stand point but I don't recommend it as a Spiritual or Religious reference in entirety.
While we come from a very mature and evolved Ancient India, we're often mislead into false notions of an eternal hell and unforgivable sins, which is often the premise in most of the stories.
It's evident, this book comes from a place of conservative and old school thinking that was made by people who wanted to have power over others. We need to hear these stories from a God-loving side instead, so I'd encourage reading more new-generation Spiritualists such as Devdutt Patnaik and Sadhguru.
It is insightful from a story stand point but I don't recommend it as a Spiritual or Religious reference in entirety.
December 8, 2020
Words cannot describe the unparalleled beauty of this book, and yet I am trying to do so.
"Om Namaha Shivaaya", the moola Mantra for Lord Shiva is the very base of the Universe, and this book aptly discusses the magnificence of it. The metaphors and flow of this story, dripping with the nectar of Shiva Leela, became the essence of my days, as I tried to absorb the stories, bringing tears to my eyes, and joy to my heart.
One of the best books I have ever read, not just in this year, but ever! I am eager to pursue more of Menon's books, especially in Sanatana Dharma.
|| Shivaaya Namaha Om ||
Rating: 5/5
P.S. my friend Visalini Kumaraswamy summarized my thoughts on this beautifully.
"Om Namaha Shivaaya", the moola Mantra for Lord Shiva is the very base of the Universe, and this book aptly discusses the magnificence of it. The metaphors and flow of this story, dripping with the nectar of Shiva Leela, became the essence of my days, as I tried to absorb the stories, bringing tears to my eyes, and joy to my heart.
One of the best books I have ever read, not just in this year, but ever! I am eager to pursue more of Menon's books, especially in Sanatana Dharma.
|| Shivaaya Namaha Om ||
Rating: 5/5
P.S. my friend Visalini Kumaraswamy summarized my thoughts on this beautifully.
January 7, 2013
Shiv Puran "retold" in his own manner by adding sexuality to it.
Does the author even know that the Lord is above lust, He burnt lust ...what does it mean? That He is a Great Master....Great Yogi..who is not affected by base desires like lust and sex. Yet at various places the author has added his own sexual fancy....for what?
Does the author even know that the Lord is above lust, He burnt lust ...what does it mean? That He is a Great Master....Great Yogi..who is not affected by base desires like lust and sex. Yet at various places the author has added his own sexual fancy....for what?
October 12, 2017
The story of Shiva, the Adiyogi is always fascinating and when the stories are told describing the Adiyogi as Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent and the ultimate God, it gets even more interesting. For the ones who have not read the Shiva Purana, this is a faithful adaption of the same and a comfortable gateway into the entry of the mighty world of Shiva.
July 20, 2015
True must read
Easy to understand, flows well. Enlightened. It really helped my understanding of the hindu faiths. It was the first book of hindu tales I've read, and I'm absolutely looking forward to more.
Easy to understand, flows well. Enlightened. It really helped my understanding of the hindu faiths. It was the first book of hindu tales I've read, and I'm absolutely looking forward to more.
January 6, 2019
This book is too literal that the true essence and beauty is lost.
Can't blame the author, the original is too ancient that I guess it requires tremendous amount of dedication and effort and research to truly be able to translate such work.
Can't blame the author, the original is too ancient that I guess it requires tremendous amount of dedication and effort and research to truly be able to translate such work.
July 11, 2023
The title itself has a wrong spelling of shiva then how can the book be any good. The stories are so sexually described, you feel like you are reading an erotica and not any spiritual book. This is not an accurate description of our Gods. It was horrible
September 25, 2011
A well return book and a good conversion of Sanskrit literature into English.
October 16, 2012
Very nice Prose Writing... However I felt the sequence of stories should have been maintained for better grip in reading...
May 26, 2015
a good read if you are open to getting a lot more questions clarrified. Good effort
February 4, 2013
Great book... the legend of Lord Shiva explained in simple words...easy to read and digest...apt for any newbies to our Great Indian Culture and Mythology.
October 27, 2015
This book reveals the Shivapurana in a light that hasn't been witnessed in any book I have read so far.
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