Shiva To Shankara: Decoding The Phallic Symbol

by Devdutt Pattanaik

We live in times where people have extreme views. On the one hand, there are scholars who describe Shiva's linga literally as a phallus, and see all metaphoric meaning as embarrassed apology of the uneducated. On the other hand, we have puritanical Hindus who want to strip the Shiva linga of all sexual meaning and sanitize Shiva's lore. In both cases, a symbol is being reduced to a sign. In Shiva to Shankara, Devdutt Pattanaik, India's leading mythologist, seeks to bridge the gap. As he explores the layers of meanings embedded in Shiva's linga, we discover why and how the Goddess transforms Shiva, the hermit, into Shankara, the householder.

Genres: Mythology, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Philosophy, Indian Literature, India

158 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik (born December 11, 1970) is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology, and also management. He has written a number of books related to Hindu mythology, including Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, a novel, The Pregnant King, and Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (2010).
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India

Reviews

[Hemant Sant · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sell Books.Collect all the base dark rare 'facts'.That cannot be dictum of the most well read loved mythology doctor expert we know.Shiva's meaning according to Shankara and vedanta was Life force within each Jeeva selves.If one collects what lowest common denominator said and felt without any logic then one will come up with juicy gems like this.Linga is a symbol.When a student must have asked teacher -Where is God? Shiva or call him any.The Wise just picked up a river side stone to stress that even THis is a symbol of God as Shiva is in all jeevas even non living!For masses the a symbol was needed to draw them to formless concept instead of a stone image a river stone was forwarded to the faithfuls.to keep them loosing self control and dharma of sharing yagna and lagna a marriage.The most diverted of all saw the round icon as sex symbol no other text mentions like this!Hinduism is hyperbolic analogy to stress and remind a fact or a path.take gana pati leader of men have atharwa shirsha-not unstable head.have mouth shut ,sniff with snout before speaking control self to guide others..etc signify symbolic ganesha.Teachers and students know.masses that too lowest uncaring to ask-learn , wallowed in these dark basic instincts.Shiva has unlimited karuna as Shankara and Tulsi says.he gives us all reason to be a deva the giver as same shiva god is in all jeevas so!HIghest selflessness ,honour to even those who live in smashanas chandalas as Shankaracharya had a message from HIM are same equal in eyes of all the wise who guide the jeevan muktas.Division is only of labour and roles.To sell books to give wind to most ulterior of the material one gathers is not proper even if Hinduism permits you to wallow in mud.Arise and see sense in symbolic analogies and hyperboles the Wise wanted us to remember from the times that were greatly different difficult than we are in today.Dutta treya is trigunaateet beyond these three trinity symbolically.24 gurus he made.There is so much universal and plain non exotic gems of wisdom which can last tests of all times if we gather and show case that instead of peripheral episodic material which misguided and mis informed bits of proof left behind in few places.Shiva is not phallus at all.he is daskhinamoorthy master of all arts sciences and evolution symbolised by faith even in round common river stone.he is all over where truth Light is.Your darkness cannot cover the Light he signifies in each minds hearts of each generations Of Indians all over except the few incorrigibles as Shankara called them unteachables un transformables who are stuck in the maze of mis information to Sell Books or write serials.These Gods of Hinduisms are just ideas that are needed for evolution so needed to be seeded in each subsequent generations in a symbolic way so that they all begin with faith of self control as medium to evolve rise above dark basic instincts which we all can easily slide down to for short term gains or ego trips.Rise.See light

[Krishnakumar Tk · Rating 1 out of 5]

A worthless book....most of the concepts in this book are based on Western thought.

[Rashmi Shukla · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not convinced with the arguments in the book. Moreover Pattanik has failed to recreate the style of Jaya here....Do not read....

[Sugam Katiyar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Previously i have given 4 stars to this book but now i am changing it to 1 star. Because when i came to know actual facts and stories from shiv puran, these are so different from whatever crap written in this book. This author is just misguiding and misleading the readers.
His books are fictional, result of his imagination not non-fictional as claimed by author. I don't think he know anything about hindu's ved, purans or upnishads.

DO NOT READ THIS BOOK

[Dr. Charu Panicker · Rating 1 out of 5]

വളരെ രസകരമായ തുടക്കം ആണെങ്കിലും പിന്നീടങ്ങോട്ട് വായനക്കാരെ വളരെയധികം നിരാശപ്പെടുത്തുന്ന പുസ്തകമാണിത്. എന്തുകൊണ്ട് വിഗ്രഹം വെക്കാതെ ശിവലിംഗം കൊണ്ട് ആരാധന നടത്തുന്നുവെന്നും ശിവലിംഗം എന്നതുകൊണ്ട് എന്തൊക്കെയാണ് അർത്ഥമാക്കുന്നതെന്നും പറയാനാണ് എഴുത്തുകാരൻ ശ്രമിച്ചിട്ടുള്ളതെങ്കിലും പിന്നീട് അതിൽ നിന്ന് വഴിമാറി പോവുകയാണ് ഉണ്ടായത്. സാധാ ഒരു പുരണ കഥ പറയുന്ന പോലെ കുറച്ച് കഥകൾ പറഞ്ഞു പോകുന്നത് അല്ലാതെ കാര്യമായി ഒന്നും തന്നെ ഈ പുസ്തകത്തിലില്ല.

[Celia Sánchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giving Form to the Formless

I give birth to Father (Heaven) on his (own) head [Agni]; my womb is in the waters, in the sea.
Thence I spread forth across all worlds, and yonder heaven with its height I touch.
I, just like the wind, blow forth, grasping at all worlds,
beyond heaven, beyond this earth here—of such size in my greatness
have I come into being.

— Devi Sukta, Rigveda 10.125.3 – 10.125.8

Devdutt explains the origin of shiva with artefact of indus-valley civilization and stories of past.Shiva has pre-Vedic tribal roots, having "his origins in primitive tribes, signs and symbols...Of several Indus valley seals that show animals, one seal that has attracted attention shows a large central figure, either horned or wearing a horned headdress and possibly ithyphallic,seated in a posture reminiscent of the Lotus position, surrounded by animals. This figure was named by early excavators of Mohenjo-daro as Pashupati (Lord of Animals, Sanskrit paśupati),an epithet of the later Hindu deities Shiva and Rudra..Sir John Marshall and others suggested that this figure is a prototype of Shiva, with three faces, seated in a "yoga posture" with the knees out and feet joined (wikipedia)

The book relates lord shiva with many sacred symbols.The main theme behind Shiva's life is elaborated with idea of ​​sat chitta Ananda.You can explore a whole new world to realize the effort that are given from Gods and Goddesses to transform a yogi into the household.So surely it's a balanced book with lots of philosophy, mythology and spiritual ideas.

[Vish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there a difference between "Shiva Kumar" and "Shankar Kumar"? If I was asked this question a week ago, I would have given an emphatic NO. Anecdotes apart, Why is Shiva referred to as "Bholenath", "Pashupati"? What is his inherent characteristic that makes him behave like One. Ever wondered, why does He prefer the spine chilling snow-capped mountains, ashes, crematoriums, celibacy, innocence, horrid things like skulls, serpent, tiger skin, goblins to perfume, decorations, luxury, pleasure..? What is the essence of the form of "Linga"?

This book of Dr. Devadutt is an audacious attempt to answer such unanswered questions and quell some misconceptions about Lord Shiva.

Thsi book is like a small key that opens up big doors of thought processes.

[Madhu Smita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved Devdutt Patnaik's interpretation of the symbiotic relationship of Shiva and Sati.
Since ages people have seen shiva as the lord of destruction but his representation as cojoint yoni and ling represents creation, beginning of life and this had always preplexed me. The book very beautifully describes this anomaly. How Shiva the destroyer can also become the lord of a new beginning, regeneration and how when joined by Shakti he becomes the aware and hence defines his own being.
I would have loved it better if he would have tried to unravel the symbolism of the entire Hindu mythology.

[Shubhra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though the title is not exactly what the entire content represents but the book is a pretty good read. Stories from different Puranas tied with analytical reasoning of Devdutt Pattanaik is pretty engrossing. Of course, I do not agree with his analysis 100%, but it hits home more often than not. The entire book is focused on Shiva, and if you are a Shiva devotee you will enjoy it for the most part.

[Vrinda Pandey · Rating 4 out of 5]

How distinct Shiva is from Shankara , how Sati or Parvati converted the reluctant hermit to become a householder , Devdutt Patnaik unwraps the layers of this mysterious God , Must read for all those who believed Shiva linga literally as phallus , and must read for those cynical Hindus who conceptualise and strip shiva linga of all sexual meaning and sanitize their beliefs!! Really interesting read with all the interwoven stories!

[Nabanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for all those who want to study the ideology that is Shiva without being overpowered by religious piousness or bombarded with volumes of legends whose true meaning lies beneath a sea of cryptic symbolism.

[Geetanjali Tara Joshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

was waiting for long to get my hands on this one..

[Dinesh Palli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book that provides a lot of insights on the crazy cool god of India.

[S Prakash · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always exhilarating, enchanting when we actually, at times look beyond the great banyan tree of a religion - Hinduism; as we are generally stupefied or enamoured by the cultivated ignorance or shoved down myths/rituals from our childhood with an interpretation dependent upon the socio/economic/geographic( or all three combined) background we come from.

Thus when we are attempted to be taken to the roots of this great banyan tree by a current day specialist, we do pass through lots of capillaries of enigma. The lucid english, simple narrative helps to take the Hindu Mythology, scriptures, philosophy to the current generation. I think Devadatta is akin to popularising or kindling interest in the millennial generations getting to know their own religion as Chetan Bhagat did to all the moderately english Indians actually get hooked on to reading English Fiction.

For me, it was a refresher and to know certain things which I might have overlooked in getting to know the deeper meaning. For example its common to think "Rudraksha" as some beed worn by lord Shiva. It's so soothing to know the actual meaning at times and that too when it was always there for you to see... Its Rudra + Aksha = Red(Fire) + Eye .. The eye of Lord Shiva.. A good one to read in midst of the genres of thrillers, non- fiction, humour etc, which is other wise my staple food.

[Palwai]

Completed reading
Shiva to Shankara
by @DevduttMyth

It presents a richly layered exploration of Hindu mythology, revealing it as a fluid tapestry of symbols, stories, and evolving interpretations rather than a rigid belief system.

Through episodes such as Shiva’s transformation through Ganapati, the dual aspects of the Goddess as both nurturing and fierce, and the paradoxical qualities embodied by figures like Ayyappa and Hanuman, the book highlights how seemingly contradictory ideas coexist within the same tradition. Even the narrative of Shiva’s cosmic dance with Kali is not merely about victory, but about balance, rhythm, and philosophical depth.

What emerges is a powerful reminder that mythology is inherently plural. Pattanaik subtly challenges narrow or literal readings of faith, showing that Hindu thought accommodates multiple truths and perspectives. In a time when religion is often used to create divisions, this book instead points toward inclusivity and introspection. It suggests that belief is not singular or absolute, but layered and interpretive, inviting dialogue rather than conflict, and understanding rather than assertion.

[Dhanashree · Rating 3 out of 5]

In depth knowledge of Shiva and what the transformation from Shiva to Shankar means and why it was needed explained very very thoroughly here. The book is filled with stories and concepts of religious and spiritual importance. I feel somewhere we loose track of the subject and have to concentrate a bit harder to connect all the dots described in it. Have made a detailed review video, but I believe the link is not clickable.
https://youtu.be/1eIH58Hu3ug

[Somali · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of the two good things about this book is, every story is separated from the interpretation, so you know which one is the author talking and which one is not. The second is they have referred to the purana or regional lore that is the supposed origin of the story, so you know where to find it and locate its contexts.

I didn't always like the interpretations. But I like what it wanted to achieve.

[Darshana Bala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and Reflective

Fascinating read of the symbolism of Lord Shiva, across different parts of India. Some stories were familiar, and others new to me. I appreciated the explanation of tantra philosophy in this book, particularly when talking about Shakti in relation to Shiva.

[San Kar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Appreciate the attempt to make it simple, but found some discrepancies- maybe due to simplification. For a serious knowledge seeker, these quickly disorient and require you to fact check every now and then. I would still recommend these for light readers reading this topic for the first time.

[Ajay Varma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very promising topic but this book is not upto the mark, it says some mythological stories. Least interested topic for me personally.

[Riya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well known and popularly recited tales of Shiva, mixed with some philosophy, trantra definitions and metaphysical aspect. Snippets from different puranas. Lot repeatitive.

[Vinay Gudimetla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Language - complex
The book says a lot of old and common stories of shiva and demystified many concepts of shiva.

[Utkarsha Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really short read, finished it on a four hour train journey. But the brevity of the book is in no way an indicator of the content.
The word Shiva can be subdivided into SH-E-VA. Here the E represents shakti or the goddess. If this E is taken out of Shiva what remains is Sh-va or a corpse.
This book talks about the birth of the holy trinity who are incomplete without the female form. Brahma faces his doom when he is enchanted by his own creation. Vishnu considers her as an important part of himself, an entity without whom yagna is impossible while Shiva is neutral to her presence until she enters his life as Sati. Then he experiences life and awakens from his corpse like demeanor. Sati's death again makes Shiva a recluse until Paravti demands his attention through tapa.
Here Mahadeva is forced to live the life of a householder by the devi reborn as Parvati.

The book talks about representation of different thought processes in Hinduism. Where Visnu and deva worshippers conform to specific rules and format of yagna and Shiva worshipers are the outcasts and non-conformists who only follow the rule of utmost devotion to Shiva.

The book sheds light on the fact that unlike the strict cultural bindings of alleged hindu scholars today, vedic and puranic society provided more freedom of thought and action.

[Meghna · Rating 3 out of 5]

With this book, the author has tried to decode the journey of Shiva as a hermit into Shankara as a householder. Shiva was ascetic and was not at all involved with the worldly rituals and responsibilities. He used to meditate for years and was very kind to grant boon to his devotees. He married Sati and later Parvati but his negligence towards his family was a matter of dissatisfaction for the Goddess.

Shiva is the observer of life, the divine within us. Shakti is the observation that is life, the divine around us. This mutual dependence is expressed by Hindu seers through the symbol of Shivlinga. Without either there is neither. Author has explained shivlinga as a divine union of Shiva and Shakti in his distinct way of narration.

This book consists of stories which describe role of God and the need and logic of his roleplay in order for welfare. Most of the stories are mentioned in other books and most people are aware of it. It is difficult to say that this book has something new or different than other books. There are few arguments that the reader may not agree with.

It would be perfect to say that this book provides a brief idea about God’s existence and involvement in worldly affairs as well as gives us a glimpse of Shiva’s journey from a hermit to a house holder.

[Prahelika · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Shiva to Shankara by Devdatt Patnaik unraveled the guarded mystic surrounding Lord Shiva.

I wanted to read other book of the same author, but since it was not available I took this. And lo and behold! It took me by suprise.

The book begins with making readers aware of the true nature of Lord Shiva. Describing his nature and his love for meditation. What really he stands for? Highlighting the unknown and long forgotten facts. Slowly telling anecdotes and stories and how it has impacted us in long run. Analyzing each event in detail. Thus enlightening us in the process.

Full of facts , the 155 pages book is a quick read. Even though it is a non fictional, it keeps you glue till the last page.

Its a easy read and you don't require high mythological knowledge to understand it.

The book is highly recommendable if you want to know about Lord Shiva.Even though I have not read any other book based on him, apart from the Shiva trilogy. I feel that this one has the substance in it.






The book

[Sandeep Gautam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devdutt Patnaik is well versed in mythology and though his interpretations at times my seem outlandish, they do provide a distinct viewpoint.

In this book, the subject revolves around Shiva, his inital reluctance to indulge with the word/ material reality, his seduction and subsequent involvement in the world as Shankara.

The book follows the pattern of stories picked from various puranas interspersed with liberal interpretations by Devdutt. You will also find a lot of tables explicating the different analogies and I sort of liked that.

A good and engrossing read.

[Hellekin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devdutt Pattanaik offers a very accessible and comprehensive introduction to the Indian pantheon through a specific perspective on Shiva. Compiling stories from various traditional Hindu sources, he explains in a simple way how circumstances bring man from detachment of worldly affairs to becoming a caring actor. Of interest to the Occidental reader, this book demonstrates the complexity of Hinduism and the absence of the binary good vs. evil perspective often found in our bedtime stories.

[Pallavi Puranik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not religious person but I find myself interested in questions such meaning of life, why we are here etc.
This book explains so many layers of hidden meanings behind a few stories I had heard and many which I had not never heard, which was quite interesting purely from the stories and symbolism point of view. The main takeaway of this book for me was that yin and yang - the counterforce in nature- is what creates life, sustains life and makes the world go around.

[Rachna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short stories on Shiva and his doings, one may not only find it interesting but also surprising. As we say every individual is different. A 3 eyed Shiva after all is 3 dimensional. God with multiple personalities yet so unique. His acts and his presence is a mind shift at every point. Those who have just heard about Shiva and pray like me and never known the secrets behind would defiantly want to read it once.

[Anirudh Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book while researching for a book i am currently writing. This book proved to be very useful to me, as no incident/story or phenomena mentioned in this, is the authors work of fiction. The author has simply stated stories from Puranas, mythological books and even Folklore and has then presented only his interpretation, which by the way is very profound at times. Its a small read, but surely worthwile.