Amazing stories of Lord Shiva

"Who did Shiva Love?" is a highly searched question on Google? Imagine! So, for all those wanting to know more, here's a book that offers interesting insights and amazing stories of Lord Shiva. Reading Nilima Chitgopekar's 'The Reluctant Family Man: Shiva in every day Life' decodes the divinity of Lord Shiva through stories from the Purana. [Subscribe to my monthly newsletter]

In a unique way, the author explores the charismatic, 'rock star' personality of Lord Shiva and his eternal love for his first wife, Sati and thereafter, Parvati.

All stories of Shiva offer fascinating insights for those who are wondering, "Are there any stories about Shiva?" or "What is the famous story of Shiva?" There are plenty of stories on Shiva and most Hindu homes have a wonderful collection of stories that are shared from generation to generation on Shiva. The 'Shiva-Parvati' love story is an immortal one, and this book has interesting faces to reveal about their intense relationship including the higher role that Shakti has in Shiva's life.

How Shiva embodies Majesty and Detachment

When you look at Lord Shiva's images, there is a grandeur and solitary vibe. He does not wear any ornaments to look pleasing to the eye and the author makes it a point to mention that Shiva does not dress up in fancy clothes or jewellery. In fact, Shiva's ornaments borders on the dark side - a snake around his neck, a powerful spring of Ganga around his hair and blue throat that saved the Universe.

The story of Shiva swallowing poison has a powerful message for humanity, which the author observes, "The parable conveys a message that we must not get overwhelmed by bad experiences or allow 'poison' to spread...we must mitigate the impact of toxic situations and toxic people. Shiva, the absorber of all poisonous things in the world does just that."

[READ: Significance of Tripurandaka, Vibhuti and Gangajaal]

"So, how can Shiva be an ascetic if he enjoys all worldly pleasures? His ascetisicm lies in his ability to control and regulate his mind and emotions. From time to time, Shiva detaches himself and adopts a practically alternative lifestyle that epitomises introspection and makes him appear restrained and dispassionate...He does not get into petty fights with Brahmha, Vishnu or others over matters such as who is the greatest among them all. Instead, he comes to the rescue when there is complete chaos and disorder. He stabilises the world because he has that power of mind which enables him to have the best of both worlds, materially and spiritually."

The author's interpretation of Shiva is insightful and fascinating, as it reveals different facets of his personality we can learn from.

The author observes, "In Shiva, there is a uniquenesss of svabhava unmatched by any other god...He is colourful, paradoxical and massively popular...He has a grandeur of carriage wrought by extreme confidence. And his majesty lies in his individuality. It is as though Shiva is empowered because he is in harmony with himself- he is comfortable in his skin."

Sometimes, the word "alone" pops up when we look at Shiva as a deity despite the fact He is the only deity with a complete family.

"Shiva epitomises balance in his life choices, because not only is he a Mahayogi, an ascetic, he is also Shankara, the beneficient married one. He balances two opposites...He is a householder, a loved and cherished husband and a much admired father. Shiva does not abstain from the pleasures of the body or from the bliss of a family. He is Sarvabhogin, one who enjoys all pleasures. Yet when the need arises, he reserves himself from the lived world and escapes to his inner world....."

Clearly, Lord Shiva's life teaches us to prioritise Sadhana no matter what our family situation is.

Having a family is no excuse to be lazy when it comes to Sadhana.

Shiva is the best example of a family man who has mastered the senses without giving up responsibility to his loved ones or straying from them!

Indeed, Shiva's name and form conveys the most powerful message for humanity - Detachment when it comes to Sadhana.

The author observes, "Shiva is a deity par excellence when it comes to vairagya."

Why does Lord Shiva like Bhasma?

The book delves into how Shiva began wearing Bhasma (ashes) after destroying Kama with his third eye. Once again, a householder and a family man, Shiva sends out a powerful message by example: Kama has no place to rule in a life that is dedicated to Japa, Dhyana and Yoga.

[READ: Four Paths to Divinity in Hinduism]

Another meaning of 'Bhasma' is that it is a reminder by Shiva about our mortality - Nothing in life prepares us for Death. Let's weigh in our thoughts, words and actions thoroughly because there is always a karmic price that will be extracted.

To tune in to Mahadev's splendour and energy, wear Bhasma (also known as Vibhuti) and experience His protection throughout.

In most Shaiva households where Shiva is the Ishta Devata, 'vibhuti' is applied before stepping out of the house as it is considered to be the most powerful protection from all kinds of negative energy that we encounter.

In fact, the author writes, "Shiva and his affinity to ash remind us to stay humble...Ash epitomises the impermanence of life."

[READ: Does Mrityunjaya Mantra work? and Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Meaning]

Remembering an ardent Shiva devotee - My Grandmother

As a child, I grew up around ardent devotees of Lord Shiva - my grandmother and my mother. My grandmother has always been an ardent devotee of Shiva, the divine one who is worshipped as Mahadeva. Her devotion was so deep that my grandfather bought a home right next to the Ernakulathappan temple in Kochi, where the deity is her Ishta Devata and she could spend her early mornings and evenings at the temple every day. [READ: Why Immortals of Meluha turned my expectations upside down!]

When she crossed 80 years, it became difficult for her to visit the temple. However, she was firmly committed to chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' and she would continuously do nama japa and talk to everyone about the glory and splendour of her beloved deity, Shiva. Till her death, a peaceful and gentle passing away in her sleep, my grandmother's thoughts and words were always on Shiva alone. [READ: How to Light the Deepam at Home]

For me, as an avid reader of spiritual literature and as one who is deeply devoted to Sri Krishna, I felt truly let down about a certain aspect of this book.

The book 'The Reluctant Family Man: Shiva in Every Day Life' offers a fascinating exploration of understanding. Indeed, Shiva as a powerful deity but at several places, the author trivialises other deities while glorifying Shiva. There is a tone of condescension in every reference to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. While I am not an expert or as learned as the author on matters related to Shiva, a basic etiquette I would personally follow is this: One need not trivialise the divinity of Vishnu or any other deity to write about the splendour or glory of Shiva.

As the author correctly mentions, "Shiva is composed of two opposite beings; the archetypal ascetic who regularly does tapas and also someone who has a family. He basically reconciles two extremes within his own personality. Actually, why just two, there are many sides to Shiva."

The same persuasive stream of thought is what I'd like the author to reconsider: There are many sides to Vishnu, just as there are many sides to Shiva.

The last chapter 'The Reluctant Family Man: Shiva in Every Day Life' trickled down with a sense of disappointment. I don't enjoy preachy books. The last chapter did that and hurtled towards an abrupt conclusion. Keeping the last chapter aside, it's a good experience to read this finely written book.

A respectful stance towards all deities would have ideal to showcase the inherent divinity within the realm of all deities. The author deftly offers unique perspectives on Shiva's Divine Splendour and His relevance in our every day life.

Om Namah Shivaya!