In the vast pantheon of Hindu deities, Lord Shiva stands out as the ultimate symbol of divine power, destruction, and transformation. He is worshiped by millions around the world for his role in the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. But behind this enigmatic deity lies a rich tapestry of mythology and family history that you might not be aware about. In this blog post, we will learn about the intricate relationships that define Lord Shiva’s divine family, right from his father, mother, and his beloved children.
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Who is the Father of Lord Shiva?
The question of Lord Shiva’s father is one that has puzzled scholars and devotees alike.
However, according to the stories from the ancient Puranas, it is believed that Lord Brahma, who also happens to be the creator of the entire universe, is the father of Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma is often depicted with four heads, symbolizing his vast knowledge and understanding of the four Vedas. Brahma is said to have been born from a lotus that emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. However, Brahma is not highly worshipped around the world and has very limited temples solely dedicated to him.
However, that’s a different story, what’s important to learn here is that Shiva was not born through biological means but rather through the cosmic forces that came together to bring the supreme deity into this universe. It is said that Lord Shiva was born through a cosmic egg, Hiranyagarbha, which is believed to be the primeval stage of the universe. Both Brahma and Vishnu also originated and were introduced to the world the same way.
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Who is the Mother of Lord Shiva?
This might surprise you a bit, but goddess Parvati who is also known as Shakti is seen as the mother of Lord Shiva. But how come Shiva’s consort can be his mother?
Here’s the catch.
Goddess Parvati is the supreme goddess in Hindu mythology and has incarnated in various forms like Kali, Bhairavi Tara, etc. Pravati was also incarnated as Prakrati, who is believed to be the mother of all and hence the connection between Parvati and Shiva is also seen as that of mother and son.
Parvati is the ultimate symbol of power, creation and nourishment. She took different avatars to serve the universe and save the mankind whenever evil prevailed and Dharma was put at risk.
Is there Any Proof Validating the Origin of Lord Shiva?
Yes, there is evidence found in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 14, verses 3 to 5, which state that the three gunas i.e., Raj (Rajgun Brahma), Sat (Satgun Vishnu), and Tam (Tamgun Shankar) originated from Prakriti, also known as Goddess Durga. Prakriti is considered mother nature and hence is responsible for giving birth to all living beings.
Who are the Other Members of Shiva’s Family?
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are the parents of two sons, Kartikeya andGanesha, each with their own unique characteristics and stories. Kartikeya, also known as Skanda or Murugan, is the god of war and victory. He is often depicted as a young warrior riding a peacock which symbolizes his courage and bravery.
Ganesha, on the other hand, is the god of wisdom, prosperity, and the remover of all obstacles. He is easily recognizable by his big elephant head and potbelly, symbolizing abundance and fertility. Ganesha is also known for his cleverness and wit, often outsmarting even the wisest of beings in Hindu mythology. One such incident was when his parents i.e., Lord Shiva and Parvati organized a competition for the two brothers - Ganesha & Kartikeya. They declared that whosoever amongst the two will complete a round of the world will receive a supreme power. Upon listening to this, Kartikeya hurriedly rushed to complete the race. However, Ganesha started taking a round around his parents stating that they’re his world.
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The Symbolism of Lord Shiva’s Family
Lord Shiva’s family is not just a mythological construct; it is a profound symbol of the fundamental principles of Hinduism. Lord Brahma, as the creator, represents the cyclic nature of creation, while Lord Shiva. As the destroyer, embodies the inevitability of transformation and change. Goddess Parvati, as the nurturing mother and devoted wife, symbolizes the feminine energy that balances and complements Shiva’s masculine power.
Together, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and their children embody the core values of Hinduism - love, devotion, and the eternal cycle of creation and destruction. Their divine family serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for devotees, reminding them of the importance of love and harmony in their own lives.
Takeaway
To put it precisely for you, Lord Shiva has no origin nor end. There’s are certain scriptures indicating different aspects about his life, but there have been no as such instances that solidify the belief of Shiva’s birth or even end. So you can also say that he’s still present somewhere around us in some form or the other. But one thing you should understand about Hinduism is that everything here starts with your faith and belief, rest just is history.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Who is the full family of Lord Shiva?
A. Lord Shiva has mainly 5 family members which include his wife, Parvati, his two sons, Kartikeya and Ganesha and his daughter Ashok Sundari (also known as Amba).
Q2. Who are the 5 daughters of Lord Shiva?
A. Jaya, Vishhara, Shamliwari, Dev and Dotli were the 5 daughters of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva claimed that anyone who worship these snake girls on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha month of Sawan will never experience a snakebite.
Q3. Why Mahadev has 3 eyes?
A. Lord Shiva’s 3 eyes indicate three different aspects. His left eye is believed to be the moon, the right eye is the sun and his third and the most fierce eye is the fire.
Q4. Why does Shiva have a snake?
A. The Snake (Vasuki) around Shiva’s neck represent the continuous cycle of birth and regeneration. Besides this, the snake also symbolizes ego which if taken under control can be worn as an ornament just like Shiva.
Q5. Can I keep Lord Shiva murti at home?
A. Yes, keeping Lord Shiva murti is considered auspicious and worshiping it regularly is said to bring peace and prosperity.
