Lord Shiva is known as a destroyer in the trinity of Sanatan Dharma, but he is not only a destroyer, but also a symbol of compassion, penance, and sacrifice. Shiva is called Adi Dev – that is, he was present even before the beginning of the universe. But have you ever wondered how Lord Shiva was born? Do they have any birthplace? Did they also originate from any parents? Before knowing the answers to these questions, we have to understand the details of their mythological form and Sanatan scriptures.
Was Shiva born?
Many mythological stories and texts of Hinduism tell Lord Shiva “unborn” – that is, which did not have any birth. They are considered self -proclaimed, which are neither born from anyone nor have any end. Shivalinga is considered to be his formless form, and it is a symbol of his cosmic appearance.
Birth story according to Shiva Purana
There is a legend in the Shiva Purana which is associated with his appearance. According to the legend, there was once a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu who is the best among them. At that time a divine and stunning Agnistha (fire linga) appeared, whose height and depth had no end.
Brahma flew up in search of the top of that fire pillar and Vishnu went down to find his roots. But both failed. Then the formless form of Shiva appeared from that pillar and he said that he is the beginning and end – Brahma and Vishnu have also originated from him. Thus, Shiva’s appearance was linked to the origin of the universe, and it was called the “birth of Shiva”.
Who is the parents of Lord Shiva?
Some folk tales and texts have different opinions. But according to the Vedic and Puranic beliefs of the mainstream, Lord Shiva has originated himself. They have no parents. They are perbrahma – both real and formless are worshiped.
However, in the Linga Purana and some Tamil Shaiva texts it is mentioned that Shiva was in the form of cosmic energy, in which he himself appeared with fire. They are considered the only source of both male and nature.
Where did Shiva’s appearance?
As far as the place is concerned, his appearance as Shivalinga is considered in the Himalayas. Many pilgrimage sites such as Kedarnath, Amarnath, Kashi (Varanasi) and Mount Kailash are seen associated with Shiva’s residence and appearance.
Especially the Amarnath cave is considered to be the site of Shiva’s appearance, where Lord Shiva narrated the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati. Every year lakhs of devotees visit the Shivling there, which is made of snow naturally.
scientific approach
If Shiva was seen as a symbol of “live energy”, he had no traditional birth. They always exist in the universe as cosmic energy. This is the reason that Shiva is also considered a symbol of “Advaita” – an ultimate element that prevails everywhere.
Epilogue: Why is the story of Shiva important?
The story of the origin of Lord Shiva gives us the message that God has no limit, neither has any birth nor his end. It exists in every form – in both formless and real. The nature of Shiva is not only a matter of religious faith, but it is also a symbol of the consciousness, balance and energy of the universe.
Even today, when the devotees pronounce “Om Namah Shivaya”, they are not only a deity, but are saluting the power of the entire creation. Therefore, the appearance of Lord Shiva is not only a mythological event, but it is also a medium to understand enlightenment, spirituality and cosmic energy.
