INTRODUCTION:
Before going through the avatars of Lord Shiva, According to me, most of the people are not aware about all the avatars of Lord Shiva. Hence it is important to write about the avatars of Lord Shiva. Most of them would have studied the avatars of Lord Vishnu. In many temples, several paintings are inscribed depicting the avatars of Lord Vishnu in Vishnu Temples. Similar to that, I have seen in one old and ancient temple, Arulmigu Kachaleeswarar Temple at Armenian Street, Parrys,Chennai – 600 001. Beautiful framed pictures are affixed inside the walls of the temple mentioning about the avatars of Lord Shiva in that temple. It is a must to visit that temple, so that we can get the glimpse about the avatars of Lord Shiva by seeing the pictures.
Here I have mentioned twelve avatars of Lord Shiva, which he took in various circumstances. It is a must to read the importance of these avatars, since it will purify our mind and also our health will turn good and several positive vibrations will occur by reading the avatars of Lord Shiva.
1.Rishi Durvasa
This form of Lord Shiva is famous for its short temper and anger. The incarnation came into existence to maintain peace and harmony on earth. Once Atri, the manasputra of Lord Brahma went for penance to the banks of river Nivindhya. He commenced his penance and it resulted into a massive fire that spread to all the three worlds. Seeing this devastation, Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva blessed Atri. Later Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were reincarnated as the moon, Dutt and Durvasa. Apart from his anger, he is a very gentle person, and blesses his devotees, and would satisfy all the desires of them. He would follow his rituals in a proper manner and will do constant meditation.
OM RISHI DURVASAYA NAMAHA
2. Hanuman
The beloved Lord Hanuman is also one of the incarnations of Lord Siva. He has been created specifically for serving Sree Rama and to show the importance of Bhakti among human beings. He is a Chiranjeevi and is still living in the earth in Kailash Mansarovar by chanting Rama Mantra. He has got super natural powers and he has done many wonders during Tretha Yuga and even still he is listening to our prayers and fulfilling our needs and wishes. By listening to his Hanuman Chalisa, our health condition will be improved and mind will get puried and we will get happiness in our life.
JAI SREERAM. JAI HANUMAN
3. Rishabh Avatar
Once the ocean was churned and a large vessel containing nectar was emerged out of the ocean. A huge battle was fought between the demons and the divine deities over this vessel of nectar. To distract the attention of demons, Lord Vishnu created numerous beauties. While the demons took these beauties to the ‘Patal Lok’ with them, the deities drank all the nectar. This angered the demons and they tried to kill the divine deities. To save their lives, Lord Vishnu went to Patal Lok and killed them all. Although he killed the demons but he was left mesmerized by the beauties there. The union of Lord Vishnu with the beauties resulted in many children. To save these children, Lord Shiva went to Patal Lok in the form of an Ox – Rishabh.
OM SREE RISHAB DEVAYA NAMAHA
4. Yathinaath Avatar
This form of Lord Shiva is a personification of pleasant behavior towards guests.
There is a story about Yatinaath which goes like this:
“There was once a tribal named Aahuk. He and his wife were ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. One day Lord Shiva visited them in the form of Yatinath. Since they had a very small hut which could accommodate only two people, Aahuk decided to sleep outside and let the guest sleep in. Unfortunately Aahuk was killed by a wild animal at night. In the morning, finding Aahuk dead, his wife decided to kill herself. Then Lord Shiva appeared in His real form and blessed her with a boon that she and her husband will be reborn as Nala and Damayanti and Lord Shiva will unite them.”
OM SREE YATHINATHAVE NAMAHA
5. Krisnadarshan Avatar
This avatar of Lord Shiva symbolizes and highlights the importance of yagna and other religious practices. This avatar of Lord Shiva told the importance of yagna and asked the people to follow it to lead a happy and healthy living. He has asked to do yagna to get rain and for the wellness of the country. He insisted that by doing yagna, crops will grow properly and will yield good results.
OM SREE KRISHNADARSHANE NAMAHA
6. Avdhooth Avatar
In this incarnation Lord Shiva destroyed the ego of Lord Indira and asked him to live a life without ego.
OM SREE AVADOOTHAYE NAMAHA
7. Bhikshuwarya Avatar
Although in the Hindu Trinity, Lord Shiva is regarded as the destroyer, but he is also said to be the protector of life. This incarnation is a depiction of Lord Shiva as the protector of the universe. Here it is said, he is the one who is protecting the humans and giving them all necessities in their life.
OM SREE BHIKSHUWARYARE NAMAHA
8. Sureshwar Avatar
This avatar of Lord Shiva depicts love towards the devotees of Lord Indra. This form of Lord Shiva represents the love and care of him towards his devotees.
OM SREE SURESHWARARE NAMAHA
9. Keerat Avatar
Once, Arjuna performed penance to please Lord Shiva. In this avatar Lord Shiva appeared as a Keerat (Hunter) to test Arjuna and his principles. He tested his valour and removed his ego, and then he gifted pasupastra, which he used it in Gurukshetra war and won in the war.
OM SREE KEERATARE NAMAHA
10. Suntantarka Avatar
Lord Shiva appeared in this avatar to marry Goddess Parvati by seeking permission from her father Himalaya – The mountain king.
OM SREE SUNTANTARKAVE NAMAHA
11. Brahmachari Avatar
After Goddess Parvati sacrificed herself during her father’s yagna, she took rebirth in Himalayas’ house. She worshipped Lord Shiva for years so that he could be her husband again. Lord Shiva appeared in this incarnation to take Goddess test Parvati.
OM SREE BRAHMACHARYARE NAMAHA
12. Yaksha Avatar
To remove ego and self-pride from the minds of many gods, Lord Shiva took this form. This avatar shows that whoever may be, they should not act in a wrongful manner and should show kindness among others.
OM SREE YAKSHAYA NAMAHA
CONCLUSION
By reading the above avatars, we would know the greatness and kindness of Lord Shiva who took these avatars for the sake of human beings. Let us pray to him and seek his blessings to lead a good life.
OM NAMAH SHIVAYA
SENT BY
R.HARISHAN KAR
