Shiva Purana (Ved Vyasa)
The Shiva Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It contains the stories of Shiva, his attributes, and his interactions with devotees.
Tamas Purana·Primary Deity: Shiva·Shaiva tradition·~24,000 verses · 568 chapters·Narrated by Sage Romaharshana to assembled sages at Naimisharanya
- Shiva Purana is one of the most revered Mahapuranas, devoted entirely to Lord Shiva.
- Contains approximately 24,000 verses divided into 7 Samhitas (sections).
- Classified as a Tamas Purana with Lord Shiva as the Supreme Being.
- Describes the origin of the Shiva Linga and its cosmic significance.
- Contains detailed accounts of Shiva's marriages, battles, and cosmic dance (Tandava).
- The Rudra Samhita narrates the life story of Shiva in great detail.
- Includes philosophical teachings on Shaiva Siddhanta and path to liberation through Shiva.
- Stories of devotees like Markandeya, Nandi, and the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Structural Organization
SamhitaSection (7 total)→AdhyayaChapter→ShlokaVerse
Example: Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita, Chapter 1
Key Topics Covered
Shiva Linga
Origin and worship of the sacred Linga
12 Jyotirlingas
Most sacred Shiva temples across India
Shiva-Sati Marriage
First marriage of Shiva
Shiva-Parvati Marriage
Second marriage after Sati's rebirth
Ganesha's Birth
Origin of Lord Ganesha
Kartikeya's Birth
Birth of the war god Skanda
Shaiva Philosophy
Non-dualism through devotion to Shiva
Tandava Dance
Shiva's cosmic dance of creation/destruction
Important Deities
Shiva
Supreme deity — Mahadeva
Parvati
Divine consort, Shakti
Ganesha
Son of Shiva and Parvati
Kartikeya/Skanda
Son, god of war
Nandi
Shiva's devotee and vehicle
Famous Stories & Episodes
Sati's Self-Immolation
Sati ends her life at Daksha's yajna
Parvati's Tapas
Parvati's penance to win Shiva's love
Tripurasura Vadha
Shiva destroys the three demon cities
Ganga in Shiva's Hair
Story of river Ganga's descent to earth
12 Jyotirlingas
Origin of each sacred Shiva temple