Shiva: An Introduction by Devdutt Pattanaik - A Comprehensive Guide to the Hindu God of Destruction
Devdutt Pattanaik Shiva An Introduction Pdf 16
If you are interested in learning about one of the most fascinating and influential gods in Hinduism, you might want to read Shiva: An Introduction by Devdutt Pattanaik. This book is an attempt to understand the meaning of Shiva worship in our time, exploring various pictorial images of Shiva iconography, taking us through Shaivite philosophy, beliefs, history, folklore and myth. In this article, we will give you an overview of the book and its author, as well as tell you how to get a pdf version of it online.
Devdutt Pattanaik Shiva An Introduction Pdf 16
Who is Devdutt Pattanaik?
Devdutt Pattanaik is a medical doctor by training, a marketing manager by profession and a mythologist by passion. He lectures extensively on the relevance of sacred stories, symbols and rituals in modern times. He has written over 50 books and 1000 columns on Indian culture, mythology, religion, art and management. Some of his popular books include 7 Secrets of Hindu Calendar Art, Vishnu: An Introduction, Devi: An Introduction, Hanuman: An Introduction, Lakshmi: An Introduction, Krishna: An Introduction, Shiva to Shankara: Decoding the Phallic Symbol, Goddesses in India, Man Who Was a Woman and Other Queer Tales from Hindu Lore and Indian Mythology: Stories, Symbols and Rituals from the Heart of the Subcontinent. He has also hosted several TV shows such as Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik, Biz Devdutt and The Leadership Sutra. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers and speakers on Indian culture and mythology.
What is Shiva: An Introduction?
Shiva: An Introduction is a book that was published in 1997 by Vakils, Feffer and Simons Limited. It is a 126-page book that covers various aspects of Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction, transformation and regeneration. The book is written in a simple narrative style, and interspersed with familiar and unfamiliar tales retold. The book reaches out to young and old alike, and provides lucid explanations and a pictorial key to numerous symbols associated with Shaivite rituals and festival practices. The book also includes a map of India showing important Shiva temples including the twelve jyotirlingas, a list of 108 sacred names of Shiva with their meanings, a bibliography for those interested in learning more, and over 150 illustrations of which many are in colour. The book is divided into three main sections: The meaning of Shiva worship, The pictorial images of Shiva iconography, and The Shaivite philosophy, beliefs, history, folklore and myth.
The meaning of Shiva worship
In this section, the book explains how Shiva is worshipped and what he represents. Shiva is not a single god, but a complex concept that encompasses many aspects and manifestations. He is the supreme reality, the source of all creation and destruction, the lord of time and space, the cosmic dancer, the ascetic yogi, the erotic lover, the benevolent protector, the fierce destroyer, the compassionate healer, the playful trickster, the mysterious mystic and more. He is worshipped in various ways, such as by offering water, milk, flowers, leaves, fruits, grains, incense, lamps, bells and chants to his linga (symbolic phallus), by performing rituals such as abhisheka (bathing), arati (waving lights), puja (worship), archana (offering), homa (fire sacrifice), pradakshina (circumambulation), namaskara (salutation) and pranama (prostration) to his idols or images, by observing fasts and vows on auspicious days such as Shivaratri (night of Shiva), by visiting his sacred sites such as Kashi (Varanasi), Kailasa (Himalayas), Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu) and Somnath (Gujarat), by singing his praises in hymns such as Shivamahimna Stotra (glory of Shiva), Rudram (roar of Shiva) and Lingashtakam (eight verses on linga), by meditating on his attributes such as satyam (truth), shivam (auspiciousness) and sundaram (beauty), by emulating his qualities such as detachment, compassion and courage, by seeking his blessings for health, wealth, happiness and liberation.
The pictorial images of Shiva iconography
In this section, the book explores the different forms and symbols of Shiva and their meanings. Shiva is depicted in various ways, such as by his attributes such as trishula (trident), damaru (drum), naga (snake), vahana (vehicle), rudraksha (rosary), jata (matted hair), chandra (moon), ganga (river), bhasma (ashes), vibhuti (sacred marks) and tilaka (forehead mark), by his gestures such as abhaya mudra (fearlessness), varada mudra (boon-giving), dhyana mudra (meditation) and anjali mudra (reverence), by his expressions such as karuna rasa (compassion), shanta rasa (peace), veera rasa (heroism) and bhayanaka rasa (terror), by his aspects such as ardhanarishvara (half-man half-woman), nataraja (king of dance), dakshinamurti (teacher of south), bhairava 71b2f0854b