The Shiva Puran is one of the most significant and widely read Puranas among all the Puranas. It contains detailed descriptions of the various forms, incarnations, Jyotirlingas, devotees, and the devotion of Lord Shiva.
It elaborates on the benevolent nature of Shiva, delving into the philosophy, mysteries, glory, and the extensive details of his worship. In the Shiva Purana.
Shiva is acknowledged as the foremost among the five principal deities, recognized as the eternal, self-existent supreme God. In addition to extolling the glories of Shiva through various divine play stories,
it also includes methods of worship, numerous enlightening tales, and instructive stories, beautifully integrated together. It praises the magnificent character of Lord Shiva, who is self-born, eternal, the supreme authority, the universal consciousness, and the foundation of the cosmic existence.
The ‘Shiv Puran’ is associated with Shaivism. This Purana primarily promotes the devotion and glory of Shiva. In almost all the Puranas, Shiva is depicted as the epitome of renunciation, austerity, parental affection, and compassion.
It is said that Shiva is easily pleased and grants the desired results to his devotees. However, the ‘Shiva Purana’ specifically sheds light on the life and character of Shiva, discussing in detail his lifestyle, marriage, and the origins of his sons.
The Shiva Purana, a major and renowned scripture, elaborately discusses the philosophical aspects, mysteries, glory, and worship of Lord Shiva, who is considered the benevolent form of the Supreme God, Para Brahman. Lord Shiva is not just a mythological deity but is revered in the scriptures as the foremost among the five principal deities, eternal, self-manifested supreme godhead, and is celebrated across the Vedas and Agamas.
The Vedas describe him as unmanifest, unborn, the cause of all, and the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the world. The Shrutis always praise Shiva as self-born, peaceful, beyond worldly illusions, supreme beyond all, and the highest reality.
The name ‘Shiva’ means ‘the auspicious one’ and ‘the giver of welfare’. Worship of this benevolent form of the supreme is considered highly auspicious and beneficial, conferring all-around success and welfare.
It is said that gods, demons, sages, great sages, yogis, and even Brahma and Vishnu worship Lord Shiva.
According to the Puran, this scripture is the supreme doctrine and should be considered the verbal embodiment of Lord Shiva on Earth. It encourages people to read and listen to it as it is deemed beneficial in all respects.
Reading and hearing about Lord Shiva through this Purana is said to free a person from all sins and lead them to enjoy supreme pleasures in life, eventually reaching Shiva’s abode after death.
The Shiva Purana consists of 24,000 verses spread across seven sections or Samhitas:
- Vidyeshwara Samhita,
- Rudra Samhita.
- Kotirudra Samhita.
- Uma Samhita.
- Kailasa Samhita,
- Vayaviya Samhita I.
- Vayaviya Samhita II.
This divine text is like the Supreme Soul itself, providing the highest destination to those who engage with it.