Rudra-Shiva concept (Study)
by Maumita Bhattacharjee | 2018 | 54,352 words
This page relates ‘Destruction of Shankhacuda’ of the study on the Rudra-Shiva concept in the Vedic and Puranic literature, starting with the concept of God as contemplated by the Rishis (Vedic sages). These pages further deal with the aspects, legends, iconography and eulology of Rudra-Shiva as found in the Samhitas, Brahamanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads Sutras and Puranas. The final chapters deal with descriptions of his greatness, various incarnations and epithets.
10. Destruction of Śaṅkhacūḍa
Śaṅkhacūḍa, a valorous demon performed tapasyā for getting a boon from Brahmā. He desired a boon that he should be unassailable from the gods. For this purpose, Brahmā gave him the kṛṣṇakavaca which bestowed welfare upon the universe and made the holder triumphant. After gaining the boon from Brahmā, he became a tormentor king. He fought with the gods and defeated all of them. Then for the welfare of the entire world, lord Śiva took up his burning trident in his hands and threw it at Śaṅkhacūḍa. The trident encircled the head of Śaṅkhacūḍa very fast and chopped off his head. Śiva destroyed the demon king into ashes.[1]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Śiva-purāṇa, 2.5.40.12-29