Rudra-Shiva concept (Study)
by Maumita Bhattacharjee | 2018 | 54,352 words
This page relates ‘Shiva as Pancanana’ 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.
2.35. Śiva as Pañcānana
In Hindu mythology, lord Śiva is mentioned as Pañcānan [Pañcānan?] or one who is a five-faced deity.[1] His four faces are in the four quarters and the 5th face is in the middle.[2] The Pāśupata teachers had developed a belief of Pañca Brahma in which they ascribed five faces to Śiva. Śiva has the form of 25 tattvas which is signified by his five faces.
The names of his five faces are—
The Pāśupata is a class of followers and worshippers of Śiva.[4]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
pañcānanaṃ pravalapañcavinodaśīlaṃ saṃbhāvaye manasiśaṅkaramambikeśam || Ibid., 1.1.1
[2]:
pañcakṛtyamidaṃ voḍhuṃ mamāsti mukhapañcakam | caturdikṣucaturvaktraṃ tanmadhye pañcamaṃmukham || Ibid., 1.10.9
[3]:
Vide, Shastri, J.L., Śiva Purāṇa, Vol. 1, p.34, fn.