Rudra-Shiva concept (Study)
by Maumita Bhattacharjee | 2018 | 54,352 words
This page relates ‘Ardhanarishvara incarnation’ 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.
25. Ardhanārīśvara incarnation
Brahmā desired to produce human beings based on sexual relations. Brahmā started to meditate upon Śiva united with Śakti because he knew that without the help of Śiva creation process can not be progressed. Śiva was pleased by Brahmā’s austere penance and took the Ardhanārīśvara (half male and half female) form and bestowed a boon on Brahmā.[1]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Ibid., 3.3; 7.1.15