Rudra-Shiva concept (Study)
by Maumita Bhattacharjee | 2018 | 54,352 words
This page relates ‘Avadhuteshvara manifestation’ 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.
30. Avadhūteśvara manifestation
In the Śiva Purāṇa, it is stated that in order to destroy the arrogance of Indra, lord Śiva manifests himself in the form of an Avadhūta. That form is popular by the name of Avadhūteśvara. A beautiful account has been found in the Purāṇa regarding the purpose of Śiva taking this form. According to this story—one day Bṛhaspati, the devaguru and Indra went to Śiva. Śiva took a form of naked Avadhūta in order to test their feelings. After seeing the Avadhūta, Indra asked him his name and also from where he had arrived. When that Avadhūta did not give any answer to Indra even after being asked repeatedly, Indra became irritated and raised his thunderbolt to attack him. Then Śiva became angry and frightening and flames of fire started to come out of his body. Afterthat Bṛhaspati prayed to Śiva, who was Bhaktavatsala, to forgive Indra. Śiva, delighted by his prayer, forgave Indra.[1]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Ibid., 3.30