Rudra-Shiva concept (Study)
by Maumita Bhattacharjee | 2018 | 54,352 words
This page relates ‘Ashtamurti 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.
39. Aṣṭamūrti incarnation
The Śiva Purāṇa has discussed Śiva’s Aṣṭamūrti incarnation very clearly. This Purāṇa mentions that the entire world consists of the eight forms of Śiva.[1]
The eight-forms of Śiva are—
These eight forms of Śiva comprise the earth, water, fire, wind, sky, soul, the sun and the moon.[3] These eight-forms are taken by Śiva for the welfare of all and are popular in the world.[4]
Footnotes and references:
[2]:
[3]:
bhūmyambho’gnimarudvayomakṣetrajñārkaniśākarāḥ | adhiṣṭhitāśca śarvādyairaṣṭarūpaiḥ sivasya hi || Ibid., 3.2.4
[4]:
iti proktāḥ svarūpāste vidhiputrāṣṭaviśrutāḥ | sarvopakāraniratāḥ sevyāḥ śreyā’rthibhirnaraiḥ || Ibid., 3.2.17