Rudra-Shiva concept (Study)
by Maumita Bhattacharjee | 2018 | 54,352 words
This page relates ‘Shiva as Shrikantha’ 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.
2.38. Śiva as Śrīkaṇṭha
Śiva is regarded as Śrīkaṇṭha in later literature.[1] In the Mahābhārata, a reason behind this name has been found. According to this legend, once upon a time, Indra, desiring to get Śiva’s prosperity, had thrown his thunderbolt at Śiva. As a result, Śiva’s throat was burnt and the thunderbolt left its mark on his throat. From that day, Śiva is known as Śrīkaṇṭha.[2]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
(a) Brahma-purāṇa, 2.3.25.19; Śiva-purāṇa, 4.35.10; Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa, 2.25.19 (b) namaste lelihānāya śrīkaṇṭhāya ca te namaḥ || Kūrma-purāṇa, 2.39.25