The paramount god of the Hindu Pantheon Maheswara or the Maha Ishwara meaning the greatest of Gods-Lord Siva is one whom no book can describe in totality. Believed to envelop the powers of genesis of existence and ultimate consummation, Siva- the Destroyer has so many manifestation attached to him by mythology that it is a very exhausting subject.

Yet an attempt has been here to present the lord, the various forms as Rudra Maheswara, Siva Nataraja and so no …in fact the whole spectrum of his being in an elaborate and comprehensive text amply of supported by sketches and illustrations.

Beginning with antiquity the book describes his malevolent and benevolent actions through the ages. The book will be of interest to Indologists, philanthropists art lovers and to general public in search of knowledge about Saivism.

About the Authors

Dr. Chitralekha Singh M.A., Ph.D. Litt, has been devoted to the study and research on Lord Siva for the Last twenty. The present work fulfills the desires of the readers in respect of Lord Siva with its invaluable text on the subject.

She is at present Institute of fine Arts and performing Arts, Dr. B.R. Amvedkar University Agra as well as head of to department Drawing and painting, Agra collage Agra.

Shri Prem Nath is a prolific reader and writer a co-author of man valuable books.

Dr. Lipika Singh M.A. Ph.D has wide experience in the field of history. Her contribution to this book is laudable.

Contents


Siva In Hoary Antiquity	1
Rudra	16
Siva’s Importance	24
Siva: Portrait	31
Sakti: Siva Sakti	42
Siva’s Family	48
Symbolism	67
As a Householder	77
Lingam	93
Mahayogi	113
A Bhikhshatan- Almsman	123
The peasant Bhumiya	131
Archer fighter and warrior	140
As Mendicant	164
Siva’s cosmos and residences	170
Serpents and siva	181
His Vehicle Nandi	186
Lascivious Character	190
Literature and arts	197
Manifestations of Siva	212
Saivism Sects	248
worship Festivals	262
Siva temples and pilgrimage	283
Siva in art iconography	299
Conclusion	324