Incarnation of Siva is an interesting compilation and demonstrates the prodigal strength of the names evolved to describe and depict the most exuberant and prominent god of the Hindu pantheon-Lord Siva. The names may be in Hindi or Sanskrit but their alphabetical portrayal and the proper easily understandable meaning of each one of them relates effectively to the reader and offers accumulated knowledge on the subject. Supposed to be Supreme in the world to whom none is superior, according to Hindu mythology, who is knowledge idiolized, destroyer of the enemy, a composite union of excelling virtues, a paramount proponent of Power, Siva is equally reclaimed for his various Mudras i.e. Bhairava, Natraja etc. Which find accurate depiction through pictures. Hence it is an educative and beneficial book for one and all as it highlights such relevant information about SIVA.
The VEDAS are eternal in nature and not the work of any human agency. They are the breath of the infinite, the supreme one, who reveals them for the benefit of the humanity at the time of creation. The PURĀNAS and ITIHĀSAS (History), which are based on the Vedas, elaborate the glory of the Almighty, in his different forms, which are indicated by different names. The Vedas, which declare that the supreme reality is birthless, also relate in the same vein, that He assumes countless forms. How is one to understand this apparent contradiction? This is not a scriptural inconsistency, but the paradox arising due to expression in language of the nature of the Almighty, who is beyond the ken of the senses and the mind. Further, the God realised saints, attest that it is due to His compassion that He incarnates from time to time, for the redemption of humanity. He was accessible only to those, who lived during the eras, when He incarnated and the knowledge, we have now, is on the basis of the Puranas and Itihāsas. So what is the way open for humanity during other periods. His names (Nama) have the same potency and glory, which can be chanted by all at any time. Bhisham attests, before commencing the hymn, 'I am giving for the benefit of all, those names of His, which are far famed, which are indicative of His attributes and which find a place in the exalted hymns of the rishis. Spiritual disciplines of listening and chanting the names of God, take a man to spiritual perfection, as evidenced in the case of Draupadi, Prahalada and Ajamila. The example of Ajamila occurs in the Bhagvata Purana, expounded by sage Suka to king Pareekshit. Though he was well versed in the scriptures and very pious, he fell into bad company and led a licentious life. But it was the divine name 'Narnaya' which came to his rescue, when he unintentionally uttered it while calling out to his son, when he breathed his last. The woman Draupadi (Mahābhārata), was a devotee of Lord K'rsna and hence the innumerable trials, she was subjected to later, were wiped out by HIM. A princess, who enjoyed all comforts, was dragged to a public assembly and was made to face ignominy. But her stirring appeal to K'rsna, though HE was not present there, fetched her the needed protection from the atrocious act of the villains. Her agonising call was quickly answered and as a wicked man attempted to strip her, the saree she wore, rolled on endlessly, making the culprit give up his task. Her prayers, calling the name of the God, give all of us the hope that God will never fail to respond to genuine appeals by devotees. He is mankind's only permanent friend, at all times and on all occasions. The holy names of the lord, when recited with sincerity, will certainly bring relief. However there is a difference between merely chanting the names and uttering the same after offering one's total surrender and clinging to his feet. That spiritual disciplines of listening and chanting the names of God, take a man to spiritual perfection, was related by the child devotee Prahalad, who though the son of a devil demon, was saved from every calamity, by his remembering the name of the God at all times.
About the Authors Prof. (Dr.) Chitralekha Singh is an academician who has indepth study of not only of Art in which she is the first D Lit woman in the world, but also in Mythology and theology, which is an allied basis for ART and CULTURE. She is a writer of National/International importance and has published many books and contributed research papers to different journals. She has a brilliant career and MA First Class, Ph D and D Litt in Drawing & Painting. She is an educationist of 5 teaching experience as Lecturer to HOD & Directors, Deans, Director General even after retirement till today with the experience of total 55 years journey of life, a social worker, a charming conversationalist and a research guide. 100 Scholars have been awarded PhD & 215 M Phil under her supervision. She has a personal library CHITRALIPI with more than a thousand books on History, Culture, Religion & Fine Arts. She is a memorable mimic strict disciplinarian, being a unique combination of civils & military being a captian in NCC and the holder of Defence Secretary's Commendation Card" In addition to her books on art which 'Painting on Śiva in Indian Art' is a classic on Art & Mythology she has published illustrated books 'Hindu Goddesses, Hinduism, Ganesa, Drawings of Rajasthan, Encyclopedia History of Indian Art (5 Volumes) Elementary History of Indian Art, 1008 names of Śiva the Art of Japan, the Great Religion of the world, Saraswati, Hindu Festivals Fairs & Fast, Hindu Manners Custom & Ceremony, Ganga the Goddess the holy river, Captain Speaks. Hanuman, Durga, Kali the Goddess, Jainism. Aesthetics, Art Critical History, In Hindi she has written on Chini Chitrakala, Kala, Kala Shiksha, Kala Shikshan, 'Kala Shikshan, Shikshakavam Shikshatri Bhartiya Chitrakala Mein Śiva, Chiya-Chitra Yatra, Purush aur Prakriti, Jainwad, Shikha main Naatak avam Kala, Adhunik Bhartiya Samkaleen Kala, Shiksha main Kala avam Saundarya, Bhartiya Chitrakala, Roop Mandan, Bhartiya Pratiman (Roop Mandan), Kala Gynam etc.
Vedas (1226)
Upanishads (513)
Puranas (636)
Ramayana (768)
Mahabharata (381)
Dharmasastras (169)
Goddess (528)
Bhakti (253)
Saints (1634)
Gods (1315)
Shiva (407)
Journal (176)
Fiction (64)
Vedanta (383)
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