Shiva Purana

Chapters

457

Verses

~24,000

Summary

The Shiva Purana is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas, a genre of Sanskrit texts in Hinduism. It is centered around the Hindu god Shiva and his consort Parvati, but references and reveres all gods.

Key Teachings

The nature of the ultimate reality (Brahman) as Shiva

The significance of the Panchakshara mantra (Namah Shivaya)

The stories of the 12 Jyotirlingas

The philosophy of creation, preservation, and dissolution (Samhara)

Civilizational Lore

"Legend states that Romaharshana, a disciple of Vyasa, first narrated this Purana to the sages in the Naimisha Forest."

Digitization sponsored by Bharat Heritage Trust