 Lord Shiva as compared to Vishnu is in a lower position. His eulogization is not more significant than that of Vishnu’s. But again Shaivism in Narada Purana has enumerated some characters which have not been done in other puranas.
In the Narada Purana, Lord Shiva is the well-known god. Shiva is his alter ego. He is very kind to his devotees. He fulfils desires of all his worshippers. In sage Gautama hermitage when Parvati criticises Shiva, Lord Vishnu is enraged and tries to cut off her head but Siva controls him. This shows the great regard that Vishnu had for Shiva. Narada has described Sivalinga’s magnitude and its worship. Narada gives an illustration of the splendour of Shiva while unfolding story of Pundankapura. There is description of Tandava which is performed by Shiva with Uma, Vinayaka, Skanda and others. Among the Siva's family members, only Lord Ganesha is specifically dealt with. In the Narada Purana there is a description of Ganesha’s worship with chanting of mantras. The epithets of Ganesha mentioned in the Purana are: 'Ganesa' i. e. group also 'Ganapati', 'Gajasya' 'Vinayaka' 'Vighnesha' 'Vakratunda' and many others. Mahaganapati is described as the rising Sun, source of the existence and destruction of the universe, and so on. Vakratunda is elephant-faced, as bright as the rising Sun, clad in red garment, wearing red ornaments and holding Pasa (noose) and Ankusa (goad) and displaying Abhaya (protection) and Vara (boon). Elsewhere the worship of Vinayaka and Lakshmi is mentioned followed by their wives like Siddhi and Samriddhi. The Pasupata doctrine described by Narada lays prominence on the observing the practice of Yoga and Bhakti. Narada's treatment of Pasupata differs from that of other Puranas as it gives an intricate and thought through elucidation. Shaivism, especially Pasupata, has been given a fuller treatment here than in the other Puranas. Among the Shiva hierarchy of gods, only Ganesha has been placed at same level with Vishnu. Lord Siva also was regarded as an important deity, and the worship of Shivalinga too was prevalent during the period of this Purana. (Last Updated on : 24-08-2015) |
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