The stories of Shiva, drawn from the Gita Press abridged Shiva Purana and told as narrative. As more stories are added, this collection will keep growing.
The Glory of the Shiva Purana
Rudra Samhita (The Book of Creation)
Narada’s PrideNarada, drunk on the pride of his penance, and a lesson in Vishnu’s maya (his power of illusion).
Creation and the Manifestation of the ShivalingaThe dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, and the boundless pillar of light.
Rudra Samhita (The Book of Sati)
The Marriage of Shiva and SatiAt Brahma’s request, Shiva and Sati are wed.
Sati and Shri RamaIn the Dandaka forest, Shiva bows to Shri Rama, and Sati falls into delusion.
Daksha’s Yajna and the Immolation of SatiArriving uninvited at the yajna (fire-rite), Sati gives her body to the fire of yoga.
Rudra Samhita (The Book of Parvati)
The Birth of ParvatiThe goddess descends into the house of Himalaya, and gives herself to Shiva’s service.
Tarakasura’s BoonA boon that only Shiva’s son can kill him, and the peril it brings the gods.
The Burning of KamadevaKamadeva reduced to ash by Shiva’s third eye, and the lament of Rati.
The Penance of ParvatiParvati’s fierce austerity to win Shiva.
The Testing of ParvatiDisguised as a matted-haired brahmin, Shiva puts Parvati to the test.
The Marriage of Shiva and ParvatiShiva’s wedding party arrives at Himalaya’s house, and the marriage is made.
Rudra Samhita (The Book of the Kumara)
Kartikeya and TarakasuraThe birth of Skanda and the slaying of Tarakasura.
The Birth of GaneshaGanesha shaped from the paste of Parvati’s body, and how he came by his elephant head.
The Circumambulation of Ganesha and KartikeyaThe two brothers race for the honor of first worship.
Rudra Samhita (The Book of War)
TripurariThe burning of the three flying cities, and how Shiva won the name Tripurari.
ShankhachudaThe birth of Shankhachuda, the tale of Tulsi, and his war with Shiva.
AndhakasuraAndhaka, born of Shiva’s sweat, and his slaying.
BanasuraBanasura’s austerity and the boon Shiva grants him.
The Slaying of GajasuraThe slaying of Gajasura, and Shiva who wears his hide, Krittivasa.
Shatarudra Samhita
NandishwaraThe birth of Nandi, lord of Shiva’s hosts, and his consecration.
Kaal BhairavaThe glory of Kaal Bhairava and the penance of Vishvanara.
Hanuman: An Avatar of ShivaThe story of Shiva’s incarnations as Durvasa and as Hanuman.
Dadhichi and PippaladaThe Pippalada incarnation, and how Dadhichi gave away his bones.
BhadrayuShiva’s incarnation as Dvijeshwara and the testing of King Bhadrayu.
Kirata and ArjunaShiva in a hunter’s guise fights Arjuna, and the Pashupata weapon.
Kotirudra Samhita
SomnathThe story of how Somnath, the first jyotirlinga (linga of light), appeared.
Mahakal and MallikarjunaKing Chandrasena, a cowherd boy, and the glory of Mahakal.
Omkar, Kedar, BhimashankarThe stories of how these jyotirlingas came to be.
Kashi VishwanathThe Vishveshwara jyotirlinga and the glory of Kashi.
Tryambak, Vaidyanath, NageshwarThe story of the sage Gautama and the appearance of these jyotirlingas.
Rameshwar and GhushmeshwarThe linga that Shri Rama installs, and the story of Ghushma’s devotion.