Shiva-Parvati

by Ashish Khokar and S.Saraswati

Shiva-Parvati are one of the most revered deities of the Hindu pantheon and the husband-wife duo evoke immense faith and devotion in the hearts of the people of the land.

This book traces the legend of Shiva-Parvati in the ancient texts of the Hindus and delves into the aspects of the worship of Shiva-Linga; the iconography of Shiva and of Parvati and their symbolic representation. The cult of the Mother Goddess symbolised by Parvati as Shakti, Kali and Durga; the legend of Shiva and Sati and the marriage of Shiva and Parvati are delineated in detail. The sons of Shiva--Mangal, Karttikeya, Hariharaputra, Jalandhara, Hanuman and Andhaka--all find a mention. The destructive aspect of Shiva as Nataraja, the Lord of Dance; legends of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva; sacred plays of Shiva and the tales and places associated with Him and His devotees are all depicted extensively.

Table of Contents:

In the Ancient Texts
Shiva-Parvati
Shiva Linga
Iconography of Shiva
Symbolic interpretation of various iconographic features
Parvati
Iconography of Parvati
Ardhanarisvara --- The Legend
Shiva and Sati
The Marriage of Shiva and Parvati

Sons of Shiva
Mangal
Karttikeya
Hariharaputra
Jalandhara
Hanuman
Andhaka
Nataraja: The Lord of Dance
The Burning of Tripura
Legends of Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva
In the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. . .
Panduranga
Andhaka
Jalandhara
The Coming of Nandi
Sacred Plays of Shiva
One of the best known tales of Tiruvilayatal is. . .
Meenakshi Kalyanam
Kali & Darugan
ancha Bhuta Sthalas’ of Shiva
Jyotirlingas
Devotees of Shiva

About the Author:

ASHISH KHOKAR is a well-known writer and commentator on the arts and crafts; culture and civilization; religion and spirituality of India. He has been a critic for The Times of India, columnist for several magazines, a TV personality and editor of attendance, India's year-book on dance. Research Associate S. SARASWATI has a rich and variegated experience of the philosophy, culture and the arts of India. She has been a lecturer of Philosophy at Mumbai University and has conducted field studies and documented several performing arts traditions. She is also an archivist of repute for cultural material.