Shiva Purana – Chapter 5: The Tale of Shiva and His Ganas

The Story of Shiva and His Ganas

In the previous chapter, we learned about the various powers of Lord Shiva. How he removed obstacles with his powers and blessed his devotees. Now we begin the story of his beloved Ganas, who are always ready to serve him and sing his glories.

The Birth of Nandi and Devotion to Shiva

A wonderful peace pervaded Mount Kailash. Lord Shiva was immersed in meditation, as if time itself had stopped. There was a sage named Shilada, who was childless and a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He performed severe penance to have a son from Lord Shiva. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared to him and said, "O sage, I myself will be born as your son." Sage Shilada was extremely pleased.

When the time came, Sage Shilada found a radiant child, who became famous as Nandi. Nandi was immersed in Shiva devotion from childhood. One day, Sage Shilada said to Nandi, "Son, enter the householder's life." Nandi replied, "Father, my life is dedicated to Lord Shiva. I consider no one greater than him." Seeing Nandi's devotion, Sage Shilada understood that this child was no ordinary being.

The Manifestation of Virabhadra and the Destruction of Daksha's Yajna

Lord Shiva's wife Sati was the daughter of Prajapati Daksha. Daksha did not like Lord Shiva at all. Once, Daksha organized a grand yajna, to which he invited all the gods and sages, but not Lord Shiva. Sati could not bear this insult. She asked her father, "Father, why did you not invite my husband to the yajna?" Daksha replied, "He is just a yogi, not my equal. There is no need to invite him." Sati became very angry upon hearing this.

Sati, enraged by the insult to her husband, jumped into the sacrificial fire and gave up her life. When Lord Shiva received this news, he became extremely angry. From his anger, a powerful Gana named Virabhadra was born. Virabhadra, taking orders from Lord Shiva, along with his Ganas, destroyed Daksha's yajna and severed Daksha's head. When Lord Shiva's anger subsided, he revived Daksha, but replaced his head with that of a goat. By the grace of Lord Shiva, Daksha admitted his mistake and began to worship him.

The Origin and Glory of Bhairava

Once, Lord Brahma insulted Lord Shiva. This made Lord Shiva very angry, and from his anger, a terrifying form named Kalabhairava manifested. Kalabhairava severed Brahma's fifth head, which was a symbol of ego. Kalabhairava was afflicted with the sin of Brahmahatya (killing a Brahmin) and wandered through the three worlds seeking liberation from this sin. Finally, he entered Kashi, where he was freed from this sin. There, he was established as the Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi, who protects the city.

Bhairava Bhagavan is a very powerful and important Gana of Lord Shiva. Worshipping him removes fear and destroys negative energy. He protects his devotees from all kinds of obstacles. The description of Lord Shiva's various Ganas is endless, and their glory is immeasurable. Now, in the next chapter, we will learn about the significance of the Lingam and Shiva Puja.