Topic Research: Shiva

The Tiger and the Leaves

This tells the story of a hunter who was chased by a tiger. To escape the tiger, the hunter climbed a tree that happened to be a bilwa tree, which is a tree whose leaves are used to worship Shiva. The tiger would not leave the hunter alone, so to keep himself awake all night he plucked the leaves from the bilwa tree and tossed them down one by one to the ground. Unbeknownst to the hunter, a Shiva Lingam, which translates to "Shiva sign", was below the tree. The hunter worshiped Shiva unknowingly all night, and in the morning the tiger left. The hunter returned home to eat since he had not eaten all day and night, but a stranger had come and asked for food. Before eating for himself, he gave the stranger some food and this pleased Shiva. Shiva blessed him and when the hunter passed away his soul was taken care of and sent to heaven.  

This story is interesting, because it sends the message that if one is to be kind and tries to be a good person, then good things are bound to be brought upon them. The hunter did not know Shiva was watching him, but he still chose to be kind to the stranger even though he had gone through hardships himself and was starving. If I retell this story I would like to add more dialogue between the hunter and Shiva to express more how the hunter was feeling. 

The Birth of Ganga

This story may seem like it's focused on Ganga, but Shiva also plays a very important role in her coming to earth. Through Shiva's hair, Ganga is able to flow to earth easily and cleanses the people. I personally like this story of Shiva because it makes him seem more of a creator rather than a wild destroyer. In my mind, I imagine him very serene while Ganga flows through his hair. He may be seen more as the destroyer, but I would like to portray him in a more holy, calm light. I could recreate this story in a more heroic way, where Shiva would have to spend thousands of years in the rain while Ganga flows to earth, thus giving up his control and powers and family for a long time so Ganga to help others. I want to make in more sacrificial for him rather than Ganga, although she is also an important part of the story. 

(Shiva stops Ganga from falling, Wikipedia Commons)

Nilakantha

One of Shiva's names is Nilakantha, which translates to "blue neck." He got this name by drinking poison called Halahala in order to save the universe, but before the poison reached his body, he held his throat to keep it from going down any further. In a different telling of this story, it is Parvati, Shiva's wife, who puts her hands around his throat in order to stop the poison from spreading. This is another story that shows more of Shiva's compassionate side rather than a destructive side. I would like to make a dramatic retelling of this story where it's basically the end of the universe and only Shiva is able to stop it, if he wishes. I think making it more modern would give a greater impact, and have global warming and natural disasters occur to make it have that 'end of the world' feeling. I also want to have Parvati save Shiva, because I love female heroes! 

(Shiva and Parvati, Wikipedia Commons)