tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598848915314147094.post3403312267806061142..comments2024-01-28T17:13:59.338-08:00Comments on Shiva Darshana: Forms of ShivaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598848915314147094.post-83036770953506467402012-10-11T07:44:33.508-07:002012-10-11T07:44:33.508-07:00Hello,
Do you have the list of 64 Bhairavas and 6...Hello,<br /><br />Do you have the list of 64 Bhairavas and 64 Bhairava Agamas?Sharmalan Thevarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15905439167704608705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598848915314147094.post-35799142096419323512008-10-01T20:57:00.000-07:002008-10-01T20:57:00.000-07:00As for the belief that Hanuman is an Avatar of Shi...As for the belief that Hanuman is an Avatar of Shiva, that is largely a Vaishnava belief that arose in medieval times with the appearance of newer versions of the Ramayana. In these texts, one finds the idea that when Vishnu descended as Rama, all the Devas descended in the form of monkeys to help him to defeat Ravana. In particular, Brahma is said to have descended as Jambavan and Shiva as Hanuman. <BR/><BR/>Otherwise, one finds Hanuman mentioned as a form (not incarnation) of Shiva once in the Shiva Purana, which is also a medieval text.<BR/><BR/>In Shaivism, Hanuman is not considered a form of Shiva, but is rather a Mahadeva, a Son of Shiva like Ganesha or Kartikeya. Hanuman (aka Maruti) is an embodiment of the wind deities of the Vedas known as Maruts. In the Veda, the Rudras and Maruts are considered children of Rudra-Shiva, and are actually representative of the subtle body's various pranas (vital airs). Notice that Hanuman is always associated with the wind -- which is more evidence of the same.Agnidevahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00740580321103091807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598848915314147094.post-82817715078068880432008-10-01T20:15:00.000-07:002008-10-01T20:15:00.000-07:00Namaste Chris,You are interesting and poignant que...Namaste Chris,<BR/><BR/>You are interesting and poignant questions. <BR/><BR/>The belief that Adi Shankara is a literal incarnation of Shiva is a Smarta perspective, not held by Shaivites. However, in both Shaivism and Smartaism, the fully realized Guru is always equated with the Lord, as he has realized his complete oneness with the Divine. In a sense, realized Gurus may be considered veritable "Avatars", but in this sense the "Avatar" is an ascent of man, and not a descent of God. If you read the Guru Gita, you will find that the Satguru is spoken of as the Lord Himself; and that is to be taken with the above understanding.Agnidevahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00740580321103091807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598848915314147094.post-82273125034401348052008-08-09T03:19:00.000-07:002008-08-09T03:19:00.000-07:00I have enjoyed reading your blog which is very int...I have enjoyed reading your blog which is very interesting and informative. I have a question about avatars of Shiva.<BR/><BR/>The <A HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva#Avatars" REL="nofollow">wikipidia article on Shiva</A> says that Shiva does have avatars, and lists Adi Shankara as and Hanuman. From what you write I would assume that the wikipedia aritcle was written from a Smarta or Vishnava perspective. I would assume that from a Shaiva perspective:<BR/><BR/>* Adi Shankara was a guru, with knowledge ofShiva but not an avatar.<BR/>* <I>Possibly</I>Hanuman was a Maheshvara Murti, Shiva in another form.<BR/><BR/>The question is, do Shaivans see Hanuman as a form of Shiva, or is this again given from a Smarta or Vishnava perspective?<BR/><BR/>Thanks again for this wonderful, inspiring blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com