The Mythical Origin of Lord Shiva's Name Bhairava from Goddess Parvati
Introduction to Lord Shiva in Hindu Mythology
In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is one of the most revered deities and is considered one of the three major gods along with Brahma and Vishnu. The Puranas, ancient Hindu texts, often use storytelling as an accessible medium to convey deep philosophical and mythological concepts. This article explores the fascinating story of how Lord Shiva earned the name Bhairava from Goddess Parvati, providing insight into the rich tapestry of Hindu cosmology and mythology.
A Cosmic Collision and a Name Change
According to the Puranas, the three great galaxies, Shivalogam, Brahmalogam, and Vishnuvani, were formed by the creator gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. These galaxies were interlinked and influenced each other in complex cosmic dances. One day, intentions led to a collision between Shivalogam and Brahmalogam. This resulted in the devastation of Shivalogam, but it also posed a cosmic opportunity for the Milky Way galaxy to gain energy.
Enraged by the destruction, Lord Shiva resolved to protect and revive his galaxy. He summoned a mighty cosmic cloud, named Verabhadra, which was as fast and as powerful as fire. The name Verabhadra transformed into Bhairava, emphasizing Lord Shiva's fierce and destructive aspect during the cosmic conflict. This formidable form was essential in expelling cosmic energy back into the Brahmalogam and Shivalogam galaxies, ensuring the stability of the cosmos.
The Test of Supremacy: Brahma and Vishnu
The tale of Lord Shiva receiving the name Bhairava also includes a famous episode where Lord Shiva's wrath was invoked to teach a valuable lesson about honesty and integrity.
The Contest for Supremacy
Once, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu got into a heated argument about who was superior. Their disagreement grew so intense that they decided to challenge each other. Invoking Lord Shiva to act as the arbitrator, they set out to test each other's powers by finding the end of an infinite pillar of light that was generated by Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upwards while Lord Vishnu transformed into Varaha (a boar) and delved deep into the Earth, both searching for the top and bottom ends of the pillar.
A False Claim and a Divine Retribution
After a fruitless search, both Brahma and Vishnu returned to Lord Shiva. Initially, both admitted that they could not find the end of the pillar. But just as Brahma's pride lured him into lying about finding the top of the pillar, Goddess Parvati, who was present during the entire spectacle, knew that this lie was not true. She invoked Lord Shiva in his fierce form, Bhairava, to punish this deceit.
Lord Bhairava, under the instruction of Goddess Parvati, beheaded one of Lord Brahma's five heads as a retribution for his false claim. This incident served as a powerful message, teaching everyone the value of truth and honesty in the divine realm.
The Lesson Behind Bhairava
This event resulted in Lord Shiva adopting the name Bhairava, symbolizing his powerful and wrathful aspect. He was further honored with the epithet 'Bhairava' by Goddess Parvati herself. Bhairava is often worshipped by devotees seeking protection and the removal of obstacles. He is also considered a guardian deity in many Hindu traditions.
Conclusion and Variations
It is important to note that the specific details and interpretations of this story may vary across different versions and translations of the Shiva Purana and other Puranas, including the Linga Purana and the Brahma Purana. The esteemed nature of Hindu mythology and scripture means that stories are often retold and elaborated upon in various texts and oral traditions.
This story illustrates the profound philosophical message that truth and integrity are essential virtues, even in the divine realm. It provides a glimpse into the complex and dynamic interplay of the gods and their interactions with each other and the cosmos.