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Who Is The Father Of Lord Shiva?

June 04, 2023 , ,

In India, there are a number of popular gods and goddesses that are worshiped by Hindus. One of the most popular gods is Lord Shiva. Shiva is known as the Destroyer and is considered to be one of the most powerful gods in the Hindu pantheon.

But who is the father of Lord Shiva? This is a question that has baffled scholars for centuries. There are several theories and stories about who Shiva’s father could be.

In this article, we will take a look at the most popular theories and try to uncover the mystery of who is the father of Lord Shiva.

Who is the father of lord shiva
Who is the father of lord shiva

 

📙 Topic Of Contents:

  1. Introduction
  2. First theory: Brahma as Shiva's father
  3. Second theory: Vishnu as Shiva's father
  4. Third theory: Rudra as Shiva's father
  5. "No Father" theory
  6. Controversies and different beliefs
  7. Conclusion
  8. FAQs

 

First theory: Brahma as Shiva's father

In Hindu mythology, Brahma is often referred to as the creator of the universe, while Shiva is known as the destroyer or transformer of the world. According to one theory, Brahma is considered to be the father of Shiva.

This theory is based on a story found in the Puranas, which are ancient Hindu texts. According to the story, Brahma was once filled with pride and arrogance due to his power of creation. To humble him, Shiva appeared before him in the form of a fierce fiery column. Brahma was bewildered and asked for its end. Vishnu, who was also present, mocked Brahma for his arrogance and advised him to find the end of the column. Brahma agreed and flew up to find the top of the column, while Vishnu took the form of a boar and burrowed beneath the column to find its base.

While Brahma was unsuccessful in his search, Vishnu returned with the news that he had reached the base of the column and discovered a secret world ruled by a powerful being. This being was none other than Shiva, who was pleased with Vishnu's devotion and granted him a boon. Brahma, on the other hand, was rebuked by Shiva for his arrogance and cursed to be ignored and not worshipped in his ceremonies.

Therefore, based on this story, some people believe that Shiva is the son of Brahma. However, this theory is not accepted by all Hindu scholars, and there are several other theories about the relationship between Brahma and Shiva.

 

Second theory: Vishnu as Shiva's father

According to ancient Hindu texts, Lord Shiva was born from the forehead of Lord Brahma while Lord Vishnu emerged from the navel of Lord Brahma. As per some interpretations, Brahma is considered the creator of the universe while Vishnu and Shiva are the preserver and destroyer respectively.

But some other texts suggest that Vishnu is the father of Shiva, and this belief is known as the "Matsya Purana theory." According to this theory, Lord Vishnu took the form of a fish (Matsya) while saving the world from a great flood. During this time, he found a small child floating on the water, and on recognizing the child's divine nature, he adopted him as his son. This child was later revealed to be none other than Lord Shiva.

In some other interpretations, Vishnu is seen as the father of Shiva due to his role as the preserver of the universe. Since Shiva is considered to be the destroyer, the idea is that Vishnu gave birth to Shiva to balance out the natural order of creation, preservation, and destruction.

While the origin of this theory is not clear, it is widely accepted and respected in Hindu mythology that Lord Vishnu is the father of Lord Shiva. However, there are also several other interpretations of their relationship, making it a fascinating subject of study for scholars of Hinduism.

 

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Third theory: Rudra as Shiva's father

According to this theory, Rudra is considered to be the father of Shiva. This theory is based on various Puranas and ancient scriptures, where Rudra is mentioned as the father of Shiva.

One of the most popular stories related to this theory is the birth of Shiva from the forehead of Brahma. It is said that Brahma had created Rudra from his forehead to destroy the evil forces. However, Rudra became uncontrollable and started destroying everything in his path. So, Brahma requested Rudra to calm down and stop the destruction. To appease Rudra, Brahma gave him the power to create and rule over the universe. Rudra then became the father of Shiva, who was born to Sati, the daughter of Daksha.

Another story related to this theory is the Vedic hymn "Rudra Gayatri", which is dedicated to Rudra. In the hymn, Rudra is addressed as the father of the universe and the creator of all that exists.

Overall, the theory of Rudra being Shiva's father is widely accepted in Hindu mythology, and it adds a layer of complexity to the already multifaceted character of Lord Shiva.

 

Fourth theory: Shiva as his own father | "No Father" theory

Shiva's "No Father" theory is based on the belief that Shiva has no mortal father. According to this theory, Shiva is believed to have been a self-created deity, with no beginning or end.

As per some mythological accounts, Shiva is said to have been born from a fiery column of light known as the lingam. This lingam is believed to have emerged from an infinite and timeless consciousness, which is the true nature of the universe.

In some Hindu mythological texts, Shiva is also referred to as "Ardhanarishvara", which means half-man and half-woman. The female half of Shiva is known as "Shakti" or "Parvati", who is believed to be the creative force of the universe.

Overall, the "No Father" theory symbolizes the idea that Shiva represents the ultimate transcendence beyond worldly attachment. Shiva is seen as the embodiment of pure consciousness, bliss, and enlightenment, and is therefore revered as one of the most powerful and important deities in Hinduism.

 

Controversies and different beliefs

There are different beliefs and controversies surrounding Lord Shiva's father's identity in different Hindu mythologies and regional traditions.

In some Hindu texts, Lord Brahma is considered the father of Lord Shiva, while in others, Lord Vishnu is believed to be his father. However, the most widely accepted beliefs suggest that Lord Shiva is the supreme being and creator of the universe, and therefore, the question of his father's identity is irrelevant or unimportant.

In some regional traditions, such as the South Indian Shaivism, Lord Shiva is seen as self-existent, without any father or mother. In Kashmiri Shaivism, the concept of father or mother is replaced by the concept of supreme consciousness or pure awareness.

It is essential to understand that while different beliefs and controversies exist, the fundamental significance of Lord Shiva remains unchanged - as the ultimate reality, the destroyer of ignorance and the embodiment of benevolence.

 

Conclusion

The most popular story in Hindu mythology is that Lord Shiva is his own father or he has no father. We all must have heard Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev saying that Lord Shiva is self-born (Adi Purusha), no one has created him. Lord Shiva himself is Parabrahma (Supreme god of the universe).

Ultimately, the notion of Lord Shiva's parentage is viewed as a symbolic representation of creation, preservation, and destruction, rather than a literal father-son relationship.

Despite the different perspectives, Lord Shiva remains a revered deity in Hinduism and is worshipped by millions of people around the world.

 

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FAQs

Who created Shiva god?

He is self-created god (Para-Bramha).

Is Brahma Shiva's father?

No, absolutely not. Brahma is not Shiva's father.

Who is Lord Shiva's Mother?

He has no mother and father, Lord Shiva is Para-Bramha.

Who is the father of lord brahma?

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma was not born from a biological father. Instead, he was believed to have been created by Lord Vishnu from a lotus flower that sprang from his navel. Therefore, Lord Vishnu is considered the father of Lord Brahma in Hinduism.