19 AVATARS OF LORD SHIVA: THE DIVINE INCARNATIONS

1. Piplaad Avatar

In this avatar, Lord Shiva was born in the house of Rishi Dadhichi as Piplaad. Due to the unfavorable positioning of Shani, the sage left his home, leading Piplaad to curse Shani and cause the planet to fall from its celestial abode. Piplaad later forgave Shani on the condition that the planet would never trouble anyone under 16 years of age. Worshipping Piplaad can help alleviate Shani dosha.

2. Nandi Avatar

Lord Shiva, the protector of herds, took the form of Nandi, depicted as a bull-faced being with four hands, holding an axe and an antelope.

3. Veerabhadra Avatar

Born from Lord Shiva's hair strand during his rage after Goddess Sati’s self-immolation at Daksha’s yagna, Veerabhadra was created to destroy Daksha's sacrificial ceremony. This fierce avatar punished the gods and disrupted the sacrificial rites, demonstrating Shiva's power and fury.

4. Sharabha Avatar

To pacify the wrathful Narasimha, Lord Shiva took the form of Sharabha, a part-bird, part-lion creature. Sharabha subdued Narasimha and wore his hide, showing Shiva’s supreme power over even the fiercest beings.

5. Ashwatthama

The Vish Purush born from Shiva during the Samudra Manthan was destined to kill oppressive Kshatriyas. This Vish Purusha reincarnated as Ashwatthama, the son of Drona and Kripi, a formidable warrior.

6. Bhairava Avatar

When Brahma lied about his quest for superiority, Shiva manifested as Bhairava and severed Brahma’s fifth head. This act condemned Shiva to roam with Brahma's skull for twelve years, symbolizing the punishment for Brahma Hatya (killing a Brahmin).

7. Durvasa Avatar

Shiva incarnated as Durvasa to maintain cosmic discipline. Known for his short temper, Sage Durvasa’s presence and actions kept order in the universe.

8. Grihapati Avatar

Born to a devoted couple, Grihapati’s life was threatened by planetary positions. Shiva intervened, granting him protection from death and making him a lord of all directions.

9. Lord Hanuman

Shiva, infatuated with Vishnu’s Mohini form, released his seed, which the Saptarishis established in Anjani’s womb, resulting in the birth of Hanuman, the mighty devotee of Lord Rama.

10. Vrishabha Avatar

To counter Vishnu's sons born in Patal Lok during Samudra Manthan, Shiva took the form of an ox, Vrishabha, and destroyed them, restoring cosmic balance.

11. Yatinath Avatar

In the form of Yatinath, Shiva visited the devout tribal couple Aahuk and his wife. After Aahuk's death, Shiva blessed them to be reborn as Nala and Damayanti, promising to reunite them.

12. Krishna Darshan Avatar

Shiva incarnated as Krishna Darshan to emphasize the importance of yagna and spiritual rituals. He educated Prince Nabhag about higher spiritual attainment and salvation.

13. Bhikshuvarya Avatar

Shiva, in this form, protected King Satyarth’s son and ensured the child regained his kingdom, demonstrating his role as a divine protector.

14. Sureshwar Avatar

Disguised as Indra, Shiva tested the devotion of Sage Vyaghrapaad’s son, Upamanyu. Impressed by his dedication, Shiva promised to always reside near his hermitage.

15. Kirateshwar Avatar

As a hunter, Shiva tested Arjuna's valor during his meditation. After a fierce battle, Shiva gifted Arjuna the Pashupata Astra, acknowledging his bravery.

16. Suntantarka Avatar

Disguised as a dancer, Shiva sought Parvati’s hand from her father Himalaya. His divine dance captivated everyone, and eventually, Parvati’s father agreed to their union.

17. Brahmachari Avatar

Shiva, as a celibate ascetic, tested Parvati’s devotion during her austerities to marry him. Impressed by her dedication, he revealed his true form and accepted her.

18. Yaksheshwar Avatar

To curb the pride of the deities post-Samudra Manthan, Shiva appeared as Yaksheshwar and humbled them, teaching a lesson in humility.

19. Avadhut Avatar

In this form, Shiva humbled Indra’s arrogance. Disguised as a sage, he immobilized Indra’s hand when he tried to use his thunderbolt, revealing his true identity and teaching Indra a lesson in humility.

Celebrate Sawan Shivratri with Divine Attire

Honor Lord Shiva’s avatars with our exclusive collection of Hindu-themed apparel. Whether you’re looking for a Hanuman T-shirt, Ganesh T-shirt, Krishna T-shirt, or an Anjaneya T-shirt, we have the perfect outfit for your spiritual celebrations.To buy a variety of hindu t shirts like shivji t shirt, hanuman t shirt, ganesh t shirt, Krishna t shirt, ram t shirt, bajrang bali t shirt etc. click here! Explore our collection now and connect with the divine essence of these powerful incarnations.

[The images used in this blog post are not owned by Anime Devta, they are just for entertainment purposes]

~Mimansa Sharma