Hi friends and fam! How are you all? I am good and expect the same from you. I am back with three more stories today. If you guys didn't read my previous article please go through it. Thank you for your support. 

let's get started….

Story 1: The Swayambu and his third eye.

Once Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu argued about who was superior. As they argued, a huge pillar emerged from nowhere and stood before them. It had no beginning and no end. So they decided to investigate the pillar but didn't find anything. On their return, they saw Lord Shiva emerge from pillar and they accepted Shiva's powers were greater than theirs. Thus, Lord Shiva is seen as “Swayambu” , which means Self-manifested. 

He is portrayed with three eyes, a snake around his neck, wearing matted tuft adorned with a crescent moon on his head, from where River Ganga flows. He has ash smeared all over his body and is seen wearing tiger skin. Lord Shiva, considered the Destroyer, is tasked with dissolving evil in the universe, during which he performs the Shiva Tandavam. At this time, a great amount of heat energy is released, and all the negativities are destroyed. A new Yuga begins after that.

Story 2: Ash on the body.

Sage Parnada was proud and thought himself equal to Gods. So, Lord Shiva decided to teach him a lesson. One day, as Parnada was chopping wood, he accidentally cut his finger. But, instead of blood, sap oozed out of the wound. Seeing that, he thought his body was divine. 

Then, Lord Shiva appeared in guise of an old man and Parnada told him all that had happened. But, the old-man said , “Whatever blood or sap, you are human and thus, mortal. When you die, your body will be burnt to ashes.” Then the old-man chopped off his finger and ash stared falling from the wound. Parnada realized that the old-man was Lord Shiva! He apologized to Lord, who told Parnada that he wanted to make him realize the truth of life. Since then, Lord Shiva smears ash on his body, reminding devotees that ultimately, everything turns to ashes.

Story 3: Ardhanareeshwara 

Once, sage Bringi, a devote worshipper of Lord Shiva, believed that to get entire essence of worship and blessings of the Lord, he should be worshipped without Parvati matha. But, the demi-gods and other sages didn't agree. Goddess Parvati realized that it was the time the sage was enlightened about the truth that Lord Shiva is incomplete without her. 

So, as the sage was meditating, she took away his energy and he started feeling weak. But that didn't deter his spirit. Lord Shiva was pleased and gave him a stick to support himself. But Goddess Parvati told Lord Shiva that she had made him weak so he would realize that Shiva is incomplete without Parvati matha. She told him to assume a form wherein they were inseparable. Thus, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Ardhanareeshwara (Half-women and Half-man) and appeared before Bringi. Sage Bringi realized the importance of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati being together.

So this is it for today guys. Hope you enjoyed reading. Do follow for more. Keep supporting and don't forget to like and comment. Thank you!!!