Why Read Shiva Maha Purana? Mystical reasons
Shiva Maha Purana: The Sacred Text Equal to the Vedas
The Shiva Maha Purana is a sacred text considered equal to the Vedas. Created by Lord Shiva himself, this Purana is composed of twelve sections: Vidyeshvara, Rudra, Vinayaka, Uma, Matru, Ekadasha Rudra, Kailasa, Shatarudra, Koti Rudra, Sahasra Koti Rudra, Vayu, and Dharma Samhitas. Each section contains numerous verses, totaling a hundred thousand verses.
The Legends
Sage Vyasa, aware of the challenges humans would face in the Kali Yuga, condensed this immense text into seven samhitas with twenty-four thousand verses. Originally, this Purana was a single, extensive scripture created by Lord Shiva at the dawn of creation. Over time, great sages condensed it to make it accessible for study and understanding.
The Seven Samhitas:
The Shiva Maha Purana contains:
- Vidyeshvara Samhita
- Rudra Samhita
- Shatarudra Samhita
- Koti Rudra Samhita
- Uma Samhita
- Kailasa Samhita
- Vayu Samhita
Equal to the Vedas
The Shiva Maha Purana is considered equivalent to the Vedas. It is supremely holy, granting liberation and fulfilling the four aims of human life. It guides towards spiritual liberation, alleviates physical, mental, and spiritual sufferings, removes impurities, and grants all-round prosperity.
The Power of Recitation
Before the spread of Shiva Purana, the world was overwhelmed with sins and natural calamities. Reciting this Purana eradicates ignorance, dispels darkness, and removes all impurities. Listening to the Shiva Maha Purana eliminates the fear of death, making the path to liberation easier.
The Benefits of Shiva Maha Purana:
Studying the Vedas and Shastras grants immense merit, but the same merit can be attained by reading and listening to the Shiva Purana. Even reciting a single verse or bowing to it with devotion brings the merit of worshipping all deities. Keeping this Purana in your home brings divine grace.
Observing a fast on Chaturdashi (the 14th day of the lunar month) and reciting the Shiva Purana in the presence of Shiva devotees grants the merit of performing the Gayatri mantra penance. Staying awake at night and reciting this Purana bestows unparalleled merit. The merit of donating gold in holy places like Kurukshetra, Gaya, and Prayag is surpassed by the merit gained from reciting the Shiva Purana.
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