The bond between Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva—two pillars of the Hindu Trinity—shines as a testament to cosmic harmony and divine sacrifice. One lesser-known yet profound story, rooted in the Skanda Purana and other sacred texts, narrates an extraordinary moment when Vishnu, in his devotion to Shiva, offers one of his eyes to the Shiva Linga.
This tale, depicted in vibrant art, underscores the deep connection of the divine and the ultimate expression of bhakti. Read this short but powerful tale on occasion of Mahashivratri. Join us on Devgatha as we explore this sacred narrative, brought to life through the rich imagery of Indian mythology.
Also visit: Celebrating Mahashivratri Festival, Devgatha Podcast
https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/baalgatha-bedtime/the-story-of-shiva-and-eNLYrZJG0v7
This blog post explores the legend of Lord Vishnu offering one of his eyes to Lord Shiva, symbolized by the Shiva Linga, as an act of supreme devotion and sacrifice. Set against the backdrop of a lush, divine landscape with a kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree), the story highlights Vishnu’s commitment to dharma and his reverence for Shiva, offering profound lessons in humility and faith. It’s a tale of cosmic harmony, perfect for Devgatha’s exploration of India’s Puranic wisdom.
यह ब्लॉग पोस्ट भगवान विष्णु द्वारा भगवान शिव को, शिव लिंग के रूप में, अपनी एक आंख अर्पित करने की कथा का अन्वेषण करता है, जो परम भक्ति और बलिदान का प्रतीक है। एक हरे-भरे, दिव्य परिदृश्य और कल्पवृक्ष (मनोकामना पूरी करने वाले वृक्ष) की पृष्ठभूमि में सेट यह कहानी विष्णु की धर्म के प्रति निष्ठा और शिव के प्रति श्रद्धा को उजागर करती है, जो विनम्रता और विश्वास के गहरे सबक देती है।
Why Lord Vishnu offers his eye to Lord Shiva
Once upon a time, Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe, noticed that the world was becoming unbalanced. People were forgetting the importance of peace and devotion, and even the gods were worried. Vishnu decided to pray to Lord Shiva, because he knew Shiva’s wisdom and power could restore harmony.
Under a glowing kalpavriksha tree, Lord Vishnu sat in deep meditation, offering flowers and chanting prayers to the Shiva Linga, a special symbol of Shiva’s divine energy, hoping to receive his blessings. As Vishnu prayed, he realized that his devotion needed to be even greater to truly honor Shiva. Without hesitation, Vishnu plucked out one of his own eyes—the radiant right eye, as bright as the sun—and placed it on the Linga. This selfless act made the Linga glow with a golden light, pleasing Shiva, who appeared and blessed Vishnu for his incredible devotion. This tale teaches us the value of sacrifice, and the deep devotion between Vishnu and Shiva, keeping the universe in balance!
Takeaways
- Devotion Knows No Bounds: Vishnu’s act teaches us that true bhakti involves surrendering even the most precious parts of oneself for a higher purpose, inspiring us to deepen our faith.
- Cosmic Harmony: The story highlights the unity of Vishnu and Shiva, reminding us of the one-ness of all divine forces in Hinduism.
- Sacrifice for Dharma: This narrative emphasizes the importance of selfless sacrifice to uphold dharma, a timeless value in Indian spirituality.
Also read: “The Symbolism of the Shiva Linga” in Hindu Mythology, from gaathastory’s Archives.