4 intriguing legendary myths about Lord Shiva  

In the tech-driven era of digitisation and social media, children are rarely introduced to the age-old mythologies ingrained in our culture. But ignorance about one’s own culture, takes kids away from their roots. As we celebrate Mahashivratri today, let us explore some of the popular yet fascinating myths surrounding Lord Shiva.  

The legend behind Shiva’s blue throat 
According to popular myth, Shiva had drunk a dark sticky foamy poison named ‘Halahala’ during the ‘Churning of Ocean’ (Samudra Manthan) to achieve the elixir (Amrit) of life. This eventually turned his throat and neck into blue. In fact, this is the reason why Shiva is also known by the name “Neelkantha.”Legend also has it that that Shiva did so to save the world from destruction as the poison had the power to ruin the universe all at once. Realising Shiva’s sacrifice, his wife, Goddess Parvathi made sure that the poison only stayed near his throat and didn’t enter his entire body. This turned his throat blue.  

Ganga flowing down Shiva’s head 
This is one of the most famous legends regarding Lord Shiva, that the River Ganga was born out of his head. It is believed that Shiva was summoned by Brahma to control the vehement flow of Ganga, especially during her landfall. So, when Ganga was angrily on her way to flow down to the earth from the heaven to help earth’s inhabitants attain enlightenment, Shiva stepped up to save earth from massive floods by gently trapping her back in his matted locks and giving birth to her on earth in seven streams, namely: Bhagirathi, Janhvi, Bhilangana, Mandakini, Rishiganga, Saraswati and Alokananda.  

Shiva’s surrender at Goddess Kali’s feet 
According to popular myth, Goddess Kali happens to be the most fierce and destructive form of Shakti who was summoned in the form of Goddess Durga to kill the uncontrollable demon Rakta Beej. He had the power to duplicate himself as and when a drop of his own blood touched the earth’s surface. Unable to stop him after several attempts, the Goddess took the form of Kali and slayed the demon once and for all. Despite this, the Goddess’s rage was not under control and she kept on killing innocents. This is when Lord Shiva made a ploy. He kept lying on the road that Kali would take on her way to kill innocent people. Blinded by anger, she set her foot on Shiva by mistake. This eventually calmed down.  

Tandava dance 
According to legends, a dwarf demon named Apasmara had challenged Lord Shiva to the Tandava dance. This is when Shiva had taken the form of Nataraja and performed his acclaimed Tandava dance and eventually defeated the demon by crushing him under his feet. Since Apasmara was the symbol of ignorance, it is believed that Shiva remained in his Nataraja form forever to preserve knowledge, music and dance, so that the innocents weren’t swayed by ignorance.