Lord Shiva: The Benevolent One

February 25, 2008

In his Vinay Patrika, Tulasidasa eulogizes Lord Shiva, the Lord of all, in a

very distinctive tone. Basically, Lord Brahma, who authors everyone's destiny,

visits Shiva’s abode and offers his resignation to Goddess Parvati. He

complaints that Shiva keeps playing with the karmic law to bestow boons upon His

devotees. As a result of Shiva’s habit to grant, Brahma believes that he is

forced to create heavens for individuals whose destiny does not allow delight

for even a moment. Because Brahma cannot take it any more, he concludes, “Could

you please authorize someone else to write destiny? I would rather live by

alms.”The unparalleled kindness of Lord Shiva is reiterated everywhere in the

Epics and Puranas. In the Ramayana, in spite being Lord Rama’s Personal God and

devotee as well, He grants boons to Ravana, who symbolizes evil. In the

Mahabharata, while showering His love on Arjuna, who is struggling for being

righteous, He does offer a boon to Jayadratha that is responsible for the demise

of Arjuna’s son in the war. Numerous mythological events of this category echo

why fathering the universe is difficult. Just because some of His kids could not

turn out to be righteous, Shiva does not entirely turn down their prayers.

Nonetheless, He always ensures the eventual victory of dharma through His

manifestation as Vishnu.

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