Know these 19 Avatars of Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva’s incarnation was born to Sage Dadhichi and his wife Swarcha. However, after his birth, he lost his parents’ son. Dadhimati, his aunt, raised him. Piplaad cursed Shani Dev when he got older and learned the cause of his father’s death (Saturn). He wanted to exact vengeance on Shani Dev for causing his father so much trouble during his lifetime. Shani Dev was expelled from the galaxy as a result. After the Devas intervened, Piplaad consented to forgive Shani on the condition that no one under the age of sixteen would be touched by his negative effects. Those who have Shani Dosha, therefore, adore Lord Shiva.

Nandi Avatar

Nandi Avatar is a fictional character.

Sage Shilada gave birth to Lord Shiva in this form. Lord Shiva’s blessings were sought through hard penance, and the sage requested an immortal child. As a result of Sage’s devotion, Lord Shiva took the form of Nandi, who served as the gatekeeper of Kailasha (Lord Shiva’s heavenly abode) and the Lord’s mount.

Veerabhadra Avatar

Lord Shiva’s Veerabhadra avatar is one of his most ferocious incarnations. After the death of his wife Sati, Lord Shiva took the form of Veerabhadra. Lord Shiva in his Veerabhadra form destroyed King Daksha’s Yagya and decapitated him for being the cause of Sati’s death.

Bhairava Avatar

The Bhairava Avatar is also one of Lord Shiva’s most powerful incarnations. The Bhairava Avatar, also known as Dandapani, punishes individuals who are greedy, lusty, and arrogant. These undesirable characteristics frequently lead to one’s demise, which is why the Bhairava avatar exists.

Ashwatthama Avatar

To appease Lord Shiva, Guru Dronacharya has done arduous penance. He desired that the Lord be born to him as his son. As a result of Guru Dronacharya’s dedication, Lord Shiva took the form of Ashwatthama, a capable warrior who played a key role in the Mahabharata.

Sharabha  Avatar

After Lord Narasimha defeated the demon Hiranyakashipu, this form of Lord Shiva appeared to calm him down. Sharabha is a one-of-a-kind avatar. The Lord appeared as a creature that resembled both a lion and a bird. The Sharabha avatar is reported to have eight legs in various sources.

Grihapati Avatar

Lord Shiva’s Grihapati incarnation was born to a sage named Vishwanar and his wife on the Narmada’s banks. Lord Shiva was to be born as the son of the sage’s consort. As a result, the sage spent most of his time in Kashi performing penance. Lord Shiva was born as Grihapati to the sage and his wife a few days later, impressed by Vishwanar’s devotion.

Durvasa Avatar

Lord Shiva’s avatar was born to Sage Atri and his wife Anasuya. He had a reputation for being irritable, but he was respected by both humans and Devas.

Rishabha Avatar

Lord Shiva emerged as a bull in this avatar, according to folklore, to kill Lord Vishnu’s sons and the Patala Loka women’s sons. Lord Shiva arrived as Rishabha at Lord Brahma’s request to save creation after Lord Vishnu’s sons committed ruin.

Yatinath Avatar

Lord Shiva’s Yatinath incarnation seemed to put a tribal couple known for their hospitality to the test. Aahuk, a tribal man, was killed while protecting his visitor, Yatinath. Rather than mourning, his wife was proud of him for sacrificing his life for the cause of a visitor. Lord Shiva rewarded the couple, announcing that they will be born as Nala and Damayanti in their next birth because of their devotion.

Hanuman Avatar

Lord Hanuman is Lord Shiva’s eleventh avatar, according to legend. Mata Anjani and Kesari gave birth to him.

Krishna Darshan Avatar

This manifestation of Lord Shiva seemed to emphasise the necessity of Yagya and keeping unattached. A monarch named Nabhag, his father Shradhadeva, and Sage Angiras are all mentioned in this account.

Bhikshuvarya Avatar

Lord Shiva arrived as a beggar to save the child of King Sathyaratha, as the name says. With Lord Shiva’s blessings, the youngster was raised by a poor lady after his parents died.

Sureshwar Avatar

Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Indra Dev to test the devotion of a young child named Upamanyu. The young child passed the litmus test and was successful in convincing Lord Shiva to appear.

Keerat Avatar

This manifestation of Lord Shiva seemed to put Arjuna’s bravery to the test. Arjuna meditated to find Lord Shiva’s Pashupat when the Pandavas were in exile. A demon named Mooka changed into a boar to murder Arjuna while he was meditating. With their individual arrows, Lord Shiva’s Keerat Avatar and Arjuna each slew the boar. Arjun didn’t recognise Lord Shiva at first, but he soon realised that only the Lord could be a greater archer than he was.

Sunatnartak Avatar

Lord Shiva’s Sunatnartak incarnation appeared in the court of the Himalayan King and danced with his damru. Finally, he made a marriage proposal to Parvati and declared his wish to marry her.

Brahmachari Avatar

Sati appeared before Lord Shiva as a Brahmachari when she was born as Parvati and undertook tremendous penance to appease him. To put Parvati’s devotion to the test, he threw insults at Shiva. And Parvati, who adored Lord Shiva beyond all others, responded appropriately to the Brahmachari. Lord Shiva eventually revealed himself and blessed Parvati.

Yaksheshwar Avatar

After the Devas devoured Amrit, the celestial nectar, Lord Shiva’s Yaksheshwar avatar emerged to shatter their pride and complacency. He challenged them to chop a blade of grass, and despite their combined might, they were unable to do it. After that, they apologised to Lord Shiva.

Avadhut Avatar

Indra Dev’s ego was crushed when Lord Shiva arrived as Avadhoot.