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15-Shiv Leelaa
Shiv is 
known by the name 'Gireesh', as He is the Lord of the Mount Kailaash. Shiv is 
called 'Tryambak', because he has a third eye in his forehead, the eye of 
wisdom (Gyaan Chakshu). The word 'Hara' is derived from the root 'Hru' means 
and the suffix 'Ati', for he removes (Harati) all ills. 'Har' means He who at 
the time of dissolution (Pralaya) withdraws the world within Himself. Shiv is 
holding in his hands Parashu (axe) and deer. He is making with the other two 
hands the Var and the Abhaya Mudraa. The deer here is Brahmaa. Shiv is very 
powerful. Even Brahmaa is under his control. 
Tripuraari    read below   Tripur Sanhaar 
Shiv was the destroyer of the Asur, Tripur. He destroyed the Tripur or the 
three cities of the Asur which were built of gold, silver and iron by 
Maya Daanav. The Asur oppressed 
all theists, being protected by the three cities. Shiv is called Tripuraari because 
he destroyed the three Asur,  and their three cities, Tripur. 
Shiv Jyoti 
Brahmaa and Vishnu were one day disputing which of the two was the greater. Shiva 
appeared in the form of an Infinite Jyoti or fiery Ling, in order to destroy 
their pride. Brahma and Vishnu set out to measure the Jyoti, but they failed in 
their attempts. 
Neelakanth - Shiv Drinks Poison 
Once, Devtaa and the Asur had a formidable fight for a very long period. Many Devtaa 
and Asur died in the fight. The Devtaa thought that they should prolong their lives by 
drinking nectar and then continue the war. They approached Brahmaa with this desire in 
view. Brahmaa said: "This work cannot be done by me. It can be done only by Vishnu." 
Thereupon, Brahmaa and the Devtaa approached  Hari in Ksheer Saagar.  Hari asked the 
Devtaa and Asur to churn the ocean with the help of Mandar Giri as churning-rod and 
Vaasuki Naag as the churning rope. As they went on churning, poison (Halaahal Vish) came 
out first from the ocean. The terrible poison began to burn the people into ashes. The 
Devtaa, the Asur and the Rishi began to flee away.  Vishnu was not able to destroy the 
poison. His body also became very black. He ran to Kailaash along with the Devtaa and 
Brahmaa to see  Shiv. He reported to  Shiv all that had happened. Thereupon,  Shiv collected 
the poison and kept it as a drop in the palm of his hand and swallowed it. Then  Vishnu 
and Brahmaa requested  Shiv to keep it in his neck as a mark of their protection.  Shiv 
did it accordingly. Due to the effect of the poison his throat became blue, and from that 
day onwards  Shiv is called by the name 'Neelakanth' (blue-necked one) or 'Kaal Kanth 
Murti'. Then  Shiv said to them: "If you churn again, you will get nectar and several 
other things." They all started again the churning of the ocean and obtained nectar 
and many other things. All the Devtaa drank the nectar and rejoiced heartily. 
Shiv Rides  the Bull 
Turning of Chatur-Yug two thousand times, is one day of Brahmaa. Such thirty days make a month 
for him. Such twelve months make a year for him. Such hundred years make the full life of Brahmaa. 
The whole life-period of Brahmaa is a day for  Vishnu. After passing 100 such years Vishnu also 
passes away or merge himself in Para Brahm. All the And (Lok or worlds) perish at that time. 
On account of the heavy blowing of Prachand Vaayu, the seven oceans will ebb high and cover the 
whole world.  Shiv alone  exists at that time. He will burn everything into ashes through his 
fiery third eye and then dance. The Dharm Devtaa or the Lord of Virtue reflected within himself : 
"How can I attain immortality? If I approach  Shiv, then only I can attain this." So 
he assumed the form of a bull, went to Shiv and said: "My venerable Lord! Kindly accept me 
as thy vehicle and thus protect me." 
 
Shiv agreed to the humble request of the God of Dharm and said: "Conduct the Dharm with 
four feet in the Krit Yug, with the three feet in the Tretaa Yug, with two feet in the Dwaapar 
Yug, and with one foot in the Kali Yug. Because of my grace, you will be endowed with all splendor 
and powers. You will always be my vehicle. You will be one with me." When  Shiv destroyed 
Tri-pur or the three cities,  Vishnu assumed the form of a bull and supported  Shiv. 
Shiv Wears Trident, Deer, Etc. 
Once the Rishi of Daaruk Van performed a Yagya to destroy  Shiv. A cruel tiger came out of 
the fire. They commanded the tiger to kill  Shiv.  Shiv killed the tiger and wore his skin 
around his waist. Then the Rishi created a trident, to kill Shiv. Shiv took it in his hand 
as his instrument. Then they created a deer with sharp horns, to kill Shiv, but Shiv wore 
it in his left hand. Later on they created countless black cobras to kill Shiv.  Shiv wore 
them as his ornaments. Then they created countless Bhoot Gan to kill him. This time Shiv 
made them as his army. Then they created a Damaroo to kill him. Shiv picked it up in his 
hand. Then they created an Asur, Muyalaka, to kill him. Muyalaka marched with the Yagya 
fire to destroy  Shiv. Shiv held that fire as Malu in his hand and kept the Asur under his 
feet. That is how he used all as his killer things. 
Shiv Wears  Gangaa on His Head 
Once upon a time in Mount Kailaash, Paarvatee Jee closed the eyes of Shiv with her hands. 
Thereupon the Sun, the Moon and fire did not shine forth. This caused terrible havoc in 
the world. All were enveloped by darkness for a long period. Shiv opened his third eye a 
bit. The Sun, Moon and fire began to shine again and all darkness vanished. Paarvatee was 
frightened. She removed her hands and dropped down the perspiration from her fingers. This 
perspiration was turned into ten Gangaa with countless branches. These rivers did much havoc 
to the world. Thereupon  Brahmaa, Vishnu and Indra ran to  Shiv and requested him to avert 
this catastrophe. Shiv felt compassionate and brought the whole waters in one hair of his 
matted locks.  Brahmaa, Vishnu and Indra requested  Shiv to give a little of the water of 
Gangaa for their worlds. Shiv gave them a little. They became Viraaj Nadee in Vaikunth, 
Manasaa Teerth in Satya Lok and Dev Gangaa in Indra Lok. King Bhageerath brought down the 
Gangaa from Brahm Lok to give Moksh to his 60,000 ancestors - sons of King Sagar. 
Shiv's Leelaa of Begging 
Once the Rishi of Daaruk Van thought that there was no use in loving and adoring Shiv 
and they could attain Moksh through the performance of sacrifices. They left off worship 
of Shiv and did sacrifices vigorously. Shiv said to  Hari: "Assume the form of Mohinee 
and enter the abode of all Rishi in Daaruk forest. They have no regard for me now. They 
are treading the wrong path now. We should teach them a lesson. Excite their passion and 
delude them. Destroy their Vrat." He also put on the form of a mendicant-beggar. 
Thereupon,  Hari assumed the form of Mohinee and entered the dwelling places of the Rishi 
in Daaruk Van. All the Rishi lost their power of understanding and discrimination and 
followed Mohinee under strong excitement of passion. 
Shiv entered the Parn 
Kuteer (huts made of leaves) of the wives of the Rishi, sang the Shruti and hymns beautifully 
and roamed about as a mendicant-beggar. The wives of Rishi became excited and followed Shiv. 
They entreated him in a variety of ways to satisfy them.  Shiv multiplied himself and appeared 
in the mind of each woman. All the wives of the Rishi enjoyed heartily. They all brought forth 
18,000 Rishi with matted locks, Dand and Kamandal in the morning. They all prayed to Shiv. Shiv 
blessed them to do Tapas in the forest. The Rishi acted accordingly. The Rishi witnessed the 
condition of their wives and said: "We were deluded by the enchanting Mohinee. The 
mendicant-beggar spoiled the chastity of our wives. Lo! how powerful is lust! Mysterious is 
Maayaa!" 
Shiv Has Umaa on His Left 
After the Sanhaar was over,  Brahmaa born of the grace of  Shiv thought of creating all 
beings. He created Sanak, Sanandan, Sanat Kumaar and Sanatsujaat. They did not enter the 
life of householders. They developed wisdom and became great Yogee.  Brahmaa went to Vaikunth 
and saw  Hari and said to him: "O venerable Lord! I am not able to continue the creation. 
Sanak, Sanandan etc my sons have become Yogee. They do not wish to become householders. Kindly 
suggest me a way to continue my work of creation."  Vishnu said: "This is not in my 
power. Let us go to  Shiv who abides in Kailaash." Brahmaa and Vishnu saw the Lord of 
Kailaash and said to him: "O God of gods! The creative work of Brahmaa has been stopped 
as the four Kumaar have become Yogee. Kindly bless him to continue his creative work." 
Shiv looked at the left 
side of his chest. Umaa took her birth from  Shiv's left side.  Shiv said to them: "Now 
there is no difficulty in creation. It will continue it without any hitch." Thereupon 
Brahmaa and Vishnu repaired to their respective abodes. Then Brahmaa created the worlds through 
the grace of  Shiv. Men and women lived together happily and brought forth offspring. The whole 
appearance is Shaktimaayaa.  Shiv witnesses Prakriti's activities. 
Shiv Wears Elephant's Skin 
In days of yore, Gajaasur did severe penance. Brahma 
appeared before him and asked him: "O Gajasura! I am pleased with your penance. What boon 
do you want?" Gajaasur said: "O venerable Lord! Give me prowess and inexhaustible wealth." 
Brahmaa Jee said - "I have given you what you desired. But if you fight against Shiv, you will 
lose your boon." After saying this Brahmaa vanished. Thereupon, Gajaasur did Digvijaya, and 
defeated Devtaa and Indra. He troubled the Muni and the Rishi also. Devtaa and Rishi repaired to 
Banaaras and fell at the feet of  Vishwanaath and said: "Gajaasur is trying to kill us. Please 
protect us. O Lord! There is no other refuge for us." Gajaasur attacked  Vishwanaath also. 
Shiv killed the Asur, tore the skin and wore it as his garment.  Devtaa and Rishi praised the Lord 
and became happy. 
Raavan and Shiv 
Raavan was a great devotee of  Shiv. He used to go everyday to Mount Kailaash to worship  Shiv. 
He found this very troublesome. He thought to bring the whole mountain to his abode in Lankaa 
in order to save himself from the trouble of a daily journey to Mount Kailaash. As he began 
to pull up the mountain, it trembled. Paarvatee Jee got frightened. She embraced  Shiv. Shiv 
pressed the Parvat with the little toe of his left foot. This pressed Raavan so much that he 
started crying. He cried for 100 years, then Shiv kindly released him and named him Raavan 
(since he did Rudan - cried). 
Shiv and Hari 
Hari used to worship Shiv daily with a thousand lotuses. One day one lotus was missing. He 
plucked out His own eye to make the number of a thousand. Shiv was very much pleased with 
His devotion so he gave Him the Sudarshan Chakra or Divine discus to kill bad people. It is 
this Sudarshan Chakra which Vishnu always bears. This discus is itself an embodiment of 
devotion. 
Brahmaa's Boon 
Once a Raakshas worshipped Brahmaa and asked him to grant him the power to destroy the 
whole world. Brahmaa was partially unwilling to grant him this boon, so he consented 
in a half-hearted manner and asked him to wait. The Devtaa, hearing this, were terribly 
frightened and went to Shiv and told him everything. Shiv danced in order to delay the 
granting of this boon, to distract him and thus save the world. 
Birth of Subrahmanya (Kaarttikeya) 
The Asur Taarak drove all the gods from Heaven. Gods then went to Brahmaa. Brahmaa said to 
the gods: "The Asur has acquired his power through my grace. I cannot destroy him. he 
will be killed only by Shiv's 6-day old son. So I suggest you that you go to Shiv. He is in 
Yog Samaadhi. He must be united with Paarvatee. A powerful son will be born to him. He will 
kill the Asur." So Indra asked Kaam Dev to go to Shiv and tempt him to wed Paarvatee. 
So Kaam Dev took his wife Rati and his companion Vasant (the spring), to Mount Kailaash. 
Spring season appeared there. All the Rishi were surprised at this, because it was not the 
season of Spring. Kaam stood behind a tree and shot an arrow at Shiv. At this moment Paarvatee 
was worshipping Shiv and offering flowers in his hand. Her hand touched the hands of Shiv. 
Shiv suddenly felt a thrill of passion and his seed came out. Shiv was wondering what was 
it that thus distracted him from his Yog. He looked around and witnessed Kaam behind a tree. 
He opened his third eye. A fire flashed from his third eye and burnt Kaam Dev to ashes. 
Shiv's seed was thrown into Agni (God of Fire). Agni was not able to bear it. He threw it 
into the Gangaa River. Gangaa also could not bear it so she threw it into a forest of 
reeds where Subrahmanya, called the reed-born (Shar Janm, Shara Van Bhav), was born. 
Subrahmanya became the commander of the Devtaa and destroyed the Asur as Brahmaa intended. 
Shiv and Daksh 
Once Brahmaa did a great Yagya. All Devtaa, Rishi, Gandharv etc came to attend it. Daksh also 
came to attend that Yagya. Shiv had come there before him. So when he arrived there everybody 
rose and greeted him. But Shiv neither rose from his , nor he greeted him. Daksh reproached 
him and left the place in anger. Nandeeshwar could not tolerate Shiv's insult, so in turn he 
also cursed Daksh and other Braahman. Shiv also left the place after that. Thus Daksh was 
very angry with Shiv.  
Once Daksh was appointed 
the chief of Prajaapati, so he also did a Yagya. He invite everybody except his daughter Satee. 
When Satee, known as Dakshayaanee also, saw many Vimaan (airplanes) flying in the sky she asked 
where were they going. She came to know about her father's Yagya, so she requested Shiv to 
permit her to attend her father's Yagya. Shiv adviced her a lot that it was not proper to 
go there without invitation, but since Satee was already sad (read this story 
 Why Satee Was Sad  here) 
she did not agree with him. In spite of Shiv's advice, Satee went to Daksh's sacrifice. 
Disregarded by her father and enraged at finding no offering made to Shiv, she praised the 
greatness of her Lord, censures Daksh and  cast off her body through Yog. Hearing of Satee's 
casting off her body, Shiv created Veerabhadra out of his Jataa (or matted locks) and caused 
Daksh's death. Later Brahmaa pacified Shiv, and Daksh. Being pleased with Brahmaa's praise, 
Shiv went to the sacrifice place; and revived Daksh and others. After the closing ceremony of 
ablutions, the gods returned to their Lok. (Read this story 
Shiv and Daksh) 
Dakshinaamoorti 
Once Siva was sitting with Paarvatee in a hall beautifully decorated by precious 
stones on the Mount Kailaash. At that time, Paarvatee worshipped him and requested 
him to alter the name of Dakshayaanee given to her before, for being the daughter 
of Daksh. This Daksh was killed by  Shiv for his disrespect and arrogance. On hearing 
this request  Shiv ordained that Devee should be born as the daughter of Parvat Raaj 
who was doing rigorous Tapas for getting a child. He also told Paarvatee that he would 
come  to her and marry her. Thus ordained, Paarvatee was born as the daughter of Parvat 
Raaj and since her fifth year, she began to do rigorous Tapas for being the bride of Shiv. 
During the absence of Devee, the sons of Brahmaa, Sanak, Sanandan, Sanaatan and Sanat Kumaar, 
came for the Darshan of Shiv and prostrated before him. They entreated Shiv to teach them 
the way to remove A-Vidyaa and attain salvation. They expressed that in spite of the vast 
study of scriptures they had no internal peace and they were in need of learning the inner 
secrets, by knowing which they could attain salvation.  Shiv, hearing this, assumed the 
form of Dakshinaamoorti and  as  Guru Supreme, began to teach them the inner secrets by 
keeping Maun and showing the Chinmudraa by his hand. The sages began to meditate on the 
lines shown by him and attained the state of inexpressible and illimitable joy. Thus 
Shiv came to be known as Dakshinaamoorti. 
Tripur Sanhaar 
This incident is mentioned in the Karn Parv of the Mahaabhaarat. In times of yore, there 
was a war between the Devtaa and  Asur. The Asur were defeated in the battle. So the three 
sons of the Asur Taarak, wanted to take revenge with Devtaa. They performed rigorous penance 
and obtained a boon from Brahmaa. By virtue of this boon, they could not be conquered by 
any one except that somebody who could destroy their three castles by a single arrow. They 
made three castles, one of gold in heaven, the second silver in air, and the third of iron 
on earth. Living in these castles, they began to oppress the gods and the Rishi. So all the 
gods  complained to Brahmaa. Brahmaa replied that no one except Mahaadev who knows Yoga and 
Saankhya, through particular penance, could vanquish these Asur. All the gods approached 
Mahaadev and provided him with a chariot out of all forms of the universe. They also supplied 
him with a bow and arrow, which were made of Vishnu, Som and Agni. They requested Mahaadev to 
release the arrow at the three castles. Brahmaa became the charioteer. Mahaadev released the 
arrow at the three castles at an appropriate time. The three castles fell down in the twinkling 
of an eye. Then all the gods eulogized Mahaadev. Mahaadev said to the gods that he himself could 
not destroy the Asur, as they were very mighty, but he could vanquish them with the help of their 
strength. 
Shiv Cursed and Pardoned Nakirar 
Once, a Paandya king of Madurai (Tamilnaadu) felt that his queen's hair had some kind of 
natural fragrance. A doubt arose in his mind as to whether human hair could have natural 
fragrance, or it was made fragrant with flowers or scents. So he went to the Sangham or 
the Tamil Academy next day, suspended a bag containing 1,000 gold pieces and said to the 
poets that anyone who would write a poem clearing his doubt will be awarded those gold pieces 
as a prize. Many poets composed poems but they were not able to satisfy the King. Darumi, a 
Brahmin priest in the temple, was extremely poor. He requested  Shiv thus: "O all-merciful 
Lord! I am very poor. I wish to marry now. Relieve me of my poverty. Help me to get these gold 
pieces now. I take refuge in Thee alone." Shiv gave him a poem and said - "Take this 
poem to the Sangham. You will get the gold pieces." The King was immensely pleased with 
the song as it cleared his doubt, but the Sangham poets did not accept it.  
Nakirar, one of those 
poets, said that there was a flaw in the poem. The poor priest was greatly afflicted at 
heart. He came back to the temple, stood in front of the Lord and said - "O Lord! 
Why did you give me the poem which contained a flaw? Nobody will take you for the Lord. 
I feel very much bad for this." The meaning of the poem is: "O fair-winged bee! 
You spend your time in gathering flower-dust. Do not speak out of love, but speak out of 
truth. Is there any among the flowers known to you that is more fragrant than the hair of 
this damsel who is most loving, is of the color of the peacock and has beautiful rows of 
teeth!" Thereupon,  Shiv assumed the form of a poet, went to the Sangham and asked 
- "Which poet found out flaw in the poem?" Nakirar said - "It is I who said 
that there is a flaw."  Shiv asked - "What is the flaw?" Nakirar said: "There 
is no flaw in the composition of words. There is a flaw in the meaning."  Shiv said - 
"May I know what defect is there in the meaning?" Nakirar said - "The hair 
of a damsel has no natural fragrance. It gets the fragrance from association with the 
flowers."  Shiv said - "Does the hair of Padminee also possess the fragrance by 
association with the flowers?" Nakirar said, "Yes."  Shiv said - "Does 
the hair of celestial damsels also possess fragrance by association with the flowers?" 
Nakirar replied - "Yes. Their hair becomes fragrant by association with Mandar flowers." 
Shiv said - "Does the hair of Umaa  who is on the left side of  Shiv whom you worship possess 
fragrance by association with the flowers?" Nakirar replied - "Yes. Quite so." 
Shiv slightly opened 
his third eye. Nakirar said: "I am not afraid of this third eye. Even if you are Shiv, 
even if you show eyes throughout your whole body, there is flaw in this poem." The fire 
from the third eye of  Shiv fell upon Nakirar. Nakirar was not able to bear the heat. At once 
he jumped into the neighboring lotus-tank to cool himself. Then all the poets approached Shiv 
and said to him - "O Lord! Pardon Nakirar."  Shiv appeared before Nakirar. By the 
grace of Shiv his body ot cool. He repented for his mistake and said - "I pointed defect 
even for the hair of Umaa. No one but the Lord can pardon me." He sang a song with intense 
devotion.  Shiv entered the tank and brought him to the shore. Then Nakirar and other poets gave 
the purse of gold to Darumi. 
Know Your Guru (Story of a Yog Bhrasht) 
Devotion to the Lord dawns in the heart of a man who has done virtuous actions in his previous 
births without expectation of fruits and egoism or the idea of agency. Devotion leads to knowledge 
of the Self (Gyaan) and through Gyaan, he attains Moksh or the final emancipation. In days of yore, 
there was a King named Veerasindhu in Kaling country. He did severe Tapas, meditation and Yoga in 
his previous birth, but did not attain Moksh. He became a 
Yog-Bhrasht as he had to enjoy the fruits of some residual Karm in  his last birth. He took 
his birth as the son of a king. When he attained the proper age, he was crowned as the King of 
Kaling. He ruled the kingdom for a period of ten years. 
Owing to the force of previous 
spiritual Sanskaar, and the grace of the Lord, discrimination and dispassion dawned in his heart. 
He reflected within himself: "I am doing the same acts of eating, drinking and sleeping. My 
several forefathers who ruled the country, had been reduced to dust. I have no peace of mind despite 
my wealth and dominion. I should get a Guru and obtain initiation from him to get knowledge of the 
Aatmaa and reach the abode of immortality and eternal bliss. 
So King Veerasindhu sent invitation 
to all Pandit, Sanyaasee, Saadhu and Mahaatmaa. He wrote in the letter - "I will give half of my 
dominion to that supreme Guru who will give me the right initiation and make me realize the Self. If he 
fails to do so he will be put in the prison." Many Pandit and Saadhu saw the King. One gave him 
Taarak Mantra, another gave Panchaakshar Mantra, a third gave him Ashtaakshar Mantra, but no one was 
able to satisfy the King. He put all of them  in the prison. He had already had initiation into these 
Mantra in his previous births. 
King Veerasindhu became very 
restless as he did not obtain his Guru.  Shiv then assumed the form of an ordinary coolie. He 
had a very dark complexion. He wore some rags and appeared before the King. The King went forward 
to receive him. Through the grace of the Lord, he came to know that this coolie was none other 
than the Lord. The coolie raised his hand towards the king and said "Stop", and vanished 
immediately. The King understood that the Guru has commanded him to stop the mind and control its 
movements. The King closed his eyes, while he was standing, and did not allow the mind to think of 
the sensual objects. He controlled all the modifications of the mind. It was easy for him as he had 
practiced Yog and meditation in his previous birth. He entered into Nir-Vikalp Samaadhi and became 
like a statue. He did not open his eyes. 
The ministers were waiting in 
the Darabaar Hall for hours together. King Veerasindhu did not open his eyes for days together. Then 
the ministers reflected - "The King is in Samadhi now. We do not know when he will return from 
the Samadhi. We will have to manage the affairs of the State." They removed the ring from his 
finger and used it for putting the seal in the papers of the State. The king opened his eyes after 
six years, and asked the ministers: "Where is my Guru?" The ministers replied - "O 
venerable king! The Guru said a word to your majesty and vanished at once. You are standing here like 
a statue for the last six years. We are conducting the affairs of the state with the aid of your ring. 
Here is the seal of your ring in all the registers and papers." 
The King was struck with awe and 
wonder. He thought within himself: "Six years have passed like a second. I enjoyed supreme bliss. 
I have no desire to rule the State after tasting the supreme bliss." He left the palace and entered 
the forest and sat in Samaadhi. 
The force of Yaugik Sanskaar of 
the king that was generated by the practice of Yog in his previous birth, helped him in the attainment 
of the beatitude in this birth. Those who have not much piety and religious inclination in this birth 
should do Jap, Keertan, meditation, and study of religious books. They should live in the company of 
sages. They will develop good religious Sanskaar. This will be a valuable asset for them in the next 
birth. They will start the practice of Yog in the next birth in the early age. It is difficult to say 
in what form the Guru or the Lord will appear before you to initiate you. He may come in the form of 
a leper as  Hanuman did to Tualasee Daas (read 
Darshan of Hanumaan and Raam to Tulasee), or in the form of an untouchable as  Krishn did, or in 
the form of a groom as Shiv did Paaravatee (read The 
Sight of Shiv). The aspirants must be very careful and vigilant to detect the Lord in the various 
forms which He assumes. 
Eight Legends of Shiv 
(1) Killing of Andhakaasur, 
(2) Kiraartaarjun, 
(3) Shiv and Daksh, 
(4) Killing of Gajaasur, 
(5) Killing of Jalandhar Asur, 
(6) Burning of Kaam Dev, 
(7) Bestowing immortality of Maarkandeya Rishi, and 
(8) Burning of Tri-pur or Killing of Three Asur Brothers 
The Twenty-five Leelaa of  Shiv 
The following are the 25 Leelaa 
(sportive plays) or manifestations of  Shiv : 
1. Wearing of Moon on the Head, 
2. Living with Umaa, 3. Riding on Ox, 4. Taandav Dance with Kali, 5. Marriage with Paarvatee, 
6. Shiv's Begging, 7. Burning of Manmath or the God of Love Kaam Dev, 
8. Victory over Yam or the God of Death, 
9. Burning of Tri-pur (three cities), 
10. Killing of Jalandharaasur, 
11. Killing of Gajaasur, 12. Incarnation of Veerabhadra, 
13. Harihar, 14. Ardh-naareeshwar, 
15. Transforming into Kiraat, (hunter) for Arjun, 
16. Assuming the Form of Kankaal, 17. Blessing Chandeeshwar, 18. Drinking Poison, 
19. Giving of Chakra to Lord Vishnu, 20. Destroying of obstacles, 
21. Having sons of Umaa with him, 22. Becoming Ekapaad Rudra, 23. Being in easy pose (Sukhaasan), 
24. Assuming the form of Dakshinaamoorti, and 25. Assuming the Ling form. 
  
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