7 Secrets of Shiva: The Hindu Trinity Series

Seven Secrets of Shiva is a non-fiction work that endeavors to explain Shiva, the Lord of Kailash through the labyrinth of myths, stories and cultural perception.Why is Shiva dressed like an uncouth tramp? Why does he smear ashes from the cemetery, on his body and dress with a tiger skin? Why did he arm Ravana and Basmasura with boons that finally led to trouble? Who is this God who acts like a hermit devoid of family, commitments and emotion and yet has a huge following of ganas, wives and sons?One will find all the answers for these questions in this book. With impeccable research, Devdutt Patnaik steers us through Sati’s marriage to Shiva, the impact of her death on him and his resultant withdrawal from the world.I liked the way, the author explains the role of Parvathi in Shiva’s world. It is she who facilitates Shiva’s engagement back in the world. It is she who teaches esoteric nuances of sex and love to him. And author’s assertion that Shiva was innocent to the world’s prejudices and cultural perception makes a lot of sense.As with any other mythology book, the author has delved deep into both north and south indian fables, folk tales, myths and legends and has presented Shiva to the common man to understand, venerate and learn the primitive wisdom that would help us escape the trapping of the world.Devdutt’s language is simple to understand yet he manages to explain complex arguments about Shiva in very understandable terms.Plus Points: Thorough research of all legends, stories and myths related to Shiva.Minus Points: Felt that the first chapter dragged a bit with a lot esoteric explanations.

As a collection of stories on Shiv, this book does very well. Pattnaik succeeds in chronologically (I never though that was possible with Hindu mythology) ordering the various manifestations of the Unmanifest through some good & simple stories revealing a character whose simplicity sits rather uncomfortably with his powers & philosophy. Through these tales, Pattnaik also expounds many aspects of the Hindu thought around rebirth, maya, Purusha & Prakriti et al.The philosophy is really not that catchy - I never thought it was meant to be. It is an accompaniment to the stories of Shiv, a pregnant pause to explain a beheading there & a drunken-college-dude thing there that Shiv does from time to time. But Shiv is well beyond all our classifications which he neither understands nor cares about. To really dig your heel into philosophy/.Hindu thought, I suggest look elsewhere. This is good but fleeting series of introductions to a many tentacled complex web of Hindu thought.It is really the stories then & the character that emerges from it. Ultimately, all the complex doctrines fuse into this simpleton & manifest awkwardly in this world of ours making him both accessible, inspiring & a lot of fun.

This may be an absolutely essential book for those who are interested seriously in the ideas behind Shiva God of creation and destruction – the God of the centrifugal force which destroyed the Bindu and with Brahman, created the so-called Big Bang. The book is full of pictures and marvelous stories that even a Strong devotee of Shiva like myself, On myself learning new things and being transported to new worlds of wonder and excitement. I don't think there's a spare word in the whole book and if you are interested in Shiva I can suggest several other books that aren't worth half of what this one is worth I have to thank the author, Devdutt Pattanaik, but this incredible plethora of marvels equal to any book of fancy which turns out to be authentic and absolutely on the mark in a manner of showing one has to live life to the fullest. A Roman Catholic by birth and I practiced I am also a Hindu, and specifically a devotee of Shiva – I cannot recommend this book more highly.

I like the conviction in the style of writing. DevDutt’s story telling capabilities are nothing new to talk about and they are well known. The book does provide some interesting details on the difference of opinions on our Gods from North to South. While I necessarily do not agree with the author’s understanding of Shiva Tattva, albeit not entirely, given that some of his viewpoints come from deeply rooted belief system, I certainly liked reading the book.

Every sentence provokes though! Really helped me understand the concepts of maya, culture vs nature, and that Shiva is full of empathy and kindness. Destroyer of fear, deconstructor of our imagined realities. Great insight into Parvati as Shakti and also as Durga, Kali, and Ganga. The great Goddess. Also loved the discussion of Ganesha and Kartikeya. Dr Pattanaik is wonderfully adept with words and includes many photographs of art to interpret for fuller understanding. Worth reading multiple times!

The author shared such deep thoughts about Lord Shiva’s significance and meaning. I gained new knowledge about Lord Shiva. I throughly appreciated the inspiring images shared as well. A must to read and have greater understanding of Lord Shiva’s divine presence.

Devdutt Pattanaik is so skilled at explaining the depth of Hindu customs, traditions, and symbology for the "outsider". One truly gains understanding from his books without feeling preached at or spoken down to. This book in particular goes in-depth into the symbolism around Mahadeva Shiva, many of His forms and why They appear the way they do, as well as His family and the importance of their place in His teachings to humanity. Mr. Pattanaik really opens the subject for all.

This book was my introduction to Devdutt Pattanaik. He has helped me understand Shiva and for that I am most grateful. His writing is beautiful and shows deep understanding into this subject. I have become a disciple of his and now addicted to elegant style by reading more of his great works. I am indebted to him for clearing my mind of confusion regarding Indian Mythology and look forward to the next book.

Because it said SECRETS, i got excited to learn more about shiva but most of the stories are what i've known before. I got to admit, It is a fun read!

This is the second book of Shri Devdutt Patnaik that I am reading, after My Gita.The book is so deeply into identifyingShiva, that one can just not stop reading once it begins. It answers almost all the questions on Shiva. Concepts of Prakriti, Purusha, Brahma, Brahmanda, Bhairava, Rudraksha, Linga, all have been detailed in such spectacular manner that you're bound to fall in love with the book, and eventually, Shiva.Left side of the book is full of pictures along with details of what it depicts, whereas right side of the book is where the writings/secrets continue.Thank you for writing this book. Loved it. :)

Interesting topic.

Shiva was more than a god, he was just, honest, aware more than anything. He was aware of how the world works and saw no point in chasing pleasure, property, and so many things he didn't crave for. Just by being aware of your surroundings, you notice soo many things in life. The taps is the fire inside you which everyone has which needs to be ignited when it is your time. Wisdom of doing the right things always not the things which are necessary for that situation. You should have an identity which can't be changed because of the world and trust me the world will try with all its might .but you are stronger. The power is within. The Patience within you will bring your worlds in order. It'll align. Just be patient. Remember with time the worlds will align in your favor. Just keep the practice and stay true to your course. Greatness is coming, wisdom is coming, infinite intelligence and patience is coming.The power of being yourself is far greater than the constraints of the world.Be Shiva