In this chapter Suta explains the excellence of Shiva Purana which is an embodiment and essence of all Vedanta. It destroys the sins of Kaliyuga and yields the fruit of dharma, artha, kama and moksha. The Shiva Purana dispels the evil portents of Kali and cruel attendants of Yama. The presence and rising high of Shiva Purana atones all holy centers, mantras, sectors of pilgrimage and philosophical tenets engaging in mutual disputes. He quotes Vyasa who said that “if any one reads even a single stanza from Shiva Purana he becomes free from sins instantaneously. Reading of Shiva Puarana every day liberates the soul and is blessed by all Gods. The one who copies Shiva Purana and gives the manuscripts to other devotees derives the benefit of studying all Sastras and Vedas, repetition of sacred Gayathri mantra, observing fast on Chathurdhi day and giving holy gifts in the most sacred places. The reading of Shiva Purana purifies the soul within three days. If Rudra Samhita part of Shiva Purana is read three times a day in front of Bhairava, all desires would be fulfilled. Even the Brahma hatya dosha would be purged if one reads Rudra Samhita and circumambulates the trees of Vata and Bilva.” Suta says that it is impossible to elucidate the complete greatness of Shiva Purana but, it is the nectar prepared by Lord Shiva after churning the ocean of Upanishads and handed over to Karthikeya, which makes every devotee immortal. The reading of Shiva Purana for a month chases away all sins. Reading of Siva Purana fulfills all cherished desires. The Rudra Samhita and Kailasa Samhita are full of divine knowledge which is particularly outstanding.
The Original Shiva Purana consisted of twelve Samhitas – (1) Vidyeswara, (2) Rudra, (3) Vainayaka, (4) Aumika, (5) Maatri, (6) Rudraikadasa, (7) Kailasa, (8) Satarudraka, (9) Sahasrakotirudra, (10) Kotirudra, (11) Vayaviya, and (12) Dharmasamjnna. The first Samhita Vidyeswara consistsed of ten thousand verses. The next Rudra, Vainayaka, Aumika and Maatri Samhitas consisted of eight thousand verses each. The Rudraikadasa Samhita consisted on thirteen thousand verses, the Kailasa Samhita six thousand verses, Satarudra Samhita three thousand verses, kotirudra Samhita nine thousand verses, Sahasrkotirudra Samhita nine thousand verses, Vayaviya Samhita four thousand verses and Dharmasamjnna Samhita twelve thousand verses. The Shiva Purana contained 100 thousand verses. Veda Vyasa condensed that to 24 thousand verses and modified the whole sacred text to seven Samhitas. The whole Puranic lore at the time of creation as conceived by Lord Shiva consisted of thousand million verses. In Krita Yuga Vyasa and other holy hermitage condensed that to four hundred thousand verses which were then divided in to 18 or Astadasa Puranas. Of these, the all invincible Shiva Purana consists of twenty four thousand verses with seven Samhitas – Vidyeswara, Rudra, Satrudra, Kotirudra, Aumi / Uma, Kailasa and Vayaviya. It is on par with Vedas offering salvation to the mankind. An unrivalled divine blessing, the Shiva Purana quells threefold calamities – physical, extraneous and divine as well as bestows welfare upon humble and good. One who reads and listens to the holy word with devotion will forever become the favourite of Lord Shiva.
Om Namah Shivaya!
D. Ashalatha Reddy
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