Sign-In
Cart
Destroyer and Ascetic: The Paradoxical Godhead of Shaivism: Tracing the Evolution and Symbolism of the Hindu God of Paradox
Paperback
Please select the version of book you would like to purchase.
ISBN13: 9798253598535
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Mar 25 2026
Pages: 156
Weight: 0.41
Height: 0.36 Width: 5.50 Depth: 8.50
Language: English
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Mar 25 2026
Pages: 156
Weight: 0.41
Height: 0.36 Width: 5.50 Depth: 8.50
Language: English
He is the wild ascetic meditating in the Himalayas and the loving husband dancing with his consort. He is the terrifying destroyer of worlds and the benevolent lord of all beings. How can one deity embody so many profound contradictions? 'Destroyer and Ascetic' embarks on a luminous journey to unravel the enigmatic godhead of Shiva. This narrative exploration guides you from the thunderous hymns of the ancient Vedas, seeking the fearsome storm god Rudra, to the silent contemplation of the formless Lingam. You will witness the cosmic dance of Nataraja that births and dissolves universes, confront the ego-shattering gaze of Bhairava, and discover the tender heart of the divine householder who embraces the world. Through a clear and engaging analysis of his sacred symbols, from the serpent around his neck to the crescent moon in his hair, this book decodes the rich language of Shaivism. Whether you are a seasoned spiritual seeker or new to Hindu mythology, this book offers a profound and accessible gateway to understanding one of the world's most complex and captivating deities. Prepare to look beyond the paradox and discover the unifying truth that lies in the silence beyond the dance.
Also from
Sharma, Arjun
Hindu Mythology: A Guide to Devas, Asuras, Nagas, and Rakshasas in the Ramayana and Mahabharata: Exploring the Gods, Demons, and Mythical Beings of An
Sharma, Arjun
Library, The Occult
Paperback
$16.79
Also in
Hinduism
The Stories Behind the Poses: The Indian Mythology That Inspired 50 Yoga Postures
Balkaran, Raj
Hardcover
$25.65
Third Eye Awakening: Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Open Your Third Eye Chakra
Brisbane, Chloe
Paperback
$18.99
Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History, and Practice of a Timeless Tradition
Wallis, Christopher D.
Paperback
$37.95
From Shiva to Schrödinger: Unravelling Cosmic Secrets with Trika Shaivism & Quantum Insights
Majumdar, Mrittunjoy Guha
Paperback
$16.14
Chakras and the Vagus Nerve: Tap Into the Healing Combination of Subtle Energy & Your Nervous System
Llewelyn, C. J.
Paperback
From $10.99
El Yoga de Jesus: Claves Para Comprender Las Enseanzas Ocultas de Los Evangelios
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Yogananda
Paperback
$14.20
Yoga Off the Mat: A Practical Guide to the Wisdom of Yoga--Find Balance, Meaning, and Liberation in Your Daily Life
Desiato, Alexandra
Rountree, Sage
Paperback
$20.85
The Psychology of Kundalini Yoga: Notes of the Seminar Given in 1932 by C. G. Jung
Jung, C. G.
Paperback
$23.70
Karmic Relief: Harnessing the Laws of Cause and Effect for a Joyful, Meaningful Life
Goldberg, Philip
Paperback
$21.84
Solving the Mystery of Life: Collected Talks & Essays on Realizing God in Daily Life Volume IV
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Paperback
$23.70
Dios Habla Con Arjuna: El Bhagavad Guita, Vol. 1: La Ciencia Suprema de La Unin Con Dios
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Paperback
$18.00
El Yoga del Bhagavad Guita: Una Introduccion a la Ciencia Universal de la Union Con Dios Originaria de la India = The Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Paperback
$14.20
Myths of the Asanas: The Stories at the Heart of the Yoga Tradition
Van Der Kooij, Arjuna
Kaivalya, Alanna
Paperback
$20.89
Consciousness Is All There Is: How Understanding and Experiencing Consciousness Will Transform Your Life
Nader, Tony
Paperback
$23.74
The Little Book of Hindu Deities: From the Goddess of Wealth to the Sacred Cow
Patel, Sanjay
Paperback
From $8.99
Dasbodh - International Edition: Spiritual Instruction for the Servant
Shri Samartha Ramdas, Saint
Paperback
$24.99
Ashtavakra Gita - The Heart of Awareness: A bilingual edition in Sanskrit and English
Ashtavakra
Paperback
$16.19
The Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita: An Introduction to India's Universal Science of God-Realization
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Paperback
$14.20
Mudras of India: A Comprehensive Guide to the Hand Gestures of Yoga and Indian Dance
Carroll, Cain
Carroll, Revital
Paperback
$38.00
Autobiography - Russian - Self Realization Fellowship Pub
Self Realization Fellowship Pub
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Paperback
$28.98
The Bhagavad Gita for Daily Living, Volume 1: A Verse-By-Verse Commentary: Chapters 1-6 the End of Sorrow
Easwaran, Eknath
Paperback
$26.55
Sanskrit Alphabet (Devanagari) Study Book Volume 2 Conjunct consonants & Exercises on mantras and slokas
Michika, Medha
Paperback
$9.36
Solving the Mystery of Life: Collected Talks & Essays on Realizing God in Daily Life Volume IV
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Hardcover
$33.20
Shakti Rising: Embracing Shadow and Light on the Goddess Path to Wholeness
Chinnaiyan, Kavitha M.
Paperback
$22.75
The Yoga of Snakes and Arrows: The Leela of Self-Knowledge [With Fold Out Gameboard]
Johari, Harish
Paperback
$9.99
Journey to Self-Realization: Collected Talks and Essays on Real Izing God in Daily Life,
Yogananda, Paramahansa
Paperback
$17.05
Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: A Contemporary Guide to Yoga, Meditation & Indian Philosophy
Easwaran, Eknath
Paperback
$17.05
The Bhagavad Gita for Daily Living, Volume 2: A Verse-By-Verse Commentary: Chapters 7-12 Like a Thousand Suns
Easwaran, Eknath
Paperback
$26.55
Shiva Purana: The Great Hindu Epic of indestructible Destroyer
Divyananda, Swami
Hindu Philosophy Council
Paperback
$13.74
The Dharma in Difficult Times: Finding Your Calling in Times of Loss, Change, Struggle, and Doubt
Cope, Stephen
Paperback
$17.09
The Beginner's Guide to Karma: How to Live with Less Negativity and More Peace
Levine, Mordy
Rinpoche, Lama Lhanang
Paperback
$16.10
The Complete Life of Krishna: Based on the Earliest Oral Traditions and the Sacred Scriptures
Vanamali
Paperback
From $14.99
God Makes the Rivers to Flow: An Anthology of the World's Sacred Poetry and Prose
Easwaran, Eknath
Paperback
$20.85
Sovereign Self: Claim Your Inner Joy and Freedom with the Empowering Wisdom of the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita
Shunya, Acharya
Hardcover
$27.54
Chakras & Self-Care: Activate the Healing Power of Chakras with Everyday Rituals
Kavanagh, Ambi
Paperback
$16.14
In Praise of Adya Kali: Approaching the Primordial Dark Goddess Through the Song of Her Hundred Names
Devi, Aditi
Paperback
$28.45