Lord Shiva has eight children: Know who are his sons and daughters

Mahadev, the God of Gods, is the name given to Lord Shiva. Most people are aware that Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya are the two sons of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. Though ancient literature and legend indicate Shiva’s other offspring, relatively few people are aware of this. Let’s learn more about Lord Shiva’s eight offspring.

1. Lord Ganesha

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are the parents of Lord Ganesha. There are a lot of different mythological perspectives on Ganesha’s birth. Some legends claim that Ganesha was born from the enigmatic marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, while others claim that Ganesha was formed from the dirt of her body.

‘Vighnaharta’ is the name given to Ganesha since he relieves the followers of any distress. Before each good deed, he is adored.

2. Lord Kartikeya

Other names for Karthikeya include Skanda, Murugan, and Kumaraswamy. Mythology states that the gods were informed that only Shiva-Parvati’s kid could defeat the demon Tarakasur when his fear grew.

The fire created by Lord Shiva’s wrath was too much for even Agnidev to handle, so Ganga ji carried it to Sarvan Lake, where a six-faced kid was born. This youngster was reared by six Apsaras, thus his name, Kartikeya. He was later adopted as Mother Parvati’s son. Tarakasur was terminated by Kartikeya, who commanded the army of the gods.

3. Ashok Sundari

The Padma Purana mentions Ashok Sundari, the daughter of Mother Parvati and Lord Shiva. According to legend, Mother Parvati desired a lovely daughter from Kalpavriksha since she was lonely. A daughter called “Ashok Sundari” was born as a result of this request. She was given this name because she took away Mother Parvati’s loneliness (Ashok).

4. Mansa Devi

‘Nagini’ or ‘Vishahara’ are the names given to Mansa Devi in Hindu myth. She is supposedly the sister of Nagraj Vasuki and the daughter of Rishi Kashyap and Kadru. She is also regarded as Lord Shiva’s daughter in several tales. She reportedly had to do difficult penance since she was rejected by her husband and father. Mansa Devi is particularly revered for her ability to protect people from snake bites.

5. Goddess Jyoti

Tamil Nadu is home to many Shiva temples where the goddess Jyoti is revered. She is said to have been born of Lord Shiva’s radiance. Another mythology states that Jyoti was created from the heavenly light that radiated from Mother Parvati’s forehead. She is seen as a symbol of power as a result.

6. Andhak

Religious legend states that Lord Shiva once lost himself in meditation. Mother Parvati appeared behind him at this period and shut his eyes. Darkness spread over the planet as a result.

A kid was born as soon as Mother Parvati touched Shiva’s body, causing a few droplets of perspiration to fall off his body. He was called ‘Andhak’ since he was born in darkness. He eventually became the ruler of the demons, but Lord Shiva destroyed him when he declared his intention to wed Mother Parvati.

7. Jalandhar

Jalandhar is regarded as the ruler of the demons in Hindu mythology. Jalandhar is said to have been created when Lord Shiva’s third eye opened and the ensuing flames of rage fell into the sea.

A formidable fighter, Jalandhar even vanquished the gods. The Punjabi city of Jalandhar bears his name, according to the Padma Purana. But subsequently, as a result of Lord Vishnu’s scheme, Lord Shiva murdered Jalandhar.

8. Lord Ayyappa

Lord Ayyappa’s narrative is equally fascinating. The demon Mahishasura’s sister, Mahishi, received the blessing that only the child of Shiva and Vishnu could slay him after doing intense penance and asking Brahma ji for the ability to be indestructible.

Ayyappa was born as a result of Lord Vishnu’s union with Lord Shiva while assuming the shape of Mohini. He murdered Mahishi as a child, releasing the gods from her fear. In South India, Lord Ayyappa is particularly revered, particularly in the Sabarimala temple.

In addition to Ganesha and Kartikeya, Lord Shiva had several additional offspring that are referenced in mythical writings. While some of these offspring were born as demons and plagued the earth, others were created to defend the gods. Every kid was created for a certain reason, which allows us to glimpse the fascinating and enigmatic tales of Hinduism.

Frequently Asked Questions, or FAQs

1. What is Lord Shiva’s kid count?

The eight offspring of Lord Shiva are said to be Ayyappa, Kartikeya, Ashok Sundari, Mansa Devi, Jyoti, Andhak, Jalandhar, and Ganesh.

2. What was the birth of Lord Ayyappa?

When Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu’s Mohini form united, Lord Ayyappa was created.

3. Was Andhak indeed Lord Shiva’s son?

Indeed, Andhak was created from the sweat drops of Lord Shiva’s body, according to folklore.

4. Lord Jalandhar was who?

The fire that sprang from Lord Shiva’s third eye gave birth to Jalandhar, the ruler of the demons.

5. What role does Ashok Sundari play?

To alleviate her loneliness, Mata Parvati gave birth to Ashok Sundari, her daughter.