Aspects of the Myth/History.

[Guest guest]

Hey guys,

 

Well, as you know I wrote about my exploration into the nature and

stories of Shiva. So while I was in India I wanted to get a hold of

some texts that did an accurate retelling of the Shiva puranas, as

well as anything that would hold the many stories of Shiva. I got a

hold of Ramesh Menon's " Siva Purana Retold " which was beautifully

written.

 

Now before all this happened, I'd look up stories of the Gods on the

internet, and there'd be at least 10 different versions of each

story, some of them utterly unlike the other - in one story it would

say that Siva tore off Brahma's fifth head because Brahma grew a

fifth head out of his lust and desire to see Sarawati everywhere

around him. In another story it would say that Siva tore of Brahma's

fifth head because Brahma lied, as he climbed the pillar of light,

and said that he actually got to the top of it. So, when they differ

so vastly, it became important to me to go to the source - I didn't

want to fall prey to the erosion of time that lets people reinvent

how the story went.

 

Now I've managed to gather some authentic translations of many

pivotal aspects of Siva's life. But there are still some vital other

parts that I wish to get a definitive version of. I am hoping

someone in this group would know certain books or sites that can

help me. You see, it's easy to get a hold of someone's

interpretation of these stories. But authentic, original versions -

I'm have a little trouble finding them.

 

The particular stories of Siva that I am interested in, and have

little authentic information on is:

 

The Meenaxi Kalyanam.

When Siva plays Dice with Parvati.

How and Why Siva tore off Brahma's Fifth Head.

Nataraja: The Lord of Dance

The burning of Tripura

Legends of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva

The Coming of Nandi

When Shiva lay dead to satiate Kali's bloodthirst.

Dhaksinamurti.

Ardhanarisvara - The Legend

 

So if you know any texts that have the authentic versions of these

stories, do let me know where I can find them. Much appreciated.