ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
AVATARS OF LORD SHIVA – NANDI
Lord Shiva is one of the most revered and worshipped deities in Hinduism. He is the supreme god of destruction, transformation, and regeneration. He is also the lord of yoga, meditation, and arts. He has many names, forms, and attributes that reflect his various aspects and qualities.
One of the ways to understand Lord Shiva is through his avatars or incarnations. An avatar is a deliberate descent of a deity in human or animal form on earth for a specific purpose. Lord Shiva has taken many avatars in different ages and situations to fulfill his divine will and to help his devotees.
In this blog post, we will explore five of the most well-known avatars of Lord Shiva and their stories.
Nandi Avatar
Nandi is the divine bull who serves as the mount and the gatekeeper of Lord Shiva but many people often ask, “Is nandi avatar of shiva“?. He is also the leader of the ganas, the attendants of Shiva. Nandi is a symbol of strength, loyalty, devotion, and wisdom.
Nandi was born as the son of Sage Shilada, who performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva and asked for a son who would be immortal and devoted to him. Lord Shiva granted his wish and appeared as a baby in his arms. He named him Nandi, meaning joy.
Nandi grew up as a pious and virtuous boy who was always immersed in the worship of Lord Shiva. He also learned the Vedas and other scriptures from his father. One day, he met Parvati, the daughter of King Himavan, who was also a great devotee of Lord Shiva. They fell in love and decided to marry.
However, Parvati’s father was not happy with their relationship and tried to stop them. He sent a powerful demon named Arunasura to kill Nandi. Nandi fought bravely with the demon but was overpowered by him. He prayed to Lord Shiva for help.
Lord Shiva heard his prayer and appeared before him. He blessed him with the form of a bull and gave him a trident to fight with. Nandi then defeated Arunasura and married Parvati with Lord Shiva’s consent.
Nandi then became the faithful servant and companion of Lord Shiva. He followed him everywhere and guarded his abode on Mount Kailash. He also became the chief disciple of Lord Shiva and learned the secrets of yoga and meditation from him. There is another story of how nandi become shiva’s vehicle which we will cover later.
Nandi (Sanskrit: नन्दि), is the bull vahana of the Hindu god Shiva, meaning happiness, joy, and satisfaction. He is also the guardian deity of Kailash, the abode of Shiva. Almost all Shiva temples display stone images of a seated humped, white Nandi, reclining on a raised platform generally facing the main shrine continuously staring at the god. Nandi is one of Shiva’s chief attendants, occasionally depicted in sculpture as a bull-headed figure.
Nandi is also discerned in an entire human form as Nandikeshwara or Nandideva, such sculptured forms are found at the entrance door of many Shaivite temples in South India, and are frequently confused with images of the deity because they are alike in such iconographic features as the third eye, crescent moon in the matted locks, and four arms, two of which hold the battle-axe and an antelope. However, a distinguishing feature is that Nandi’s hands are pressed together in adoration.
Nandi got the divine knowledge of Agamic and Tantric wisdom taught by Shiva, from the goddess Parvati. He is considered the chief guru of eight disciples of Nandinatha Sampradaya, namely Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana, Sanatkumara, Tirumular, Vyagrapada, Patanjali, and Sivayoga Muni. These eight disciples were sent in eight different directions of the world by Nandi, to spread this knowledge.
SIGNIFICANCE :
In the temple, we always see Nandi sitting and glaring attentively in front of the Shiva Linga.
The Truth is that just as Lingam is the symbol of the Almighty Supreme Shiva, Nandi (Bull) is the symbol of Jeeva (Individual Soul).
Nandi sitting before Shiva Linga signifies that a human being should turn away from Prakruthi and direct all his attention toward God only, that the jiva should always be focused on the Parameshwara.
The bull is a symbol of stability sitting on four legs, representing
Sathya (Truth),
Dharma (Righteousness),
Shanti (peace) and
Prema (Love).
It is only through these four that Mukti or Enlightenment can be attained and the soul could finally merge into the Supreme Soul. This is the purpose and the goal of human birth.
Nandi signifies and conveys the meaning that the purpose of life is to realize the oneness of all creation and one’s identity with the Divinity.
Suggests seeing God in everything and loving every creation of God.
The goal of life is God-realisation.
To achieve divine Consciousness is the aim of life.
Nandi also symbolizes that no one should stand between Shiva Linga and Nandi.
The purpose of a human being is to realize God and there should be no distraction in this process.
In life’s journey, human beings generally get distracted. One should have perfect control of Gyan-Indriyas and Karm-Indriyas.
The white color of Nandi bull symbolizes purity and justice.
From the yogic perspective, Nandi is the mind dedicated to Shiva, the absolute. In other words, to understand and absorb the light, experience, and wisdom is Nandi, which is the guru within.
Nandi, which means “giving delight” or “giving joy,” is the sacred bull of the Hindu god Shiva, one of the most important Hindu gods. When the world becomes evil, Shiva destroys it to make way for beneficial change. Nandi is Shiva’s animal form, his means of transportation, and his most ardent worshiper. Sacred animals served as vahanas, or mounts for Hindu deities to travel on. Shiva and Nandi’s association with Hindu scriptures and art can be traced to very early Indian culture, where dairy farming was the most important occupation, thus explaining the importance and sacredness of the cow and bull.
Vahanas symbolize or complement the energy or character of their deity.
Nandi is also believed to promote fertility;
A youthful Nandi is shown licking his muzzle in an engaging gesture of rapt devotion to Shiva. Hindu gods are usually depicted as being sixteen years old (sixteen being four times four, a number signifying perfection). Nandi is always shown as a young bull, his horns not fully developed.
Nandi is a Brahman bull, the male zebu, or Indian ox. Brahman bulls have a hump on their back, horns, and a dewlap (a fold of loose skin hanging from the neck).
Nandi is the sacred bull calf, gatekeeper, and vehicle (vahana) of the Hindu god Shiva. Sculptures of Nandi are a common sight at Hindu temples dedicated to his master, and he is partly responsible for the Hindu reverence for living bulls even today. Is It Good To Keep Nandi Statue At Home?
How To Please Or Gratify Nandi?
Nandi the bull is a deity conferred with many powers. He is the protector of Dharma and the chief of the team of Ganas, or attendants of the gods. In Hinduism, Nandi is considered as the chief of 18 Siddhas and therefore, the granter of boons.
Nandi statue is placed facing Shivalingam on the west side. A devotee should worships the Shivalingam standing by the side of the Nandi statue and facing the Shivalingam.
So, A simple Nandi Puja should be performed by
bathing Him with Gangajal (Ganges Water),
rinsing with perfume, wiping dry,
and applying sandalwood paste,
Offer incense and lamp.
As Nandi is loyal to Lord Shiva, once you chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, Nandi is bound to bless you too.
UNIQUENESS:
Meditation :
He is in meditative form – simply sitting and waiting aptly.
Nandi is a symbol of eternal waiting.
He is not expecting Shiva to come out tomorrow or some other day.
He will wait forever.
That quality is the essence of receptiveness. And that is why Nandi is Shiva’s closest accomplice.
Before you go into a temple, you must have the quality of Nandi – to simply sit.
So, just by sitting here, he is telling you, “When you go in, don’t do your fanciful and bizarre acts. Don’t ask for this or that. Just go and sit like me.”
His waiting is a meditation – just sitting. That’s his message for you. Simply go inside and sit. Alert, not sleepy.
Meditation means you are willing to just listen to the existence, to the ultimate nature of creation. You have nothing to say, you simply listen. That is the quality of Nandi – He is not sleepy or sitting passively. He is sitting very actively, full of alertness and life, but with no expectation or anticipation. That is meditation. Just waiting, not for anything in particular.
If you just wait without doing your own thing, your simple existence will do it. Once you are simply there, you become aware of the larger dimension of existence, which is always in action. You become aware that you are a part of it. But becoming aware that “I am a part of it” is meditativeness. Nandi is the symbolism of that. He reminds everyone, “You must sit like me.”
Waiting is considered the greatest virtue in Indian culture.
As a symbol of Shiva, the Nandi represents power, energy, vitality, joy, and delight, as well as a controlled potential for destructiveness.
When carved as a free-standing figure, the Nandi is always shown in a resting position that emphasizes the calmer aspect of its power.
The statue of Nandi is seen first. Nandi symbolizes the Aasan, which is, to be firmly seated in one place and posture.
Nandi gazes up at the murti of Lord Shiva. Similarly, the devotee should be perfectly still in an Aasan.
Nandi also symbolizes Dharma (Religion), underlining the fact that the goal of religion should be Shiva, i.e; salvation.
Nandi (Bull) is the vehicle of the Supreme lord of Hindus, Shiva. In Hindu mythology, Nandi is the bearer of truth and righteousness. Each Hindu god has their own vahana (the Sanskrit root word for the English term of Wagon) that they use in war or in peacetime. Each of these vehicles stand for specific qualities that are consistent with the deity’s image & functions.
Nandi signifies strength, load bearing capacity and virility. Given that Shiva didn’t have to fight fierce battles or travel quickly between the worlds (he spent most time meditating) he didn’t have to choose for a more agile vahana similar to Vishnu’s Garuda. Given that bulls were the main form of transportation in rural India, it made perfect sense for Shiva – who is the most down to earth & connected with rural India – to take a form that was close to the people.
How Nandi Became so Dear to Lord Shiva
There was once a sage called as Shilada. Shilada did not have any children. Of his own, but he adored children. He wanted to adopt a child, but he did not want to adopt just any child. He wanted a special child blessed by Lord Shiva. So he worshipped Lord Shiva for many years.
Lord Shiva finally appeared before Shilada, ‘What boon do you seek, Shilada?’
‘A child. I wish to have a child, Lord Shiva.’ Shilada said bowing before Lord Shiva.
Shiva smiled. ‘You shall have it soon’ He said and vanished.
Shilada returned home a happy man, knowing that the Lord would bless him with a very good child. The next day he went to the farm to begin ploughing, when he found a beautiful baby in the field before his plough. The baby’s skin glowed with a beautiful white light.
Shilada stared at the baby transfixed, when he heard a voice from the heaven, ‘SHILADA, TAKE THE CHILD. BRING HIM UP WELL!’
Shilada was overjoyed as he took the boy home. He named the boy Nandi. Right from his childhood, Nandi was devoted to Lord Shiva. Shilada brought up the child with love and care. Shilada taught the child the Vedas and gave the child a good education. Nandi was a brilliant boy and learnt everything very fast. Shilada felt very proud of the child.
Some years later, two sages – Mitra and Varuna came to Shilada’s home. ‘Welcome great sages!’ Shilada gave the rishis some refreshments, ‘Please sit and make yourself comfortable.’
‘Nandi!’ Shilada called his son. Nandi came from inside the house. ‘Nandi please make sure these sages are well looked after.’
Nandi smiled and nodded his head. ‘Yes father!’
Nandi looked after the two sages well and after enjoying the stay, the sages said that it was time they left. Before they were about to live, Shilada and Nandi both prostrated before the two sages.
Mitra and Varuna first blessed Shilada, ‘Have a long and happy life, Shilada. You have made us very happy!’
When Nandi fell at the feet, the two sages looked slightly sad. Slowly they said, ‘Be well son! Be good to your parents and your teachers!’ And they walked off, outside the house
However Shilada noticed the change in the expression of the sages. He ran outside the house, ‘Great rishis!’ He said breathlessly. He turned around and made sure that Nandi was inside the house and could not hear him, and talked to the sages, ‘You looked sad while blessing my son!’ Shilada said feeling terrified, as he was thinking of unpleasant things…’is…is something wrong?’
Mitra looked at Shilada with pity, ‘I cannot wish your son a long life….’ Mitra said softly.
Nandi Bull Vehicle of Lord Shiva Signifiance
Nandi Statue in Mysore
Shilada looked in absolute panic. ‘What is going to happen to my son?’ He whispered.
‘Your son, does not…’ Varuna cleared his throat, ‘…does not have long to live, Shilada. I am sorry…’ He said lamely, looking at the horrified expression on Shilada’s face.
Shilada stood there transfixed for a long time. After a long time, he slowly walked back home with stooping shoulders and a broken heart.
Nandi immediately guessed something was wrong, ‘What is it father? What happened? What…’ Nandi asked, vigorously shaking his father.
Slowly and painfully, Shilada narrated his conversation with the two sages.
He expected Nandi to be scared or even that Nandi would even start crying. However Shilada was surprised when he heard Nandi’s laugh. ‘You were scared of what the sages said!’ He said still laughing.
Shilada wondered what could be so funny and looked at his son without any expression.
‘Father, you have told me that you have seen Lord Shiva…’ Nandi said with great devotion in his eyes. ‘Anybody who has seen Lord Shiva cannot be afraid of what the sages just said.’
Shilada still looked dumbly at his son, not understanding. ‘Father, it is my fate to die, then Lord Shiva can reverse my fate! He is the most powerful God and can do anything. Do you think he would let anything happen to us, when we worship him?’ Nandi looked at his father challengingly. ‘I don’t think so., father.’ Nandi said softly.
Shilada looked at his son as if looking at him for the first time. Slowly Shilada nodded his head and smiled.
Nandi bowed to his father. ‘Bless me father!’
Shilada blessed his son, ‘be victorious my son!’
Nandi Becomes Shiva’s Vehicle or Vahana
Nandi then went near the River Bhuvana. He entered the river and began his penance. His devotion was so great and his concentration was so high, that Lord Shiva appeared almost instantaneously.
‘Nandi, open your eyes!’ said the three eyed God tenderly, looking at Nandi.
Nandi Bull Vehicle of Lord Shiva SignifianceNandi opened his eyes and before his eyes stood the most beautiful person he had seen in his whole life. Nandi looked at the God wanting to savor his image. He felt that he had nothing more left to ask. If only I could stay with the Lord always.
Shiva looked at Nandi with lots of love, ‘Nandi, you penance was so powerful that it dragged me here immediately! Ask me anything I will grant it to you!’ Shiva said.
‘Lord I wish to be with you always.’ The words were out of Nandi’s mouth before he could stop them.
Shiva smiled. ‘Nandi I have just lost my bull, on which I used to travel. Henceforth Nandi, you shall have a face of a bull. You shall stay in my home at Kailash. You shall be the head of all my Ganas. You will be my companion, my vehicle and my friend, always!’
Nandi closed his eyes as tears flowed through them. The Lord had granted him his wish and a lot more…
Since then Nandi became Shiva’s vehicle, doorman, his companion and the head of all of Shiva’s attendants, the Ganas. Thus by sheer devotion Nandi was not only able to overcome his fate, he also rewrote it!
A few days later the Devas and the Asuras together churned the ocean for nectar. However the first thing that emerged from the churning was the poison Halahala. The poison was so strong that it threatened to destroy the whole world. To protect the world, Lord Shiva collected the poison in his hand and swallowed it. Goddess Parvati who was near Lord Shiva clutched Shiva’s throat to make sure that the poison was stored in the throat and would not affect Lord Shiva.
However some Halahala slipped out of Shiva’s hands and fell on the ground. Nandi gathered the fallen Halahala and seeing his master drink it, he also drank it!
The Devas were staring shocked at what Nandi had done! Lord Shiva was a God and besides he had Goddess Parvati to protect him, so nothing would happen to Lord Shiva. But Nandi,
However nothing happened to Nandi. Shiva looked at the dumb folded gods and smiled, ‘Nandi is my greatest devotee! All my powers are his too and Parvati’s protection will go to him too!’
The three of them smiled and then returned to Kailash.
Exploring the Nandi Avatar of Lord Shiva: The Loyal Bull and Divine Vehicle
In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva, the Supreme God, is depicted in various divine forms and avatars. One of his significant avatars is that of Nandi, the celestial bull. Nandi holds a revered position in Hinduism and serves as Lord Shiva’s loyal attendant and divine vehicle. The Nandi avatar of Lord Shiva holds immense importance in Hindu mythology and religious practices. As a symbol of loyalty, strength, and devotion, Nandi’s presence serves as a reminder for devotees to embrace these qualities in their own lives. Whether as Lord Shiva’s trusted vehicle or as a guardian at temple entrances, Nandi’s influence extends beyond his physical form, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of millions of devotees.
According to Hindu scriptures, Nandi’s origin lies in a fascinating legend. It is said that Nandi was born to the sage Shilada and his wife, Prisni. Impressed by Shilada’s devotion, Lord Shiva granted him a boon, and the sage requested a child with exceptional knowledge and devotion. Pleased with the sage’s righteousness, Lord Shiva agreed and manifested as Nandi, the divine bull. Nandi is often depicted as a massive bull with a muscular body, adorned with garlands and ornaments. He stands as a symbol of strength, stability, and righteousness. The iconography of Nandi embodies the qualities that devotees aspire to cultivate in their own lives. His calm demeanor and unwavering loyalty to Lord Shiva represent the ideal qualities of a true devotee. One of the key roles of Nandi in Hindu mythology is serving as Lord Shiva’s vahana, or vehicle. Nandi’s association with Lord Shiva is so profound that he is often referred to as Shiva’s “Dhvaja” or flag-bearer. It is believed that Nandi accompanies Lord Shiva wherever he goes and acts as his trusted mount. Devotees believe that worshiping Nandi can grant them blessings and ensure a smooth connection with Lord Shiva.
Nandi holds a prominent place in Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. He is often depicted in a sitting position, facing the sanctum sanctorum, guarding the entrance to the deity’s abode. Devotees consider it auspicious to seek Nandi’s blessings before approaching Lord Shiva. It is customary to offer prayers and touch the Nandi sculpture or shrine before proceeding with personal prayers. Beyond his physical presence and association with Lord Shiva, Nandi carries profound spiritual symbolism. As a devoted and humble creature, Nandi represents the importance of surrender and devotion in the path of spirituality. His unwavering loyalty serves as an inspiration for devotees to stay dedicated to their spiritual journey and remain steadfast in their beliefs. Throughout India, there are numerous temples dedicated to Nandi, showcasing the significance of this divine entity. Some of the famous Nandi temples include the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, and the Lepakshi Temple in Andhra Pradesh, where a colossal monolithic Nandi sculpture can be found.
19 Avatars of Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva (known as Mahesh or Mahadeva also) is one of the three renowned God figures (Trimurti) in Hindu mythology. Shiva is known as the destroyer and Mahadev, having various avatars Shiva is known as the Supreme God. He took many avatars and incarnations to set things right on the earth. By taking some avatars he saved some of his devotees from the devils. Various incarnations of Lord Shiv are hideously important as well as considered – assumed to be the most significant-important and effective for the safety of his devotees.
Lord Shiva (Mahesha, Shankara, Bholenath, Neelkanth, Mahadeva, Rudra, Mahadeva, or Bholenath) as he is known, took many avatars in various yugas. Just like Vishnu, has also taken about 19 incarnations in different eras. From Lord Hanuman to Rishi Durvasa, from Piplad to Ashwatthama all are parts of Shiva. Every avatar of Lord Shiva had a specific purpose and the ensuing motive for the welfare of humankind. Let’s know more about these 19 avatars and the significance behind them.
1. Piplaad Avatar
Lord Shiva incarnated as Piplaad he took birth as the son of sage “Dadhichi” and his wife “Suvarcha”. His father left him even before he was born. While growing up, when Piplaad got to know that his father had to leave the house due to the malefic effects of Shani, he cursed him. Later, he forgave Shani on the condition that Shani would never trouble anyone before the age of 16 years. This is why people worship Piplaad to overcome the Shani dosha.
2. Nandi Avatar
Lord Shiva is the protector of the herds. He is shown holding an axe in his hand and his face looks like a bull. Nandi Avatar is a sign of masculinity and vigor. Nandi is depicted as a bull with four hands. Two hands holding the axe and antelope, while the other two hands are joined.
3. Lord Virabhadra
Was born from Shiva’s Jata (Hair) during Daksha Yagna when Shiva’s consort Sati sacrificed her life. Veerbhadra defeated the Gods who fought with Shiva Ganas and cut the head of Daksha. Even Vishnu who was fighting the battle for Daksha was defeated by Veerbhadra. This form of Lord Shiva was very terrible, full of angry, hair opened. This incarnation indicated his love and care towards his wife.
4. Lord Sarabha
Shiva took this avatar in form of a strange creature (half-bird & half-animal) to calm down Lord Nrusingha. (Somewhere it is mentioned that Sharabha defeated Nrusingha in a duel. Veerbhadra was sent by Shiva to calm down Lord Nrusingha. When Veerbhadra politely requested him to calm down, Nrusingha became even more furious. So to teach him a lesson, Veerbhadra took Sharabha avatar as per instructions of Shiva and tamed him.)
5. Aswasthama
Ashwathama or Drauni the Rudravataar was born here in Tapkeshwar caves. He is considered as the avatar of one of the eleven Rudras and one of the Eight Chiranjivi Purush. Ashvatthama is born with a gem on his forehead which gives him power over all living beings lower than humans, it protects him from hunger, thirst, and fatigue.
6. Bhairav Avatar
Lord Bhairav is an avatar of Lord Shiva. He had to take this avatar when there was a fight between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. In form of Bhairava Lord Shiva cut off Lord Brahma’s fifth head and carried it for the next twelve years. People worship Lord Bhairon to achieve victory over their enemies, attain all material comforts in their life and be successful in all their tasks.
7. Maharishi Durvasa
Maharishi Durvasa was an incarnation of Lord Shiva or Rudra, hence the reason is understood about his short temper. Sage Durvasa is known to be responsible for the process of churning of the ocean to generate Ambrosia by Demigods and Demons.
8. Grihapati Avatar
This is a bit strange story and related to the child born in the family of Grihpati and Shuchismati. It seems that the parent desired that the child should have Shiva-like qualities but unfortunately, the child died at a young age, and then Grihapati started his journey to Kasi, the sacred place for resting the soul of the child in peace. It is also said that the journey was impeded by the demigod Indra. But the child was blessed by Shiva and then Shiva could not tolerate this hindrance and came to defend Grihpati. In many places, this form of Lord Shiva is worshipped.
9. Lord Hanuman
Hanuman is also an incarnation of Lord Shiva and this avatar is to showcase an example of the devotee to the people. The story goes that during the Samudra Manthan (sea exploration), Lord Vishnu disguised as a beautiful woman named Mohini who distracted the demons from the site of Samudra Manthan so that the semi Gods could do the job without any disturbance. Lord Shiva, even after knowing the facts was somehow also got infatuated by the exquisite beauty of Mohini. The energy liberated in this infatuation is said to be the reason for the birth of Hanuman from the womb of Anjani.
10. Krisha Darshan Avatar
To give knowledge to King Nabhag as to how to attain spiritual attainment in life. Actually, prince Nabhag was ousted by his brother from the kingdom and was sent to the saint Angiras for learning Yajna (a ritual done with fire) and after learning the saint was much pleased with Nabhag and wanted to award him some wealth. Lord Shiva told Nabhag to ignore worldly matters and devote time for real spiritual attainment. Nabhag followed and got Lord Shiva’s blessings. This is one unique Avatar where Lord Shiva has functioned as a spiritual teacher.
11. Bhikshuvarya Avatar
This particular Avatar is for the protection of humans in general and takes care of the human in all adverse conditions and dangers in their lives. It is said that worshipping this form helps us in getting over the threats and dangers in our lives.
12. Sureshwar Avatar
Lord Shiva was very pleased by the penance of Upamanyu, an avid devotee of Lord Vishnu. To test his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Lord Shiva. This is why he came to be known as Sureshwar.
13. Kirateshwar Avatar
Kirat means hunter. Lord Shiva incarnated in the form of a hunter of Keerat to test the devotion of Arjuna and kill the demon Mooka. During the test, Lord Shiva got pleased with Arjuna and gifted him his Pashupata.
14. Suntantarka Avatar
This was an Avatar with a purpose. As Lord Shiva agreed to marry Parvati then it was natural that he had to go to the father (Himalaya mountain) of Parvati to ask Parvati as his partner. Lord Shiva cannot go to his father in his normal form wearing all those special items on his crown so he had to make a disguise of a normal person.
15. Brahmachari Avatar
This is yet another manifestation of Lord Shiva, which was taken by him to test Maa Parvati. Maa Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva with true devotion and observed penance and got Lord Shiva as her husband
16. Yaksheshwar Avatar
The story of this avatar goes to the time of Samudra Manthan when gods became arrogant after consuming Amrit. To eradicate this false ego, Lord Shiva incarnated in the form of a Yaksha. Lord Shiva presented them with a piece of grass and asked them to cut it. It was done to destroy the false pride through this divine grass. Eventually, nobody was able to cut the grass, and their pride vanished.
17. Avadhut Avatar
Lord Shiva came as an Avadhut avatar when Lord Indra became arrogant and uncaring. He has taken this avatar to make Indra believe that arrogance is not a good attribute and is to be removed.
18. Yatinath Avatar
Yatinath is another incarnation of Lord Shiva in which he visited a tribal couple Aahuk and Aahuka. During his visit to the couple, Aahuk got killed by a wild animal. Finding her husband dead, Aahuka decided to kill herself. Then Lord Shiva appeared in his real form and blessed her with a boon, which says that she and her husband will reborn as Nala and Damayanti, and Lord Shiva will unite them.
19. Rishabh Avatar
In the Patal Lok, sons of Lord Vishnu were tormenting Humans and Gods alike. To teach them a lesson, Lord Shiva incarnated in the form of Ox or Vrishabha and killed all the cruel sons of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu came to fight the Rishabh, but realizing that it was Lord Shiva, he returned to his abode.