Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
7 Secrets Of Shiva summary
Brief summary
7 Secrets Of Shiva by Devdutt Pattanaik explores the myths and symbols surrounding the Hindu deity Shiva. It delves into his role as a destroyer and creator, and reveals the deeper spiritual truths he represents.
Topics
Table of Contents
7 Secrets Of Shiva
Summary of key ideas
The Seven Secrets of Shiva
In 7 Secrets of Shiva by Devdutt Pattanaik, we are invited to explore the enigmatic persona of Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The book begins with an exploration of Shiva's form and the symbolism behind it. Shiva is often depicted as a yogi, adorned with a snake, a trident, and a crescent moon, and often covered in ash. These attributes, as we learn, represent his status as a renunciate, and the idea that he is beyond the material world.
With the foundational understanding of Shiva's form, we delve into the first secret: Shiva's status as an ascetic. We learn about his withdrawal from the world, his rejection of material wealth, and his preference for living in cremation grounds. Pattanaik illustrates how these seemingly extreme practices embody detachment from the material world and a focus on the spiritual realm.
The second secret of Shiva is his role as a householder. In stark contrast to his ascetic persona, Shiva is also depicted as a loving husband to his wife, Parvati, and a caring father to his sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya. This duality, as Pattanaik explains, represents the balance between the worldly and spiritual aspects of life.
Shiva's Many Forms
The third secret of Shiva is his role as a dancer, Nataraja, the Lord of Dance. Shiva's cosmic dance symbolizes the rhythmic cycle of creation and destruction, and Pattanaik beautifully explains the significance of this form in Hindu mythology. We then move on to explore Shiva's role as a healer, where he is depicted as a doctor, holding a bowl of poison in his hands, ready to consume it to save the world from destruction.
Next, we learn about Shiva's role as a hunter. In this form, Shiva is known as Kirata, and he is depicted as a wild hunter who tests Arjuna's valor. This hunting episode, as Pattanaik interprets, highlights Shiva's unpredictability and his ability to challenge conventional norms.
The penultimate secret of Shiva is his identity as a mendicant. We learn about Shiva's disguise as a wandering beggar and the lessons he imparts to his devotees during these encounters. This form of Shiva emphasizes the value of humility and the idea that wisdom can come from the most unexpected sources.
Shiva's Essential Teachings
Finally, we arrive at the seventh secret, which is Shiva's role as the ultimate destroyer. Shiva's destructive aspect, Pattanaik explains, is not about causing harm but rather about clearing the way for new beginnings. It signifies the constant cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution that governs the universe.
Throughout 7 Secrets of Shiva, Pattanaik not only delves into the various forms and roles of Shiva but also distills the essential teachings associated with each. He emphasizes that Shiva, despite his many contradictions, embodies the harmony of opposites and serves as a powerful symbol of balance and acceptance.
In conclusion, 7 Secrets of Shiva offers a comprehensive exploration of Shiva's multifaceted persona, shedding light on his enigmatic nature and the profound wisdom he embodies. Through Pattanaik's insightful analysis, we gain a deeper understanding of Shiva's teachings and their relevance in navigating the complexities of life.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is 7 Secrets Of Shiva about?
7 Secrets Of Shiva by Devdutt Pattanaik explores the myths, symbols, and rituals associated with the Hindu god Shiva. Through seven different stories, the book delves into the deeper meanings and teachings behind Shiva’s various forms and attributes, offering insights into the rich and complex tradition of Shaivism.
7 Secrets Of Shiva Review
7 Secrets Of Shiva (2011) explores the mythology and symbolism surrounding the powerful Hindu god, Shiva, offering profound insights into spirituality and life. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Unveils hidden aspects of Shiva's character and teachings, providing a deeper understanding of the divine figure and ancient wisdom.
- Connects mythology with philosophy, guiding readers through timeless principles and teachings for personal growth and enlightenment.
- Brings complex concepts down to earth through relatable stories and explanations, ensuring an engaging and enlightening reading experience.
Who should read 7 Secrets Of Shiva?
Readers who are curious about Hindu mythology and the symbolism of Lord Shiva
Individuals seeking a deeper understanding of spirituality and the ancient wisdom of India
People interested in exploring the intersection of mythology, philosophy, and personal growth
Categories with 7 Secrets Of Shiva
Book summaries like 7 Secrets Of Shiva
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
7 Secrets Of Shiva FAQs
What is the main message of 7 Secrets Of Shiva?
Discover the enigmatic figure of Shiva through seven essential teachings.
How long does it take to read 7 Secrets Of Shiva?
Reading duration varies. Dive into the essence with the Blinkist summary in minutes.
Is 7 Secrets Of Shiva a good book? Is it worth reading?
7 Secrets Of Shiva is a captivating exploration of Shiva's wisdom, offering profound insights for seekers.
Who is the author of 7 Secrets Of Shiva?
Devdutt Pattanaik is the author of 7 Secrets Of Shiva.
What to read after 7 Secrets Of Shiva?
If you're wondering what to read next after 7 Secrets Of Shiva, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher and Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan