Shiva Purana
Introduction
The Shiva Purana is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas, a genre of ancient Indian scriptures. The text primarily centers around the Hindu god Shiva and goddess Parvati, but references and reveres all gods.
Origin and History
The Shiva Purana, like other Puranas in Hindu literature, was likely a living text, which continually evolved over time. The oldest manuscript of surviving texts was likely composed, estimates Klaus Klostermaier, around 10th- to 11th-century CE. Some chapters of currently surviving Shiva Purana manuscripts were likely composed after the 14th-century.
Structure
The Shiva Purana contains seven Samhita (books). These are the Vayaviya Samhita, Vidyesvara Samhita, Kailasa Samhita, Sanatkumara Samhita, Vayaviya Samhita, Dharmasamhita, and the Vayaviya Samhita.
Content
The Shiva Purana primarily centers around Lord Shiva and stories related to him. It discusses Shiva's divine acts, the nature of the universe, the metaphysical concept of time, ethics, and the duties of a householder. It also discusses the festivals related to Lord Shiva and the rituals to be performed during these festivals.
Influence
The Shiva Purana has had a significant influence on the cultural and religious landscape of India. It has shaped the practices and beliefs of Shaivism, one of the major branches of Hinduism. The text has also influenced art, architecture, and drama in regions where Shaivism was prominent.