Hindu mythology for young readers: A retelling of Shiva Purana and how the Jyotirlingas came to be

Seated in their softly cushioned golden chariots, the devas felt their hearts gripped by fear. Terror filled their eyes as they witnessed the cataclysmic conflict. The two Lords of the Universe’s holy Trinity, locked in a relentless struggle, remained oblivious to the widespread destruction unfolding in the worlds around them – which one meticulously created, and the other ardently preserves.

Worrying for the safety of their dominion as well as the rest of the Universe, a congregation of the devas approached Lord Shiva. They meant to tell Him about the matter at hand, beseeching Him to intervene and bring an end to the ongoing tumultuous battle. Mahadeva, ever omniscient and omnipresent, was aware of the unfolding events. Indeed, He too could feel the tremors in His icy abode, Kailasha.

His body adorned with ash, a serpent around His neck, a crescent moon on His matted hair, the sacred Ganga flowing down from His wild matted locks to the depths of the world, Mahadeva held His trident, the trishul, in one hand, the other resting in His lap, palm open upwards. He slowly opened His all-seeing eyes, as if awakening from a peaceful sleep, choosing to keep His third eye on His forehead shut as the ongoing pandemonium...

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