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A fascinating story revolves around Shiva in the form of Kapali, depicted holding a begging bowl made from a human skull. This story emphasizes humility, redemption, and the realization that our egos are impermanent. It originates from the Mahabharata and carries a profound symbolic message.
Characters in the story:
Lord Brahma: Lord Brahma holds a significant position in Hinduism as the divine creator of the universe and all living beings. He is commonly portrayed with four heads, symbolizing his association with the four Vedas.
Lord Vishnu: Lord Vishnu is one of the three major deities in Hinduism, known as the preserver of the universe and the protector of dharma (righteousness). He is often depicted with four arms holding a conch shell, a discus, a mace, and a lotus flower.
Lord Shiva: Lord Shiva holds significant prominence in Hinduism as a prominent deity, revered for his role as the vanquisher of malevolence and the catalyst of universal change. Depicted in various forms, he is often portrayed as a tranquil ascetic engaged in deep meditation or as the divine dancer, adorned with a third eye, an entwined serpent around his neck, and a trident grasped firmly in his hand.
In ancient legends, Shiva, known as Kapali or Kapala, is depicted with a humble begging bowl crafted from a human skull. This intriguing tale of Shiva as Kapali is recounted in the Mahabharata, carrying a profound message. It is said that the skull Shiva cradles in his hands once belonged to Brahma’s fifth head.
Symbolically, it serves as a strong reminder, encouraging us to understand that our egos, which often seem larger than they really are, are fleeting and do not last forever. It is a continuous prompt reminding us of our impermanent existence.
The Mahabharata narrates a remarkable story of a dispute between Vishnu and Brahma, each vying for supremacy. In response, Shiva manifested as an endless column of light and challenged them to uncover the source of this radiant brilliance, declaring the one who succeeded as the greatest.
Vishnu embarked on a downward journey, quickly realizing the impossibility of his quest and returning to Shiva. On his upward ascent, Brahma encountered a Ketaki flower and inquired about its origin. The flower revealed that it had started its journey millions of years ago from the very source of brilliance. Instead of pursuing further, Brahma chose to carry the flower back with him as a witness to his supposed success.
Upon reuniting with Vishnu, Brahma boldly claimed to have reached the source of the brilliance. Shiva, angered by this falsehood, promptly severed Brahma’s fifth head.
In retaliation, Brahma cursed Shiva to wander the earth, carrying a human skull as a symbol of his transgression. In return, Shiva cursed that Brahma would not receive worship from mortals.
Another version of the story recounts Shiva assuming the form of Bhairava and severing Brahma’s fifth head due to the Creator’s arrogance toward his own creation. Brahma displayed no remorse for the suffering of earthly beings.
The place where Brahma’s head fell was named Kapal Mochan Teerth, and from that moment, Bhairav established himself permanently in Kashi, offering refuge to all his devotees. Those living in or visiting Kashi must worship Bhairav, as he grants protection to all who seek him.
In time, Shiva felt remorse for his actions and sought redemption. Brahma, in his quest for forgiveness, asked Shiva to become a wandering ascetic, a Bhikshatan, and beg for sustenance in a skull. Only through Vishnu’s counsel on atonement could Shiva hope for redemption.
Initially denied entry to Vaikunta, Shiva embarked on a pilgrimage across the world. Ultimately, he was granted access and received counsel from Vishnu, who advised him to journey to the sacred city of Banaras (Kashi or Varanasi). There, Shiva was instructed to purify himself of his sin by performing a ritual bath in the holy waters of the Ganges. This act would pave the way for his redemption and spiritual renewal.
In the end, Shiva’s journey of redemption through humility and remorse reminds us that even the mightiest can find enlightenment and renewal through humility and self-reflection, teaching us the enduring power of forgiveness.
