The Hindu religion has numerous scriptures which teach us the path to Salvation.
In fact, no other religion in the world has put so much emphasis on Salvation than the Hindu religion.
The Hindu religion has a rich collection of texts that go on to enlighten us towards the path to Salvation.
Srimad Shiva Gita is recognized as the foremost text that enlightens us about Salvation.
In fact, when you hear the word “Gita,” the picture that comes to your mind is that of Bhagwad Gita.
Yes, Bhagwad Gita is very popular.
However, it is not the only Gita.
Moreover, Bhagwad Gita is not the first Gita.
There are as much as 28 Gita or Geeta in our scriptures.
Some of the most popular Geeta among these includes Shiva Gita, Brahma Gita, Bhagwad Gita, Devi Geeta, Guru Gita, Rudra Gita, Uttara Gita, Avadhuta Gita, Ganesh Gita, etc., to name a few.
So, we need to figure out the right Geeta for us and follow the same religiously.
Moreover, there cannot be a comparison between Shiva Gita and Bhagwad Gita or any Geeta as a matter of fact.
A comparison between Geetas is an absurd activity.
One must endeavor to learn from various Geetas and adopt its principles in one’s life so that he or she can progress on the path to spirituality and Supreme Wisdom.
Shiva Gita History
The Srimad Shiva Gita is a dialogue between Lord Shiva and Shri Ram. Lord Shiva narrated it to Sri Rama. Shiva Gita teaches us the path to Salvation.
As Sri Ram came before Shri Krishna, so Shiv Gita came much before Bhagwad Gita. Although Shiv Gita didn’t gain popularity as that of Bhagwad Gita, still it is of much interest to know the different aspects of this ancient and sacred Hindu text called Shiva Gita.
As far as Shiv Gita is concerned, it is a Vedic text that is derived from the latter portion (Uttara kānda) of the Padma Purāna.
The Shiva Gita begins with a specific mention to an episode taken from the Ramayana epic.
Sri Rama is shown being despondent over the loss of Sita.
At this time, Sri Rama meets Sage Agastya. Sri Rama narrates the incident of the loss of Sita to Sage Agastya. The Sage then advises Sri Ram that he should observe a special kind of vow known as the Pashupata Vrata.
By observing this auspicious Vrata, Sri Rama will get to see the vision of Lord Shiva who will bestow the Pashupata Astra (weapon) to Sri Ram without which Ravana cannot be defeated.
As advised by sage Agastya, Sri Rama observes the Pashupata Vrata and at the end of four months period receives a divine vision of Lord Shiva.
Shiva then presents Rama with the Pashupata Astra, and Rama then puts a series of questions before Lord Shiva.
The dialogue that happens between Lord Shiva and Sri Rama has been narrated and makes the bulk of Shiva Gita.
The Shiva Gita has a central theme and a message for the seekers of truth. Moreover, Shiv Gita adopts a unique style of rendering the message.
For example, the Lord has exclaimed in the Shiva Gita, “I was the first of all! I am so even at present, and I will be so in the future too. There is nothing other than I in this world.”
Lord Shiva says, “I am the Lord of the Vedas and of Brahma.”
So, Shiva Gita primarily focuses on the preaching of Lord Shiva who is portrayed as the Parabraham of Vedas. It reveals the path to salvation.
Shiva Gita has not become as famous as Bhagwad Gita since it has been documented in a Purana and not included in the famous epic Mahabharata which has managed to gain much attention of the people.
Moreover, people do get acquainted with Epics but fail to read or analyze Puranas. So, Shiv Gita failed to get the attention of the masses.
However, both the Geeta have been documented by Veda Vyasa himself.
Shiva Gita is associated with the Ramayana era of Treta Yuga while the Bhagwad Gita belongs to the Mahabharata era of Dwapara Yuga.
So, Shiva Gita precedes Bhagwad Gita in time.
Having said that, there are certain instances in Shiva Gita that are different from the Valmiki Ramayana.
However, in both the Valmiki Ramayana as well as Shiv Gita, Sage Agastya has been shown as the preceptor of Rama.
Moreover, certain verses in Shiva Gita do exist in Upanishads like Kaivalya, Atharvashirsa, and Svetawsatara, to name a few. Reading the Shiva Gita is equal to reading the Upanishads.
In fact, Shiva Gita is of great value to the mankind.
Reading Shiv Gita increases our devotion towards Lord Shiva.
For every Hindu, Shiva Gita proves a good source of Supreme Wisdom. So, readers should go through the chapters of Shiv Gita and learn the precious teachings imparted by the greatest Guru – Sri Sada Shiva.
You can Download Shiva Gita from archive.org
OM NAMAH SHIVAYA
