We have always listened to mythological talks of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses since childhood but there is something beyond the tales of bravery and valor. Almost all faiths in this world try to draw a line beyond good and bad, and so does Hinduism. But Lord Shiva is one such divine being who transcends all.  He is someone who mistakes without fear and deals with them in the most surprising ways. He is someone who breaks all stereotypes of being a God. For starters, he wears a dreadlock with a man ban! How can that not be cool?

Here are some amusing stories and interesting facts about the Rebel God:

1. Hanuman is in fact an avatar of Lord Shiva

It is said and written in the Vedas that Hanuman is the eleventh avatar of Lord Shiva and various religious and informative texts have presented him as the manifestation of the God Shiva. Hanuman was the son of Anjana and Kesari and has been blessed by the Hindu God of Wind, Vayu. He was the most prominent character in Ramayana and is best known for his undying love and devotion towards Lord Rama.

2. Ravana, the adversary in Ramayana, was one of his greatest devotees

Legends and stories say that, when Ravana tried to rip up the enormous Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva trapped him beneath Kailash itself. To redeem himself, Ravana tried gratifying Lord Shiva by singing hymns and playing the veena. Ravana was freed eventually by Lord Shiva and blessed with powers.

3. Even Kamadeva could not distract Lord Shiva successfully with his trick

While the war between the Devas and the Tarakasur was waging- everybody was in need of Lord Shiva’s help. But Lord Shiva was busy meditating and would not listen to anything else. So the Devas stirred up a plan and decided to ask Kamadeva to pierce Lord Shiva with one of his love arrows. This naturally woke up Lord Shiva and he burned down Kamadeva with his third eye.

4. Ardhanarishwar is Lord Shiva’s genderless form

Lord Shiva, along with his consort Devi Parvati, is represented as one- which is half male and half female. It is called the Ardhanarishwar form. It is a mere representation of the masculine energy or Purusha and the feminine aura or Prakrithi which dominates the entire universe and helps it work.

5. In stories, Lord Shiva is naked and sports an erect phallus

Devdutta Pattanaik in various instances points out that Lord Shiva remains naked and sports an erect phallus in approximately all the stories. There is a reason behind it. It shows that Lord Shiva is happy and cut off from the outside world because he is provoked not by any external stimulus but by eternal internal bliss.

6. The ash on Lord Shiva symbolizes permanence and destruction

The most common image of Lord Shiva is seen smeared with ashes all over his body and forehead. It serves as a symbolization of annihilation as well as intransigence. It also represents the immortality of a soul as ash is released when the matter is destroyed.

7. Lord Shiva enlightened Devi Parvati about the secret of life and eternity in the Amarnath Cave

Legends say that it is the Amarnath Caves where Lord Shiva revealed to his divine consort, Devi Parvati the secret of life and eternity. Followers and devotees from all over the country flock to the famous Amarnath caves to pay their visit to Lord Shiva. The Amarnath cave also houses the ice stalagmite Lingam.

8. Ganja/Cannabis is one of the primary offerings in Lord Shiva’s worship

Shaivites on the auspicious day of Shivaratri, devour Bhang which is a beverage made from cannabis, and of course, smoke weed. Popular among all the followers, this is quite a pleasing offering for a Rebel God!

Religious debates are always there to go on. But keeping that aside, we can vouch for the fact that Lord Shiva or Mahadev was indeed the coolest of them all!