Avatar of Lord Shiva:Girhapati Avatar

 

LORD SHIVA: GRIHAPATI AVATAR

Lord Shiva has taken many incarnations like Lord Vishnu.Girhapati Avatar is one of the many Avatar of  Lord Shiva. Lord Girhapati was the son of Rishi Vishwanar and Devi Suchishmati who lived near the banks of Narmada River. Today we will hear the story of Lord Shiva's Grihapati incarnation( avatar).

STORY OF GRIHAPATI AVATAR:

    Once the Rishi Vishwanar was cursed by Agni Dev ( god of fire ) that his son at age of twelve ,would be afraid of fire and fire will because of his death. Agni Dev had cursed Rishi Vishwanar's son because Rishi Vishwanar had created obstacles in the work of Agni Dev, therefore Agni Dev cursed him.Rishi was very sad about the curse.

      Rishi Vishwanar lived with his wife Devi Suchishmati in a village on the banks of Narmada.His wife Suchishmati told Rishi Vishwanar that," We should have a son like Lord Shiva, such is my wish." But Rishi Vishwanar was apprehensive that his son would die at the age of Twelve due to the curse of Agni Dev.He started feeling very sad and started thinking how to tell this to his wife.

    After thinking for some time, he told to his wife," Devi Suchishmati that we have to go to Kashi ( beloved City of Lord Shiva ) so that we can get a son like Lord Shiva".They worshiped Lord Shiva's Veereshwar Linga and did penance there for an year.Pleased with the penance of both of them, Lord Shiva appeared to them and asked," I am pleased with your penance,tell me what you want in boon".Rishi Vishwanar and his wife was happy and says to Lord Shiva that," Hey Parampita Parmeshwar, we want a Tejasvi son like you".And Lord Shiva said that," Tathastu,I will take birth as your son."

   After hearing this, Rishi Vishwanar got rid of the fear of curse and thought that when Lord Shiva himself takes this birth, then what will happen to him and forgetting the curse, he started rejoicing.But be it man or God, the curse does not leave anyone.

   After some time Rishi Vishwanar and Devi Suchishmati got a bright son like Lord Shiva.Lord Brahma named the child as Grihapati.He had finished his education in all the Vedas and other sacred texts at the age of twelve and he started teaching other Rishi Kumars as well.

       As age of Grihapati reached nine,Narada came to visit the family. Narada said that Grihapati would have a fear of fire. He also informed Visvanara that death of Grihapati was imminent, because of the evil effects of the planetary combinations.

      The fear of his father got arised and his father Rishi Vishwanar and mother Devi Shuchishmati started worrying about the Lord Grihapati.  Seeing his parents worried, the child Grihapati explained to them, "Mother-father, don't be sad.  I will please Mahakal ( Lord Shiva ) by worshiping him . So dont take any kind of tension"

    After this the Lord Grihapati went to Kashi( city of Mahadev ). He established Shivlinga on the auspicious time and started worshiping Shiva.  After a few days, Devraj Indra appeared.

         He said, “Grihapati, I am pleased with your worship.  Ask for a boon." But the Grihapati said to him, "I will not wish for a boon from you, because my boon is only Lord Shiva." Hearing this, Devraj Indra became very angry and proceeded to attack the Grihapati with his Vajra.  At that very moment Lord Shiva appeared. 

      Lord Shiva said, “Grihapati, I was taking your examination through Devraj Indradev.  You have passed that exam.  Now Yamraj will not have any effect on you.The Shivalinga which you have established will be famous by the name Agneshwar."

        In this way Lord Grihapati got boon of long life from Lord Shiva.One who worships Lord Shiva with true heart, his salvation is certain.

MENTIONED IN :

Grihapati Avatar of Lord Shiva is mentioned in following text:

1. Shiva Purana

 

                                                 || OM NAMAH SHIVAAY ||

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