Shiva raises the bow Pinaka and destroys the three worlds with a single arrow. This is why Shiva is called Tripurantaka or destroyer of three cities. The cities were said to belong to demons and could fly leading to speculation that this is the story of flying saucers and alien invasions. This story is also an allegory.
Three worlds = objective, subjective, and the rest
Arrow = yoga
ShareThis
Shrikant
Dear Dr. Pattnaik
Is there any tale which establishes the coming into existence of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva? or have these 3 forces been omnipresent?
Yet there would be some event which brings them forth to the conscience?
is there any such tale on these?
thanks
Mar 08, 2009 @ 10:14 pm
Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik
There is no certain answer in mythology. Ever. But you could read the tale of the ‘re-awakening of Narayana’ in my books Myth=Mithya and 7 secrets from Hindu Calendar art.
Mar 09, 2009 @ 9:57 am
Indisch
Why does everything always need to have a meaning? Or in other words, why do we have to go around looking for meaning in everything? Why can’t things just be? Taken at face-value? Like this illustration for example… why did you have to say that it’s an allusion to yoga and the three worlds? It was so much simpler when I saw it just as an episode in mythology. In trying us see it from a different perspective, I’ve now lost that simple pleasure which I derived from this artwork and the piece of trivia that it depicts.
Jun 25, 2010 @ 2:09 pm
Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik
Because we are humans we seek meaning…not everyone has to….everyone has the freedom to shut their ears to deconstruction….it is a valid option.
Jun 26, 2010 @ 8:58 am
Srinivas
Hi Devdutt ji,
I read different blogs and watch videos in you tube.. I have a habit of reading the comments section..I find some kind of people everywhere, who criticize others ideas and say its their birth right to do so.. I see these shit pickers who always pick some shit out of everything.. Even I find these people in my work place too.. Is there any article/ story in mythology which emphasizes on this kind of behavior.. and how someone in the story overcomes it..??
Jan 08, 2011 @ 7:06 pm
Devdutt
Everyone is entitled to their point of view…and you are entitled to ignore them
Jan 09, 2011 @ 5:29 am