The Supreme Entity: Lord Shiva's Eternal Existence and Its Proofs

Lord Shiva is often referred to as the Supreme Beginningless Entity in various ancient texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, and Puranas. This article delves into the proofs that establish Lord Shiva as the Supreme Being, without any beginning or end. By exploring different scriptures, we will uncover the eternal nature of this revered deity and the attributes that solidify his unfathomable existence.

Proofs from the Vedas

The Vedas, ancient authoritative texts of Hinduism, provide us with profound insights into Lord Shiva. In the Rig Veda, it is stated that Lord Shiva is 'unborn, the supreme ruler who is formless and related to the ātman.' This emphasizes the divinity and essence of Lord Shiva.

‘May my mind aspire towards Lord Shiva or Shiva thoughts.’
Rig Veda: Asavalayana Shakha: Shiva Sankalpa Suktam: Mantra 26

Moreover, the Katha Aranyaka of the Krishna Yajur Veda describes Lord Shiva as the 'Purusha' and the 'only one.' The magnificent qualities embodied by Lord Shiva, known as Rudra, were transformed into distinct aspects like Bhava, Sharva, and Shiva. From these qualities emerged the characteristic of immortality, making Lord Shiva the destroyer and preserver of the universe.

‘All is indeed Rudra, salutations to that Rudra. The whole universe, the beings, the wondrous world created in many forms both born and being born. All of this is indeed Rudra, salutations to that Rudra.’
—Krishna Yajur Veda: Taittiriya Aranyaka 10.24.1

Profound Statements from Upanishads and Mahabharata

The Upanishads offer deeper philosophical insights into the concept of Lord Shiva. In the Svetasvatara Upanishad, it is stated that 'Siva alone is there' when the light of knowledge has risen, signifying the eternal existence of Lord Shiva.

‘Siva alone is there. When there was no darkness, no day, nor night, no existence and non-existence, Siva alone was isolated from all.’
Svetasvatara Upanishad: Chapter 4: Verse 18

The Mahabharata also emphasizes the supremacy and formlessness of Lord Shiva. The text describes him as the Unblemished, the Lord of creation, the Rudra, and the supreme Brahma. He is the eternal witness, constant and unchanging, guiding the path of meditation and ultimate liberation.

‘To the one who shines with a divine form adorned with celestial ornaments, To the beginningless, endless, unborn, all-pervading Shambhu I bow.’
Mahabharata: Ashvamedhika Parva: Chapter 7

Understanding Lord Shiva from Puranas

Furthermore, the Puranas provide vivid descriptions of Lord Shiva, highlighting his eternal and unfathomable attributes. In the Narada Purana, Lord Shiva is praised as the 'lord of the universe, the destroyer of the distress of those who bow down to the Lord, and the eternal one.' He is the form of the universe, devoid of beginning, middle, and end.

‘I am the lord of the universe, the destroyer of the distress of those who bow down to the Lord. The Lord, incomprehensible through the valid means of knowledge, who is the embodiment of Pranava OM. I bow down to Virupaksa of the form of the universe, the unborn and the eternal one, the cause of creation, sustenance, and dissolution of the world, the embodiment of the universe, and of fierce creation.’
Narada Purana: Part 1: Chapter 16: Verse 78–80

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lord Shiva is undeniably the Supreme Beginningless Entity, as proven by the various scriptures of Hinduism. The Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, and Puranas collectively affirm his eternal existence and the divine qualities that set him apart. His unfathomable attributes and the profound insights from ancient texts should inspire a deep reverence and understanding of the Supreme Being, Lord Shiva.

Har Har Mahadeva! Jai Sri Rama!