Mythology of Shiva and Shakti

M. L. Varadpande here discusses the Hindu mythology woven around Shiva and Shakti, discussing how they together and independently manifest themselves in different forms. He explains the cosmic nature of the mythological figures, delving into the meaning of their mythologies: the mythological episodes, symbols and their meanings. He deals with the origin of Shiva in Rudra of the Vedas, the linga as symbol of Shiva and Shakti, the Sati/Parvati persona, the concept and expression of dancing Shiva (Nataraja), the sons of Shiva and Parvati and Shiva ganas. He then takes up the Tantric perspectives of the twin figures, covering the mother goddesses as Tantrik divinities, role of consorts of Shiva, Shiva as Bhairava in Tantra, Bhairava and his yogini shaktis, and major Bhairava ksehtras.