New Delhi: With saffron flags fluttering on the shoulders of Kanwariyas, the drums resonating in temples, and the chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” heard in every street corner, the month of Sawan is in full swing. This is the time when Shiva devotees not only perform pujas but also strive to forge a deeper connection with Mahadev through their faith. In Hindu scriptures, Lord Shiva is called Bholenath because he is pleased with the true devotion of his devotees, even without any grand yagna, wealth, or ostentation. This is why those who worship Shiva have included gods, sages, kings, demons, and even animals and birds. On this auspicious occasion of Sawan, let us learn the stories of eight such devout devotees of Lord Shiva, whose devotion remains a source of inspiration for every Shiva devotee even today.
Those 8 great devotees of Mahadev
Markandeya: One who defeated even death
The story of sage Markandeya reveals how true devotion can change the laws of time. His lifespan was destined for 16 years from birth. When Yamaraj arrived to take his life, instead of being frightened, young Markandeya embraced a Shivalinga and began chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. Seeing his unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva himself appeared, stopped Yamaraj, and granted Markandeya the boon of immortality.
Banasura: Performed the Tandava service with a thousand arms
Banasur, son of the demon king Bali, used his extraordinary thousand arms to play various musical instruments during Mahadev’s Tandava dance. Impressed by his unique service and dedication, Lord Shiva accepted him as his devotee and promised to protect his city.
Kannappa: One who offered his eyes
Born into a hunter’s family in South India, Kannappa’s devotion is still cited as an example. Legend has it that one day he noticed a Shivalinga constantly bleeding. Without wasting a moment, he took out one of his own eyes with his arrow and placed it on the Shivalinga. When the other eye also began bleeding, Kannappa, using his toe to identify the exact spot, attempted to offer the other eye as well. Seeing his immense devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and not only embraced him but also restored his sight.
Ravana: The arrogant king of Lanka who performed penance by cutting off his head
Although Ravana, the king of Lanka, is known as a villain in history for his arrogance, his devotion to Shiva is held in high esteem. To appease Mahadev, Ravana dared to cut off his ten heads one by one and offer them to him. The Shiva Tandava Stotram, composed during this period of penance, is still considered a highly effective hymn. Pleased with Ravana’s devotion and wisdom, Shiva granted him immense powers, including the Chandrahas sword.
Kubera: Lord of wealth made from virtues
In his previous life, Kubera, the god of wealth, was an ordinary man named Gunanidhi, who unknowingly became involved in Shiva worship. Through his intense penance and dedication, he pleased Mahadev, who then made him the ruler of the universe’s wealth and a close friend.
Upmanyu: He found Kshirsagar instead of milk.
The story of Upmanyu, a disciple of the sage Dhaumya, holds a special place in the Shiva Purana. When his mother fed him a rice-flour solution as a child, desiring milk, Upmanyu began rigorously praying to Lord Shiva to obtain real milk. Pleased with his pure devotion, Lord Shiva gifted him the entire Kshirsagar (ocean of milk).
Nandi: Before becoming a vehicle, he was a great devotee.
While people often know Nandi only as Lord Shiva’s vehicle, the story of Nandi’s devotion, son of the sage Shilad, is truly inspiring. To overcome the fear of a short lifespan, Nandi performed rigorous penance, and was pleased with him. Lord Shiva not only granted him immortality but also accepted him as the leader of his ganas, the chief gatekeeper, and his vehicle.
Shri Ram: The one who made a Shivalinga from sand
Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is also considered a great devotee of Shiva. Before attacking Lanka, he created a Shivalinga from sand on the seashore and performed ritualistic worship. This very spot is now revered as Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga. The Shiva Purana mentions that Lord Rama and Mahadev accepted each other as their deities.