Shaiva, Bhagavata Religion

1. The Dakshinamurti (South-facing) form of Shiva represents

The Dakshinamurti (South-facing) form of Shiva represents

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cosmic dancer
ferocious warrior
universal teacher
lord of beasts
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2024
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The Dakshinamurti form of Shiva represents the universal teacher.
Shiva is worshipped in various forms, each representing a different aspect of his divine nature.
Dakshinamurti, literally meaning “one who faces south,” is depicted as Shiva sitting under a banyan tree, facing south, teaching ancient sages (like Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana, and Sanatkumara) through silence (mauna vyakhyana). This form symbolizes Shiva as the ultimate guru, the dispeller of ignorance, and the embodiment of knowledge (Jnana). Other forms mentioned are Nataraja (cosmic dancer), Bhairava or Tripurantaka (ferocious warrior aspects), and Pashupati (lord of animals/beasts).

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2. The legend of Prahlad and his father Hiranyakashyap was first set out

The legend of Prahlad and his father Hiranyakashyap was first set out in the

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Bhagwat Purana
Vishnu Purana
Vamana Purana
Agni Purana
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2022
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The legend of Prahlad, his tyrannical father Hiranyakashyap, and the divine intervention of Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar is a cornerstone narrative in Vaishnavism. While mentioned in other Puranas like the Vishnu Purana and Vamana Purana, the most detailed and celebrated account of this story is found in the Srimad Bhagavata Purana, specifically in its Seventh Canto.
Puranas are a vast genre of Indian literature dealing with a wide range of topics, including cosmology, history, genealogies, and religious teachings. The Bhagavata Purana is considered one of the most important Puranas, particularly within the Vaishnava tradition.
The story of Prahlad illustrates the principles of devotion (bhakti) and divine protection (especially the omnipotence and omnipresence of Vishnu) against evil, regardless of circumstances or opposition.

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