Sons of shiva

All of know about the two sons of Lord Shiva- Ganesha and Karthikeya. However, the truth is something else. Lord Shiva was blessed not with two sons, but actually seven. So, why most people have not heard about them? Who are they and how were they born?


2) Sastav/Ayyappa 

Sastav is one of the powerful Gods of the Hindu Pantheon. This is because he was born from Shiva and Vishnu (as Mohini). Sastav is nowadays known as Ayyappa. This is because the local God of Kerala Ayyappa and God of Tamil Nadu Aiyannar are more than similar to Sastav and is considered one. It is believed that Parasuram taught Ayyappa martial arts. He is depicted as a teenager sitting cross-legged with a belt tied between his legs.

3) Andhaka

Andhaka is one of the sons of Lord Shiva. He was raised by the Asura Hiranyaksha after he was given to him by Shiva subsequent to Hiranyaksha’s prayer to have a child. He was born from Shiva’s sweat. Andhaka literally means ‘the blind one’. He was killed by Shiva himself after he tried to rape Parvati.

4) Bhauma

Bhauma mean ‘Son of Bhumi’(Earth). He was born after the sweat of Lord Shiva fell onto the surface of earth. Shiva was in deep meditating at that time that Bhumi Devi raised the kid as her own. After realising this Shiva became happy and named the child in honour of Bhumi herself. Bhauma has red skin and has four hands

5) Khuja

The powerful ray of energy emitted from the chest of Lord Shiva during his meditation stroke the surface of earth (Bhumi Devi). This lead to the birth of Khuja. Khuja is the Lord of Iron in earth. He later departed from earth and exist in space. People believe that he is the planet Mars.

6) Ganesha

Ganesha is the God who removes all sorrows. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati and is also known as Ganapati (Leader of Shiva Ganas). Lord Ganesha is broadly worshipped by Indians. Some believe that Ganesha is a Brahmachari who refused to marry by postponing his marriage every day. However, Padmapurana states that Ganesha is married to Siddhi and Buddhi. Siddhi means skill and Buddhi means intelligence. Ganesha wrote the epic Mahabharat while VedaVyasa dictated it. 

7) Karthikeya

Kartikeya is referred to as the God of War. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati born to slay the Asura Tarak and his followers. Kartik is most popular and widely worshipped in South India and is known by names Murugan, Subramaniom, Senthil etc. He is depicted as a teenager with a spear and mounted on a peacock.