Who Is Shiva Biggest Bhakt (Devotee) ? (2024)

Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism, is known for his complex character and profound teachings. His devotees, or “bhakts,” are equally diverse and fascinating. The question of who is Shiva biggest bhakt or devotee is subjective and can vary based on different texts and beliefs. However, this article delves into the stories of three of the most renowned devotees of Lord Shiva: Kannappa, Nandi, and Ravana.

1. Kannappa : The Hunter Devotee

Kannappa, also known as Kannappa Nayanar, was a hunter who lived in a small village located at the foothills of Seshachalam Hills, in present-day Andhra Pradesh. He is believed to be a reincarnation of Arjuna from the Mahabharata and is considered one of the 63 Nayanars, holy Shaivite saints. Kannappa’s original name was Thinnan, and he was born into a hunter family. His father was Raja Naga Vyadha, a ruler in the Vyadha community and a Shaiva devotee. Kannappa’s wife’s name was Neela.

One day while hunting, Thinnan found a Shiva lingam in the jungle. He did not know the correct way to worship it, so he used to pour water from his mouth on it. He also offered flesh as naivedyam (food offered to a Hindu deity as part of a worship ritual) to Lord Shiva, which is prohibited in Hinduism. However, Lord Shiva accepted whatever he offered because his devotion was as pure as gold.

To test his devotion, Lord Shiva created a tremor, and the roof of the temple began to fall. Everyone, except Kannappa, ran away from the scene. He covered the lingam with his body to protect it from damage. Hence, he got the name Dheera (valiant).

He noticed that one of the eyes of the Shiva lingam was bleeding. Therefore, he plucked his eye and replaced the bleeding eye with this one. Before he could pluck out his second eye to replace the other bleeding eye of the lingam, Lord Shiva appeared before him, stopped him from doing so, and blessed him.Kannappa’s story is a testament to his unwavering devotion and love for Lord Shiva. His selfless act of devotion pleased Lord Shiva, and Kannappa is often considered one of the greatest devotees of Shiva.

2. Nandi: The Loyal Bull

Nandi, the celestial bull, is also widely regarded as Lord Shiva’s greatest devotee. He holds a special place in Shiva’s heart as his constant companion and vehicle. Nandi’s unwavering devotion, loyalty, and obedience to Lord Shiva make him a prime example of true bhakti.

In Hindu mythology, Nandi’s origin can be traced back to ancient tales and scriptures. According to one legend, Nandi is said to be born from Lord Brahma’s breath, symbolizing the eternal connection and inseparability of Nandi and Shiva. Another myth suggests that Nandi is an avatar of Lord Shiva himself, taking the form of a bull to serve as his faithful companion.

Nandi holds the esteemed position of being Lord Shiva’s vahana, which signifies its role as Shiva’s divine vehicle. As the vahana, Nandi represents the means through which devotees can connect with Shiva’s divine energy and seek his blessings. Nandi’s association with Shiva dates back to ancient Indian culture, where cattle rearing held great importance, highlighting the sacredness and significance of cows and bulls.

The art and sculpture representation of Nandi showcase its importance and its role as the guardian of Shiva temples. Nandi, often depicted seated near the entrance of Shiva temples, serves as a guardian and protector. Its majestic presence not only symbolizes devotion but also ensures that no distractions come between devotees and the worship of Shiva.

3. Ravana

Ravana, the king of Lanka and the primary antagonist in the Hindu epic Ramayana, was also a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Despite his portrayal as an antagonist, Ravana was a learned scholar and was well-versed in the six shastras and the four Vedas. His devotion to Shiva was so intense that he composed the Shiva Tandava Stotram, a hymn in praise of Shiva.

One of the most famous stories about Ravana’s devotion to Shiva involves his attempt to lift Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. Ravana tried to lift the mountain to demonstrate his power, but Shiva, to humble his arrogance, pressed down the mountain with his toe, crushing Ravana’s arm. Despite the pain, Ravana continued to sing praises of Shiva, who was pleased with his devotion and blessed him.

Ravana also sought immortality and invincibility by worshiping Shiva and trying to obtain the Atma Linga (soul of Shiva), which was supposed to grant its possessor immortality and invincibility. However, his arrogance and misuse of power led to his downfall.

Despite his negative portrayal in the Ramayana, Ravana is also respected for his knowledge, devotion to Shiva, and his skills as a ruler. His story serves as a reminder of the dual nature of beings and the consequences of unchecked power and arrogance.

Ravana was born to Sage Vishravan and Asura’s mother Kaikashi, making him half Asur (demon) and half Brahmin (sage). He was a master of 64 types of knowledge and all arts of weaponry. He was well-versed in Ayurveda and dark practices of black magic. It is said that he could control the planetary positions at his will. He owned pushpakviman (a flying chariot) which he won from his step brother Kuber. He had mastered tantra vidya (science of creating optical illusions of thoughts) which he used in battles against his enemies.

Ravana underwent colossal tapasya (penance) to please Lord Shiva on the banks of the river Narmada. Willing to please the Lord, Ravana annexed his head, and each time he did that, the head grew back and it continued ten times, thus enabling him to continue his penance. Lord Shiva thus granted ten heads to Ravana which he had sacrificed. Due to these ten heads, he is also known as “Dashmukh.” The ten heads of Ravana symbolize the six Shastras (sacred scriptures of Hinduism consisting of four categories: the sruti, smriti, purana, and tantra) and the four Vedas that Ravana mastered, making him a great scholar and one of the most intelligent beings of those times. He is known to have compiled Veda with the relevant musical svara (notes), and his Shiva Tandava stotra is yet the most popular hymn ever sung in praise of Lord Shiva. Yet another interpretation of Ravana’s 10 heads are the 10 emotions: Kaam (lust), Krodh (anger), Moha (delusion), Lobh (greed), Mada (pride), Maatsarya (envy), Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Chit (will), and Ahamkara (ego).