A Śaiva Happy Ever After: Viṣṇu as Pāśupata Ascetic—Studies in the Skandapurāṇa X

The Skandapurāṇa is one of the many textual sources that narrates Viṣṇu’s manifestation myths. It tells stories Narasiṃha (Man-Lion), Varāha (Boar) and Vāmana (Dwarf) in its own distinctive way. greatest innovation addition thus far unprecedented sequels to stories. Whereas Śiva played a minor role, or no role at all, narratives as they were known time composition Skandapurāṇa, he becomes indispensable “afterlife episodes” Each afterlife episode follows same structure, which Viṣṇu unable unwilling give up his manifested form. He liberated from it by Śiva, who subsequently grants boon reward for deeds devotion Śiva. From Śaiva perspective, boons become grander each narrative: first, receives important cosmic task universe destroying gods’ enemies, then formally joins Pāśupata community performing observance, finally, reaches union with i.e., liberation continuous cycle rebirth, another observance. By introducing “the principle end weight”, I will argue this radical, new identity expressed strategic place narrative, viz. very end, part remembered most vividly.