When medieval foreign travelers first encountered Hindu idols, they were often bewildered. These intricately designed deities—with multiple heads, hands, and animalistic features—seemed incomprehensible to those unfamiliar with India’s spiritual depth. Some even misunderstood these divine forms, labeling Hindus as “monster worshipers” and depicting the gods in grotesque ways through an Abrahamic lens.
However, as they delved deeper into Indian customs and philosophies, many began to appreciate the profound symbolism behind these forms. The multiple heads and hands are not mere artistic choices but expressions of divine attributes and cosmic principles.
One such deity is Sadashiva, the five-headed form of Shiva, embodying five aspects of existence and creation. This is the story of Sadashiva’s origins and the profound spiritual philosophy behind this iconic representation.
Sadashiva Iconography
Before we dive into the fascinating story of five-headed Shiva, let’s pause and talk about his iconography. Why does he have five heads? What do they represent? At first glance, it might seem purely artistic or mythological, but every detail of Sadashiva’s form is packed with deep symbolism. Understanding this can give us a clearer picture of the profound philosophy behind his depiction.
Sadashiva, the five-headed form of Lord Shiva, is not just about aesthetics—it’s a representation of the entire cosmos and the principles that govern it. Each head has its own significance: Ishana represents supreme consciousness, Tatpurusha symbolizes the individual soul, Aghora stands for destruction and transformation, Vamadeva embodies preservation, and Sadyojata signifies creation. Together, these five aspects tell the story of life, death, and everything in between—reminding us how interconnected all existence is.
If you’ve ever seen artistic depictions of Sadashiva, you might have noticed his serene expressions. Each face looks in a different direction, symbolizing omnipresence. And there’s more—his heads align with the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space, showing Shiva’s role as the ultimate cosmic balancer. The central head wears a towering crown, emphasizing his authority, while his meditative pose radiates tranquility. Through this form, Sadashiva encourages us to look beyond the material world and recognize the unity of the divine within ourselves and the universe.
Mukhalinga as per the Roop Mandan:
मुखलिङ्गं त्रिवक्त्र वा एकवक्त्रञ्चतुर्मुखम् । सम्मुखं चैकवक्त्र स्यात्त्रिवक्त्र पृष्ठतो नहि ॥
पश्चिमास्यं स्थितं शुभ्रं कुङ्कुमाभं तयोत्तरम् । याम्यं कृष्णं करालं स्यात् प्राच्यां दोप्ताग्निसन्निभम् ॥
सद्यो वामं तथाऽघोरं तत्पुरुष चतुर्थकम् । पञ्चमञ्च तथेशानं योगिनामथ (प्य) गोचरम् ॥
The Mukhalinga should be depicted with one, three, or four faces.
One-faced Linga: The face should be positioned at the front.
Three-faced Linga: The faces should be arranged so that none face the back.
Four-faced Linga: Each face should reflect a distinct characteristic:The face on the back should be white.The face on the north should be red.The face on the south should be black and fearsome.The face at the front should radiate like a blazing fire.
The faces correspond to the divine aspects: Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Aghora, and Tatpurusha, respectively. The fifth aspect, Ishana, is transcendent and beyond ordinary perception, known only to the most accomplished yogis.
The Story of Sadashiva
Long ago, in the lineage of the fearsome demon Hiranyakashipu, there lived a mighty king named Nikumbh, a being of unparalleled radiance and power. Nikumbh had two sons, Sunda and Upasunda, who were as terrifying as they were formidable. These brothers were no ordinary beings—they shared an inseparable bond, so deep that it seemed like one soul had been split between two bodies. Their thoughts, actions, and desires were perfectly aligned, making them a force to be reckoned with.
As the brothers grew, their ambition matched their strength. They craved ultimate dominion, not just over their own kind, but over the entire three worlds—heaven, earth, and the netherworld. Driven by this insatiable desire, the two demons, alongside their father Nikumbh, reached a pact. They sought the guidance of a guru, received initiation, and retreated to the towering Vindhya Mountains to undertake a penance so severe that it shook the realms.
The brothers’ focus was unyielding. Days turned into years, and their austerity grew so intense that the Vindhya Mountains themselves began to smolder, emitting thick clouds of smoke—a marvel that struck fear into the hearts of gods and men alike. The celestials, alarmed by this growing power, tried every trick in the book to break their resolve. Tempting heaps of shimmering gems were sent to entice them, followed by the allure of celestial maidens renowned for their beauty. Yet Sunda and Upasunda, unwavering in their purpose, resisted every distraction with remarkable discipline.
Finally, their unrelenting penance compelled Lord Brahma, the creator and benefactor of all worlds, to descend from his celestial abode. Standing before the two brothers, whose power now radiated like fire, Brahma said, “Great are your efforts, and unwavering your devotion. I am pleased. Ask for a boon—anything you desire, and it shall be granted.”
ततः सुन्दोपसुन्दौ तौ भ्रातरी दृढविक्रमी । दृष्ट्वा पितामहं देवं तस्थतुः प्राञ्जली तदा ।।
ऊचतुश्च प्रभुं देवं ततस्तौ सहितौ तदा । आवयोस्तपसानेन यदि प्रीतः पितामहः ।।
मायाविदावस्त्रविदौ बलिनौ कामरूपिणौ । उभावप्यमरी स्यावः प्रसन्नो यदि नौ प्रभुः ।।(आदिपर्व, महाभारत)
As Lord Brahma stood before them, his radiant presence illuminating the smoky peaks of the Vindhya Mountains, the mighty brothers Sunda and Upasunda bowed low in reverence. Their towering forms, hardened by years of relentless penance, now bore an air of restrained triumph. With folded hands, they spoke in unison, their voices deep and unwavering, echoing across the mountains like thunder.
“Lord Brahma,” they began, their eyes gleaming with ambition, “if our penance has pleased you, we humbly seek your blessings. Grant us mastery over all illusions, knowledge of every weapon, unparalleled strength, and the power to assume any form at will.” They paused, their tone growing bolder, the weight of their final wish hanging in the air. “And above all, bless us with immortality—the power to live unchallenged, untouched by time or death.”
ऋतेऽमरत्वं युवयोः सर्वमुक्तं भविष्यति । अन्यद् वृणीतं मृत्योश्च विधानममरैः समम् ।।
त्रिषु लोकेषु यद् भूतं किंचित् स्थावरजङ्गमम् । सर्वस्मान्नो भयं न स्यादृतेऽन्योन्यं पितामह ।।
यत् प्रार्थितं यथोक्तं च काममेतद् ददानि वाम् । मृत्योर्विधानमेतच्च यथावद् वा भविष्यति ।।
Lord Brahma, with a calm yet resolute tone, replied, “You shall receive everything you have asked for—knowledge of illusions, mastery over weapons, immense strength, and the ability to assume any form. But immortality is beyond my power to grant. Instead, I can offer you a law of death that will make you as secure as the gods themselves. State your wish.”
Hearing this, Sunda and Upasunda bowed and said in unison, “As you decree, O Lord! Then bless us with this: that we shall have no fear of death from any living or non-living being in the three worlds. Let the only danger to our lives come from each other.”
Brahma smiled knowingly and said, “So be it. Your boon is granted as per your penance. The fate of your death shall unfold exactly as you have chosen.” With these words, he disappeared, leaving the brothers to celebrate their newfound invincibility—unaware of the destiny they had unknowingly set in motion.
Sunda-Upasunda’s Tyranny
The two demon brothers, Sunda and Upasunda, intoxicated by their newfound powers, set their sights on domination. With the ability to travel anywhere at will, they leaped into the skies and headed straight for the celestial realm. Their arrival at the gates of Indraloka struck terror among the gods, who, knowing the power of the boon granted by Lord Brahma, abandoned heaven and fled to Brahmaloka for refuge.
Seizing control of Indraloka, the brothers unleashed chaos. They slaughtered and tormented the Yakshas, Rakshasas, and other celestial beings without mercy. From the eastern shores of the ocean, they commanded their armies to wreak havoc across all realms. With cruel determination, they began attacking indiscriminately, spreading destruction wherever they went.
Their cruelty knew no bounds. Sometimes they took the form of lions or tigers, sometimes they turned invisible, hunting down sages who had retreated into forests. Their reign of terror brought life on earth to a standstill. Yagyas ceased, Vedic studies were abandoned, and sages and Brahmins were slaughtered. Festivals, weddings, and rituals vanished entirely. Fields lay barren as agriculture and cattle rearing came to an end.
Cities and ashrams were left in ruins, littered with bones and skeletons. The earth itself seemed to reflect the horror, its once-thriving lands now transformed into a wasteland of desolation and fear. It was a time of utter darkness—a terrifying chapter in the history of the three worlds.
Tilottama’s Birth
Heartbroken by the devastation caused by Sunda and Upasunda, the sages sought refuge in Lord Brahma’s wisdom. They arrived at his celestial abode, where Brahma sat surrounded by gods and revered sages, including Mahadev, Vayu, Agni, Indra, and others. With humility, they narrated the horrors unleashed by the demon brothers—the plundering, destruction, and relentless slaughter of innocent lives.
Brahma listened intently, his face etched with concern. After deep contemplation, he devised a plan to end the tyranny. Calling upon Vishwakarma, the divine architect, Brahma gave a profound command: “Create a young woman of such beauty that she will enchant all who see her, drawing even the strongest into her spell.”
Following Lord Brahma’s command, Vishwakarma, the celestial architect, bowed respectfully and set to work. After deep contemplation, he crafted a divine woman, pouring all his skill and artistry into her creation. Drawing from the essence of every visible object across the three worlds—both animate and inanimate—he wove her form with unparalleled precision.
Her body was adorned with the brilliance of countless gems, each carefully embedded to enhance her celestial allure. Every part of her radiated an ethereal glow, as if she were a goddess descended from the heavens. Her beauty transcended mortal comprehension, making her a marvel unique among all the women of the three realms.
So extraordinary was her form that no gaze could wander away; every inch of her figure seemed designed to capture and mesmerize. Those who looked upon her found their eyes and minds captivated, entranced as if she were an incarnation of Lakshmi herself—a living embodiment of divine charm and irresistible allure.
तिलं तिलं समानीय रत्नानां यद् विनिर्मिता तिलोत्तमेति तत् तस्या नाम चक्रे पितामहः ।।
Her body parts were created by taking tiny bits (Til) of the finest gems, so Brahma named her ‘Tilottama’.
तथा देवनिकायानां महर्षीणां च सर्वशः । मुखानि चाभ्यवर्तन्त येन याति तिलोत्तमा ।।
कुर्वत्या तु तदा तत्र मण्डलं तत् प्रदक्षिणम् । इन्द्रः स्थाणुश्च भगवान् धैर्येण प्रत्यवस्थितौ ।।
द्रष्टुकामस्य चात्यर्थं गतया पार्श्वतस्तया । अन्यदञ्चितपद्माक्षं दक्षिणं निःसृतं मुखम् ।।
पृष्ठतः परिवर्तन्त्या पश्चिमं निःस्तं मुखम् । गतया चोत्तरं पार्श्वमुत्तरं निःसृतं मुखम् ।।
As Tilottama began her graceful circumambulation of the divine assembly, her enchanting presence drew the undivided attention of the gods and sages. Wherever she moved, their gazes followed, captivated by her celestial beauty. Yet, among them, Indra and Lord Shiva remained composed, seated in tranquil poise, though even they were not untouched by her allure.
When Tilottama moved to the southern side, a remarkable transformation occurred. Driven by the desire to see her, a new face manifested on the southern side of Lord Shiva’s head, its lotus-like eyes gazing at her with serene curiosity. As she passed behind him, another face emerged on the western side, watching her departure. When she moved to the north, yet another face appeared, each one a reflection of Shiva’s infinite nature and his acknowledgment of her extraordinary beauty.
Tilottama’s divine radiance revealed not only her unparalleled charm but also the boundless aspects of Lord Shiva’s form, embodying his omnipresence and divine equilibrium.
महेन्द्रस्यापि नेत्राणां पृष्ठतः पार्श्वतोऽग्रतः । रक्तान्तानां विशालानां सहस्रं सर्वतोऽभवत् ।
एवं चतुर्मुखः स्थाणुर्महादेवोऽभवत् पुरा । तथा सहस्रनेत्रश्च बभूव बलसूदनः ।
In a similar display of divine transformation, thousands of large, radiant eyes with crimson corners manifested all over Indra’s form—on his front, back, and sides. Each eye seemed to burn with the brilliance of a sun, a testament to his celestial power and heightened perception.
Thus, in that sacred moment, the indestructible Lord Mahadev revealed his four faces, symbolizing his all-encompassing presence, while Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, was adorned with a thousand eyes, signifying his vigilance and omniscience. These divine manifestations reflected their immense power and the awe-inspiring response evoked by Tilottama’s celestial beauty.
As Tilottama prepared to leave, the gods and sages watched her retreating figure, their hearts filled with assurance. Her unmatched beauty had captivated them all, and they were certain that their mission was on the verge of success. Collecting delicate oleander flowers from the riverbank, Tilottama moved gracefully toward the lair of the two demon brothers, Sunda and Upasunda.
The demons were seated comfortably, having indulged in a potent intoxicating elixir that left their eyes tinged with redness and their minds dulled by desire. But the moment they caught sight of Tilottama, her mesmerizing beauty pierced through their drunken stupor like lightning. Consumed by overwhelming lust, they forgot everything else.
Driven mad by her allure, both demons rose from their seats and hurried toward her, unable to resist the pull of her charm. Their minds clouded with obsession, they began to plead fervently for her love, each insisting that she become his wife.
In that moment, the seeds of their downfall were sown, as Tilottama’s beauty became the spark that would ignite the flames of discord between the two inseparable brothers.
दक्षिणे तां करे सुभ्रू सुन्दो जग्राह पाणिना । उपसुन्दोऽपि जग्राह वामे पाणौ तिलोत्तमाम् ।।
Sunda grasped Tilottama’s delicate right hand, his gaze fixed on her enchanting face with its beautifully arched eyebrows, while Upasunda seized her left hand, equally captivated by her divine allure.
Drunk with power from their rare boon, intoxicated by their natural strength, and blinded by their wealth, gems, and liquor, Sunda and Upasunda’s arrogance knew no bounds. When they saw Tilottama, their lust overcame all reason.
Sunda, consumed by desire, declared, “She is my wife! To you, she is like a mother.” Not to be outdone, Upasunda retorted, “No, she is my wife! To you, she is like a daughter-in-law.” Their words quickly turned into a violent clash as their greed and lust for Tilottama boiled over.
Grabbing their massive, terrifying maces, the brothers attacked each other with deadly force. “I will have her first!” shouted Sunda. “No, I will!” cried Upasunda. The battle between them was fierce, each blow fueled by their obsession.
In the end, both demons succumbed to their injuries. Their blood-soaked bodies fell to the ground like two blazing suns crashing from the heavens to the earth. The sight struck terror into the hearts of the demon community, who fled in fear and sorrow, retreating to the underworld.
With the brothers vanquished, Lord Brahma appeared, accompanied by the gods and sages, all singing praises of Tilottama for her role in the demons’ demise. Pleased with her devotion and beauty, Brahma joyfully granted her a boon.
“Tilottama,” Brahma said with a pure heart, “you will be free to roam as you wish across all the worlds where the Sun moves. Your radiance will be so brilliant that no one will be able to look upon you, not even with their eyes closed.”
Having bestowed this divine blessing, Brahma entrusted Indra with the protection of the three worlds and returned to Brahmaloka, leaving behind a world freed from the terror of Sunda and Upasunda.
Naradji addressed Yudhishthira with wisdom and concern, saying, “O Yudhishthira, observe the fate of Sunda and Upasunda. Though united and harmonious in all matters, their bond was shattered by their anger and desire for Tilottama, leading to their mutual destruction. Let this be a lesson for you and your brothers.”
He continued, “O leaders of the Bharat dynasty, I urge you with affection to ensure that no division arises among you over your beloved Draupadi. Take steps to preserve your unity and harmony, for that is the foundation of your strength. May you all be blessed with wisdom and foresight.”
Heeding Naradji’s words, the Pandavas devised a rule to maintain peace and fairness among themselves. Each brother would spend twelve months exclusively with Draupadi. If any other brother disturbed the one with her during this time, he would voluntarily undertake a twelve-year pilgrimage as penance.
This rule not only preserved their bond but also demonstrated their respect for one another and for Draupadi, ensuring their unity remained intact despite the challenges of sharing a single wife.
Dhom, Mahabaleshwar
Badami, Karnataka
Satara, Maharashtra
Currently in MET Museum.
Ref: Aadiparva, Mahabharat, Geeta Press. Gorakhpur (273005), Uttar Pradesh, India
