A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1696

c5.1696

There are various legends respecting Siva’s garments and weapons. It is said that “he once visited a forest in the form of a religious mendicant, and the wives of the Rishis residing there fell in love with his great beauty, which the Rishis, perceiving, resented; in order, therefore, to overpower him, they first dug a pit, and by magical arts caused a tiger to rush out of it, which he slew, and taking his skin wore it as a garment; they next caused a deer to spring out upon him, which he took up in his left hand and ever after retained there. They then produced a red-hot iron, but this too he took up and kept in his hand as a weapon. . . The elephant’s skin belonged to an Asura named Gaya, who acquired such power that he would have conquered the gods, and would have destroyed the Munis had they not fled to Benares and taken refuge in a temple of Siva, who then destroyed the Asura, and, ripping up his body, stripped off the (elephant) hide, which he cast over his shoulders for a cloak.”—Williams.