Knowledge Bank

Are Shiva and Rudra the same?

Rudra is one aspect of Shiva. Rudra takes care of the elimination of the universe. Shiva is Parabrahma. The abode of Rudra is Rudraloka which is above Vishnuloka. Above Rudraloka is Maheshwaraloka. Above Maheshwaraloka is Kalachakra. Above that is Shivaloka which is the abode of Shiva.

Agnishaucham

Nala got separated from Damayanti. He was roaming around in the forest. At that time, he got bitten by the serpent, Karkotaka. He became ugly beyond recognition due to the effect of the poison. Then, Karkotaka gave him a cloak with magical power called Agnishaucham (अग्निशौचम्). Wearing this, Nala could get back his original form.