Who is Greater: Shiva or Ram?

Namah Shivaya! Heartfelt congratulations to everyone on Shivratri.

Today, my topic is whether Lord Shiva is greater or Lord Ram. This question usually doesn’t arise, but our religious texts contain certain statements that create confusion. For instance, if you read the Shiva Purana, you will feel that Shiva is the greatest. If you read the Vishnu Purana, you will feel that Vishnu, Ram, or Krishna is the greatest. If you read the Devi Purana or Devi Bhagavata, you will feel that Mother Shakti or Durga is the greatest.

However, the question remains: who is greater, Lord Ram or Lord Shiva? This question arises because of a certain event. When Ram was preparing to attack Lanka to fight Ravana, he established Rameshwaram. When asked who he worships, Ram replied that he worships Lord Shiva. This suggests that even for Lord Ram, the ultimate deity is Mahadev.

On the other hand, when Mahadev (Shiva) meditates with closed eyes, Parvati asks him, “Oh Lord, Oh Mahadev, Oh Shankar, you are the Supreme God. Whom do you meditate upon?” Shiva replies, “I meditate upon Lord Ram.” This creates confusion because Ram worships Shiva, and Shiva worships Ram. Both worship each other, so who is truly greater?

This is a profound question. Some scholars say that the three—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh—are one. But we find it hard to understand how these three can be the same when their deeds, eras, and actions are different. Their names are countless. For example, Vishnu has a thousand names. How can we believe that these three are one?

Let’s understand this with a simple example. Suppose a patient has a boil on his hand that needs to be surgically removed. He goes to a doctor, whom we can consider as God for this example. The surgeon, who first removes the boil, acts as Shiva, the destroyer. After removing the boil, the doctor stitches the wound, applies ointment, and bandages it, thereby facilitating the creation of new skin. In this phase, the doctor acts as Brahma, the creator.

A few days later, new skin forms, and the wound heals. The doctor then prescribes antibiotics to prevent infection, ensuring that the new skin remains healthy. In this phase, the doctor maintains the condition, acting as Vishnu, the preserver. Thus, one doctor performs three roles: destruction, creation, and preservation. Similarly, the three roles of God—Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu—are performed by one divine entity.

When there is a dire situation on Earth or in the universe, the role of destruction (Pralaya) falls under Lord Shiva. When it comes to preservation, it is the duty of Lord Vishnu. When creation is required, it is the task of Brahma.

Behind these roles, there is an underlying divine power. Shiva is accompanied by Mata Kali, Brahma by Saraswati, and Vishnu by Lakshmi. These powers operate behind the scenes, ensuring the functions of creation, destruction, and preservation. Therefore, we can understand from this example that no one is greater or lesser; they are all manifestations of the same Supreme Being.

The purpose of this video is to convey that neither Shiva nor Ram is greater; rather, they are one and the same. Hence, both are equally great.

Through this video, we tried to understand that Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh are not separate entities. Vishnu has many incarnations. Another interesting point is that Mahadev, Shiva, and Shankar are distinct, and Sadashiva is also different. How they differ is something I will try to explain in a future video.

But for today, that’s all. And yes, if you haven’t subscribed to my channel yet, please do so. Thank you! Namah Shivaya!