• Abha Shree
• Dr.Anita Ghosh

In Amish Tripathi's Shiva Trilogy, Shiva is presented as a human figure, a Tibetan immigrant to Meluha, who becomes the legendary Neelkanth, the prophesied destroyer of evil. The trilogy re-imagines the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, exploring how a man could become a god through his actions and karma. While the trilogy draws inspiration from the Shiva Purana and Hindu mythology, it also humanizes the figure of Shiva, depicting him as a man with flaws and strengths, and explores his journey from a mortal to a legendary figure. The trilogy portrays Shiva as a tribal chief from the Guna tribe, not as the divine Mahadev, highlighting his human nature and journey. Shiva's arrival in Meluha and the consumption of Somras, which turns his throat blue, fulfill the prophecy of Neelkanth, a legendary figure who will save the empire from evil. Shiva's journey is driven by his desire to find and destroy the evil that threatens Meluha, leading him on a quest that explores various empires and their values. The trilogy explores the concept of how gods could be human beings in the past and achieved immortality through their actions, showcasing Shiva's journey as a reflection of this idea. Shiva's actions and karma, particularly his bravery and his ability to overcome obstacles, contribute to his eventual godlike status, even though he starts as a mortal. The trilogy draws inspiration from the Shiva Purana, which is a major source of Hindu mythology about Shiva, but it also takes creative liberties to humanize and reimagine the story. The Immortals of Meluha is a fantasy novel by Indian writer Amish Tripathi, his first book and the first in both the Amish verse and of Shiva Trilogy. The story is set in the land of Meluha and starts with the arrival of the Shiva. The Meluhans believe that Shiva is their fabled saviour Neelkanth. Shiva decides to help the Meluhans in their war against the Chandravanshis, who had joined forces with the cursed Nagas; however, during his journey and the fight that ensues, Shiva learns how his choices actually reflect who he aspires to be and how they lead to dire consequences.

Myth, mythology, puranas, epic, Meluha, incarnation, immortal forces, incarnation, rituals, dreams, culture, tribe, Shiva trilogy

"Shiva in Myths, Culture and Religion in Amish Tripathi's The Immortals of Meluha", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 4, page no.m107-m110, April-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2504C12.pdf

"Shiva in Myths, Culture and Religion in Amish Tripathi's The Immortals of Meluha", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 4, page no. ppm107-m110, April-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2504C12.pdf