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We’ve all heard about Lord Shiva’s third eye and seen it in photographs. For this reason, Lord Shiva is also known as Trinetradhari or Tryambakeshwar. The third eye on his forehead not only symbolizes divine power, but also represents knowledge, penance, wisdom, and the power to destroy.

Religious texts contain numerous stories to Lord Shiva’s third eye. One famous tale explains how the third eye of Lord Shiva appeared.

When Goddess Parvati Closed Shiva’s Eyes

According to mythological beliefs, Lord Shiva was once sitting in meditation on Mount Kailash. At that very moment, Goddess Parvati, in a playful manner, approached him and lovingly closed both of his eyes with her palms. As soon as Shiva closed his eyes, darkness descended upon the entire universe. The light of the sun and moon seemed to vanish. Life on Earth was threatened, and an atmosphere of fear prevailed everywhere.

The Third Eye Appeared to Protect the Universe

To save the universe from darkness and to restore light to the world, a brilliant third eye suddenly appeared on Lord Shiva’s forehead. The fiery energy emanating from this divine eye illuminated the entire universe once again. After this, Goddess Parvati realized her mistake and apologized to Lord Shiva. It is believed that from then on, Lord Shiva was known as the Trinetradhari, and his third eye became a symbol of his divine power.

The Story of the Burning of Kamadeva

Another famous incident involving the third eye is found in the Shiva Purana and other mythological tales. When, at the request of the gods, Kamadeva shot a flower arrow at Lord Shiva to break his penance, Shiva became enraged. He opened his third eye, and the resulting fire instantly consumed Kamadeva. Later, at the request of Goddess Rati, Lord Shiva revived Kamadeva in a subtle form.