Question: What position does Lord Krishna have according to Shiva Purana? What kind of relationship do Krishna and Shiva maintain (according to Shiva purana)? This is a question I came across in preaching and though I have been able to give references according to the Brahma Samhita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Gita Mahatmya, and also explain that the different puranas are meant for people in different modes, I wasn’t able to give a direct answer as to Krishna’s position according to the Shiva Purana.
I would really appreciate if you could please elaborate on this.
Answer by Romapada Swami:
Before directly answering your question, let me provide a prelude, a context in which to understand how different puranas relate to one another. Since different puranas address the needs and temperaments of those situated in different modes of nature, just as you have pointed out, it is natural that they identify different personalities as the greatest object of worship. Indeed we can expect that any scriptural text will focus on extolling the glories of its subject matter.
Yet, even as they glorify a particular Deity exclusively, portrayed as “superlative to all others”, within the various puranas themselves are found indications hinting at a higher stage of realization of the Absolute Truth to those sincerely seeking for it. Sometimes they may directly refer to another purana as superlative (namely the Bhagavata Purana) and at other times do so more subtly by directing the reader to approach a self- realized soul to learn the truth.
To elaborate on this scriptural issue our acharyas, particularly Jiva Gosvami in his Tattva Sandarbha, gives much evidence showing how various puranas singularly point towards Srimad Bhagavatam as being the foremost and the ultimate authority amongst them all (the puranas), being the “spotless” purana and the ripened fruit of Vedic tree. Thus, in case of any apparent contradictions or conflicting conclusions among the puranas (which are inevitable due to the differences in their subject matters and their audience), the verdict of Bhagavatam is to be upheld as superior. This is indicated within the Bhagavatam itself, but it is corroborated by other puranas as well.
Thus, one will find in Shiva Purana or some other Purana, narrations depicting Lord Shiva as the Supreme controller of the material universe and so on. Such glories are indeed true, not exaggerations, but they are to be understood in context and in light of the conclusion of Srimad Bhagavatam. Thus, Lord Shiva performs the service of being the Supreme Controller of the material universe, in service to Krishna.
It is also to be noted that Lord Shiva in particular has a unique position and relationship with Krishna among other devatas, being in some aspects non-different than Vishnu. Thus even within the Vaishnava literatures, not to speak of Shiva purana, there are narrations where Vishnu worships Lord Shiva (e.g. Lord Rama), glorifies Shiva as superior to Himself (as in the pastime of churning milk ocean) and obtains boons from him (e.g. Krishna seeking benediction for a good son). For those without a grasp of the
ultimate conclusion of the scriptures, this may be confusing, but these instances illustrate the special affection and intimate relationship Sri Krishna has with Lord Shiva, in that He offers His dearest devotee a position greater than Himself.
