Kirata
Kirata is the form Lord Shiva assumed to test Arjuna, the Pandava prince, during his intense penance in the forest. Disguised as a tribal hunter, Shiva challenges Arjuna's strength and humility in battle, eventually revealing his divine form and blessing him with the celestial weapon, Pashupatastra. This avatar represents the Divine's way of **testing and refining the worthy**.
To test the limits of Arjuna’s dedication, valor, and spiritual discipline. Through this form, Shiva teaches that the Divine may test a seeker in unpredictable ways before bestowing great spiritual or divine power.
Appearance: A dark-skinned tribal hunter clad in bark and animal skin, with matted hair and a bow slung across his shoulder. He carries a quiver full of arrows and exudes intense, primal energy. His form is fierce, wild, and radiant, blending rugged strength with divine mystery.
Symbols
Weapons
Mount
None (stands or walks like a forest-dwelling hunter)
Associated Elements
Kirata represents **Shiva as the cosmic examiner** — appearing in rugged, unconventional forms to test spiritual warriors. He teaches that **great power can only be entrusted to those who are fearless, humble, and devoted**. This form also celebrates the dignity and divinity of indigenous and tribal forms, reinforcing that the Divine can dwell beyond societal norms.
- The Divine may test your strength and ego before granting you grace.
- Valor and devotion must go hand in hand.
- God does not always appear in majestic forms — humility recognizes divinity in all.
- Even battles can become sacred when fought for dharma and self-purification.
Parvati
Accompanies Shiva during the test, also in disguised form in some regional tales.
Arjuna
The Pandava prince who proves his devotion and valor and receives Shiva's divine boon.
Indra
Arjuna's father, who also blesses him after the Pashupatastra event.
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple
Legship, Sikkim, India
Dedicated to Shiva as the Kirata. It is believed this is where Shiva blessed Arjuna.
Kirat Shiva Temple
Nepal (various tribal Shaiva temples)
Worshipped by indigenous Kirat tribes as their ancestral deity.