Tripura Dahana
Destruction of the Three Cities
Tripurasura Samhara is a grand cosmic event where Lord Shiva, as Tripurantaka, destroys the three flying, invincible cities known as Tripura, built by the sons of the demon Tarakasura. These cities posed a great threat to the Devas and the cosmic order. The act symbolizes the destruction of ego, illusion (maya), and worldly desires.
In this form, Shiva wields a cosmic bow and arrow, embodying the focused will required to annihilate deep-rooted ignorance and negativity with a single, precise act.
This event signifies the inner victory over the threefold bonds of ego, karma, and maya that keep the soul in bondage. Shiva’s calm yet decisive act shows the triumph of divine will over ignorance and arrogance.
Shiva (Tripurantaka)
Destroyer of the three cities
Tarakaksha, Kamalaksha, Vidyunmali
The three Asura sons of Tarakasura who built Tripura
Vishnu
Became the arrow used by Shiva
Brahma
Acted as the charioteer for Shiva's cosmic chariot
Tripura
The three cities representing body, mind, and intellect or the three impurities (anava, karma, maya).
Single arrow
Oneness of supreme knowledge and power.
Divine Chariot
The convergence of all cosmic forces to support Dharma.