JIHVESHWARA

 IS JIVESHWARA THE SON OF LORD SHIVA??

BIRTH STORY OF JIVESHWARA

Long ago, when the universe was still being formed, Ādimāyā, the divine mother (primordial energy), was tasked by Brahma to create a being who could weave sacred clothes for gods and mankind—something no one had done yet. She approached Lord Shiva, the ultimate creator and destroyer, and requested him to manifest a soul who could take up this divine duty.

Moved by Ādimāyā’s request, Lord Shiva performed a deep penance and channeled his divine power through his tongue (jihva). From that very tongue, a radiant child emerged, glowing with divine energy. This child was Jihveshwara—literally meaning "Lord born from the tongue" (Jihva = tongue, Ishwara = Lord).

This miraculous birth happened on a Monday during the “Śrāvaṇa māsa Trayodaśī” (13th day of the waxing moon in the Shravan month), during the sunrise hour.

THE BEGINNING 

After his birth, Goddess Parvati named him Sali, and he was blessed by the Trimurtis (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva). Jihveshwara was taught by Ādimāyā herself. He mastered the art of spinning, dyeing, and weaving silk, especially for divine rituals.

He wasn’t just a craftsman — he became the first teacher of weaving, laying the spiritual foundation for the Sali (weaver) communities that would follow him.

DESECENT TO EARTH

After receiving divine instruction, Jihveshwara descended to Earth at the command of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He came to teach mankind the sacred art of weaving — not just for clothing, but as a divine duty.

He traveled across kingdoms, shared his wisdom, and initiated humans into silk weaving, especially for temple offerings, weddings, and dharmic rituals. Through his ten children, he established weaving communities across Bharat. His divine mission elevated weaving from a mere livelihood to a sacred tradition — one passed through generations with devotion.

 

MARRIAGE AND LINEAGE

In his youth, Jihveshwara was married to two divine consorts:

• Ankini, created by Brahma

• Dashankini, created by Saraswati

Together, they had ten divine children, each of whom went on to establish different weaving communities:

• From Ankini: Lomaharshi, Chandrakanath, Kshetrapāla, Parashnatha

• From Dashankini: Kailasabhuvana, Sanathana, Bhaktibānūja, Parvakāla, Dayasāgara, Archanānīrdhāra

These descendants formed the lineages of Swakulasali, Aher Sali, Sanathan Sali, and even Devanga in some traditions.

TRANSFORMATION INTO KALABHAIRAVA

After fulfilling his responsibilities as a householder and guru, Jihveshwara renounced the material world. In Kashi (Varanasi), he took sannyāsa (spiritual renunciation). There, he was blessed once again by Shiva and Parvati and was transformed into the fierce yet divine protector: Kalabhairava. He is believed to reside spiritually in Kashi to this day, guarding dharma and guiding souls toward moksha (liberation).

 

TEMPLES 

Though temples dedicated solely to Jihveshwara are rare, many weaving families and communities worship him in various forms:

• Jihveshwara Temple in Kashi (Varanasi) – A sacred site believed to be where he became Kalabhairava.

• Community Temples in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana — Often small shrines in weaver colonies.

• Kuladeivam shrines in homes — Where Jihveshwara is worshipped daily with silk threads, coconuts, and lamp offerings.

His Jayanti (birthday) is celebrated during Shravana Trayodashi with pujas, loom decorations, and prayers for prosperity and skill.

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