“The Source Book of Hindu Mythology” also includes many illustrations, a pronunciation guide and an overview of Vedic time. Get your Hindu temple hack on Amazon worldwide.

Example Hindu temple hack listing for Shiva (as illustrated above)
Shiva was one of the three supreme gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Shiva had no incarnations. He lived in Kailas with his wife Pārvati. He had three eyes, the third was on his forehead. When Shiva’s third eye was open, whatever was in its line of sight would be annihilated. Brahma and Vishnu were debating who was greater between them, so they approached Shiva. Shiva became a lingam and asked them to find the beginning and the end of that lingam. Brahma and Vishnu went out in different ways and Brahma thought he found it and told Shiva. Shiva knew it was a lie and so cursed Brahma. (see Brahma)

The Devas and the Danavas churned the milky ocean to obtain nectar and many other gifts. Along with those gifts such as Lakshmi, Airāvata, and the Apsaras, came Hālāhala the all-consuming fiery poison. Everyone was trying to run away from it and they all prayed to Shiva. Shiva swallowed it but kept it in his throat because he had other worlds in his stomach. (see Hālāhala) This tarnished Shiva’s neck and so he is also called Nīlakantha.

Shiva’s first wife was Sati, the eldest daughter of Daksha. She came to one of his great sacrifices uninvited and was humiliated by Daksha. She jumped into the fire and killed herself. When Shiva received the sad news, he was angry and created Vīrabhadra and ordered him to demolish Daksha and his sacrifice and all those attending it. Thus the mighty Vīrabhadra went and destroyed Daksha by ripping his head, he kicked the Sun in the mouth until a few teeth fell out. He ringed the moon until he was bent, and all such deeds. Finally, when Brahma begged, Shiva called off Vīrabhadra. (see Sati)

Shiva was lonely without a wife, so all of the Devas pleaded with Himavanta to have a daughter and offer her to Shiva as his wife. That daughter was Pārvati, who later served Shiva and married him. They had a son born via Agni, Ganga and found in the sawgrass and that was Kumāraswamy. They had another son Ganesha created by Pārvati. (see Ganesha)

When Vishnu came as the most beautiful woman (Jaganmohini), Shiva fell in love with her and chased her until he ejaculated. When he realized that it was all an illusion, he prayed to Vishnu and asked for forgiveness. (see Jaganmohini)

Among Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva who was the greatest? That was the question the rishis wanted to answer. They sent Bhrugu to find out. He came to Kailas when Shiva and Pārvati were playing and Shiva got angry with Bhrugu for coming without first announcing himself. Bhrugu said to Shiva: ”you have more rajas in you and so you are not the greatest. Henceforth your body will not be worshiped”. That is why Shiva is always represented as Lingam and not as a body.

When Bhagīratha brought Ganga to earth to save the souls of his ancestors, he prayed to Shiva to hold Ganga on his head and let him down gently. This is why Shiva wears Ganga on his head in his bushy hair. (see Ganga and Bhagīratha)