According to Hindu mythology, how many times has Shiva opened his 3rd eye and why?

 There are four instances where Mahadeva opened his third eye.

Incident 1: Burning of Kamadeva

After reaching the place where lord Shiva was engrossed in his meditation, Kamadeva made repeated attempts to arouse passion in the heart of lord Shiva, but his actions were no avail. Right then, Kamadeva saw Parvati arriving accompanied by her companions. She was looking divine in her beauty. Just at that moment lord Shiva too had come out of his meditation. Kamadeva thought that it was the most appropriate moment to release his arrow. Kamadeva struck lord Shiva with his Kamabana which did have a deep impact on him. Lord Shiva was struck by the awesome beauty of Parvati and his heart became full of passion for her. But at the same time he was surprised at the sudden change in his behaviour. He realized that it was an act of Kamadeva. Kamadeva started remembering gods but before the deities could come at his rescue the third eye of lord Shiva got opened and Kamadeva was reduced to ashes. Parvati got scarred after seeing Lord Shiva in such a destruction anger. She went to her house along with her companions. Rati, the wife of Kamadeva wept unconsolably.

Narrative:

He saw Kama stationed on His left side with his bow fully drawn and ready to discharge the arrow. Kama was haughty and so was very senseless. O Narada, on seeing Kama in that attitude, instantaneously anger was aroused in lord Siva, the supreme soul. O sage, standing high up in the air, holding the arrow and the bow, Kama discharged his arrow, usually unerring on Siva The infallible weapon became futile on the great Lord. The furious weapon calmed down in regard to the great soul, Siva. Kama was frightened when his weapon failed. Standing there and seeing lord Siva, the conqueror of death in front, he trembled. O great sage, when his endeavor became futile, Kama who was frightened much remembered Indra and all other gods. O great sage, remembered by Kama, Indra and other gods came there, bowed to and eulogized Siva. When the gods eulogized thus, a great flame of fire sprang up from the third eye of the infuriated Siva. That fire originating, instantaneously from the eye in the middle of His forehead blazed with flames shooting up and resembling the fire of final dissolution in refulgence. After shooting up in the sky, it fell on the ground and rolled over the earth all round. Even before the gods had the time to say "Let him be forgiven, let him be excused" it reduced Kama to ashes.

[1]

Ref: Shiva Purana

Incident 2: Birth of Jalandhara

Once upon a time, Indra was going towards Kailash mountain to meet lord Shiva. Sage Brihaspati was accompanying him. Lord Shiva came to know about his arrival. He wanted to test his devotion towards him. While both Indra and Brihaspati were still on their way. Lord Shiva met them on their in the guise of a hermit. Indra did not recognize Shiva, who was sitting on the way disguised as a hermit. Indra inquired as to who he was and where he lives. Lord Shiva sat quietly without saying a word. Indra repeatedly asked the same question, but each time Shiva remained quiet. Indra became furious and tried to attack lord Shiva with his Vajra. Lord Shiva paralyzed the raised hands of Indra by his divine power. Shiva's eyes had reddened due to anger which made Indra very frightened. sage Vrihaspati was able to recognize the real identity of the hermit as to who he was. He made salutations to lord Shiva and requested him to pardon Indra. Lord Shiva became pleased and diverted the power of his third eye to the ocean. And from that energy , Jalandhara is born.

Narrative:

Indra said:"O evil-minded one, though asked you did not reply to me. Hence I am going to kill you with my thunderbolt. Who can save you?" After saying this and looking at him ferociously Indra raised his thunderbolt in order to kill him. On seeing Indra lifting up his thunderbolt, Siva prevented the fall of the thunderbolt by making his hand benumbed. Then Siva became furious. His eyes became terrible. He blazed with his burning splendor. Then Indra burnt within himself by the benumbing of his arm like a serpent whose exploits had been curbed by pronouncing magical formulas. On seeing him resplendent, Brihaspati realized immediately that he was lord Siva himself and bowed to him. Then the noble-minded Brihaspati joined his palms in reverence. He prostrated before him on the ground and began to eulogize the lord. Lord Shiva said: O Brihaspati, how can I take up the fury that has already come out of my eye? A serpent does not wear again the slough that has been cast off. Brihaspati said: O holy lord, indeed the devotees should be pitied always. O Siva, thus please make your name Bhaktavatsala (favorably disposed towards the devotees) true. O lord of gods, you deserve to cast elsewhere the fierce brilliance. 0 uplifter of all devotees, raise up Indra. Siva said: O dear one, I am delighted by your eulogy. I shall grant you the excellent boon. Henceforth you shall be famous as Enlivener because you have conferred life on Indra. I shall cast off this fire born of my eye in the forehead intended to kill Indra lest it should afflict him. On saying this he held that wonderful brilliance born of the eye in the forehead and cast it off in the briny ocean. Then the lord Rudra of great divine sports vanished from the scene. Brihaspati and Indra were relieved of their fright and they became happy. After having the immediate perception of Siva for which they had come here, Brihaspati and Indra became contented and went away to their abodes joyously.

[2]

Ref: Shiva Purana

Incident 3 : Birth of Andhaka

Goddess Parvathi as a part of sports, closed eyes of Lord Shiva from back and whole world became dark. Then lord Shiva opened His third eye and fire emanated from it and blind creature (Andhaka) was born.

Narrative:

While sporting on the eastern ridges of the Mandara mountain, Parvati sportively and playfully closed the eyes of Siva of fierce exploit. She closed the eyes with her lotus-like bands which had the lustre of coral and golden lotus. When Siva's eyes were closed, a great darkness spread immediately. By this contact with lord Siva the rapturous rutting juice exuded from her hands became hot by the fire of the eye on his forehead and Bowed out in copious drops. Conception took place and a terrible inhuman being manifested itself. It was furious, ungrateful, blind deformed, and black in color. It had matted locks of hair and fine hair all over the body. It sang, cried, laughed, danced, put out its tongue like a serpent and thundered fiercely. When this curious creature arose, Siva smilingly spoke to Parvati, Lord Siva said:- "You did it yourself by closing my eyes. O my beloved, why are you afraid of it now? On hearing these words of Siva, Parvati smilingly took off her hands from the eyes. When light spread everywhere the blind being appeared even more terrible. On seeing such a being, Parvati asked her lord Siva. Parvati said:- O lord, what is this ugly hideous being that is born in front of us. Please tell me the truth. Why was it created ? By whom ? Whose child is it ? Sanatkumara said:- On hearing these words of his beloved, the sportively inclined mother of the three worlds and the cause of creation of the blind creatures, lord Siva himself indulging in sports smilingly said;- Lord Siva said:- O Parvati of mysterious activities, listen. When my eyes were closed by you, this being of wonderfully fierce might was born of my sweat. He shall be named Andhaka.

[3]

Ref: Shiva Purana

Incident 4: A demon born from Lord Shiva’s third eye

Son of sage Dadhichi, Pippalada blamed the gods for his parents death and decided to seek revenge. Pippalada pleased Shiva through his prayers. Shiva pleased with his penance manifested and asked him whether he could see his third eye. Pipalada said he couldn't see. Shiva told him to do a penance till he could see his third eye. Pippalada therefore performed even more difficult penance for years. Eventually he managed to see Shiva’s third eye. From Shiva’s third eye, a demon was born to take revenge on the gods. Shiva persuaded Pippalada to control his anger. He convinced Pippalada that nothing can be gained by killing the gods. That would not bring his parents back. Pippalada agreed. But he wished to see his parents once. Accordingly, vimana descended from heaven on which Dadhichi and his wife were seated. They blessed Pippalada and asked him to marry and have children. However, this story doesn't involve opening of Shiva's 3rd eye.

Image (s) Courtesy: Pinterest

Footnotes

[1] 

Shiv Puran - Part 7

[2] 

Shiv Puran - Part 11

[3] 

Shiv Puran - Part 13

Who were the top 5 most powerful demons in Hindu mythology?

 The top 5 strongest Asuras in my opinion would be:

1. Madhu and Kaitabha

Born in the Kshirsagar from Vishnu's ear wax, this two Asuras were astronomically powerful & performed severe penance to get a boon of invincibility from Goddess Shakti. They challenged Vishnu and fought with him for 5,000 celestial years (an insane feat). Later, the Devi suggested Vishnu to use a trick to beat this demons before they could destroy all of creation. Using his genius mind, Vishnu asked for a boon from the two Asuras, they agreed, and the boon was that they will die by his hands right now. The Asuras granted the boon, then got terrified as they knew they have been tricked.

Vishnu took his Vishwaroopa form and said "even an infinite number of Asuras like you would be nothing but atoms compared to me. As the eternal protector of the universe, I shall now vanquish you for your sins." Then he used the Sudarshana Chakra & beheaded them.

2. Mahishasura

The buffalo demon who almost defeated all gods & deities, was ultimately slayed by goddess Durga in a 9 day battle.

3. Tripurasura

A trio of 3 Asura brothers, who had extraordinarily powerful boons. The might of almost all gods was needed to beat them

4. Mahabali

A benevolent and righteous demon king, he was almost unstoppable until Vishnu incarnated as Vamana to beat him. Later he was banished to the underworld

5. Raktabija

The Asura whose blood drops created his clones whenever they dropped on the ground, making him almost unbeatable until goddess Kali manifested herself and started collecting his blood drops in a bowl to prevent him from multiplying. He was then ultimately killed.

What are the strange facts about Hindu mythology?

• Yog nidra : According to hinduism ; Lord Vishnu - provider of this cosmos- sleeps for four long months .
• Yog nindra : Unlike human beings ; he adopts Yog nidra to rejuvenate himself .

• Dev shayani : This event is known as Dev shayani ekadashi .
• Chaturmaas : It means during four months (according to hindu lunar calendar) ; monks and traditional devotees do not travel or indulge in hectic professional work.
• Generally, people avoid marriages and social ceremonies.

• Sacred : Generally, devotees worship Lord Narayana or Shiva and respective observe fasts.
• Prayer :It is treated as a sacred time to pray or meditate.
• Rain : These months also include rainy season or early winter.
• Ayurveda : Well, ayurveda forewarns all to stay cautious of many water borne diseases.
• Food :Many devotees often consume a single meal and avoid successively abstain from vegetables, curd, milk and lentil .

• Awake : According to hindu traditions; Lord Vishnu awakes from Yog nidra on Prabodhini Ekadashi -a sacred date in hindu lunar calendar.
• From that day; many sacred events like marriage, religious ceremonies resume again.
• Note : Today is Dev Shayani Ekadashi.
• Pic Credits : Google/Web

What are some amazing lesser-known facts about the Hindu goddess Kali?

 

Shri Kali Ji -- The Ultimate Form Of Brahman, "Devourer of Time".

• Beej Mantra of Shri Kali Ji is Kreem(क्रीं). Om(ॐ) is the primordial sound of Universe. The Beej Mantra Kreem is the seed of Creation. It contains the unmanifested Creation. Universe materialises from Kreem and gets dissolved into Kreem. Since Matter is Energy in vibrations so the vibrations produced from Kreem can cause Universe to Manifest from Void and also has the capacity to Dematerialize back into the seed.
• Shri Kali Ji's black complexion symbolises dissolution of creation within Her and from this Darkness everything is born. The pitch black colour is darkest than the dark of the Death Night representing the Brahman in supreme unmanifest state. It also represents Her being Nirguna, beyond all Dualities and Transcendent.
• Shri Kali Ji is shown only wearing garland of Skulls and Skirt of Arms but without any clothing as clothes cannot cover Her infinite form. She appears without any worldly clothing as She represents Prakriti or Mother Nature. When we are born we are born naked. Clothing is essential because we are of impure mind. Clothing is a worldly possession and Kali being Nirguna is beyond the covering of Maya. Like Digambars who renounce every worldly possession including clothing.
• Shri Kali Ji's dishevelled hair compliments her rage in battlefield. In Her rage Shri Kali Ji can't be controlled but can only be pacified through surrender.
• Shri Kali Ji is standing on Shiv Ji's chest and worshipped in this form because She is Shiv Ji's Shakti i.e. Mahakaal's feminine aspect Mahakali or Shakti. Shakti is always supreme as without Shakti, Shiv Ji is Shava or Dead. Even we are like dead without Energy or Shakti. If Bhagavān Shiv Ji is flame then Shri Kali Ji is heat of the flame.
• Kali Ji's tongue is protruding out because it's like an "awww" expression or embarrassment that She in Her rage stepped on Her physical aspect that is Purusha or Shiv Ji. This symbolizes a woman's," lajja". It also signifies that the White Teeth symbolising Sattvic Nature conquers the Red Tongue symbolising the Rajasic Nature.
• Both Bhagavān Shiv and Shri Kali Ji concept is like Consciousness and Matter. Where Shiv Ji is Pure Consciousness which is responsible for making living beings conscious about themselves and Shri Kali Ji is like Matter which is responsible for Materialization of whole Creation. We cannot segregate the two i.e. Shiva and Shakti otherwise the whole Creation will come to an end. Just like Prakriti(active but Non Self) and Purusha(inactive but Pure Consciousness) coming together for Creation. Similar analogy can be given of Brahman and it's Maya which are inseparable as Maya is Shakti of Brahman but also responsible for Ignorance(Avidya) which gives a sense of Duality in all conscious Beings as they can't segregate themselves from Pancha Koshas(5 Sheaths) and realise themselves as Knower of the 5 Sheaths and distinct from it.
• Shri Kali Ji is Mahamaya so it is necessary to propitiate Her as without Her wish one cannot look beyond the veil of Maya and realize one's true Self(Ātman).
• Bhagavān Shiv Ji and Shri Kali Ji doesn't represent Materialism but are beyond it. That's why their abode is Shmashana. They are giver of Moksha which is final aim of every Jivatma. Together they take you towards end of Karmic Cycle and not bind you with it through the worldly norms or attachments. So the form in which they are represented physically cannot be justified through any worldly point of view. Interpretation of the forms of the Formless Brahman requires deep spiritual bent like Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa.
• Can anyone who resides in Shmashana be considered acceptable in normal society?The answer is NO. So Bhagavān Shiv Ji and Shri Kali Ji should be understood outside the periphery of worldly norms because within it everything is perishable but Mahakaal and Mahakali are beyond this impermanent world or body.
• Shri Kali Ji is first Mahāvidyā, if one gets Siddhi in Shri Kali Mahāvidyā Sādhanā then due to Her grace one can get Siddhi in the rest 9 Mahāvidyās with much less efforts. Mahāvidyā Sādhanā Siddhi also grants success in other sādhanā like Apsara Sādhanā as the Tapobal of the sādhaka is increased due to Mahāvidyā Sādhanā and Apsaras are easily attracted towards an advanced sādhaka with high Spiritual Vibrations.
• In reality, Shri Kali Ji is very benevolent. Though She is not Black at all but Her ferocious form(Ugra) is for the Adharmis. Through sādhanā one can experience Her if the sādhaka has pure Heart like a child. She is very innocent and caring. One can have Her Visions as She is easily pleased through Bhakti and Devotion.
• Sometimes She plays with you like a child. For e.g. If you are sleeping, She will suddenly appear and will wake you with Her beautiful Divine Vision and then go away instantly. Then the sādhaka will feel like a fish which has been taken out of pond and will long for Her Darshan. But if asked for Her Darshan once She is pleased then She starts visiting regularly. The example cited by me is from my own experience.

How are apsaras described in Hindu folklore?

 Actually the word “Apsara” has been very wrongly interpreted. People make fun of this term without even knowing its Vedic meaning. People think Apsara’s are just some celestial nymphs. The Vedic definition of what the word Apsara actually means is completely different.

Please do read what the Vedas describe Apsara’s to be. It will break all disgusting delusions people have built.

The woman who is the bringer of victory, who removes obstacles and resolves all difficulties is an Apsara according to the Vedic Dharma. This has been directly stated in the Atharva Veda.

Atharva Ved 4.38.1

Udbhindatīṃ saṃjayantīm apsarāṃ sādhudevinīm.
Glahe kṛtāni kṛṇvānām apsarāṃ tām iha huve.

“I invoke here that Apsarā, the virtuous and divine one, she who brings victory and removes obstacles; who unties what has been bound and resolves difficulties.

The woman who celebrates the joy of life with dance and music, who is empowered with intelligence is an Apsara. She who helps to recover what is lost is an Apsara.

Atharva Ved 4.38.3

Yayaiḥ pariṇṛtyaty ādadānā kṛtaṃ glahāt.
Sā naḥ kṛtāni siṣṭi prahām āpnotu māyayā.
Sā naḥ payasvaty ait u mā no jaiṣur idaṃ dhanam.

Apsara who, with her noble acts, rejoices and celebrates life in song and dance, collecting and consolidating the achievements of her performance in the evolutionary struggle of life, may, we pray, guiding and organising our actions, achieve further progress by her wonderful power and intelligence. May she, abounding in the waters and food of life continue to come and bless us so that none may win away this wealth of achievement from us.

The woman who is glorious like the sun, who is mighty and is a protector is an Apsara.

Atharva Ved 4.38.5

Sūryasya raśmīn anu yāḥ saṃcaranti marīcīrvā
yā anu saṃcaranti. Yāsām ṛṣabho dūrato vājīnīvān
sadyaḥ sarvāṃl lokān paryeti rakṣan.
Sā na etu homam imaṃ juṣāṇo ’ntarikṣeṇa saha vājīnīvān.

The divine Apsarā herself, radiant and sovereign, moves along the rays of the Sun and pervades all directions with light. Her own mighty, swift power, like a noble steed, from afar instantly traverses all the worlds, guarding and protecting them. May that Apsarā come to us now, graciously accepting this sacred offering, descending through the mid-region of space with her radiant, life-giving might.

Please understand that a woman who not just excels in physical beauty but excels in all aspects like administration, intellect, protection, knowledge, arts is defined as an Apsara. The Apsara in Vedic terms is a lady who is an absolute mistress of femininity.

Namo Narayana 🙏🏻🪔🌸🦅

Hara Hara Mahadeva 🙏🏻🪔📿🔱

Who are the Hindu deities with animal features?

 The Hindu deities with non-human animal features include (roughly in order of more to less well known):

• Ganesha

• Hanuman, a Vanara deity. Vanaras are a race of monkeys of human-like intelligence.

• Matsya Avatara

• Kurma Avatara

• Varaha Avatara

• The Goddess Varahi

• Narasingha

• Pratyangira

• Bagalamukhi. Her name means “crane-faced”, and she is traditionally said to have a crane’s head, though most art of her does not show this, in part because her true form is considered too dangerous to look upon.

• Hayagriva

• Surya once took a horse-headed form, often mistaken for Hayagriva.

• Nandikeshwara the bull or half-bull half-man

• Garuda the Suparna (a bird deity, somewhat resembling an eagle or vulture)

• Kamadhenu aka Surabhi, a Cow Goddess, sometimes with a human head with cow horns, human breasts, and/or wings.

• All Naga deities, like Adi Shesha, Manasa, Janguli, Vasuki, Takshaka, and many others.

• Shiva’s Sharabha Avatara, an eight-legged lion-bird creature.

• Shiva and Parvati’s stag and deer forms at Pashupatinath.

• Shiva’s Vrishabha Avatara.

• Shiva has an Avatara that is a pig-headed woman with six breasts, described in Thiruvilayadal Puranam, the Tamil Sthala Purana of Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple.
• Bhairava is depicted in some images as having the face of a dog.
• Vindhyavasini, who has the head of an owl-like bird.

• Kakachandeshwari, a secret crow-headed Goddess of Tantrik alchemy.
• Sarama the Dog Goddess.

• Mallanna, a Sheepdog God worshipped by Hindu shepherds in parts of rural South India.
• Uchchaihshravas, a horse deity.

• Paravani the peacock, mount of Kartikeya
• Many tribal peoples in India worship a tiger god, like Bagh Deo of the Gond tribe, Chitan Deo of the Murias, Bhageshwar of the Bharias, Sonaray of lower Assam (considered by some to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva), Dakshin Rai of the Sundarbans, and many more.
• Very similar to these is Budhi Pallien, a wise yet fearsome and strong goddess of forests and jungles is said to roam northern India, especially Assam, in the form of a tigress.

• Chelamma, a Scorpion Goddess worshipped in southern Karnataka.
• There is a Spider Goddess worshipped in a certain temple, the Palliyara Sree Bhagavathy Temple, also known as the Chilanthi Ambalam in Kerala.
• Naigamesha, who has become obscure and almost forgotten today by most Hindus.

• A mermaid goddess worshipped in Kerala.

I’m sure I’m forgetting some, there are so many.

Edit: Indeed I was forgetting some. Adding a few that commenters reminded me of:

• The twin Ashvin Devas are often horse headed.

• Vishnu’s form Gandaberunda was a great two-headed bird of prey. There is also an eight-headed version.

• Vishnu took the Hansa Avatar, as a swan/goose.
• Vishwaksena, also known as Senai Mudalvar and Senadhipathi, commander-in-chief of Lord Vishnu’s army, is sometimes elephant-headed.
• The deity personifications of the four Vedas are all animal-headed, and two of their female Shakti counterparts are also animal or part-animal. Rigveda is donkey-headed and Rigveda Shakti is a peahen, Yajurveda is goat-headed, Samaveda is horse-headed, Atharvaveda is monkey-headed, and Atharvaveda Shakti has the head of a pig.
• Vishnu’s Navagunjara form combines features of nine different animals: rooster, elephant, tiger, deer, human, peacock, bull, lion, and snake (sometimes horse instead of deer).

And also, I just remembered that Saranyu Devi and Surya Deva took the form of horses and had sex, producing the Ashwinau twins. So those are more animal forms of deities.