The Story Of Lord Shiva's sons and Daughters
We all know that Lord Shiva had three sons: Kartikeya, Ganesha and Ayyappa, but very few know that he fathered three daughters too. Their names are Ashok Sundari, Jyoti and Manasa (also called Vasuki). Although, they are not as famous as their brothers, Shiva’s three daughters are worshipped in different parts of India even today. Many religious scriptures, stories, including the most authentic ‘Shiva Purana’ has mentioned about them. For reference, readers can look up Rudra Samhita: Section II – Sati Khanda of Shiva Purana. Ashok Sundari Her birth is recorded in detail in the religious scripture, ‘Padma Purana’. The story of Ashok Sundari comes from the ‘Vrat-Kathas’ of Gujarat and neighboring areas. Accordingly, she was created by Goddess Parvati, who wished to reduce her loneliness. She was called Ashok as she let Parvati get rid of her ‘shok’ or sorrow and Sundari because she was beautiful. A tale goes that she hid behind a sack of salt in fear when Ganesha was be...