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The Submarine Mare in the Mythology of Śiva

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 March 2011

Wendy Doniger O'Flaherty
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Extract

Fire and water are natural symbols, individually and in combination, in mythologies throughout the world. They assume a unique meaning in the Indian context, where tradition has attached particular significance to each element. Together, as an apparent conjunction of opposites, fire and water resolve some of the major paradoxes of Indian—especially Śaiva—mythology. The most striking instance of this symbolism is the image of the mare who wanders beneath the ocean, breathing fire.

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Articles
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Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society , Volume 103 , Issue 1 , January 1971 , pp. 9 - 27
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Copyright © The Royal Asiatic Society 1971

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