Manu Siddhartha is an IT professional by vocation and a devoted spiritual seeker by heart. With a deep and enduring reverence for Lord Shiva, Manu has spent years immersing himself in sacred scriptures such as the Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, Skanda Purana, and Shiva Gita. His devotion goes far beyond study—it is a way of life shaped by contemplation, inner transformation, and a profound connection to Shiva’s teachings. Believing himself to be merely an instrument of divine will, Manu sees his purpose as sharing this timeless wisdom with others. Shiv Puran Unlocked: A Simplified Journey is a reflection of that purpose—an offering from a seeker to fellow seekers, making ancient truths accessible to the modern soul.
The Literature Times: What inspired you to write Shiv Puran Unlocked: A Simplified Journey, and what does the title signify to you personally?
Manu Siddhartha: The inspiration came from a deeply personal transformation I experienced while reading the original Shiv Puran. As I delved into its stories and teachings, I began to feel a profound inner shift—my perspective, priorities, and inner peace evolved in ways I couldn’t explain. It was clear to me that this scripture held timeless truths, but the complexity of language and symbolism made it inaccessible to many modern readers. That’s when I felt a calling to simplify it—not as a writer, but as a devotee performing seva. The word “Unlocked” in the title represents this very effort—to open the spiritual wisdom of Lord Shiva to every seeker, regardless of their background or familiarity with scripture.
The Literature Times: You mention that you don’t see yourself as the author but as an instrument of Lord Shiva’s will. Can you elaborate on that perspective and how it shaped the writing process?
Manu Siddhartha: Absolutely. From the very beginning, I never saw this book as “my” creation. I genuinely believe I was chosen as a medium to bring Shiva’s message to life in a more relatable form. This perspective kept my ego in check and infused the writing process with a deep sense of surrender. Every sentence I wrote, I mentally offered at His feet. I didn’t write to impress or intellectualize—I wrote to serve. That mindset made the entire journey more meditative than mechanical. I often felt that Shiva was guiding my thoughts, choosing the right words, and shaping the narrative.
The Literature Times: Many people find scriptures like the Shiva Purana overwhelming. How did you go about simplifying such a vast and layered text while staying true to its essence?
Manu Siddhartha: That was one of the greatest challenges and responsibilities. The Shiv Puran is rich with metaphor, symbolism, and layered teachings. My first step was to internalize the message myself—not just intellectually, but spiritually. I approached each chapter with reverence, dissected its themes, and then rewrote it in a way that preserved its soul while removing linguistic or philosophical barriers. I used modern examples where appropriate and kept the tone devotional, not overly academic. The goal was to retain the spiritual vibration while offering clarity, not just translation.
The Literature Times: Which story or teaching from the Shiva Purana resonates most deeply with you, and why?
Manu Siddhartha: The story of Lord Shiva drinking the Halahala poison during the churning of the ocean has always touched me deeply. It’s not just a mythological episode—it’s a powerful teaching on sacrifice, courage, and compassion. Shiva’s willingness to absorb negativity for the welfare of all beings reflects the highest form of selflessness. It reminds me, in daily life, to respond to challenges with equanimity and to serve others even when it’s uncomfortable. That act ofNeelkanth became a metaphor for how we should handle the toxicity of the world—with strength and grace.
The Literature Times: As someone from the tech world, how do you balance logic and faith in your personal life—and did that duality influence your approach to writing this book?
Manu Siddhartha: Very much so. The tech world is grounded in logic, data, and precision, whereas the spiritual world flows with intuition, surrender, and trust. Balancing both has taught me to approach spirituality with clarity and humility. In writing this book, my technical background helped in structuring the content and simplifying complex ideas, while my spiritual grounding ensured the message stayed pure and heartfelt. I believe faith and logic don’t need to clash—they can complement each other beautifully when rooted in sincerity.
The Literature Times: You’ve studied multiple Puranas and sacred texts. What makes the Shiva Purana unique compared to the others?
Manu Siddhartha: Each Purana has its unique flavor and focus, but the Shiv Puran stands out for its deep exploration of the inner self. It doesn’t just talk about rituals—it goes into consciousness, renunciation, karma, and the nature of the soul. Shiva as a deity is both the most accessible and the most mysterious. The Shiv Puran captures that paradox beautifully. It teaches you how to live in the world without attachment, how to dissolve ego, and how to move from knowledge to wisdom. It’s deeply symbolic yet grounded in human emotion.
The Literature Times: What do you hope readers—especially those new to Hindu philosophy—take away from this book?
Manu Siddhartha: I hope they walk away with a sense of connection—not just to Lord Shiva, but to their own deeper self. Hindu philosophy can be intimidating at first, but once you start understanding the core principles—like dharma, karma, and bhakti—you realize they’re incredibly universal. I want readers to see that Lord Shiva is not a distant mythological figure but a symbol of truth, stillness, and transformation within us all. My book is meant to be a doorway—gentle, welcoming, and spiritually enriching.
The Literature Times: How do you personally practice the teachings of Lord Shiva in your daily life, especially in a modern professional setting?
Manu Siddhartha: In my daily life, I practice vairagya—detachment—not by renouncing work, but by doing it without ego or expectation. I begin my day with meditation and mantra chanting, which anchors me. At work, I try to remain centered, practice mindfulness, and serve with integrity. Shiva’s teachings of calmness amidst chaos, of not getting swayed by praise or criticism, help me navigate the corporate world with balance. For me, spirituality isn’t about isolation—it’s about integration.
The Literature Times: Do you see this book as the beginning of a series or larger spiritual writing journey? What’s next for you as a spiritual author?
Manu Siddhartha: Yes, this is just the beginning. My long-term vision is to simplify and digitize other sacred texts like the Linga Puran, Skanda Puran, and Shiva Gita in multiple Indian languages. I also want to create multimedia formats—audio-visuals, guided experiences, and maybe even apps—that make these scriptures accessible to youth and working professionals. Spirituality shouldn’t be confined to temples or retreats—it should be present in every home, every heart. My mission is to make Lord Shiva’s message available, relatable, and timeless
