The late Parameshwara Iyer, who translated the entire Siva Purana into English from the Sankrit for Motilal Banarsidass, was my teacher for a time. If not for his painstaking endeavour, this book, whichis based upon his scholarly translation, would have never been wriyyen. Katya Osbrone not only edited this but suggested some important changes. Many thanks to her and to Deepthi Talwar, whose fine eye for detail and sure pen are a source of great comfort.