The concept of Shatarupa is closely associated with
creation. It tries to explain the birth of the different living beings on
earth. Shatarupa means one that can take numerous forms. The concept of
Shatarupa is also an extension of the core teaching of Sanatana Dharma that all
living forms are the manifestation of the Supreme Truth.
The symbolic story – Legend has it that the first being that
was created by Brahma was Goddess Saraswati. Brahma was unable to control his
passions for the first female form.
Knowing the intention of Brahma, Goddess Saraswati moves
away from Brahma taking the form of a cow. To follow her, Brahma takes the form
of a bull. The Goddess then becomes a mare; Brahma becomes horse. Every time
Goddess Saraswati turned into a bird, animal or tree, Brahma took the male
form.
The Goddess who thus took different forms came to be known
as Shatarupa.
Such stories are meant to simplify the core teaching of
Sanatana Dharma which is otherwise difficult for common man to understand.
The above story explains that there is only one single
source or it is God that is present in all animate and inanimate.