Shiva

Introduction

Lord Shiva is the Destroyer and Transformer within the Hindu Trimurti. He is the deity of dissolution and regeneration. In the Shaiva tradition, he is regarded as the Supreme Being (Para Brahman). He is also known as Mahadeva (God of gods), Bholenath (the innocent one), and Adiyogi (the first yogi).

Shiva’s nature is profoundly paradoxical — he is both a householder and an ascetic, fierce and gentle, the cosmic dancer Nataraja and the still meditating yogi. He embodies the reconciliation of all opposites.

Form and Iconography

Shiva’s appearance is highly distinctive. He bears the river Ganga in his matted locks, a crescent moon on his forehead, serpents (Vasuki) around his neck, a third eye (symbolizing wisdom), a blue mark on his throat (Neelkanth), ash smeared across his body, and carries a trishula (trident) and damaru (drum). His vahana (vehicle) is Nandi the bull. He is most widely worshipped in the linga form, representing the formless Brahman.

Mythological Stories

The Churning of the Ocean and Neelkanth: During the Samudra Manthan by the devas and asuras, a deadly poison (Halahala) emerged. To protect creation, Shiva consumed the poison. Parvati pressed his throat to prevent it from descending further, turning his throat blue and earning him the name Neelkanth.

Descent of the Ganga: Pleased by the penance of King Bhagiratha, the river Ganga agreed to descend from heaven to Earth, but her force would have shattered the world. Shiva received the Ganga in his matted locks, taming her mighty flow before releasing her gently onto the plains.

Destruction of Tripurasura: Three asura brothers constructed three invincible flying cities. Shiva destroyed all three with a single arrow, earning the title Tripurari.

Major Temples

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi — The most renowned of the twelve Jyotirlingas
• Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand — One of the Char Dham, set high in the Himalayas
• Somnath Temple, Gujarat — The first Jyotirlinga, rebuilt many times through history
• Rameshwaram Temple, Tamil Nadu — The Jyotirlinga established by Lord Rama

Associated Festivals

Maha Shivaratri is Shiva’s principal festival, observed on the fourteenth day of the dark half of Phalguna. Devotees fast and keep a night-long vigil. The entire month of Shravan is dedicated to Shiva, with special worship on every Monday. During the Kanwar Yatra, devotees carry sacred Ganga water to pour over Shiva lingas.

Associated Mantras and Prayers

• Panchakshari Mantra: “Om Namah Shivaya”
• Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: “Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam…”
• Shiva Tandava Stotram: A hymn composed by Ravana in praise of Shiva
• Rudrashtakam: A hymn by Tulsidas glorifying Lord Shiva