Shiva

शिव • Śiva

"The Auspicious One; The Pure One"

Trimurti Destroyer/Transformer Shaivism

Mahadeva Maheshwara Shankara Bholenath Neelakantha Nataraja Rudra Sadashiva

Epithets

Trilochana (Three-eyed) Chandrashekhara (Moon-crested) Gangadhara (Ganga-bearer) Pashupati (Lord of Animals) Digambara (Sky-clad)

Category & Classification

Type

Trimurti

Position

Destroyer/Transformer

Tradition

Shaivism

Iconography

Form

Ascetic yogi with matted locks; or cosmic dancer

Complexion

White (pure ash) or blue (from holding poison)

Faces

Usually 1; Sadashiva has 5 faces

Arms

Usually 2 or 4; Nataraja has 4

Posture

Meditation (Dhyana), Dancing (Nataraja), Seated with Parvati

Dress

Tiger skin; sometimes sky-clad (Digambara)

Vahana

Nandi (Bull)

Attributes & Weapons

Trishula (Trident) (Primary hand) - Three gunas; creation-preservation-destruction; Ida-Pingala-Sushumna
Damaru (Drum) (One hand) - Sound of creation (Nada); time; rhythm of universe
Rudraksha mala (One hand) - Meditation; cosmic cycles; prayers
Fire (Agni) (In Nataraja form) - Transformation; destruction of ignorance

Nandi (Bull) — Dharma; controlled senses; devotion; strength

Mudras

Abhaya mudra
Chin mudra
Nataraja mudras

Ornaments

Snakes (Vasuki) Rudraksha Crescent moon Ganga in hair Third eye Ash (Vibhuti)

Family & Relations

Origin	Eternal; self-manifested; Supreme Reality in Shaiva tradition
Consort	Parvati (also as Sati, Uma, Durga, Kali)
Children	Ganesha (elephant-headed), Kartikeya (war god), Ashokasundari (in some traditions)
Abode	Mount Kailash; also in all hearts as inner consciousness

Mythology & Stories

Eternal; self-manifested; Supreme Reality in Shaiva tradition

Samudra Manthan - Neelakantha

When the poison Halahala emerged from ocean churning threatening all creation, Shiva drank it and held it in his throat, turning it blue (Neelakantha).

Source: Puranas

Destruction of Tripura

Shiva destroyed the three demon cities (Tripura) with a single arrow, establishing victory over evil.

Source: Shiva Purana

Ganga's Descent

Shiva caught the mighty Ganga in his matted locks to save the earth from her force, releasing her gently as rivers.

Source: Ramayana, Puranas

Marriage to Parvati

After Sati's death, Parvati won Shiva through intense devotion and penance, becoming his eternal consort.

Source: Shiva Purana

Slaying of Andhaka/Various Demons

Shiva as destroyer has killed numerous demons and even Yama (temporarily) to protect his devotees.

Source: Puranas

Worship & Mantras

Mantras

Beej Mantra

Om Namah Shivaya (Panchakshari - five syllables)

Mool Mantra

Om Namah Shivaya

Gayatri Mantra

Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat

Stotras & Hymns

Shiva Tandava Stotram Shiva Mahimna Stotram Lingashtakam Rudram/Chamakam

Auspicious Days

Monday Pradosh (13th tithi) Shivaratri

Offerings

Bilva leaves
Milk
Water
Bhaang
Datura flowers
Vibhuti (ash)

Temples

Kashi Vishwanath

Varanasi, UP

Most sacred Shiva temple; one of 12 Jyotirlingas

Somnath Temple

Gujarat

First of 12 Jyotirlingas; eternal flame

Kedarnath

Uttarakhand

One of Char Dham; highest Jyotirlinga

Rameshwaram

Tamil Nadu

One of Char Dham; Rama's worship of Shiva

Associated Festivals

Maha Shivaratri Shravan month Pradosh vrat

Astrological Connection

Planet

Associated with Moon (wears crescent) and Saturn

Nakshatra

Ardra (Rudra's star)

Day

Monday; Pradosh

Remedial For

Saturn afflictions Moon problems Death-related fears Spiritual liberation

Symbolism & Philosophy

Cosmic Role: Destroyer of evil and ignorance; transformer; ultimate reality; inner consciousness

Austerity Compassion Destruction of ego Supreme knowledge Simplicity Fierce protection

Represents pure consciousness (Chit); destruction as transformation leading to liberation; the ascetic and householder ideal combined