Shiva
शिव • Śiva
"The Auspicious One; The Pure One"
Category & Classification
Iconography
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
Mudras
- Abhaya mudra
- Chin mudra
- Nataraja mudras
Ornaments
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
Om Namah Shivaya (Panchakshari - five syllables)
Om Namah Shivaya
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat
Stotras & Hymns
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
Astrological Connection
Symbolism & Philosophy
Cosmic Role: Destroyer of evil and ignorance; transformer; ultimate reality; inner consciousness
Represents pure consciousness (Chit); destruction as transformation leading to liberation; the ascetic and householder ideal combined
