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Shiva (Sanskrit: शिव, Śiva) is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is known as "The Destroyer" within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu. Shiva is revered as the supreme being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism.
Etymology and Epithets[edit | edit source]
The name "Shiva" means "The Auspicious One". He is also known by many other names and epithets, including Mahadeva ("Great God"), Shankara ("Beneficent"), and Rudra ("The Roarer").
Iconography[edit | edit source]
Shiva is often depicted as a yogi with a blue throat, a result of consuming the poison Halahala during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). He is usually shown with a third eye on his forehead, symbolizing his ability to see beyond the ordinary. His hair is often depicted as matted locks, from which the river Ganga descends to earth. He wears a crescent moon on his head and a serpent around his neck.
Attributes[edit | edit source]
Shiva is associated with time and particularly as the destroyer of all things. He is also the god of meditation, yoga, and arts. His attributes include the trishula (trident), damaru (drum), and the lingam, a symbol of divine generative energy.
Consort and Family[edit | edit source]
Shiva's consort is Parvati, and together they have two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya. Parvati is often depicted alongside Shiva, symbolizing the union of male and female energies.
Worship and Festivals[edit | edit source]
Shiva is worshipped in various forms and manifestations, including the lingam, a symbol of his creative and destructive power. The festival of Maha Shivaratri is dedicated to him, celebrated with fervor by his devotees.
Temples[edit | edit source]
Shiva temples are found throughout India and Nepal, with notable ones including the Kedarnath Temple in the Himalayas and the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu.
Influence and Legacy[edit | edit source]
Shiva's influence extends beyond Hinduism, impacting various aspects of Indian culture, art, and philosophy. His dance, the Tandava, is a symbol of cosmic cycles of creation and destruction.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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