Bhagwan Shiva
भगवान शिव
The Destroyer and Transformer
About
Shiva is the supreme ascetic and the destroyer in the Trimurti, preparing the world for renewal and transformation. He represents inner peace, discipline, and the power of change. As Nataraja, he performs the cosmic dance of creation and dissolution.
Quick Facts
Iconography & Symbolism
- Third eye on forehead symbolizing wisdom and the power to destroy evil
- Crescent moon (Chandrama) adorning matted hair (jata)
- River Ganga flowing from his locks
- Snake (Vasuki) coiled around the neck
- Trident (Trishul) and damaru (drum) in hands
- Ash-smeared body (bhasma) representing renunciation
Significance
Dedicated to Lord Shiva for inner peace, purification, and emotional balance. He is worshipped as Mahadeva (Great God), Neelkanth (blue-throated one who drank poison), and Adiyogi (first yogi).
Worship & Practice
Shiva puja, jalabhishek (water offering to Shivling), and chanting with calm intention are common practices.
Prayers & Mantras
Avatars of Shiva
Rudra
The fierce, howling form representing storms and destructive power.
Nataraja
The cosmic dancer performing the Tandava, symbolizing the cycle of creation and destruction.
Dakshinamurthy
The supreme teacher who taught through silence and meditation.
Ardhanarishvara
Half-male, half-female form symbolizing the unity of Shiva and Shakti.
Somvar Vrat (Monday Fast)
A 16-Monday fast observed for health, inner peace, and blessings from Lord Shiva. Devotees fast from sunrise to sunset and break the fast after evening Shiva puja.
How to observe (Vidhi):
- Wake before sunrise and take a bath.
- Visit a Shiva temple or set up Shivling at home with water, milk, and bael leaves.
- Perform Jalabhishek (pour water and milk over Shivling).
- Offer bael (bilva) leaves, white flowers, dhatura, and bhasma.
- Recite Om Namah Shivaya 108 times or chant Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
- Eat one meal after sunset — fruits, milk, sabudana, or kheer.
Prasad: Bael leaves, white sweets, panchamrit (mix of milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar), and thandai.
Famous Temples
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri
The great night of Shiva — devotees fast, stay awake, and worship Shiva all night.
Shravan Month
The entire month of Shravan is dedicated to Shiva worship, especially Mondays.
Astrological Significance
Monday is Somvar — the day of the Moon (Chandra). Shiva is worshipped to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and balance lunar energies. People with afflicted Moon in their horoscope (Chandra Dosha) find relief through Shiva worship.
Planet: Moon (Chandra)
Remedies:
- Perform Jalabhishek on Monday at a Shiva temple.
- Recite Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 108 times daily.
- Wear a Rudraksha mala for calming lunar energies.
- Fast on Mondays for 16 weeks (Solah Somvar Vrat).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does Shiva wear a snake around his neck?
The snake Vasuki around Shiva's neck symbolises his mastery over fear and death, and his control over the most dangerous forces of nature.
Q: What does the third eye of Shiva represent?
Shiva's third eye represents wisdom, insight, and the power of destruction — when opened, it can burn anything to ashes, symbolising the ability to see beyond illusion (Maya).