Who is Lord Shiva?

Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadeva, Shankara, Bholenath, and Rudra, is one of the most revered Bhagawan in Hinduism. Widely known as the destroyer, Lord Shiva is the Supreme Being in Shavisim, a major Hindu Sampradaya (tradition).

Table of Contents

The Origin and Evolution of Lord Shiva: From Rudra to the Supreme Lord

Lord Shiva in the form of fierce Rudra

The origin of Lord Shiva traces back to the Vedas, where he was first known as Rudra—a fierce and unpredictable god of storms, wind, and destruction. Rudra’s nature was wild, powerful, and untamed, yet even in his fury, Rudra held a deeper purpose.

Even though Rudra could bring storms and destruction, he was also seen as a healer and protector. I know this is contradictory but let me try to make you understand in simple manner.

Storms bring destruction, but they also bring rain—nourishing the soil and allowing new life to flourish. Similarly, Rudra didn’t destroy just to destroy but had a deeper meaning of cleansing, removing negativity, and preparing the way for something better.

This duality of Rudra extended to healing as well– The Vedas mention Rudra as the one who knows all herbs and medicines, which shows his healing side as a divine healer who could cure suffering just as he could bring the storm. Because of this, people prayed to Rudra both to protect them from harm and to heal them from suffering.

Then as time passed, Rudra’s identity evolved gradually. While the Vedas portrayed him as a storm deity, later Sanatana scriptures such as the Puranas and Upanishads expanded his role into something far greater. Following that, he was no longer just a fierce god of storms; he became a supreme god who could destroy, create, and protect the universe at the same time.

As I mentioned above this transformation happened gradually, and his identity evolved from:

From Fear to Reverence: People began seeing Rudra not only as a fierce god but as a divine protector who removes suffering and grants wisdom.
From Chaos to Balance: Rudra, who was once only associated with storms and destruction, came to represent stillness, meditation, and compassion as well.
From Rudra to Shiva: The name Shiva means “Auspicious” or “Benevolent”, reflecting his evolved nature—one that includes both his fierce and peaceful aspects. Rudra remained his untamed, storm-like form, but Shiva became his fuller identity: the Supreme Being, the source of creation, destruction, and transformation.

Thus, the storm god Rudra did not disappear—he transformed, growing into the universally revered Shiva we worship today. His essence remains the same: to destroy ignorance, heal suffering, and guide his devotees toward wisdom and liberation.

Lord Shiva in Hindu Trimurtri

Lord Shiva, in the Hindu Trimurtri (Hindu Trinity), is known as the destroyer.

Again as mentioned above, Lord Shiva’s destruction is the destruction that removes what is unnecessary so something better can take its place—whether in the universe or in a person’s mind and heart. Let’s explore how Lord Shiva engages in destruction in the universe and in human life.

In the Universe: Pralaya

Parlaya – Shiva is believed to bring the end of a cosmic cycle known as Pralaya in Sanatana Dharma. After Pralaya, the creation begins again. If we talk about science here, this is just like the Big Bang theory.
Destruction of Evil – In many Hindu stories, Shiva destroys demons and negative forces that threaten balance in the universe. We will be covering these stories in our upcoming blogs.

In Human Life

Ego and Pride – Lord Shiva help people to destroy their arrogance and pride so that they can become wiser and humbler.
Ignorance – Lord Shiva’s third eye represents the destruction of false knowledge and illusions, helping people see the truth.
Fear and Attachment – Many people fear change and hold onto things that harm them. Lord Shiva teaches that letting go is necessary for growth.

When a person wants to destroy their arrogance, pride, false knowledge, illusion, and let go of unnecessary attachments, one can make Lord Shiva their Ishta Devata and worship him to attain these qualities.

Different Forms of Shiva

Unlike Lord Vishnu, who has specific incarnations (avatars) like Rama and Krishna, Lord Shiva doesn’t incarnate in the same way. Instead, he manifests in different forms depending on his role and the circumstances. Each form represents a different aspect of his cosmic functions. To understand this even better, let’s explore the different manifestations of Lord Shiva.

Mahadeva

The supreme lord Mahadeva is Lord Shiva in his highest, absolute form, beyond time and space. He is the unchanging, eternal reality having omnipresent consciousness.

Shankara

Shankara is when Lord Shiva takes on a compassionate, merciful nature and kind form, granting wisdom, removing suffering, and always ready to bless his devotees with peace and liberation.

Bholenath

The Innocent Lord Bholenath is Lord Shiva showcasing his approachable and forgiving demeanor, granting boons without hesitation, even to demons because of his childlike innocence and lack of material attachments. He gave boons to Ravana, Bhasmasura, and even Vishnu when needed.

Rudra

Rudra, the Fierce One is Shiva manifesting his destructive aspect and transformative power to dissolve negativity, cleanse creation for a better future, and to destroy ignorance.

Lord Shiva’s manifestation – Kaal Bhairav

Bhairava

Bhairava, a very terrifying form of Lord Shiva is often associated with tantra and fierce protection. It is a manifestation when Lord Shiva severs ego and ignorance to reveal the ultimate truth. The fierce Lord Shiva as Bhairava cut off Brahma’s fifth head to stop his false pride and to protect cosmic order.

Dakshinamurthy

Dakshinamurthy is the guru form of Lord Shiva, symbolizing supreme wisdom and knowledge, imparting the highest truths through silent, direct transmission.

In Dakshinamurthy, Lord Shiva takes the role of the ultimate teacher, revealing divine wisdom without speaking. There is a fascinating event of Lord Shiva manifesting as Dakshinamurthy form. In this form, Lord Shiva transmitted knowledge to the rishis through silence, showing that true wisdom is beyond words.

Nataraja

Nataraja is when Lord Shiva performs the Tandava, which is the dance of cosmic creation and destruction.

Now as I mentioned above, these manifestations of Lord Shiva are not separate incarnations like Lord Vishnu’s avatars but different manifestations of the same divine form.

Lord Shiva manifests in the form as needed for the situation. For example, if a devotee seeks knowledge, he appears as Dakshinamurthy. When Lord Shiva needs to perform Tandava he appears as Nataraja.

Lord Shiva’s Family

Lord Shiva Family: Lord Shiva, Parvati Mata, Lord Ganesha and Lord Skanda

Goddess Parvati – The Goddess of Love, Fertility, and Devotion

Goddess Parvati is Lord Shiva’s eternal consort and represents Shakti (divine feminine energy), balancing his meditative and detached nature with love, warmth, and devotion.

Goddess Parvati is an embodiment of Adi Shakti and takes various forms—gentle as Annapurna (goddess of nourishment), fierce as Durga and Kali, and wise as Matangi.

After Sati (Shiva’s first wife) sacrificed herself, Shiva withdrew into deep meditation in the Himalayas. Determined to win his love, Mata Parvati performed severe tapasya for many years. She lived only on leaves and eventually gave up food and water entirely. She deeply meditated on Lord Shiva, focusing all her energy on him. Parvati Maa even stood on one foot for long periods, enduring harsh weather in the mountains to win the love of Lord Shiva.

Her devotion and self-discipline pleased Lord Shiva, leading to their divine marriage. Lord Shiva and Parvati Maa’s union symbolizes the perfect balance of Lord Shiva’s consciousness (masculine energy) and Parvati Maa’s Shakti (feminine energy) in the universe.

Ganesha – The Remover of Obstacles and Lord of Wisdom

Lord Ganesha is considered the firstborn son of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the lord of the beginnings. He is invoked before the beginning of any venture, as he removes obstacles (Vighnaharta) and grants success (Siddhivinayaka). His elephant head symbolizes wisdom, patience, and strength.

Kartikeya – The Warrior God

Lord Skanda (also known as Kartikeya and Murugan) was born to defeat the demon Tarakasura, who could only be killed by Shiva’s son.

After growing up, he fulfilled his purpose by defeating and slaying Tarakasura.

Nandi – The Sacred Bull, Devoted Vehicle and Gatekeeper

Nandi is Lord Shiva’s vahana (mount) and the gatekeeper of Mount Kailash, the sacred abode of Lord Shiva, embodying unwavering devotion and strength.

Nandi represents dharma and patience. Temples have Nandi statues facing Shiva’s lingam, symbolizing the perfect devotee.

Nandi was born as a blessing to Sage Shilada, who prayed for a special child. Nandi grew up to be a great devotee of Lord Shiva, showing deep love and dedication to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva being impressed by Nandi’s devotion towards him, made Nandi immortal and gave him the role of his sacred vehicle (Vahana) and the guardian of his home, Mount Kailash.

Lord Shiva Symbols

Lord Shiva has multiple unique attributes with each carrying a very deep spiritual meaning and significance, let us explore them:

Trishul (Trident): The 🔱 has three prongs, these three prongs represent the three qualities of nature: sattva, rajas, and tamas. It representing the three qualities of nature signifies Lord Shiva’s control over the universe and his power to transcend these three states. I have explained Trishul in more depth in my blog ‘What is the Symbol of Hinduism?’.

Damaru (Drum): The Damaru drum represents the sound “Om”, which is the sound of creation, and the rhythm of life. Shiva is telling us that everything in life follows a natural rhythm and cycles, with creation and destruction happening in harmony to maintain balance.

Third Eye: The third eye of Lord Shiva symbolizes wisdom and his power to see beyond illusions, destroying ignorance.

Lord Shiva with Crescent Moon on his head

Crescent Moon: The Crescent Moon on Shiva’s head represents time and the cycles of life. It reminds us that life is a continuous flow of phases—just like the moon waxes and wanes, life has its periods of growth and decline. Shiva is telling us that time is cyclical and ever-changing. We must accept the impermanence of life, understanding that everything goes through phases of change, growth, and decay. By embracing these cycles, we gain wisdom and perspective.

Snake (Vasuki): Vasuki shows that Shiva has conquered fear and ego, staying calm and powerful.

River Ganga: The River Ganga flowing from Shiva’s hair represents purity and the flow of life. Lord Shiva is telling us, just like how Ganga purifies us when we are open to it and bathe in it to purify our negative energies, the divine energy and wisdom also flow through us which we can connect with through practices like meditation, prayer, self-reflection, or even in moments of deep insight, helping to cleanse and calm our minds and souls. It shows the connection between the spiritual and physical world, bringing life and nourishment to all.

Ash-Smeared Body: Shiva’s ash-smeared body symbolizes detachment and the recognition of the impermanence of life. Shiva is telling us that, by covering himself in ashes, he has renounced worldly attachments. The ashes represent the cycle of life and death, as everything material returns to dust. The message is that true peace comes from letting go of temporary attachments and focusing on the eternal, spiritual truth.

Worship and Devotion

Lord Shiva is worshipped in numerous ways across different regions. Here, I will include some of the ways that are widespread:

Shiva Lingam

Lingam Worship – The Shiva Lingam represents Lord Shiva in his formless and infinite state, meaning that he has no physical shape or boundaries, and his presence is limitless and beyond our understanding. It symbolizes the unity of Lord Shiva (masculine energy) and Goddess Shakti (feminine energy), showing how both energies come together to create life. Devotees offer water, milk, and flowers to the lingam as a way of showing respect and devotion.

Mahashivaratri – Mahashivaratri is the most important festival for Shiva devotees, celebrated to honor the night when Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance (Tandava) after his marriage with Goddess Parvati. This dance symbolizes the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe, representing the continuous cycle of life where everything is created, sustained, and eventually dissolved, only to begin again. During this night, devotees fast to purify themselves, chant Lord Shiva’s names to seek his blessings, and stay awake in devotion as a way of showing their dedication and focus on spiritual growth. The purpose of these actions is to strengthen the connection with Lord Shiva and seek his blessings for progress in life and spirituality.

Chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ – This five-syllable mantra (Panchakshari Mantra) represents Lord Shiva’s five cosmic elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) and invokes his divine presence. It purifies the mind and brings inner peace.

Visiting Mouth Kailash – Mount Kailash is the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva, not just in a physical plane but in a spiritual plane too. Sanatani sees Lord Shiva as beyond time, always existing, and not limited to any particular shape or form. This means he is not like a human or any object we can see—he is formless, like energy or the vast sky. Mount Kailash represents this idea—something that has always been there, never changes, and connects our world to something much greater and divine. Pilgrims travel to this sacred place and walk around the mountain (called parikrama), believing this act helps cleanse their sins and brings them closer to moksha (spiritual liberation).

Daily Worship Practices for Lord Shiva

Just like how I broke down how to practice Dharma in daily life in the ‘Who is Lord Vishnu’ blog, below I have tried to break down the daily worship practices that are usually done for Lord Shiva.

Morning Devotion

Wake up early (preferably but not compulsorily in Brahma Muhurta ) and take a bath to purify yourself.
Offer Jalabhishek (Jala meaning water and Abhishek meaning pouring or offering, ultimately meaning pouring water) to a Shiva Lingam at home or temple. If possible, add bilva leaves in the water, as it’s very dear to Lord Shiva.
Light a lamp (preferably with ghee or sesame oil) and incense in front of Lord Shiva’s idol or Lingam.

Chanting Mantras

Recite ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ 108 times daily for spiritual progress as this mantra helps to bring peace, removes negative thoughts, and connects the devotee to Lord Shiva’s divine energy. It is believed to bring inner strength, destroy past sins, and guide one toward spiritual growth.
Chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for protection and health. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is a powerful prayer for protection, health, and overcoming fear. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to heal diseases, remove dangers, and grant a long and peaceful life. Chanting this mantra regularly helps remove obstacles and brings positive energy.
Read or listen to Shiva stotras like the Shiv Tandav Stotra or Lingashtakam.

Observing Fasts

Fast on Monday to please Lord Shiva. Fasting on Mondays is considered auspicious for pleasing Lord Shiva as Monday is dedicated to him. Monday is linked to the Moon (Chandra), and Lord Shiva is also called Chandrashekhara (the one who holds the Moon on his head). Hence, you can fast on Monday to please Lord Shiva.
Fast on Trayodashi, which is a special fasting day observed twice a month on the 13th day of the lunar cycle. This day is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and worshipping him during this day, especially in the evening time is believed to remove past bad karma and bring his divine blessings.

Practicing Simplicity and Meditation

Lord Shiva represents asceticism and meditation. You can meditate on his form, visualizing him in Mount Kailash, seated in deep meditation.
Practice self-control, avoid unnecessary material desires, and focus on inner peace. If you need guidance, you can do Lord Shiva’s mantra meditation or visualization meditation (meditating upon Lord Shiva’s form) seeking guidance from him.

Helping Others & Living a Sattvik Life

Lord Shiva is known for his compassion (Karuna), so helping those in need and being kind are forms of devotion for him.
Avoid anger, ego, and unnecessary attachments, as these tamas qualities displease Shiva.

I have mentioned various ways here, but even if you do just one of these regularly with sincerity, Lord Shiva’s divine grace and divine blessings will be with you.

Understanding Lord Shiva: Adi Yogi, Mahakaal, and Ardhanarishvara

Adi Yogi (The First Yogi)

Lord Shiva is considered the first teacher (Guru) of Yoga. He is said to have taught the Sapta Rishis (the seven great sages of Sanatana Dharma) the secrets of yoga, meditation, and self-realization.
Yoga, unlike the modern misrepresenation due to ignorance and lack of knowledge, is not just physical exercise but a path to liberation (moksha). Lord Shiva’s role as Adi Yogi signifies that true wisdom and inner transformation come from meditation, breath control (pranayama), and detachment from material illusions.
Many yogis and sadhus follow Lord Shiva’s path, practicing meditation and tapas to transcend worldly attachments.

Mahakaal (Lord of Time and Death)

Lord Shiva is Mahakaal, meaning he exists beyond time (kaal). He is not bound by creation, birth, or destruction—he watches over the cycle of time but remains untouched by it.
Philosophically what this is essentially telling us is that everything in the universe is temporary—things are born, they grow, decay, and die. Lord Shiva, as Mahakaal, represents the ultimate reality (Brahman) that is eternal and beyond these cycles.
When Lord Shiva took the Mahakaal form to destroy a powerful demon (Dushana), it showed that time consumes everything. Even gods and planets bow to time, but Lord Shiva remains and is beyond it.
This teaches us a very important lesson of detachment that nothing lasts forever, so we must focus on the spiritual truth rather than being trapped in temporary material desires.

Ardhanarishvara: Lord Shiva and Parvati Maa as a single being

Ardhanarishvara (Union of Masculine and Feminine Energy)

Ardhanarishvara, a very famous form of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, in this form, Lord Shiva and Parvati Maa appear as a single being, half-male and half-female signifying that Shiva (Purusha – consciousness) and Parvati (Prakriti – nature/energy) are inseparable.
It philosophically represents that:
- Everything in existence is a balance of opposites—male & female, Shiva & Shakti, energy & consciousness.
- One cannot exist without the other; just as the body (Shakti) needs consciousness (Shiva) to function, the universe needs both to sustain itself.
This teaches us balance that we must integrate logic with emotion, strength with compassion, and action with wisdom.

Lord Shiva is a god of opposites—both a meditating yogi and a loving husband, a destroyer of evil and a source of creation. He teaches that life is always changing, and true wisdom comes from embracing both joy and challenges. Worshipping Shiva isn’t just about rituals; it’s about learning to stay strong, let go of attachments, and find peace within. Though he is beyond form and beyond words, his presence is deeply felt by those who seek him with devotion. Om Namah Shivaya! 🔱

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