In the Shaivite tradition, Shiva is the Supreme Lord who creates, protects and transforms the universe.[17][18][19] In the goddess-orientedShakta tradition, the Supreme Goddess (Devi) is regarded as the energy and creative power (Shakti) and the equal complementary partner of Shiva.[23][24] Shiva is one of the five equivalent deities inPanchayatana puja of theSmarta tradition of Hinduism.[25] Shiva is known asThe Destroyer within theTrimurti, theHindu trinity which also includesBrahma andVishnu.[6][26]
Shiva has many aspects, benevolent as well as fearsome. In benevolent aspects, he is depicted as anomniscientyogi who lives anascetic life onKailasa[6] as well as a householder with his wifeParvati and his two children,Ganesha andKartikeya. In his fierce aspects, he is often depicted slaying demons. Shiva is also known as Adiyogi (the first yogi), regarded as the patron god ofyoga,meditation and the arts.[27] The iconographical attributes of Shiva are the serpent kingVasuki around his neck, the adorningcrescent moon, theholy riverGanga flowing from his matted hair, thethird eye on his forehead (the eye that turns everything in front of it into ashes when opened), thetrishula or trident as his weapon, and thedamaru. He is usually worshiped in theaniconic form oflingam.[7]
Though associated with Vedic minor deity Rudra, Shiva may have non-Vedic roots,[28] evolving as an amalgamation of various older non-Vedic and Vedic deities, including theRigvedicstorm godRudra who may also have non-Vedic origins,[29] into a single major deity.[30] Shiva is a pan-Hindu deity, revered widely by Hindus inIndia,Nepal,Bangladesh,Sri Lanka andIndonesia (especially inJava andBali).[31]
According to theMonier-Williams Sanskrit dictionary, the word "śiva" (Devanagari:शिव, also transliterated asshiva) means "auspicious, propitious, gracious, benign, kind, benevolent, friendly".[32] The root words ofśiva in folk etymology areśī which means "in whom all things lie, pervasiveness" andva which means "embodiment of grace".[32][33]
The word Shiva is used as an adjective in theRig Veda (c. 1700–1100 BCE), as an epithet for severalRigvedic deities, includingRudra.[34] The term Shiva also connotes "liberation, final emancipation" and "the auspicious one"; this adjectival usage is addressed to many deities in Vedic literature.[32][35] The term evolved from the VedicRudra-Shiva to the nounShiva in the Epics and the Puranas, as an auspicious deity who is the "creator, reproducer and dissolver".[32][36]
Sharma presents another etymology with theSanskrit rootśarv-, which means "to injure" or "to kill",[37] interpreting the name to connote "one who can kill the forces of darkness".[38]
TheSanskrit wordśaiva means "relating to the god Shiva", and this term is the Sanskrit name both for one of the principal sects of Hinduism and for a member of that sect.[39] It is used as an adjective to characterise certain beliefs and practices, such as Shaivism.[40]
Some authors associate the name with theTamil wordśivappu meaning "red", noting that Shiva is linked to the Sun (śivan, "the Red one", in Tamil) and that Rudra is also calledBabhru (brown, or red) in the Rigveda.[41][42] TheVishnu sahasranama interpretsShiva to have multiple meanings: "The Pure One", and "the One who is not affected by three Guṇas of Prakṛti (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas)".[43]
Shiva is known by many names such as Viswanatha (lord of the universe), Mahadeva, Mahandeo,[44] Mahasu,[45] Mahesha, Maheshvara, Shankara, Shambhu, Rudra, Hara, Trilochana, Devendra (chief of the gods), Neelakanta, Subhankara, Trilokinatha (lord of the three realms),[46][47][48] and Ghrneshwar (lord of compassion).[49] The highest reverence for Shiva in Shaivism is reflected in his epithetsMahādeva ("Great god";mahā "Great" anddeva "god"),[50][51]Maheśvara ("Great Lord";mahā "great" andīśvara "lord"),[52][53] andParameśvara ("Supreme Lord").[54]
Sahasranama are medieval Indian texts that list a thousand names derived from aspects and epithets of a deity.[55] There are at least eight different versions of theShiva Sahasranama, devotional hymns (stotras) listing many names of Shiva.[56] The version appearing in Book 13 (Anuśāsanaparvan) of theMahabharata provides one such list.[a] Shiva also hasDasha-Sahasranamas (10,000 names) that are found in theMahanyasa. TheShri Rudram Chamakam, also known as theŚatarudriya, is a devotional hymn to Shiva hailing him by many names.[57][58]
Historical development and literature
An ancient sculpture of Shiva at theElephanta Caves, Maharashtra. 6th century CE
The Shiva-related tradition is a major part of Hinduism, found all over theIndian subcontinent, such as India,Nepal,Sri Lanka,[59] andSoutheast Asia, such asBali, Indonesia.[60] Shiva-Rudra may have non-Vedic tribal roots,[28] having "his origins in primitive tribes, signs and symbols,"[61] but the oldest literary attestion is the associated Vedic minor deity Rudra,[62] who may also have non-Aryan origins.[63] The figure of Shiva as he is known today is an amalgamation of various older deities into a single figure, due to the process ofSanskritization and the emergence of theHindu synthesis in post-Vedic times.[64] How the persona of Shiva converged as a composite deity is not well documented, a challenge to trace and has attracted much speculation.[65] According to Vijay Nath:
Vishnu and Siva [...] began to absorb countless local cults and deities within their folds. The latter were either taken to represent the multiple facets of the same god or else were supposed to denote different forms and appellations by which the god came to be known and worshipped. [...] Siva became identified with countless local cults by the sheer suffixing ofIsa orIsvara to the name of the local deity, e.g., Bhutesvara, Hatakesvara, Chandesvara."[66]
An example of assimilation took place inMaharashtra, where a regional deity namedKhandoba is a patron deity of farming and herdingcastes.[67] The foremost center of worship of Khandoba in Maharashtra is inJejuri.[68] Khandoba has been assimilated as a form of Shiva himself,[69] in which case he is worshipped in the form of a lingam.[67][70] Khandoba's varied associations also include an identification withSurya[67] andKarttikeya.[71]
Myths about Shiva that were "roughly contemporary with earlyChristianity" existed that portrayed Shiva with many differences than how he is thought of now,[72] and these mythical portrayals of Shiva were incorporated into later versions of him. For instance, he and the othergods, from the highest gods to the least powerful gods, were thought of as somewhat human in nature, creatingemotions they had limited control over and having the ability to get in touch with their inner natures throughasceticism like humans.[73] In that era, Shiva was widely viewed as both the god oflust and of asceticism.[74] In one story, he was seduced by aprostitute sent by the other gods, who were jealous of Shiva's ascetic lifestyle he had lived for 1000 years.[72]
Pre-Vedic elements
Prehistoric art
Prehistoric rock paintings dating to theMesolithic fromBhimbetka rock shelters have been interpreted by some authors as depictions of Shiva.[75][b] However, Howard Morphy states that these prehistoric rock paintings of India, when seen in their context, are likely those of hunting party with animals, and that the figures in a group dance can be interpreted in many different ways.[76]
Of several Indus valley seals that show animals, one seal that has attracted attention shows a large central figure, eitherhorned or wearing a horned headdress and possiblyithyphallic,[note 2][77] seated in a posture reminiscent of theLotus position, surrounded by animals. This figure was named by early excavators ofMohenjo-daro asPashupati (Lord of Animals,Sanskritpaśupati),[78] an epithet of the laterHindu deities Shiva and Rudra.[79]Sir John Marshall and others suggested that this figure is a prototype of Shiva, with three faces, seated in a "yoga posture" with the knees out and feet joined.[80] Semi-circular shapes on the head were interpreted as two horns. Scholars such asGavin Flood,John Keay andDoris Meth Srinivasan have expressed doubts about this suggestion.[81]
Gavin Flood states that it is not clear from the seal that the figure has three faces, is seated in a yoga posture, or even that the shape is intended to represent a human figure. He characterises these views as "speculative", but adds that it is nevertheless possible that there are echoes of Shaivaiconographic themes, such as half-moon shapes resembling the horns of abull.[82] John Keay writes that "he may indeed be an early manifestation of Lord Shiva as Pashu-pati", but a couple of his specialties of this figure does not match with Rudra.[83] Writing in 1997, Srinivasan interprets whatJohn Marshall interpreted as facial as not human but more bovine, possibly a divine buffalo-man.[84]
The interpretation of the seal continues to be disputed.McEvilley, for example, states that it is not possible to "account for this posture outside the yogic account".[85] Asko Parpola states that other archaeological finds such as the early Elamite seals dated to 3000–2750 BCE show similar figures and these have been interpreted as "seated bull" and not a yogi, and the bovine interpretation is likely more accurate.[86] Gregory L. Possehl in 2002, associated it with the water buffalo, and concluded that while it would be appropriate to recognise the figure as a deity, and its posture as one of ritual discipline, regarding it as a proto-Shiva would "go too far".[87]
Proto-Indo-European elements
The Vedic beliefs and practices of the pre-classical era were closely related to the hypothesisedProto-Indo-European religion,[88] and the pre-Islamic Indo-Iranian religion.[89] The similarities between the iconography and theologies of Shiva with Greek and European deities have led to proposals for anIndo-European link for Shiva,[90][91] or lateral exchanges with ancient central Asian cultures.[92][93] His contrasting aspects such as being terrifying or blissful depending on the situation, are similar to those of the Greek godDionysus,[94] as are their iconic associations with bull, snakes, anger, bravery, dancing and carefree life.[95][96] The ancient Greek texts of the time of Alexander the Great call Shiva "Indian Dionysus", or alternatively call Dionysus"god of the Orient".[95] Similarly, the use of phallic symbol[note 2] as an icon for Shiva is also found for Irish, Nordic, Greek (Dionysus[97]) and Roman deities, as was the idea of this aniconic column linking heaven and earth among early Indo-Aryans, states Roger Woodward.[90] Others contest such proposals, and suggest Shiva to have emerged from indigenous non-Aryan tribal origins.[98]
Vedic elements
Rudra
Three-headed Shiva, Gandhara, 2nd century AD
Shiva as we know him today shares many features with the Vedic godRudra,[99] and both Shiva and Rudra are viewed as the same personality inHindu scriptures. The two names are used synonymously. Rudra, aRigvedic deity with fearsome powers, was the god of the roaringstorm. He is usually portrayed in accordance with the element he represents as a fierce, destructive deity.[100] In RV 2.33, he is described as the "Father of theRudras", a group of storm gods.[101][102]
Flood notes that Rudra is an ambiguous god, peripheral in the Vedic pantheon, possibly indicating non-Vedic origins.[29] Nevertheless, both Rudra and Shiva are akin toWodan, the Germanic God of rage ("wütte") and thewild hunt.[103][104][page needed][105][page needed]
According to Sadasivan, during the development of theHindu synthesis attributes of the Buddha were transferred by Brahmins to Shiva, who was also linked withRudra.[61] The Rigveda has 3 out of 1,028 hymns dedicated to Rudra, and he finds occasional mention in other hymns of the same text.[106] Hymn 10.92 of the Rigveda states that deity Rudra has two natures, one wild and cruel (Rudra), another that is kind and tranquil (Shiva).[107]
The term Shiva also appears simply as an epithet, that means "kind, auspicious", one of the adjectives used to describe many different Vedic deities. While fierce ruthless natural phenomenon and storm-related Rudra is feared in the hymns of the Rigveda, the beneficial rains he brings are welcomed as Shiva aspect of him.[108] This healing, nurturing, life-enabling aspect emerges in the Vedas as Rudra-Shiva, and in post-Vedic literature ultimately as Shiva who combines the destructive and constructive powers, the terrific and the gentle, as the ultimate recycler and rejuvenator of all existence.[109]
The Vedic texts do not mention bull or any animal as the transport vehicle (vahana) of Rudra or other deities. However, post-Vedic texts such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas state the Nandi bull, the Indianzebu, in particular, as the vehicle of Rudra and of Shiva, thereby unmistakably linking them as same.[110]
Agni
Rudra andAgni have a close relationship.[note 3] The identification between Agni and Rudra in the Vedic literature was an important factor in the process of Rudra's gradual transformation into Rudra-Shiva.[note 4] The identification ofAgni with Rudra is explicitly noted in theNirukta, an important early text on etymology, which says, "Agni is also called Rudra."[111] The interconnections between the two deities are complex, and according to Stella Kramrisch:
The fire myth ofRudra-Śiva plays on the whole gamut of fire, valuing all its potentialities and phases, from conflagration to illumination.[112]
In theŚatarudrīya, some epithets of Rudra, such asSasipañjara ("Of golden red hue as of flame") andTivaṣīmati ("Flaming bright"), suggest a fusing of the two deities.[note 5] Agni is said to be a bull,[113] and Shiva possesses a bull as his vehicle,Nandi. The horns ofAgni, who is sometimes characterised as a bull, are mentioned.[114][115] In medieval sculpture, bothAgni and the form of Shiva known asBhairava have flaming hair as a special feature.[116]
According toWendy Doniger, the Saivite fertility myths and some of the phallic characteristics of Shiva are inherited fromIndra.[117] Doniger gives several reasons for her hypothesis. Both are associated with mountains, rivers, male fertility, fierceness, fearlessness, warfare, the transgression of established mores, theAum sound, the Supreme Self. In the Rig Veda the termśiva is used to refer to Indra. (2.20.3,[note 6] 6.45.17,[119][120] and 8.93.3.[121]) Indra, like Shiva, is likened to a bull.[122][123] In the Rig Veda, Rudra is the father of theMaruts, but he is never associated with their warlike exploits as is Indra.[124]
Many of the qualities of Indo-Iranian god of might/victory,Verethraghna, were transferred to the adopted god Indra, who became the central deity of the developing Old Indic culture. Indra was the subject of 250 hymns, a quarter of theRig Veda. He was associated more than any other deity withSoma, a stimulant drug (perhaps derived fromEphedra) probably borrowed from the BMAC religion. His rise to prominence was a peculiar trait of the Old Indic speakers.[126]
The texts and artwork ofJainism show Indra as a dancer, although not identical generally resembling the dancing Shiva artwork found in Hinduism, particularly in their respective mudras.[127] For example, in the Jain caves atEllora, extensive carvings show dancing Indra next to the images ofTirthankaras in a manner similar to Shiva Nataraja. The similarities in the dance iconography suggests that there may be a link between ancient Indra and Shiva.[128]
Development
A few texts such asAtharvashiras Upanishad mentionRudra, and assert all gods are Rudra, everyone and everything is Rudra, and Rudra is the principle found in all things, their highest goal, the innermost essence of all reality that is visible or invisible.[129] TheKaivalya Upanishad similarly, statesPaul Deussen – a German Indologist and professor of philosophy, describes the self-realized man as who "feels himself only as the one divine essence that lives in all", who feels identity of his and everyone's consciousness with Shiva (highest Atman), who has found this highest Atman within, in the depths of his heart.[130]
Rudra's evolution from a minor Vedic deity to a supreme being is first evidenced in theShvetashvatara Upanishad (400–200 BCE), according to Gavin Flood, presenting the earliest seeds of theistic devotion to Rudra-Shiva.[131] Here Rudra-Shiva is identified as the creator of the cosmos andliberator of Selfs from the birth-rebirth cycle. The Svetasvatara Upanishad set the tone for early Shaivite thought, especially in chapter 3 verse 2 where Shiva is equated with Brahman: "Rudra is truly one; for the knowers of Brahman do not admit the existence of a second".[132][133] The period of 200 BC to 100 AD also marks the beginning of the Shaiva tradition focused on the worship of Shiva as evidenced in other literature of this period.[131] Other scholars such as Robert Hume and Doris Srinivasan state that theShvetashvatara Upanishad presents pluralism,pantheism, orhenotheism, rather than being a text just on Shiva theism.[134]
Self-realization and Shaiva Upanishads
He who sees himself in all beings, And all beings in him, attains the highestBrahman, not by any other means.
The earliest iconic artworks of Shiva may be from Gandhara and northwest parts of ancient India. There is some uncertainty as the artwork that has survived is damaged and they show some overlap with meditative Buddha-related artwork, but the presence of Shiva's trident and phallic symbolism[note 2] in this art suggests it was likely Shiva.[138]Numismatics research suggests that numerous coins of the ancientKushan Empire (30–375 CE) that have survived, were images of a god who is probably Shiva.[139] The Shiva in Kushan coins is referred to as Oesho of unclear etymology and origins, but the simultaneous presence of Indra and Shiva in the Kushan era artwork suggest that they were revered deities by the start of the Kushan Empire.[140][141]
TheShaiva Upanishads are a group of 14 minor Upanishads of Hinduism variously dated from the last centuries of the 1st millennium BCE through the 17th century.[142] These extol Shiva as the metaphysical unchanging realityBrahman and theAtman (Self),[129] and include sections about rites and symbolisms related to Shiva.[143]
TheShaiva Puranas, particularly theShiva Purana and theLinga Purana, present the various aspects of Shiva, mythologies, cosmology and pilgrimage (Tirtha) associated with him.[144] The Shiva-relatedTantra literature, composed between the 8th and 11th centuries, are regarded in devotional dualistic Shaivism asSruti. DualisticShaiva Agamas which consider Self within each living being and Shiva as two separate realities (dualism,dvaita), are the foundational texts forShaiva Siddhanta.[145] Other Shaiva Agamas teach that these are one reality (monism,advaita), and that Shiva is the Self, the perfection and truth within each living being.[146] In Shiva related sub-traditions, there are ten dualistic Agama texts, eighteen qualified monism-cum-dualism Agama texts and sixty-four monism Agama texts.[147][148][149]
Shiva-related literature developed extensively across India in the 1st millennium CE and through the 13th century, particularly in Kashmir and Tamil Shaiva traditions.[149] Shaivism gained immense popularity inTamilakam as early as the 7th century CE, with poets such asAppar andSambandar composing rich poetry that is replete with present features associated with the deity, such as histandava dance, the mulavam (dumru), the aspect of holding fire, and restraining the proud flow of the Ganga upon his braid.[150] The monist Shiva literature posit absolute oneness, that is Shiva is within every man and woman, Shiva is within every living being, Shiva is present everywhere in the world including all non-living being, and there is no spiritual difference between life, matter, man and Shiva.[151] The various dualistic and monist Shiva-related ideas were welcomed in medieval southeast Asia, inspiring numerous Shiva-related temples, artwork and texts in Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, with syncretic integration of local pre-existing theologies.[152]
Position within Hinduism
Lingodbhava is a Shaiva sectarian icon where Shiva is depicted rising from theLingam (an infinite fiery pillar) that narrates how Shiva is the foremost of theTrimurti;Brahma on the left andVishnu on the right are depicted bowing to Shiva in the centre.Ac. 750–800 CE grayschist three-headed Shiva fromKashmir, with a three-eyed yogi-king front facing form, his consortParvati as the left head, and three-eyedBhairava as right head. His sonsGanesha andKumara stand at his feet, and a three-eyedVrishabha, his mount, stands behind.[153]
Shaivism is one of the four major sects ofHinduism, the others beingVaishnavism,Shaktism and theSmarta Tradition. Followers of Shaivism, called "Shaivas", revere Shiva as the Supreme Being. Shaivas believe that Shiva is All and in all, the creator, preserver, destroyer, revealer and concealer of all that is.[17][18] He is not only the creator in Shaivism, but he is also the creation that results from him, he is everything and everywhere. Shiva is the primal Self, the pure consciousness andAbsolute Reality in the Shaiva traditions.[17] Shiva is also part of 'Om' (ॐ) as a 'U' (उ).[154]
The Shaivism theology is broadly grouped into two: the popular theology influenced by Shiva-Rudra in the Vedas, Epics and the Puranas; and the esoteric theology influenced by the Shiva and Shakti-related Tantra texts.[155] The Vedic-Brahmanic Shiva theology includes both monist (Advaita) and devotional traditions (Dvaita), such as TamilShaiva Siddhanta andLingayatism. Shiva temples feature items such as linga, Shiva-Parvati iconography, bull Nandi within the premises, and relief artwork showing aspects of Shiva.[156][157]
TheTantric Shiva ("शिव") tradition ignored the mythologies and Puranas related to Shiva, and depending on the sub-school developed a variety of practices. For example, historical records suggest the tantricKapalikas (literally, the 'skull-men') co-existed with and shared many Vajrayana Buddhist rituals, engaged in esoteric practices that revered Shiva and Shakti wearing skulls, begged with empty skulls, and sometimes used meat as a part of ritual.[158] The esoteric tradition withinKashmir Shaivism has featured theKrama andTrika sub-traditions.[159] The Krama sub-tradition focussed on esoteric rituals around Shiva-Kali pair.[160] The Trika sub-tradition developed a theology of triads involving Shiva, combined it with an ascetic lifestyle focusing on personal Shiva in the pursuit of monistic self-liberation.[159][161][162]
Vaishnavism
The Vaishnava (Vishnu-oriented) literature acknowledges and discusses Shiva. Like Shaiva literature that presents Shiva as supreme, the Vaishnava literature presentsVishnu as supreme. However, both traditions are pluralistic and revere both Shiva and Vishnu (along with Devi), their texts do not show exclusivism, and Vaishnava texts such as theBhagavata Purana while praisingKrishna as the Ultimate Reality, also present Shiva and Shakti as a personalised form an equivalent to the same Ultimate Reality.[163][164][165] The texts of Shaivism tradition similarly praise Vishnu. The Skanda Purana, for example, states:
Vishnu is no one but Shiva, and he who is called Shiva is but identical with Vishnu.
Both traditions include legends about who is superior, about Shiva paying homage to Vishnu, and Vishnu paying homage to Shiva. However, in texts and artwork of either tradition, the mutual salutes are symbolism for complementarity.[167] The Mahabharata declares the unchanging Ultimate Reality (Brahman) to be identical to Shiva and to Vishnu,[168] that Vishnu is the highest manifestation of Shiva, and Shiva is the highest manifestation of Vishnu.[169]
Shaktism
Ardhanarishvara sculpture,Khajuraho, depicting Shiva with goddessParvati as his equal half.[170] In theArdhanarisvara concept, the icon is presented as half-man and half woman.
The goddess-orientedShakti tradition of Hinduism is based on the premise that the Supreme Principle and the Ultimate Reality called Brahman is female (Devi),[171][172][173] but it treats the male as her equal and complementary partner.[174] This partner is Shiva.[175][176]
The earliest evidence of the tradition of reverence for the feminine with Rudra-Shiva context, is found in the Hindu scriptureRigveda, in a hymn called the Devi Sukta.[177][178][177][178][179]
TheDevi Upanishad in its explanation of the theology of Shaktism, mentions and praises Shiva such as in its verse 19.[180][181] Shiva, along with Vishnu, is a revered god in theDevi Mahatmya, a text of Shaktism considered by the tradition to be as important as theBhagavad Gita.[182][183] TheArdhanarisvara concept co-mingles god Shiva and goddess Shakti by presenting an icon that is half-man and half woman, a representation and theme of union found in many Hindu texts and temples.[184][185]
Oleograph byRaja Ravi Varma depicting a Shiva-centric Panchayatana. A bearded Shiva sits in the centre with his wife Parvati and their infant son Ganesha; surrounded by (clockwise from left upper corner) Ganesha, Devi, Vishnu, and Surya. Shiva's mount is the bull Nandi below Shiva.
Philosophically, the Smarta tradition emphasises that all idols (murti) are icons to help focus on and visualise aspects of Brahman, rather than distinct beings. The ultimate goal in this practice is to transition past the use of icons, recognise the Absolute symbolised by the icons,[189] on the path to realising thenondual identity of one's Atman (Self) and the Brahman.[190] Popularized byAdi Shankara, many Panchayatana mandalas and temples have been uncovered that are from theGupta Empire period, and one Panchayatana set from the village of Nand (about 24 kilometres fromAjmer) has been dated to belong to theKushan Empire era (pre-300 CE).[191] The Kushan period set includes Shiva, Vishnu, Surya, Brahma and one deity whose identity is unclear.[191]
Yoga
Shiva is considered the Great Yogi who is totally absorbed in himself – the transcendental reality. He is the Lord ofYogis, and the teacher ofYoga to sages.[192] As Shiva Dakshinamurthi, states Stella Kramrisch, he is the supremeguru who "teaches in silence the oneness of one's innermost self (atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman)."[193] Shiva is also an archetype forsamhara (Sanskrit:संहार) ordissolution which includes transcendence of human misery by the dissolution ofmaya, which is why Shiva is associated withYoga.[194][195]
Adiyogi Shiva (the first Yogi) statue in Coimbatore
The theory and practice of Yoga, in different styles, has been a part of all major traditions of Hinduism, and Shiva has been the patron or spokesperson in numerous Hindu Yoga texts.[196][197] These contain the philosophy and techniques for Yoga. These ideas are estimated to be from or after the late centuries of the 1st millennium CE, and have survived as Yoga texts such as theIsvara Gita (literally, 'Shiva's song'), whichAndrew Nicholson – a professor of Hinduism and Indian Intellectual History – states have had "a profound and lasting influence on the development of Hinduism".[198]
Other famed Shiva-related texts influencedHatha Yoga, integrated monistic (Advaita Vedanta) ideas with Yoga philosophy and inspired the theoretical development ofIndian classical dance. These include theShiva Sutras, theShiva Samhita, and those by the scholars of Kashmir Shaivism such as the 10th-century scholarAbhinavagupta.[196][197][199] Abhinavagupta writes in his notes on the relevance of ideas related to Shiva and Yoga, by stating that "people, occupied as they are with their own affairs, normally do nothing for others", and Shiva and Yoga spirituality helps one look beyond, understand interconnectedness, and thus benefit both the individual and the world towards a more blissful state of existence.[200]
The Trimurti is a concept in Hinduism in which the cosmic functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction are personified by the forms ofBrahma the creator, Vishnu the maintainer or preserver and Shiva the destroyer or transformer.[201][202] These three deities have been called "the Hindu triad"[203] or the "Great Triple deity".[204] However, the ancient and medieval texts of Hinduism feature many triads of gods and goddesses, some of which do not include Shiva.[205]
Attributes
Shiva with Parvati. Shiva is depicted three-eyed, theGanges flowing through his matted hair, wearing ornaments of serpents and askull garland, covered in ashes, and seated on a tiger skin.A seated Shiva holds an axe and deer in his hands.Siva with Moustache from Archaeological Museum GOA.
Shiva is traditionally represented with distinctive attributes and symbols:
Third eye: Shiva is often depicted with athird eye, with which he burned Desire (Kāma) to ashes,[206] called "Tryambakam" (Sanskrit:त्र्यम्बकम्), which occurs in many scriptural sources.[207]
Crescent moon: Shiva bears on his head the crescent moon.[208] The epithetCandraśekhara (Sanskrit:चन्द्रशेखर "Having the moon as his crest" –candra = "moon";śekhara = "crest, crown")[209][210][211] refers to this feature. The placement of the moon on his head as a standard iconographic feature dates to the period when Rudra rose to prominence and became the major deity Rudra-Shiva.[212] The origin of this linkage may be due to the identification of the moon with Soma, and there is a hymn in the Rig Veda where Soma and Rudra are jointly implored, and in later literature, Soma and Rudra came to be identified with one another, as were Soma and the moon.[213]
Ashes: Shiva iconography shows his body covered with ashes (bhasma,vibhuti).[19][214] The ashes represent a reminder that all of material existence is impermanent, comes to an end becoming ash, and the pursuit of eternal Self and spiritual liberation is important.[215][216]
Matted hair: Shiva's distinctive hair style is noted in the epithetsJaṭin, "the one with matted hair",[217] and Kapardin, "endowed with matted hair"[218] or "wearing his hair wound in a braid in a shell-like (kaparda) fashion".[219] A kaparda is a cowrie shell, or a braid of hair in the form of a shell, or, more generally, hair that is shaggy or curly.[220]
Blue throat: The epithetNīlakaṇtha (Sanskritनीलकण्ठ;nīla = "blue",kaṇtha = "throat").[221][222] Since Shiva drank theHalahala poison churned up from theSamudra Manthana to eliminate its destructive capacity. Shocked by his act, Parvati squeezed his neck and stopped it in his neck to prevent it from spreading all over the universe, supposed to be in Shiva's stomach. However the poison was so potent that it changed the color of his neck to blue.[223][224]
Meditating yogi: Shiva is often shown in aYoga pose, meditating, sometimes seated onMount Kailash as the Lord of Yoga.[19]
Sacred Ganga: The epithetGangadhara, "Bearer of the riverGanga" (Ganges). The Ganga flows from the matted hair of Shiva.[225][226] TheGaṅgā (Ganga), one of the major rivers of the country, is said to have made her abode in Shiva's hair.[227]
Tiger skin: Shiva is often shown seated upon a tiger skin.[19]
Vasuki: Shiva is often shown garlanded with the serpentVasuki. Vasuki is the secondking of the nāgas (the first beingVishnu's mount,Shesha). According to a legend, Vasuki was blessed by Shiva and worn by him as an ornament after theSamudra Manthana.[citation needed]
Trident: Shiva typically carries atrident calledTrishula.[19] The trident is a weapon or a symbol in different Hindu texts.[228] As a symbol, theTrishul represents Shiva's three aspects of "creator, preserver and destroyer",[229] or alternatively it represents the equilibrium of threeguṇas ofsattva,rajas andtamas.[230]
Drum: A small drum shaped like an hourglass is known as adamaru.[231][232] This is one of the attributes of Shiva in his famous dancing representation[233] known asNataraja. A specific hand gesture (mudra) calledḍamaru-hasta (Sanskrit for "ḍamaru-hand") is used to hold the drum.[234]
Axe (Parashu) andDeer are held in Shiva's hands in Odisha & south Indian icons.[235]
Rosary beads: he is garlanded with or carries a string of rosary beads in his right hand, typically made ofRudraksha.[19] This symbolises grace, mendicant life and meditation.[236][237]
Nandī:Nandī, (Sanskrit:नन्दिन् (nandin)), is the name of thebull that serves as Shiva's mount.[238][239] Shiva's association with cattle is reflected in his namePaśupati, orPashupati (Sanskrit: पशुपति), translated by Sharma as "lord of cattle"[240] and by Kramrisch as "lord of animals", who notes that it is particularly used as an epithet of Rudra.[241]
MountKailāsa:Kailasa in theHimalayas is his traditional abode.[19][242] In Hindu mythology, MountKailāsa is conceived as resembling aLinga, representing the center of the universe.[243]
Gaṇa: TheGaṇas are attendants of Shiva and live in Kailash. They are often referred to as the bhutaganas, or ghostly hosts, on account of their nature. Generally benign, except when their lord is transgressed against, they are often invoked to intercede with the lord on behalf of the devotee. His sonGanesha was chosen as their leader by Shiva, hence Ganesha's titlegaṇa-īśa orgaṇa-pati, "lord of thegaṇas".[244]
Varanasi:Varanasi (Benares) is considered to be the city specially loved by Shiva, and is one of the holiest places of pilgrimage in India. It is referred to, in religious contexts, as Kashi.[245]
Forms and depictions
Shiva is often depicted as embodying attributes of ambiguity and paradox. His depictions are marked by the opposing themes including fierceness and innocence. This duality can be seen in the diverse epithets attributed to him and the rich tapestry of narratives that delineate his persona within Hindu mythology.[246]
Destroyer and Benefactor
Shiva is represented in many aspects.[247] Left:Bhairava, the fierce form of Shiva, 16th century Nepal; Right: Shiva as a meditating yogi inRishikesh.
InYajurveda, two contrary sets of attributes for both malignant or terrifying (Sanskrit:rudra) and benign or auspicious (Sanskrit:śiva) forms can be found, leading Chakravarti to conclude that "all the basic elements which created the complex Rudra-Śiva sect of later ages are to be found here".[248] In the Mahabharata, Shiva is depicted as "the standard of invincibility, might, and terror", as well as a figure of honour, delight, and brilliance.[249]
The duality of Shiva's fearful and auspicious attributes appears in contrasted names. The name Rudra reflects Shiva's fearsome aspects. According to traditional etymologies, the Sanskrit nameRudra is derived from the rootrud-, which means "to cry, howl".[250]Stella Kramrisch notes a different etymology connected with the adjectival formraudra, which means "wild, ofrudra nature", and translates the nameRudra as "the wild one" or "the fierce god".[251] R. K. Sharma follows this alternate etymology and translates the name as "terrible".[252] Hara is an important name that occurs three times in the Anushasanaparvan version of theShiva sahasranama, where it is translated in different ways each time it occurs, following a commentorial tradition of not repeating an interpretation. Sharma translates the three as "one who captivates", "one who consolidates", and "one who destroys".[20] Kramrisch translates it as "the ravisher".[224] Another of Shiva's fearsome forms is asKāla "time" andMahākāla "great time", which ultimately destroys all things.[253] The nameKāla appears in theShiva Sahasranama, where it is translated by Ram Karan Sharma as "(the Supreme Lord of) Time".[254]Bhairava "terrible" or "frightful"[255] is a fierce form associated with annihilation. In contrast, the nameŚaṇkara, "beneficent"[38] or "conferring happiness"[256] reflects his benign form. This name was adopted by the greatVedanta philosopherAdi Shankara (c. 788 – c. 820),[257] who is also known as Shankaracharya.[50] The nameŚambhu (Sanskrit:शम्भु swam-on its own; bhu-burn/shine) "self-shining/ shining on its own", also reflects this benign aspect.[50][258]
Ascetic and householder
Shiva is depicted both as an ascetic mendicant (left asBhikshatana) and as a householder with his wife Parvati and sons Ganesha and Kartikeya (right).
Shiva is depicted as both an asceticyogi and as a householder (grihasta), roles which have been traditionally mutually exclusive in Hindu society.[259] When depicted as a yogi, he may be shown sitting and meditating.[260] His epithet Mahāyogi ("the great Yogi:Mahā = "great",Yogi = "one who practices Yoga") refers to his association with yoga.[261] WhileVedic religion was conceived mainly in terms of sacrifice, it was during theEpic period that the concepts oftapas, yoga, and asceticism became more important, and the depiction of Shiva as an ascetic sitting in philosophical isolation reflects these later concepts.[262]
As a family man and householder, he has a wife,Parvati, and two sons,Ganesha andKartikeya. His epithetUmāpati ("The husband ofUmā") refers to this idea, and Sharma notes that two other variants of this name that mean the same thing,Umākānta andUmādhava, also appear in thesahasranama.[263]Umā in epic literature is known by many names, including the benignPārvatī.[264][265] She is identified withDevi, the Divine Mother;Shakti (divine energy) as well as goddesses likeTripura Sundari,Durga,Kali,Kamakshi andMinakshi. The consorts of Shiva are the source of his creative energy. They represent the dynamic extension of Shiva onto this universe.[266] His son Ganesha is worshipped throughoutIndia andNepal as the Remover of Obstacles, Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles. Kartikeya is worshipped inSouthern India (especially inTamil Nadu,Kerala andKarnataka) by the names Subrahmanya, Subrahmanyan, Shanmughan, Swaminathan and Murugan, and inNorthern India by the names Skanda, Kumara, or Karttikeya.[267]
Some regional deities are also identified as Shiva's children. As one story goes, Shiva is enticed by the beauty and charm ofMohini, Vishnu's female avatar, and procreates with her. As a result of this union,Shasta – identified with regional deitiesAyyappan andAiyanar – is born.[268][269][270][271] In outskirts of Ernakulam inKerala, a deity namedVishnumaya is stated to be offspring of Shiva and invoked in local exorcism rites, but this deity is not traceable in Hindu pantheon and is possibly a local tradition with "vaguely Chinese" style rituals, states Saletore.[272] In some traditions, Shiva has daughters like the serpent-goddessManasa andAshokasundari.[273][274] According to Doniger, two regional stories depict demonsAndhaka andJalandhara as the children of Shiva who war with him, and are later destroyed by Shiva.[275]
The depiction of Shiva asNataraja (Sanskrit नटराज;Naṭarāja) is a form (mūrti) of Shiva as "Lord of Dance".[276][277] The names Nartaka ("dancer") and Nityanarta ("eternal dancer") appear in the Shiva Sahasranama.[278] His association with dance and also with music is prominent in thePuranic period.[279] In addition to the specific iconographic form known as Nataraja, various other types of dancing forms (Sanskrit:nṛtyamūrti) are found in all parts of India, with many well-defined varieties in Tamil Nadu in particular.[280] The two most common forms of the dance are theTandava, which later came to denote the powerful and masculine dance as Kala-Mahakala associated with the destruction of the world. When it requires the world or universe to be destroyed, Shiva does it by the Tandava,[281] andLasya, which is graceful and delicate and expresses emotions on a gentle level and is considered the feminine dance attributed to the goddess Parvati.[282][283]Lasya is regarded as the female counterpart ofTandava.[283] TheTandava-Lasya dances are associated with the destruction-creation of the world.[284][285][286]
Dakshinamurti (Sanskrit दक्षिणामूर्ति;Dakṣiṇāmūrti, "[facing] south form")[287] represents Shiva in his aspect as a teacher of yoga, music, and wisdom and giving exposition on theshastras.[288] Dakshinamurti is depicted as a figure seated upon a deer-throne surrounded by sages receiving instruction.[289] Dakshinamurti's depiction in Indian art is mostly restricted to Tamil Nadu.[290]
Bhikshatana (Sanskrit भिक्षाटन;Bhikṣāṭana, "wandering about for alms, mendicancy"[291]) depicts Shiva as a divine medicant. He is depicted as a nude four-armed man adorned with ornaments who holds a begging bowl in his hand and is followed by demonic attendants. He is associated with his penance for committing brahmicide as Bhirava and with his encounters with the sages and their wives in the Deodar forest.
Tripurantaka (Sanskrit त्रिपुरांतक;Tripurāntaka, "ender of Tripura"[292]) is associated with his destruction of the three cities (Tripura) of theAsuras.[293] He is depicted with four arms, the upper pair holding an axe and a deer, and the lower pair wielding a bow and arrow.
Ardhanarishvara (Sanskrit: अर्धनारीश्वर;Ardhanārīśvara, "the lord who is half woman"[294]) is conjunct form of Shiva with Parvati. Adhanarishvara is depicted with one half of the body as male and the other half as female. Ardhanarishvara represents the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of the universe (Purusha and Prakriti) and illustrates howShakti, the female principle of God, is inseparable from (or the same as, according to some interpretations) Shiva, the male principle of God, and vice versa.[295]
Kalyanasundara-murti (Sanskrit कल्याणसुन्दर-मूर्ति, literally "icon of beautiful marriage") is the depiction of Shiva's marriage to Parvati. The divine couple are often depicted performing thepanigrahana (Sanskrit "accepting the hand") ritual from traditional Hindu wedding ceremonies.[296] The most basic form of thismurti consists of only Shiva and Parvati together, but in more elaborate forms they are accompanied by other persons, sometimes including Parvati's parents, as well as deities (often with Vishnu and Lakshmi standing as Parvati's parents, Brahma as the officiating priest, and various other deities as attendants or guests).
Somaskanda is the depiction of Shiva, Parvati, and their son Skanda (Kartikeya), popular during thePallava Dynasty in southern India.
Astamurti (Sanskrit: अष्टमूर्ति) is an iconographic depiction of Shiva as composed of eight attributes: Rudra, Śarva, Paśupati, Ugra, Aśani, Bhava, Mahādeva, and Īśāna—some of which overlap with Pañcānana, described below.
Pañcānana (Sanskrit: पञ्चानन), also called thepañcabrahma, is a form of Shiva depicting him as having five faces which correspond to his five divine activities (pañcakṛtya): creation (sṛṣṭi), preservation (sthithi), destruction (saṃhāra), concealing grace (tirobhāva), and revealing grace (anugraha). Five is a sacred number for Shiva.[297] One of his most important mantras has five syllables (namaḥ śivāya).[298]
The 10th century five headed Shiva, Sadashiva, Cambodia
Shiva's body is said to consist of five mantras, called thepañcabrahman.[299] As forms of God, each of these have their own names and distinct iconography:[300] These are represented as the five faces of Shiva and are associated in various texts with the five elements, the five senses, the five organs of perception, and the five organs of action.[301][302] Doctrinal differences and, possibly, errors in transmission, have resulted in some differences between texts in details of how these five forms are linked with various attributes.[303] The overall meaning of these associations is summarised by Stella Kramrisch,
Through these transcendent categories, Śiva, the ultimate reality, becomes the efficient and material cause of all that exists.[304]
One should know all things of the phenomenal world as of a fivefold character, for the reason that the eternal verity ofŚiva is of the character of the fivefold Brahman. (Pañcabrahma Upanishad 31)[305]
TheLinga Purana states, "Shiva is signless, without color, taste, smell, that is beyond word or touch, without quality, motionless and changeless".[309] The source of the universe is the signless, and all of the universe is the manifested Linga, a union of unchanging Principles and the ever changing nature.[309] TheLinga Purana and theShiva Gita texts builds on this foundation.[310][311] Linga, statesAlain Daniélou, means sign.[309] It is an important concept in Hindu texts, wherein Linga is a manifested sign and nature of someone or something. It accompanies the concept ofBrahman, which as invisible signless and existent Principle, is formless or linga-less.[309]
TheShvetashvatara Upanishad states one of the three significations, the primary one, ofLingam as "the imperishable Purusha",the absolute reality, where says thelinga as "sign", a mark that provides the existence ofBrahman, thus the original meaning as "sign".[312] Furthermore, it says "Shiva, the Supreme Lord, has no liūga",liuga (Sanskrit:लिऊगIAST:liūga) meaning Shiva is transcendent, beyond any characteristic and, specifically the sign of gender.[312]
Apart from anthropomorphic images of Shiva, he is also represented in aniconic form of a lingam.[313] These are depicted in various designs. One common form is the shape of a vertical rounded column in the centre of a lipped, disk-shaped object, theyoni, symbolism for the goddess Shakti.[314] In Shiva temples, thelinga is typically present in its sanctum sanctorum and is the focus of votary offerings such as milk, water, flower petals, fruit, fresh leaves, and rice.[314] According to Monier Williams and Yudit Greenberg,linga literally means 'mark, sign or emblem', and also refers to a "mark or sign from which the existence of something else can be reliably inferred". It implies the regenerative divine energy innate in nature, symbolised by Shiva.[315][316]
The worship of the lingam originated from the famous hymn in theAtharva-Veda Samhitâ sung in praise of theYupa-Stambha, the sacrificial post. In that hymn, a description is found of the beginningless and endlessStambha orSkambha, and it is shown that the saidSkambha is put in place of the eternalBrahman. Just as theYajna (sacrificial) fire, its smoke, ashes, and flames, theSoma plant, and the ox that used to carry on its back the wood for theVedic sacrifice gave place to the conceptions of the brightness of Shiva's body, his tawny matted hair, his blue throat, and the riding on the bull of the Shiva, theYupa-Skambha gave place in time to theShiva-Linga.[330][331] In the textLinga Purana, the same hymn is expanded in the shape of stories, meant to establish the glory of the great Stambha and the superiority of Shiva as Mahadeva.[331]
The oldest known archaeologicallinga as an icon of Shiva is theGudimallam lingam from 3rd-century BCE.[314] In Shaivism pilgrimage tradition, twelve major temples of Shiva are calledJyotirlinga, which means "linga of light", and these are located across India.[332]
Avatars
Puranic scriptures contain occasional references to "ansh" – literally 'portion, or avatars of Shiva', but the idea of Shiva avatars is not universally accepted inShaivism.[333] The Linga Purana mentions twenty-eight forms of Shiva which are sometimes seen as avatars,[334] however such mention is unusual and the avatars of Shiva is relatively rare in Shaivism compared to the well emphasised concept of Vishnu avatars inVaishnavism.[335][336][337]Some Vaishnava literature reverentially link Shiva to characters in its Puranas. For example, in theHanuman Chalisa,Hanuman is identified as the eleventh avatar of Shiva.[338][339][340] TheBhagavata Purana and theVishnu Purana claim sageDurvasa to be a portion of Shiva.[341][342][343] Some medieval era writers have called theAdvaita Vedanta philosopherAdi Shankara an incarnation of Shiva.[344]
Maha Shivaratri festival is observed in the night, usually in lighted temples or specialprabha (above).
There is aShivaratri in every lunar month on its 13th night/14th day,[345] but once a year in late winter (February/March) and before the arrival of spring, marksMaha Shivaratri which means "the Great Night of Shiva".[346]
Maha Shivaratri is a major Hindu festival, but one that is solemn and theologically marks a remembrance of "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in life and the world,[347] and meditation about the polarities of existence, of Shiva and a devotion to humankind.[345] It is observed by reciting Shiva-related poems, chanting prayers, remembering Shiva, fasting, doingYoga and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, noninjury to others, forgiveness, introspection, self-repentance and the discovery of Shiva.[348] The ardent devotees keep awake all night. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on pilgrimage toJyotirlingam shrines. Those who visit temples, offer milk, fruits, flowers, fresh leaves and sweets to the lingam.[9] Some communities organise special dance events, to mark Shiva as the lord of dance, with individual and group performances.[349] According to Jones and Ryan, Maha Sivaratri is an ancient Hindu festival which probably originated around the 5th-century.[347]
Another major festival involving Shiva worship isKartik Purnima, commemoratingShiva's victory over the three demons known asTripurasura. Across India, various Shiva temples are illuminated throughout the night. Shiva icons are carried in procession in some places.[350]
Thiruvathira is a festival observed in Kerala dedicated to Shiva. It is believed that on this day, Parvati met Shiva after her long penance and Shiva took her as his wife.[351] On this day Hindu women performs the Thiruvathirakali accompanied by Thiruvathira paattu (folk songs about Parvati and her longing and penance for Shiva's affection).[352]
Regional festivals dedicated to Shiva include theChithirai festival inMadurai around April/May, one of the largest festivals in South India, celebrating the wedding ofMinakshi (Parvati) and Shiva. The festival is one where both the Vaishnava and Shaiva communities join the celebrations, because Vishnu gives away his sister Minakshi in marriage to Shiva.[353]
Some Shaktism-related festivals revere Shiva along with the goddess considered primary and Supreme. These include festivals dedicated toAnnapurna such asAnnakuta and those related to Durga.[354] InHimalayan regions such asNepal, as well as in northern, central and western India, the festival ofTeej is celebrated by girls and women in the monsoon season, in honour of goddess Parvati, with group singing, dancing and by offering prayers in Parvati-Shiva temples.[355][356]
The ascetic, Vedic and Tantric sub-traditions related to Shiva, such as those that becameascetic warriors during the Islamic rule period of India,[357][358] celebrate theKumbha Mela festival.[359] This festival cycles every 12 years, in four pilgrimage sites within India, with the event moving to the next site after a gap of three years. The biggest is inPrayaga (renamed Allahabad during the Mughal rule era), where millions of Hindus of different traditions gather at the confluence of riversGanges andYamuna. In the Hindu tradition, the Shiva-linked ascetic warriors (Nagas) get the honour of starting the event by entering theSangam first for bathing and prayers.[359]
InIndonesian Shaivism the popular name for Shiva has beenBatara Guru, which is derived from SanskritBhattāraka which means "noble lord".[361] He is conceptualised as a kind spiritual teacher, the first of allGurus in Indonesian Hindu texts, mirroring the Dakshinamurti aspect of Shiva in theIndian subcontinent.[362] However, the Batara Guru has more aspects than the Indian Shiva, as the Indonesian Hindus blended their spirits and heroes with him. Batara Guru's wife inSoutheast Asia is the same Hindu deityDurga, who has been popular since ancient times, and she too has a complex character with benevolent and fierce manifestations, each visualised with different names such as Uma, Sri, Kali and others.[363][364] In contrast to Hindu religious texts, whether Vedas or Puranas, inJavanese puppetry (wayang) books, Batara Guru is the king of the gods who regulates and creates the world system. In the classic book that is used as a reference for the puppeteers, it is said that Sanghyang Manikmaya or Batara Guru was created from a sparkling light by Sang Hyang Tunggal, along with the blackish light which is the origin of Ismaya.[365][366] Shiva has been called Sadāśiva, Paramasiva, Mahādeva in benevolent forms, and Kāla, Bhairava, Mahākāla in his fierce forms.[364]
The Indonesian Hindu texts present the same philosophical diversity of Shaivite traditions found in the Indian subcontinent. However, among the texts that have survived into the contemporary era, the more common are of those ofShaiva Siddhanta (locally also called Siwa Siddhanta, Sridanta).[367]
During the pre-Islamic period on the island ofJava, Shaivism and Buddhism were considered very close and allied religions, though not identical religions.[368] The medieval-era Indonesian literature equates Buddha with Siwa (Shiva) and Janardana (Vishnu).[369] This tradition continues in predominantly Hindu Bali Indonesia in the modern era, where Buddha is considered the younger brother of Shiva.[370]
Central Asia
The worship of Shiva became popular inCentral Asia through the influence of theHephthalite Empire[371] andKushan Empire. Shaivism was also popular inSogdia and theKingdom of Yutian as found from the wall painting from Penjikent on the river Zervashan.[372] In this depiction, Shiva is portrayed with a sacred halo and a sacred thread (Yajnopavita).[372] He is clad in tiger skin while his attendants are wearing Sogdian dress.[372] A panel fromDandan Oilik shows Shiva in His Trimurti form with Shakti kneeling on her right thigh.[372][373] Another site in theTaklamakan Desert depicts him with four legs, seated cross-legged on a cushioned seat supported by two bulls.[372] It is also noted that theZoroastrian wind godVayu-Vata took on the iconographic appearance of Shiva.[373]
Sikhism
The Japuji Sahib of theGuru Granth Sahib says: "The Guru is Shiva, the Guru is Vishnu and Brahma; the Guru is Paarvati and Lakhshmi."[374] In the same chapter, it also says: "Shiva speaks, and the Siddhas listen." InDasam Granth,Guru Gobind Singh has mentioned two avatars of Rudra:Dattatreya Avatar andParasnath Avatar.[375]
The Siva Sutta of the Samyutta Nikaya depicts Shiva as conversing with the Buddha and reciting a gatha.[376]Shiva is mentioned in theBuddhist Tantras and worshipped as the fierce deityMahākāla inVajrayana,Chinese Esoteric, andTibetan Buddhism.[377] In the cosmologies of Buddhist Tantras, Shiva is depicted as passive, with Shakti being his active counterpart: Shiva asPrajña and Shakti asUpāya.[378][379]
Daikokuten, one of theSeven Lucky Gods inJapan, is considered to be evolved from Shiva. The god enjoys an exalted position as a household deity in Japan and is worshipped as the god of wealth and fortune.[386] The name is the Japanese equivalent ofMahākāla, the Buddhist name for Shiva.[387]
In contemporary culture, Shiva is depicted in art, films, and books. He has been referred to as "the god of cool things"[390] and a "bonafide rock hero".[391] One popular film was the 1967 Kannada movieGange Gowri.[392]
Shiva was also featured in themangaRecord of Ragnarok (Japanese:終末のワルキューレ,Shūmatsu no Warukyūre) by Shinya Umemura and Takumi Fukui. In the series, Shiva serves as a fighter for the Gods.[395] Despite making an appearance in the series, the show was banned inIndia due to the series's controversial portrayal of Shiva.[396][397]
^This is the source for the version presented in Chidbhavananda, who refers to it being from the Mahabharata but does not explicitly clarify which of the two Mahabharata versions he is using. SeeChidbhavananda 1997, p. 5.
^Temporal range for Mesolithic in South Asia is from 12000 to 4000 yearsbefore present. The term "Mesolithic" is not a useful term for the periodisation of the South Asian Stone Age, as certaintribes in the interior of the Indian subcontinent retained a Mesolithic culture into the modern period, and there is no consistent usage of the term. The range 12,000–4,000 Before Present is based on the combination of the ranges given by Agrawal et al. (1978) and by Sen (1999), and overlaps with the early Neolithic atMehrgarh. D.P. Agrawal et al., "Chronology of Indian prehistory from the Mesolithic period to the Iron Age",Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 7, Issue 1, January 1978, 37–44: "A total time bracket of c. 6,000–2,000 B.C. will cover the dated Mesolithic sites, e.g. Langhnaj, Bagor,Bhimbetka, Adamgarh, Lekhahia, etc." (p. 38). S.N. Sen,Ancient Indian History and Civilization, 1999: "The Mesolithic period roughly ranges between 10,000 and 6,000 B.C." (p. 23).
^In scriptures, Shiva is paired withShakti, the embodiment of power; who is known under various manifestations as Uma, Sati, Parvati,Durga, andKali.[12] Sati is generally regarded as the first wife of Shiva, who reincarnated as Parvati after her death. Out of these forms of Shakti, Parvati is considered the main consort of Shiva.[13] Besides Shakti, the river goddessGanga is sometimes attested as his secondary spouse in few Puranic scriptures.[14][15][16][page needed]
^abcThe ithyphallic representation of the erect shape connotes the very opposite in this context.[398] It contextualise "seminal retention", practice ofcelibacy (Brahmacarya)[399] and illustration ofUrdhva Retas[323][400][401][402] and represents Shiva as "he stands for complete control of the senses, and for the supreme carnal renunciation".[398]
^For a general statement of the close relationship, and example shared epithets, see:Sivaramamurti 1976a, p. 11. For an overview of the Rudra-Fire complex of ideas, see:Kramrisch 1981, pp. 15–19.
^For quotation "An important factor in the process of Rudra's growth is his identification with Agni in the Vedic literature and this identification contributed much to the transformation of his character asRudra-Śiva." see:Chakravarti 1986, p. 17.
^For "Note Agni-Rudra concept fused" in epithetsSasipañjara andTivaṣīmati see:Sivaramamurti 1976a, p. 45.
^For text of RV 2.20.3a asस नो युवेन्द्रो जोहूत्रः सखा शिवो नरामस्तु पाता । and translation as "May that young adorableIndra, ever be the friend, the benefactor, and protector of us, his worshipper".[118]
^For the definition "Śaivism refers to the traditions which follow the teachings ofŚiva (śivaśāna) and which focus on the deityŚiva... " see:Flood 1996, p. 149
^For appearance of the name in the Shiva Sahasranama see:Sharma 1996, p. 299
^ForParameśhvara as "Supreme Lord" see:Kramrisch 1981, p. 479.
^Sir Monier Monier-Williams,sahasranAman, A Sanskrit-English Dictionary: Etymologically and Philologically Arranged with Special Reference to Cognate Indo-European Languages, Oxford University Press (Reprinted: Motilal Banarsidass),ISBN978-8120831056
^For text of RV 6.45.17 asयो गृणतामिदासिथापिरूती शिवः सखा । स त्वं न इन्द्र मृलय ॥ and translation as "Indra, who has ever been the friend of those who praise you, and the insurer of their happiness by your protection, grant us felicity" see:Arya & Joshi 2001, p. 91, volume 3.
^For translation of RV 6.45.17 as "Thou who hast been the singers' Friend, a Friend auspicious with thine aid, As such, O Indra, favour us" see:Griffith 1973, p. 310.
^For text of RV 8.93.3 asस न इन्द्रः सिवः सखाश्चावद् गोमद्यवमत् । उरूधारेव दोहते ॥ and translation as "MayIndra, our auspicious friend, milk for us, like a richly-streaming (cow), wealth of horses, kine, and barley" see:Arya & Joshi 2001, p. 48, volume 2.
^For the bull parallel between Indra and Rudra see:Chakravarti 1986, p. 89.
^Sharma 1990, pp. 9–14;Davis 1992, p. 167 note 21,Quote (page 13): "Some agamas argue a monist metaphysics, while others are decidedly dualist. Some claim ritual is the most efficacious means of religious attainment, while others assert that knowledge is more important".
^Mark Dyczkowski (1989), The Canon of the Śaivāgama, Motilal Banarsidass,ISBN978-8120805958, pl. 43–44
^JS Vasugupta (2012), Śiva Sūtras, Motilal Banarsidass,ISBN978-8120804074, pp. 252, 259
^Edwin Bryant (2003), Krishna: The Beautiful Legend of God: Srimad Bhagavata Purana, Penguin,ISBN978-0141913377, pp. 10–12, Quote: "(...) accept and indeed extol the transcendent and absolute nature of the other, and of the Goddess Devi too"
^Ludo Rocher (1986), The Puranas, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag,ISBN978-3447025225, p. 23 with footnotes
^EO James (1997), The Tree of Life, Brill Academic,ISBN978-9004016125, pp. 150–153
^Gregor Maehle (2009), Ashtanga Yoga, New World,ISBN978-1577316695, p. 17; for Sanskrit, see:Skanda Purana Shankara Samhita Part 1, Verses 1.8.20–21 (Sanskrit)
^Jamison, Stephanie; Brereton, Joel (2020).The Rigveda. Oxford University Press.ISBN978-0190633394.Archived from the original on 10 October 2023. Retrieved17 September 2020.
^For definition of Trimurti as "the unified form" of Brahmā,Viṣṇu and Śiva and use of the phrase "the Hindu triad" see:Apte 1965, p. 485.
^For the term "Great Trinity" in relation to the Trimurti see:Jansen 1993, p. 83.
^The Trimurti idea of Hinduism, statesJan Gonda, "seems to have developed from ancient cosmological and ritualistic speculations about the triple character of an individual god, in the first place ofAgni, whose births are three or threefold, and who is threefold light, has three bodies and three stations". See:Gonda 1969, pp. 218–219; Other trinities, beyond the more common "Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva", mentioned in ancient and medieval Hindu texts include: "Indra, Vishnu, Brahmanaspati", "Agni, Indra, Surya", "Agni, Vayu, Aditya", "Mahalakshmi, Mahasarasvati, and Mahakali", and others. See: [a] David White (2006), Kiss of the Yogini, University of Chicago Press,ISBN978-0226894843, pp. 4, 29 [b]Gonda 1969
^For Shiva as depicted with a third eye, and mention of the story of the destruction of Kama with it, see:Flood 1996, p. 151.
^For a review of 4 theories about the meaning oftryambaka, see:Chakravarti 1986, pp. 37–39.
^For translation "Having the moon as his crest" see:Kramrisch 1981, p. 472.
^For the moon iconography as marking the rise of Rudra-Shiva, see:Chakravarti 1986, p. 58.
^For discussion of the linkages between Soma, Moon, and Rudra, and citation to RV 7.74, see:Chakravarti 1986, pp. 57–58.
^This smearing of cremation ashes emerged into a practice of some Tantra-oriented ascetics, where they would also offer meat, alcohol and sexual fluids to Bhairava (a form of Shiva), and these groups were probably not ofBrahmanic origin. These ascetics are mentioned in the ancient Pali Canon of Thervada Buddhism. See:Flood 1996, pp. 92, 161
^Antonio Rigopoulos (2013), Brill's Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Volume 5, Brill Academic,ISBN978-9004178960, pp. 182–183
^For the nameKailāsagirivāsī (Sanskrit कैलासिगिरवासी), "With his abode on Mount Kailāsa", as a name appearing in theShiva Sahasranama, see:Sharma 1996, p. 281.
^For identification of MountKailāsa as the centrallinga, see:Stutley 1985, p. 62.
^For quotation regarding Yajur Veda as containing contrary sets of attributes, and marking point for emergence of all basic elements of later sect forms, see:Chakravarti 1986, p. 7.
^For summary of Shiva's contrasting depictions in the Mahabharata, see:Sharma 1988, pp. 20–21.
^Forrud- meaning "cry, howl" as a traditional etymology see:Kramrisch 1981, p. 5.
^Citation to M. Mayrhofer,Concise Etymological Sanskrit Dictionary,s.v. "rudra", is provided in:Kramrisch 1981, p. 5.
^For evolution of this story from early sources to the epic period, when it was used to enhance Shiva's increasing influence, see: Chakravarti, p. 46.
^Goldberg specifically rejects the translation by Frederique Marglin (1989) as "half-man, half-woman", and instead adopts the translation by Marglin as "the lord who is half woman" as given in Marglin (1989, 216).Goldberg (2002), p. 1.
^"Ardhanārīśvara".Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 2011.Archived from the original on 8 March 2011. Retrieved26 January 2011.
^Rao, (1916). Elements of Hindu Iconography. Vol. 2: Part I. Madras: Law Printing House, T.A. Gopinatha (1916).Elements of Hindu Iconography. Vol. 2: Part I. Madras: Law Printing House. pp. 338–343.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
^Sen, Amiya P. (2006). "Editor's Introduction".The Indispensable Vivekananda. Orient Blackswan. pp. 25–26.
^abcSivananda, Swami (1996)."Worship of Siva Linga".Lord Siva and His Worship. The Divine Life Trust Society.Archived from the original on 18 February 2018. Retrieved18 January 2009.
^Manju Bhatnagar (1988). "The Monsoon Festival Teej in Rajasthan".Asian Folklore Studies.47 (1):63–72.doi:10.2307/1178252.JSTOR1178252.
^Skinner, Debra; Holland, Dorothy; Adhikari, G. B. (1994). "The Songs of Tij: A Genre of Critical Commentary for Women in Nepal".Asian Folklore Studies.53 (2):259–305.doi:10.2307/1178647.JSTOR1178647.
^Hodous, Lewis; Soothill, William Edward (2004).A dictionary of Chinese Buddhist terms: with Sanskrit and English equivalents and a Sanskrit-Pali index. London: RoutledgeCurzon.ISBN0203641868.OCLC275253538.
^Pensa, Corrado. "Some Internal and Comparative Problems in the Field of Indian Religions." Problems and Methods of the History of Religions. Brill, 1972. 102–122.
^Pattanaik, Devdutt. Shiva to Shankara: Decoding the phallic symbol. Indus Source, 2006.
^Ghurye, G.S., 1952. Ascetic Origins. Sociological Bulletin, 1(2), pp. 162–184.
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