"Shiva... is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism." - "Shiva... is known as The Destroyer within the Trimurti..." - "Shiva is the Supreme Lord who creates, protects and transforms the universe." - "Shiva is also known as Adiyogi, regarded as the patron god of yoga, meditation, and the arts."
The study of one of the three primary deities of Hinduism, representing destruction and change.
Shiva: A brief overview of who Shiva is in Hinduism, including his mythology, symbols, and importance in Hindu beliefs.
Shaivism: A branch of Hinduism that centers around the worship of Shiva and his various incarnations, rituals, and beliefs.
Shiva Puranas: A group of texts that relate to the mythology and history of Shiva, these include the Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, and Skanda Purana.
Shiva Linga: A sacred object that represents Shiva and is worshipped in temples or homes.
Nataraja: The dancing form of Shiva, worshipped as the lord of dance and music.
Rudraksha: A seed from a specific tree that is considered holy and worn as a necklace or bracelet by devotees of Shiva.
Shivaratri: A Hindu festival dedicated to Shiva, celebrated annually on the new moon in February or March.
Panchakshara mantra: A powerful mantra (Om Namah Shivaya) that is used to invoke Shiva and seek his blessings.
Shiva temples: Various temples dedicated to Shiva across India and around the world.
Shiva’s family: An overview of Shiva’s family including his consort Parvati, son Ganesha, and others.
Shiva’s attributes: A breakdown of the different attributes that Shiva is associated with, including his matted hair, third eye, and trident.
Shiva as a yogi: An exploration of the role of Shiva as a master of yoga and meditation.
Shiva and tantra: An understanding of the connection between Shiva and the practice of tantra in Hinduism.
Shiva and other deities: How Shiva interacts with other Hindu deities, including Vishnu and Brahma.
Shiva’s manifestations: A list and brief explanation of the various forms that Shiva takes on in Hindu mythology, including Bhairava, Kalantaka, and more.
"In the Shaivite tradition, Shiva is the Supreme Lord who creates, protects and transforms the universe." - "In the goddess-oriented Shakta tradition, the Supreme Goddess (Devi) is regarded as the energy and creative power (Shakti) and the equal complementary partner of Shiva."
"In benevolent aspects, he is depicted as an omniscient Yogi who lives an ascetic life on Mount Kailash as well as a householder with his wife Parvati and his two children, Ganesha and Kartikeya."
"In his fierce aspects, he is often depicted slaying demons."
"The iconographical attributes of Shiva are the serpent king Vasuki around his neck, the adorning crescent moon, the holy river Ganga flowing from his matted hair, the third eye on his forehead, the trishula or trident as his weapon, and the damaru."
"The third eye on his forehead... turns everything in front of it into ashes when opened."
"He is usually worshipped in the aniconic form of lingam."
"Shiva has pre-Vedic roots, and the figure of Shiva evolved as an amalgamation of various older non-Vedic and Vedic deities, including the Rigvedic storm god Rudra..."
"Shiva is a pan-Hindu deity, revered widely by Hindus in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia..."
"He is the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism." - "In the goddess-oriented Shakta tradition..."
"Also known as Mahadeva..., Shiva is known as The Destroyer within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity which also includes Brahma and Vishnu."
"The Supreme Goddess (Devi) is regarded as the energy and creative power (Shakti) and the equal complementary partner of Shiva."
"Shiva is also known as Adiyogi, regarded as the patron god of yoga, meditation, and the arts."
"In benevolent aspects, he is depicted as an omniscient Yogi who lives an ascetic life on Mount Kailash..."
"...with his wife Parvati and his two children, Ganesha and Kartikeya."
"...the trishula or trident as his weapon..."
"...the holy river Ganga flowing from his matted hair..."
"He is usually worshipped in the aniconic form of lingam."
"Shiva (; Sanskrit: शिव, romanized: Śiva, lit. 'The Auspicious One')" - "Mahadeva (; Sanskrit: महादेव:, romanized: Mahādevaḥ, lit. 'The Great God')"
"Shiva is also known as Adiyogi, regarded as the patron god of yoga, meditation, and the arts."