Shiva

Characteristics :	Destroyer, Kind Hearted
Other Names :	Shambhu Nath, Bhole Shankar, Shiv Shankar
Principal Scriptures:	Shiva Mahapurana
Consort :	Parvati
Sons :	Ganesha, Kartikay
Abode :	Mount Kailash
Vahana (Vehicle) :	Nandi (The Bull Representing Strength and Happiness)
Mula Mantra :	Om Namah Shivaye
Shiva Gayatri Mantra:	Aum Panchvakraye Vidmahe Mahadevaye Dheemahi Tanno Rudra Prachodayat

Lord Shiva or Siva is considered as the destroyer of the world. Shiva is one of the most popular gods of the Hindu religion. Lord Siva forms the part of the Trimurti (Trinity), the other being Brahma, the creator and Vishnu, the preserver. Shiva is known for the complexity of his nature, representing contradictory qualities. He is the destroyer and the restorer, the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality, the kind herdsman of souls and a wrathful avenger.

Lord Shiva- The Role
Lord Shiva represents the vital goodness in the form of Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram i.e.; Truth, Goodness and Beauty .Lord Shiva performs a celestial role of dissolution and recreation of the universe, that's why; he is mostly associated with the words, like destroyer and destruction. The role of Shiva is often confused with these terms and the difficulty arises, when the significance of his celestial role is not understood.

The conception is clear itself by a slight balance between the opposing forces of good and evil. When this balance gets disturbed and continuation of life becomes unfeasible, Lord Shiva dissolves the universe. This is known as '' pralay '' and it is done in order to create another cycle .So that the unliberated souls will get another opportunity to liberate themselves from the bondage of the material world. To put succinctly, Siva protects the souls from pain and suffering that is generated by the unhealthy universe.

Shiva - The Giver
Lord Shiva is known as the ''giver god'', lord of mercy and kindness. He always protects his devotees from evil forces like lust, greed and anger. He is the most kind -hearted God who grants boons and bestows grace to his devotees.

Shiva - The Image
Lord Shiva has the unclad body covered with ashes symbolizing the transcendental aspect of the universe. Siva's three matted locks represent the integration of the mental, physical and spiritual energies. The crescent moon becomes the part of lord's ornament symbolizing the time cycle through which creation evolves from the beginning to the end. The three eyes of Lord Shiva suggest: the Sun is his right eye, the Moon is the left eye and fire, the third eye.

The Snake around his neck symbolizes the yogic power, which he uses to dissolve and recreate the universe. The Rudraksha necklace worn by the lord shows that he uses his celestial powers without compromise,to maintain law and order. The trishula (trident), symbolizes the Lord's three fundamental powers of will (iccha), action (kriya) and knowledge (gyana).The damaru (drum) and its two sides separated from each other symbolizes the two entirely dissimilar states of existence, invisible and evident.

The bull, Nandi is linked with Shiva and it is considered as his vehicle. The bull symbolizes both power and ignorance. Tiger's skin makes Lord Shiva's clothing and his seat, which illustrates the idea that he is the source of potential energy during the dissolution of the universe. Thus, Lord Shiva is well-regarded as the ultimate organizer of the birth and death in the corporeal world.

Shiva - The Lingam
Shiva is worshipped in his invisible and an unborn form, known as the lingam. Lingam is always accompanied by the Yoni, which is the female part, adjoining the base of the lingam. The lingam symbolizes the male creative power of Shiva.

Shiva Chalisa

Shiva Chalisa is a "forty verse" prayer. Verses are recited or chanted by groups. The acts and deeds of Shiva are recalled in these verses to aid the devotee to meditate on virtuous and noble qualities.

ll Doha ll
Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan, Mangal Mool Sujaan l l
Kahat Ayodhyadas Tum, Dehu Abhaya Vardan l

ll Chaupai ll
Jai Girijapati Deen Dayala, Sada Karat Santan Pratipala
Bhal Chandrama Sohati Neeke, Kanan Kundal Nag Phani Ke

Ang Gaur Shiv Ganga Bahaye, Mundamal Tan Kshar Lagaye
Vastra Khaal Baghambar Sohe, Chhavi Ko Dekh Nag Muni Mohe

Maina Matu Ki Priya Dulari, Bam Ang Sohat Chhavi Pyari
Kar Trishul Sohat Chhavi Bhari, Karat Sada Shatrun Shaykari

Nandi Ganesh Sohe Tanha Kaise, Sagar Madhya Kamal Hain Jaise
Kartik Shyam Aur Gana Raau, Ya Chhavi Ko Kahi Jaat Na Kaau

Devan Jabhee Jaaye Pukara,Tabahin Dukh Prabhu Ap Nivaara
Keen Upadrava Taarak Bhari, Devan Sab Mili Tumhee Pukari

Turat Shadanan Ap Pathayo, Luv Nimesh Mahi Mar Girayo
Ap Jallandhar Asur Sanhara, Suyash Tumhar Vidit Sansara

Tripurasur Sang Yuddha Machayi, Sabahin Kripa Kari Leen Bachayi
Keeya Taphin Bhagirath Bhari, Purahi Pratigya Tasu Purari

Darpa Chhod Ganga Tab Ayee, Sewak Astuti Karat Sadahee
Ved Naam Mahima Tav Gayaee, Akath Anadi Bhed Nahin Payee

Pragati Udadhi Manthan Mein Jwala, Jare Surasur Bhaye Vihaala
Mahadeva Tab Kari Sahayee, Neelkantha Tav Nam Dharayee

Poojan Ramchandra Jab Keenha, Lanka Jeet Vibhishan Deenha
Sahas Kamal me ho rahe dhaari, Keenha Pareeksha Tabahi Purari

Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheu johee, Kamal Nayan Poojan Chahin Soyee
Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu Shankar, Bhaye Prasanna Deya Icchhit Var

Jai Jai Jai Ananta Avinasi, Karat Kripa Sab Ke Ghatvasi
Dushta Sakal Mohi Nitya Sataven, Bhramita Rahe Mohe Chain Na Aave

Trahi Trahi Main Nath Pukaro, Yeh Avasar Mohi Ani Ubaro
Lai Trishool Shatrun Ko Maro, Sankat Se Mohi Ani Ubaro

Mata Pita Bhrata Sab Hoi, Sankat Mein Poochat Nahi Koi
Swami Ek Hai Aas Tumhari, Aaye Harahu Mam Sankat Bhaari

Dhan Nirdhan Kon Det Sadaee, Arat Jan Ki Peer Mitaee
Astuti Kehi Vidhi Karahu Tumhari, Shamhu Naath Ab Chook Hamari

Shanker Ho Sankat Ke Nashan, Vighna Vinashan Mangal Kaaran
Yogi Yati Muni Dhyan Lagave, Sharad Narad Sheesh Navave

Namo Namo Jai Namah Shivaye, Sur Brahmadik Par Na Paaye
Jo Yeh Path Kare Man Layee, Tapar Hot Hain Shambu Sahayee

Riniya Jo Koi Ho Adhikaari, Paath Kare So Paavanhaari
Putra Heen Ichha Kar Koi, Nishchaya Shiv Prasad Tehi Hoi

Pandit Triyodashi Ko Lave, Dhyan Poorvak Hom Karave
Triyodashi Vrata Kare Hamesha, Tan Nahi Take Rahe Kalesha

Dhoop Deep Naivedya Chadhavai, Shanker Sanmukha Path Karavahi
Janam Janam Ki Pap Nasave, Anta Vaas Shivpur Men Paave

Hey Shankar Hai Aas Tumhari, Dukh Peera Ab Harahu Hamari

ll Doha ll
Nit Nem Kar Praatha Hee ,Paath Karo Chaalis l
Tum Meri Manokaamna, Puran Karo Jagdeesh ll
Magsar Chhati Hemant Ritu, Sanvat Chausadh Jaan l
Astuti Chaalisa Shivhi, Puran Keen Kalyaan ll

Shiva Legends

Shiva is considered as the destroyer of the universe, in Hinduism. Shiva is a complex god, in terms of nature and represents contradictory qualities, being the destroyer and the restorer simultaneously. There are numerous legends surrounding Lord Shiva and his powers. Here're a few popular stories of Lord Shiva.

Story of Shiva Lingam - Why Shiva is worshipped in the Phallic Form
This is an interesting story regarding the worship of Lord Shiva in the phallic form. It is believed that once Brahma and Vishnu, the two deities of the Trinity, got into an argument regarding their supremacy. Lord Brahma declared himself to be more admired, being the creator. While the preserver, Vishnu, pronounced that he commanded more admiration. Just then a huge pillar of fire (lingam), called as Jyotirlinga, appeared in flames, before them. This Lingam enthralled both Brahma and Vishnu, with its hastily increasing size.

With this incident, they forgot their quarrel and decided to find its size. Vishnu took the form of boar and went to the netherworld. Brahma assumed the form of a Swan and flew to the skies. However both of them were unsuccessful in completing the self-assumed tasks. At that time, Shiva appeared out of the lingam and acknowledged that he was the progenitor of both, Brahma and Vishnu. So, he should be worshipped in his phallic (lingam) form, and not in the anthropomorphic form.

Story of Shiva and the Hunter
Here is one more interesting story of Lord Shiva, showing his merciful nature. Once a hunter was wandering in a dense forest, to chase a deer and suddenly he found himself on the banks of river Kolidum, where he heard the roar of a tiger. In order to defend himself from the tiger, he climbed up a tree close by. The Tiger sat on the ground below the tree without the purpose to leave.

The huntsman stayed at the tree whole night and to keep himself awake, he plucked one leaf after another from the tree and threw it down. There was a Shiva Lingam under the tree and gracefully the tree turned out to be a ''bilva'' tree (leaves of this tree are adored by Shiva). Without any knowledge, the huntsman had delighted the deity by pouring Bilva leaves all night. With the arrival of the sun, the hunter looked down and found the tiger gone. In its place, Lord Shiva was standing and he prostate before the lord. With Shiva's blessings, he attained salvation from the bondage of the material world.

Different Names of Shiva

Lord Shiva is considered as the destroyer of the Universe as per the Hindu Mythology. Shiva is one of the most popular gods of the Hindus. Lord Shiva is a complex god like goddess Kali, being destroyer and restorer at the same time. Shiva is also known as Bhole Shankar, the innocent god, who gets appeased easily. Shiv Shambhu is also recognized as an ascetic, as he resides on Mount Kailash in meditation. God Shiv is worshipped usually in his phallic (Lingam) form. Special Worship of Shiva can be seen during the month of Saawan (July-August) of Hinduism. Lord Shiva is known by many different names. This list contains 108 names of Lord Shiva with their meanings:

Names	Meanings
Aashutosh	One Who Fulfills Wishes at once
Aja	Unborn
Akshayaguna	God with Numberless Attributes
Anagha	Without Any error
Anantadrishti	of Infinite Vision
Augadh	One Who Revels All the Time
Avyayaprabhu	Everlasting Lord
Bhairav	Lord of Terror
Bhalanetra	One Who Has an Eye in the Forehead
Bholenath	Kind Hearted Lord
Bhooteshwara	Lord of Ghosts and Evil Beings
Bhudeva	Lord of the Earth
Bhutapala	Protector of the Ghosts
Chandrapal	Master Of The Moon
Chandraprakash	One Who Has Moon As A Crest
Dayalu	Compassionate
Devadeva	Lord Of The Lords
Dhanadeepa	Lord Of Affluence
Dhyanadeep	Icon Of Meditation And Concentration
Dhyutidhara	Lord Of Radiance
Digambara	Ascetic Without Any Clothes
Durjaneeya	Difficult To Be Known
Durjaya	Unvanquished
Gangadhara	God Of River Ganga
Girijapati	Husband Of Girija (Parvati)
Gunagrahin	Acceptor Of Gunas
Gurudeva	Master Of All
Hara	Remover Of Sins
Jagadisha	Master Of The Universe
Jaradhishamana	Redeemer From Afflictions
Jatin	One Who Has Knotted Hair
Kailas	One Who Bestows Peace
Kailashadhipati	Lord Of Mount Kailash
Kailashnath	Master Of Mount Kailash
Kamalakshana	Lotus-Eyed Lord
Kantha	Ever-Radiant
Kapalin	One WhoWears A Necklace Of Skulls
Khatvangin	One Who Has The Missile (Khatvangin) In His Hand
Kundalin	One Who Wears Earrings
Lalataksha	One Who Has An Eye In The Forehead
Lingadhyaksha	Lord Of The Lingas
Lingaraja	Lord Of The Lingas
Lokankara	Maker Of The Three Worlds
Lokapal	One Who Takes Care Of The World
Mahabuddhi	Exceptionally Intelligent
Mahadeva	Greatest God
Mahakala	Lord Of All Times
Mahamaya	Of Great Illusions
Mahamrityunjaya	Great Victor Of Death
Mahanidhi	Great Storehouse
Mahashaktimaya	One Who Has Infinite Powers
Mahayogi	Supreme of All Gods
Mahesha	The Almighty
Maheshwara	Lord of the Lords
Nagabhushana	One Who Has Snakes as Ornaments
Nataraja	King of the Art of Dancing
Nilakantha	Blue Necked Lord
Nityasundara	Ever Beautiful
Nrityapriya	Lover of Dance
Omkara	Originator of OM
Palanhaar	One Who Protects Everyone
Parameshwara	First among All Gods
Paramjyoti	Greatest Splendor
Pashupati	Lord of All Living Beings
Pinakin	One Who Has a Bow In His Hand
Pranava	Originator of the Syllable of OM
Priyabhakta	Favorite of the Devotees
Priyadarshana	of Loving Vision
Pushkara	One Who Gives Nourishment
Pushpalochana	One Who Has Eyes like Flowers
Ravilochana	Having Sun as the Eye
Rudra	the Dreadful
Rudraksha	One Who Has Eyes like Rudra
Sadashiva	Eternal God
Sanatana	Eternal Lord
Sarvacharya	Preceptor of All
Sarvashiva	Always Chaste
Sarvatapana	Scorcher of All
Sarvayoni	Source of Everything
Sarveshwara	Lord of All Gods
Shambhu	One Who Bestows Prosperity
Shankara	One Who Gives Happiness
Shiva	Always Pure
Shoolin	One Who Has a Trident (Trishool)
Shrikantha	of Magnificent Neck
Shrutiprakasha	Illuminator of the Vedas
Shuddhavigraha	One Who Has a Pure Body
Skandaguru	Preceptor of Skanda
Someshwara	Lord of All Gods
Sukhada	Bestower of Happiness
Suprita	Well Pleased
Suragana	Having Gods As Attendants
Sureshwara	Lord Of All Gods
Swayambhu	Self-Manifested
Tejaswani	One Who Spreads Illumination
Trilochana	Three-Eyed Lord
Trilokpati	Master of All the Three Worlds
Tripurari	Enemy of Tripura
Trishoolin	One Who Has a Trident in His Hands
Umapati	Husband of Uma (Parvati)
Vachaspati	Lord of Speech
Vajrahasta	One Who Has a Thunderbolt in His Hands
Varada	Granter of Boons
Vedakarta	Creator of the Vedas
Veerabhadra	Supreme Lord of the Nether World
Vishalaksha	Wide-Eyed Lord s
Vishveshwara	Lord of the Universe
Vrishavahana	One Who Has Bull as His Mount