About Us

About Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva
Shiva is Sha + ee + Va
Sha stands for Shareeram or body
ee stands for eeshwari or life giving energy
Va stands for vayu or motion

Lord Shiva, (Sanskrit: “Auspicious One”) one of the main deities of Hinduism, and one of the 12 Mahajan,s whom Shaivites worships as the supreme god.

Lord Shiva is a part of Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, and is associated with Moksha which is relief from the cycle of birth and death. By Moksha, He is actually taking us out from the illusionary world of Kama, Krodha, Moha, Mada and Lobha and making us realize who we are and what is our true purpose of existence.

Thus, the power of destruction of Lord Shiva has a great purifying power on a universal level. The destruction opens the path for a new creation of the universe, a new opportunity for the beauty and drama of universal illusion to unfold. Being Satyam, Shivam and Sundaram which denotes the Truth, Goodness and Beauty, Lord Shiva represents the essence of unlimited goodness and godliness.

Shivaratri puja performed on the Festival “Maha Shivratri” showers the blessings of Lord Shiva and His divine companion, Goddess Parvati.

In Hindu mythology there are various forms of meditations and different paths for yogis but Shiva represents the art of meditation in its most absolute form. In meditation, not only mind is made still but everything is dropped. In deep meditation or Samadhi, even the object of the meditation (like a mantra, Tantra or Yantra) is transformed into its formless essence, which is the essence of absoluteness and "Purna"(completeness). The path of Lord Shiva is undoubtedly the path of the ascetic yogi.

Attributes of Lord Shiva

Unclad body covered with ashes:

This form of Lord Shiva depicts that Lord Shiva’s presence is much higher than this physical phenomenon. According to some scholars, Shiva’s body smeared with cemetery ash points to the philosophy of the life and death and the fact that death is the ultimate.

Jata (Matted Hair):

The flow of his matted hair represents Shiva as the Lord of Wind or Vayu, who is the subtle form of breath present in all living beings. Thus it is Shiva which is the lifeline for all living beings. He is Pashupatinath.

Sacred Ganga:

The holiest of the holy rivers, Ganga flows from the matted hair of Shiva. According to a legend, Shiva allowed an outlet to the great river to traverse the earth and bring purifying water to human being. Ganga also denotes fertility - one of the creative aspects of the Rudra.

The Third Eye:

Lord Shiva is known as the three eyed Lord or Tryambaka Deva. The sun is his right eye, the moon left while the third eye of Shiva on his forehead is the eye of wisdom. It is the eye that looks beyond the obvious. The third eye can search evil from anywhere and destroys it completely.

Half-Open Eyes:

The half-open eyes show that the universes cycle in process. When the eyes are completely closed it signifies the dissolvent of the universe and when it is completely open a new cycle of creation begins.

Crescent:

Shiva bears on his head the crescent of the Panchami (fifth day) moon. This is placed near the fiery third eye and this shows the power of Soma, the sacrificial offering, which is the representative of moon. It means that Shiva possesses the power of procreation along with the power of destruction. The moon is also a measure of time, thus Crescent also represent his control over time.

The Cobra Necklace:

This suggests that Shiva is beyond the powers of death and is often the sole support in case of distress. He swallowed the poison kalketu for the wellbeing of the Universe. The cobras around his neck also represent the dormant energy, called Kundalini, the serpent power. The snake curled three times around the neck of Lord Shiva depicts the past, present and future time. The snake looking in the right direction of Lord Shiva signifies that the Lord′s perpetual laws of reason and justice preserve natural order in the universe.

The Vibhuti:

Vibhuti is a three line of ashes drawn on the forehead that signifies the Immortality of the soul and manifested glory of the Lord.

Tiger Skin:

Lord Shiva is shown sitting on or wearing a tiger skin. The tiger is the vehicle of Shakti, the Goddess of power and force. Shiva is beyond and above any kind of force. He is the master of Shakti. The tiger skin that he wears symbolizes victory over every force. Tiger also represent lust. Thus sitting on Tiger skin, Shiva indicates that he has conquered lust.

The Elephant & Deer Skin:

Shiva also wears elephant skins. Elephants represent pride. Wearing elephant skin, Shiva indicates that he has conquered pride. Similarly deer represent the flickering mind. Shiva wears deer skin which indicates that he has controlled the mind perfectly.

Rudraksha Necklace:

‘Rudra’ is the other name of Shiva. Lord Shiva has the deepest connection to the Rudraksha a rosary made of the dried fruits of the Rudraksha tree. It also means strict or uncompromising and ‘aksha’ means eye. Rudraksha, the necklace worn by Lord Shiva on his arms, wrists, neck, waist and hair mat shows that he is firm about his cosmic laws and to maintain law and order in the universe. The necklace has 108 beads, which symbolize the elements used in the creation of the world.

Damaru (Drum):

A small drum with two sides alienated from each other by a thin neck-like structure represents the two utterly different states of existence, unclear and clear. When a damaru is shaken, the sound formed denotes Nada, the cosmic sound of AUM, which can be heard during deep meditation.

Trishul (Trident):

A three-branched trident shown adjoining to Lord Shiva symbolizes His three fundamental powers will, action and knowledge. As a weapon the trident represents the instrument of punishment to the evil doer on all the three planes - spiritual, subtle and physical.

Nandi, the Bull:

Nandi is said to be the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The bull represents both power and ignorance. Lord Shiva′s use of the bull as his vehicle expresses the idea that He removes ignorance and bequeaths power of wisdom on His followers.

Favorite Flowers of Lord Shiva and Benefits by Offering them with Devotion.

Bela Patra Leaf

The triangular leaves or 3 leaflets of the bela patra tree are offered to Shiva as they are very dear to him. It is also said that the worship of Shiva which is done without offering bela patra leaf is fruitless. Bela patra leaf fulfills the wishes and removes poverty. It is believed that the bela patra tree was created by Lord Brahma; however the tree originated from the right hand of Lakshmi due to her long penance. No other object pleases Lord Shiva or makes him happier other than bela patra leaf.

Thummi or Thumbai Flowers - Leucas Aspera

However, there is a different significance for the different flowers used to pray Lord Shiva. Those who pray Lord with thumbai flowers seeks the blessing of donating a buffalo.

Japa Kusum-Hibiscus Flower

This flower benefits in getting rid of enemies. As well as those who offer garland made up of thousand nallakaluva, they get the same hundred parakramangalavarai fame as Shiva and get the chance to live in kailasham.

Rose Flowers

When worshipped Lord Shiva with flowers, it is said to be equivalent to the yangya performed to ten horses. Whoever worships Lord Shiva with eight flowers they get Kailash Prapti.

Datura Flowers

Datura is a genus of nine species of poisonous vespertine flowering plants belonging to the family Solanaceae. They are commonly known as daturas, but also known as devil's trumpets, not to be confused with angel's trumpets, its closely related genus Brugmansia. They are also sometimes called moon flowers, jimsonweed, devil's weed, hell's bells, thorn-apple, and many more.

White Crown

If lord Shiva is worshipped with White crown flowers, the fault of having committed the adultery is destroyed. Human beings commit more mental adultery than with the physical body.

Lotus

Lotus flower is also offered to lord Shiva if one desires for Lakshmi. This comes in white, pink and in blue color, blue lotus is the best flower that can be offered to lord Shiva or any deity and is very rare

Datura

Datura species are usually planted annually from the seed produced in the spiny pods, but with care, plants can be overwintered. Most species are suited to being planted outside or in containers. The plants are susceptible to fungi in the root area, so anaerobic organic enrichment such as anaerobically composted organic matter or manure, should be avoided

Mogra Flowers

One should submit flowers to Lord Shiva with utmost devotion and surrendering then the wishes in our mind shall be fulfilled. Offering mogra flowers fulfils wishes for those who do not have child.

Bakul

Although this flower is prohibited in Shiv puja according to many but, this flower is specially offered to Shiv in evening time, it has a very intense fragrance.

Peeli Kaner

Peeli Kaner and also white and orange Kaner but yellow specially is offered to please The Lord.

Winter Jasmin

Mallika pushp in hindi. White in color and small sized with many petals, this flower is really dear to Shiv, also benefits in Beloved wife. Offering this flower with a pure heart shall

Flax flower

Alsi flower in hindi, whoever offered this flower to Shiv becomes dear to Lord Vishnu.

Vitex negundo

Nirgundi in hindi, offering to Shiv purifies one’s mind. When mind is purified, then understanding the Shiva principle becomes easier. Polluted mind shall be cleared like a river with clear water.

Juhi

Offering this to Lord Shiva gives boon and benefits in always keeping ones house full of grains.

Laurier Rose flower

This flower is also called Karveer flower, benefits in killing of and keeping away from disease. Those who have dreaded disease when do pooja with these flowers and with full sradha, the disease shall vanish like ashes.

Parijat

Har Shringar - aka Parijat or Night Jasmin, offering this will leads to a happy and prosperous life.

Durva Grass- Cynodon Dactylon Plant

The durva grass consists of three blades which represents the three principles of primal Shiva, primal Shakti and primal Ganesha. This is the reason why a person suffering from negative energies feels more positive and de-stressed when he/she comes in contact with the Durva. Durva is said to have the highest ability to attract the Ganesha principle which explains why it is an important offering made to Lord Ganesha.

All Avtars (Forms) of Lord Shiva

Shiva has different forms: The first being “Aghora” (which resides in the cremation grounds), then “Ishana”. (most often appears as the Shivalingam), the third being "Tat Purusha" where He is meditating, then “Varna Deva” (the eternally auspicious Shiva) and then “Sadyojat” or “Braddha Rudra” (the old wrathful form).

He is also known as Neelkanth because of his blue eyes and blue throat. It is believed that Lord Shiva drank the deadliest poison 'Halala' to save the world and this poison made his throat blue.

Another form is the “Nataraj”, where the Lord Shiva Nataraj's dance implies both the destruction and the creation of the universe and reveals the cycles of death, birth and rebirth. His Dance of Bliss is for the welfare of the world. In the pose of Nataraj, the King of Dance is giving darshan to his beloved devotees within the "Hall of Consciousness", which is the heart of the human. Under his feet, Shiva crushes the demon of ignorance called Apasmara Purusha, caused by forgetfulness. One hand is stretched across his chest and points towards the uplifted foot, indicating the release from earthly bondage of the devotee. The fire represents the final destruction of creation, but the dance of the Nataraj is also an act of creation, which arouses dormant energies and scatters the ashes of the universe in a pattern that will be the design of the ensuing creation.

Then in His “Mahamrityunjaya” form, Lord Shiva is depicted as the great conqueror of death and giver of immortality. The Mahamrityunjaya mantra is one of the two main mantras of the Vedas, next to the Gayatri Mantra. It is chanted to eradicate death and disease. Another main form of Shiva is “Ardhnarishwara”, Half Shiva, and Half Shakti.

The Shiva Lingam

Lingam is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘sign’ or ‘distinguishing symbol’ and therefore the Shiva lingam is literally a sign or symbol of Shiva. According to one interpretation of this sacred object, the Shiva lingam is divided into three distinct parts. Its bottom part is a circular base or peetham referred to as the Brahma-Pitha, on top of which is an elongated bowl-like structure called a Vishnu-Pitha. The third part of the Shiva lingam is a cylinder with a round head in the middle of the bowl and is known as a Shiva-Pitha. Another interpretation divides the object into two parts – the top half, i.e. the cylinder as the lingam and its bottom half as the Yoni.

Lord Shiva is conceived in his unborn, invisible form as the Shiva Lingam. The Lingam represents the male creative energy of Shiva. This main symbol of Shiva is worshipped in virtually every Hindu temple and home. Through profound understanding of this symbol, the mystery of creation can be understood as an act of love.

The lingam may be made using a variety of materials. For instance, sandalwood paste or river clay may be used to make temporary lingams for particular rituals, while more permanent ones may be made using stone, metal, or precious gems. Although there are precise rules governing the proportions of the lingam’s height, width, and the curvature of the top, the size of the lingam varies from several inches to several feet high. Additionally, there is an important category of lingams known as ‘svayambhuva’, meaning ‘self-originated’. These are lingams found in caves or on the ground and are believed to have come into existence by themselves at the beginning of time. Around 70 of these svayambhuva lingams are venerated in temples across India.

Benefits of worshipping Lord Shiva

To understand Lord Shiva, we should begin by conceiving in our mind the ultimate goodness. When we have a picture of this perfect goodness, infinite goodness, then we make it even better… and that is the beginning of the understanding of Shiva.

Lord Shiva is the Lord of Sankalpa, the strength of will power to define and obtain our goals. He gives us strength to attach ourselves to the sustaining values of life, to the values that will stay with us through eternity, the eternal ideals of perfection (Dharma).

By worshiping Shiva, the Consciousness of Infinite Goodness, we cultivate his qualities of freedom from attachment, and freedom from bondage to this world of objects and relationships. We cultivate the attitude of perceiving the Intrinsic Reality, not the extrinsic appearance. We identify with that which does not change, and become the witness of the changes of nature.

From this perception, we act and interact with the world remembering the eternal reality. We free ourselves from pain and fear, and see them as passing states of mind, accepting the will of God.

Maha Shivratri

Shivaratri falls on the Chaturdashi of every month. According to Shiv Puran, Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month has been called Mahashivratri.

Maha Shivratri (known as "The Night of Shiva") Shivratri (in Sanskrit 'ratri' means night) is the night when Lord Shiva is believed to have performed the Tandava Nritya, the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. This festival is celebrated for one day and one night. Maha Shivratri is also known as Shivaratri. On this auspicious day devotees glory, honor and worship Lord Shiva with sanctifying ritual throughout the night. For devotees of Shiva, this day is the most propitious day of the year as it is believed that whoever worships Him with true devotion is freed of all sins and is blessed with Nirvana or Moksha (liberation from the eternal cycle of life and death). As per the Vedas, the Universal Spiritual energy generated by favorable planetary positions is at its peak during this time. Thus Maha shivratri puja benefits and has a profound impact on the Supreme Lord's devotees

On this worshipping Lord Shiva and performing Maha Shivratri Puja is supremely auspicious and beneficial The puja includes Shiva Abhishekam using water, milk, Gangajal, honey, sugarcane juice, pomegranate juice and offering of belpatra vermilion, fruits, oil lamp incense Betel leaves and Panchagavya which is one of the best ways to worship Lord Shiva Devotees who worship Lord and are blessed with health, wealth and success. Shiva with true devotion on Maha Shivratri are freed from all sins.

Shiva devotees keep their fast on this day for 24 hours and get their blessings. The program of Jalabhishek in temples lasts throughout the day.

Simple Procedure of Lord Shiva’s Pooja

(Offer light)	एष दीप: ॐ नमः शिवाय ।। esa dipah om namah sivaya
(Offer incense)	एष धूप: ॐ नमः शिवाय ।। esa dhupah om namah sivaya
(Offer camphor)	ॐ नमः शिवाय आरात्रिकं समर्पयामि om namah sivaya aratrikam samarpayami
(Offer milk bath)	ॐ नमः शिवाय पयस्नानं समर्पयामि om namah sivaya paya snanam samarpayami
(Offer yogurt bath)	ॐ नमः शिवाय दधिस्नानं समर्पयामि om namah sivaya dadhi snanam samarpayami
(Offer five nectars)	ॐ नमः शिवाय पच्यामृतस्नानं समर्पयामि om namah sivaya pancamrta snanam samarpayami
(Offer water bath)	ॐ नमः शिवाय गंगास्नानं समर्पयामि om namah sivaya ganga snanam samarpayami
(Offer piece of fruit)	ॐ नमः शिवाय फलं समर्पयामि om namah sivaya phalam samarpayami
(Offer flower)	ॐ एते गन्धपुष्पे ॐ नमः शिवाय ।। ete gandhapuspe om namah sivaya
(Offer Bela Patra)	सर्वकामप्रदाम बिल्वम दारिद्र्यस्य प्राणाशनमं बिल्वपत्रम नस्तीयेणा तुश्यति शंकरा Sarvakamapradam bilvam daridryasya pranashanam bilvatpatram nasti yena tushyati shankara
(Offer pranam)	ॐ महादेव महात्राण महायोगी महेश्वर । सर्वपापहरां देव मकाराय नमो नमः ।। om mahadeva mahatrana mahayogi mahesvara sarvapapaharam deva makaraya namo namah ॐ नमः शिवाय शान्ताय कारणत्रय हेतवे । निवेदयामी चात्मानं त्व गति: परमेश्वर ।। om namah sivaya santaya karanatraya hetave nivedayami catmanam tvam gatih paramesvara

Lord Shiva Mantra’s

1) Lord Shiva’s Most Powerful Mantra

Om namo hiranya bahade
hiranya varnaya
hiranya roopaya
hiranya pataye
Ambika pataya
Uma pataye
Pashupataye Namo Namaha

Ishana Sarvavidyanam
Ishwara Sarvabhutanam
Brahmadhipati
Brahmanodhipati
Brahma Shivo me Astu Sada Shiv Om

Tatpurushaya vidmahi
Vakvishudhaya dhimahi
Tanno Shiva Prachodayaat

Oho devaya vidmahi
Rudramurtaye dhimahi
Tanno Shiva Prachodayaat

Namaste Astu Bhagavan
Vishweshvaraya
Mahadevaya
Trayambakaya
Tripurantakaya
Trikagnikalaya
Kalagnirudraya
Neelakantaya
Mrityunjayaya
Sarveshvaraya
Sadashivaya
Shriman Mahadevaya Namaha

Om Shanti

2) Shiva Moola Mantra

ॐ नमः शिवाय॥
Om Namah Shivaya॥

3) Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Mamritat॥

4) Rudra Gayatri Mantra

ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat॥

108 Names of Lord Shiva

Name	Meaning
Aashutosh	One Who Fulfils Wishes Instantly
Aja	Unborn
Akshayaguna	God With Limitless Attributes
Anagha	Without Any Fault
Anantadrishti	Of Infinite Vision
Augadh	One Who Revels All The Time
Avyayaprabhu	Imperishable Lord
Bhairavi	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 Wealth
Dhyanadeep	Icon Of Meditation And Concentration
Dhyutidhara	Lord Of Brilliance
Digambara	Ascetic Without Any Clothes
Durjaneeya	Difficult To Be Known
Durjaya	Unvanquished
Gangadhara	Lord Of River Ganga
Girijapati	Consort Of Girija
Gunagrahin	Acceptor Of Gunas

Name	Meaning
Nagabhushana	One Who Has Serpents As Ornaments
Nataraja	King Of The Art Of Dancing
Nilakantha	Blue Necked Lord
Nityasundara	Ever Beautiful
Nrityapriya	Lover Of Dance
Omkara	Creator Of OM
Palanhaar	One Who Protects Everyone
Parameshwara	First Among All Gods
Paramjyoti	Greatest Splendour
Pashupati	Lord Of All Living Beings
Pinakin	One Who Has A Bow In His Hand
Pranava	Originator Of The Syllable Of OM
Priyabhakta	Favourite 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 Terrible
Rudraksha	One Who Has Eyes Like Rudra
Sadashiva	Eternal God
Sanatana	Eternal Lord
Sarvacharya	Preceptor Of All
Sarvashiva	Always Pure
Sarvatapana	Scorcher Of All
Sarvayoni	Source Of Everything
Sarveshwara	Lord Of All Gods

Gurudeva	Master Of All
Hara	Remover Of Sins
Jagadisha	Master Of The Universe
Jaradhishamana	Redeemer From Afflictions
Jatin	One Who Has Matted 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 Wears 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	Creator Of The Three Worlds
Lokapal	One Who Takes Care Of The World
Mahabuddhi	Extremely 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 Boundless Energies
Mahayogi	Greatest Of All Gods
Mahesha	Supreme Lord
Maheshwara	Lord Of Gods

Shambhu	One Who Bestows Prosperity
Shankara	One Who Gives Happiness
Shiva	Always Pure
Shoolin	One Who Has A Trident
Shrikantha	Of Glorious 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	Consort Of Uma
Vachaspati	Lord Of Speech
Vajrahasta	One Who Has A Thunderbolt In His Hands
Varada	Granter Of Boons
Vedakarta	Originator Of The Vedas
Veerabhadra	Supreme Lord Of The Nether World
Vishalaksha	Wide-Eyed Lord
Vishveshwara	Lord Of The Universe
Vrishavahana	One Who Has Bull As His Vehicle