Shiva is one of the most significant deities in Hinduism, forming a crucial part of the Trimurti alongside Brahma and Vishnu. Revered as the “Auspicious One” or Devo ke dev Mahadev (God of all gods), Shiva embodies the concepts of creation, destruction, time, and universal balance. He is also known as the “Lord of Dance” (Nataraja), symbolizing his mastery over cosmic rhythms and the continuous cycle of the universe.

In Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism, Shiva is considered the Supreme Lord responsible for creating, preserving, and transforming the cosmos. Some sects even regard Shiva as the ultimate god, above all others. He is often worshipped as the deity who will bring about the end of the world, facilitating its rebirth in an endless cycle.

Shiva is typically depicted with distinctive iconography: a white complexion, a blue neck, matted locks of hair, and adorned with the crescent moon and the sacred Ganges river flowing from his hair. He is frequently shown with a third eye on his forehead, symbolizing his all-seeing nature and the power to destroy evil.

Shiva’s representations are diverse:

• Yogi: Depicted as an ascetic meditating on Mount Kailash.
• Dalit: Accompanied by a dog (Bhairava), showing his association with all social classes, including the Dalits.
• Ardhanarishvara: Representing the union of Shiva and his consort Parvati, symbolizing the male and female principles.
• Dakṣiṇāmūrti: As a teacher imparting knowledge of yoga, music, and wisdom.

Shiva’s attributes include the Serpent King Vasuki around his neck, the crescent moon, the holy river Ganga, and the trishula (trident), which serves as his weapon. He is also known for his damaru (drum) and is worshipped in the form of a lingam, an iconic representation symbolising his generative power.

Shiva’s roots trace back to Pre-Vedic traditions, evolving from older deities, including the Vedic Storm God Rudra. Over time, Shiva absorbed various attributes and forms, becoming a central figure in Hindu worship across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.

The name “Shiva” signifies “auspicious, gracious, and benevolent.” The term appears in the Rig Veda, used as an adjective for various deities, eventually evolving into a noun representing the deity known today. Shiva’s many names, such as Viswanatha (Lord of the Universe) and Mahadeva (Great God), reflect his supreme status in Hinduism.

In different traditions, Shiva’s roles and stories vary. In Shaivism, he is the Supreme Being, while in Shaktism, he is paired with the Goddess Shakti, representing cosmic energy. Shiva’s character encompasses both benevolent and fierce aspects, symbolizing the complex nature of the universe and the interplay between creation and destruction.

Shiva’s mythology includes a rich tapestry of stories and legends, portraying him as both a loving husband to Parvati and a fierce warrior defeating demons. As Adiyogi, the first yogi, he is also the patron of yoga, meditation, and the arts. This multifaceted deity continues to be a powerful and enduring symbol of the dynamic and cyclical nature of the universe in Hindu belief.

Attributes of Shiva

Shiva is often depicted with Goddess Parvati, showcasing a range of symbolic attributes and characteristics that highlight his diverse roles and significance in Hindu mythology.

Third Eye: Shiva is three-eyed, a depiction that symbolizes his ability to see beyond the obvious and into the deeper truths of the universe. His third eye is said to have burned Desire (Kāma) to ashes, earning him the name “Tryambakam” (Sanskrit: त्र्यम्बकम्), which appears in many ancient texts. The term “Tryambakam” can be interpreted as “having three eyes” or “three mothers,” referring to the Mother Goddesses Ambikās.

Crescent Moon: Shiva wears the crescent moon on his head, known as Candraśekhara (Sanskrit: चन्द्रशेखर), meaning “Having the moon as his crest.” This feature links him to Soma, the deity associated with the moon, and symbolizes the cyclical nature of time and the universe.

Ashes: Shiva’s body is covered in ashes (bhasma, vibhuti), representing the impermanence of the material world and the importance of spiritual liberation. The ashes remind devotees that all material existence eventually returns to dust (Earth).

Matted Hair: His distinctive matted hair is noted in epithets like Jaṭin (Jata) and Kapardin (कपर्दिनी) (Like a Goddess Mother hairs), symbolizing his ascetic nature. The matted hair (denoted as Jatadhari) also holds the Sacred Ganga river, earning him the title Gangadharaya, “Bearer of the river Ganga.”

Blue Throat: Known as Nīlakaṇtha (Sanskrit: नीलकण्ठ; nīla = “blue”, kaṇtha = “throat”), this attribute is the result of Shiva drinking the Halahala poison during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). Maa Parvati, shocked by his act, stopped the poison in his neck, turning it blue and saving the universe from its destructive power.

Meditating Yogi: Shiva is often depicted as a meditating yogi (AdiYogi), seated in a yoga pose on Mount Kailasha, symbolizing his role as the Lord of Yoga and his deep connection to asceticism and meditation.

Sacred Ganga: The Ganga river flows from Shiva’s matted hair (denoted as Jatadhari), symbolizing the purifying and life-giving force of the river, which is considered sacred in Hinduism,  earning him the title Gangadharaya, “Bearer of the river Ganga.”

Tiger Skin: Shiva is frequently shown seated on a tiger skin, which signifies his mastery over animal instincts and his ascetic lifestyle.

Serpent Ornaments: He is often adorned with serpents, including the Serpent King Vasuki, symbolizing his power over fear and death.

Trident (Trishula): Shiva carries a trident, which represents his three aspects as creator, preserver, and destroyer, as well as the equilibrium of the three gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas).

Damaru Drum: Shiva holds a damaru, a small hourglass-shaped drum, associated with his dance form, Nataraja. The drum represents the cosmic sound and the rhythm of creation and destruction.

Axe and Deer: In many South Indian and Odisha icons, Shiva holds an Axe (Parashu) and a Deer, symbolising his control over wild forces and his role as a protector.

Rosary Beads: Shiva is often shown with a string of Rudraksha beads, symbolizing his ascetic life and dedication to meditation and spiritual practices.

Nandi: Nandeshwara, the bull, is Shiva’s mount, symbolizing strength and loyalty. Shiva’s association with cattle is reflected in his name Paśupati (Pashupatinath), meaning “lord of cattle” or “lord of animals.”

Mount Kailasa: Shiva’s traditional abode is Mount Kailash in the Himalayas, which is considered the centre of the universe in Hinduism. Mount Kailash is surrounded by India, Nepal, Tibet and China.

Gaṇas: The Gaṇas are Shiva’s attendants, often described as ghostly hosts. His son Lord Ganesha, the leader of the Gaṇas, holds the title gaṇa-īśa or gaṇa-pati, meaning “lord of the gaṇas.”

Varanasi: Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, holds a profound significance in Hinduism, particularly as a sacred city dedicated to Lord Shiva “Shree Kashi Vishwanath”. Renowned as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited living cities, Varanasi’s history stretches back to the sixth century B.C. The name “Kashi” means “city of light,” reflecting its ancient spiritual legacy.

Banaras (Varanasi), often called Kashi, was once a kingdom over 2,500 years ago. Nearby Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon in the fifth century BCE, is marked by the Lion Capital of Ashoka (Ashoka Stambh), a symbol of ancient history and spiritual heritage.

The city is revered by Hindus as a place of peace and spiritual fulfilment. It is frequently mentioned in ancient scriptures like the Rigveda and the Jataka tales, enhancing its allure to global tourists. Varanasi (Banaras or Kashi) is famous for its 88 ghats, including Manikarnika and Harishchandra, which serve as cremation sites.

Other notable ghats include Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Raj Ghat, Scindia Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, and Munshi Ghat. The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a mesmerising ritual for pilgrims and visitors.

Each ghat is steeped in historical and mythological stories, many of which were reconstructed by the Marathas, Holkars, Scindias, Bhonsles, and Peshwas in the 18th century and later. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, is a significant religious site. It represents the supreme formless reality (nirguna) from which Shiva, the manifest form (saguna), emerged.

Historically, the temple faced several destructions and reconstructions. Initially known as Adi Vishveshwara Temple, it was demolished by the Ghurids in 1194 and rebuilt in 1230 by a Gujarati merchant. It faced further demolitions during the rule of Hussain Shah Sharqi or Sikandar Lodi and was later reconstructed by Raja Man Singh during Akbar’s reign.

In 1585, Raja Todar Mal rebuilt it, but it was again destroyed by Aurangzeb in 1669, who erected the Gyanvapi Mosque in its place. The temple was finally rebuilt by Mahrani Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in 1780.

The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project, launched by Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, was inaugurated on December 13, 2021, enhancing the temple’s grandeur.

The Ganges River, flowing through Varanasi, is revered as a mother and a Goddess. According to legend, it descended from heaven at King Bhagirath’s request to liberate human beings from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Varanasi’s holiness further Sanctifies the Ganges, making it one of the holiest rivers in India.

Varanasi, located in Uttar Pradesh, India on the Ganges River’s left side bank, is 692 kilometres southeast of New Delhi and 320 kilometres southeast of Lucknow. It lies 121 kilometres downstream of Prayagraj (earlier known as allahabad), another major Hindu pilgrimage site. The city has a rich tradition of Hindu and Islamic artisanship, enhancing its religious tourism appeal.

In ancient texts, Varanasi is referred to by various names, such as Kāśi (Kashi), meaning “to shine,” emphasizing its status as a “City of Light.” It has long been a centre of vedic learning, spirituality, and culture.

As per Hindu scripts, Varanasi is believed to have been founded by Lord Shiva himself. During a conflict with Brahma, Shiva carried Brahma’s severed head, which eventually fell to the ground in Varanasi, making it a sacred site. The Pandavas from the Mahabharata also visited Varanasi to seek atonement for their sins. The city is one of the seven holiest cities (Sapta Puri) that can grant Moksha (liberation).

Excavations have uncovered artefacts dating back to 800 BCE, with further findings at nearby sites dating to 1800 BCE, supporting Varanasi’s long history of habitation. During Gautama Buddha’s time, it was part of the Kingdom of Kashi. The Chinese traveller Xuanzang, who visited in the 7th century, documented the city’s vibrant religious and artistic activities, with around 30 temples.

Varanasi’s importance grew in the 8th century when Adi Shankara established the worship of Shiva as an official sect. The city has continued to be a centre for Hindu scholarship, religious activities, and cultural heritage, attracting pilgrims and tourists from around the world.

Varanasi is also renowned for its educational and musical traditions. Prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians have lived here, contributing to its cultural richness. The Benares Gharana of Hindustani classical music originated in Varanasi. The city is home to India’s oldest Sanskrit college, the Benares Sanskrit College, founded in 1791, and Banaras Hindu University (BHU), established by Annie Besant and Madan Mohan Malviya in 1916. The Kashi Vidyapith, founded in 1921, was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-cooperation movement.

In summary, Varanasi is a city of immense historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. Its ancient heritage, sacred ghats, revered temples, and vibrant traditions continue to draw millions of pilgrims and tourists, making it a living testament to India’s rich spiritual legacy.

These attributes collectively paint a rich and complex picture of Shiva, highlighting his multifaceted nature as a deity who embodies both ascetic and householder roles, destruction and creation, and the profound spiritual truths of the Hindu tradition.

Kathmandu, Nepal, The Pashupatinath Tempel and History of Rudraksha

Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a revered form of Shiva, one of the primary deities in the Hindu Trinity. Known as the head of all Jyotirlingas found in India, Pashupatinath symbolises the male counterpart of Shakti. The temple’s five faces represent different aspects of Shiva: Sadyojata (Varuna), Vamdeva (Uma Maheswara), Tatpurusha, Aghora, and Ishana.

The Pashupatinath Temple (Nepali: पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर) is situated near the Bagmati River in Kathmandu and was designated a World Heritage Site in 1979. This extensive temple precinct includes a sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images, and inscriptions developed over centuries along the sacred Bagmati River. Covering an area of 246 hectares (2,460,000 m²), it houses 518 mini-temples and the main pagoda structure.

The exact date of the temple’s construction is uncertain, though the current form was built in 1692 CE. The temple complex includes additional structures such as the Vaishnava Temple complex with a 14th-century Rama temple and the Guhyeshwari Temple mentioned in an 11th-century manuscript. Unmatta Bhairav, including a temple of the largest consecrated bhairav idol in the world in Kathmandu, Nepal. (*Kashi Vishwanath Bhairav is called Kaal Bhirav consecrated bhairav idol worshipped in Varanasi India)

Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu, with references to its existence as early as 400 CE. According to legends and texts like the Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity gained fame here as Pashupati. The temple’s history is rich with legends, such as one where Shiva and Parvati took the form of antelopes in the forest by the Bagmati River. When God’s caught Shiva and forced him back into his divine form, a broken horn became a revered linga. This linga was rediscovered centuries later by a herdsman whose cow showered the earth with milk over the buried linga.

Historical records suggest that the temple was initially built by Prachanda Deva, a Licchavi king. Another chronicle mentions a Linga-shaped Devalaya before Supuspa Deva constructed a five-story temple. The temple underwent various renovations, including significant contributions by Medieval King Shivadeva (1099–1126 CE) and Ananta Malla, who added a roof to the structure. The main temple complex remained intact after the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, though some outer buildings were damaged.

The main temple is an example of Newari architecture, featuring two-level copper roofs covered with gold and resting on a square base platform 23 meters high. The temple has four main doors covered with silver sheets and a gold pinnacle. Inside, the sanctum sanctorum houses a stone Mukhalinga with a silver yoni base bound with a silver serpent.

The linga, about one meter high, has faces in four directions, representing different aspects of Shiva: Sadyojata (Barun), Vamadeva (Ardhanareshwara), Tatpurusha, Aghora, and Ishana. Each face holds a rudraksha mala and a kamandalu. One of the world’s largest Nandi figurines is situated just 5 meters next to Lord Pashupatinath, is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia and is believed to be the world’s biggest and oldest Shiva Temple. Pashupatinath has a strong spiritual impact on many people “It is believed that all your sins of this lifetime are destroyed once you visit as a pilgrim here”. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site adds to its cultural and historical value.

The Pashupatinath temple’s priests are divided into two groups: the Bhattas and the Rajbhandaris. Only four priests, known as Bhattas, are allowed to touch the idol and perform the daily rituals. Bhattas are highly educated Vedic Dravida Brahmin scholars from Karnataka, chosen for their expertise in Rig Vedic recitation, Pashupata Yoga, Shiva Agama, and Samaveda. They are selected by the Raj Guru of Pashupatinath Temple after rigorous examinations.

The Rajbhandaris, on the other hand, serve as treasurers, caretakers, and assistant priests, aiding the Bhattas and maintaining the inner sanctum. They are descendants of the original helper priests and part of the high-caste Chathariya/Kshatriya clan of the Newar community.

A total of 108 Rajbhandaris rotate their duties every full moon day.

Pashupatinath Temple stands as a significant spiritual and cultural landmark, embodying centuries of devotion, architectural excellence, and religious tradition for all Hindus living in Nepal, India and worldwide.

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