Shiva

Also known as Rudra, Bhairav, Achintya, Akul, Eeshan, Ekaling, Gaganesh, Gaurinath

Shiva (; , , , ), also known as Mahadeva (; , , [mɐɦaːd̪eːʋɐh], ) and Hara (, ), is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism.

AI overview

Shiva is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, also known by the names Mahadeva and Hara. He holds the highest importance in Shaivism, which is one of the major branches of the Hindu religion.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Key facts

Deity.type: Hindu
Deity.image: Bangalore Shiva.jpg
Deity.caption: Statue of Shiva at Shivoham Shiva Temple, Bangalore, Karnataka
Deity.mantra: Om Namah Shivaya Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Deity.deity_of: God of Destruction The Supreme Being (Shaivism)
Deity.weapon: Trishula Pashupatastra Parashu Pinaka bow
Deity.abode: Kailasa Shmashana
Deity.mount: Nandi
Deity.member_of: Trimurti
Deity.consort: Sati, Parvati and other forms of Shakti

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

Image: Shiva meditating Rishikesh.jpg

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Commons category: Shiva
IPA transcription: Śiva
native label: शिव
Stack Exchange tag: hinduism.stackexchange.com/tags/shiva

Sources (5)

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~59 min read

Article

42 sections

Contents

Etymology and other names
Historical development and literature
Assimilation of traditions
Pre-Vedic elements
Prehistoric art
Indus Valley and the Pashupati seal
Proto-Indo-European elements
Vedic elements
Rudra
Agni
Indra
Development
Position within Hinduism
Shaivism
Vaishnavism
Shaktism
Smarta tradition
Yoga
Trimurti
Attributes
Forms and depictions
Destroyer and Benefactor
Ascetic and householder
Iconographic forms
Lingam
Avatars
Temple
Festivals
Beyond the Indian subcontinent and Hinduism
Indonesia
Central Asia
Sikhism
Buddhism
In popular culture
See also
Notes
References
Sources
Primary
Secondary
Further reading
External links

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. Shiva is one of the five equivalent deities in Panchayatana puja of the Smarta tradition of Hinduism. Shiva is known as The Destroyer within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity which also includes Brahma and Vishnu.