The form of Shiva as a wandering beggar. After cutting off Brahma's fifth head, Shiva wandered as a mendicant carrying the skull bowl. Represents penance, renunciation, and the wandering ascetic tradition.
Naked or minimal clothing, holding skull bowl. Wandering with a dog. Matted hair, ash-smeared. Sometimes depicted being followed by the wives of sages in Daruvana.