LagnaGuru
Home · Dharma Library · Gods · Mahadeva
← All gods
Shiva Form · Great God / Supreme Form

Mahadeva

महादेव
Also known as: Śiva, Śaṅkara, Īśāna

About

The supreme form of Shiva as Mahadeva (Great God). Represents the ultimate reality, the destroyer of evil, and the transformer within the Trimurti. The cosmic dancer, ascetic, and householder combined.

Attributes

Supreme beingDestructionTransformationAsceticismCompassion

Symbols

TrishulaDamaruCrescent moonGangaThird eyeRudrakshaTiger skin
Consort
Parvati
Vahana (Mount)
Nandi (bull)

Associated Mantras

Om Namaḥ Śivāya
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Śrī Rudram
Shiva Sahasranama

Festivals

Maha ShivaratriShravan monthKartik Purnima

Scriptures

Shiva PuranaLinga PuranaSkanda PuranaRudram (Yajurveda)Tirumantiram

Regions Worshipped

Pan-IndiaWorldwide

Iconography

Ash-smeared body, matted hair with Ganga and crescent moon, third eye, four arms holding trishula, damaru, and in abhaya mudra. Seated on tiger skin, accompanied by Nandi.