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Shiva Form · Blue-Throated One

Nilakantha

नीलकण्ठ
Also known as: Nīlakaṇṭha, Viṣakaṇṭha

About

The form of Shiva who drank the poison (halahala) during the churning of the ocean to save the universe. His throat turned blue. Represents self-sacrifice, compassion, and the capacity to transmute poison into nectar.

Attributes

Self-sacrificeCompassionBlue throatProtection

Symbols

Blue throatPoison
Consort
Parvati
Vahana (Mount)
Nandi

Associated Mantras

Om Nīlakaṇṭhāya namaḥ
Nilakantha Stotram

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri (commemorating poison drinking)

Scriptures

Shiva PuranaMahabharataRamayana

Regions Worshipped

Pan-India

Iconography

Blue throat. Serene expression. Often depicted with Ganga, crescent moon, and serpent. Four arms holding trishula and damaru.