Shiva, also known as Mahadeva, is one of Hinduism’s most important deities. In Shaivism, one of Hinduism’s primary traditions, he is the Supreme Being. Shiva has pre-Vedic tribal roots, and the modern Shiva is a fusion of several ancient non-Vedic and Vedic deities, including the Rigvedic storm god Rudra, who may also have non-Vedic origins.
Within the Trimurti, which also includes Brahma and Vishnu, Shiva is regarded as “The Destroyer.” Shiva is the Supreme Lord of the Shaivite religion, who creates, protects, and changes the cosmos. The Goddess, or Devi, is characterised as one of the ultimate in the Shakta religion, although Shiva is adored with Vishnu and Brahma. A goddess is said to represent each person’s energy and creative power (Shakti), with Shiva’s equal complimentary companion, Parvati (Sati). He is one of the five comparable deities in Hinduism’s Smarta tradition’s Panchayatana puja.
Shiva has several interpretations in the Vishnu sahasranama, including “The Pure One” and “The One who is not influenced by three Guas of Prakti.”
Viswanatha (Lord of the Universe), Mahadeva, Mahandeo, Mahasu, Mahesha, Maheshvara, Shankara, Shambhu, Rudra, Hara, Trilochana, Devendra, Neelakanta, Subhankara, Trilokinatha, and Ghrneshwar are some of Shiva’s numerous titles. Shiva’s epithets Mahdeva, Mahevara, and Paramevara show Shaivism’s greatest adoration for him.
A thousand names formed from attributes and epithets of a god are listed in the Sahasranama, a mediaeval Indian book. The Shiva Sahasranama, religious songs listing various names of Shiva, has at least eight distinct variants. One such list may be found in the Mahabharata’s Book 13 edition. In the Mahanyasa, Shiva has 10,000 names known as Dasha-Sahasranamas. The Shri Rudram Chamakam, commonly known as the atarudriya, is a devotional song to Shiva in which he is praised by a variety of titles.
How to Meet Lord Shiva Personally and Face to Face
1. Chant Om Namah Shiva- Begin with a daily practise of 108 repetitions of the mantra and work your way up to multiples of 216,432 and beyond.
2. Offer water, Bilvapatra, and flowers to Lord Shiva in order for Shiva to bless you and bring you riches- The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the ultimate pilgrimage to appease Lord Shiva, since it includes visits to Jyotirlingas and sacred locations linked with Shiva.
3. Visit Shiva temple frequently- Go to Shiva temple every day, spend some time there, and soak in the wonderful energy.
4. Listen to “Shiv Katha” – Listening to “Shiv Katha” or stories set during the 16 Monday fast can help you develop confidence, inner strength, and success.
5. Chant the Shiv Sahasranama- Once, Lord Vishnu wished to please Shiva, so he recited the Sahasranama and offered his eyes to Mahadev. Shiva was so delighted that he was granted the “Sudarshana Chakra.”
6. Put on Mahadev’s “Rudraksha” eyes to perceive the universe through the creator’s eyes – Wearing a Rudraksha mala will bring you closer to Shiva and help you become a genuine devotee.
7. Lord Shiva’s Monday Fast- Fasting aids in the cleansing of our bodies. Recite the mantra “Rudrashtakam” to assist you overcome obstacles in your daily life.
8. Free your mind of all clutter and become as pure as fire – Keep in mind that your thinking does not control you or your actions. You should be able to regulate your thoughts. The world is ruled by a healthy mind with pleasant ideas, and the other senses are under complete control.
9. Read the Shiv Purana or Shiv Gita to recall Mahadev’s teachings and apply them to your life in order to obtain ultimate nirvana.