What is the Vedic Origin of Lord Shiva?

Question

I am learning about Mount Kailash (Lord Shiva's abode).

Somewhere I read that before people came to India from Central Asia (bringing Vedas, Hinduism, etc), the natives in Indian subcontinent followed Shavism, or worship of Lord Shiva.

Two questions

1. Is this accurate?
2. Is Lord Shiva of Nepali descent, i.e. a Gurhka

I find this so fascinating ......

Please point me in the right direction

Answer 1

I think you are going through some western speculations. But whether there was Shaivism in a certain place doesn't matter at all. It's because Vedas are revealed scriptures and it's mantras are heard during deep meditation.

And Lord Shiva is revealed itself to Vedas through Vedic seers during their deep meditation. In Vedas Lord Shiva is called by the name Rudra mostly. As I discuss in my answer here, there are various types of Rudras:

1) Rudras who cry.
2) Rudras who makes other cry.
3) Rudra who removes the cry of Samsara.

And all three types of Rudras are described in Vedas. One has to distinguish to which Rudra is it addressed by looking at the meaning and context of the mantra.

There are various hymns dedicated to Lord Rudra itself in RigVeda. The most celebrated mantra Mahamrityunjaya mantra or Mokshadayani mantra is itself in RigVeda in 7.59.12:

त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात् ।।

We worship the Three-eyed Lord who is fragrant and who nourishes and nurtures all beings. As is the ripened cucumber freed from its bondage (to the creeper), may He liberate us from death for the sake of immortality.

This mantra asks liberation or moksha from the three-eyed one and devata of this mantra is Lord Rudra. RigVeda 2.33.9 states Lord Rudra as eternal Ruler (never departing Godhead) of the World:

स्थिरेभिरङ्गै पुरुरूप उग्रो बभ्रुः शुक्रेभिः पिपिशे हिरण्यै ।
ईशानादस्य भुवनस्य भुरेर्न वा उ योषद्रुद्रासुर्यम् ।।

With firm limbs, multiform, the strong, the tawny adorns himself with bright gold decorations. The strength of Godhead never departs from Rudra, him who is Sovran of this world, the mighty.

Coming to YajurVeda, there is a celebrated hymn called Sri Rudram. It exists in both Vajasneya Samhita of Shukla YajurVeda [16th chapter] and Taittariya Samhita of Krishna Yajurveda[4.5.1-4.5.11].

It establishes omnipresent and omnipotency of Lord Rudra and it sings more than 300 names of Lord Rudra/Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is the only one in Vedas who is hailed by many names. He is the one of which Vedas themselves sing Sahasranama.

The popular mantra

नमः शिवाय ।। (Namaha Shivaya)

is itself derived from the middle of this hymn, Sri Rudram.

Other names which are derived from this famous Sri Rudram hymn are:

Shiva, Shankara, Bhava, Sarva, Pasupati, Nilagriva, Sitikantha, Kapardin, Nilalohita, etc..

Also, most of the names of Lord Shiva used today are derived from Vedas, as I discuss in my answer here.

If we go in AtharvaVeda there are several hymns related to Lord Rudra/ Shiva. In Atharvaveda there is a famous Vratya-Rudra Sukta, which directly establishes Shiva [SadaShiva] who existed before Prajapati/Brahma and who is the creator of all.

व्रात्य आसीदीयमान एव स प्रजापतिं समैरयत् ।। स प्रजापति: सुवर्णमात्मन्नपश्यत्तत्प्राजनयत् ।। तदेकमभवत्तल्ललाममभवत्तन्महदभवत्तज्जेष्ठमभवत्तद्ब्रह्माभवत्तत्तपोऽभवत्तत्सत्यमभवत्तेन प्राजायत ।। सोऽवर्धत स महानभवत्स महादेवोऽभवत् ।। स देवानामीशां पर्यैत्स ईशानोऽभवत् ।। स एकव्रात्योऽभवत्स धनुरादत्त तदेवेन्द्रधनुः ।। नीलमस्योदरं लोहितं पृष्ठम् ।। नीलेनैवाप्रियं भ्रातृव्यं प्रोर्णोति लोहितेन द्विषन्तं विध्यतीति ब्रह्मवादिनो वदन्ति ।। [Atharva Veda 15:1]

There was Vratya . He roused Prajapati to action. Prajapati beheld gold in himself and engendered it. That became unique, that became distinguished, that became great, that became excellent, that became Brahman, that became Tapas, that became Truth: through that he (Vratya) was born. He grew, he became great, he became Mahadeva. He gained the lordship of the Gods. He became Ishana. He became Eka Vratya. He held a bow, even that Bow of Indra. His belly is dark-blue, his back is red (Nila Lolita). With dark-blue he envelops a detested rival, with red he pierces the man who hates him: so the knowers of Brahman say.

It further goes on telling how Lord Shiva created everything of this world in details from 15.1 - 15.15. Also, you can see my answer here regarding birth of Rudra.

Also Atharvaveda in 11.2.16 states Lord Shiva as the God who is to be saluted in morning, day and night ie. at every time:

नमः सायं नमः प्रातर्नमो रात्र्या नमो दिवा ।
भवाय च शर्वाय चोभाभ्यामकरं नमः ।।

Salutations in the morning, salutations in night and Salutations in the day. To Bhava and Sarva salutations through our hands.

Thus from above it is clear that Lord Shiva is celebrated through Vedic revelations. The above are part of only Samhitas ie. Heard mantras during meditation. If we go in Aranyakas, Brahmanas and Upanishads Lord Shiva is also most important there:

The Rudra hymns 10th chapter of Taittariya Aranyaka of Yajurveda establishes Rudra as everything and Rudra himself as the ParaBrahman. There are also various celebrated names of Lord Shiva in that hymn. For eg.

Sadyojata, Tatpurush, Vamadeva, Aghora, Ishana, Mahadeva, Sadashiva Kala, Pasupati, Ambikapati, Umapati, Ishwara, etc...

In the Upanishads, one of the most celebrated Upanishad, Svetasvatara Upanishad establishes Rudra as ParaBrahman and cause of everything. It also contains celebrated names like:

Rudra, Hara, Shiva, Maheswara, Ishana, Isa, etc..

Svetasvatara Upanishad in 3.11 Summarizes as:

सर्वानन शिरोग्रीवः सर्वभूतगुहाशयः ।
सर्वव्यापी स भगवांस्तस्मात् सर्वगतः शिवः ॥ ११॥

All faces are His faces; all heads, His heads; all necks, His necks. He dwells in the hearts of all beings. He is the all—pervading Bhagavan. Therefore He is omnipresent Shiva.

Also, Kailash is stated in Maitreyaopanishad [2.1] as:

अथ भगवान्मैत्रेयः कैलासं जगाम तं गत्वोवाच
भो भगवन्परमतत्त्वरहस्यमनुब्रूहीति ॥

Then the revered sage Maitreya went to Kailasa. Approaching him (the Lord) he said: ‘Lord, expound to me the secret of the supreme Truth’. The great god said to him:

There are also Upanishads describing Lord Shiva like Kaivalya Upanishad, AtharvaShira Upanishad, NilaRudra Upanishad, KalagniRudra Upanishad, etc...

Thus, Lord Shiva is revealed to Vedic seers itself through Vedas.

One may wonder if Lord Shiva is revealed through Vedas then,

why there are extensive hymns for Gods like Agni and Indra and others and relatively few hymns for Lord Rudra?

It's because every God are just manifestations of Lord Rudra.

“agnirvai sa devastasyaitāni nāmāni śarva iti yathā prācyā
ācakṣate bhava iti yathā bāhīkāḥ paśūnām patī rudro ‘gniriti
tānyasyāśāntānyevetarāṇi nāmānyagnirityeva śāntatamaṃ tasmādagnaya iti kriyate
sviṣṭakṛta iti ” (Shatapatha Brahmana 1:7:3:8)

“Agni is That god;–his are these names: Sarva, as the eastern people call him; Bhava, as the Bâhîkas (call him); Pasûnâm pati (‘lord of creatures Pasupati), Rudra, Agni. The name Agni, doubtless, is the most calm, and the other names of his are uncalm: hence it is offered to (him under the name of) ‘Agni,’ and to (him as) the Svishtakrit”.

Thus from above Vedic passage, it becomes clear that Agni is just form/ manifestation of Lord Rudra. So extensive hymns of Vedas related to Agni are finally addressed to Lord Rudra.

Similarly, Indra is also a manifestation of Lord Rudra. AtharvaVeda calls Rudra as slayer of Vritta which is actually Indra:

“sahasrākṣáu vr̥trahánā huveháṃ dūrégavyūtī stuvánn my ugráu |
yā́v asyéśathe dvipádo yáu cátuṣpadas táu no muñcatam áṃhasaḥ ||” (Atharvaveda 4:28:03)

“The thousand-eyed slayers of Vritra both do I invoke. I go praising the two strong gods (ugrau) whose pastures extend far. Ye who rule all these two-footed and four-footed creatures [Pasupati], deliver us from grief and trouble”.

And not only this, there is a famous chapter in Satapatha Brahmana of YajurVeda which states everything like fire, water, air, sun, moon, etc... gained their characteristics features because Lord Shiva manifested as Ashtamurti Rupa ie. He entered in all those 8 things as Purusha and made them active. Satapatha Brahmana of YajurVeda from 6.1.3.10 to 6.1.3.17 states:

Rudra is Agni.
Sarva is Water (Varuna).
Pasupati is Plants (Vanaspati).
Ugra is Air (Vayu).
Asani is Lightening.
Bhava is Raingod (Parjanya).
Mahadeva is Moon (Chandra/Soma/Mind).
Ishana is Sun (Surya/ Atman)

Thus, it is clear the whole world is pervaded by the forms of Lord Rudra. So as Rudra is actually Agni, Vayu, Varuna, Soma, Surya, etc.. as seen from above Shruti passage (of YajurVeda). So actually Vedic hymns to all these Gods are actually praying various forms and manifestations of Lord Rudra.

He himself also dwells as self in all. He is also situated in heart of Gods as their self. So, Sri Rudram of Yajurveda states:

देवानां ह्रदयभ्यो । who is situated in hearts of Gods.

As everything in this world is just manifestation of Lord Rudra only thats why YajurVeda 5.5.9 states in a single sentence as:

यो रुद्रो अग्नौ यो अप्सु य ओषधिषु । यो रुद्रो विश्वा भुवना विवेश तस्मै रुद्राय नमो अस्तु ।।

“The Rudra in the fire, in the waters, in the plants, the Rudra that hath entered the whole world, to that Rudra be homage”

As everything is just manifestation of Lord Rudra only, there is nothing second than Rudra, thats why Svetasvatara Upanishad in a single verse states:

एको हि रुद्रो न द्वितियाय
There is Rudra only, there doesn't exist a second.

Taittariya Aranyaka of YajurVeda states the same in 10.24

सर्वो वै रुद्रस्तस्मै रुद्राय नमो अस्तु । पुरुषो वै रुद्रसन्मह ।।
Everything is Verily this Rudra. Salutations to Rudra who is such. Rudra himself is the Purusha.

The same fact is also beautifully illustrated in Vajasena Samhita of Yajurveda chapter 16 (ie. Sri Rudram part):

रथेभ्यो रथपतिभ्यो नमो नमः नमः सुतायहन्ताय, रथकारेम्यो नमो नमः

Salutation to him who is chariot, who is rider of chariot, who is charioteer and who is maker of Chariot.

So he himself makes chariot. He himself is the chariot. He himself rides chariot. He himself drives chariot. So, everything is him everything is his Leela.

So, from above it is clear Lord Shiva is revealed through celebrated Vedic Hymns during meditation of Vedic seers.

Regarding your second question:

Is Lord Shiva of Nepali descent, i.e. a Gurkha ?

As established from above Vedic passages and mantras, Lord Shiva existed before creation itself ie. He was present when there were not the earth, sun, moon, time etc... So, he who is unborn and lord of the universe, how can he have the nationality of a specific country?

Regarding the name Gurkha, it comes from Gorkha district of Nepal. It was kept Gorkha in the remembrance of saint Guru Gorakhnath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. There is also a famous place called Gorakh-Kali where Guru Gorakhnath and Goddesses Kali are worshiped.

Answer 2

Now let's answer the question: The Vedic origin of Lord Shiva: which means from Rudra to Shiva? Let's get some facts in place: Now, in the Rig Vedā, the word “Śiva” occurs more than 30 times, and all these are not personified names (swarūpa), they are various aspects of auspiciousness and pleasantness. For example, the hymn “Be Śiva with me” meaning be gentle with me. The first homage to Rudra calls Him pleasant or peaceful, then all the synonymous titles follow – such as benevolent, caring, prosperous, glowing, gentle, knowledge & eloquence, love, bond, friendly, pure, generous, compassionate, pure/pious, and many more. So your question should be, "All these above Siva-titles (adjectives) apply to Rudra, and if so give me the proof?" Sure, here we go:

Śiva = the auspicious RV10.92 , Mayaḥ = bestower of ananda/bliss RV1.114, Śreṣṭhaḥ = the foremost & pure RV1.43, Mīḍhvaḥ = generous RV1.114 , Mṛḷayākuḥ Hastaḥ = a compassionate hand, Shamtamam Hruday = pleasant or beneficent heart RV1.43, Sumna = pious/pure/forgiving RV2.33.7, śam-yoḥ sumnam = bliss/ānandamRV1.43.

Now your question should obviously be, does it specifically say Rudra possesses Siva in himself? Ofcourse, here you go: Opening of Krishna Yajur Veda Taittiriya-Samhita 4.5.1 says:

या ते॑ रुद्र शि॒वा त॒नूरघो॒रापा॑पकाशिनी

Meaning He Rudra in His auspicious form is the dispeller of our darkness and karmic remnants. (add to dispeller of darkness)

Can the above statement be justified that the fierce Rudra in His auspicious form will dispel our Paapa (karmic negative results)? Of course:

१५ यदात्मतत्त्वेन तु ब्रह्मतत्त्वं दीपोपमेनेह युक्तः प्रपश्येत्‌। अजं ध्रुवं सर्वतत्त्वैर्विशुद्धं ज्ञात्वा देवं मुच्यते सर्वपापैः॥ Svetasvatara Upaniṣhad 2.15 When the Yogin realizes the truth of Brahman, through the perception of the truth of Atman in this body as a self-luminous entity, then, knowing the Divinity as unborn, eternal and free from all the modifications of Prakriti, he is freed from all sins.

Why such contradiction in one Divinity? Why is Rudra an isolated and independent Divinity in Vedas? Why do only people look at Rudra's fierce side and not his Siva side?

Rudras being addressed as स्वयश, meaning self-majestic RV1.129.3, or सवधाव्ने (self supreme) RV7.46 and स्वतवसो ‘self-mightily’ RV1.166.2, independent Divinity holding the elixir of immortality RV5.58,TS4.5, a creator of Creation, and a ruler of all kinds of beings and groups TS4.5, made many western scholars consider Rudra to be an independent outsider. However, as we progress deeper into the relation with other Vedic divinities like Agni, Soma and Varuna, much clarity dawns. This independent sovereignty of Rudra is in line with His unique nature of being benevolent towards both nefarious and pious beings TS4.5 – like chthonic (beings of crude levels of consciousness) and Vrātyas RV3.26,5.53,AV15, and nomadic sages or wanderers, and many more, collectively addressed as bhuta-ganas, meaning various groups of beings belonging to different backgrounds, geographic locations, skills, age-groups, genders, physical attributes, both learned and immature, famous and unknown, rich and poor, of all professions, clans, and lineages, and not limited to those liked by the Devas, esp. Indra (Solar Deities). Hence the word Rudras refers to various groups or “ganas” who have the common leader īśhana or the father Rudra. The details of this fascinating multitude of groups are elaborated on both in Kṛṣṇa Yajur Vedā Taittirīya Saṃhitā 4.5 and Sukla Yajur Vedā Vājasaneyi Saṃhitā 16. By the time of the Atharva Vedā the stature of Vrātyas reached that of Brahman in the 15th kanda/chapter called Vrātya Suktam. Then comes the title “Asura”, which is used to describe a group of primordial beings alongside the Devas, with whom the Devas compete for Soma (amṛta) RV1.108. On many occasions, this word is used as a title to describe the strength and ferocious side of the Devas’ wrath, often associated with Mitra, Varuna, and Indra. Varuna, on many occasions, shares similarities with Rudra, but Rudra is called “The Asura of Mighty Heavens” RV2.1, and Maruts are addressed as the “Lord of Asuras” RV1.108/122. There is also the title Manyu SY10.20 and the title Ugra RV2.33,9.11, meaning a ferocious one. So, this Rudra who is ferocious, makes us weep, whose children (Rudras) are rustic, mountain dwellers, destroyers, who associates with Asuras and nefarious beings, is Ghora (terrible), Manyu (wrath), Vrātya (nomadic), Ugra (threatening); in total contradiction is Śiva (The Auspicious), He is bliss/ānandam, pure, generous, has a compassionate hand and a beneficent heart, is pious, and is the very bestower of bliss.

In this way Śiva: the auspiciousness pervades forever, hence the title “Sadaa:Śivam”. As the famous Tamil Poet Thirumular, composer of Tirumurai says, Anbe Sivam (அன்பு சிவம்), meaning “Compassion/affection itself is Sivam”. In this, the all-pervasive entirety is Viṣṇu/Hari who manifests beyond kālá (time). Viṣṇu is the canvas for creation, whereas the creative idea is called Brahmā. In this creation manifest countless beings with a mind, this mind becomes the ruler – which is Indra. Sri Aurobindo says, “the invisible force that propels creation from the lowest to the highest state of Viṣṇu is called Rudra”. Eventually, everything dissolves or assimilates back to the forever state of bliss that is Śiva. Hence, all these concepts are beautifully iconified into the spectacular realm of Puráńas and Itihāsa. Śiva means “auspicious”, “foremost”, “un-manifested”, “raw”, “that which is not”; we will cover each of these aspects one by one, so the definition of Śiva/Rudra will evolve in this discussion. Śrī Śankaracharya, in Nirvana Shatakam, addresses Śiva as cit:ānanda:rūpa – meaning the essence of ānanda (supreme bliss) in Cit (Supreme Infinite Consciousness). If Śiva is cit:ānanda then His forever companion Uma is cit:Śakti. Unlike sukha (happiness), which has a polar opposite called dukha (sadness), ānanda has no polar opposite, meaning it is a forever-state devoid of any polarity, irrespective of cit:Śakti being in action or repose (rest). Hence Śiva says to Uma: “I am the sea and you the wave, You are Prakṛti, and I Puruṣa“. This beautiful reference to Śiva/Śivā being both the wave and still water, both the hasty/active/rapid and yet calm and auspicious is described in Sukla Yajur Vedā Vājasaneyi Saṃhitā 16.31. Hence, the Rishis ask Rudra to bestow that Anandam.

If you want read more in detail, each aspect of Rudra then you can on this portal: http://sanatanadhara.com/ishwara/siva-rudra-linga/

Answer 3

The Vedic origin of Lord Shiva is in the Deity Rudra , which can be understood as an early form of Lord Shiva

Let's see the Vedic origin of Lord Shiva-

The Rigveda Samhita

The Famous Mahāmrityunjaya Mantra is present in the Rigveda Samhita , and it's Devata is none other than Rudra.

ॐ त्र्य॑म्बकं यजामहे सु॒गन्धिं॑ पुष्टि॒वर्ध॑नम् । उ॒र्वा॒रु॒कमि॑व॒ बन्ध॑नान् मृ॒त्योर्मु॑क्षीय॒ माऽमृता॑॑त् ।।

"We sacrifice to Tryambaka the fragrant, increaser of prosperity. Like a cucumber from its stem, might I be freed from death, not from deathlessness."

-Rigveda 7.59.12

The Rigveda also mentions that Rudra has Matted/Braided hair , and is called Kapardin.

Both Tryambaka and Kapardin are popular epithets of Shiva in the post Vedic literature. The Mahāmrityunjaya mantra plays a big role in the worship of Shrī Shiva.

Appearance of Rudra-

In the Yajurveda , Rudra is mentioned having Matted/Braided hair , hence he is called Kapardin and having Hide as his attire , hence he is called Krittivāsas . he has Pināka as his weapon , Hence he is called Pinākahasta/Pinākavāsa , He has a dark-blue neck , hence he is called Nīlagrīva.

All these attributes are found in Lord Shiva in the post Vedic literature.

Legends of Rudra

Two very popular legends of Rudra are mentioned in the Yajurveda -

-Destruction of Tripurasuras is one of the most popular legends of Lord Shiva . This legend finds it's origin in the Yajurveda Taittirīya Samhita 6.2.3 , where Rudra destroyed the three Asuras cities and became Pashupati

-The exclusion of Lord Shiva from the Daksha Yajña has it's origins in the Yajurveda Taittirīya Samhita 2.6.8 where Rudra was excluded for the Yajña and then he Pierced the Yajña , Pushan lost his teeth and Bhaga got blinded.

This legend in also mentioned in the Gopatha Brāhmana of the Atharvaveda , but here , Prajāpati is the one excluding Rudra , so we can see the evolution of this legend as in the Purānas Daksha prajāpati is the one excluding Rudra from the sacrifice

Both of these legends are two of the most important and famous legends of Lord Shiva.

Rudra as Pashupati

Pashupati is one of the most popular names/aspects of Lord Shiva in post Vedic Literature

The Yajurveda and the Atharvaveda talk about Rudra being Pashupati . The Tripura Samhāra mentioned in the Yajurveda talks about Rudra becoming Rudra being Pashunāmādhipati.

Pashupati is one of the main epithets of Rudra in the Shatarudriya.

Pashupati is also one the 8 names of the Ashtamurti of Rudra-Agni, given by Prajāpati.

Panchākshara Mantra

The famous Panchākshara mantra "नमः शिवाय" is itself dervived from the 8th anuvāka of the Shatarudriya

Shatarudriya 8th anuvāka-

"नमः शिवाय च शिवतराय च"

The Ashtamūrti

8 names and forms of Rudrāgni are mentioned in the Vedic literature -

Bhava , Sharva , Pashupati , Rudra , Ugra , Īshāna , Mahādeva , Ashani

Of these Mahādeva is one of or the most popular epithets of Lord Shiva

These 8 forms are mentioned in -

-Taittirīya Samhita , 1.4.36

-Atharvaveda , 15.5

-Shatapatha Brāhmana , 6.1.3

These 8 Forms are also mentioned in the Grihya Sutras.

These forms are mentioned as the 8 presiding forms of Lord Shiva in the Purānas like Vishnu Purāna , Nārada Purāna , Shiva Purāna , Harivamsha etc.

Rudra-Shiva as Nīlalohita

The Yajurveda , Atharvaveda and Shatapatha Brāhmana mention another name of Rudra , Nīlalohita which means Dark blue and Red in colour , Lord Shiva is known as Nīlalohita in the post Vedic literature.

Rudra-Shiva as Mrigavyādha

The Aitreya Brāhmana of the Rigveda mentions Rudra piercing Prajāpati , when Prajāpati took the form of a deer(Mriga) , Rudra pierced him and became Mrigavyādha . This legend is also mentioned in the Rigveda 10th mandala and Shatapatha Brāhmana . Lord Shiva is known as Mrigavyādha or Mrigāksha in the Mahābhāratam and Purānas.

Shiva as a name of Rudra

The Shatarudriya , mentions Rudra as Shiva alot of times , shiva literally mentions Auspicious , but Shiva is also a name of Rudra , which is proven by Katha Āranyaka 2.100, which mentions 5 names of Rudra -

-Rudra

-Bhava

-Sharva

-Shiva

-Mrida

Five mukhas of Rudra

The Mahānārāyana Upanishad , which is also the 10th Prapāthaka of the Taittirīya Āranyaka of the Krishna Yajurveda mentions the Panchabrahma Mantrāni , which are the mantras for five mukhas of Rudra-

-Sadyojāta

-Vāmadeva

-Aghora

-Tatpurusha

-Īshāna

These five faces are the faces of Sadāshiva in the post Vedic littlerature.

Vrātya Sūktam of the Atharvaveda

Vrātya Sūkta is a sūkta appearing in the Brāhmana section of the Shaunaka Shākhā of the Atharvaveda (15th Kānda). It mentions Vrātya(one who has taken a vow or vrata ) . The Vrātya is mentioned as Mahādeva , Īshana and Nīlalohita , then he is mentioned as being surrounded by the Ashtamūrtis. As we can see the concept of Vrātya is similar to that of Rudra , as names like Mahādeva , Īshāna and Nīlalohita are rudra-shiva specific names and also the Vrātya's association with the Ashtamūrti is also notable.

The Trimūrti as the three syllables of The Pranava(ॐ)

The Gopatha Brāhmana and the Atharvashiras Upanishad, both attached to the Atharvaveda mention that the Pranava (ॐ) has three Mātrās , which are Shrī Brahmā of Red(Rakta) colour, Shrī Vishnu of black(Krishna) colour and Shrī Ishāna of Brownish(Kapila) colour.This is a clear reference to the Trimūrti , Ishāna is , as we know a form and name of Rudra-Shiva and the third member of the Trimūrti.

Epithets of Rudra-

Bhava , Sharva , Pashupati , Shitikanttha, , Tryambaka , Nīlagrīva , Kapardin , Krittivāsa , Pinākahasta , Ugra , Nīlalohita , Shiva , Shambhava , Shankara , Mahādeva , Īshāna , Mrigavyādha , Girīsha.

All these Epithets are the main epithets of Lord Shiva in the post Vedic literature

The 3 ancient Upanishads that talk about Rudra-Shiva are-

-Nīlarudra Upanishad of the Atharvaveda.

-Atharvashiras Upanishad of the Atharvaveda.

-Shvetāshvatara Upanishad of the Krishna Yajurveda.

-The Atharvashiras Upanishad is also mentioned in Baudhayana dharmasūtra , Gautama Dharmasutra and Vasishtha Dharmasūtra.

-Tha Atharvashiras and Shvetāshvatara Upanishads mention a new epithet of Rudra , that is Maheshwara , a popular epithet of Shiva in the post Vedic literature.

This is a basic idea of the Vedic origin of Lord Shiva.

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Namah Shivāya