Questions tagged [shiva]

Shiva (The auspicious one) is the "Destroyer" among the Trimurti. He is considered as supreme Brahman according to Shaivism. Use this tag to ask questions that concern about Shiva in any of his forms

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Does Shiva or Vishnu or Trikaladarshi Yogi know our Aagami Karma or our free will?

Aagami Karma is actions we do in this birth. This is generally said to be free will. See this question: Is our destiny predetermined? If yes, then why do our actions affect our karma?. Does Shiva or ...
The Destroyer's user avatar
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10 votes
7 answers
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What will the soul do after moksha?

When the physical body of a soul which got moksha is no more, the soul is said to reach the abode of Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu. And abode is like being united with the ultimate consciousness. What ...
user12458's user avatar
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9 votes
1 answer
463 views

As per which scriptures worshiping two Shiva Lingas in one house is not considered good?

The book Nitya Karma Puja Prakasha (Gita Press) says: In a house, if two Shiva Lingas (linga dvayam), three Ganeshas, two conch shells (Shankha), two Suryas, three Durga Murtis (or three Shakti ...
Rickross's user avatar
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1 answer
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Why is Lord Shiva called Soma?

Sri Rudram hymn of YajurVeda is one of the most popular hymn from the Vedas. 8th Anuvaka of Sri Rudram has a special significance because of the revelation of the Panchakshari Mantra “Namaha Shivaya”. ...
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8 votes
1 answer
3k views

What are the symbols and weapons in the hand of Sadashiva?

Sadashiva is described as being eternal form of Lord Shiva. He is represented with Five-faces and ten hands. The five heads of Sadashiva are known as Sadyojata [West facing], Vamadeva [North facing], ...
Tezz's user avatar
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8 votes
2 answers
442 views

What/Who is guru? Can it be a concept/idea/teachings or necessarily be a physical person?

As the guru is made up with two syllables gu & ru. Gu means darkness & ru means dispeller. Thus the term Guru means one who dispels our darkness. As it is said, शिवे क्रुद्धे गुरुस्त्राता ...
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8 votes
0 answers
2k views

Did Shiva's incarnation Lakulisha meet Krishna or other Mahabharata characters?

In this excerpt from the Shatarudra Samhita of the Shiva Purana, Shiva tells Brahma about his incarnations (avataras) in the Dwapara Yugas of the various Mahayugas in the Vaivasvata Manvantara (the ...
Keshav Srinivasan's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
2k views

Who is Narayana among the Sadhyas?

Most people only know about the Vishnu Sahasranamam, the famous hymn of the thousand names of Vishnu. But the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata, the same Parva which contains the Vishnu ...
Keshav Srinivasan's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
746 views

Which are the Five faces of Lord Shiva?

I saw a verse in Shiva Mahapurana that depicts Lord shiva having 5 heads, does any other scripture describe details about 5 heads of Lord Shiva?
Karmanya Nanda's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
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Why 8th Anuvaka of Sri Rudram is special and what are benefits of chanting it?

I have noticed in various congregation, especially during Athi Rudra Maha Yagnam, while chanting the 8th Anuvaka(i.e. Paragraph) of Namakam नमः॒ सोमा॑य च रु॒द्राय॑ च॒ नम॑स्ता॒म्राय॑ चारु॒णाय॑ च॒ नमः ...
Ganesh's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
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Did the destruction of Daksha's sacrifice also happen in present Vaivasvata Manvantara?

It is a well-known event that Mahadeva destroys the sacrifice of Daksha when Devi Sati destroys herself in the sacrifice. But it happened in the Pitri Kalpa. Destruction of Yajna of Daksha is the ...
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5 votes
2 answers
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How was Goddess Manasa born?

Worshiped mainly in Bengal and other parts of northeastern India, Goddess Manasa is the daughter of Lord Shiva. I have searched for her birth story but could not find it. Can someone give me Goddess ...
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4 votes
2 answers
630 views

Linguistic connection between Rudra and Marudgaṇa

I'm wondering if the rud portion of Rudra is etymologically connected to the rut portion of Marut. My understanding is that rudra literally means "howl" or "roar" and marút means "wind," "air," or "...
Rubellite Yakṣī's user avatar
22 votes
6 answers
19k views

Why do Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva always meditate on each other?

I watched a TV serial named "Devo ke Dev Mahadev" on channel "Life Ok". In that, they mentioned several stories of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu always meditating upon each other and connected to each ...
Anurag's user avatar
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20 votes
3 answers
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What is the difference between a Shiva temple and a Jyotirlinga?

Spread across India, we have many temples of Lord Shiva and we also have about twelve Jyotirlingas. I want to know whether there's any difference between a Shiva Temple and a Jyotirlinga.
Kedarnath's user avatar
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19 votes
2 answers
1k views

Which scriptures other than the Ramcharitmanas mention that during Shiva Parvati marriage ceremony Ganapaty was worshipped?

In the hundredth doha of the Balakanda of Ramcharitmanas it is mentioned that Ganapaty was worshipped during the marriage of Shiva & Parvati. मुनी अनुसासन गनपतिहि पूजेउ संभु भवानी । कोउ सुनी...
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18 votes
3 answers
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Why didn't Lord Vishnu drink the poison that came out from the churning of ocean?

As I was looking at this question, I got another question in my mind that why didn't Lord Vishnu drink the poison that came out from the churning of ocean? Lord Vishnu is also powerful to consume the ...
Nishant Solanki's user avatar
17 votes
1 answer
6k views

A wish to see Lord Shiva

I have a wish. I want Lord Shiva to appear before me. Would you please tell me what should I do to attain this?
Nisar's user avatar
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17 votes
3 answers
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What does it mean to say that Vishnu worships those who worship him?

In this chapter of the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata, Shiva extols the great qualities of Vishnu. In particular, he says this: The illustrious Hari, the puissant Narayana, is verily, the ...
Keshav Srinivasan's user avatar
15 votes
3 answers
3k views

Is it true that Lord Shiva's description is different in Vedas?

The description of Lord shiva is holder of Trishul and damaru, holder of pinaka bow, Ganga flowing from his head, having a moon on head, having snake in his neck,having 3 eyes,having body covered by ...
Hindu 's user avatar
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15 votes
3 answers
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Why did Sri Krishna say he was VAJRA among weapons?

While giving discourse to Arjuna, Sri Krishna says that he was VAJRA among weapons. आयुधानामहं वज्रं धेनूनामस्मि कामधुक्। प्रजनश्चास्मि कन्दर्पः सर्पाणामस्मि वासुकिः।।10.28।। Of the ...
Srimannarayana K V's user avatar
15 votes
7 answers
90k views

Does lord Shiva smoke Chillum?

I have seen many people who worship lord Shiva who prefer to be naked and they have ash (Bhabhuti) powdered all over their body. I am not sure what these people are known as but I have seen them in ...
Mr_Green's user avatar
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14 votes
2 answers
47k views

Why did lord Shiva chop off lord Brahma's fifth head?

As I've heard before, there was a story which said that lord Brahma had five heads but the fifth one was chopped off by lord Shiva. So why did lord Shiva chop off the fifth head of lord Brahma? ...
Mr. Alien's user avatar
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14 votes
1 answer
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How can I start Tantra sAdhnA? Which all are the scriptures I need to study to have in-depth knowledge?

I am interested in Tantric sAdhnA and first I need to study the Tantric scriptures in detail. I have studied yogA-VedAnta and Buddhism in detail also mahAmUdrA and dzogchen path (only studied, though.)...
Karan200590's user avatar
13 votes
1 answer
2k views

Rituals to be performed during Shiv Ratri and their significance

Shivaratri comes every month and Maha Shivaratri comes once a year. Many people offer prayers to Lord Shiva on that night without sleeping. Are there any specific rituals that one must do while ...
TheLoneKing's user avatar
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13 votes
1 answer
1k views

What is the mystery of Hari Sankara Stotra composed by Adi Shankara?

Shankara Digvijaya states that when Adi Shankara reached temple of Hari Shankara then he composed such verses with ambiguous meaning which could praise for both Shiva and Vishnu at the same time. It ...
Tezz's user avatar
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13 votes
2 answers
8k views

What happened to the body of elephant whose head was attached to Lord Ganesha?

What happened to the body of elephant whose head was attached to Lord Ganesha and what is the name of the place where the head of Lord Ganesha fall?
Vijay's user avatar
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13 votes
2 answers
16k views

Why didn't Lord Shiva put back the original head of Lord Ganesha?

Every one knows the story of Lord Ganesha, how he got Elephant head but one doubt comes to my mind, Why wasn't Lord Shiva who is so powerful able to put back the original head of Lord Ganesha? Why he ...
satish sharma's user avatar
13 votes
1 answer
676 views

Nag Panchami and its importance?

There are a few questions in my mind regarding Nag Panchami: What is the history and importance of Nag Panchami? Why do we worship Nagas or Snakes in Nag Panchami though we're afraid of them? Why do ...
Rishi Kulshreshtha's user avatar
12 votes
4 answers
6k views

Is Lord Bhairava same as Lord Shiva, or are they a little different? Is Bhairava a part incarnation or complete Shiva?

Like there is no difference in Vishnu, Krishna, Raama, NriSimha and other manifestation. But sometime Bhairavanatha appears a little different from Lord Shiva, as if He is a part incarnation of Lord ...
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12 votes
1 answer
4k views

What is the story of Indra attacking Lord Shiva on his neck?

In this chapter of Anushashana Parva of Mahabharata Lord Shiva tells the reason why his neck is blue. He states: देवकार्यार्थ सिद्ध्धयर्थम् पिनाकं मे करे स्थितम् ।। इन्द्रेण च पुरा वज्रं क्षिप्तं ...
Tezz's user avatar
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12 votes
1 answer
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What are offerings to shivalinga and what are fruits of it?

What are offerings to shivalinga and what are fruits of it? It is said that if we offer water of river Ganga, we attain Moksha after death, similarly milk is offered for long life. But this ...
prem30488's user avatar
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12 votes
3 answers
6k views

What Tilak or Namam does Lord Brahma have on His forehead?

Tripundra or "three horizontals lines" is the Tilak worn by Lord Shiva and His devotees. Urdhva Pundra is tilak worn by Lord Vishnu and His devotees. But there are images of Brahma with both tilaks. ...
The Destroyer's user avatar
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11 votes
4 answers
38k views

Why don't we see Lord Shiva living on Kailash if he really exists?

In olden times it was said that Mahadev lived on Kailash mountain, which was difficult to climb thousands of years ago. But in modern times, people are able to climb mount Kailash and no traces of ...
pankajdoharey's user avatar
11 votes
6 answers
52k views

What is the Pashupatastra? Did Arjuna use it in the Kurukshetra war?

What is the Pashupatastra? Why did Lord Shiva get it in first place? Did Arjuna really use it in the Kurukshetra war? If he didn't, why did he get it from Lord Shiva? Was it the all-knowing Krishna ...
Say No To Censorship's user avatar
11 votes
5 answers
11k views

Why do we see Lord Shiva under the feet of Mother Kali?

Shiva doesn't exist without Shakthi. Shiva and shakthi are one. I recently visited a temple of Mother Kali. I was purplexed to see lord shiva in a smiling face is under the feet of angry Mother Kali. ...
sriinnu's user avatar
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11 votes
1 answer
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Do the Brahmanas of the Rig Veda mention Brahma and Vishnu's contest?

This excerpt from the Vidyeshwara Samhita of the Shiva Purana relates a famous story involving a contest between Brahma and Vishnu. (To read the whole Shiva Purana, see my answer here.) In this ...
Keshav Srinivasan's user avatar
11 votes
1 answer
6k views

Where is the mention of 'Chanting Rama three times is equal to chanting 1000 names of Vishnu'?

In the ending part of Vishnu Sahasranaam Stotra these verses are recited: पार्वत्युवाच : केनोपायेन लघुनां विष्णुर्नामसहस्रकम् । पठ्यते पंण्डितैर नित्यं श्रोतुमिच्छाम्यहं प्रभो ॥ 26 ॥ ...
Tezz's user avatar
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11 votes
1 answer
4k views

Where does Rig Veda say that Shiva is the God who grants Moksha?

Me and my friend had a debate on whether Vedas talks about Moksha or not. My friend told me that there is a verse in Rigveda which tells Shiva grants Moksha. Is it true? Does Rigveda really mention ...
Prakash's user avatar
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11 votes
1 answer
1k views

What is the story of Vyuptakesha incarnation of Lord Shiva?

Sri Rudram is the 16th chapter of Vajasaneyi Samhita, and also 4.5.1 -4.5.11 of Taittariya Samhita. There are 11 Anuvaks in total in Krishna YajurVeda. 5th Anuvaka of Sri Rudram is of specific ...
Tezz's user avatar
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10 votes
1 answer
14k views

What is the meaning behind Shiva with 26 heads and 52 hands?

I was wondering what the meaning is behind Shiva's 26 heads and 52 hands in a temple in Tamil Nadu? I have never seen him in this form before.
Linda's user avatar
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10 votes
1 answer
20k views

What is the story of tortoise which is just in front of Nandi in Lord Shiva Temple?

I have seen in many temples there are Nandi and tortoise facing the Shiva linga. what is the story of being tortoise facing the Shiva linga?
Mr_Green's user avatar
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10 votes
1 answer
4k views

Apart from the Padma Purana, does any other Purana say that Adi Shankaracharya will teach mayavadi philosophy?

In the Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 236, Lord Shiva says to Parvati that He would incarnate as Adi Shankaracharya to teach the mayavadi philosophy: mayavadam asac chastram pracchannam ...
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10 votes
1 answer
566 views

Where do Vaishnava Scriptures declare Shiva as supreme god?

Some Shavaite scriptures declare Vishnu as supreme in some cases. Is there any mention of Shiva as supreme deity in Vaishnava scriptures?
user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
1k views

Harihara literature

Which references exist in the academic literature on the concept of Harihara (= Vishnu + Shiva)? At which time was this concept developed? What is the precise meaning of the Harihara concept? Which ...
Jo Wehler's user avatar
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9 votes
1 answer
2k views

Legend behind origin of Vayu Lingam in Srikalahasti and its meaning

There are many legends behind Srikalahasti temple, which is one of the Panchaboota Kshetras. But none of these legends explain origin of Vayu Lingam which is believed to be "Swayambhu" (self-...
The Destroyer's user avatar
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9 votes
3 answers
11k views

What does the word "Tryambakam" mean in Vedas?

The word Tryambakam is used in Rig Veda 7:59:12 and in Yajurveda and is dedicated to Lord Rudra/Shiva. According to some translations this word means the three eyed one, but according to some scholars ...
Karmanya Nanda's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
4k views

What's story of Devi Savitri's curse on Trimurthi by which they were changed to Rivers?

When I was googling to know the legend of Krishna River, I found this page, which states Legends state that the River Krishna is Lord Vishnu himself who turned into a river due to a curse on the ...
The Destroyer's user avatar
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8 votes
4 answers
788 views

How many Rudras have been actually born?

We have been told that the Rudras were the incarnation of Lord Rudra (Shiva). Who they actually were and how many were they ? What were their duties ? and will they come again in future?
Vishwas Goswami's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is Lord Ganesha considered same as the ultimate truth and reality (Brahman)?

Many Texts associate OM with cosmic creation and that OM is everything. Ganesha is associated with OM and hence known as oṃkārasvarūpa (Aum is his form). The Ganapati Atharvashirsa states that Lord ...
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