Shiva Foundations
In the Trimurti, Shiva represents this cosmic function
What is destruction
In some traditions, Shivratri marks the night Shiva performed this cosmic act that represents creation, preservation, and destruction all at once
What is Tandava
The anionic form of Shiva
What is Lingam
This five-syllable mantra, central to Shaiva devotion, is often called the Panchakshari mantra
What is “Om Namah Shivaya"
Shiva often sits in this Himalayan state of deep meditation
What is Kailash
The sacred bull who serves as Shiva’s vahana and gatekeeper
Who is Nandi?
During the Samudra Manthan, Shiva drank this specific poison to save the universe, leading to his name Neelkanth
What is Halahala
The crescent moon on Shiva’s head represents this aspect of existence
What is time
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra appears in this Veda, not originally in the Puranas
What is the Rig Veda
On Maha Shivratri, devotees often stay awake all night, performing this practice that means ‘vigil’ in Sanskrit
What is Jagaran
Before Parvati was born as Himavan’s daughter, she took this earlier birth as Daksha’s daughter
Who is Sati?
In the Lingodbhava story associated with Shivratri, Brahma falsely claimed to have found this part of the infinite pillar of light
What is the top (or head) of the pillar
The snake coiled around Shiva’s neck symbolizes mastery over this powerful inner force, often associated with primal energy
What is kundalini (life force energy)
On Shivratri, devotees traditionally perform abhishekam to the Shivling using five sacred substances collectively known by this name
What is Panchamrit
Shiva is feared in this fierce Vedic form associated with storms and wildness
Who is Rudra
Shiva’s five-faced form is known by this Sanskrit name
What is Panchanana/Panchmukhi
In one Shivratri legend, a hunter unknowingly worshipped Shiva by repeatedly dropping these leaves onto a Shivling while staying awake in a tree
What is bilva (bael) leaves
The three horizontal lines of vibhuti on Shiva’s forehead are said to represent the destruction of these three impurities in Shaiva philosophy
What are ego, karma, and ignorance
This temple in Tamil Nadu is associated with the Lingodbhava form of Shiva and is often connected symbolically with the infinite pillar of light story
What is Arunachaleswarar Temple (Tiruvannamalai)
As Nataraja, Shiva performs the cosmic dance within this ring
What is the ring of fire
The goddess flowing from Shiva’s matted locks
Who is Ganga
Shivratri fasting and night vigil symbolize conquering this inner enemy
What is ignorance (avidya), or ego
Shiva’s third eye symbolizes the awakening of this higher faculty beyond ordinary perception
What is inner wisdom/higher consciousness
Of the twelve Jyotirlingas, this one is believed to be the first to have manifested
What is Somnath
In this form, Shiva is depicted as half-male and half-female, symbolizing the inseparability of consciousness and energy
What is Ardhanarishvara