LORD SHIVA

Shiva PrayerFor the devotees of Lord Shiva here is a collection of Lord Shiva Prayers with meaning! Devotees seeking blessings of Lord Shiva must recite Shiv Prarthana with sincerity and faith. Lord Shiva Prayer - I Om Sarva Mangal Manglaye Shivay Sarvaarth Sadhike Sharanye Trayambake Gauri Narayaani Namostu Te Meaning: Oh the divine couple Shiva Parvati ! O ! Thee, the protectors of this universe, Along with Lords Brahma and Vishnu We pray to You for our well-being, prosperity and the enlightenment of our souls. Lord Shiva Prayer - II This mantra is a prayer to Lord Shiva who is addressed as Sankara and Trayambaka. Sankara means giver of blessings: (sana = blessings, Kara = the Giver). Trayambaka is the three eyed one, where the third eye signifies the giver of knowledge, which destroys ignorance and releases us from the cycle of death and rebirth. Om Namastestu Bhagavan Visvesaraya Mahadevaya Trayambakaya Tripurantakaya Trikagni - Kalaya Kalagni - Rudraya Nil - Kanthaya Mrityunjaya Sarvesvaraya Sadadhivaya Sriman Mahadevaya Namah. Meaning: Om. I bow down to Lord Shiva, who is the creator and protector of the universe, who is the greatest among Gods, who has three eyes, who is the annihilator of all the three worlds, one whose throat is blue, who is the conqueror of death, who is the Lord of all, who is propitious who is possessed of all marks of greatness and who is the greatest among Gods. To him my prostration. Lord Shiva Prayer - III Naagendra haaraaya thriloochanaaya bhasmaangadhaaraaya maheshwaraaya Nityaaya shudhdhaaya digambaraaya tasmai nakaaraaya namahshivaaya Meaning: Salutations to Shiva who wears a serpent as garland, who is three-eyed, whose bare body is covered with ashes, who is forever pure and the very embodiment of sacrifice. Shiva Dhun Shivo Bhokta, Shiva Bhojya Shivo Karta, Shivah Karma Shivah Karanatmakah Meaning: Shiva is the experiencer and the highest object of experience. Shiva is the goal of Sadhana. There is nothing apart from Shiva. There is nothing other than Shiva. Whatever there is, is Shiva. There is nothing, which is not Shiva. There is no place, which is not Shiva. There is no time, which is not Shiva. To be aware of this is to be aware of Shiva.

Shiva Tandava Lord Shiva is also known as Nataraj, the Dancing God. This divine art form is performed by Lord Shiva and his divine consort Goddess Parvati. The dance performed by Lord Shiva is known as Tandava. Shiva's Tandava is a vigorous dance that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. Tandava depicts his violent nature as the destroyer of the universe. Characteristics of Tandava Dance According to scholars, 'Characteristics of the Tandava Dance' have been described in the fourth chapter of Bharat Muni's Nata Shastra, which is referred to as fifth Veda and an expression of Lord Shiva's eternal dance - Tandava. It says that Shiva's Tandava is embellished with 108 karanas and the 32 anghaharas - the composite parts of the dance. Bharat Muni further says that Lord Shiva conceived the dance, as he was very much fond of dancing every evening. Shiva further mentioned that 108 karnas included in tandava could be employed in the course of dance, fight, and personal combats and in other special movements like strolling. Types of Tandava Some scholars believe that there are seven different types of Tandava. The tandava performed with joy is called Ananda Tandava and that which is performed in violent mood is called Rudra Tandava. The other types of tandava identified are Tripura Tandava, Sandhya Tandava, Samara Tandava, Kaali Tandava, Uma Tandava and Gauri Tandava. However, there are few people who believe that there are 16 types of Tandava. Significance of Shiva's Tandava Nritya According to religious scholars, the cosmic dance of Shiva, called 'Anandatandava,' meaning, 'the Dance of Bliss' symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm of birth and death. The dance is a pictorial allegory of the five principle manifestations of eternal energy - creation, destruction, preservation, salvation, and illusion. According to learned scholar, Coomerswamy, the dance of Shiva also represents his five activities namely, 'Shrishti' - creation, evolution 'Sthiti' - preservation, support 'Samhara' - destruction, evolution 'Tirobhava' - illusion 'Anugraha' - release, emancipation, grace The overall temper of the image is paradoxical, uniting the inner tranquillity, and outside activity of Shiva. Lasya The dance performed by Goddess Parvati is known as Lasya. In Lasya, the movements are gentle, graceful and sometimes erotic. Some scholars call Lasya, the feminine version of Tandava. Lasya is of two kinds - Jarita Lasya and Yauvaka Lasya. According to the Puranas, Shiva dances a wild and vigorous (tandava) dance in the cremation grounds at night but dances a soft and graceful (lasya) dance in the tranquillity of the twilight.

Shiva Chalisa Shiva Chalisa is a prayer for Lord Shiva - one of the Gods of Hindu trinity, the other two being Brahma and Vishnu. Shiva Chalisa praises the Lord and asks for his help in removing hardships and obstacles in devotee's life. It is said that devotees seeking blessings of Lord Shiva must recite Shiva Chalisa with devotion and sincerity. It is suggested that devotees should focus their mind on Lord Shiv or his image and then recite Shiv Chalisa. Here, Lord Shiv Chalisa is presented along with English Translation for better understanding. Lord Shiv Chalisa English Translation Jai Ganesh Girija Suvan Mangal Mul Sujan Kahat Ayodhya Das Tum Dev Abhaya Varadan Glory to Lord Ganesh, the Divine Son of Goddess Girija, the cause of all auspiciousness and intelligence. Ayodha Dass (the composer of these verses) humbly requests that every one be blessed with the boon of being fearless. Jai Girija Pati Dinadayala Sada Karat Santan Pratipala Bhala Chandrama Sohat Nike Kanan Kundal Nagaphani Ke O Glorious Lord, consort of Parvati You are most merciful. You always bless the poor and pious devotees. Your beautiful form is adorned with the moon on Your forehead and on your ears are earrings of snakes' hood. Anga Gaur Shira Ganga Bahaye Mundamala Tan Chhara Lagaye Vastra Khala Baghambar Sohain Chhavi Ko Dekha Naga Muni Mohain The holy Ganges flows from your matted hair. The saints and sages are attracted by Your splendid appearance. Around Your neck is a garland of skulls. White ash beautifies Your Divine form and clothing of lion's skin adorns Your body. Maina Matu Ki Havai Dulari Vama Anga Sohat Chhavi Nyari Kara Trishul Sohat Chhavi Bhari Karat Sada Shatrun Chhayakari O Lord, the beloved daughter of Maina on Your left adds to Your splendid appearance. O Wearer of the lion's skin, the trishul in Your hand destroys all enemies. Nandi Ganesh Sohain Tahan Kaise Sagar Madhya Kamal Hain Jaise Kartik Shyam Aur Ganara-U Ya Chhavi Ko Kahi Jata Na Kauo Nandi and Shri Ganesh along with Lord Shiva appear as beautiful as two lotuses in the middle of an ocean. Poets and philosophers cannot describe the wonderful appearance of Lord Kartikeya and the dark complexioned Ganas (attendants). Devan Jabahi Jaya Pukara Tabahi Dukha Prabhu Apa Nivara Kiya Upadrav Tarak Bhari Devan Sab Mili Tumahi Juhari O Lord, whenever the Deities humbly sought Your assistance, You kindly and graciously uprooted all their problems. You blessed the Deities with Your generous help when the demon Tarak outraged them and You destroyed him. Turata Shadanana Apa Pathayau Lava-Ni-Mesh Mahan Mari Girayau Apa Jalandhara Asura Sanhara Suyash Tumhara Vidit Sansara O Lord, You sent Shadanan without delay and thus destroyed the evil ones Lava and Nimesh. You also destroyed the demon Jalandhara. Your renown is known throughout the world. Tripurasur Sana Yudha Machayi Sabhi Kripakar Lina Bachayi Kiya Tapahin Bhagiratha Bhari Purva Pratigya Tasu Purari O Lord, Purari, You saved all Deities and mankind by defeating and destroying the demons Tripurasura. You blessed Your devotee Bhagirath and he was able to accomplish his vow after rigorous penance. Danin Mahan Tum Sama Kou Nahin Sevak Astuti Karat Sadahin Veda Nam Mahima Tab Gayaee Akatha Anandi Bhed Nahin Payee O Gracious One, devotees always sings Your glory. Even the Vedas are unable to describe Your greatness. No one is as generous as You are. Pragate Udadhi Mantan Men Jvala Jarat Sura-Sur Bhaye Vihala Kinha Daya Tahan Kari Sahayee Nilakantha Tab Nam Kahayee Lord, when the ocean was churned and the deadly poison emerged, out of Your deep compassion for all, You drank the poison and saved the world from destruction. Your throat became blue, thus You are known as Nilakantha. Pujan Ramchandra Jab Kinha Jiti Ke Lanka Vibhishan Dinhi Sahas Kamal Men Ho Rahe Dhari Kinha Pariksha Tabahin Purari When Lord Rama worshipped You, He became victorious over the king of demons, Ravana. When Lord Rama wished to worship Thee with one thousand lotus flowers, the Divine Mother, to test the devotion of Shri Ram, hid all the flowers at Your request. Ek Kamal Prabhu Rakheu Joi Kushal-Nain Pujan Chaha Soi Kathin Bhakti Dekhi Prabhu Shankar Bhaye Prasanna Diye-Ichchhit Var O Lord, You kept on looking at Shri Ram, who wished to offer His lotus-like eyes to worship Thee. When You observed such intense devotion, You were delighted and blessed Him. You granted His heart's desire. Jai Jai Jai Anant Avinashi Karat Kripa Sabake Ghat Vasi Dushta Sakal Nit Mohin Satavai Bhramat Rahe Mohin Chain Na Avai Glory be unto You O Gracious, Infinite, Immortal, All-pervading Lord. Evil thought torture me and I keep on travelling aimlessly in this world of mundane existence. No relief seems to be coming my way. Trahi-Trahi Main Nath Pukaro Yahi Avasar Mohi Ana Ubaro Lai Trishul Shatrun Ko Maro Sankat Se Mohin Ana Ubaro O Lord! I beseech Your help and seek your divine blessing at this very moment. Save and protect me. Destroy my enemies with Your Trishul. Release me from the torture of evil thoughts. Mata Pita Bhrata Sab Hoi Sankat Men Puchhat Nahin Koi Svami Ek Hai Asha Tumhari Ava Harahu Aba Sankat Bhari O Lord, when I am in distress, neither my parents, brothers, sisters nor loved ones can relieve my suffering. I depend only on You. You are my hope. Eliminate the cause of this tremendous torture and bless me with Your compassion. Dhan Nirdhan Ko Deta Sadahin Jo Koi Janche So Phal Pahin Astuti Kehi Vidhi Karai Tumhari Kshamahu Nath Aba Chuka Hamari O Lord, You bless the downtrodden with prosperity and grant wisdom to the ignorant. Lord, due to my limited knowledge, I omitted to worship Thee. Please forgive me and shower Your grace upon me. Shankar Ho Sankat Ke Nishan Vighna Vinashan Mangal Karan Yogi Yati Muni Dhyan Lagavan Sharad Narad Shisha Navavain O Lord Sankar, You are the destroyer of all miseries. You remove the cause of all obstacles and grant Your devotees eternal bliss. The saints and sages meditate upon Thy most beautiful form. Even celestial beings like Sharad and Narad bow in reverence to You. Namo Namo Jai Namah Shivaya Sura Brahmadik Par Na Paya Jo Yah Patha Karai Man Lai Tapar Hota Hai Shambhu Sahayee O Lord, prostration to You. Even Brahma is unable to describe Thy greatness. Whosoever recites these verses with faith and devotion receives Your infinite blessings. Riniyan Jo Koi Ho Adhikari Patha Karai So Pavan Hari Putra-hin Ichchha Kar Koi Nischaya Shiva Prasad Tehin Hoi Devotees who chant these verses with intense love become prosperous by the grace of Lord Shiva. Even the childless wishing to have children, have their desires fulfilled after partaking of Shiva-prasad with faith and devotion. Pandit Trayodashi Ko Lavai Dhyan-Purvak Homa Karavai Trayodashi Vrat Kare Hamesha Tan Nahin Take Rahe Kalesha On Trayodashi (13th day of the dark and bright fortnights) one should invite a pandit and devotedly make offerings to Lord Shiva. Those who fast and pray to Lord Shiva on Trayodashi are always healthy and prosperous. Dhupa Dipa Naivedya Charhavai Anta Vasa Shivapur Men Pavai Kahai Ayodhya Asha Tumhari Jani Sakal Dukha Harahu Hamari Whosoever offers incense, prasad and performs arti to Lord Shiva, with love and devotion, enjoys material happiness and spiritual bliss in this world and hereafter ascends to the abode of Lord Shiva. The poet prays that Lord Shiva removed the suffering of all and grants them eternal bliss. Nitya Nema kari Pratahi Patha karau Chalis Tum Meri Man Kamana Purna Karahu Jagadish Om Shivaya Namaa O Universal Lord, every morning as a rule I recite this Chalisa with devotion. Please bless me so that I may be able to accomplish my material and spiritual desires. Om Shivaya Namaa

Maha Mrityunjay Mantra The Maha Mrityunjay Mantra or Lord Shiva Mantra is considered extremely powerful and significant by the Hindus. Also known as the Moksha Mantra of Lord Shiva, chanting of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is said to create divine vibrations that heals. Devotees of Lord Shiva further believe that Maha Mrityunjay evokes the Shiva within human beings and removes the fear of death, liberating one from the cycle of death and rebirth. Significance of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra Devotees strongly believe that proper recitation of the Maha Mrityunjaya rejuvenates, bestows health, wealth, long life, peace, prosperity and contentment. It is said that chanting of Shiva Mantra generates divine vibrations that ward off all the negative and evil forces and creates a powerful protective shield. Besides, it is said to protect the one who chants against accidents and misfortunes of every kind. Recitation of the mantra creates vibration that pulsates through every cell, every molecule of human body and tears away the veil of ignorance. Hindus believe that recitation of the mantra ignites a fire within that consumes all negativity and purifies entire system. It is also said to have a strong healing power and can cure diseases declared incurable even by the doctors. Many believe Maha Mrityunjay Mantra to be a mantra that can conquer death and connect human beings to their own inner divinity. Aum Thryambhakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaan Mrithyor Mukshiya Maamrithaath ( Aum. We worship and adore you, O three-eyed one. You are the fragrance of life, who nourishes us, restores our health, and causes us to thrive. As, in due time, the ripe cucumber is freed from the vine, so free us from attachment and death, and grant us liberation and immortality ) The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra The following Maha Mrityunjay Mantra has been taken from the Sukla Yajurveda Samhita III. 60. The Mantra is addressed to Lord Shiva and is a centuries old technique of connecting one to pure consciousness and bliss. Om Tryambhakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam | Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat || Meaning: Om. We worship The Three-Eyed Lord Shiva who is fragrant and who increasingly nourishes the devotees. Worshipping him may we be liberated from death for the sake of immortality just as the ripe cucumber easily separates itself from the binding stalk. Explanation: The mantra is a prayer to Lord Shiva who is addressed as Sankara and Trayambaka. Sankara is sana (blessings) and Kara (the Giver). Trayambaka is the three eyed one (where the third eye signifies the giver of knowledge, which destroys ignorance and releases us from the cycle of death and rebirth). Best Time to Chant Chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra with sincerity, faith and devotion in Bramha Muhurata is very beneficial. But one can also do Maha Mrityunjaya japa anytime in a pure environment with great benefit and discover the happiness that's already within.

Different Names of Lord Shiva One of the most important Hindu deities, Lord Shiva is known by several names. The Shiva Purana list 1008 names for Lord Shiva. Each of these names in Sanskrit signifies certain attribute of the Lord. Given here are 108 names of Lord Shiva with their meaning. 108 Names of Lord Shiva S No Lord Shiva Name Meaning 1 Aashutosh One who fulfills wishes instantly 2 Aja Unborn 3 Akshayaguna God with limitless attributes 4 Anagha Without any fault 5 Anantadrishti Of infinite vision 6 Augadh One who revels all the time 7 Avyayaprabhu Imperishable Lord 8 Bhairav Lord of terror 9 Bhalanetra One who has an eye in the forehead 10 Bholenath Kind hearted Lord 11 Bhooteshwara Lord of ghosts and evil beings 12 Bhudeva Lord of the earth 13 Bhutapala Protector of the ghosts 14 Chandrapal Master of the moon 15 Chandraprakash One who has moon as a crest 16 Dayalu Compassionate 17 Devadeva Lord of the Lords 18 Dhanadeepa Lord of Wealth 19 Dhyanadeep Icon of meditation and concentration 20 Dhyutidhara Lord of Brilliance 21 Digambara One who has the skies as his clothes 22 Durjaneeya Difficult to be known 23 Durjaya Unvanquished 24 Gangadhara Lord of River Ganga 25 Girijapati Consort of Girija 26 Gunagrahin Acceptor of Gunas 27 Gurudeva Master of All 28 Hara Remover of Sins 29 Jagadisha Master of the Universe 30 Jaradhishamana Redeemer from Afflictions 31 Jatin One who has matted hair 32 Kailas One Who Bestows Peace 33 Kailashadhipati Lord of Mount Kailash 34 Kailashnath Master of Mount Kailash 35 Kamalakshana Lotus-eyed Lord 36 Kantha Ever-Radiant 37 Kapalin One who wears a necklace of skulls 38 Khatvangin One who has the missile khatvangin in his hand 39 Kundalin One who wears earrings 40 Lalataksha One who has an eye in the forehead 41 Lingadhyaksha Lord of the Lingas 42 Lingaraja Lord of the Lingas 43 Lokankara Creator of the Three Worlds 44 Lokapal One who takes care of the world 45 Mahabuddhi Extremely intelligent 46 Mahadeva Greatest God 47 Mahakala Lord of All Times 48 Mahamaya Of great illusions 49 Mahamrityunjaya Great victor of death 50 Mahanidhi Great storehouse 51 Mahashaktimaya One who has boundless energies 52 Mahayogi Greatest of all Gods 53 Mahesha Supreme Lord 54 Maheshwara Lord of Gods 55 Nagabhushana One who has serpents as ornaments 56 Nataraja King of the art of dancing 57 Nilakantha The one with a blue throat 58 Nityasundara Ever beautiful 59 Nrityapriya Lover of Dance 60 Omkara Creator of OM 61 Palanhaar One who protects everyone 62 Parameshwara First among all gods First among all gods 63 Paramjyoti Greatest splendor 64 Pashupati Lord of all living beings 65 Pinakin One who has a bow in his hand 66 Pranava Originator of the syllable of OM 67 Priyabhakta Favorite of the devotees 68 Priyadarshana Of loving vision 69 Pushkara One who gives nourishment 70 Pushpalochana One who has eyes like flowers 71 Ravilochana Having sun as the eye 72 Rudra The terrible 73 Rudraksha One who has eyes like Rudra 74 Sadashiva Eternal God 75 Sanatana Eternal Lord 76 Sarvacharya Preceptor of All 77 Sarvashiva Always Pure 78 Sarvatapana Scorcher of All 79 Sarvayoni Source of Everything 80 Sarveshwara Lord of All Gods 81 Shambhu Abode of Joy 82 Shankara Giver of Joy 83 Shiva Always Pure 84 Shoolin One who has a trident 85 Shrikantha Of glorious neck 86 Shrutiprakasha Illuminator of the Vedas 87 Shuddhavigraha One who has a pure body 88 Skandaguru Preceptor of Skanda 89 Someshwara Lord of All Gods 90 Sukhada Bestower of happiness 91 Suprita Well pleased 92 Suragana Having Gods as attendants 93 Sureshwara Lord of All Gods 94 Swayambhu Self-Manifested 95 Tejaswani One who spreads illumination 96 Trilochana Three-Eyed Lord 97 Trilokpati Master of all the Three Worlds 98 Tripurari Enemy of Tripura 99 Trishoolin One who has a trident in his hands 100 Umapati Consort of Uma 101 Vachaspati Lord of Speech 102 Vajrahasta One who has a thunderbolt in his hands 103 Varada Granter of Boons 104 Vedakarta Originator of the Vedas 105 Veerabhadra Supreme Lord of the Nether World 106 Vishalaksha Wide-eyed Lord 107 Vishveshwara Lord of the Universe 108 Vrishavahana One who has bull as his vehicle  About Goddess Parvati

About godess Parvati is regarded as the power and divine consort of Lord Shiva - the Destroyer. Like her consort Shiva, Goddess Parvati is said to have both mild and terrible aspects Goddess Parvati is known by different names like Lalita, Uma, Gauri, Kali, Durga, Haimavati etc. Two of her fierce but very powerful forms are Durga (Goddess beyond reach) and Kali (Goddess of Destruction). As the mother of the universe, Parvati is known as Amba and Ambika, which means 'mother'. As Lalita, she represents the aspect of beauty. Appearance of Goddess Parvati When shown along with Shiva, Goddess Parvati has only two hands, the right one holding a blue lotus and the left hanging loosely by the side. When represented independently, Parvati Ma is shown with four hands, two hands holding red and blue lotuses and the other two exhibiting the varada and Abhaya mudras. Goddess Parvati has a charming personality. Married women adore Parvati for her happy married life. Picture of Lord Shiva, Parvathi and their sons Ganesha and Kartikeya depicts an ideal example of family unity and love. Parvati as Sati or Dakshayani According to Puranas, in her first incarnation, Parvati Devi was Sati or Dakshayani, the daughter of Daksa and was married to Lord Shiva. Once, Daksha performed a great yagna or sacrifice and insulted Lord Shiva by not inviting him or Sati. Even then, Sati went to attend the yagna. To her great disappointment, Daksha did not acknowledge her presence and did not offer prasad for Lord Shiva. Utterly depressed by the treatment meted out to her, Sati ended her life by igniting herself through the fire of yagna. After the death of Sati, Lord Shiva became very sad and depressed. He renounced the world and went into deep meditation in the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas. Meanwhile, the demons lead by Taraka, rose from the netherworld and drove devas out of the heavens. The gods sought a warrior who would help them regain the celestial realm. Lord Brahma said, only Shiva can father such a warrior, but he is oblivious of the world. At the persistence of the Gods, Sati agreed to take a re-birth as Parvati, the daughter of Himavan and Mena. It was only after performing intense austerities that Goddess Parvathi succeeded in pleasing Shiva and making him accept her again as his consort. The Divine Homemaker With Parvati by his side, Shiva became a family man. Inspired by her beauty, Shiva became the fountainhead of the arts, dance and drama. But he did not abandon his ways as a hermit and continued to meditate. His carefree attitude and his refusal to shoulder household responsibilities sometimes angered Parvati. But then she would come to terms with his unconventional ways and make peace. The consequent marital bliss between Shakti and Shiva ensured harmony between Matter and Spirit and brought stability and peace to the cosmos. Parvati thus became Ambika, Goddess of the household, marriage, motherhood and family. Ten Aspects of Parvati Given here are the ten aspects of Parvati, termed as Dasamahavidyas. These are the representations of transcendent knowledge and power. The first is Kali who is the goddess of time that destroys everything. The second one, Tara is the power of golden embryo from which the universe evolves. She also stands for void or the boundless space. The third one Sodasi literally means 'one who is sixteen years old'. She is the personification of fullness and perfection. The fourth, Vidya Bhuvanevari represents the forces of the material world. The fifth one, Bhairavi stands for desires and temptations leading to destruction and death. The sixth Vidya Chinnamasta represents the continued state of self-sustenance of the created world in which is seen continuous self-destruction and self-renewal, in a cyclic order. She is a naked deity holding her own severed head in hand and drinking her own blood. Dhumavati, the seventh one personifies the destruction of the world by fire, when only smoke (dhuma) from its ashes remains. The eighth, Vidya Bagala is a crane - headed goddess. She represents the ugly side of living creatures like jealously, hatred and cruelty. Matangi, the ninth Vidya is the embodiment power of domination. The tenth and the last Vidya Kamala is the pure consciousness of the self, bestowing boons and allaying the fears of the supplicants. She is identified with Lakshmi, the Goddess of Fortune.