The soft and gentle flow of water is Shiva, the wind blowing and whistling through is Shiva, the tender nature is Shiva, and the low and high tides is Shiva — in short, Shiva is with us in all shapes and forms. Wherever you look, you find him and that’s how much he loves us. 

Lord Shiva shows up in any form you manifest him into as he’s always listening to us — after all, he is known as Bholenaath meaning Innocent Shiva. 

However, Shiva is known to have his own set of distinct forms that symbolize the different manifestations of the universe—Lord Shiva — the destroyer who loves with all his being.

1. Nataraja – The Cosmic Dancer

Intertwining himself to the very essence of the universe — Nataraja being the cosmic dancer represents the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. Each step carries grace and gentleness. He’s our Bholenaath who’s standing on one leg and is encircled by a prabhamandala i.e. the circle of fire. 

2. Ardhanarishvara – Half-Man, Half-Woman Form

Shiva — the epitome of love takes the form of Ardhanarishvara, one where he’s half himself and half his beloved wife, Ma Parvati. Symbolizing the unity, symphony, and balance one acquires when both masculine and feminine energies entangle. How beautiful is our Lord Shiva to teach us what needs to be taught? In a world where we lack this unity, he teaches us that we’re incomplete without the other. 

3. Dakshinamurthy – The Divine Teacher 

Adi Guru Shiva — the universal teacher Shiva. He who imparts his spiritual knowledge to us. One who teaches us to let go of what cannot be controlled and simply trust him. Dakshinamurthy means one who’s facing south. He’s depicted sitting under a Banyan tree facing south.  

4. Rudra – The Fierce One

The beauty of Bholenaath doesn’t just lie in his innocence but also how he feels every emotion so deeply. Be it love or anger — Shiva relates to us when it comes to feeling the core of our hearts. Rudra displays the emotion of grief and crying out his pain—he is the one who feels such pain that he steps onto destruction. And no, he isn’t a villain but a very being of nature who feels pain. His anger remains justified yet destructive. 

5. Bhairava – The Terrifying Protector

A fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva—one who protects from the evil. The enforcer of the divine law protects the sacred lands. Created to punish Bhrama, he is the one who banishes arrogance and ego from a man’s heart and soul. One who is devoted to Bhairav Baba is the one who is sheltered by his unconditional protection against all evil.

6. Aghora – Beyond Fear

A form of Shiva that is in association with the cremation grounds—his devotees cover themselves in ashes. Symbolizing the transcendence to the other side and not to fear the unknown state of being called death. The spiritual freedom and guidance Shiva provides us make us feel safe and sound. To let go of materialistic greed and to devote to Shiva—the complete cycle of life. 

7. Mahadeva – The Great God

The great God, Shiva—one who protects me, loves me, shelters me, and brings me peace as he makes his presence loudly serene. Woven into the very fabric of the universe, he lies in my heart. Hey Mahadeva, you listen to all my sorrows yet you never get tired. Who could love me more than the holy deity, Lord Shiva? He’s the fatherly form when I feel lonely. May his blessings always be upon me. 

8. Neelkantha – The Blue-Throated One

During Samundra Manthan (the churning of the great sea) a deadly poison called Halahala emerged and Shiva, being the compassionate God he is, drank this poison which turned his throat blue (Neelkantha). Ma Parvati, his beloved wife, had made sure the poison did not spread throughout his body and restricted it to his throat. O’ Shiva, how selfless you are to contain all that negativity in your body just so it does not contaminate elsewhere. 

9. Bholenath – The Innocent Lord

The simplicity and innocence make our Shiva Bhola—our Bholenaath. All he sees is how much you love him and devote yourself to him. His pure heart blesses us all. The sweet, innocent, naive Lord of ours—one who is easily approached. He connects us to himself and shelters us from all evil that surrounds us. 

O’ My Bholenaath, what would I do without your blessings? I’d be a lost soul. But with you in my heart, I could be home anywhere simply because you are everywhere. 

The Five Faces of Lord Shiva

The cosmic sculptor of human destiny—the five faces of Bhagawaana Shiva symbolize the eternal forces that guide, discipline, and transform the mortal soul. 

1. Ishana - The Voice of Righteousness

The central face of Shiva represents grace, liberation, and enlightenment. He asks us to follow the path of righteousness and to refrain from following the path of unrighteousness. 

2. Daksineshvara - The Guide of Inspired Thought

On the extreme right side, this face remains with those who are inspired by righteous thoughts. 

3. Kalagni - The Flame of Welfare

The first face on the left side, is one who rules people for their welfare. 

4. Vamadeva - The Thunder of Justice

On the extreme left, the face that rules strictly with his scepter of thunder. He is a terror for sinners as he’s aggressive and severe. 

5. Kalyanasundaram – The Center of Grace

The central face of Shiva—he is beautiful (Sundaram) and promotes welfare. He is calm and serene yet severe. But although he is severe, people still adore him. 

O’ divine Shiva, your presence makes me feel complete and loved. As if I’ve been held close and warmly, shielded from the evil. The motherly embrace of Ma Parvati and the fatherly protection of Mahadev keeps me safe, loved, and cared for. 

O’mighty Mahadev, what would I do without you? I’d be so lost if not for your guidance and blessings… O’ Mahadev and O’ Ma Parvati, my cosmic parents who love me, may your blessings always shower on me as I remain a loyal devotee of you.