Hinduism: Shiva

Shiva (pronounced SHEE-vah), one of the principal deities of the Hindu trinity (Trimurti), is known as The Destroyer, though his role transcends simple destruction. He is one of the three supreme deities of the Hindu Trimurti—the divine trinity of Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. He is the force of transformation, the eternal cycle of creation, dissolution, and rebirth. Where Brahma creates and Vishnu preserves, Shiva dissolves illusion, clearing the path for renewal.

Shiva embodies the paradox of divinity—the ascetic yogi and the passionate householder, the cosmic dancer and the meditating sage. His energy is the stillness at the center of all movement and the fire that both ends and begins worlds.

Mythology & Lore

In Hindu cosmology, Shiva dwells upon Mount Kailash, meditating in infinite awareness, his matted hair releasing the sacred river Ganga to nourish the earth. His third eye, when opened, burns away ignorance and illusion. Around his neck coils the serpent Vasuki, symbolizing mastery of primal energy (kundalini), and on his forehead shines the crescent moon, marking the cycles of time.

One of the most beloved tales of Shiva is his marriage to Parvati, who represents Shakti—the feminine creative energy. Together they are the complete balance of the universe: consciousness (Shiva) and energy (Shakti). Without one, the other cannot act.

Another powerful image is Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer. In this form, Shiva dances the Tandava, the dance of destruction and creation. His foot crushes the demon of ignorance, while his raised hand offers blessing and assurance—destruction and compassion, bound together in eternal rhythm.

Shiva is also worshiped in the form of the Lingam, a smooth pillar or stone representing the infinite axis of creation—the merging of masculine and feminine, matter and spirit.

Symbols & Colors

• Colors: Blue (infinite consciousness), white (purity, asceticism), red (divine energy), black (void and mystery)

• Symbols: Trident (trishula), damaru drum, third eye, crescent moon, serpent, river Ganga, sacred ash (vibhuti)

• Animals: Bull (Nandi), serpent, tiger

• Plants/Herbs: Bael (bilva) leaves, hemp, sandalwood, lotus

• Sacred Associations: Mount Kailash, cremation grounds, meditation, asceticism, transformation

Crystals & Stones

Stones resonant with Shiva’s transformative and meditative energy:

• Labradorite – awakening, transcendence, inner vision

• Black Obsidian – destruction of illusion, deep purification

• Shiva Lingam Stone – divine union of masculine and feminine, renewal

• Lapis Lazuli – higher awareness, truth, inner wisdom

• Smoky Quartz – grounding through transformation

• Hematite – focus, stability, embodiment of spiritual practice

Rituals & Offerings

• Meditation & Chanting: Shiva is honored through deep meditation and the sacred mantra “Om Namah Shivaya”, meaning “I bow to Shiva, the inner Self.”

• Maha Shivaratri: The “Great Night of Shiva” (usually February or March) is his chief festival, marked by fasting, vigil, chanting, and offerings to the lingam throughout the night.

• Water & Bilva Leaves: Devotees pour water or milk over Shiva’s symbol, adorning it with bilva leaves and flowers.

• Fire & Incense: Light symbolizes his inner flame of awareness; sandalwood incense and oil lamps invite his presence.

• Modern Devotion: Many practitioners light candles or meditate on Shiva’s stillness before major life changes, calling upon him to dissolve what no longer serves.

Metaphysical Work with Shiva

• Transformation & Release: Invoke Shiva to help shed the old—habits, beliefs, attachments—and make room for rebirth.

• Meditation & Enlightenment: As the Adi Yogi (first yogi), Shiva aids in awakening consciousness and deepening spiritual practice.

• Balance & Union: He teaches harmony between action and stillness, matter and spirit, self and universe.

• Destruction of Illusion: His third eye symbolizes the burning away of ego and ignorance.

• Protection & Renewal: In destruction lies protection; in death lies life. Shiva guards and purifies those who seek truth.

Invocation Example

"Om Namah Shivaya, Lord of the Cosmic Flame,
Destroyer of illusion, awakener of soul,
Burn away what no longer serves,
And reveal the stillness beneath the storm."