Shiva symbolises consciousness and Shakti is the activating power and energy. Together, they play a significant role in formulating this universe. Lord Shiva’s portrayal has always been that of holding a trident, which signifies the triad of Īshwara, Purusha and Prakriti. Ishwara is the God Almighty, Purusha means your consciousness, whereas Prakriti is mother nature. Shiva and Shakti are inseparable and are often called the head and tail of the same coin. While Shiv is seen as the masculine side, Shakti is the feminine aspect.

LINGODBHAVA

The pillar of fire that spans all without a beginning or an end

NATRAJA

Divine cosmic dancer

ARDHANARISHWARA

The man-woman, Shiv-Shakti, Prakriti-Purusha; oneness principle

SHAN KARA

Doer of good

ASHUTOSH

One who fulfills wishes instantly

MAHAMRITYUNJAYA

The one who has conquered the fear of death

OMKARA

The creator of the primeval sound ‘OM’

PARAMESHWARA

The first in the line of lords-the Supreme

PASHUPATI

Lord of all living beings

RUDRA

The formidable one who destroys evils and sorrows

VISHWESHWARA

Lord of the universe

BHOLENATH

The naïve and kind-hearted one

NEELKANTHA

The blue-necked one who, having consumed poison arose from the sea, saving the world from destruction

TRIMUKHA

The three faced one who creates, sustains and destroys

SWAYAMBHUNATH

The one who takes self-birth