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