The god of destruction: Shiva
Who is Shiva?
Shiva is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating gods in Hindu mythology, with his multiple facets. The god of destruction, he is also the god of creation and renewal. He keeps his eyes half-closed: he opens them to create the world and closes them to end it. His benevolent nature makes him a deity who destroys to rebuild, which explains why he is so widely worshipped. He is also the god of yoga, often depicted in deep meditation, as well as the god of cosmic dance, the Nataraja, expressing the eternal rhythm of the universe. His trident, the trishula, is a major symbol that sadhus sometimes draw on their foreheads as a sign of devotion. Discover our Shiva statues available at Gribouille Import.
How did he appear?
Shiva is said to have intervened to settle a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, who were arguing over which was the greatest god, even though he himself is part of the Hindu trinity, the Trimurti. His strength is said to have come from a stratagem: when the gods were threatened by demons, Shiva asked them to give him some of their power to repel the enemy. He never returned these powers to them, making him the most powerful entity in the universe. Often associated with destruction, he has no less than 8000 names according to legend, each reflecting a facet of his divine personality. For your rituals, discover our Indian incense, often dedicated to deities like Shiva.
What is his family like?
Like most Hindu gods, Shiva is polygamous. His main wife is Parvati, Vishnu's sister and mother of the famous Ganesh. She is also the daughter of the king of the Himalayas. To win over Shiva, who was in deep meditation, she followed a life of prayer and mortification, impressing the god who eventually married her. Shiva also has other wives: Kali, a symbol of domination over evil forces, and Ganga, the goddess of the sacred river. Finally, Gaudi is also part of his divine family. His children, including Ganesh and Kartikeya, continue his protective and warrior role in Hindu mythology. You can also find our Ganesh statues, an inseparable companion of Shiva.
How is he depicted?
Shiva is often depicted with four arms, each symbolizing protection, the hope of liberation, the rhythmic impulse of the universe, and destruction. The Ganges, the sacred river, flows from his cascading hair, while a crescent moon adorns his head, a symbol of rebirth. His third eye, closed, represents total destruction and inner vision. The cobra coiled around his neck is a symbol of power and mastery over the forces of nature. He is accompanied by a bull, Nandi, his sacred mount, a faithful guardian of Shivaite temples. His tiger skin recalls a trophy from a battle against heretics, during which he is said to have tamed a serpent and defeated a tiger. Find our Hindu tapestries depicting Shiva and Nataraja.
What is his symbol?
Shiva is venerated through the lingam or linga, a phallic-shaped object symbolizing creation and vital energy. According to legend, lingam-shaped stones are naturally found in the Narmada River. There are two types of lingams: natural lingams found in the river, and lingams sculpted by man. Lingams of all sizes can be found throughout India, all marked with the sign of Shiva. You can find on our shop ritual objects and accessories for your spiritual practices.
Shiva Festivals
The most important celebration dedicated to Shiva is Maha Shivaratri, the "great night of Shiva." It takes place every year in February or March, during which millions of devotees stay up all night reciting mantras and offering milk, honey, and water to the lingam. This festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, of renewal over destruction. In temples, dance and music are also performed in honor of the god, recreating the cosmic rhythm of Nataraja. For your spiritual celebrations, incense and accessories are available at Gribouille Import.
Shiva Today
Shiva remains a highly revered deity, not only in India but also in many spiritual traditions around the world. He is the epitome of the perfect yogi, embodying detachment, meditation, and mastery of energies. His figure inspires artists, spiritual seekers, and yoga practitioners, who see in him a source of timeless wisdom. Thus, the worship of Shiva continues to transcend ages, connecting devotees to the very essence of the universe. On Gribouille Import, discover a selection of spiritual objects inspired by Shiva for your daily practices.