Lord Shiva (Shiv), also known as Mahadeva, Shankar, Shambhu, Bholenath, Neelkanth, and Bhole Bhandari, is one of the Great Trinity called Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesha and most worshiped Hindu deities. Other than in India, his devotees are spread throughout Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bali in Indonesia. He is revered in many places of central Asia, Malaysia, and Japan too.
Shiva's Yogi (one in meditation) appearance with a snake around the blue throat, third eye, upper bun with matted tangled hair locks holding Ganga stream with an embellished crescent moon, dress made of tiger’s skin, Trishul (trident, weapon) and Damru (cornet, music instrument) are some of those integral parts of Shiva’s appearance in any of his portrayal.
While remembering Shiva, one can’t ignore his aniconic form, known as Lingam or Shivling or Shiva-linga.
Lord Shiva is believed to be the God of Destruction and Transformation. However, Mahadeva Shankar is also revered as the creator, preserver, concealer, and revealer of all, other than being just the destroyer or transformer. He is honored as the supreme and ultimate reality along with Vishnu, which is called Brahman or Brahmand, the universe.
Popular Titles and Names of Shiva with Meanings
Shiva
The word "Shiva", also spelled as "Shiv", originated from the Sanskrit word ‘Siva’. It means auspicious, gracious, benign, propitious, benevolent, friendly, kind, liberal, and emancipating. The root of the word Siva is ‘si’, a term from folk etymology, which means:
- Pervasiveness
- The essence of all things
- Whom all lie
- The embodiment of grace.
Many epics and Puranas describe ‘Shiva’ as an auspicious God who is the creator, dissolver, and reproducer.
In Vishnu Sahasranama, Shiva is interpreted as ‘Pure’, who is never affected by three Prakriti Gunas known as ‘Satva, Rajas, and Tamas’.
Some link ‘Shiva’ with the Tamil word ‘Sivappu’ that means ‘red’. Shiva is associated with Sun here who is also known as ‘Sivan’ (the red one).
There is one more Sanskrit word that is associated with Shiva, which is or ‘Saiva’. This is used in making many terminologies as well, such well Shaivism.
Shiva as Epithet
In Rig Veda, Shiva is used as an epithet for various deities, such as Rudra. Vedic Rudra-Shiva mentions this term, from where the whole terminology of Shiva has evolved.
Rudra
In Rigveda, one of Shiva’s names, Rudra is known as ‘Babhru’ which means ‘red' or 'brown’.
Adiyogi Shiva
In the form of Adiyogi, Shiva is worshipped as a patron lord of yoga, meditation, creativity, and arts.
Mahadev Shankar or Mahadeva (The God who is great)
Mahadeva word is made of “Maha” and “Deva”, where ‘Maha’ means ‘great’ or ‘big’ and ‘Deva’ means ‘God’ or ‘Lord’ who is revered and worshiped.
Mahesha or Mahesh (The great God)
Mahesha is also made of two Sanskrit words: ‘Maha’ which means ‘great’ and ‘Isha’ which means ‘God’.
Vishwanathan or Viswanathan (The Lord of Universe)
Vishwanathan is made of ‘Vishwa’ that means ‘The Universe’ and ‘Nathan’ that means ‘Lord’.
Neelakanta or Neelkantha or Neelkant or Neelakantha or Neelakanta or Neelkanth (One who has blue throat)
Neelkantha is a compound Sanskrit word which is made of ‘Neel’ or ‘Neela’ that means ‘blue’ and ‘Kantha’ that means ‘throat’.
Trilochana (One who had three eyes)
Trilochana, a Sanskrit word is made of two words ‘Tri’ that means ‘three’ and ‘Lochana’ that means ‘eyes’.
Trayambakam (One with three eyes)
Trayambakam is also a compound Sanskrit word with the same meaning. It is made of ‘Tri’ that means ‘three’ and ‘Ambakam’ that means ‘Eyes’. This name is associated with Goddess Ambika too, which is a collective name for three mother-goddesses. In this reference, as per Vedic Sanskrit, the meaning of Amba or Ambika can be associated with ‘mother’.
Trilokinatha (The lord of three realms)
Trilokinath is made of three words: ‘Tri’ that means ‘three’, ‘Lok’ that means ‘realms’, and ‘Natha’ that means ‘God' or 'Lord’.
Parmeshwara (The God who is Supreme)
Parmeshwara is made ‘Param’ that means ‘prime’ or ‘supreme’ and ‘Ishwara’ that means ‘God’.
Pashupati or Pasupati
As it is reflected in the name Pashupati, made of two words ‘Pashu’ that means ‘animal’ and ‘Pati’ that means ‘lord’; Shiva is known also known as the ‘Lord of Animals’ and ‘Lord of Cattle’.
Other Names
Shiva is known as many other following names:
- Devendra (Chief of all the Gods)
- Rudra (One who dons Rudraksha)
- Subhankarne (who does Shubh, that means, auspicious)
- Ghrneshwar (The Lord of Compassion)
- Shankara
- Shambhu
- Hara
- Shiva-Shankar
- Jata-Shankar
- Bhole-Shankar
- Bholeshwar
- Bholenath
- Bam-Bam Bhole
- Jatadhaari
- Naageshwar
Mahanayasa mentions 10,000 names of Shiva which are known as "Dasha-Sahasranamas".
Emergence and Affiliation
The historical roots related to the appearance of Lord Shiva are unclear and much argued.
Where Vedic sources, such as Rigveda mentions Rudra-Shiva with life-enabling aspects like healing and nurturing; post-Vedic sources refer to Shiva as the ultimate rejuvenator and recycler of all who combines the pacific and terrific. He is honored as a God who has both constructive and destructive powers.
Scriptures (Holy Writings of a Religion)
Hindu scriptures like Veda describe the Vedic God Rudra with so many similar features to Shiva that both names Shiva and Rudra are taken synonymously now. Though Rudra is considered as a form or aspect related to Shiva which is fierce and destructive. Rigveda (Dated 1700 and 1100 BC) describes Rudra as “Father of the Rudras”. Here Rudras is mentioned for the group of all Storm Gods.
Rigveda also states the deity Rudra with two natures: wild and kind or cruel and tranquil. Here the two natures can be associated with Rudra and Shiva.
The Vedic literature also shows a close yet complex association or relationship between Rudra and Agni; indeed Agni is known as Rudra as well.
As per Satarudriya, the interconnection between Rudra and Agni suggests that Agni is bull, the Vahana of Shiva, as the golden-red hue of fire-flame, flaming bright and the horns of Agni are some clues that indicate the characteristics of bull or Nandi.
The medieval texts show Shiva’s fierce form and Agni as Bhairava who has flaming hair.
In Shvetashvatara Upanishad (Dated 400 to 200 BC), Rudra has shown emerging from a Vedic deity to the Supreme Lord. This Upanishadic literature identifies Rudra- Shiva as the cosmos creator and soul liberator from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
The Mahabharata and Mahabhasya of Patanjali also mention ascetics and the devotees of Shiva as Shaiva.
Shaiva Upanishads that is a group of 14 Upanishads state about Shiva as Brahman and Atman, and also mention Shiva-related rites and symbolisms.
Abode (Home): Mount Kailasha
Mount Kailasha, also spelled as Kailash and Kailasa, in the Himalayas is considered the traditional home of Shiva. Mount Kailash is also conceived as the Linga because of its resemblance. It is believed to represent the center of the Universe.
Family: Consort and Children
No history, scriptures, holy texts, or literature suggests any firm proof or description about the origin, appearance, or parents of Shiva. He is believed to be the supreme, Deva and the one is all in existence in Brahman and Atman.
About his marital status and family, it is believed that Brahma once had got tired of the bachelor lifestyle of Shiva and the way he used to make fun of Lord Vishnu and his marital life. So Brahma called Goddess Sati to take a human form for marrying Shiva and bringing him out of his ascetic life.
Sati took birth as the daughter of the Chief of Manas Putras, the human son of Brahma. From her early life, she was dedicated to Shiva. When her father tried to marry her with any prince or king, she left all the pleasures and started residing in forests for living an ascetic life and worshiping Shiva. She continued until Shiva didn’t agree and finally got married to him.
The later story suggests that when Sati’s father Daksha had arranged a Yagna (Yagya or Havan) and invited all the gods and devas excluding Shiva, Sati felt upset and dishonored. Though Shiva was unaffected by not being invited.
However, she decided to go to the venue to attend through. When there too, she was ignored by all and not welcomed by anyone including her father, she felt disrespected and the argument between Daksha and Sati led to so much soreness and sourness that she called her cosmic powers and immolated herself.
Her death raged Shiva and he sent Veerbhadra, the mightiest Bhairava to destroy Daksha. When he was tried to stop by Vishnu, Shiva sent Bhadrakali who was a form of Adi-Shakti. Vishnu couldn’t use his Sudarshan Chakra and put the Universe in danger so finally, Bhadrakali casts Daksha’s head to Yajna.
Even this couldn’t appease or calm Shiva, so he started performing Tandav Nritya (A fierce and destructive dance form of angry Shiva) keeping Sati in his arms. It is believed that later she was later sent to earth after getting apart in 51 pieces due to Shiva’s dance of destruction or Vishnu’s use of Sudarshan.
Sati reincarnates as Goddess Parvati later.
The family of Shiva and Parvati includes their two sons Ganesha and Kartikeya, and two sisters Ashokasundari and Ayappan.
Iconography: Attributes and Weapon
Meditating Yogi Posture
One of the most popular portrayals of Shiva is his meditating yogi posture which is often shown sitting in a lotus pose on Mount Kailasha in the Himalayas. This form is seen as the ‘Lord of Yoga’ too.
Third Eye on Forehead
Shiva’s portrayal often includes his third eye on his forehead which remains closed usually and is believed to open when Shiva is too annoyed and set to burn with the fire of his third eye, the way he had burned Kama (desire) to ashes when he tried to wake up Shiva from his Samadhi (Yoga Mudra or Meditating posture). Shiva has got many titles because of his three eyes, such as Trilochana, Trayambakam, etc.
Blue Throat
Once all Deva and Asura (God and Demons) had decided to churn the sea for getting the Amrit (a substance that can make one immortal). During Samudra Manthan (Sea churning), the pot filled with Halahala, a potent poison appears before Amrit. Then Lord Shiva had drunk that poison and Goddess Parvati had halted that poison in his throat by squeezing it to save the universe that is believed to be in his stomach. From then he got a blue-colored throat and title ‘Neekantha’.
The Serpents
Shiva and snakes have been shown with the great association. Shiva is portrayed as garlanded and embellished with snakes. His idols and Lingam also incorporate a snake garland around the neck of Shiva or coiled around Linga.
Hair Bun with Matted Hair Locks
Shiva has distinctive bun and hairs that are shaggy, matted, curly, and tangled.
Ashes or Bhasma or Vibhuti (Bhabhuti)
The portrayal of Shiva shows his body covered with the Ashes or Bhasma which reminds the impermanent aspect of all the materialistic things and existence which are supposed to end turning to ash. This signifies the pursuit of spiritual liberation and eternal soul.
Ganga, the Sacred River
Shiva as Gangadhara (One who holds Ganga) bears the Ganga river that flows from the bun made of his matted hairs.
Crescent Moon
Shiva’s head is embellished with the Crescent Moon which placement on his head refers to dating the period when Rudra rose as the prominent deity Rudra-Shiva. Rig-Veda implores Rudra and Soma jointly where later, Soma and moon are identified with one another.
Shiva and Tiger Skin
Most of the Shiva portrayals show him in a dress made of tiger skin. Also, when he is depicted in sitting posture, he is shown sitting on an asana (mat) of tiger skin.
Rosary Beads of Rudraksha
Shiva is garlanded with rosary beads made of Rudraksha which string also is often seen in his right hand. It symbolizes meditation, grace, and mendicant life.
Weapon: Trishul or Trident
Shiva is seen carrying a Trident or Trishula as his weapon which three metallic pointed arms represent:
- Three aspects of being creator, preserver, and the destroyer
- Three Gunas, called Satvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic.
Parashu or Axe
The South Indian idols of Shiva show deer and an ax called ‘Parashu’ in his hands as his weapon.
Damru or Cornet: A Drum Type Instrument
Along with the Trishul of Shiva, a drum-like musical instrument called Damaru is also shown with him, which shape looks like an hourglass. This is one of the important attributes or belongings of Shiva’s Nataraja form which is a popular dancing representation of Shiva.
Nandi or Nandin
Nandi is believed to be a horn-headed bull who is always around Shiva with Ganas. He is known as the mount (Vehicle or Vahana) of Shiva.
Gana
'Ganas' word is referred to the group of attendants of Shiva who live in Kailash with Shiva for serving him and his family. They are believed to be the ghostly hosts who are called Bhutaganas (Bhuta means ghost) as well. They are often invoked for interceding Shiva on behalf of the worshipper or devotee. The believers believe that if their prayers or wishes will be referred to Shiva by Ganas, then they will be fulfilled as Ganas are very dear to Shiva and so Shiva will listen to them.
Ganesha, also known as Ganapati, the son of Shiva heads the Ganas as their leader. His name also suggests the same as Ganesha refers to the 'Isha of Ganas' (God of Ganas) and Ganapati refers to the 'Pati of Ganas' (Lord of Ganas).
Varanasi
Varanasi, is a city that is believed to be the favorite one of Shiva and so seen as a holy place for the devotees of Shiva and referred to as Kashi.
Symbol: Lingam
More than the anthropomorphic images of Lord Shiva, his aniconic form called Lingam or Linga is worshiped by his devotees as a mark, emblem, or sign.
The most common depiction of Linga incorporates a vertical cylindrical-shaped rounded column in the center of the disk-shaped lipped object which is observed as the symbol of goddess Shakti. It is referred to as regenerative energy which is very divine. It is also seen as a symbol of the creative principle and productive nature of nature which relates to Shiva. There are several depictions and associations argued with Shivling.
In temples dedicated to Shiva, Lingam is placed as a central focus which is surrounded by the idols of Shri Ganesha, Gauri (Goddess Shakti), Lord Brahma, and the Bull as the representation of Nandi. The Shivlinga is offered water, milk, flower petals, fresh leaves of Bela (Belpatra or Bela-Patra), fruits, and rice.
Shaivism pilgrimage tradition reveres Jyotirlinga, the group of twelve major temples dedicated to Shiva. Jyotirlinga means ‘Linga of Light’ which is associated with the glory and superiority of Shiva, signifying his name ‘Mahadeva’.
Mount or Vahana
Although no older scripture such as Vedic texts state about any animal as the Vahana or mount of Shiva, yet Purana and Mahabharata mention the Nandi bull as the vehicle of Shiva and Rudra.
Five as Shiva’s Number
Shiva is associated with the number ‘five’. Shiva’s body is believed to be consisting Pancabrahmans, five mantras. These are associated with five distinct iconographies, faces, elements, senses organs of perception, and organs of actions. They are called: Sadyojata, Aghora, Vamadeva, Isana, and Taypurusa.
Features
Lord Shiva as Brahman and Atman
Lord Shiva is considered as an absolute Brahman (Brahmand, the Universe) that is limitless, formless, unchanging, and transcendent. He is regarded as the primal Atman (the soul or self) of the entire universe. In his benevolent, fierce, and fearsome form, he is honored as an omniscient Yogi of Mount Kailash whose life is ascetic.
Shiva as One of Trinity
The concept of Trimurti, the ‘Great Trinity’ or ‘The Hindu Triad’ in Hinduism assigns cosmic functions to three supreme deities of Hindus known as Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh (Shiva). Among all the three major functions, Brahma is personified as the creator who does creative work, Vishnu as maintainer who does the maintenance job, and Shiva as destroyer or transformer who is responsible for destruction and transformation.
Shiva in Hinduism and Hindu Denominations
In Hinduism, there are four Hindu denominations, which are very influential:
- Shaivism
- Shaktism
- Vaishnavism
- Smartism
Shaivism
In Shaivism, the believers called ‘Shaivas’ revere Shiva as the Supreme Being who is the creator, protector, preserver, revealer, destroyer, concealer, and transformer of this entire universe. He is considered to be everywhere and everything, that is, he is all that is existence. Shaiva tradition or Smarta tradition revere Shiva as the Absolute Reality, pure consciousness, and primal soul.
Shaktism
In Shaktism, the believers revere Shakti, the goddess as the supreme principle, Ultimate Reality, the Brahman, the energy and the power of creativity in each. Yet they also worship Shiva along with Vishnu and Brahma, as Shiva is the equal complementary partner of Shakti, also known as Parvati. Despite its goddess-oriented tradition that says Devi, female as the Brahman, it reveres and praises Shiva, which can be seen in the verses of Devi Upanishad, Devi Mahatamya, and Bhagavad Gita as well.
Vaishnavism
In Vaishnavism, the believers called ‘Vaishnavas’ rever Vishnu as the Supreme and Ultimate Reality. However, Vaishnava literature including Bhagavata Purana mentions Shiva and Shakti as equivalent and personalized forms.
Smartism
In Smartism, the Smarta revere Lord Shiva as one of those five deities who are worshipped equivalently in Panchayatana Puja. The other four deities are Lord Ganesha, Goddess Durga, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Surya. Here, Ganesha is revered as the Ishta devata (the favorite deity of a devotee) and can be Skanda or any other God as preference too. The Smarta tradition and practices use icons and ionicons. They emphasize the concept of using idols or murti in worship as they help to focus.
In all Hindu Denominations, the related scriptures or literature texts praise all three Hindu deities- Shiva, Shakti, and Vishnu, and do not mention any exclusivism. They all are praised and revered equally.
Shiva in Buddhism
Buddhist Tantra mentions Shiva as Upaya and depicts it as passive. Shakti in Buddism is mentioned as Prajna and depicted as the active counterpart of Shiva.
Shiva in Sikhism
In Sikhism, Shiva is seen as the Guru who is also Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati, and Lakshmi. He is seen as the speaker, where Siddhas are seen as the listeners. As per Dasam Grantha, Guru Gobind Singh mentions two incarnations of Rudra which are known as Parasnath and Dattatreya.
Yoga
Yoga, also known as Samadhi, has been a part of Hinduism which comes from ancient India. Yoga is seen as a mental, physical and spiritual practice that is used to invoke Kundalini and unite with the supreme power. It is also seen as a meditation system that helps in realizing the Kundalini energy for making a positive aura around.
In Shaivism and other beliefs, the supreme power which is aimed to connect with Kundalini through Yoga is Shiva.
Shiva Samhita, Hatha Yoga, and many other texts give its reference.
Relation between Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva)
Skanda Purana beautifully lights on the relation between Shiva and Vishnu. It describes Shiva as identical to Vishnu.
Mahabharata states that the Ultimate Reality is identical to Vishnu and Shiva too. They both declared as the highest manifestation of each other.
The mythologies show both of them superior and paying homage to each other, Shiva to Vishnu and Vishnu to Shiva.
Ardhanarishvara or Ardhnarishvar
The concept of Ardhanarishvar co-mingles Shiva and Shakti and represents them both as one showing an icon that is half Shiva and half woman. Such a half man and half woman icon and theme of the union are mentioned in many Hindu pieces of literature and temples.
Avatar
As per Linga Purana, there are twenty-right avatars of Shiva which appeared at different times. Though the incarnations of Shiva are not mentioned anywhere clearly as of Vishnu avatars.
However, as per Hanuman Chalisa, Hanuman is revered as Shiva’s eleventh avatar. Sage Durvasa is also identified as an avatar of Shiva, which mentions are found in Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana. Some find Adi Shankara also a Shiva avatar.
Beliefs, Mythologies, and Folklores
People worship Shiva for their spiritual growth and Moksha, which is, dissolving in the supreme power for getting rid of the birth-rebirth cycle. Shiva puja is also known for awaking senses, bestowing wisdom, washing sins, and getting supreme peace.
Many people worship him to save themselves from his fierce form for their sins.
Females worship Shiva for their peaceful and blissful marital life. Unmarried girls keep fast for 16 Mondays or on every Monday for getting an idol match as a groom for them.
Mantra
“Om Namah Shivaya!” (“Om Namah Shivay!”)
Om Trayambkam Yajamahe… Sugandhim Pushtiwardhanam,
Urvaruk-miva-bandhnaath, Mrityurmokshya Maamrataat!
Worship
In general, Shiva is worshipped as Linga with water, pure milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, sugar, water, Beel-Patra (Bilwa leaves), Ber (a tiny red-ball-like fruit or jujube fruit), betel leaves, garland, incense sticks, and light lamps.
People also offer him:
- Roli (Sacred mark of red powder)
- Moli (Sacred thread)
- Rice
- Jiggery (Gud)
- Kheel-Patashe (Indian sweet)
- Coins
- Ashes
- Supari (Betel nut)
- Clove (Laung)
- Cardamom (Ilaaichi)
- Fruits
- Flowers
- Doob (Creeping grass)
- Chandan (Sandalwood).
Calotropis flowers (Aankde or Akde Ke Phool) and Dhatura fruit are considered as his favorite, so offered him especially.
Fast
The devotees of Shiva keep fast on Masik Shivratri, a day that falls on every Krishna Trayodashi tithi, that is, the thirteenth date of the waning moon in every month of Panchang, Hindu calendar. This tithi or date of Phalguna month is celebrated as Maha Shivaratri that is considered the greatest occasion for Shiva devotees.
On weekdays, Monday is believed to be Shiva’s day. Many devotees keep fasts in his name every Monday and offer worship.
Unmarried girls keep 'Solah Somvar' fast. Here Solah Somvar means 16 Mondays. Girls keep the fats for 16 continuous Mondays for getting married soon or getting a life partner of their wish. Some do it for getting an ideal match for them as their soulmate.
Festivals and Popular Events
Maha Shivaratri is observed as the biggest event associated with Shiva, which is celebrated annually. Here ‘Maha’ means ‘great’ and Shivaratri is made of two words: ‘Shiva’ and ‘Ratri’ which means ‘night’. As the words say, Maha Shivaratri is also known as the “Great Night of Shiva”. It falls on Krishna Trayodashi of Phalguna (February/March) month as per Panchang, the Hindu calendar. Here ‘Krishna’ is for ‘waning moon’ and ‘Trayodashi’ means ‘thirteenth’ tithi or date.
Maha Shivaratri is observed as overcoming the darkness, conquering ignorance, and realizing the devotion for humankind. People do worship, offer prayers, chant Shiv mantras, sing songs to please Shiva with saluting verses, remember Shiva, keep fast, do Yoga, meditate on practicing ethics and virtues, and visit Shiva temples. Here, the virtues involve self-restraint, forgiveness, peace, no violence for others, honesty, introspection, and self-repentance. People practice and perform this all for discovering Shiva. Some devotees do not sleep the whole night and some dance marking Shiva as the God of Dance.
Bhairava Ashtami is also observed dedicating to Lord Bhairava, a fierce form of Shiva.
Chittirai in Madurai is a regional festival that falls during April/May and is considered one of the greatest festivals celebrated in South India. In this festival, people celebrate the marriage of Shiva and Minakshi (Meenakshi or Meenaxi or Minaxi or Parvati). This festival is important for both Shaivas and Vaishnavas as Shiva is wedded to the sister of Vishnu and Vishnu Ji gives away his sister to Shiva.
When Diwali, the festival of lights called Deepawali as well, appears, Karttikai Deepam is also celebrated in Tamil Nadu. This is celebrated among people from Shaiva communities, in which prayers and worships are offered to Shiva and Lord Murugan.
In festivals related to Durga or Shakti also, Lord Shiva is worshiped and revered by the devotees, such as Annakuta, a festive event dedicated to the goddess Annapurna.
Teej is also a festival with great significance, which is dedicated to Parvati and celebrated by females during the Monsoon season. Girls and women offer prayers in Shiva-Parvati temples and perform group songs and dances with worshiping.
In Vedic, Tantric, and Ascetic traditions associated with Shiva, Kumbha Mela or Kumbha festival is celebrated. This festival falls every 12 years of the cycle. Millions of Hindu devotees belonging to different traditions gather in Prayaga (Allahabad) where Ganga and Yamuna rivers meet and confluence. The event kick starts with Nagas, ascetic warriors associated with Shiva, by going to the Sangam (meeting) point of the river for bathing and praying. Then millions of people also bathe and offer prayers there.
Temples
Jyotirlinga or Jyotirlingam, a group of twelve Shiva dedicated temples in India are considered as the greatest temples for visitor devotees of Shiva. These are known and existed as follows:
- Somnath, Gujarat
- Mallikarjuna Swami, Andhra Pradesh
- Mahakaleshwar, Madhya Pradesh
- Malmleshwar, Madhya Pradesh
- Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
- Bhimashankar, Maharashtra
- Kashi Vishwanath, Uttar Pradesh
- Trimbakeshwar Shiva, Maharashtra
- Nageshvara Jyotirlinga, Gujarat
- Vaidyanath, Jharkhand
- Rameshwar, Tamil Nadu
- Ghusmeshwar, Maharashtra
