What is mahadev?

Mahadev: The Great God

Mahadev, often used synonymously with Shiva, is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is the Supreme Being within Shaivism, one of the major traditions in contemporary Hinduism.

• Roles and Attributes: Mahadev is known for his paradoxical attributes. He is the destroyer and the restorer, the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality, the benevolent herdsman and the wrathful avenger. He is often depicted with a third eye on his forehead, a crescent moon adorning his head, the holy river Ganga flowing from his matted hair, and a snake coiled around his neck. He is often depicted holding a Trishula (trident) and Damaru (a small drum).

• Family: Mahadev is married to Parvati, who is considered to be a reincarnation of Sati. Together, they have two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya. His family represents the ideal of domestic harmony and power.

• Importance: Mahadev is worshipped throughout India and Nepal and is revered as the destroyer of evil and the source of cosmic energy. He is often associated with the concepts of transformation, change, and liberation (Moksha).

• Iconography: His various forms, such as Nataraja (the cosmic dancer) and Lingam (a symbolic representation of divine energy), are prominent in Hindu art and temples. The Lingam is considered to be a representation of Shiva's formless essence.

• Mantras: The mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" is central to the worship of Mahadev and is chanted by devotees as a form of prayer and meditation.