Kailashapada Samhita
This part describes the different sacred places associated with Shiva worship.
Answer in Details
Lord Shiva is revered by countless names, each reflecting his attributes, stories, and cosmic functions. In scriptures, it is said that Lord Shiva has 1008 names, known as the "Shiva Sahasranama." Some of the most popular names include:
- Mahadeva (The Great God)
- Shambhu (The Source of Bliss)
- Nataraja (Lord of the Cosmic Dance)
- Rudra (The Fierce One)
- Neelkanth (The Blue-Throated One)
- Bholenath (The Innocent Lord)
- Shankar (The Auspicious One)
- Trilochana (Three-Eyed One)
- Pashupati (Lord of Creatures)
- Maheshwara (The Supreme Lord)
These names are chanted in prayers and hymns to invoke his blessings and meditate upon his various forms and qualities. If you wish to know the complete list of 1008 names, you can refer to the "Shiva Sahasranama Stotra" found in ancient texts like the Mahabharata and various Puranas.
This part describes the different sacred places associated with Shiva worship.
This section consists of two parts: the Purva Khanda and the Uttara Khanda, detailing the knowledge imparted by Lord Shiva to the wind god Vayu.
The Kailasa Samhita is a significant section of the Shiva Purana, revered for its detailed exposition of Mount Kailasa, the celestial abode of Lord Shiva.
Shiva tests the devotion of ascetic sages by appearing as a beggar. The sages anger turns to enlightenment when Shiva reveals his divine nature.
Lord Shiva drinking the poison (Halahala) to save the universe during the churning of the ocean.
Sati, Shiva first wife, immolates herself after her father, Daksha, insults Shiva during a grand yajna (sacrifice). Her act of self-sacrifice leads to Shiva grief and rage, resulting in Daksha punishment and the eventual rebirth of Sati as Parvati.
A prominent temple of Shiva, showcasing Kalinga architecture.
A major temple for Shiva devotees, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a sacred Hindu shrine.
Kedarnath Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. Situated at an elevation of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a key site in the Char Dham Yatra.
The Lingashtakam is a revered hymn consisting of eight verses praising the Shiva Lingam, symbolizing Lord Shiva formless aspect and seeking his blessings for spiritual growth and liberation.
The Shiva Dhyan Mantra is a prayer seeking forgiveness from Lord Shiva for all sins committed through actions, speech, mind, and senses, and invoking his compassion and grace.
The Shiva Dwadash Jyotirlinga Mantra is a sacred invocation dedicated to the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.