Maha Shivaratri 2026 – Worship of Lord Siva, Names & Significance

 

Ritual Context

• The month of Magha is sacred for worship of Siva, Vishnu, Surya, Devi, and Ganesha.
• The last week of Magha is especially devoted to Lord Siva, culminating in Maha Shivaratri, the most auspicious day for Shaivites.
• Worship involves three essentials: the object of worship (Siva), the worshipper (devotee), and the process of worship (rituals, mantras, offerings).

Names and Meanings of Lord Siva

Each epithet of Siva carries deep philosophical symbolism

Name	Meaning	Symbolic Significance
Rudra	Dissolver of sorrow and disease	Merges beings at dissolution
Shankara	Bringer of auspiciousness	Source of all blessings
Sthanu	Pillar	Support of the universe
Kapardi	God of matted hair	Holds Ganga in his locks
Trilochana / Tryambaka	Three-eyed	Sun, Moon, Fire (knowledge)
Garalakantha	Poison-throated	Protector who swallowed Halahala
Nagabhushana	Snake-adorned	Symbol of conquering inner enemies
Bhashmadharin	Ash-bearer	Ashes signify burnt karmas
Adi Kirata	First hunter	Pursuer of inner desires
Digambara	Sky-clad	Pure knowledge without attributes
Vrushabhavahana	Bull-rider	Dharma as his vehicle
Trisulin	Holder of trident	Represents three gunas
Chandrasekhara	Moon-crested	Nectar of immortality
Ardhanarishvara	Half-male, half-female	Union of Purusha and Prakriti
Nataraja	Cosmic dancer	Dance of creation and dissolution
Pashupati	Lord of beings	Ruler of all jivas bound by maya

Pancha Bhuta Sthalas (Five Elements Temples)

Siva is worshipped in five elemental forms across India:

• Prithvi (Earth): Ekambaresvara, Kanchipuram – Sarva
• Jala (Water): Jambukesvara, Srirangam – Bhava
• Agni (Fire): Arunachalesvara, Tiruvannamalai – Rudra
• Vayu (Air): Kalahastisvara, Srikalahasti – Ugra
• Akasa (Ether): Chidambaresvara, Chidambaram – Bhima

Belief and Discipline

• Worshipping Siva with awareness of his names and meanings is said to purify the devotee’s inner vices (kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada, matsarya).
• Maha Shivaratri is believed to grant moksha (liberation), as devotees unite with the supreme consciousness through fasting, vigil, and chanting.