r/shaivism Aug 26 '20

Question - Beginner PLEASE HELP: Let's compile a list of beginner & advanced resources for Shaivism that we can add to this sub's wiki.

138 Upvotes

Please post your suggestions in the comments. If you have particular authors/commentaries that you enjoy or have links to where the books/audio can be purchased from, please include those details too!

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Resources: Texts

  • Himalayan Academy's Series - Dancing/Living/Merging with Siva: https://www.himalayanacademy.com/site/search/media_type/book/tags/trilogy (English)
  • https://shaivam.org/puranas-stories-from-hindu-epics
  • https://shaivam.org/veda/
  • https://shaivam.org/scripture
  • Shiva: Stories and Teachings from the Shiva Mahapurana by Vanamali
  • Tantra Illuminated by Christopher Wallis
  • Recognition Sutras by Christopher Wallis
  • Vijnana Bhairava Tantra (Wallis, Dyczkowski, or Lakshmanjoo plus the free course Wallis has on youtube)
  • Shiva Sutras (Dyczkowski's edition with Bhaskara's commentary or Lakshmanjoo's edition with Ksemaraja's commentary)
  • Kashmir Shaivism: Secret Supreme by Lakshmanjoo
  • Triadic Heart of Shiva by Muller-Ortega
  • Wallis's PhD dissertation
  • Malinivijayottara - a critical edition with notes and translation by Somadeva Vasudeva
  • For Saiva Siddhanta, the Tirumanthiram by Tirumular, the Tiruvacagam by Manickavasagar, and the Reriya Puranam, stories of the 63 Nayanars, and the Thevaram hymns are all important.
  • Jaideva Singh translations of Trika texts: pratyabhijñāhrdayam, spandakārika, parā-trīshikā-vivarana

Resources: Videos/Audio

Websites

Wikipedia

Other relevant threads:

Kashmir Shaivism Resources:

https://www.reddit.com/r/shaivism/comments/kjhqg1/kashmir_shaivism_resources_an_educational/


r/shaivism Feb 18 '23

FESTIVAL Maha Shivratri (Hindu Festival venerating Lord Shiva)

26 Upvotes

What is Maha Shivratri?

"Maha Shivratri (with “Shivratri” also spelled as Shivaratri, Shivaratri, Shivaratri, Shivarathri or Shivarathri) is also held as the night when Lord Shiva is believed to have performed the Tandava Nritya, the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. On the night of Maha Shivratri, the human system experiences a natural upsurge of energy, an upward movement of liveliness. This night-long event which is celebrated annually is a unique occasion for whoever worships the Lord with true devotion to be freed of all sins and to be blessed with Nirvana or Moksha (liberation from the eternal cycle of life and death). As per the Vedas, the Universal Spiritual energy generated by the most favorable planetary positions which are at its peak during this night. Hence, the importance of Mahashivratri observance during this day and night held for millenia."

- Link

"The fourteenth day of every lunar month or the day before the new moon is known as Shivratri. Among all the twelve Shivratris that occur in a calendar year, Mahashivratri, the one that occurs in February-March is of the most spiritual significance. "

- Link

When is Maha Shivratri?

https://letmegooglethat.com/?q=when+is+shivratri

Why celebrate Maha Shivratri?

  • "According to a popular legend, when a hunter could not find anything to kill for his food in a forest, he waited on the branch of a Woodapple tree. In order to attract deer, he started throwing the leaves of the tree on the ground, unaware that there was a Shiva Lingam beneath the tree. Pleased with the Woodapple leaves and the patience of the hunter, it is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in front of the hunter and blessed him with wisdom. From that day onwards, the hunter stopped eating meat.
  • Another legend has it that after the Earth was faced with an imminent destruction, Goddess Parvati pledged with Lord Shiva to save the world. Pleased with her prayers, Lord Shiva agreed to save the world on the pretext that the people of the Earth would have to worship him with dedication and passion. From that day onwards, the night came to be known as Maha Shivratri and people began worshipping Shiva with a great enthusiasm.
  • Some folklore also consider this to be Shiva's day as this was believed to be the answer given by Lord Shiva when asked about his favorite day by Goddess Parvati."
  • "... Lord Shiva married Parvati on this day. So, it is a celebration of this sacred union.
  • Another is that when the Gods and demons churned the ocean together to obtain ambrosia that lay in its depths, a pot of poison emerged. Lord Shiva consumed this poison, saving both the Gods and mankind. The poison lodged in the Lord’s throat, turning him blue. To honor the savior of the world, Shivratri is celebrated.
  • One more legend is that as Goddess Ganga descended from heaven in full force, Lord Shiva caught her in his matted locks, and released her on to Earth as several streams. This prevented destruction on Earth. As a tribute to Him, the Shivalinga is bathed on this auspicious night.
  • Also, it is believed that the formless God Sadashiv appeared in the form of a Lingodhbhav Moorthi at midnight. Hence, people stay awake all night, offering prayers to the God."

- Link and Link

How to observe Maha Shivratri?

  • Fasting - Some choose to eat minimally (fast completely, otherwise partake only in water & fruits until the fast is broken)
  • Meditation, Japa and/or Reflection on the Glories of Lord Shiva, and reading of the Shiva Purana
  • Worship of the Shivalinga (bathe the Shivalinga, offer bel leaves, etc.)
  • Bhajans - See below for some nice translated bhajans from r/bhajan
  • Chanting
    • "Om Namah Shivaya"
    • Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra:
      • oṃ tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭi-vardhanamurvārukam iva bandhanān mṛtyor mukṣīya mā 'mṛtāt (Link)(Link) (Link)
    • Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of Lord Shiva)
      • 108 Names + meanings (Link)
    • Sri Rudram (Link)
    • Shiva Tandava Stotram (Link)
    • Shiva Mahimna Stotram (Link)
    • Shiva Manasa Puja (Link)
  • Visit your local Ashram or Temple, and they should be able to advise you in more detail about the above.

Our favorite Lord Shiva Bhajans from r/bhajan:

  1. Bolo Bolo Sab Mil Bolo Om Namah Shivaya - Avani Jain
  2. Brahma Murari Surarchita Lingam (Lingashtakam) by Pandit Rajin
  3. Bho Shambho by Vijay Prakash

Visit r/Bhajan for more translated bhajans, and visit r/ShivaBhajans for bhajans related to Lord Shiva.

Other relevant posts

Our favorite Lord Shiva Artwork and Sketches from r/HinduArt and r/HinduSketches (visit the respective subs)


r/shaivism 7h ago

Shaivism News har har mahadev 🙏🍀🔱🕉️

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27 Upvotes

r/shaivism 22h ago

Artwork/Images Om Namah Shivaya

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77 Upvotes

Have a blessed day to all


r/shaivism 20h ago

Temples/Idols/Architecture 🚩🔱 Trambyakeshvar jyotirlinga Nashik ✨🪔🌹☘️🌄🕉️🙏🏾

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34 Upvotes

r/shaivism 5h ago

Question - General Isn't Sri Krishna's "Karma karo and fal ke iccha.." and the Idea of Manifestation through praying specifically in books such as " The Power Of Your Subconcious Mind" totally Against each Other ??

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1 Upvotes

I recently have read the book " The Power Of your Sub-concious Mind" and most of the book is about making your sub-concious mind believe that you already got the thing what you want (i.e Lets say you want to have a certain Car then according to this you have to image that you already have the car and that you are driving it and so on ) and your sub-concious is going to work through its infinite intelligence to get the thing you want in reality. But I have 2 doubts here They are :-

  1. Does this violate the law of "Karma karo..." as it is thinking about the fruit ( car ) instead of the process ( working hard to get the car ) ??.

  2. If Manifestation is true then " WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE KARMA INSTEAD " like lets say there is XYZ karma holding you back from getting that car then after manifestation you get that car what will happen to that karma which prevented us from getting that car ???

Any sort of reply is helpful.

Thank you

JAI MAA


r/shaivism 12h ago

Music/Bhajan Title: 108 Names of Lord Shiva | Shiv Namavali | Peaceful Chanting for Meditation 🕉️

3 Upvotes

Har Har Mahadev! 🙏

I created this devotional Shiv Namavali (108 Names of Lord Shiva) with love and devotion for anyone seeking peace, meditation, and spiritual energy.

I would truly appreciate your feedback. I hope this chanting brings peace and positivity to your day.

🎥 Watch here: https://youtu.be/VuKvDQu9BWI?si=MOZqs-WDevhMBJUJ

Om Namah Shivaya. 🔱❤️


r/shaivism 17h ago

FESTIVAL Today is the GuruPooja of Sundaramurthy Nayanar

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6 Upvotes

r/shaivism 1d ago

Music/Bhajan Ganpati Bapa Aaaye Sab ke ghar

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19 Upvotes

Lord Ganpati son of Shiva. Made long time back. Thought to share.


r/shaivism 1d ago

Artwork/Images Namah shivay 🕉️🪔🪔🌹🌹🫸🏾🫷🏾

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69 Upvotes

r/shaivism 1d ago

Shaivism Discussion Who Were the Legendary Rudra Clan? Discover Their Hidden Secrets!

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14 Upvotes

r/shaivism 1d ago

Artwork/Images Taxila wonders

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7 Upvotes

r/shaivism 2d ago

Artwork/Images 🙏 The Sacred Journey to Amarnath – A Pilgrimage of Faith and Devotion

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38 Upvotes

r/shaivism 2d ago

Artwork/Images Om Namah Shivaya.

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92 Upvotes

r/shaivism 2d ago

Discourse/Lecture/Knowledge बारह ज्योतिर्लिंग शिव के अनंत प्रकाश स्तंभ के प्रतीक(12 jyotirling :symbol of infinite energy source )🌄📿🤲🏾

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43 Upvotes

🎯🌒🌓🌔🌕🌖🌗🌘🪔🪔🪔🪔🪔बारह ज्योतिर्लिंग शिव के अनंत प्रकाश स्तंभ के प्रतीक हैं, और हर एक अलग संदर्भ में विशेष महत्व रखता है ...जैसे सोमनाथ विश्वास का प्रतीक है, महाकालेश्वर समय और मृत्यु के स्वामी हैं, और काशी विश्वनाथ मोक्ष प्रदान करने वाले माने जाते हैं। इन सभी तीर्थों का दर्शन जीवन के अलग-अलग पहलुओं में आध्यात्मिक शक्ति और संतुलन देता है।

✅बारह ज्योतिर्लिंग और उनका महत्व🌿

🔱सोमनाथ--- गुजरात, सौराष्ट्र -- पहला ज्योतिर्लिंग, विश्वास और अहंकार के विनाश का प्रतीक

🔱मल्लिकार्जुन --आंध्र प्रदेश, श्रीशैलम --शिव-पार्वती का मिलन, प्रेम और शक्ति का प्रतीक

🔱महाकालेश्वर --उज्जैन, मध्य प्रदेश -- समय और मृत्यु के स्वामी, मोक्ष प्रदान करते हैं,प्रसिद्ध भस्म आरती

🔱ओंकारेश्वर --मध्य प्रदेश, नर्मदा नदी -- ‘ॐ’ आकार वाले द्वीप पर स्थित, ब्रह्मांडीय सृजन का प्रतीक

🔱केदारनाथ --उत्तराखंड, हिमालय -- पांडवों से जुड़ा, मोक्ष और मुक्ति का प्रतीक; चारधाम में शामिल

🔱 भीमाशंकर --पुणे, महाराष्ट्र --राक्षस भीम का वध, बुराई के विनाश और प्राकृतिक ऊर्जा का प्रतीक

🔱काशी विश्वनाथ -- वाराणसी, उत्तर प्रदेश ---जीवन और मृत्यु दोनों में मोक्ष प्रदान करने वाले,भारत की आध्यात्मिक राजधानी

🔱 त्र्यंबकेश्वर --नासिक, महाराष्ट्र ---गोदावरी नदी के उद्गम पर, सृष्टि-पालन-विनाश चक्र का प्रतीक

🔱वैद्यनाथ -- देवघर, झारखंड -- शिव ‘दैवी चिकित्सक’ के रूप में, रोग निवारण और सामंजस्य का प्रतीक

🔱नागेश्वर -- द्वारका, गुजरात - शिव नागों के स्वामी, भय और विष से मुक्ति का प्रतीक

🔱रामेश्वरम -- तमिलनाडु -- राम द्वारा स्थापित, धर्म और भक्ति का प्रतीक; चारधाम में शामिल

🔱घृष्णेश्वर---एलोरा, महाराष्ट्र --सबसे छोटा ज्योतिर्लिंग, आस्था और सरलता का प्रतीक

☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️श्रावण मास में इन ज्योतिर्लिंगों का दर्शन विशेष फलदायी माना जाता है।

📿 नमः शिवाय 🌹🍃🫸🏾🫷🏾🤲🏾


r/shaivism 2d ago

Shaivism Discussion TIL Monday is the Moon's day but somehow belongs to Shiva. The story behind it is actually wild.

6 Upvotes

Somvar = "Som's day," Som = Chandra = Moon. So why is Monday Shiva's day, not Chandra's?

Chandra had 27 wives (all nakshatras) but obviously favored one, Rohini. The other 26 complained to their father Daksha, who warned him once, then cursed him when nothing changed: your light fades every night till it's gone.

It starts happening immediately. Chandra panics, does a month of tapasya to Shiva, begging for a way out.

Shiva shows up and doesn't remove the curse. He could have. Instead he turns it into a cycle, fade then return, fade then return, forever. That's literally why the moon waxes and wanes every month. Punishment becomes an infinite second chance.

Chandra builds a temple on that spot. It becomes the Somnath Jyotirlinga, "lord of the moon."

So Monday isn't the moon's day Shiva took over, it's the day marking when they got linked for good.

(Side note: people sometimes attach "skip the Monday fast, get chandra dosh" fear to this. Doesn't fit the story though, a god who could've erased someone's punishment entirely and chose to build them a rhythm instead isn't really running on threats.)

Anyone else have one of these "why is this day tied to this god" questions that never got answered growing up?


r/shaivism 2d ago

Videos/TV Series/Movies Remove Fear with Mahamrityunjaya Mantra | 432Hz Healing (11 Times)

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3 Upvotes

r/shaivism 2d ago

Artwork/Images Lord Shiva

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19 Upvotes

r/shaivism 2d ago

Shaivism Discussion Did you know the oil in your lamp is mentioned in the Skanda Purana?

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7 Upvotes

r/shaivism 2d ago

Shaivism Discussion Dream of Lord Shiva

4 Upvotes

Well this is about my first dream of a god - it being lord shiva fascinated me, I have no idea why

So in my dream I'm in a village, I know the people around me, there are some rituals going on, it was night, it was windy, there were thunderstorms, but no rain.

I was just watching the ritual happen when my mind flashed with a picture: a view of a few tigers set free.

Suddenly looking around my space I saw four tall walls around us, tall, made of rocks

I tried to warn others that tigers are gonna be set free soon, no one cares, they thought I was being stupid, so I started climbing the wall, because there was no other exit, and that's when the tigers were set free, people below ran around between the four walls, while some of them got hunted

I climbed above, right on that spot I saw doodles of shiv lingams, few of them scratched on the rock wall, only on that spot. While I was feeling it with my hand two tigers managed to climb up, so I ran around the top of the wall with a few other people, chased by two tigers.

Looking down the wall into the ritual space there was a person dancing " possessed " ( i don't know the right word sorry) by lord shiva, the angry dance? Whatever it was, it was mesmerizing, the thunderstorms and wind continued, I looked up to see his silhouette of his form on the clouds, lord shivas hair and the moon...then the tigers were taken away...few died, few survived, and I survived as well..

It was my first time seeing a god in my dream, plus I woke up really fresh too 😭

P.s I'm under college stress, I'm just 18 I haven't gotten my admission yet, I'm kind of in a tough situation, it has been a few months since I'm under all this stress, recently visited the perumal (vishnu) temple, and that was the first time I cried in temple too, I just wished for one happiness in this months of suffering to get my desired college...

So I'm not sure if this is an answer, or a sign or a change...sorry for the yap lol


r/shaivism 2d ago

FESTIVAL Dam Dam Damru Bajana Hoga | Sawan Special Shiv Bhajan 2026 | Mahadev Status

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3 Upvotes

r/shaivism 3d ago

Question - General Can Kusha Pavitri be reused?

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2 Upvotes

r/shaivism 3d ago

Videos/TV Series/Movies The Battle for Supremacy | Brahma vs Vishnu | Shiva Puraan

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5 Upvotes

r/shaivism 3d ago

Question - General What to eat during Shravan Somvaar vrat after shiv puja? Can we eat only Once in a day (after shiv puja) Or twice (after shiv puja in morning and in night)?

5 Upvotes

Please guide me about what to eat after Shiv Puja during Shravan Somvar? I'm planning to eat Rajgira Roti after Shiv Puja in the morning and Dalia during the night, is it ok? Because I can't fast for too long. Kindly help.


r/shaivism 4d ago

Question - General Karmayoga

3 Upvotes

Can one can get a blessings of god if he performs his karmayoga at finest level? by doing gauseva, pashuseva, and helping people?