Rudra is Praised as the Mightiest of the Mighty

Rudra (रुद्र) is a Rigvedic deity associated with Shiva, the wind or storms (Vayu), medicine, and the hunt. One translation of the name is ‘the roarer’. In the Rigveda, Rudra is…

Hara Encapsulates the Essence of Destruction not as Annihilation

Hara (हर), in Hinduism, is an early name for Shiva. In the rhythmic chants echoing through ancient temples and modern…

Trilochan Symbolizes Wisdom, Destruction of Illusion, and Cosmic Insight

Not far from the usual circuit of temples in Varanasi lies Trilochan Mahadev — a shrine that many locals revere,…

Nilakantha is one of the Epithets of the Hindu Deity Shiva

Nilakantha (नीलकण्ठ) is one of the epithets of the Hindu deity Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Shiva gained this epithet when he consumed the kalakuta (poison) that…