Lord Shiva is a supreme deity and most powerful figure of the Holy Trinity in Hinduism. He is also known as Bholenath, Shankar, Mahadev and supreme divine in the universe. He is the deity of destruction and also refers to the end of evil and injustice. He is revered as the destroyer in the Holy Trinity along with Brahma (the creator) and Vishnu (the preserver).
As we know Lord Vishnu, widely known for his ten principal avatars (Dashavatara), but Lord Shiva's avatars are more mysterious, and each avatar represents different aspects of his supreme energy. However, Lord Shiva’s role wasn’t just confined to destruction or transformation. In the course of time, he took various avatars or forms to serve humanity.
Let’s explore the various avatars of Shiva which are also mentioned in Shiva Purana and how they contribute to the cosmic balance.
As we know Lord Vishnu, widely known for his ten principal avatars (Dashavatara), but Lord Shiva's avatars are more mysterious, and each avatar represents different aspects of his supreme energy. However, Lord Shiva’s role wasn’t just confined to destruction or transformation. In the course of time, he took various avatars or forms to serve humanity.
Let’s explore the various avatars of Shiva which are also mentioned in Shiva Purana and how they contribute to the cosmic balance.
How Many Avatars Did Lord Shiva Take?
Whenever God takes an avatar on the earth to fulfill a specific purpose on Earth. People believed that whenever the universe is consumed by evil energies, the Lord comes down to earth in human form to destroy the evil energies and restore balance. The word “avatar” comes from the Sanskrit term avatar, meaning “descent.”
Everyone knows about Lord Vishnu avatar but, Lord Shiva avatar manifestations are more symbolic and less defined. The Shiva Rudra Avatar refers to his fierce and wrathful forms, while other avatars embody wisdom, destruction, and transformation.
There are believed to be 19 or 24 primary Avatars of Shiva, depending on different Hindu texts, such as the Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, and other sacred scriptures. Here’s a closer look at all avatars of Lord Shiva and here you will learn about each avatar, their story, and what they teach us.
Everyone knows about Lord Vishnu avatar but, Lord Shiva avatar manifestations are more symbolic and less defined. The Shiva Rudra Avatar refers to his fierce and wrathful forms, while other avatars embody wisdom, destruction, and transformation.
There are believed to be 19 or 24 primary Avatars of Shiva, depending on different Hindu texts, such as the Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, and other sacred scriptures. Here’s a closer look at all avatars of Lord Shiva and here you will learn about each avatar, their story, and what they teach us.
The Most Prominent 19th Avatars of Lord Shiva
Veerabhadra Avatar
Veerabhadra is one of the fiercest Shiva Rudra Avatars. He was born out of Shiva's anger when King Daksha insulted Goddess Sati during a yajna. He was born from the deep emotion of Lord Shiva after the death of his beloved consort, Sati. When Sati immolated herself in her father's yajna, Veerabhadra destroyed Daksha's arrogance, which represents the righteous wrath needed to protect honor and dharma.
Piplaad Avatar
Piplaad was born to Sage Dadhichi and his wife Suvarcha, but his father died before he was born. He was raised by his aunt Dadhimati. When Piplaad learned the reason behind his father's death, he became angry and sought revenge upon discovering that Shani Dev was responsible.
He cursed Shani Dev to lose his celestial position, but Shani Dev begged for mercy and forgiveness. Then, they agreed that Shani Dev would never affect anyone under 16. This is why those with Shani Dosha worship Piplaad's avatar of Shiva to mitigate the negative effects of Saturn.
Bhairava Avatar
Bhairava is another of the fierce Lord Shiva Avatar. He also worshiped in various forms, known as Kaal Bhairava, who protects devotees from negative energies. He was born when Lord Shiva punished Brahma for his arrogance and he cut off the fifth head of Brahma. When he realized he was guilty, He roamed as a beggar for 12 years carrying Brahma’s head. Bhairav also guards the 52 Shakti Peethas in India.
Nandi Avatar
Everyone knows that Shiva’s Vahana (mount) is a Nandi. He was also considered an Avatar of Shiva and was blessed with immortality by Lord Shiva. Nandi portrays himself as devoted, patient, and unwavering faith to Lord Shiva.
Ashwatthama Avatar
He is son of Guru Dronacharya and his wife Kripi, and the most powerful avatars of Shiva. He played a very important role in mahabharat, but was cursed by Lord Krishna to eternal suffering. He was born when Lord Shiva drank the Halahal poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean. He is one of 8 Chiranjeevi (immortal) who will play an important role in the kaliyuga.
Sharabha Avatar
In Hindu mythology, Sharabha (Sanskrit: शरभ, Śarabha) is a powerful, eight-legged, part-lion, part-bird deity, avatar of Lord Shiva. He is immensely strong and has the ability to calm Lord Vishnu Narasimha avatar after he became too destructive. Sharabha represents the ultimate control over aggression and the power of divine intervention.
Grihapati Avatar
In the context of Hindu mythology, Grihapati is the “lord of the house” who was born to Sage Vishwanar and Shuchismati, is the one of the avatars of Lord shiva. To avoid an early demise due to some tricky planetary influences, Grihapati decided to embark on a journey to Kashi for penance. Along the way, he faced a challenge when Lord Indra tried to thwart him, but fortunately, Lord Shiva came to his rescue. He blessed Grihapati with a special boon, ensuring that the Kaalvajra wouldn't be able to harm him.
Hanuman Avatar
Everyone knows about the story of Hanuman, but maybe you don’t know he is one of Shiva's powerful avatars. He is a biggest devotee of Lord Ram, who was born to mother Anjana and father Kesari. He was born to serve Vishnu avatar, Rama, and assist him in his divine mission.
Ardhanarishvara Avatar
Piplaad was born to Sage Dadhichi and his wife Suvarcha, but his father died before he was born. He was raised by his aunt Dadhimati. When Piplaad learned the reason behind his father's death, he became angry and sought revenge upon discovering that Shani Dev was responsible.
He cursed Shani Dev to lose his celestial position, but Shani Dev begged for mercy and forgiveness. Then, they agreed that Shani Dev would never affect anyone under 16. This is why those with Shani Dosha worship Piplaad's avatar of Shiva to mitigate the negative effects of Saturn.
Bhairava Avatar
Bhairava is another of the fierce Lord Shiva Avatar. He also worshiped in various forms, known as Kaal Bhairava, who protects devotees from negative energies. He was born when Lord Shiva punished Brahma for his arrogance and he cut off the fifth head of Brahma. When he realized he was guilty, He roamed as a beggar for 12 years carrying Brahma’s head. Bhairav also guards the 52 Shakti Peethas in India.
Nandi Avatar
Everyone knows that Shiva’s Vahana (mount) is a Nandi. He was also considered an Avatar of Shiva and was blessed with immortality by Lord Shiva. Nandi portrays himself as devoted, patient, and unwavering faith to Lord Shiva.
Ashwatthama Avatar
He is son of Guru Dronacharya and his wife Kripi, and the most powerful avatars of Shiva. He played a very important role in mahabharat, but was cursed by Lord Krishna to eternal suffering. He was born when Lord Shiva drank the Halahal poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean. He is one of 8 Chiranjeevi (immortal) who will play an important role in the kaliyuga.
Sharabha Avatar
In Hindu mythology, Sharabha (Sanskrit: शरभ, Śarabha) is a powerful, eight-legged, part-lion, part-bird deity, avatar of Lord Shiva. He is immensely strong and has the ability to calm Lord Vishnu Narasimha avatar after he became too destructive. Sharabha represents the ultimate control over aggression and the power of divine intervention.
Grihapati Avatar
In the context of Hindu mythology, Grihapati is the “lord of the house” who was born to Sage Vishwanar and Shuchismati, is the one of the avatars of Lord shiva. To avoid an early demise due to some tricky planetary influences, Grihapati decided to embark on a journey to Kashi for penance. Along the way, he faced a challenge when Lord Indra tried to thwart him, but fortunately, Lord Shiva came to his rescue. He blessed Grihapati with a special boon, ensuring that the Kaalvajra wouldn't be able to harm him.
Hanuman Avatar
Everyone knows about the story of Hanuman, but maybe you don’t know he is one of Shiva's powerful avatars. He is a biggest devotee of Lord Ram, who was born to mother Anjana and father Kesari. He was born to serve Vishnu avatar, Rama, and assist him in his divine mission.
Ardhanarishvara Avatar
Ardhanarishvara is a unique form of Shiva that represents the fusion of masculine and feminine energies. In this avatar, Shiva shares his form with Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the unity of Purusha (male principle) and Prakriti (female principle). This avatar highlights the balance of the universe through the harmonious coexistence of both energies.
Durvasa Avatar
Sage Durvasa, son of Sage Atri and his wife Anusuya, was revered equally by humans and Gods. Known for his extremely short temper, he was believed to be responsible for maintaining discipline on Earth.
Yatinath Avatar
Yatinath was wandering as a poor man, the avatar of Lord Shiva tested the hospitality of a tribal couple. Aahuk, the tribal man, lost his life by providing shelter to the avatar and his wife was proud of his husband for his sacrifice. After seeing this, Lord Shiva granted the boon of being reincarnated as Nala and Damayanti in their next birth. And, they will reunite again as a couple in the next birth.
Vrishabha Avatar
Vrishabha is a fascinating avatar of Shiva, taking the shape of a friendly ox. This special form was created to help tackle the mischievous sons of Lord Vishnu, who were causing a lot of trouble for both humans and the gods as well.
Krishna Darshan Avatar
This avatar of Shiva helped Prince Nabhag, son of King Shradhadeva, attain salvation. He taught the prince the importance of Yajnas and the sense of detachment.
Sureshwar Avatar
Sureshwar, this avatar of Shiva who dressed up as deity Indra, to test the devotion of Upamanyu, the son of Sage Vyaghrapad. When Upamanyu passed the test, Lord Shiva promised to stay with Mata Parvati in the vicinity of his hermitage.
Kirateshwar Avatar
Durvasa Avatar
Sage Durvasa, son of Sage Atri and his wife Anusuya, was revered equally by humans and Gods. Known for his extremely short temper, he was believed to be responsible for maintaining discipline on Earth.
Yatinath Avatar
Yatinath was wandering as a poor man, the avatar of Lord Shiva tested the hospitality of a tribal couple. Aahuk, the tribal man, lost his life by providing shelter to the avatar and his wife was proud of his husband for his sacrifice. After seeing this, Lord Shiva granted the boon of being reincarnated as Nala and Damayanti in their next birth. And, they will reunite again as a couple in the next birth.
Vrishabha Avatar
Vrishabha is a fascinating avatar of Shiva, taking the shape of a friendly ox. This special form was created to help tackle the mischievous sons of Lord Vishnu, who were causing a lot of trouble for both humans and the gods as well.
Krishna Darshan Avatar
This avatar of Shiva helped Prince Nabhag, son of King Shradhadeva, attain salvation. He taught the prince the importance of Yajnas and the sense of detachment.
Sureshwar Avatar
Sureshwar, this avatar of Shiva who dressed up as deity Indra, to test the devotion of Upamanyu, the son of Sage Vyaghrapad. When Upamanyu passed the test, Lord Shiva promised to stay with Mata Parvati in the vicinity of his hermitage.
Kirateshwar Avatar
One of Shiva’s avatars was a hunter named Kirat. He appeared during Arjuna’s meditation to test him. Impressed with his valour and strength, He gifted him the Pasupata Astra.
Avadhut Avatar
This avatar of Shiva came to destroy the ego of Lord Indra. When Indra tried to use his thunderbolt, Shiva gently stopped him by immobilizing his hand. This moment revealed Lord Shiva's true identity and reminded Indra that it’s important to stay humble.
Suntantarka Avatar
The dancer, who danced with his damru in the court of King Himalaya. This avatar of Shiva manifested to seek permission from the king of the mountains for Mata Parvati’s hand in marriage.
Brahmachari Avatar
Lord Shiva appeared in this form to test Mata Parvati’s devotion to him before their marriage. In Hindu mythology, the "Brahmachari Avatar" refers to one of Lord Shiva's 19 avatars, where he appears as a young, celibate ascetic (Brahmachari) to test the devotion and willpower of Goddess Parvati.
Yaksheswar Avatar
Once upon a time, during the incredible event of churning the ocean to find the precious “Amrit,” the Gods started feeling a bit too proud of themselves. To help them see their true selves and let go of that pride, Lord Shiva decided to take on a special form. He playfully offered them a handful of divine grass to cut, but to their surprise, none of them could do it! This little challenge reminded them of their humility in a fun way.
All Avatars of Lord Shiva in Different Scriptures
The number of Shiva’s avatars varies across different Hindu texts. Here are a few references:
Avadhut Avatar
This avatar of Shiva came to destroy the ego of Lord Indra. When Indra tried to use his thunderbolt, Shiva gently stopped him by immobilizing his hand. This moment revealed Lord Shiva's true identity and reminded Indra that it’s important to stay humble.
Suntantarka Avatar
The dancer, who danced with his damru in the court of King Himalaya. This avatar of Shiva manifested to seek permission from the king of the mountains for Mata Parvati’s hand in marriage.
Brahmachari Avatar
Lord Shiva appeared in this form to test Mata Parvati’s devotion to him before their marriage. In Hindu mythology, the "Brahmachari Avatar" refers to one of Lord Shiva's 19 avatars, where he appears as a young, celibate ascetic (Brahmachari) to test the devotion and willpower of Goddess Parvati.
Yaksheswar Avatar
Once upon a time, during the incredible event of churning the ocean to find the precious “Amrit,” the Gods started feeling a bit too proud of themselves. To help them see their true selves and let go of that pride, Lord Shiva decided to take on a special form. He playfully offered them a handful of divine grass to cut, but to their surprise, none of them could do it! This little challenge reminded them of their humility in a fun way.
All Avatars of Lord Shiva in Different Scriptures
The number of Shiva’s avatars varies across different Hindu texts. Here are a few references:
- Shiva Purana: Mentions 19 avatars of Shiva, each with unique purposes.
- Linga Purana: Lists several divine manifestations of Shiva that appear in different yugas.
- Skanda Purana: Highlights Shiva’s various incarnations as teachers, warriors, and sages.
- Vedas and Upanishads: Often describe Shiva in different symbolic forms rather than specific avatars.
Wrapping Up
The Lord Shiva Avatar manifestations are vast and deeply symbolic which represent different facets of his cosmic presence. From the angry Shiva Rudra Avatar to the nurturing and wise forms, each avatar gives valuable lessons on life and devotion.
All avatars of Lord Shiva help to maintain balance in the universe. Whether as a protector, teacher, or warrior, Shiva’s avatars continue to inspire millions across generations. Cottage9 is a platform where you can explore multiple Lord Shiva statuses and Idol or buy them, which is totally authentic as well.
