108 Names of Bhagwan Shiv (Lord Shiva) and Their Meanings

Bhagwan Shiv — Lord Shiva — is one of the three principal deities of Hinduism, alongside Brahma the creator and Vishnu the preserver. Shiv is revered as the transformer, and devotees know him by countless names. Below are his popular and traditional names with their meanings, so each one means something to you rather than being just a sound.

The most popular names of Shiv (with meanings)

• Mahadev — the greatest of the gods.
• Mahakaal — lord of time and death; time itself.
• Shankar — one who gives happiness and well-being.
• Bholenath / Bhole Bhandari — the innocent, easily-pleased lord.
• Neelkanth — the blue-throated one, who held the poison to save the world.
• Rudra — the fierce, roaring form.
• Nataraj — the cosmic dancer.
• Mrityunjay — the conqueror of death.
• Gangadhar — the one who holds the river Ganga in his hair.
• Chandrashekhar — the one who wears the moon on his head.
• Tripurari — the destroyer of the three cities (Tripura).
• Pashupati — the lord of all living beings.
• Kailashpati — the lord of Mount Kailash.
• Digambara — the one clothed by the sky itself.
• Trinetradhari — the three-eyed one.
• Ardhanarishwar — the half-male, half-female form with Parvati.
• Aashutosh — the one who is quickly pleased.
• Umapati / Gauri Shankar — the consort of Parvati (Uma/Gauri).

More names of Bhagwan Shiv

Shambhu, Shambho, Ishwar, Maheshwar, Rameshwar, Someshwar, Vishveshwar, Omkareshwar, Mahakaleshwar, Sadashiv, Sarveshwar, Shoolpaani, Shoolin, Trishoolin, Pinaki, Jatadhar, Jatin, Chandramauli, Bhasmpriya, Bhooteshwar, Girijapati, Girish, Sarpeshwar, Nagabhushan, Bhairav, Bhavani Shankar, Har-Har, Bam Bhola, Lingeshwar, Bikshadana, Kapalin, Panchavaktra (five-faced), Dakshinamurti, Swayambhu, Pranav (Om), Omkar, Trilokinath, Trilokpati, Amrityu (deathless), Aja (unborn), Anagha (sinless), Achintya (beyond thought), Digambar, Dayalu (compassionate), Devadeva (god of gods), Bhaktvatsal (loving to devotees), Palanhaar (protector) and Kailashnath.

Shiv's special day

Monday is traditionally dedicated to Shiv worship, and Mondays of the month of Shravan are especially significant. If you want to plan a vrat or visit on a specific weekday, the Day of the Week tool tells you which day any date falls on, and the Days Before/After tool helps you count days to a festival.

Frequently asked questions

How many names does Lord Shiva have?

Tradition speaks of 108 names commonly recited, and thousands more in the scriptures. The list above covers the most widely used ones.

What does "Neelkanth" mean?

"Neel" means blue and "kanth" means throat. Shiv held the world-poison in his throat, turning it blue — hence Neelkanth, the blue-throated one.

Which day is dedicated to Lord Shiva?

Monday (Somvar). Mondays in the month of Shravan are considered especially auspicious for Shiv worship.