To walk with the Ashtamurti is to journey through creation, protection, destruction, and beyond—all paths leading to the divine. Through the Ashtamurti, Shiva reveals that divinity wears many faces, each one a facet of the ultimate truth.
Article | Varanasi | December 05, 2005
Sadhguru: In Ancient Bengal's Nigam Tantra, Shiva represents both the destroyer, sustainer and creator, a being whose essence permeates all aspects of the universe. The Ashtamurti, or "Eight Forms," of Shiva, provide a comprehensive understanding of his divine nature, which is multi-dimensional and all-encompassing. These eight forms symbolize different aspects of cosmic and human existence, showing how Shiva interacts with the world and guides his devotees through life’s complexities.
1. Sarva: The All-Embracing Force
In his form as Sarva, Shiva is known as the all-pervasive one. Sarva, meaning “all” or “everything,” highlights Shiva’s infinite nature, embodying the essence of every being and element in existence. In this form, Shiva teaches the devotee that the universe itself is his manifestation. Sarva can be seen in nature's vast expanses—from the towering mountains to the flowing rivers, from every atom to the cosmos as a whole.
Symbolic Meaning of Sarva
Association with Nature: Sarva represents Shiva’s presence in the natural world. Earth, water, air, fire, and space are seen as elements of his being.
The lesson of Unity: Meditating on Sarva helps devotees recognize the oneness of all things, promoting an understanding of interdependence and harmony with the environment.
Worship and Integration
In worship, Sarva is honoured through offerings to nature and acts of environmental stewardship. By respecting and caring for nature, devotees honour this form of Shiva, fostering a deep sense of unity with all forms of life.
In Sarva, we find the boundless; in all things, we encounter Shiva’s infinite embrace.
2. Bhava: The Origin of All Being
As Bhava, Shiva embodies the creative impulse that brings life into existence. Bhava represents Shiva as the source of all forms, the primordial energy that seeds life across the universe. Unlike Sarva, which embodies the presence in all things, Bhava reflects Shiva’s nurturing and life-giving aspect, a constant fountain of creation from which all beings originate.
Symbolic Meaning of Bhava
Vitality and Growth: Bhava symbolizes fertility, growth, and the sustaining life force in all beings.
Fostering Compassion: Worship of Bhava encourages a compassionate and loving approach toward all life, as Shiva’s gift of creation is honoured.
Worship and Integration
Devotees can connect with Bhava by nurturing and supporting life in all its forms—caring for others, practising kindness, and embracing the sacredness of existence. Gardening, fostering animals, or simply connecting with one's own breath can serve as ways to honour Bhava.
Bhava is the breath of life itself, the whisper of creation in every pulse and heartbeat.
3. Pashupati: The Lord of All Living Beings
Pashupati, meaning “Lord of All Creatures,” is Shiva as the protector of animals and life forms. This form demonstrates Shiva’s role as a guardian of the natural world, especially animals, representing the harmony between humanity and the animal kingdom. In Pashupati, Shiva exemplifies the interdependence between humans and nature, reminding us of our duty to protect all living creatures.
Symbolic Meaning of Pashupati
Stewardship: Pashupati symbolizes Shiva’s compassionate protection over the animal realm, teaching empathy and responsibility.
Non-Violence: This form emphasizes the importance of ahimsa, or non-violence, encouraging respect for animals and all forms of life.
Worship and Integration
The practice of Pashupati can be incorporated by respecting animal life, practising vegetarianism or veganism, and advocating for wildlife protection. Acts of kindness toward animals—such as feeding, rescuing, or caring for them—are ways to honour Pashupati.
To honor Pashupati is to see the sacred in every creature and embrace the harmony of all life.
4. Ugra: The Fierce Protector
In his form as Ugra, Shiva embodies his wrathful and protective aspect. Ugra, meaning “fierce,” is Shiva’s manifestation as a warrior and destroyer of evil, safeguarding the cosmic order by destroying anything that threatens it. This form appears in many tales where Shiva battles demons or other negative forces, showing his commitment to protecting righteousness and justice.
Symbolic Meaning of Ugra
Righteous Fury: Ugra’s form shows that anger when harnessed for good, can serve as a potent force for justice.
Overcoming Obstacles: Ugra teaches devotees to confront fears and obstacles in life with strength and determination.
Worship and Integration
Devotees can honour Ugra by practising courage and standing up for justice, both for themselves and others. When facing challenges or adversities, meditating on Ugra provides inner strength and fortitude. Honouring Ugra can mean confronting one’s inner demons and rising above-limiting fears or harmful attachments.
Ugra is the fierce flame within, burning away shadows to reveal the path of truth and courage.
5. Mahadeva: The Supreme Lord
Mahadeva, or “Great God,” is Shiva’s transcendent form, representing his status as the ultimate deity, above all others. Mahadeva symbolizes the infinite, timeless nature of Shiva, embodying his supreme authority over the cosmos. As Mahadeva, Shiva is revered as the father of the universe, the divine force beyond birth and death.
Symbolic Meaning of Mahadeva
Supreme Divinity: Mahadeva reminds us of the vastness and grandeur of the divine, instilling awe and reverence.
Transcendence: This form shows that Shiva is beyond form, beyond duality, representing the highest state of consciousness.
Worship and Integration
Worshipping Mahadeva means connecting with Shiva as the supreme, limitless force. Practitioners meditate on the cosmic vastness, transcending individual concerns and connecting with the ultimate. Honouring Mahadeva cultivates humility and reverence for the divine order.
Mahadeva reminds us of the grandeur beyond form, where the soul meets the eternal expanse of divinity.
6. Rudra: The Destroyer and Transformer
In his form as Rudra, Shiva is the fierce and wild destroyer, a force that dismantles illusion and brings transformation. Rudra, often translated as “the howler,” signifies Shiva’s role in purging ignorance and ego, clearing the path for spiritual awakening. Rudra’s destructive force is not born of malice but of compassion, as he clears away that which binds the soul.
Symbolic Meaning of Rudra
Inner Purification: Rudra’s energy is essential for clearing away the attachments, ego, and ignorance that cloud one’s true self.
Transformation: This form of Shiva symbolizes that destruction is often necessary for rebirth and renewal.
Worship and Integration
Connecting with Rudra involves confronting and releasing negative patterns, thoughts, or attachments. Practising self-discipline, meditation, and inner work are ways to invoke Rudra’s transformative power, allowing one to break free from old cycles and evolve spiritually.
Rudra’s call is the roar of transformation, dismantling illusions so the spirit may rise anew.
7. Ishana: The Guiding Wisdom
Ishana, the “Lord of Knowledge,” is Shiva’s form that bestows divine wisdom and guidance. Ishana represents the north-east direction, symbolizing the path toward enlightenment and liberation. In this form, Shiva leads his devotees toward truth, imparting wisdom that transcends worldly knowledge.
Symbolic Meaning of Ishana
Divine Knowledge: Ishana signifies the ultimate wisdom that guides the soul toward self-realization.
Intuition and Inner Guru: This form of Shiva represents the inner voice of truth and clarity, guiding one’s spiritual journey.
Worship and Integration
Worshiping Ishana can involve the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and introspection. Seeking wisdom, reading scriptures, or meditating on the jnana (knowledge) path can help devotees connect with Ishana. Trusting one’s intuition and following inner guidance in difficult situations honours this form.
In Ishana’s wisdom, we find the inner compass, the gentle light that guides us to the highest truth.
8. Bheema: The Mighty Force
The form of Bheema, meaning “Tremendous” or “Formidable,” represents Shiva’s indomitable strength and unshakeable will. Bheema reflects the aspect of Shiva as a cosmic force, whose power is both awe-inspiring and stabilizing. In times of great difficulty, Bheema is invoked as a source of resilience, showing that true strength arises not from aggression but from a quiet, unyielding presence.
Symbolic Meaning of Bheema
Inner Resilience: Bheema represents the ability to endure hardships and overcome obstacles with unwavering resolve.
Foundation of Stability: This form is associated with the strength that provides stability and support in times of crisis.
Worship and Integration
To honour Bheema, devotees cultivate strength, patience, and resilience. Practising endurance, whether through meditation, physical discipline, or life challenges, allows one to connect with Bheema’s formidable energy. Bheema teaches that true power lies in stillness and unwavering commitment to one’s path.
Bheema stands as the mighty force within, a quiet strength that endures through the deepest storms.
Conclusion: The Path of the Ashtamurti in Everyday Life
Each form of Shiva in the Ashtamurti represents a profound aspect of the universe, guiding devotees to realize the vast potential within and around them. From the all-embracing Sarva to the transformative Rudra, the Ashtamurti provides a spiritual roadmap for self-realization, encouraging practitioners to live in harmony with life’s cycles and to honour the divine in all forms.
The Ashtamurti inspires a holistic approach to life, where devotion, compassion, courage, wisdom, and resilience become pathways to deepen one’s connection with Shiva. These forms serve as tools for understanding the self, inviting the practitioner to integrate divine qualities in their journey toward liberation.
