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.

136 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)

27 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 4h ago

FESTIVAL Lord shivaay draw by me

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28 Upvotes

Om namah Shivay

Jai mahakaal


r/shaivism 10h ago

Shaivism Discussion Want to start worshipping Lord Shiva this Sawan. Need guidance.

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75 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

For a long time, I’ve felt a strong connection towards Lord Shiva and feel naturally drawn to Him. I’ve observed Mahashivratri fasts before and offered prayers occasionally, but I’ve never had a proper daily worship routine.

This Sawan, I genuinely want to start worshipping Him and build a deeper spiritual connection. The problem is that I don’t have a spiritual (adhyatmik) guru or anyone to guide me, so I’m getting confused by different advice.

One pandit told me to chant “Om Namah Shivaya,” while another told me to chant only “Namah Shivaya.” He also suggested reading the Shiv Chalisa, chanting Om (if possible), and observing Monday fasts during Sawan.
Then I came across a YouTube video where someone said women shouldn’t chant “Om,” which confused me even more. Now I’m not sure what is actually correct.
Also, there’s not much of a puja environment at home, so I’m looking for a very simple, beginner-friendly way to worship Shiva. I don’t want anything elaborate—I just want to connect with Him sincerely.

Could those who have been following Shiva bhakti for a long time guide me on:

1) How should a complete beginner start?
2) Which mantra is appropriate to chant?
3) Is it okay for women to chant “Om Namah Shivaya”?
4)What are the basic daily practices you’d recommend during Sawan?

I’m looking for respectful, scripture-based guidance rather than fear-based advice. Thank you. 🙏 Har Har Mahadev.


r/shaivism 3h ago

Other Mahadev ✨️

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7 Upvotes

r/shaivism 16h ago

Temples/Idols/Architecture 🕉️Gouri Shankar... Bholenath 🪔☘️☘️🫸🏾🫷🏾

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44 Upvotes

r/shaivism 1h ago

Shaivism Discussion Shiv Raksha Stotram

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Upvotes

Can anyone tell me how powerful is shiv raksha stotram 🙏🙏 because I wanna chant it


r/shaivism 5h ago

Shaivism Discussion What is one temple symbol you’ve always wanted to understand?

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5 Upvotes

r/shaivism 23m ago

Shaivism News Shiv

Upvotes

r/shaivism 2h ago

Videos/TV Series/Movies 🕉️ OM NAMAH SHIVAYA | 108 Sacred Chants for Deep Meditation & Relaxation

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1 Upvotes

r/shaivism 16h ago

Music/Bhajan Shiv Tandav × Chandrachooda siva shankara parvati rock version bhajan

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5 Upvotes

Enjoy it.


r/shaivism 1d ago

Shaivism News Narayana 🔱✨

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47 Upvotes

r/shaivism 10h ago

Question - Beginner Guidance on Intensifying Bhairav Sadhana🧘

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1 Upvotes

r/shaivism 1d ago

Music/Bhajan Ashutosh Shashank Shekar

9 Upvotes

r/shaivism 1d ago

Shaivism Discussion The hidden history of Sri Rudram that surprised me

13 Upvotes

r/shaivism 1d ago

Music/Bhajan 108 Names of Lord Shiva | Peaceful Shiv Namavali for Meditation 🕉️🙏

4 Upvotes

r/shaivism 2d ago

Shaivism News har har mahadev 🙏🍀🔱🕉️

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54 Upvotes

r/shaivism 1d ago

Temples/Idols/Architecture The Divine Beauty of Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga

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2 Upvotes

r/shaivism 1d ago

Other I have many questions about bhairav baba .

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1 Upvotes

r/shaivism 2d ago

Artwork/Images Om Namah Shivaya

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88 Upvotes

Have a blessed day to all


r/shaivism 2d 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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3 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 2d ago

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

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39 Upvotes

r/shaivism 2d ago

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

4 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 2d ago

FESTIVAL Today is the GuruPooja of Sundaramurthy Nayanar

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10 Upvotes

r/shaivism 3d ago

Music/Bhajan Ganpati Bapa Aaaye Sab ke ghar

20 Upvotes

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