Shiva

Shi·va

noun \ˈshi-və, ˈshē-\

Definition of SHIVA

: the god of destruction and regeneration in the Hindu sacred triad — compare brahma, vishnu

Variants of SHIVA

Shi·va also Si·va \ˈsi-və, ˈshi-, ˈsē-, ˈshē-\

Origin of SHIVA

Sanskrit Śiva

First Known Use: 1788

Rhymes with SHIVA

diva, kiva, Neva, viva

Shiva

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Shiva, bronze statue, Madras, c. AD 900.—Courtesy of the Government Museum, Chennai; photograph, Royal Academy of Arts, London

Major deity of Hinduism, believed to have many manifestations. Like Vishnu, he is the subject of an elaborate and sometimes contradictory mythology. He is both the destroyer and the restorer, the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality, the benevolent herdsman of souls and the wrathful avenger. His female consort is known under various manifestations, including Parvati, Durga, and Kali. In Shaivism he is worshiped as the paramount lord.

Variants of SHIVA

Shiva or Siva