Shankara

Shankara (Śaṅkara), meaning 'doer of good' or 'bestower of auspiciousness,' is a prominent form of Shiva that embodies his beneficent and compassionate nature. The name appears in the Yajurveda (Taittiriya Samhita 4.5.1) where Rudra is invoked as Śaṅkara, the one who brings welfare. In the Shiva Purana (Vidyeshvara Samhita, Chapter 10), Shiva declares that he is known as Shankara because he grants happiness and removes suffering. This form represents the serene and benevolent aspect of Shiva, contrasting with his fierce Rudra aspect.

Iconographically, Shankara is depicted with a peaceful countenance, four arms holding a trishula (trident) and damaru (drum), with matted hair adorned by the crescent moon and the river Ganga flowing from his locks. He sits in meditation or stands gracefully, often accompanied by his consort Parvati and his mount Nandi. The Skanda Purana (Kashi Khanda, Chapter 1) describes Shankara as the lord of Kashi (Varanasi), where he resides as the bestower of liberation. The Mahabharata (Anushasana Parva, Chapter 14) recounts the myth of Shankara drinking the poison halahala during the churning of the ocean, holding it in his throat to protect the world, thus earning the name Nilakantha.

This act exemplifies his compassionate nature. Shankara is central to the Shaiva Siddhanta tradition, where he is worshiped as the supreme deity who creates, sustains, and dissolves the universe through his grace. The mantra 'Om Śaṅkarāya namaḥ' is chanted to invoke his blessings. Major festivals include Maha Shivaratri, when devotees fast and offer bilva leaves.

Regional worship is pan-Indian, with prominent temples such as the Shankara Matha in Sringeri and the Shankara Temple in Kalady, Kerala, associated with Adi Shankaracharya. In Hindu cosmology, Shankara represents the aspect of Shiva that dissolves the ego and bestows spiritual peace, guiding souls toward moksha.

Peaceful, serene form. Four arms, matted hair, Ganga, moon.