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Significance of Mahadeva

Mahadeva, often recognized as another name for Shiva, embodies the divine attributes of creation, preservation, and destruction in Hinduism. He is revered across various texts including Shaktism, Vaishnavism, and Shaivism, highlighting his supreme nature and significance as a cosmic deity. Mahadeva plays a pivotal role in spiritual practices, guiding devotees and emphasizing the interconnectedness between different divine forms. His portrayal spans numerous aspects, reflecting his stature as a beloved figure in Hindu devotion and mythology.1
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Synonyms: Shiva, Shankar, Bholenath, Rudra, Tripurantaka, Pashupati, Nataraja

In Dutch: Mahadeva; In German: Mahadeva; In Finnish: Mahadeva; In Spanish: Mahadeva

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Mahadeva'

Hinduism Books

Mahadeva in Hinduism signifies Lord Shiva, embodying supreme power and divine authority. He is revered as a creator, destroyer, and benefactor, often granting boons to devotees and central to cosmic narratives and rituals.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The divine deity of immeasurable energy who sits on the summit of Meru, worshipped by gods and beings of power.[1] (2) Another name for the god Sankara, who told Drupada that he would have a child of both genders.[2] (3) A title often associated with the supreme god Shiva representing destruction and regeneration.[3] (4) A name referring to Lord Shiva, a major deity in Hinduism known for his ascetic ways and cosmic functions.[4] (5) A deity to whom certain offenses cannot be absolved by Somasrava.[5]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The Supreme God who appears to grant Krishna a boon after seeing his severe devotion and ascetic practices.[6] (2) An epithet for Lord Shiva, the supreme god associated with destruction and regeneration, especially upon the loss of his consort, Sati.[7] (3) Another name for Lord Shiva, acknowledged for his role in spiritual practices and the dissemination of divine knowledge.[8] (4) The supreme god, whom others worship and who governs cosmic order, often associated with creation and destruction.[9] (5) Another name for Lord Shiva, known as the Destroyer in the Holy Trinity of Hindu gods.[10]

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) A form that Bhava assumes, manifesting divine attributes and qualities.[11] (2) Another name for Shiva, depicted in a powerful role during the events of the sacrificial conflict against Vishnu.[12] (3) Another name for Lord Shiva, who acts as a protector for Vana during the battle.[13] (4) Also known as Shiva, he is the god who grants a boon to Indra regarding the status of the Parijata tree.[14]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The blessed Three-eyed God who rides the Bull, representing Shiva, a principal deity known for his destroyer aspect.[15] (2) The supreme God, known as the Blue-throated One and the Destroyer, who ultimately grants favors to Ravana after a display of courage.[16] (3) Another name for Rudra, who rendered himself invisible after granting Ila back his virility following the Ashvamedha Sacrifice.[17]

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) A revered aspect of the god Shiva, central to the teachings and worship practices found in various Puranas.[18] (2) Another name referring to a supreme aspect of divinity, reflecting the interconnectedness of various deities in the cosmic order.[19] (3) The deity propitiated by Gargya in his quest for a son.[20]

From: Gautami Mahatmya

(1) Another name for Shiva, recognized for granting boons and providing assistance to devotees.[21] (2) Another name for Lord Shiva, who plays a crucial role in the events surrounding the removal of Brahma's head.[22] (3) A title for Lord Shiva, recognized as the lord of everything and the preceptor of the Universe.[23]

From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya

(1) A title for Lord Shiva, meaning 'Great God', expressing his supreme status among deities.[24]

From: Markandeya Purana

(1) Divine figure whose blessings are invoked for protection and overcoming evil deeds.[25]

From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)

(1) A name for Siva, reflecting his status as the great god who oversees creation, preservation, and destruction.[26]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) Mahadeva is the Lord most High, whose grace was sought by the king, and he is also referred to as the God most bountiful.[27]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Another name for Lord Shiva, representing his divine qualities and role as a devotee.[28] (2) A deity in Hinduism who embodies the aspects of creation, destruction, and preservation.[29] (3) Another name for Lord Shiva, who is known for his significant role in the cosmic cycle and his furious yet compassionate nature.[30] (4) A prominent divine figure who resides in Bhuvaneshvara-kshetra and is to be respected by the devotees of Vishnu.[31] (5) Another name for Lord Shiva, recognized as the owner and overseer of Kashi.[32]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) referring to Shri Krishna[33] (2) a divine figure mentioned in the context of instructing the brahmana to reach Mathura[34] (3) Another name for Lord Shiva, indicating his greatness and divine attributes.[35] (4) An appellation for Shri Shiva, indicating his status as a supreme deity and beloved by Shri Krishna.[36] (5) Another name for Shri Shiva, indicating his divine nature and authority.[37]

From: Prem Sagar (English translation)

(1) Also known as Shiva, he intervenes in the battle and provides guidance to Banasoor.[38] (2) A reference to Lord Shiva, who is significant in the spiritual context of the narrative.[39]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) O great Lord[40]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Shaktism (Shakta philosophy):
Shaktism Books

From: Shakti and Shakta

(1) A representation of the divine present in the text, indicated as visible in Mahanila-Sarsvati's context.[41] (2) A representation of the Supreme Divine in Hinduism, particularly in the context of Tantra, illustrating the unity of male and female energies.[42]

Shakta or Shaktism (shaktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)

(1) Another name for the supreme God, associated deeply with the Guru principle.[43] (2) The great god portrayed as the embodiment of all divine aspects, often associated with Shiva.[44]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) The deity who replies to Lord Maitreya, explaining the significance of the body and various spiritual practices.[45] (2) Another name for the supreme god Shiva, embodying truth and higher state of existence.[46]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

The concept of Mahadeva in local and regional sources

History Books

Mahadeva is a multifaceted figure, signifying an author of Surudava, referring to Lord Shiva in royal devotion, a spiritual figure, Tuka's teacher and brother, a learned priest with nonconformist views, and a contemporary sect figure in Andhra Pradesh.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) This is a name that represents the Great God, whose surpassing love has made it manifest, signifying the highest form of divine being.[47] (2) The Swami had a surpassing love for this deity, and he once spoke of the Indian women of the future, according to the provided text.[48] (3) This is a name or invocation, suggesting a spiritual figure, expressing reverence and echoing throughout the described experiences and reflections within the narrative.[49]

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This is the name of an author, who is attributed to one of the three copies of the book Surudava, as mentioned in the text.[50] (2) Mahadeva is the teacher of Tuka and the elder brother of Tuka, as stated in the closing verses of Tajikamuktavali.[51]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A contemporary figure possibly related to the sects in Andhra Pradesh.[52]

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)

(1) A learned priest whose nonconformist views attracted followers, causing concern among traditional Arhats.[53]