What does the Sanskrit word shiva mean according to Monier-Williams?
The Sanskrit word shiva means auspicious, propitious, gracious, and kind as published by Monier-Williams in his 1899 dictionary of the language.
Questions about Shiva
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did the Shaiva tradition focused on worship of Shiva begin?
The period from 200 BC to 100 AD marks the beginning of the Shaiva tradition focused on worship of Shiva. Numismatics research suggests numerous coins of the ancient Kushan Empire dated 30 to 375 CE were images of a god probably Shiva.
Who is considered the creator preserver destroyer revealer and concealer of all that is in Shaivism?
Followers called Shaivas believe that Shiva is All and in all the creator preserver destroyer revealer and concealer of all that is. The theology includes both monist Advaita and devotional Dvaita traditions such as Tamil Shaiva Siddhanta.
Where is Mount Kailasa located and what is its significance for Shiva?
Mount Kailasa in Himalayas is his traditional abode conceived as resembling a Linga. The oldest known archaeological lingam dates to 3rd-century BCE from Gudimallam.
What date does Maha Shivaratri occur each year and how do devotees observe it?
Maha Shivaratri means Great Night of Shiva observed once a year in late winter February or March. Devotees keep awake all night chanting prayers remembering Shiva fasting doing Yoga and meditating on ethics.