Shivanama, Śivanāma, Shiva-nama: 1 definition

Introduction:

Shivanama means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

The Sanskrit term Śivanāma can be transliterated into English as Sivanama or Shivanama, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

[«previous next»] — Shivanama in Purana glossary
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

1) Śivanāma (शिवनाम) refers to the rite of “muttering of the names of Śiva” and is mentioned in the Śivapurāṇa 1.20 while explaining the mode of worshipping an earthen phallic image (pārthiva-liṅga) according to the Vedic rites:—“[...] this mode of worship of Śiva’s earthen phallic image is the muttering of the names of Śiva (śivanāma). O excellent sages, it yields all cherished desires. Please listen to me. I shall explain it. The eight names of Śiva viz:—Hara, Maheśvara, Śambhu, Śūlapāṇi, Pinākadhṛk, Śiva, Paśupati and Mahādeva shall be used respectively for the rites of bringing the clay, kneading, installation, invocation, ceremonial ablution, worship, craving the forbearance and ritualistic farewell. Each of the names shall be prefixed with Oṃkāra. The name shall be used in the dative case and Namaḥ shall be added to them. The rites shall be performed respectively with great devotion and joy. [...]”.

2) Śivanāma (शिवनाम) refers to “listening to the names of Śiva”, said to derive great merit, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.1.18.—Accordingly, as Śiva’s attendants (yamagaṇas) said to Yama’s attendants (śivagaṇas):—“[...] another great merit he derived from listening to the names of Śiva [viz., Śivanāma], though casually, O attendants. He witnessed the worship that was being performed duly by a devotee. He was observing a fast and his mind was concentrated too. Let him go to Śivaloka along with us. As Śiva’s follower let him enjoy great pleasures there for sometime”.

Purana book cover
context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s 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.

Discover the meaning of shivanama or sivanama in the context of Purana from relevant books on Exotic India

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