Shiv Puran Reveals 19 Lesser-Known Avatars Of Lord Shiva; Check Names And Significance

19 Avatars Of Lord Shiva: Mahadev or Bholenath is the Supreme Divine figure in Hinduism's Holy Trinity. As the "destroyer," he eliminates evil and injustice, restoring balance and upholding law, order and truth. To achieve this, Lord Shiva takes various forms known as avatars, which are divine incarnations manifesting in human form. These avatars embody his role as a protector and preserver of cosmic order, demonstrating his power to transform and rejuvenate the universe. Through his numerous incarnations or avatars, Lord Shiva showcases his multifaceted nature, from fierce destroyer to benevolent benefactor, maintaining harmony and balance in the universe.

The Shiv Puran reveals that Lord Shiva has had 19 Avatars or incarnations. Each avatar taken by Lord Shiva has a unique power and purpose, aiming to restore Dharma and vanquish evil. However, do you know the names of these incarnations of Mahadev, or do you even know they existed? If not, check out the names and significance of each of these sacred avatars of Lord Shiva below:

19 Incarnations Of Avatars Of Lord Shiva According To The Shiv Puran

1. Piplaad: Mahadev is believed to have incarnated as Piplaad, born to Sage Dadhichi and Suvarcha. Piplaad never met his father, who died before his birth. Raised by his aunt, he later discovered Shani Dev’s role in his father’s death. In anger, he cursed Shani. Calmed by the Gods, he relented with the condition that Saturn wouldn’t trouble anyone under 16.

2. Nandi: Though mostly known as Lord Shiva’s Vahan, Nandi is also considered to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Sage Shilada’s intense penance moved Lord Shiva, who blessed him with an immortal son named Nandi. As a bull, Nandi represents strength and loyalty. In temples, he guards Lord Shiva’s abode. In his human form, Nandikeshwar, he holds an axe and an antelope. Whispering your wishes in Nandi’s ear ensures they reach Shiva.

3. Veerbhadra: Known as Lord Shiva’s most fearsome avatar, Veerbhadra was born from his matted hair in a moment of intense rage. Created after Sati’s tragic self-immolation, he destroyed Daksha’s yagna, scattered its rituals and even crushed Lord Indra. Veerbhadra symbolises divine wrath against injustice, defending the honour of love and sacrifice.

4. Bhairav: Born from Shiva’s fury after Brahma’s lie, Bhairav is fierce and relentless. He cut off Brahma’s fifth head and, burdened by guilt, wandered as a beggar for twelve years. As Kaal Bhairav, he protects the 52 Shakti Peethas and helps devotees destroy ego, lies and fear to find success.

5. Ashwatthama: The mighty son of Dronacharya, Ashwatthama, is said to be born from Shiva’s energy after he consumed the deadly Halahal poison. Though a Brahmin by birth, he was drawn to warfare. Known as a “Vish Purush”, Ashwatthama is immortal and represents unmatched strength, resilience and unwavering devotion to dharma.

6. Sharabh: To calm the rage of Lord Narasimha, Lord Shiva manifested as Sharabh, a part-lion, part-bird creature with 30 arms and 8 legs. This majestic form overpowered even Vishnu’s fiercest avatar. Worshipping Sharabh brings protection from negativity, sharpens willpower and helps restore peace after overwhelming chaos or destructive emotions.

7. Grihapati: Born to Sage Vishwanar and Shuchismati, Grihapati feared an early death due to planetary misalignment. While on a pilgrimage to Kashi for penance, Indra tried to stop him. Lord Shiva appeared, saved him and blessed him with invincibility, even time itself (Kaalvajra) couldn't harm him. As one of Lord Shiva’s manifestations, he is worshipped for planetary protection.

8. Durvasa: Lord Shiva also incarnated as Sage Durvasa, the son of Sage Atri and Anusuya. He is remembered for his fiery temper. Yet, he upheld truth and discipline and was equally respected by Gods and mortals. Though feared, he was a strict teacher of dharma, punishing arrogance and reminding all to tread life with humility and care.

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The avatars of Lord Shiva embody his divine power, showcasing his multifaceted nature and the triumph of good over evil always. (Image Source: Canva) 

9. Hanuman: The devoted Bhakt of Lord Shri Ram, Lord Hanuman is considered an avatar of Shiva. His birth was the result of divine intervention involving Shiva’s energy. Strong, fearless, and endlessly devoted, Lord Hanuman is worshipped for protection from fear, illness and adversity. His courage and humility continue to inspire millions of hearts.

10. Rishabh: As the ox form of Lord Shiva, Rishabh appeared to bring balance when chaos threatened the universe. He subdued rogue descendants of Lord Vishnu who were harming creation. This powerful form symbolises the calm yet forceful nature of justice, reminding the devotees of the strength found in silence, patience and righteousness.

11. Yatinath: As a humble traveller, Lord Shiva visited a tribal couple, Aahuk and his wife, disguised as Yatinath. Aahuk gave his life offering shelter. Touched by their selflessness, Shiva promised they would be reborn as Nala and Damayanti, destined for divine love.

12. Krishna Darshan: In this spiritual form, Lord Shiva appeared to guide Prince Nabhag, son of King Shradhadeva, toward enlightenment. He taught him the essence of yagnas and the value of detachment. As Krishna Darshan, Lord Shiva became a mentor, showing that liberation lies not in rituals alone, but in understanding life’s true purpose.

13. Bhikshuvarya: After King Satyaratha and his queen died, Lord Shiva took on the form of Bhikshuvarya to protect their orphaned child. Raised by a humble woman, the child was blessed with divine grace. This form of Shiva reveals his nurturing side, caring for the innocent and ensuring that no soul is ever abandoned.

14. Sureshwar: Disguised as Lord Indra, Lord Shiva tested young Upamanyu’s devotion. Despite hardship, Upamanyu remained firm in faith. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva revealed himself and promised to reside with Parvati as Sureshwar near Upamanyu’s ashram. This avatar teaches us that true devotion is never unnoticed and is always rewarded, even when tested in disguise.

15. Kirateshwar: When Arjuna meditated to please Shiva, the Lord appeared as a hunter called Kirateshwar. After a fierce battle between them, Shiva revealed himself and gifted Arjuna the mighty Pashupata Astra.

16. Suntantarka: In this enchanting avatar, Shiva danced joyfully with his damru in the court of King Himalaya. The dance wasn’t merely a celebration, but to humbly ask the king’s blessing for Devi Parvati’s hand in marriage since Himalaya was her father.

17. Brahmachari: Before marrying Devi Parvati, Lord Shiva appeared as a celibate seeker - Brahmachari, to test her devotion. Maa Parvati remained steadfast, proving her love and determination. This form symbolises purity, self-restraint and the power of unwavering love.

18. Yaksheswar: During the churning of the ocean, the Gods became proud of their strength. Shiva, disguised as Yaksheswar, challenged their ego by offering them divine grass to cut, but none could.

19. Avadhut: In the Avadhut avatar, Lord Shiva aimed to destroy the ego of Lord Indra. Appearing as a wandering ascetic, his very presence dismantled Indra’s arrogance.

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The avatars of Lord Shiva embody his divine power to protect, transform, and rejuvenate the universe. Each form showcases his multifaceted nature, from fierce warrior to benevolent guide, inspiring devotees to seek his blessings and guidance on their spiritual journey and embodying the triumph of good over evil.