Significance of Maheshvara
Synonyms: Lord shiva, Mahadeva, Shankar, Rudra, Bholenath, Nataraja, Shiva, Shankara, Hara
In Dutch: Maheshvara; In German: Maheshvara; In Finnish: Maheshvara; In Spanish: Maheshvara; In Swedish: Maheshvara; In Malay: Maheshvara; In French: Maheshvara; In Portugese: Maheshvara; In Italian: Maheshvara; In Polish: Maheśwara
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Maheshvara'
Maheshvara in Buddhism signifies a supreme divine figure linked to creation, revered during Kaliyuga and recognized for his nurturing qualities. He embodies a class of enlightened beings skilled in interpreting signs, particularly during a Bodhisattva's birth.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The Maheshvaras are surpassed in intelligence by the Bodhisattva, along with the Danavas and the hosts of Mara.[1] (2) A class of divine beings skilled in interpreting signs and involved in the context of the Bodhisattva's birth.[2] (3) Saintly devas skilled in the significance and interpretation of signs who come to see the newly born Bodhisattva.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Maheshvara is identified as Shiva and is considered one of the gods of the brahmanical trimurti, sometimes mentioned alongside Vishnu, and also associated with Rudra, a synonym for Maheshvara.[4] (2) He is also known as Mo hi cheou lo, he has eight arms and three eyes and is mounted on a white bull.[5] (3) The foremost and greatest of the gods who has specific days allotted to him each month.[6]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) A title associated with the highest divine manifestations in some interpretations of Buddhism and Hinduism.[7]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The world believes that this entity is a creator, speaking of an end and a beginning, and of the “is-not” and “is” of the world.[8]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) To those who are to be converted by this being, the law is preached assuming this being's shape.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Maheshvara'
Maheshvara in Hinduism is primarily a name for Lord Shiva, symbolizing his roles as the supreme deity associated with protection, spiritual enlightenment, and cosmic control, embodying creation, destruction, and regeneration in various contexts.
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) It is a name for the lord, found at a place where he is called Gautameshvara, and is located at the meeting place of the ocean and the Ganga.[10] (2) The deity whom Atri advised his son Datta to eulogize in Gautami in order to gain knowledge.[11] (3) A title for Lord Shiva, who is worshipped by Vishnu and the Devas on the northern bank of the Gautami river.[12] (4) Another name for Lord Shiva, who granted Bhagiratha's wish for the sacred river from his matted hair.[13] (5) Another name for Lord Shiva, emphasizing his supreme lordship and benevolence.[14]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Mahesvara is a deity to whom a certain sacred Tirtha is known to be acceptable, and bathing in that Tirtha makes one competent to behold the deities.[15] (2) Mahesvara explained to Uma that the deities were going to the Sacrifice of Daksha, revealing the reason for their departure.[16] (3) Maheshvara is the source of the vital seed that fell into a blazing fire, leading to the birth of Kumara.[17] (4) Mahesvara is the god who slew in battle all the Daityas with the indestructible, supreme weapon of the name of Pasupata.[18] (5) Another name for Lord Shiva, who is invoked for protection and aid in overcoming powerful enemies.[19]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Maheshvara, Brahma and Vishnu are the Rishis of the Gayatri-Kavaca, according to the text.[20] (2) Maheshvara is a deity who is able to destroy the world during the Pralaya time by the Power of the World-Mother.[21] (3) Maheshvara is a name for Shankara who advised Shukracarya to practise a difficult tapasya.[22] (4) Maheshvara is addressed by Durgama when requesting the Vedas and Vedic Mantrams, and later by the Brahmanas when seeking mercy.[23] (5) It is the Deva of the Devas who wandered the world in a distracted state, carrying the Sati’s body, and spent time in Samadhi, forgetting Samsara.[24]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A deity present in the Agni Linga, viewed as the source of all things and often associated with Shiva.[25] (2) Refers to the supreme god, often identified with Shiva in the context of his worship and related practices.[26] (3) Maheshvara is a name for Lord Shiva, signifying the deity associated with the duties and worship described in the Skanda Purana.[27] (4) The supreme god in Shaivism, often referred to in hymns within the Kurma Purana.[28]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Maheshvara should be worshipped on the thirteenth day of the fortnight, according to the text.[29] (2) He is the terrific deity whom Daksha imprecated after his sacrifice was destroyed, according to the text.[30] (3) An individual becomes Maheshvara if the presiding star is at the heart.[31]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) On the dark fourteenth after the passing-away of the twelfth, one observing fast, should take bath and worship this deity.[32]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) A form of the divine representing the highest reality, explained in terms of qualities and existence.[33]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Another divine character whose guidance and favors are sought for resolving issues caused by Duhsaha's progeny.[34]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Mahesvara is the destroyer of the universe, which consists of mobile and immobile creations, and is identical with Narayana.[35]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Maheshvara is considered worshipable by all, a fact established by the influence of the names, and this has led to widespread hearing and chanting of the holy names by everyone.[36] (2) A deity for whom the character wore a necklace, suggesting significance in worship or reverence.[37] (3) Maheshvara refers to a great god, often used to describe Shiva and his aspects of creation, preservation, and destruction.[38] (4) Another name for Shiva, who was the subject of Bhrigu Muni's test after Brahma.[39] (5) A title referring to the greatest of demigods, typically associated with Lord Shiva, who should be worshiped after Shri Krishna.[40]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A title denoting a supreme being or god, recognized among the highest Vaishnavas.[41] (2) The exalted Vaishnava referred to as Shri Mahadeva who displayed modesty by lowering his head in shame upon hearing his praises.[42]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A figure who initiates a person dying in Kashi by whispering Shri-Rama's Taraka (Mantra) into his right ear.[43] (2) Referred to as the great Lord, representing the ultimate power of darkness dispelling evil.[44] (3) The great Lord, an appellation for the Supreme being that denotes the divine governance over all creation.[45]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Maheshvara is another name for Rudra, addressed in the text, highlighting the deity's limited understanding of Brahman despite his perceived complete knowledge.[46]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Refers to Shiva, the beloved of Parvati, regarded as the chief of all created beings.[47]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The supreme god, often identified as Shiva, representing ultimate reality during meditation.[48]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) Maheshvara, who is also known as Shiva, is someone to whom the speaker bows along with Brahma before beginning to relate the Canons of Drama.[49]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) This being is the same as ‘Brahma’ and ‘Narayana,’ though they form the objects of diverse forms of worship, yet they do not differ among themselves according to the text.[50]
The concept of Maheshvara in local and regional sources
Maheshvara, a title for Shiva, signifies the devotion of the Maitraka dynasty's kings, represents a prominent regional deity, and is honored by the Cahamanas family, as illustrated in the Hansot inscription.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Shashanka-raja wished to replace the statue of Buddha with a figure of Maheshvara, reflecting his devotion to heresy and his desire to undermine Buddhism.[51] (2) A deity that is primarily honored in the region as per the text.[52]