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
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) A class of divine beings skilled in interpreting signs and involved in the context of the Bodhisattva's birth.[1] (2) Saintly devas skilled in the significance and interpretation of signs who come to see the newly born Bodhisattva.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The foremost and greatest of the gods who has specific days allotted to him each month.[3]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) A title associated with the highest divine manifestations in some interpretations of Buddhism and Hinduism.[4]
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) A title for Lord Shiva, who is worshipped by Vishnu and the Devas on the northern bank of the Gautami river.[5] (2) Another name for Lord Shiva, who granted Bhagiratha's wish for the sacred river from his matted hair.[6] (3) Another name for Lord Shiva, emphasizing his supreme lordship and benevolence.[7] (4) Another name for Lord Shiva, who responded to the situation after being insulted at Daksha鈥檚 sacrifice.[8] (5) A name referring to Lord Shiva, known for his role in preserving virtue in the mythological narrative.[9]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Another name for Lord Shiva, who is invoked for protection and aid in overcoming powerful enemies.[10] (2) Another name for Sankara, denoting his role as a supreme being and warrior against evil.[11] (3) A name for Lord Shiva, who is venerated by the Pandavas for his blessings in their quest.[12] (4) An epithet for Mahadeva, emphasizing his role as the great lord and ruler of all beings.[13] (5) A divine entity who resides in the northern region, endued with the effulgence of fire and portrays the creator aspect.[14]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A deity present in the Agni Linga, viewed as the source of all things and often associated with Shiva.[15] (2) Refers to the supreme god, often identified with Shiva in the context of his worship and related practices.[16] (3) Maheshvara is a name for Lord Shiva, signifying the deity associated with the duties and worship described in the Skanda Purana.[17] (4) The supreme god in Shaivism, often referred to in hymns within the Kurma Purana.[18]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The Destroyer among the Trimurti, commonly known as Shiva, who is equally under the influence of Maya.[19] (2) Another name for Lord Shiva, who is called upon to help the Devas in their battle.[20]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) An individual becomes Maheshvara if the presiding star is at the heart.[21]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) A form of the divine representing the highest reality, explained in terms of qualities and existence.[22]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Another divine character whose guidance and favors are sought for resolving issues caused by Duhsaha's progeny.[23]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A deity for whom the character wore a necklace, suggesting significance in worship or reverence.[24] (2) Maheshvara refers to a great god, often used to describe Shiva and his aspects of creation, preservation, and destruction.[25] (3) Another name for Shiva, who was the subject of Bhrigu Muni's test after Brahma.[26] (4) A title referring to the greatest of demigods, typically associated with Lord Shiva, who should be worshiped after Shri Krishna.[27] (5) A term meaning the supreme controller or God, often associated with Lord Vishnu.[28]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A title denoting a supreme being or god, recognized among the highest Vaishnavas.[29] (2) The exalted Vaishnava referred to as Shri Mahadeva who displayed modesty by lowering his head in shame upon hearing his praises.[30]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Referred to as the great Lord, representing the ultimate power of darkness dispelling evil.[31] (2) The great Lord, an appellation for the Supreme being that denotes the divine governance over all creation.[32]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Refers to Shiva, the beloved of Parvati, regarded as the chief of all created beings.[33]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The supreme god, often identified as Shiva, representing ultimate reality during meditation.[34]
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) A deity that is primarily honored in the region as per the text.[35]