As a supreme God in Hinduism, Lord Shiva is known to have taken many incarnations and avatars. The five most important avatars that a devotee must know are:
- Tatpurush - Manifested in Peetavasa or the 21st Kalpa, Tatpurush is the third and the most popular incarnation of Lord Shiva.
- Ishan - The Ishan form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were manifested in Vishwaroop Kalpa, and were the beginning of Ardhamundi, Mundi, Caste and Shikhandi manifestations.
- Namadeva - During Rakta or the 20th Kalpa, a red complexioned entity emerged from Lord Brahma, and is believed to be Namadeva – a form of Shiva.
- Aghoresh - Born out of Lord Brahma in Shiva Kalpa during a deep meditative state, Aghoresh has a black complexion.
- Sadhojat - Considered to be the first incarnation of Lord Shiva in Shweta Lohit or the 19th Kalpa, four of the first disciples of Sadhojat were Sunand, Nandan, Vishwanandan and Upanandan.
Apart from these important incarnations, there are 19 popular avatars of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. Let’s take a look at these below:
- Nandi Avatar - Quietly formidable Nandi, Lord Shiva's mount and the divine gatekeeper is considered to be one of his avatars.
- Piplaad Avatar – Legend has it that Shiva was born to sage Dhatichi as Piplaad. This is the form of Shiva that devotees pray to when they want to be rid of Shani Dosha.
- Veerbhadra Avatar – An aggressive avatar of Lord Shiva that is full of rage, Veerbhadra was born when Sati was sacrificed in her father Daksha’s yagna. In this form, he beheads Daksha and scatters the gods with his wrath before returning to Mount Kailash.
- Ashwatthama - The Vish purush born to Drona and Kripi in Mahabharata as as Ashwatthama is also considered to be an avatar of Lord Shiva.
- Sharabha Avatar – Part lion and part bird, Sharabha is an eight-legged beast, mightier than a lion and elephant, and was manifested to kill Narasimha – the avatar of Lord Vishnu.
- Sharabha Avatar – Part lion and part bird, Sharabha is an eight-legged beast, mightier than a lion and elephant, and was manifested to kill Narasimha – the avatar of Lord Vishnu.
- Bhairava Avatar - In the form of the frightful Bhairava, Lord Shiva guards each of these Shaktipeeths. Kaala Bhairava, Annadhaani Bhairava, Kal Bhairab, Bhairadya or Bhairon is the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with annihilation. A temple dedicated to Bhairava accompanies each Shaktipeeth temple.
- Durvasa Avatar - A great sage known for his short temper, this avatar of Lord Shiva is considered to be his truest form, and was born to maintain the discipline of the universe.
- Hanuman Avatar – Lord Rama’s faithful and fierce companion, Lord Hanuman was another important avatar of Lord Shiva.
- Vrishabh Avatar – This avatar of Lord Shiva in the form of an Ox was born to kill the demon sons of Lord Vishnu in Patal Lok.
- Krishna Darshan Avatar – In this avatar, Lord Shiva reminds us of the important religious rituals in Hinduism and preaches the true significance of yagya.
- Sureshwar Avatar – This avatar shows Lord Shiva’s devotees that he is filled with immense love and care, and will bless his true followers, like Upamanyu.
- Brahmachari Avatar – The avatar of Lord Shiva who tests Sati in order to decide that her love and devotion to Lord Shiva (whom she wishes to marry) was unmovable and complete.
- Avdhut Avatar – In this form, Lord Shiva crushes Lord Indra’s ego and pride.
- Keerat Avatar – This avatar tested and dueled with Arjuna, and gave him the Pashupat weapon as a blessing.
- Grihapati Avatar – The 7th avatar of Lord Shiva, he is the lord of all the directions.
- Yatinath Avatar – A peaceful form on Lord Shiva, he blessed Aahuk and his wife was Aahuka on the Arbudachal mountain.
- Bhikshuvarya Avatar – In this avatar, Lord Shiva protects the needy and asserts the significance of giving bhiksha (alms).
- Yaksheshwar – This avatar reminds the gods that their arrogance over defeating demons was not good. He reminds them that victory due to somebody's grace and blessing is the best victory of them all.
- Sunatnartak – This is the avatar of Lord Shiva who goes to Himalaya to seek permission to marry his beloved daughter, Parvati.