There’s something about Lord Shiva that has fascinated and intrigued everyone for centuries. As old as the cosmos itself, he is the god of destruction and the most powerful deity of the Trinity in Hinduism. If you too are drawn to his enigmatic aura, Shiva tattoos are a perfect way to establish your connection with the divine being! In this article, we’ll take you through the different meanings associated with this tattoo, along with some of the best designs that will leave you mesmerized with the divine aesthetics of this Hindu deity. Scroll down to find out more.
Meaning of Shiva tattoos
Shiva is a popular Hindu deity. A tattoo featuring him can simply represent your devotion and reverence for him. As part of the broader category of Hindu tattoos, a Shiva tattoo can also signify a deep personal connection to the divine and a dedication to embodying qualities such as inner peace. Aside from this, a Shiva tattoo can also mean the following:
It can represent the destruction of ignorance, illusions, and ego for personal transformation. It can also convey spiritual awakening and overcoming obstacles in life. A tattoo of Lord Shiva in a meditative pose can reflect tranquility and inner peace. His third eye can signify insight, wisdom, and inner vision. A tattoo of his dancing form, Natraja, can represent energy and rhythm. His trident can symbolize strength, power, and the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. His crescent moon can symbolize the passage of time. A tattoo of the Ganges River flowing from Shiva’s hair can symbolize purification and liberation. A design of Shiva covered in ash can symbolize renunciation of worldly attachments. A design of his blue throat, which was the result of consuming poison during the churning of the ocean, symbolizes the ability to transform negativity into positivity. His association with cannabis, also known as bhang, can symbolize the transcendence of earthly consciousness. A tattoo of Shiva’s tiger skin can symbolize overcoming inner fears.
Some get a Shiva tattoo to represent their journey to self-realization and liberation from the cycle of birth and death, while others simply get it to represent their love for Hindu mythology. Once you’ve decided on the meaning behind your design, check out the next section for our list of Shiva tattoo designs for inspiration.
8 Sacred Shiva Tattoo Designs
Due to the abundance of symbolism associated with him, the Hindu god Shiva is a popular subject for body art. Here are a few tattoo designs featuring him that are sure to amaze you:
1. Shiva Trident Tattoo
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This tattoo depicts the trident, also known as the Trishul, one of Shiva’s primary weapons. It represents the deity’s power to destroy evil and ignorance, clearing the way for new creation and transformation. In Hindu philosophy, this symbol can also represent the balance of the three qualities of nature, or gunas. These include tamas, the tendency toward lethargy; rajas, the tendency toward ambition; and sattva, the tendency toward selfless service.
2. Angry Lord Shiva Tattoo
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The detailed shading and coloring in this tattoo is truly amazing. It captures Shiva’s fierce stance perfectly and shows his raw power and strength. Since his anger is believed to be controlled and directed towards the destruction of evil forces, the design can represent control over emotions.
3. Shiva tattoo on back
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This tattoo shows the divine ascetic with his eyes closed. He exudes an aura of mysticism and power that immediately captures everyone’s attention. The intricate patterns around Shiva’s head further add to the appeal of the design. The tattoo can represent a personal connection with Shiva and a commitment to following his teachings and principles.
4. Shiva tattoo for girls
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If you’re not a fan of elaborate tattoos that cover the entire arm, this option is perfect for you. The simple design features the bust of Lord Shiva. You’ll also see the crescent moon, his matted hair, his third eye, and a snake around his neck, a subtle yet intricate symbol to show your devotion to the deity.
5. Shiva tattoo on hand
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If you’re a fan of hand tattoos, look no further than this black and gray design. The fine line details bring out Shiva’s intricate features and make him appear almost lifelike. The blackwork design symbolizes both destruction and creation, serving as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life.
6. Shiva forearm tattoo
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This forearm tattoo is a timeless masterpiece, perfect for anyone who wants to carry the essence of Lord Shiva with them wherever they go. The blackwork design shows the deity in his ultimate glory, radiating power, wisdom, and calmness. His hair seems to fly everywhere, evoking a sense of divine and cosmic energy and reminding the wearer of the power of inner peace amidst life’s hardships.
7. Shiva and the third eye tattoo
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If you need a tattoo to represent your journey of spiritual awakening, try this third eye tattoo design. The design depicts Shiva’s third eye, which is associated with meditation and inner vision. It represents the ability to connect to a higher consciousness and stay true to yourself. The addition of the trident to the design adds to the rich symbolism.
8. Shiva and Shakti tattoo
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Like yin-yang, this tattoo represents the concept of dualism in Hinduism. It depicts Shiva and Shakti, the divine feminine energy that represents power, creation, and fertility. The presence of both in this design symbolizes the balance between male and female energies and serves as a reminder of the importance of harmony in life.
Shiva tattoos are a perfect tribute to one of the most powerful gods in Hindu mythology. The tattoos can also symbolize many things depending on their elements. For example, Shiva’s third eye can symbolize wisdom and inner vision, while his trident can symbolize strength and power. Therefore, think carefully about the symbolism of the elements before you decide on a design. After all, you want your tattoo to not only reflect your admiration for Lord Shiva, but also resonate with your personal beliefs and values.
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Lucas Cummins is an Ohio-based tattoo artist who has been making his mark on the tattoo industry for the past 2 years. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for vibrant expression, Lucas specializes in neo-traditional, colorful, and abstract style tattoos.
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