Most Popular Shiva Tattoo Designs and Their Meanings

The worship of Lord Shiva is a common culture in India where millions of people believe in and follow this practice. Known as the Destroyer among the three primary deities of Hinduism referred to as Trimurti, Shiva is an irreplaceable figure in Hindu mythology that symbolizes the cycle of creation and destruction of the universe. His divine energy has been worshipped by people in one or the other for centuries in many ways, such as through prayers, rituals, and even through arts. A new way and a very popular and common way among the young people today has been through tattooing. 

A Lord Shiva tattoo is not only inked on the skin but is much more than that, as it is an identification of the intense spirituality, knowledge, and strength. Whether it is the conventional representation of Shiva sitting in meditation on Kailash or appearing as the destroyer in the battlefield, each narrates a specific story and represents a different facet of Shiva. 

Nowadays, the tattoos of Lord Shiva are quite famous in India and individuals get in touch with the best artists in order to get a perfect tattoo. So when you are planning to have a Lord Shiva tattoo in India, it is certainly very important that proper care is taken to choose the right artist so that the tattoo is done properly and as a mark of respect to Lord Shiva. Delhi residents could book a Lord Shiva tattoo artist in Delhi for advice on how to accurately and artfully capture the design. 

This guide will focus on giving you an insight into some of the top Shiva tattoo ideas and helping you find the one that best embraces your spirit.

1. Lord Shiva’s Trishul (Trident)

The trident, or ‘Trishul’, is one of the identifiable symbols most commonly attributed to Lord Shiva. This symbolizes the three aspects of life: creation, preservation and destruction. The meaning of a Trishul held by Shiva is the relation a man establishes with cosmic energies along with body-mind-soul harmony.

Many individuals who decide to get this tattoo are in search of some form of strength and source of tranquility that can be obtained from comprehending the circle of life. The design itself is basic and meaningful, and as such, it is favoured by those looking to get a Shiva tattoo with a powerful yet discreet theme.

2. Shiva’s Third Eye

Sometimes, Lord Shiva is portrayed with an eye located at the centre of the forehead—the Eye of Wisdom or the Third Eye. This third eye symbolizes his oversoul, in which he can see and comprehend the whole universe as it is. It is said that the third eye, when opened, is capable of eradicating evil and bringing an end to ignorance. The third eye, symbolizing Lord Shiva, is recommended for those who are eager to gain spirituality or those who want to come out from the state of ignorance.

Depending on the design, this symbol is often accompanied by other elements, such as a crescent moon or a serpent, to make the overall meaning richer. Those who choose this design tend to be inclined towards the philosophy of self-realization and enlightenment.

3. Nataraja – The Lord of Dance

Nataraja Shiva is one of the magnificent and graceful forms of God. In a dance called Nataraja, the Lord is portrayed as Shiva, the god of cosmic dance. The dance represents the cyclical pattern of the universe—creation, expansion, degeneration, destruction, and recreation.

A Nataraja tattoo may symbolize change, motion and the cyclical aspect of life. Those people who chose it are usually aware of the cycles of life and the necessity of attaining harmony with the sin of creation and destruction. This design is particularly significant to those who are Dancers, artists or anyone who sees the rhythm of life and the process of transformation.

4. Lord Shiva’s Damru (Drum)

Damru is also seen in Lord Shiva’s hand and represents the sound that created existence. According to Hindu mythology, the sound of the Damru represents the creation of the world. Its sound reflects the heartbeat and movement in the galaxy of celestial planets.

Many people who decide to have this symbol on their bodies want to achieve perfect balance in their lives.

5. Shiva’s Crescent Moon

The crescent moon on Shiva’s head is an attribute seen in many forms of Lord Shiva. It is still often interpreted as an association with the cycle of time, with the phases that grow and shrink, respectively. It also points toward the importance of Lord Shiva, who governs time, and how he can bring harmony even in chaos.

A tattoo depicting Shiva with the crescent moon renders people desire or seek for a profound sense of serenity, stability and control over emotions. This tattoo is not only associated with Lord Shiva's characteristics but also with the wearers' wish to free themselves from everyday noise and conflict.

6. Lord Shiva’s Serpent

The image of the snake around the neck of Shiva is another one of its kind. It is also called ‘Vasuki,’ the serpent, which denotes the aspect of moderation and the rule over greed. It is a representation of one’s strength, energy, and mastery of oneself. Lord Shiva, who wears the serpent, depicts control over animal instincts; its ability symbolizes composure.

Serpent tattoos are chosen by those who want to gain control over their instincts, desires, and negative feelings. They symbolize change, shielding one from harm and opening one's eyes to spiritual realities.

Conclusion

Lord Shiva tattoos are not just admired for their beauty of styles but the significance they convey. All the designs represent different phases of life and spirituality. If you are thinking about getting a Lord Shiva tattoo, it is crucial to select a symbolic design that will be meaningful for you. 

India has many skilled tattoo artists who have expertise in the area of spirituality/religion based tattoos. If you live in Chandigarh and you are still searching for an expert to get you through the tattoo process or to advise you on which tattoo design suits you best, the best tattoo artist in Chandigarh would be more than willing to explain to you the meaning behind a Shiva tattoo.