One of the major deities of Hinduism, Lord Shiva showcases the complex dichotomy of qualities by being the symbol of asceticism and sensuality, the destroyer and restorer, the protector of souls and the raging avenger. Initially, Lord Shiva whose meaning is auspicious in Sanskrit was known as Rudra and was just worshipped as a minor deity whose name occurred only three times in the Rig Veda. 

He received paramount significance and popularity after concocting some characteristics of a fertility god. He is also a vital part of the Trinity or Trimurti, which includes Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Shiva is largely known as the ‘shakti’ or power, hence called the most powerful god of the Hindu Pantheon. Worshipped by a plethora of names such as Bhole Nath, Pashupati, Mahadeva, Nataraja and Bhairava, Lord Shiva can probably be considered as one of the most intricate yet most worshipped Hindu deities. 

This explains why many religious men would opt for lord shiva hand tattoos. This article contains some of the most amazing lord shiva tattoo designs which can be done on your hand. However, before we begin enumerating them, let’s understand further the cult of shiva.   

The Significance of Shiva’s Cult

The cult of Shiva is popularly recognised by the name of Shaivism or Saivism. The cult is identified by its plethora of theological practices that rests on three principles; pati or God, pasu or individual soul and pasa, or the bonds that tether the soul to materialistic wants and desires. 

The end of the cult is to break the shackles of bondage that restrain the souls from achieving ‘shivata’, that is ‘the nature of Shiva’. One can achieve shivata by practising yoga, renunciation and multiple ascetic practices that purify the soul of its sins and wrongdoings. 

Shaivites differentiate themselves from the masses by becoming sadhus and marking their foreheads with three horizontal marks which signify the three aspects of Lord Shiva. 

In addition, to reflect His invincibility Lord Shiva wears a snake that is coiled around his upper arms and neck. However, there rests another symbolic meaning explaining why he chose a snake to coil his arm and neck. Snakes are known to shed their skin as a part of the natural process. This symbolically implies the human soul’s transmigration of bodies from one life to another. 

Holding a trident in his hand, which is representative of the Hindu trinity, Brahma Vishnu and Shiva, Lord Shiva is believed to reside on Mount Kailasa on the Himalayas along with his wife Parvati and their sons. 

With that said, let’s check out the two most important lord shiva hand tattoos and their significance. 

Lord Shiva Hand Tattoos and Their Significance

Here is the significance of lord Shiva hand tattoos:

1. Lord Shiva and the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra tattoo

In Indian mythology, the Mahamrityunjaya mantra is one of the most respected mantras. A concoction of three Hindi language words, that is, Maha or great, Mrityun or death and ‘jaya’ or victory, Mahamrityunjay mantra is also known as ‘Rudra mantra’ or ‘Tryambakam mantra’.

The mantra was formulated by Rishi Markandeya when the moon found itself in trouble after being cursed by King Daksha. Rishi Markandeya whispered the mantra to Sati, Daksha’s daughter, who then forwarded to the moon. 

Meaning of mahamrityunjaya mantra:

The mantra: त्रयम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् । उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् म्रुत्योर्मुक्षिय मामृतात् ॥ Om Tryambakam Yajamahe, Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam, Urvarukmiv Bandhanat, Mrityor Mokshaya Mamratat

These lines connote the presence of the third eye which rests between the two eyes. This third eye is the unlimited source of power that can be felt internally and can render joy, happiness, contentment and peace in life. 

Significance of the mantra:

Also recognised as the moksha mantra, it is known to render mental, physical and emotional well-being to anyone who recites it. The birth of this mantra was to proffer peace, as Chandra (Moon) suffered from the curse of kIng Daksha. When Chandra recited this mantra repeatedly, the effects of the curse plummeted and then Lord Shiva took the Chandra or crescent moon and placed it on his head. 

2. Trishul And Om

Hinduism is a repository of myriads of symbols that are perceived differently based upon different occasions. The most important ones are the om and the Trishul which showcase a deeper level of consciousness, enlightenment and power. 

As mentioned above, Trishul is the primary weapon of Lord Shiva and therefore, it is highly venerated by the Hindu followers. On the other hand, Om is often recited during meditative practices and is considered to unite the chanter with the universe. It helps in retaining peace of mind and body. This explains why a huge portion of the population are often inspired to do the tattoos on their bodies as it facilitates tranquillity. 

Not only that but people are also inspired to do Om and Trishul tattoos due to their wide array of meanings and symbolism. With the intricate design and magnificent visual appeal, the tattoo can only be infallibly made by professionals. 

Significance of the symbols:

As mentioned earlier, the revered Trishul represents three powers of wisdom, action and will. So, not only are the deeply religious people allured by the beauty of this symbol, but it’s also deeply spiritual who would want to be one with the universe. 

Although tattoos are a trendy way to portray how cool and modern you are, they are also extremely personal and a reflection of one part of you. So, if you’re a devotee of Lord Shiva, you can go ahead and do lord shiva hand tattoos. 

There is nothing wrong in doing shiva tattoo designs in arm as Lord Shiva is the most unique Gods of all and an intricate reflection of the dichotomy of qualities. With the plethora of symbols such as the snake Vasuki coiled around his neck and arm, the crescent moon, the hole river Ganga, the Damru and Trishula are among the many.

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