Shiva

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. One of the principal deities in Hinduism, often associated with destruction and regeneration as part of the cosmic cycle
2. A member of the holy trinity in Hindu belief, encompassing creation, preservation, and dissolution through divine power
3. An influential figure in various spiritual traditions symbolizing transformation, the inner self, and cosmic harmony

Etymology: The Hindu god's name comes from Sanskrit "Śiva," an adjective meaning "auspicious" or "benevolent." In the trinity, or trimurti, he is the deity of dissolution, and his name reflects the good fortune his power brings even when it ends things. The same spelling in English also names the Jewish period of mourning, which is a separate word. It was borrowed from Hebrew "shiv'á," meaning "seven," because the mourning period lasts seven days. Its pronunciation was probably shaped in part by the Yiddish form "shive."

Synonyms: mahadeva, destroyer, lord of destruction