Mahadev

Mahadev, meaning "great god" in Sanskrit, is an epithet of the Hindu deity Shiva. The term combines maha ("great") and dev ("god") and is commonly used by devotees as a name for the god as well as a given name for men in parts of the Indian subcontinent.

Within Hinduism, Shiva is a principal deity in many traditions, particularly Shaivism. He is seen as the destroyer or transformer within the Trimurti, which also includes Brahma and Vishnu. In broader theology, Mahadev denotes the supreme form of God, embodying both ascetic renunciation and cosmic power. His followers often associate him with yogic practice, meditation, and the dissolution and recreation of the universe.

Iconography associated with Mahadev includes a third eye on his forehead, the crescent moon in his matted hair, and the River Ganga flowing from his locks. He is usually depicted with a trishula (trident) and a damaru drum; he wears a serpent around his neck and is often shown with the sacred bull Nandi. In the myth of the churning of the ocean, he consumes the halahala poison to save the world, turning his throat blue (neelkanth).

Worship of Shiva as Mahadev is widespread in India and Nepal, with major temples such as Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Kedarnath in the Himalayas, and the Amarnath cave pilgrimage. The festival Maha Shivaratri is one of the most important occasions for devotees.

As a personal name, Mahadev is common in several languages of South Asia and is used across communities for boys, reflecting reverence for the deity.