Definition

1. Proper Noun (Hinduism): A major deity in Hinduism, known as "the destroyer" or "the transformer." He is part of the Trimurti (trinity) alongside Brahma (the creator) and Vishnu (the preserver). Shiva is associated with destruction, which paves the way for renewal, as well as meditation, yoga, and the arts.
2. Noun (Judaism): A designated period of seven days of structured mourning in Jewish tradition, observed by the immediate family (parents, children, spouse, siblings) of a deceased person. During this time, mourners traditionally stay at home, receive visitors, and follow specific rituals.

Usage Examples

• Proper Noun (Hinduism):
  • The temple was dedicated to the worship of Shiva.
  • In the story, Shiva performed the cosmic dance of destruction and creation.
• Noun (Judaism):
  • After her father's passing, she observed shiva for seven days.
  • The family will be sitting shiva beginning Tuesday evening.

Advanced Usage

• "To sit shiva": This is the standard verb phrase used to describe the act of observing the Shiva mourning period. It refers to the custom of mourners sitting on low stools or the floor.
  • When his brother died, he returned home to sit shiva.

Variants and Related Words

• Shivah: An alternate English spelling of the Jewish mourning period.
• Shivaite / Shaivite (noun): A follower or devotee of the god Shiva.
• Shaivism (noun): The major tradition within Hinduism that worships Shiva as the supreme being.

Synonyms

• (For the deity): The Destroyer, Mahadeva, Nataraja (Lord of the Dance).
• (For the mourning period): Jewish mourning, the seven days.

Notes on Different Meanings

It is crucial to distinguish between these two homographs (words spelled the same but with different origins and meanings): 1. Shiva (Hinduism): A proper noun, the name of a specific god. It is always capitalized. 2. shiva (Judaism): A common noun (though often capitalized in English) referring to a ritual practice. It originates from the Hebrew word for "seven."

Noun

1. the destroyer; one of the three major divinities in the later Hindu pantheon
2. (Judaism) a period of seven days of mourning after the death of close relative
   • the family is sitting shiva