8 powerful shiva tattoo designs for spiritual seekers

There is something about Lord Shiva that has captivated and intrigued everyone for centuries. As old as the cosmos itself, he is the god of destruction and the most powerful deity of the Trinity in Hinduism. If you are also drawn to his enigmatic aura, Shiva tattoos are a perfect way to establish your connection to the divine being! In this article, we will explain to you the different meanings associated with this tattoo and show you some of the best designs that will leave you mesmerized by the divine aesthetics of this Hindu deity. Scroll down to find out more.

Shiva tattoo meaning

Shiva is a popular Hindu deity. A tattoo with him could simply express your devotion and reverence towards him. It can also represent a personal connection with him and a commitment to following his qualities such as inner peace. Aside from that, a Shiva tattoo can also mean:

• It can represent the destruction of ignorance, illusions and ego for personal transformation. It can also convey spiritual awakening and overcoming obstacles in life.
• A tattoo depicting Lord Shiva in a meditative posture can reflect calm and inner peace.
• His third eye can mean insight, wisdom and inner vision.
• A tattoo depicting his dancing form Natraja could symbolize energy and rhythm.
• His trident could signify strength, power and the cycle of creation, preservation and destruction.
• His crescent moon could symbolize the passage of time.
• A tattoo depicting the Ganges river flowing from Shiva's hair could symbolize purification and liberation.
• A design featuring a Shiva smeared with ash could symbolize renunciation of worldly ties.
• A design featuring his blue neck, created by consuming poison during the churning of the ocean, symbolizes the ability to transform negativity into positivity.
• Its association with cannabis, also known as bhang, could symbolize the transcendence of earthly consciousness.
• A tattoo with Shiva's tiger skin could symbolize overcoming inner fears.

Some may get a Shiva tattoo to represent their path to self-realization and liberation from the cycle of birth and death, while others may simply get it to represent their love for Hindu mythology. Once you've determined the meaning of your design, check out our list of Shiva tattoo designs in the next section for inspiration.

8 sacred shiva tattoo designs

The Hindu god Shiva is a popular subject for body art due to the abundance of symbols associated with him. Here are a few tattoo designs featuring him that will surely amaze you:

1. Shiva trident tattoo

This tattoo shows the trident, also known as trishul, one of Shiva's main weapons. It represents the power of the deity to destroy evil and ignorance, clearing the way for new creation and transformation. In Hindu philosophy, this symbol can also represent the balance of the three properties of nature or Gunas. These include Tamas, the tendency to lethargy, Rajas, the tendency to ambition, and Sattva, the tendency to selfless service.

2. Angry Lord Shiva Tattoo

The detailed shades and colors of this tattoo are truly amazing. They perfectly capture the fierce demeanor of Shiva and showcase his raw power and strength. Since his anger is believed to be controlled and directed towards the destruction of evil forces, the design could represent control over emotions.

3. Shiva tattoo on back

This tattoo depicts the divine ascetic with his eyes closed. He radiates an aura of mysticism and power that immediately attracts everyone's attention. The intricate patterns around Shiva's head make the design even more attractive. The tattoo could represent a personal connection to Shiva and a commitment to follow his teachings and principles.

4. Shiva tattoo for girls

If you are not a fan of large tattoos that cover the entire arm, this option is for you. The simple design features the bust of Lord Shiva. You may also notice the crescent moon, his matted hair, his third eye and a snake around his neck, a subtle but intricate symbol to show your devotion to the deity.

5. Shiva tattoo on hand

If you are a fan of hand tattoos, this black and gray design is for you. The fine line details bring out Shiva's intricate features and make him appear almost lifelike. The blackwork design symbolizes both destruction and creation, evoking the cyclical nature of life.

6. Shiva Forearm Tattoo

This forearm tattoo is a timeless masterpiece, perfect for anyone who wants to carry the essence of Lord Shiva with them wherever they go. The blackwork design depicts the deity in his ultimate glory, radiating power, wisdom and calm. His hair appears to be flying everywhere, evoking a sense of divine and cosmic energy and reminding the wearer of the power of inner peace amidst life's hardships.

7. Shiva and the third eye tattoo

If you need a tattoo to represent your journey of spiritual awakening, try this design. The design features the third eye of Shiva, which is associated with meditation and inner vision. It represents the ability to connect to a higher consciousness and remain true to oneself. The addition of the trident in the design adds to its rich symbolism.

8. Shiva and Shakti Tattoo

Just like the yin-yang, this tattoo represents the concept of dualism in Hinduism. It depicts Shiva and Shakti, the divine feminine energy that represents power, creation and fertility. The presence of both in this design symbolizes the balance between male and female energies and reminds us of the importance of harmony in life.