Shaiva
/ˈʃaɪ.və/noun
Relating to Shaivism, the Hindu tradition devoted especially to the worship of Shiva.
Did you know?The Sanskrit word śiva originally meant “auspicious” or “benevolent” and was an epithet of the fierce Vedic god Rudra before becoming the principal name of Shiva.
Etymological Timeline
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
śiva
“Auspicious, propitious, benevolent; also an epithet applied to Rudra.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Śiva
“The major Hindu deity associated with dissolution, asceticism, meditation, fertility, and cosmic transformation.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
śaiva
“Relating to, belonging to, or devoted to Śiva.”
Medieval India
Sanskrit
Śaiva
“A follower or doctrinal adherent of Śaiva religious traditions.”
19th Century
English
Shaiva
“An English transliteration and adjective referring to Shiva, Shaivism, or its followers.”
Modern English
English
Shaiva
“Relating to Shaivism or to the worship of Shiva.”
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