Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadev, is one of the most important Gods for Hindus all over the world. He is the epitome of compassion, impartiality, and love. He is the one who holds the power to completely transform the Universe and makes sure that evil forces stay away from the human world. The qualities of Lord Shiva are truly uncountable, but there are some that are idolised by his devotees, and all of them wish to emulate the same.

Here are 7 qualities of Lord Shiva that every devotee wishes to embody.

Lord Shiva is the epitome of an ideal husband. During the Sawan Somwar, women all over India remain in fasting for 16 Mondays to get a husband like Lord Shiva. The bond of Mata Parvati and Lord Shiva is believed to be one of respect, deep love, and support for each other. They are both equal in each other’s eyes, are devoted to each other, and honour each other.

For devotees, this quality of Lord Shiva highlights how important it is to build a relationship on love, respect, and kindness.

One of the most admirable qualities of Lord Shiva is his complete impartiality. In the incidents and legends we hear about him, we know that he did not distinguish between gods and demons, and treated everyone with the same respect and fairness. He was accepting of both Devas (Gods) and Asuras (the demons) and used to grant boons to both sects and even used to curse them when he deemed right.

This quality teaches people the importance of being just in their own lives, not thinking much about how they belong to the same group as the culprits.

Lord Shiva is known for his forgiveness. No matter how bad the incident was, and how grave the mistake was, he was willing to forgive those who sincerely repent. It is said that Lord Shiva is also known as ‘Bholenath’ owing to his simple, kind, graceful nature and that he was innocent enough to forgive anyone and grant any wishes to the ones who went to him with a pure heart. And, if Lord Shiva can be willing to forgive even demons who committed great sins but are ready to correct themselves, so should his devotees, and move on in life.

Lord Shiva is a simple ascetic who lives on Mount Kailash. We have always seen him wearing a simple animal skin, smeared with ashes, and in deep meditation. Lord Shiva, even after being a God, lives in the most minimal way possible and his life is one of minimal desires as he is above all material wishes.

This quality is one that many of his devotees wish to emulate in themselves. In a world where the best and worst is available to us within seconds and clicks, the importance of restraint is fading away. And so, adopting a minimal lifestyle and detaching yourself from the material, is an amazing quality.

Lord Shiva’s compassion is limitless and he is known for his empathy and willingness to help those in need. While some people say that Lord Shiva is extremely hard to please owing to his ‘deep meditative state’, it is not completely true. He is so compassionate that anyone who calls to him with a pure heart and mind, and is in dire need, will be shown the right path by him.

And of his compassion, one of the most famous incidents is the one of Samudra manthan. Lord Shiva drank the poison that emerged during the Samudra manthan to save the world from its harmful effects.

​It is also believed that Lord Shiva has immense self-control, and it is visible in his ability to control his emotions and desires. His meditation practices and ascetic lifestyle show his mastery over the mind and senses. In the many stories and incidents of demons and also Gods being tricked by Apsaras and other beings, Lord Shiva has remained unaffected by it all.

This quality teaches people the importance of self-discipline and control over one’s impulses.

Even though he is one of the most powerful Gods, capable of transforming the Universe with his power, Lord Shiva is extremely calm and peaceful. Lord Shiva’s composure that always looks calm, serene and peaceful, is like an inspiration for many of his devotees. The only time Lord Shiva was filled with rage was when he carried Mata Sati’s lifeless body in his hands.
Devotees can learn from Shiva’s calmness to remain composed and peaceful, no matter how much the external world tries to provoke you.