Shiva Marble Murtis

Shiva in murti form

Shiva is worshipped both in the aniconic form of the Shivling and in human form as a murti. Many devotees keep a Shiva murti for daily prayer and meditation, and for observances such as Maha Shivratri and the month of Shravan. Some families keep both a murti and a Shivling.

Common forms of Shiva in marble

• Seated in meditation: Shiva in padmasana or a similar seated posture, eyes half-closed, often on a tiger skin or rock, with the trishul and damaru beside him.
• Blessing Shiva: seated or standing with one hand raised in abhaya mudra.
• Nataraja: Shiva as the lord of dance within a ring of flame, one foot raised and the other resting on the figure of Apasmara.
• Ardhanarishvara: a form that is half Shiva and half Parvati, expressing the unity of the masculine and the feminine.
• Familiar details include the crescent moon and the Ganga in his matted hair, a serpent around the neck, the third eye and rudraksha beads.

Where a Shiva murti is placed

A meditating Shiva is a popular choice for a quiet corner, a study or a meditation room as well as a mandir. Traditions around placement and direction vary by region and family, so it is worth following your own practice. If you would like Shiva with Parvati, Ganesh and Kartikeya, a Shiv Parivar set may suit you better than a single murti.

What to consider before you enquire

Nataraja and standing forms need more height and width than a seated Shiva, and fine elements such as the ring of flame or the trishul need careful handling. Decide whether you prefer plain white marble or a painted finish, and measure your space before choosing a size.