deities · darshan
Shiva
also known as Mahadev, Shankar and Bholenath
Shiva is turned to for inner strength, for letting go, and for the blessing of a steady mind. Many keep Mondays for him — Somvar — a tradition to lean on, never a rule.
mantras for Shiva
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
the story tradition tells
His worship is famously simple: water and bilva leaves offered on a Shivling, a few rounds of the panchakshari mantra, a still moment as the light goes. Tradition asks him for release from what weighs on the heart — and for steadiness in what remains. The great night of Maha Shivaratri, and the twilight Pradosham twice a month, belong to him.
if you keep a vrat
The Somvar vrat is one loved form — a simple meal, evening prayers, water offered if a Shivling is near. It has always been optional; the turning toward him is the observance.
festivals that honour Shiva
meet Shiva every morning
In the Sankalp app, your morning can open with a darshan of the deity you choose — a painterly portrait, a mantra, a moment before the feed. Tradition suggests; you decide.