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Quizzes > Society & Culture

Ask Shiva Quiz: How Well Do You Know Lord Shiva?

Quick, free Shiva knowledge test with instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Murilo WoigtUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art cutout of Shiva with trident and drum surrounded by question marks and quiz text on dark blue background

Use this Ask Shiva quiz to check your knowledge of Lord Shiva's stories, symbols, and roles in Hindu mythology. Get clear answers in minutes and see where to improve. When you are done, try the Hindu mythology quiz, explore the Lord Hanuman quiz, or take the Ganesh Prashnavali quiz for more practice.

Who is the consort of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology?
Durga
Parvati
Saraswati
Lakshmi
Parvati is the divine consort of Lord Shiva and embodies the goddess Shakti or feminine power. She is also revered as the mother goddess in many Hindu traditions. Their union represents the balance of cosmic energies and the interdependence of masculine and feminine principles. .
Which animal serves as the vahana (mount) of Lord Shiva?
Garuda the eagle
Jatayu the peacock
Nandi the bull
Mushika the mouse
Nandi, the white bull, is the primary vahana (mount) of Lord Shiva and is often found seated at the entrance of Shiva temples. He represents strength, virility, and the devotee's steadfastness. Nandi also serves as Shiva's chief gatekeeper and vehicle. .
In the Hindu Trimurti, which cosmic function is attributed to Lord Shiva?
Sustainer
Destroyer
Creator
Preserver
Within the Hindu Trimurti, Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the preserver, and Shiva serves as the destroyer or transformer. Shiva's role is essential for ending cycles and enabling new creation. This destruction is not negative but a necessary step in the cosmic cycle. .
Which sacred river is said to flow from the hair of Lord Shiva?
Godavari
Saraswati
Ganges
Yamuna
Legend holds that the Ganges River descends from heaven and is tamed by Shiva's matted locks to prevent its powerful flow from destroying the earth. This portrayal symbolizes Shiva's control over divine forces. The river is thus referred to as Bhagirathi or Ganga. .
What is the name of Lord Shiva's cosmic dance of creation and destruction?
Kathak
Odissi
Bharatanatyam
Tandava
The Tandava is Shiva's fierce cosmic dance embodying creation, preservation, and destruction. It symbolizes the rhythmic cycles of the universe and the dynamic interplay of energies. Various forms of Tandava, such as the Ananda Tandava, emphasize Shiva's joy in creation. .
What is the primary weapon carried by Lord Shiva?
Discus (Chakra)
Trident (Trishul)
Sword
Bow and arrow
Shiva's iconic weapon is the trident, or Trishul, representing the three fundamental aspects of existence: creation, maintenance, and destruction. It also symbolizes balance within the three gunas: sattva, rajas, and tamas. The Trishul is a powerful emblem of Shiva's sovereignty. .
During which Hindu month is the festival of Maha Shivaratri primarily celebrated?
Phalguna (February - March)
Shravan (July - August)
Kartika (October - November)
Bhadrapada (August - September)
Maha Shivaratri, the great night of Shiva, falls on the 14th night of the new moon in the month of Phalguna (usually February - March). Devotees observe fasts, night-long vigils, and special pujas. The festival celebrates the union of Shiva and Shakti and the overcoming of darkness. .
On which mountain is Lord Shiva traditionally believed to reside?
Mount Meru
Mount Everest
Mount Abu
Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash, located in the Tibetan Himalayas, is considered the earthly abode of Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati. It is a pilgrimage site revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. Pilgrims perform the Kailash kora, a circling of the mountain, as an act of devotion. .
Which of the following mantras is most closely associated with the worship of Lord Shiva?
Hum Ho Ham Hum
Om Namah Shivaya
Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha
Om Mani Padme Hum
Om Namah Shivaya is a five-syllable mantra (panchakshara) highly revered in Shaivism. It means "I bow to Shiva" and is used to invoke inner peace and divine grace. The mantra encapsulates the essence of devotion and surrender to Shiva. .
What does Lord Shiva's damaru (hand drum) symbolize in Hindu mythology?
The cosmic sound of creation
A symbol of destruction
A representation of time
A tool for meditation
The damaru is a small two-headed drum that symbolizes the primordial sound of creation, often linked to the syllables of the Sanskrit alphabet. Its beats represent the rhythm of the cosmos and the balance of opposites. The damaru is also associated with the Tandava dance. .
In which form is Lord Shiva depicted as the cosmic dancer?
Mahakala
Ardhanarishvara
Shiva Lingam
Nataraja
Nataraja, meaning "Lord of the Dance," portrays Shiva performing his cosmic dance of destruction and creation. This iconic form highlights the continuous cycle of birth and rebirth. The sculpture symbolizes timeless energy and divine rhythm. .
Which serpent is famously depicted coiled around Lord Shiva's neck?
Ananta
Kaliya
Vasuki
Takshaka
Vasuki, the king of serpents, is shown coiled around Shiva's neck as an ornament. This imagery signifies Shiva's mastery over poisonous and destructive forces. Vasuki also participated as the churning rope in the Samudra Manthan myth. .
In which section of the Mahabharata can one find the Shiva Sahasranama (the thousand names of Shiva)?
Shanti Parva
Bhishma Parva
Udyoga Parva
Anushasana Parva
The Shiva Sahasranama, a litany of a thousand names of Shiva, appears in the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata. It is recited for invoking Shiva's blessings and understanding his manifold attributes. This section provides a comprehensive devotional framework. .
What term in Shaiva philosophy denotes the highest, transcendent aspect of Lord Shiva?
Paramashiva
Atman
Paramatma
Parabrahman
Paramashiva (also spelled Parashiva) refers to the supreme, formless, and transcendent reality in Shaiva thought. It transcends all dualities and is the ultimate source of consciousness and existence. Devotees seek to realize Paramashiva through spiritual practices. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Shiva's Core Myths -

    Gain a clear overview of Lord Shiva's principal stories, including his cosmic roles and legendary exploits, to form a solid foundation for any Shiva trivia quiz.

  2. Identify Shiva's Iconic Symbols -

    Recognize key symbols like the trident, damaru, and third eye, enabling you to spot these iconographic elements when you ask Shiva about his attributes.

  3. Recall Legendary Tales -

    Memorize major episodes from Shiva's life, such as the churning of the ocean and his tandava dance, so you can answer questions with confidence.

  4. Analyze Cultural Significance -

    Explore how Shiva's worship and festivals shape Hindu culture, helping you understand why certain rituals and traditions endure.

  5. Apply Knowledge in the Lord Shiva Quiz -

    Use what you've learned to tackle the "Ask Lord Shiva" quiz challenges and demonstrate your expertise in this fun shiva trivia quiz.

  6. Differentiate Shiva's Forms and Attributes -

    Distinguish between various manifestations like Nataraja, Ardhanarishvara, and Bhairava to deepen your mastery of Shiva's multifaceted nature.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Panchakshara Mantra Breakdown -

    The five-syllable mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" encapsulates earth, water, fire, air, and ether, as outlined by the Benares Sanskrit Academy. Use the mnemonic "E-W-F-A-E" (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether) to recall each element, boosting retention for any Shiva trivia quiz.

  2. Shivling Symbolism in Vedic Lore -

    The Shivling represents the union of Shiva and Shakti, symbolizing cosmic creation and continuation, as detailed by Cambridge University's Hindu Studies department. Picture the lingam as the "cosmic pillar" to anchor your memory when you ask Lord Shiva about his generative power in a lord shiva quiz.

  3. Understanding Shiva's Tandava -

    Shiva's cosmic dance, the Tandava, manifests in five forms (Samhara, Srushti, Vilaya, Urdhva, Tama), based on research from Harvard Divinity School. A quick acronym "SUVST" can help: Srushti, Urdhva, Vilaya, Samhara, Tama, making it easier to ace that lord shiva quiz question.

  4. Key Iconographic Symbols -

    Shiva's third eye, trident (trishula) and damaru drum each carry deep meanings - destruction of ignorance, mastery over the three worlds, and production of cosmic sound, respectively, as found in the Kumbakonam Temple archives. Visualize the triad of eye-trident-drum in a single sketch to cement these symbols in your mind when you test your shiva knowledge.

  5. Significance of Mahashivaratri -

    Mahashivaratri, celebrated on the 14th night of the new moon in Phalguna/Magha, honors Shiva's cosmic dance and spiritual awakening, according to Pracheen Bharat Itihas. Remember "14 N's Night" (14th, New moon) to ensure you ace any ask shiva history question in your shiva trivia quiz.

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