Bhava
भाव
Bhava is the 11th and culminating Rudra among the Ekadasha Rudras, symbolizing Shiva as the essence of existence, the creative impulse behind the universe, and the manifestation of pure being. He represents the ever-flowing, ever-becoming aspect of the divine — the womb of creation, the core of consciousness, and the foundation of both manifest and unmanifest reality.
Bhava symbolizes **existence itself** — the spark of creation that arises from stillness. While other Rudras destroy, protect, or purify, Bhava **gives rise to form, name, experience, and being**. He is associated with the **power of manifestation**, **continuity**, and **eternal presence**. In spiritual practice, Bhava represents the deep state of being-awareness — Sat-Chit-Ananda.
As the cycles of destruction came to a close, and the void awaited new emergence, Shiva manifested as Bhava — **the one who becomes**. From his formless nature arose the seeds of universes. Bhava infused all things with the **urge to exist**, to grow, to express. The Vedas declare: ‘From Bhava, all beings arise. In Bhava, they are sustained. Into Bhava, they dissolve again.’
Source Texts:
Appearance: Bhava is shown as a radiant figure of **luminescent white-gold light**, often in **meditative poise**, with a serene smile and glowing third eye. He may hold a **lotus (symbolizing creation)**, a **trident (signifying will, action, and knowledge)**, and a **Vedas scroll (source of cosmic law)**. His form shines like a morning sun and his aura extends infinitely.
Symbols
Weapons
Mount
None or Etheric Lion (symbolic of cosmic will)
Direction
Zenith (above all directions) – transcendence
Element
Akasha + Prana (Space and Life Force)
Bhava is Shiva as Sat (Being) — pure existence. Spiritually, Bhava guides seekers to recognize the eternal self beyond change. In Vedanta, he reflects the witness-consciousness underlying all mental, physical, and cosmic forms. In Shaiva Tantra, Bhava is the state of total presence and unity.
ॐ नमो भगवते भवे नमः
Translation: Om, salutations to Bhagavan Bhava, the Source of All Beings.
Used in Sri Rudram for invoking the nourishing, sustaining power of Shiva.
ॐ भवानाथाय विद्महे शिवतत्त्वाय धीमहि। तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥
Translation: We meditate on Bhavanatha, the source-being of existence; may Rudra enlighten us toward our true essence.
Major Temples
Bhavanatha Mahadev Temple - Junagadh, Gujarat, India
A sacred temple dedicated to Bhava as the lord of existence and protector of dharma.
Jyotirlingas (especially Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar) -
These temples embody Bhava's sustaining presence across time and space.
Festivals
Shivaratri – Night of Being: Bhava is invoked for self-awareness and connection with pure existence.
Chaitra Pratipada (Cosmic New Year): Bhava is worshipped as the one who brings forth the next cycle of creation.