Vilohita
विलोहित
Vilohita is the fifth of the Ekadasha Rudras, the eleven fierce manifestations of Lord Shiva. His name means 'red-hued' or 'blood-colored', signifying the fiery intensity of divine transformation, fierce compassion, inner sacrifice, and raw ascetic energy. Vilohita is the embodiment of the sacred blood — not violence, but the life-force and sacrificial fire that purifies, dissolves ignorance, and renews cosmic harmony.
Vilohita represents **the red of transformation, penance, love, and inner burning**. He is the Rudra of **inner alchemy** — where blood, fire, and willpower are merged to transmute the ego into light. His reddish form reflects both **destructive passion** and **divine sacrifice**.
When the world was steeped in tamas (dark inertia) and beings had forgotten self-sacrifice, Shiva created Vilohita from his own blood mixed with Agni (fire). As a red-hued, fiery ascetic, he descended to ignite **tapasya (austerity)** and awaken **sacred self-offering**. He taught rishis that true blood-offering is the sacrifice of ego, not violence.
Source Texts:
Appearance: Vilohita is portrayed with a **deep red or blood-hued complexion**, clad in red bark garments or smeared with red sandal paste and sacred ash. His eyes glow crimson like rising fire. He holds **a blood-red trident**, **kapala (skull bowl)**, and a **rosary of red seeds**. Often seated in deep tapas (meditative penance), surrounded by an aura of flames.
Symbols
Weapons
Mount
Owl or Deer
Direction
South-East
Element
Blood + Fire (Agni)
Vilohita represents the alchemical transformation of the soul through the fire of discipline, devotion, and ego-sacrifice. Philosophically, he aligns with Jnana Yoga (path of wisdom) and Tapas (spiritual heat). His blood-red symbolism is not about violence, but the intensity needed to dissolve illusion and awaken higher consciousness.
ॐ विलोहिताय नमः
Translation: Om, salutations to Vilohita, the red-hued Rudra.
Used to invoke inner courage, purification of karmic patterns, and dedication to spiritual fire.
ॐ रक्तवर्णाय विद्महे अग्निनेत्राय धीमहि। तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥
Translation: We meditate on the red-colored One, the fire-eyed Rudra. May he inspire us toward divine self-offering.
Major Temples
Vilohiteshwar Mahadev Mandir - Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh (symbolic shrine)
Said to host a fire-yajna every full moon in honor of Vilohita’s tapas. Rituals include red turmeric, camphor, and silent meditation.
Lohiteshwara Linga Shrine - Varanasi (Kashi)
Ancient underground Shaiva linga believed to hold the fire of Vilohita Rudra.
Festivals
Karthika Deepam: Festival of inner fire — ascetics invoke Vilohita to awaken tapas and burn old karma.
Chaitra Navratri (Day 5): Tantrics meditate on Vilohita for inner purification through heat and discipline.