Being loved is one of the greatest feelings in life. But if you are given the choice between being feared, loved, or respected, would you always be able to pick a side? Would the choice always be clear, especially if your relationships aren’t sorted?
Somehow, life isn’t that simple. You don’t always have control over your emotions. It depends on the situation, your mood, and your need—whether you want to be taken seriously, have influence over others, or take up a leadership role.
Well… Lord Shiva might just have an answer for you.
From my experience of reading, learning, and reflecting on Shiva, I have found him to be a god of deep contradictions. He commands reverence and dances on the edge of destruction and devotion. If anyone has insights into the question of “how should I be perceived?”, it’s probably the one with a third eye, a calm demeanor, sitting on a tiger skin, and watching over all existence.
Fear: The Third Eye Doesn’t Blink
Lord Shiva is someone feared by gods and demons alike, as seen in many ancient Hindu scriptures. He is the calm ascetic who can open his third eye and destroy realities. But all this power is only used to restore balance when it is lost.
Fear, in this context, isn’t about scaring people. It’s about the weight of consequences. Gods and demons don’t cross Shiva—not just because he is powerful, but because he is deeply principled.
Mantra:
“ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥”
(Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat)
Meaning:
“We worship the three-eyed one (Shiva), fragrant and nourishing all beings.
May He free us from worldly attachments and death, just as a ripe cucumber detaches from the vine.” Even the god of death fears Shiva…
Learn more here.
In life, fear must not be used to showcase power, but to help create boundaries that command attention and action.
Respect: The Calm in the Chaos
Shiva is also deeply respected—not just by humans, but by gods and demons too. Why? Because everyone has something to learn from him. He meditates for ages, detaches from his ego, and only acts when absolutely necessary. That is quiet authority.
Respect doesn’t come from dominance. It grows from consistency, integrity, and stillness in the storm.
Mantra:
“ॐ नमः शिवाय”
(Om Namah Shivaya)
This mantra is a simple salutation to Shiva. It doesn’t ask for power or blessings—it surrenders. It is a sign of deep respect for the divine presence that Shiva represents.
Learn more here.
Love: The Dancing God of Devotion
Yes, Shiva is also loved—and deeply so. He is not just the destroyer, but the protector of his devotees. There are many tales in Hindu mythology where he disguises himself as a common man to help his followers.
One beautiful example is Batuk Bhairav—a child-like avatar of Shiva—who calmed the fierce goddess Kali with his innocent charm.
Mantra:
“करचरण कृतं वाक्कायजं कर्मजं वा
श्रवणनयनजं वा मानसं वापराधम्।
विहितमविहितं वा सर्वमेतत्क्षमस्व
जय जय करुणाब्धे श्रीमहादेव शम्भो॥”
(Karacharana Kritam Vaakkayajam Karmajam Vaa
Shravanayana-jam Vaa Maanasam Vaaparaadham
Vihitam-avihitam Vaa Sarvametat Kshamasva
Jaya Jaya Karunaabdhe Shri Mahadeva Shambho)
Meaning:
“Whatever wrong I’ve done with my hands, feet, speech, mind, or senses—knowingly or unknowingly—please forgive it all. Victory to you, ocean of compassion, Lord Shambhu.”
This chant shows Lord Shiva not as a destroyer, but as the ultimate form of unconditional love and forgiveness.
So… What’s the Right Way to Be?
What I see from all of this is that maybe it’s not about choosing one path—fear, respect, or love—but about understanding when to use each. Shiva doesn’t lead with one face. He is paradox itself: destruction and peace, fire and calm, silence and sound.
For us humans, maybe the right approach is to shift gears when needed. Sometimes, we set a boundary with steel in our tone. Other times, we earn respect through our actions. And yes, there are moments where we must lead with love—messy, vulnerable, and honest.
If you enjoyed reading this post, let me know by liking or leaving a comment. It keeps me inspired to write more about spiritual wisdom and life lessons we can actually use today.
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