He is Mahadeva, supreme and serene. He is Bhairava, full of wrath, annihilating all that is in his path. He is Mahakaal, encompassing time and eternity, a symbol of the end. He is the androgynous Ardhanarishvara, representing the balance of opposites. He is the lord of dance and protector of animals, he is a teacher and healer, the destroyer, but also the creator. He is a husband, a lover, a poet, and a warrior. He is the infinite Shiva, divine, yet human.

Shiva: God of Gods explores the many dimensions of Shiva and Shaivism, unpacking the history, mythology, folklore, and philosophy behind a deity whose paradoxes have long captivated both scholars and devotees. Moving beyond traditional religious study, the book offers a nuanced look at the theological and cultural currents that have shaped his presence across millennia. It also traces how Shiva has influenced – and been influenced by – those who worship him, inviting both the believer and the sceptic to encounter him not as a fixed figure, but as a living, evolving idea. Dr Nilima Chitgopekar’s uniquely expressive voice animates these histories and ideas, bringing these strands together into a narrative that is as compelling as it is insightful.

Shiva blends rare visual culture – classical paintings, modern artworks, artefacts, and photographs from sacred sites and festivals – with an evocative narrative, all of which seeks to illustrate the universality of Shiva and his philosophy, making it an ideal book for mythology and theology enthusiasts, followers of the Hindu faith and Shaivism, and those interested in Indian culture.