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Vamadeva Shiva

Vamadeva Shiva is one among the five basic incarnations of Shiva. The eternal and formless Shiva manifests into the Linga form and from it appear five forms - Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurusha and Ishana. They create the five elements Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. The five forms emerge from the formless Linga. Vamadeva Shiva form of Shiva brings into the form water.

Vamadeva emerges on the northern face of the linga. This form of linga is referred as Panchamukha Shiva Lingam or Panchanana Shiva. It is also referred as Panchvaktram.

In this form Shiva has a red complexion. Scriptures states that in this form Shiva blessed Brahma with the power to heal and preserve His creations.

Vamadeva Shiva is the form of Shiva where he is the preserver and healer. Shiva Purana indicates that from this form of Shiva appeared Viraj, Vivah, Vishok and Visvabhavan – who are healers and preserves of Brahma’s creations.

The invocation dedicated to Vamadeva form of Shiva is

Vamadevaya namo
jyeshthaya namah
rudraya namah
kalaaya namah
kalavikaranaya namo
balavikaranaya namo
balaaya namo
balapramadhanaya namah
sarva bhuta damanaaya namo
manonmanaaya namah.