Lord Shiva MCQ Questions and Answers
1. Which sacred river is believed to flow from the matted locks of Lord Shiva?
A) Saraswati
B) Yamuna
C) Ganga
D) Narmada
Answer: C) Ganga
2. What is the name of Lord Shiva’s bull mount?
A) Airavata
B) Nandi
C) Garuda
D) Uchhaishravas
Answer: B) Nandi
3. Which form of Lord Shiva is known as the “Great Lord of Dance”?
A) Nataraja
B) Ardhanarishvara
C) Mahadeva
D) Bhairava
Answer: A) Nataraja
4. In which Purana is the detailed story of the destruction of Tripura by Lord Shiva found?
A) Vishnu Purana
B) Shiva Purana
C) Brahma Purana
D) Garuda Purana
Answer: B) Shiva Purana
5. Who composed the famous “Shiva Tandava Stotram”?
A) Valmiki
B) Ravana
C) Agastya
D) Narada
Answer: B) Ravana
6. The form of Shiva that consumed the poison during Samudra Manthan is known as:
A) Mahayogi
B) Neelkantha
C) Rudra
D) Hara
Answer: B) Neelkantha
7. The Ardhanarishvara form of Shiva symbolizes:
A) Dual nature of man
B) Power of meditation
C) Union of Shiva and Shakti
D) End of the cosmos
Answer: C) Union of Shiva and Shakti
8. The Lingayat sect primarily worships Lord Shiva in which form?
A) Rudra
B) Ishtalinga
C) Bhairava
D) Lokesha
Answer: B) Ishtalinga
9. In the legend of Daksha Yagna, who was the consort of Lord Shiva?
A) Lakshmi
B) Ganga
C) Sati
D) Parvati
Answer: C) Sati
10. After Sati’s death, she was reborn as:
A) Parvati
B) Durga
C) Gauri
D) Meenakshi
Answer: A) Parvati
11. What is the meaning of the word “Shiva”?
A) The destroyer
B) The angry one
C) The auspicious one
D) The protector
Answer: C) The auspicious one
12. In Shaivism, which sacred symbol represents the cosmic pillar of fire?
A) Yoni
B) Chakra
C) Linga
D) Trishula
Answer: C) Linga
13. What does the three lines of vibhuti (holy ash) on Shiva’s forehead represent?
A) Past, present, and future
B) Destruction of ego, ignorance, and karma
C) Creation, preservation, destruction
D) Three worlds
Answer: B) Destruction of ego, ignorance, and karma
14. The crescent moon on Shiva’s head symbolizes:
A) Control over time
B) Control over mind and time
C) Eternity of creation
D) Victory over darkness
Answer: B) Control over mind and time
15. Lord Shiva’s Trishula represents the three functions of:
A) Life, death, and rebirth
B) Creation, preservation, and destruction
C) Mind, body, and soul
D) Earth, water, and fire
Answer: B) Creation, preservation, and destruction
16. Which mountain is considered the abode of Lord Shiva?
A) Mount Kailash
B) Meru
C) Himalaya
D) Gandhamadana
Answer: A) Mount Kailash
17. What is the name of Shiva’s weapon?
A) Sudarshana Chakra
B) Trishula
C) Vajra
D) Khadga
Answer: B) Trishula
18. Which festival celebrates the marriage of Shiva and Parvati?
A) Kartik Purnima
B) Navaratri
C) Maha Shivaratri
D) Holika Dahan
Answer: C) Maha Shivaratri
19. The consort of Bhairava form of Shiva is known as:
A) Kali
B) Gauri
C) Lakshmi
D) Saraswati
Answer: A) Kali
20. In which temple is the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva known as ‘Kashi Vishwanath’ located?
A) Ujjain
B) Varanasi
C) Rameswaram
D) Somnath
Answer: B) Varanasi
21. How many Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are mentioned in the Shiva Purana?
A) 10
B) 8
C) 15
D) 12
Answer: D) 12
22. Which demon was killed by Lord Shiva in the form of Tripurantaka?
A) Andhaka
B) Tripurasura
C) Jalandhara
D) Vritra
Answer: B) Tripurasura
23. What is the name of the snake coiled around Lord Shiva’s neck?
A) Takshaka
B) Vasuki
C) Vasuki
D) Shesha
Answer: C) Vasuki
24. The five faces of Lord Shiva represent:
A) Five planets
B) Five elements and five aspects of creation
C) Five incarnations
D) Five senses
Answer: B) Five elements and five aspects of creation
25. Who granted the boon of invincibility to the demon Bhasmasura?
A) Vishnu
B) Shiva
C) Brahma
D) Indra
Answer: B) Shiva
26. In which scripture is the Panchakshari Mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” first mentioned?
A) Rig Veda
B) Yajur Veda
C) Rudram of Yajur Veda
D) Sama Veda
Answer: C) Rudram of Yajur Veda
27. What does the word “Rudra” signify in Vedic literature?
A) The calm one
B) The preserver
C) The roaring or howling one
D) The creator
Answer: C) The roaring or howling one
28. The dance of destruction performed by Shiva is called:
A) Lasya
B) Tandava
C) Rasa
D) Nritya
Answer: B) Tandava
29. Which river goddess is considered to be one of Shiva’s consorts?
A) Yamuna
B) Ganga
C) Godavari
D) Narmada
Answer: B) Ganga
30. Who was the son born to Shiva and Parvati, known as the commander of the gods?
A) Ganesha
B) Kartikeya
C) Bhadra
D) Kumara
Answer: B) Kartikeya
31. The Mantra “Mahāmrityunjaya Mantra” is dedicated to which aspect of Lord Shiva?
A) The destroyer of desire
B) The conqueror of death
C) The sustainer of life
D) The giver of wealth
Answer: B) The conqueror of death
32. What is the name of the demon who tried to destroy the moon, leading Shiva to wear it on his head?
A) Rahu
B) Chandra’s curse by Daksha
C) Ketu
D) Taraka
Answer: B) Chandra’s curse by Daksha
33. Which goddess did Shiva marry in the form of Kirata (hunter)?
A) Durga
B) Kali
C) Parvati
D) Uma
Answer: C) Parvati
34. Who was the son born from the sweat of Shiva that later destroyed the demon Andhaka?
A) Vīrabhadra
B) Ganesha
C) Skanda
D) Bhairava
Answer: A) Vīrabhadra
35. What is the meaning of “Mahadeva”?
A) Great Yogi
B) The Great God
C) Eternal one
D) Lord of Death
Answer: B) The Great God
36. Who composed the sacred text “Shiva Mahimna Stotra”?
A) Valmiki
B) Pushpadanta
C) Vyasa
D) Kalidasa
Answer: B) Pushpadanta
37. Which of the following is not a form of Lord Shiva?
A) Rudra
B) Vishwaroopa
C) Mahakala
D) Bhairava
Answer: B) Vishwaroopa
38. Which temple is known as the southernmost Jyotirlinga in India?
A) Somnath
B) Kedarnath
C) Rameswaram
D) Bhimashankar
Answer: C) Rameswaram
39. Which holy city is referred to as “Kashi” in the context of Lord Shiva?
A) Varanasi
B) Prayagraj
C) Gaya
D) Ayodhya
Answer: A) Varanasi
40. The sound “AUM” (Om) is associated with Shiva as it represents:
A) His consort’s energy
B) His weapon
C) The primordial cosmic vibration
D) His third eye
Answer: C) The primordial cosmic vibration
41. Shiva’s form as the eternal teacher is known as:
A) Dakshinamurti
B) Tripurantaka
C) Mahakala
D) Rudra
Answer: A) Dakshinamurti
42. Which demon was killed by Shiva after he obtained immense power through austerities?
A) Banasura
B) Andhaka
C) Tarakasura
D) Jalandhara
Answer: B) Andhaka
43. Who was the first disciple of Lord Shiva according to Shaivite tradition?
A) Vishnu
B) Parvati
C) Nandi
D) Skanda
Answer: C) Nandi
44. The “Rudraksha” beads are believed to have originated from:
A) The sacred Ganga
B) The tears of Lord Shiva
C) Mount Kailash rocks
D) Parvati’s ornaments
Answer: B) The tears of Lord Shiva
45. Shiva’s vehicle, Nandi, symbolizes:
A) Knowledge
B) Power
C) Faith and devotion
D) Strength alone
Answer: C) Faith and devotion
46. The form of Shiva worshipped in Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple is called:
A) Rudra
B) Maheshwara
C) Pashupati
D) Shambhu
Answer: C) Pashupati
47. The trident of Shiva represents control over which three aspects?
A) Creation, preservation, destruction
B) Heaven, earth, hell
C) Body, soul, mind
D) Fire, water, air
Answer: A) Creation, preservation, destruction
48. What is the significance of the blue throat of Shiva?
A) Symbol of courage
B) He absorbed poison to save the universe
C) Mark of divinity
D) Result of penance
Answer: B) He absorbed poison to save the universe
49. In which form did Shiva test the devotion of Arjuna?
A) Mahadeva
B) Kirata (hunter)
C) Sadashiva
D) Bhairava
Answer: B) Kirata (hunter)
50. The Lingam is often placed on a Yoni base symbolizing:
A) Fire
B) Heaven
C) Union of masculine and feminine energy
D) Cosmic pillar
Answer: C) Union of masculine and feminine energy
51. What does the “Damru” in Shiva’s hand represent?
A) Creation of fire
B) Sound of cosmic creation and rhythm
C) End of time
D) Weapon of destruction
Answer: B) Sound of cosmic creation and rhythm
52. The term “Bhairava” literally means:
A) Joyful one
B) Terrible or fearful one
C) The silent one
D) The radiant one
Answer: B) Terrible or fearful one
53. Which holy river is said to originate from Shiva’s hair locks?
A) Yamuna
B) Godavari
C) Ganga
D) Sindhu
Answer: C) Ganga
54. Which sacred city is known for the Kedarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva?
A) Haridwar
B) Uttarakhand
C) Bihar
D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: B) Uttarakhand
55. The symbol of the crescent moon on Shiva’s head signifies:
A) His love for Parvati
B) Control over time and emotions
C) His connection with Chandra
D) His third eye’s energy
Answer: B) Control over time and emotions
56. Which dance form of Shiva represents bliss and cosmic balance?
A) Rudra Tandava
B) Gauri Tandava
C) Ananda Tandava
D) Tripura Tandava
Answer: C) Ananda Tandava
57. What does the term “Shivoham” mean?
A) I am Shiva (the divine consciousness)
B) Shiva blesses me
C) Obeisance to Shiva
D) The energy of Shiva
Answer: A) I am Shiva (the divine consciousness)
58. In Lingayat philosophy, the term “Basava” is revered as:
A) A saint
B) A devotee and founder of the Lingayat movement
C) A mountain
D) A form of Rudra
Answer: B) A devotee and founder of the Lingayat movement
59. Which goddess is said to be born from Shiva’s left half?
A) Parvati
B) Durga
C) Ganga
D) Kali
Answer: A) Parvati
60. The eternal sound symbolizing Lord Shiva is known as:
A) Shabda
B) Om
C) Nada
D) Rudra
Answer: B) Om
61. What is the name of the bull in front of every Shiva temple?
A) Govinda
B) Nandi
C) Mahisha
D) Rishabha
Answer: B) Nandi
62. Which text describes the dialogue between Lord Shiva and Parvati about yoga and creation?
A) Vishnu Purana
B) Shiva Samhita
C) Bhagavata Purana
D) Skanda Purana
Answer: B) Shiva Samhita
63. Which of the following names means “Lord of all beings”?
A) Pashupati
B) Maheshwara
C) Rudra
D) Shambhu
Answer: A) Pashupati
64. In which form did Lord Shiva appear to settle the dispute between Brahma and Vishnu?
A) Sadashiva
B) Jyotirlinga
C) Ardhanarishvara
D) Nataraja
Answer: B) Jyotirlinga
65. Which son of Shiva is worshipped before starting any auspicious work?
A) Ganesha
B) Skanda
C) Bhairava
D) Nandi
Answer: A) Ganesha
66. The ashes smeared on Shiva’s body signify:
A) Victory
B) Renunciation and impermanence
C) Purity
D) Power
Answer: B) Renunciation and impermanence
67. Who was born from Shiva’s third eye?
A) Kartikeya
B) Lord Bhairava
C) Nandi
D) Rudraksha
Answer: B) Lord Bhairava
68. Shiva’s name as the “Lord of Time” is:
A) Nataraja
B) Rudra
C) Mahakala
D) Shankara
Answer: C) Mahakala
69. What is the sacred month dedicated to Lord Shiva in Hindu tradition?
A) Chaitra
B) Magha
C) Shravana
D) Phalguna
Answer: C) Shravana
70. The word “Shankara” means:
A) Destroyer
B) One who brings auspiciousness
C) Protector
D) Conqueror
Answer: B) One who brings auspiciousness
71. Which of the following is not one of Shiva’s five faces?
A) Sadyojata
B) Vamadeva
C) Vishwarupa
D) Tatpurusha
Answer: C) Vishwarupa
72. Shiva’s manifestation as the Lord of Music is called:
A) Nataraja
B) Dakshinamurti
C) Tripurantaka
D) Maheshwara
Answer: A) Nataraja
73. The form of Shiva as Bhikshatana depicts him as:
A) Warrior
B) Mendicant or wandering ascetic
C) King
D) Teacher
Answer: B) Mendicant or wandering ascetic
74. The “Pancha Bhoota Lingas” represent Shiva’s connection with:
A) Five natural elements
B) Five senses
C) Five deities
D) Five avatars
Answer: A) Five natural elements
75. Which of the following Lingas represents the element of water?
A) Arunachaleswarar
B) Jambukeswarar (Trichy)
C) Ekambareswarar
D) Natarajar
Answer: B) Jambukeswarar (Trichy)
76. The act of opening Shiva’s third eye symbolizes:
A) Destruction of ignorance
B) Creation of fire
C) Enlightenment of sages
D) Anger of gods
Answer: A) Destruction of ignorance
77. In which form is Shiva worshipped at Amarnath?
A) Rudra
B) Ice Lingam
C) Jyotirlinga
D) Pashupati
Answer: B) Ice Lingam
78. Who cursed Kama Deva for disturbing Shiva’s meditation?
A) Vishnu
B) Shiva himself
C) Parvati
D) Indra
Answer: B) Shiva himself
79. Who revived Kama Deva after he was burnt by Shiva’s third eye?
A) Brahma
B) Parvati
C) Vishnu
D) Lakshmi
Answer: B) Parvati
80. Which of the following is the form of Shiva representing pure consciousness?
A) Bhairava
B) Sadashiva
C) Rudra
D) Nataraja
Answer: B) Sadashiva
81. The sacred text “Rudra Hridaya Upanishad” primarily glorifies:
A) Vishnu
B) Shiva as Supreme Brahman
C) Devi
D) Brahma
Answer: B) Shiva as Supreme Brahman
82. Shiva’s weapon, the Trishula, is symbolic of:
A) Power of destruction
B) Balance of three gunas — sattva, rajas, tamas
C) Three deities
D) Energy of Parvati
Answer: B) Balance of three gunas — sattva, rajas, tamas
83. The term “Hara” used for Shiva means:
A) The protector
B) The remover (of sins and ignorance)
C) The creator
D) The seer
Answer: B) The remover (of sins and ignorance)
84. The bull Nandi is said to be the son of:
A) Kashyapa and Aditi
B) Shilada
C) Vasishtha
D) Parvati
Answer: B) Shilada
85. Which festival marks the day Shiva consumed poison during the churning of the ocean?
A) Holi
B) Maha Shivaratri
C) Navaratri
D) Pradosha
Answer: B) Maha Shivaratri
86. The form of Shiva worshipped in Ujjain is called:
A) Kedarnath
B) Mahakaleshwar
C) Somnath
D) Rameshwar
Answer: B) Mahakaleshwar
87. The story of Shiva burning Manmatha signifies:
A) His anger
B) Victory over desire
C) Power of creation
D) Balance of emotions
Answer: B) Victory over desire
88. Which of the following represents the union of Shiva and Shakti in one body?
A) Ardhanarishvara
B) Tripurantaka
C) Maheshwara
D) Sadashiva
Answer: A) Ardhanarishvara
89. Who was the sage who cursed Shiva to lose his head, later replaced by a goat’s head?
A) Vishwamitra
B) Bhrigu
C) Kashyapa
D) Markandeya
Answer: B) Bhrigu
90. The river flowing near Kedarnath Temple is:
A) Mandakini
B) Ganga
C) Yamuna
D) Alaknanda
Answer: A) Mandakini
91. The sacred mantra “Tryambakam Yajamahe” refers to Shiva’s aspect as:
A) The Lord of time
B) Three-eyed Lord
C) Cosmic dancer
D) Lord of the South
Answer: B) Three-eyed Lord
92. Which scripture is considered most authoritative among Shaivites?
A) Bhagavad Gita
B) Shiva Purana
C) Vishnu Purana
D) Skanda Purana
Answer: B) Shiva Purana
93. The form of Shiva as the Lord of ghosts and spirits is called:
A) Maheshwara
B) Bhootnath
C) Shankara
D) Pashupati
Answer: B) Bhootnath
94. The “Pradosha Vrata” observed in honor of Lord Shiva occurs:
A) Every full moon
B) Twice a month during twilight of Trayodashi
C) Every Amavasya
D) During Shravana month only
Answer: B) Twice a month during twilight of Trayodashi
95. What is the symbolic meaning of Shiva’s serpent ornament?
A) Control over death
B) Mastery over ego and desires
C) Source of wisdom
D) Symbol of immortality
Answer: B) Mastery over ego and desires
96. In which ancient text does Lord Shiva impart the knowledge of Tantra to Parvati?
A) Bhagavata Purana
B) Rudra Yamala Tantra
C) Vishnu Purana
D) Brahma Sutra
Answer: B) Rudra Yamala Tantra
97. The “Lingodhbhava” story symbolizes:
A) The creation of gods
B) Supremacy of Shiva over Brahma and Vishnu
C) Parvati’s devotion
D) Origin of Rudraksha
Answer: B) Supremacy of Shiva over Brahma and Vishnu
98. What does the title “Shambhu” denote?
A) Destroyer
B) Source of happiness and benevolence
C) Lord of Death
D) King of Kailash
Answer: B) Source of happiness and benevolence
99. Who performed penance to obtain Shiva as her husband?
A) Ganga
B) Parvati
C) Sati
D) Uma
Answer: B) Parvati
100. What is the highest philosophical goal in Shaivism?
A) Union with Vishnu
B) Moksha through karma
C) Realization of oneness with Shiva (Shivadvaita)
D) Attaining Kailash
Answer: C) Realization of oneness with Shiva (Shivadvaita)