Proto-Shiva

Proto-Shiva refers to an early, pre-Vedic or ancient form of the deity Shiva, representing the foundational aspects of what would later become the Hindu god Shiva. It embodies the primordial, abstract concepts of destruction, regeneration, and the cycle of creation, often depicted in early religious art and rituals before fully developed iconography. Understanding Proto-Shiva helps trace the evolution of Shiva from ancient symbols and ideas to the complex deity worshipped in later Hindu traditions, highlighting the deep historical and spiritual roots of Shiva's significance in Indian culture.