Shiva's Eight Forms

Nandishvara said

Son, hear of the lord Mahesha's supreme avataras, which perform every act in the world and bring happiness to all. In the world Shambhu Paresha has eight forms, set in and pervading the universe as jewels are strung on a thread. They are Sharva, Bhava, Rudra, Ugra, Bhima, Pashupati, Ishana and Mahadeva, established in earth, water, fire, wind, space, the knower of the field, the sun and the maker of night. The form that holds up the universe with all that moves and stands, on which the earth rests, is determined by the texts to be Sharva. Bhava is the supreme self's form with water as its essence, which fills the world and gives life to the whole universe. The form that throbs within existence and shines inside and outside the universe is called Ugra by the virtuous. The terrible form that pervades everything, gives space to everything, has the sky as its self and separates the elements is called Bhima. The form that is in all individual selves and lives in all bodies, which cuts the bonds that bind the creatures, is Pashupati. The form in the sun, which lights the whole world and moves across the sky, is Ishana. The maker of night, covering the world with nectar-like beams, is the form called Mahadeva. The self is Shiva's eighth form. Shiva's self envelops the other forms and pervades the universe. As watering a tree's root nourishes its branches, worshipping Shiva nourishes the body of the whole universe. As a father is pleased when sons and grandsons are pleased, so when the universe is pleased Shankara is pleased. Anything with a body that is cut or bound harms the eight forms without doubt. Shiva is established in the universe through these eight forms, so one should worship Rudra in every way, the supreme cause. Nandi closed by saying that those who want their own benefit serve these forms and are occupied in doing good to everyone.