Acharya Prashant clarifies the distinction between Shiv and Shankar, explaining that while they are considered the same in common parlance, there is a profound difference in the spiritual context. In the realm of spirituality, names like Shankar, Bholenath, and Kailashpati are just names, but Shiv is the Truth (Satya) itself. He refers to the phrase 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' (Truth, Auspiciousness, Beauty), stating that Shiv is the Self (Atma). This is why one can realize 'Shivoham' (I am Shiv), but cannot say 'Shankaroham' (I am Shankar). The speaker elaborates that Shiv is not a character, whereas Shankar has a character. Shiv is without a family, while Shankar is depicted with a wife and children. Shankar can be the central character of a Purana or a saga, but Shiv cannot. He points out that even the scripture known as the 'Shiv Purana' is, in fact, the story of Shankar, not the formless Shiv. Shiv is described as the beginningless, endless, formless light that is the very cause of our existence and is what we essentially are. To even utter the word 'Shiv' is to limit the limitless, and true understanding comes only in deep, silent meditation. Using an analogy, Acharya Prashant explains that if the mind is a bird, then Shankar represents the highest flight the bird can take while remaining a bird. 'Shiv-hood' (Shivatva) is the moment the bird dissolves into the infinite sky. Thus, Shankar is the highest point of thought, while Shiv is a state of thoughtlessness. This distinction is as crucial as the one between Kabir's formless Ram and King Dashrath's son, Ram. Kabir's Ram is Shiv, while the Ram depicted in stories is like Shankar. Further, he explains the relationship between Shiv and Shakti. Shakti is not merely the wife of Shiv but the entire manifested existence, the play of energy. Everything that can be known or perceived is Shakti. Shiv is the formless reality at the heart of Shakti. Therefore, any form or symbol can only represent Shakti, as Shiv is beyond all forms and thought. The worship of Shakti, with right understanding, is the path to Shiv. The honorific 'Shri' is used for Shakti because she is the manifestation of Shiv, the auspicious one. Only that which emanates from Shiv is truly auspicious and eternal.
