भूतनाथ

Meaning

Lord of all Beings. While 'Bhuta' often refers to ghosts or spirits, it fundamentally means 'that which has come into being.' Bhutanatha is the protector of the ghosts, the outcasts, the animals, and the invisible elements of nature. He is the guardian of the 'underdog.' This name reassures us that no matter how weird, broken, or 'different' we feel, we have a protector. He guards the unseen realms of our subconscious and protects us from the 'ghosts' of our past traumas.

Story · From tradition

Shiva's 'Ganas' (attendants) are often described as misshapen, terrifying, or multi-eyed beings who were rejected by both gods and demons. Shiva gave them a home, a purpose, and his protection. He chose the cremation ground (shmashana) as his dwelling to show that even in the most avoided and 'impure' places, his protection is absolute. He protects those who have no one else to turn to, the 'Bhutas' who are the fragments of the world's forgotten energy. Source: Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana.