1. Ganga (गंगा) – River Goddess on Shiva’s Jata (locks)
Shiv Purana, Skanda Purana, Ramayana

When Bhagiratha invoked Ganga to descend to Earth, her force was too intense to be borne by any being.
Shiva received her in his matted locks, controlling and channeling her descent with compassion.
Thus, Ganga is said to ride upon Shiva’s head, flowing from his jata.
Symbolism: Shiva supports divine flow, and controls overwhelming energy with grace.

2. Chandra (चन्द्र / Moon) – Crescent on Shiva’s Head
Shiva Purana, Linga Purana

Shiva bears the crescent moon (Chandrakala) on his head, representing time, cycles, and coolness.
Chandra devata rides/rests upon Shiva’s matted locks, after being cursed by Daksha and restored by Shiva’s grace.
Symbolism: Even the lord of time and mind is stabilized by Shiva’s stillness.

3. Vasuki (वासुकी) – Serpent around Shiva’s Neck
Mahabharata, Shiva Purana

Vasuki Naga, king of serpents, rides around Shiva’s neck like a garland.
It reflects Shiva’s fearlessness, control over poison (visha), and transcendence over death and fear.
Symbolism: The kundalini (coiled serpent energy) rides with Shiva as the awakened consciousness.

4. Nandi (नन्दी) – Shiva’s Bull (Vehicle)
Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana

Nandi is the vehicle of Shiva, but also a devoted disciple and soul-carrier.
Nandi “carries” Shiva in form, but Shiva also rides upon Nandi, the symbol of dharma and strength.
Symbolism: Strength in service becomes a seat for the divine.

5. Bhasma (भस्म / Ashes) – Smeared on Shiva’s Body
Shiva Mahimna Stotra, Agama texts

Shiva adorns himself with ashes — the residue of all that burns and ends.
Even ash — the essence of dissolution — rides Shiva’s body as sacred covering.
Symbolism: Detachment and death become ornaments when one rests in Shiva consciousness.