The disguise शिव took when he went to test the devotion of परशुराम . परशुराम once went to the forests and did penance to please शिव to learn archery from him. शिव in the form of a मृगव्याध (forest hunter) appeared before परशुराम and tested his sincerity in his penance in several ways. शिव was pleased to find परशुराम 's devotion to शिव unwavering and blessed him. He gave instructions in archery and also permitted him to go round the earth. (Chapter 65, Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa)

One of the एकादशरुद्रस् (eleven Rudras). [mh-1-66-2 ] Mahābhārata • Ādi parva .