Lord Shiva's father is generally considered to be Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, according to various Hindu Puranic texts. However, this relationship is not biological but symbolic or cosmic in nature. Lord Shiva is believed to have originated through cosmic forces rather than ordinary parentage, often described as being born from the cosmic egg called Hiranyagarbha, which also gave rise to Brahma and Vishnu

. Some scriptures, like the Shiv Purana, mention Sadashiv (also called Kaal or Brahm) as the father of Lord Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu, indicating a more complex divine lineage where Sadashiv is the supreme source or father figure

. Additionally, there is a philosophical and mythological perspective that Lord Shiva is eternal and self-existent (Anadi), without a conventional birth or parents. In this view, Shiva transcends time and creation, making the concept of a father symbolic rather than literal. A famous anecdote has Shiva saying Brahma is his father, Vishnu his grandfather, and ultimately himself as his great-grandfather, emphasizing his cyclical and self-sufficient nature

. In summary:

• Lord Brahma is often regarded as the father of Lord Shiva in symbolic/cosmic terms.
• Sadashiv (Kaal) is cited in some texts as the supreme father of Shiva.
• Shiva is also considered eternal and self-existent, beyond ordinary birth and parentage.
• The mother figure is commonly identified as Goddess Parvati or Durga, who also plays a dual role as Shiva's consort and mother in some legends

Thus, Lord Shiva's "father" is primarily Lord Brahma or Sadashiv in mythological and symbolic contexts, reflecting his divine and cosmic origin rather than a biological one.