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Lord Shiva, also called Mahadeva, is one of the most multifaceted deities in Hinduism. He embodies numerous roles: the Auspicious One (Shiva), the Terrific One (Rudra), the Lord of Dance (Nataraja), and the Lord of the Universe (Vishwanatha). Known as the Destroyer and Transformer, Shiva represents both creation and destruction. He is limitless, transcendent, formless, and eternal, without a beginning or end.
The name Shiva, meaning “the auspicious one,” refers to a deity beyond human comprehension, much like the universe itself. While fully understanding Shiva may be impossible, we can attempt to grasp his profound essence and significance.
Simply put, Shiva is the source from which everything arises, where it exists, and to whom it eventually returns.
Brahman is not just the universe but the fundamental force behind it. Lord Shiva is the cause of all causes and should not be seen as a mere human-like deity. Scriptures describe him as both Nirguna Brahman (without attributes) and Saguna Brahman (with attributes).
Shiva exists in 3 states.
1. Nirgun: Lord Shiva exists in a formless state, where the entire universe and creation reside within his all-encompassing presence.
2. Saguna: In the Saguna state, Lord Shiva embodies the entire universe. His essence exists in every living being, from trees and insects to animals and humans. While all forms originate from him, no single form can truly capture his divine nature.
3. Nirgun-Sagun: In the Nirgun-Sagun state, Lord Shiva is worshipped as the Shivalingam. The word “Shivalingam” is derived from the Sanskrit terms “Shiva” (Lord) and “Lingam” (Mark/Symbol), signifying it as the mark of the Lord within creation. Everything in the universe, from trees and children to celestial bodies, is round, symbolizing the mark of Shiva. Since Shiva’s true nature is beyond human understanding, we revere his symbol, the Shivalingam, as a representation of the divine.
“NA TASYA PRATIMA ASTI”
-The Yujur Veda
“THERE IS NO IMAGE OF HIM”
It is important to recognize that Lord Shiva is formless. While all forms arise from him, and he accepts any form in which he is worshipped, no single form can truly capture his essence.
The world manifests in three forms: “HE,” “SHE,” and “IT,” all stemming from Shiva. While we commonly refer to Shiva as “HE” for simplicity, he is also known as:
SIVA – “Male”
SHIVA – “FEMALE”
SHIVAM – “NEUTRAL”
Thus, Shiva transcends all notions of gender, remaining the foundation from which “he,” “she,” and “it” arise, exist, transform, and dissolve.
Symbols of Lord Shiva
Symbolism has been a core aspect of the Vedic tradition from the very beginning. Lord Shiva is linked with numerous symbols and is a central figure in the holy trinity. These symbols allow us to easily identify him. Here are some of the key symbols of Lord Shiva:
The Moon Crescent – Ardha-Chandrama
From both a scientific and philosophical perspective, the moon on Shiva’s forehead represents his mastery over time and nature. Historically, the moon’s phases were used to measure days and months.
The moon on Lord Shiva’s forehead symbolizes his control over time and his eternal nature. By wearing the moon, Shiva demonstrates that he is beyond the limitations of time. The moon’s influence on nature, such as its role in causing high and low tides through its gravity, underscores the significance of mastering both time and nature. Thus, Chandrashekhara alone holds dominion over time.
Body smeared with ashes
The ash on Lord Shiva’s body symbolizes his transcendental nature and his existence beyond the material world. This sacred ash, taken from a cemetery, reflects the Hindu belief that death is the ultimate truth of life. As the God of destruction, Shiva represents the reality that everything eventually returns to ashes, transcending the cycle of life and death.
Matted Hair / Jata
Shiva’s matted hair symbolizes his role as the Lord of Wind (Vayu), signifying that all living beings breathe him in every moment. This feature represents Shiva as Pashupatinath, the Lord of All Living Beings.
The Ganga
In Hinduism, the Ganga is revered as the sacred River Goddess, believed to flow from the matted hair of Lord Shiva. This is symbolized by the river’s waters flowing from Shiva’s head and reaching the earth. According to legend, Shiva allowed the Ganga to flow to purify the world, which is why he is known as Gangadhara, meaning “Bearer of the River Ganga.” The river is seen as a source of fertility and purity, emphasizing Shiva’s role not only as a destroyer but also as a bringer of peace and sanctity.
The Third Eye
Lord Shiva is often depicted with a third eye, earning him titles like Triyambhkam and Trinetra. This third eye symbolizes the ability to perceive beyond ordinary perception. While our two eyes may not always reveal the complete truth, Shiva’s third eye represents the higher knowledge and insight necessary to understand deeper realities.
From a yogic perspective, awakening the pineal gland, or the “third eye,” allows individuals to perceive beyond the usual limits of space and time. This heightened awareness can elevate consciousness and frequency, acting as a spiritual antenna. Lord Shiva’s third eye symbolizes the ability to reach higher levels of consciousness while remaining grounded in the physical world.
The third eye plays a crucial role in unlocking the metaphysical insights described in ancient wisdom. The pineal gland, associated with this third eye, produces two important substances: melatonin, which regulates sleep, and serotonin, which supports mental well-being and a balanced mood.
Half Open Eyes
The half-open eyes of Lord Shiva symbolize the continuous cycle of the universe. When his eyes are fully open, a new cycle of creation begins. When closed, the universe enters a state of destruction until the next cycle begins. This depiction emphasizes the eternal, cyclic nature of creation, with no beginning or end.
The Snake Around the Neck
The snake coiled around Lord Shiva’s neck represents the three aspects of time: past, present, and future, symbolizing the cyclical nature of time. By wearing the snake, Shiva shows that he is beyond the control of both time and death. The snake also signifies the dormant energy, known as Kundalini Shakti, that resides within him.
The snake around Lord Shiva’s neck moves in the same direction as him, symbolizing that his laws embody reason and justice. This alignment signifies that his principles uphold the natural order and balance of the universe.
Tripunda
The 3 stripes on Lord Shiva’s forehead, known as the Tripunda, symbolize the three Gunas, the fundamental qualities of nature: Sattva (goodness), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia).
1. Sattva Guna – is harmonious and pure, serving as a foundation for welfare and creation. It embodies kindness, goodness, creativity, and balance.
2. Rajas Guna – is harmonious and pure, serving as a foundation for welfare and creation. It embodies kindness, goodness, creativity, and balance.
3. Tamas Guna – It is linked to laziness, heaviness, destructiveness, impurity, and lethargy.
Tiger Skin
In Hinduism, the tiger symbolizes Shakti, the goddess of power. Shiva’s wearing of tiger skin signifies his mastery over all forces, including lust, and demonstrates his victory over them. The tiger also represents energy, emphasizing Shiva as the source of cosmic energy. By wearing the tiger skin, Shiva shows his control over this energy and his role in sustaining the universe through endless cycles.
The Rudraksha Necklace
Shiva wears a Rudraksha necklace with 108 beads, believed to be made from his tears. Each bead represents an element of the world. By wearing this necklace, Shiva demonstrates his adherence to the cosmic laws and emphasizes that even he follows the universal rules.
Damaru, the Drum
The Damaru, a drum played by Shiva, symbolizes the cosmic sound AUM or OM, the source of all grammar and music. When played, the Damaru creates a range of sounds that merge to form a unified cosmic resonance. This sound, experienced during deep meditation, represents Nada, the primordial sound. According to scriptures, Shiva’s Damaru vibrated 14 times during creation, producing the fundamental elements of the Sanskrit alphabet and grammar. Thus, the Damaru represents both language and the universe’s underlying structure.
Trishul
The trident (Trishul) carried by Shiva has three prongs, each symbolizing one of his fundamental powers: will (Icchya), action (Kriya), and knowledge (Jnana). This signifies Shiva’s power to destroy evil and ignorance. The trident also represents how the Lord punishes wrongdoers across the three realms: spiritual, subtle, and physical.
Kamandalu
Kamandalu, another Shiva, is a water pot made from a dry pumpkin and filled with Amrit (nectar). It symbolizes Shiva’s Yogi aspect and holds a deeper meaning. Just as the pumpkin is harvested, emptied, and cleaned to contain the pure Amrit, a person must shed material attachments and ego to attain spiritual purity and discover their true self.
Kundalas
Shiva’s earrings, Alakshya and Niranjan, symbolize his imperceptible nature. Alakshya means “beyond any sign,” while Niranjan means “invisible to mortal eyes.” The left earring, worn by women, and the right earring, worn by men, represent the dual nature of Shiva and Shakti—the male and female principles—and the essence of creation.
Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is regarded as the sacred abode of Lord Shiva and, in Hindu dharma, is considered the center of the universe. This symbolizes that Shiva, as Kailash, is the ultimate source of peace and tranquility.
Nandi, the Bull
Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, symbolizes both power and ignorance. In Sanskrit, the bull is known as “Trisha,” which means righteousness. Together, Nandi and Shiva represent Shiva as the companion and protector of righteousness.
Conclusion
Each symbol linked to Lord Shiva holds deep significance, representing various aspects of life, nature, and the universe. Whether it’s the moon symbolizing time, the third eye representing higher knowledge, or the snake denoting the cycle of time, each element highlights Shiva’s transcendence and eternal nature. These symbols portray Shiva as both the destroyer and the protector of balance, righteousness, and cosmic order. They serve as a reminder that Lord Shiva transcends form, time, and space, embodying both the creation and destruction that govern the universe.
