The Lord Shiva

Shiva is one of the main deities of Hinduism that is worshipped as the paramount lord by the Shaivaite sects of India. A great ascetic, Shiva is the only godhead who is forever in deep meditation, totally absorbed in contemplation in his abode, Kailaasa Mountain in the great Himalaya,Lord Shiva is also said to be inseparable from Shakti-Parvati the daughter of Himavaan-Haimavati. There is no Shiva without Shakti and no Shakti without Shiva,the two are one -or the absolute state of being. In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is regarded as the representation of the Supreme Being. He is known as the third element in the Hindu Trinity (Trimurti), the other two members being Lord Brahma - the creator and Lord Vishnu - the protector. Shiva is the destructive form of the Almighty. As the cycle of destruction and recreation is always in a circle, Shiva’s primary responsibility is maintaining the life cycle. Scholars say, as the Mahakaal, Shiva destroys and dissolves everything into nothingness but as Shankara, he also reproduces that which has been destroyed and dissolved. His symbol of Lingam or the phallus represents this reproductive power. Shiva is often shown with many faces, as creator, destroyer and preserver in total command of the cosmos. He contains both good and evil. Lord Shiva is known as the God of mercy and kindness. He protects his devotees from all evil that are always around us. He blesses his followers with grace, knowledge and peace. Shiva as Ardhanareeswara: Lord Shiva is said to be half man and half woman. In the full figure of Shiva the male and female principles are united. Shiva Linga-the symbol of Lord Shiva which consists of both Lingam (Phallus) and yoni ( female organ) represent the totality of his nature and of all created existence. Appearance and Attributes of Lord Shiva : Lord Shiva is shown either in meditating or in the form of a Dancing God Nataraj where his dance is to the beat and rhythm of creation. He is also shown in sculptures with may hands. One pair of hands, for example, represents the balance between life and death. Shiva is "Tri Netra" or three eyed, and is "neela kantha". Besides, there are a lot many attributes associated with Lord Shiva. Here is a brief description of some of the important symbols that depict Lord Shiva. Each of his depiction signifies a different aspect of his Supreme Being. Unclad body covered with ashes: This form of Lord Shiva depicts that Lord Shiva's presence is much higher than this physical phenomenon. According to some scholars, Shiva's body smeared with cemetery ash points to the philosophy of the life and death and the fact that death is the ultimate reality of the life.. Jata (Matted Hair): The flow of his matted hair represents Shiva as the Lord of Wind or Vayu, who is the subtle form of breath present in all living beings. Thus it is Shiva which is the lifeline for all living being. He is Pashupatinath Sacred Ganga: The holiest of the holy rivers, Ganga flows from the matted hair of Shiva. According to a legend, Shiva allowed an outlet to the great river to traverse the earth and bring purifying water to human being. Ganga also denoted fertility-one of the creative aspects of the Rudra. The Third Eye: Lord Shiva is known as the three eyed Lord or Tyrambaka Deva. The sun is his right eye, the moon left while the third eye of Shiva on his forehead is the eye of wisdom. It is the eye that looks beyond the obvious. The third eye can search evil from anywhere and destroys it completely. Half-Open Eyes: The half -open eyes show that the universe cycle in process. When the eyes are completely closed it signifies that dissolvent of the universe and when it is completely open a new cycle of creation begins. Crescent: Shiva bears on his head the crescent of the panchami (fifth day) moon. This is placed near the fiery third eye and this shows the power of Soma, the sacrificial offering, which is the representative of moon. It means that Shiva possesses the power of procreation along with the power of destruction. The moon is also a measure of time, thus crescent also represent his control over time. The Cobra Necklace: This suggests that Shiva is beyond the powers of death and is often the sole support in case of distress. He swallowed the poison kalketu for the wellbeing of the Universe. The deadly cobra represents that death aspect that Shiva has thoroughly conquered. The cobras around his neck also represent the dormant energy, called Kundalini, the serpent power. The snake curled three times around the neck of Lord Shiva depicts the past, present and future time. The snake looking in the right direction of Lord Shiva signifies that the Lord's perpetual laws of reason and justice preserve natural order in the universe. The Vibhuti: Vibhuti is a three line of ashes drawn on the forehead that signifies the immortality of the soul and manifested glory of the Lord. Tiger Skin: Lord Shiva is shown sitting on or wearing a tiger skin. The tiger is the vehicle of Shakti, the Goddess of power and force.