Lord Shiva is one of the main deities of Hinduism and is worshipped as the supreme god by Shaivites . He is known as the destroyer and the transformer, as well as the lord of dance, yoga, and meditation. He has many names, forms, and attributes that reflect his various aspects and roles. He is also associated with many symbols that represent his power, wisdom, and compassion. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind some of the most common symbols of Lord Shiva.
Snake Around His Neck
The snake around Shiva's neck represents the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The most famous myth of Lord Shiva’s association with snakes is when he drinks the poison from Snake Vasuki’s mouth during the churning of ocean to get amrit. From that day, Lord Shiva becomes blue throated and is called Nilakantha . The snake also symbolizes his mastery over the forces of nature and his ability to control his passions and desires
Rudraksha
Rudraksha is a seed that is used as a bead for prayer and meditation. It is believed to have originated from the tears of Lord Shiva that fell on the earth after he returned from his deep meditational state . Rudraksha is a symbol of spirituality, fearlessness, and a source of power for health, peace, and prosperity. It is said to have various benefits for the wearer, such as protection from evil, enhancement of concentration, and purification of mind .
Trishula
The trishula or trident is one of the primary weapons of Lord Shiva. It represents his three fundamental powers: will (iccha), action (kriya), and knowledge (jnana). It also symbolizes the three gunas - sattva, rajas, and tamas - that are present in all things in the universe . The trishula is used by Lord Shiva to destroy evil and ignorance and to maintain balance and harmony in creation.
Damaru in Trishula
The damaru is a small drum that Lord Shiva holds in one of his hands or attaches to his trishula (trident). It represents the sound of creation and destruction, as well as the rhythm of life and death. The damaru also symbolizes his power over speech and music, as well as his association with Nada Brahman, the supreme sound or vibration.
Kamandala
The kamandala is a water pot that Lord Shiva carries in one of his hands or hangs from his shoulder. It represents the source of life and purity, as well as the nectar of immortality. The kamandala also symbolizes his renunciation of worldly pleasures and his detachment from material possessions
Third Eye
The third eye on Lord Shiva's forehead represents spiritual awakening or enlightenment. It is believed that when Lord Shiva opened his third eye, it released a powerful beam of light that destroyed everything it touched. The third eye also symbolizes his omniscience and his ability to see beyond the ordinary perception of reality.
Tiger Skin
The tiger skin that Lord Shiva wears or sits on represents victory over lust and anger. It also symbolizes the triumph over ignorance. The tiger skin also shows his connection with nature and animals, as he is also known as Pashupatinath, the lord of cattle or beasts .
Matted Hair or Jata
The matted hair or jata on Lord Shiva's head symbolizes his disregard for worldly possessions and his focus on spiritual life . The matted hair also represents his power and energy that flows from his head to the rest of the universe . The matted hair also contains the Ganges river, which he agreed to hold on his head to break its fall from heaven to earth .
Khadga Bangle in One Leg
The khadga bangle in one leg of Lord Shiva is a sword that represents knowledge and wisdom. It also symbolizes his ability to cut through ignorance and illusion with his sharp intellect. The khadga bangle also shows his readiness to fight against evil and injustice whenever needed .
Half Moon on His Head
The half moon on Lord Shiva's head represents time and its cycles. It also symbolizes his control over time and his transcendence beyond it . The half moon also shows his coolness and calmness in contrast to his fiery third eye . The half moon also complements his crescent-shaped earrings, which represent the sun and the moon as sources of light and life.
Water Fountain from His Head
The water fountain from Lord Shiva's head represents the Ganges river, which he agreed to hold on his head to break its fall from heaven to earth. The water fountain also symbolizes his generosity and compassion for humanity, as he provides them with a source of life-giving water. The water fountain also shows his connection with nature and its elements, as he is also known as Gangadhara, the bearer of the Ganges
Yoga danda
The yoga danda is a T-shaped wooden staff that Lord Shiva uses for meditation and pranayama. It represents his control over time and breath, as well as his balance between physical and mental energy. The yoga danda also symbolizes his ability to alter the predominant swara or flow of air in his nostrils, which affects his state of consciousness . The yoga danda also shows his connection with nature and animals, as he is often depicted sitting on a tiger skin or surrounded by snakes
Vibhuti
Vibhuti is a sacred ash that Lord Shiva wears on his forehead and other parts of his body. It represents the ashes of creation and destruction, as well as the purity and detachment from worldly attachments. Vibhuti also reminds the devotee to avoid egotistical and worldly longings, and to focus on spiritual life . Vibhuti is made from the white ash of wood burnt in the homa (sacred fire), cow dung, cremation ashes or rice husks . The three lines of vibhuti also remind the devotee to avoid egotistical and worldly longings, and to focus on spiritual life. They are sometimes worn with a red dot on the forehead as a reminder that the universe is formed by Shiva and shakti, or the male and female principles . Vibhuti is usually used with three horizontal lines across the forehead, which are called tripundra. These lines represent the threefold power of Shiva: power of will (iccha), power of knowledge (jnana), and power of action (kriya) . They also symbolize the three gunas - sattva, rajas, and tamas - that are present in all things in the universe .
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