Hindu God Shiva

No God in the Hindu pantheon fires the imagination quite like Shiva does!  He is an extraordinarily complex figure, whose essence is, in truth, unknowable. His 1008 names describe manifold, deeply polarized attributes. He is awe-inspiring Adi Nath, the Primordial Lord. As Bhuteshvara, he rules over the elements. But he is also Ajagandhi, who smells like a goat; as Bhasmeshvar, he is the ash-smeared one who roams around graveyards.

Among the holy triad of Hindu gods, Shiva is the Destroyer. His power to obliterate the universe however, is not to be interpreted as nihilism. Creation flourishes when the law of dharma prevails and there is equilibrium between the positive and negative. When dark forces prevail, Shiva steps in and destroys everything, thus allowing for a new cycle of regeneration. Shiva is spectacularly represented in this aspect as Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer, framed by a circle of fire. One raised arm holds the fire that destroys the universe. The other holds a damaru – a small, hourglass shaped drum from which issues Nada, the primordial sound from which creation originates. Shiva’s third hand points down to his raised foot signifying spiritual liberation. Beneath the other foot lies a squirming demon, popular symbol of ignorance.

He is the Wrathful One whose fierce glare once reduced the hapless Kama, God of Love, to ash; his quick temper also resulted in his unknowingly beheading his own son, Ganesha. At the core of Shiva however, is a deep simplicity. One of his names is Bholenath, the Innocent One. As Ashutosh, he is easily pleased by devotees. Mythology abounds with tales of assorted demons and evildoers who worshipped him and in return received extraordinary powers which they proceeded to misuse!

Shiva’s iconography is rich in symbolism. He wears a crescent moon – the symbol of intuitive powers – upon his forehead. The sacred Ganges flowing from it is the eternal life-force. Two hands hold a weapon each – the trident and the axe. The other two hands are held in mudras or stylized gestures indicating protection to devotees against fear and the giving of boons. His third eye is usually turned inwards (a symbol of spiritual knowledge). The ashes smeared on his body represent the inevitability of death in all life forms.

Shiva’s consort is Parvati or Shakti, the female principle. His divine vehicle is Nandi the Bull. Mahashivaratri, during January-February, is the festival dedicated to Shiva, when devotees fast all day and pray to him at night to be absolved of all their sins.