Lord Shiva Lord is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, known as the destroyer and also as the supreme being who encompasses all creation. He is depicted in various forms and symbols, each with a unique significance.
Crescent Moon
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| Chandra Shekhar |
One of the most distinctive symbols of Lord Shiva is the crescent moon on his head. It is said that Shiva, being a great yogi, needs intoxication for concentration, and the moon's cooling and soothing effect helps him in his meditative practices. The moon also represents the cyclical nature of life and the phases of the mind. Shiva's Third Eye
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| Mata Parvati closed Mahadev's Eyes then he open his third Eye |
Another iconic symbol of Lord Shiva is his third eye, which is believed to be located in the center of his forehead. The third eye represents his supreme authority over the universe and the limitless wisdom he possesses as the source of all knowledge. When we recite Om Namah Shivaay as Shiva devotees, we link to Shiva through his third eye, and it opens the door to the eternal knowledge of the self. Ganga
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| Gangadhar |
The Ganga river, also known as the Ganges, has a deep connection with Lord Shiva. It is said that the river originated in the heavenly head of Lord Shiva and flows down to earth to purify all beings. The Ganga is also a symbol of knowledge, and Lord Shiva is considered the source of all knowledge.Trishula
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| Trishuldhari |
The Trishula, or the trident, is another significant symbol associated with Lord Shiva. The trishula signifies the balance of the three gunas or attributes of sattva, rajas, and tamas, and also represents Shiva's roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer. He uses the trishula as a weapon to destroy human depravity and eradicate any wrongdoing that can result from the three gunas.Vasuki
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Nageshwara
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Vasuki, the serpent, is another symbol that represents Lord Shiva's mastery over earthly passions. He wears the snake around his neck, which symbolizes the latent energy known as Kundalini Shakti within him. Nandi, the bull, represents infinite waiting, a virtue highly regarded in Indian culture, and also symbolizes the image of dharma.Nandi
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| Nandi |
Nandi represents infinite waiting. Although he waits, Shiva does not come and talk to him. Waiting is considered the highest virtue in Indian culture, so he is waiting. He has to wait forever. A person who is good at silent waiting is naturally meditative. This feature describes maximum acceptability. The image of dharma is the Nandi. The limitless, innocent consciousness is with you when you are upright and honest.
Tiger Skin
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| Mahadev wears tiger Skin |
Lord Shiva is often depicted sitting or meditating on a tiger skin, which represents his triumph over animal inclinations and his mighty rule over all other powers. He also wears a string of rosary beads in his right hand, which are made of Rudraksha and symbolize grace and the spiritual practice of meditation.
Rosary Beads
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| Rudrakshadari |
Shiva wears a string of rosary beads in his right hand, which are normally made of Rudraksha. This represents grace, a mendicant lifestyle, and meditation. Rudraksha beads are compared to Lord Shiva's tears. They aid in mind balancing, provide the ideal conditions for meditation, reduce stress, and elicit strong vibrations that shield us from harmful influences.
Bhasma
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| Bhasmadhari Shiv |
Bhasma serves as a philosophical reminder to a Shiva devotee: Your ultimate reality is becoming Bhasma created by your Srupa, its body, and its Maya. Animals, trees, gurus, followers, kings, and padas will not face discrimination because it is impossible to distinguish who is the king from the cow. Ash serves as a reminder that this world and body are not the real truth.
Damru
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| Mahadev Damru |
Damru is an abbreviation for cosmological sound. The sound Damru, also known as Pranavamanda, represents "Shabda Brahma" or OM. It gives rise to each melody and syntax. When a Damru sound wave, a variety of tones are produced, which merge through vibration to form a sound. This creates a strong resemblance to Nada, the cosmic sound of AUM mentioned during deep meditation.Jata or Matted Hair
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| Jatadhar Shiv |
The flow of his matted hair symbolizes Shiva as the Lord of Wind, who is the subtle form of breath found in all living things. Jata (Matted Hair): Shiva is Pashupatinath, the Lord of All Living Things, as evidenced by this.
Lord Shiva's symbols are rich in meaning and offer insights into his multifaceted nature as the destroyer and the ultimate reality. Each symbol has its own significance and adds to the mystique of this powerful deity.
