Shiva is often represented with a snake named Vasuki, coiled around his neck. The snake represents the fact that he controls death and fear. A crescent moon adorns his hair as Holy River Ganga flows out from his head. The crescent moon represents the time cycle. Trishul or his trident is an important part of his identity that he uses as his weapon. The three spikes represent the three Gunas such as sattva, rajas, and tamas. Sattva is the basis of creation while rajas stand for continuity and Tamas is the base of destruction. The damru is his musical instrument of choice. The objects that Lord Shiva carries in his hands signify five elements that project the Lord as the Supreme head of creation.
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From Mahadev, Neelkantha and Shiva to Mahakaal, Shrikanth, Triolokesh, Lord Shiva has more than 108 names. Interestingly, each of his names highlights a special attribute or a quality or a mythological event. Lord Shiva is prayed to as the creator, preserver as well as destroyer of our world. The number 108 is considered to be an important number in Hinduism.
The mountains, snow, and the snake around Lord Shiva’s neck is a symbol representing his sense of calmness. He is considered to be a sign of calm and peace. At the same time, we all know about the anger of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva took the form of Nataraja and performed the famous Tandava or the dance of destruction to crush the arrogant Apasmara under his right foot. Shiva’s Nataraja avatar is a message that ignorance can only be overcome with knowledge, music, and dance.
The three horizontal lines of ash on Lord Shiva’s forehead refer to the destruction of the three worlds of Hinduism. Another attribute that sets lord Shiva apart is the presence of the third eye on his forehead. The third eye represents the future. Therefore He is viewed as the Lord of all three times – past, present, and future. Two eyes stand for sun and moon, the third eye stands for Agni or fire.
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The three horizontal lines of ash on Lord Shiva’s forehead refer to the destruction of the three worlds of Hinduism. Another attribute that sets lord Shiva apart is the presence of the third eye on his forehead. The third eye represents the future. Therefore He is viewed as the Lord of all three times – past, present, and future. Two eyes stand for sun and moon, the third eye stands for Agni or fire.
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Palak JainUpdated 15 Jul 2021 09:30 PM IST
