HAR HAR MAHA DEV

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The Power of Lord Shiva

 

Shiva is "Laya karak" (Terminator), Shiva is power, the most powerful

God among Hindu Gods and one of the Lord in the Divine Trinity. It is

believed that Lord Shiva is responsible for obliteration of lives.

But the philosophical meaning is quite different, he is the fire that

burns the impurities of mind and purifies it. It is like giving shape

to the iron when by heating it. By refining the consciousness, he

drives the people towards the goal of salvation there by putting an

end to the series of rebirths. He puts an end to the karma cycle

(Prarabdha and Sanchayta). For this reason he is known as destroyer

but not the terminator of lives. It is believed that he is quite

handsome when compared to his life partner, Goddess Parvati. For this

reason he is called "SUNDARESWAR". Though some of the pictures of

Shiva we notice depict dark complexion, the narration in "Shiv Puran"

portrays Shiva with fair complexion and Goddess Parvati with dark

complexion. Though his wife is not beautiful, he loves her utmost.

For this reason this couple had set an example for the happy union. A

newly married couple is often blessed to live like this duo happily.

He is Known by many names – Mahadeva/Maheswar (The Supreme Lord),

Mahayogi (Height of meditation), Pashupati nath (Lord of Nandi,

Worshipped greatly with this name in Nepal), Bhooth nath (Controller

of Pancha bhootas) Nataraja (The devine dancer), Bhairava (or Rudra),

Vishwanath (Lord of the universe), Bhava (Redeemer), Bhole Nath

(Never say no to his disciples) and Lord Shiva perhaps is the most

common name of all.

 

Shiva as Phallic Symbol

Shiva, in temples is usually found as a phallic symbol or in the form

of Lingam, which represents the energies essential for life on both

the microcosmic and the macrocosmic levels. In any temple of "Param

Shiva", the Lingam is placed in the centre underneath the spire,

where it symbolises the naval of the earth. The worship of "Linga"

wafts or impels the mind to the levels of trance as it is not in any

human form.

 

A Different Deity

 

The actual image of Shiva is also distinct from other deities: his

hair braids high on the top of his head, with a crescent moon tucked

into it and the river Ganges plummeting from it. Around his neck is

seen, a coiled serpent, representing "Kundalini" or the spiritual

energy. He holds a trident in his left hand which is coupled to

a 'damroo' (small leather drum). He sits on a tiger skin and on his

right is a "Kamandala" (water Jug) placed. He wears the ' Rudraksha'

beads and his whole body is smeared with ash. This shows simplicity

without any show off. "A filled vessel of knowledge".

IS IT A Destructive Force?

Shiva is believed to be at the core of the centrifugal force of the

universe, because of his dissolving force. Shiva dissolves in order

to provide deliverance. So the opposites of life (Prana) and death

(Mrityu) and creation (Udbhav) and destruction (Laya) both reside

with him.

 

The Most Fascinating God

 

He is also often portrayed as the supreme ascetic with all reflexive

and self-possessed outlooks. Very often he is represented by riding a

bull called "NANDI", festooned with garlands. Shiva is the most

fascinating Hindu God because of his simplicity. His supreme skill in

dance (Tandava Nritya) is known to the world. The scientists lately

found that the dancing pose of Lord Shiva resembles with DNA

particle, the life cell.

 

The God who is always high!

 

Because of his simplicity in appearance by wearing leather, applying

ash all over the body, wearing "Rudraksha beads" not any jewelry, and

always found in meditation, savior of the world by consuming large

amount of "Halahala" (Poison), a pathfinder, he is always placed high

above. One gets utmost satisfaction and feeling of freshness and joy

by looking at his "Dhyana" (Meditating) pose. Let's adore him by

saying "HAR HAR MAHA DEV SHABHO SHANKAR"