Symbols Associated With Shiva

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Symbols Associated With Shiva

 

 

Shiva means the 'auspicious god'. Certain objects associated with him

are also considered sacred. Over the ages, they have acquired a

mystique symbolism.

 

Tiger skin: The tiger is the vehicle of Shakti, the goddess of power

and force. Shiva is beyond and above any kind of force. He is the

master of Shakti. The tiger skin that he wears symbolises victory

over every force.

 

According to an interesting legend in the Puranas , Shiva once

wandered in the forests in the form of a bare-bodied mendicant and

the wives of the sages were enchanted by his figure. The jealous and

angry sages tried to capture him by setting a trap. A pit was dug and

when Shiva passed by it, a tiger that was crouching inside, was let

loose. Shiva killed the tiger, removed its skin and wore it as a

garment.

 

Cobra: Shiva is beyond the power of death though he is surrounded by

death. This aspect is also emphasised by his name Nilakantha, the god

drank the deadly poison Kalakuta, to free the world from its effects.

The cobras around his neck also represent the dormant energy, called

Kundalini, the serpent power.

 

Matted hair: The flowing jata or matted hair of Shiva represent him

as the lord of wind, Vayu, who is the subtle form of breath present

in all living beings.

 

Crescent: Shiva bears on his head the crescent of the fifth day

(panchami) moon. This is placed near the fiery third eye and this

shows the power of Soma, the sacrificial offering, which is the

representative of moon. It means that Shiva possesses the power of

procreation along with the power of destruction.

 

Sacred Ganga: The holiest of the holy rivers, the Ganga, flowing from

the crown of Shiva's head represents the causal waters, from which

the earth arises. It also represents the essential instrument of

ritual purification. By holding the Ganga on his head, Shiva allowed

an outlet to the great holy river to traverse the earth and bring

purifying water to human beings.

 

The trident: The Trishula of Shiva is the symbol of the three

functions of God - the Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer. This

also represents the instrument of punishment to the evil doer on all

the three planes - spiritual, subtle and physical.