About Lord Shiva

In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is regarded as the representation of the Supreme Being He is known as the third element in the Hindu Trinity (Trimurti) Lord Brahma - the creator Vishnu - the protector Shiva - the critical form of the Almighty

About Lord Shiva

Shivas primary responsibility is maintaining the life cycle. Scholars say, as the Mahakaal he also reproduces that which has been destroyed and dissolved His symbol of Lingam or the phallus represents this reproductive power Shiva is the only godhead who is forever in deep meditation

About Lord Shiva

Shiva is often shown with many faces, as creator, destroyer and preserver in total command of the universe. Lord Shiva is said to be half man and half woman. In the full figure of Siva the male and female principles are united.

Look & Attributes of Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva is shown either in meditating or in the form of a Dancing God Nataraj where his dance is to the beat and rhythm of creation. Represents the balance between life and death The important symbols that depict Lord Shiva. Each of his depiction signifies a different aspect of his Supreme Being.

Look & Attributes of Lord Shiva

Unclad body covered with ashes:
This form of Lord Shiva depicts that Lord Shivas presence is much higher than this physical phenomenon. And shows that the philosophy of the life and death and the fact that death is the ultimate reality of the life.

Look & Attributes of Lord Shiva

Jata (Matted Hair):
The flow of his matted hair represents Shiva as the Lord of Wind or Vayu, who is the subtle form of breath present in all living beings.
Pashupatinath.

Look & Attributes of Lord Shiva

Sacred Ganga:
According to a legend, Shiva allowed an outlet to the great river to traverse the earth and bring purifying water to human being.
Ganga also denotes fertility - one of the creative aspects of the Rudra.

Look & Attributes of Lord Shiva

The Third Eye:
The third eye of Shiva on his forehead is the eye of wisdom. It is the eye that looks beyond the obvious. The third eye can search evil from anywhere and destroys it completely.

Look & Attributes of Lord Shiva

Half-Open Eyes:
The half-open eyes show that the universes cycle in process. When the eyes are completely closed it signifies the dissolvent of the universe and when it is completely open a new cycle of creation begins.

Look & Attributes of Lord Shiva

Crescent:
Shiva bears on his head the semi-circular of the panchami (fifth day) moon. It means that Shiva possesses the power of procreation along with the power of destruction. The moon is also a measure of time, thus Crescent also represent his control over time.

Look & Attributes of Lord Shiva

The Cobra Necklace:
This suggests that Shiva is beyond the powers of death and is often the sole support in case of distress The cobras around his neck also represent the dormant energy, called Kundalini, the serpent power. The snake looking in the right direction of Lord Shiva signifies that the Lord's perpetual laws of reason and justice preserve natural order in the universe.

Look & Attributes of Lord Shiva

The Vibhuti:
Vibhuti is a three line of ashes drawn on the forehead that signifies the Immortality of the soul and manifested glory of the Lord.

Look & Attributes of Lord Shiva

The Elephant & Deer Skin:
Shiva also wears elephant skins. Elephants represent pride. Similarly deer represent the flickering mind. Shiva wears deer skin which indicates that he has controlled the mind perfectly.

Look & Attributes of Lord Shiva

Rudraksha Necklace:
Rudra is the other name of Shiva. It also means strict or uncompromising and aksha means eye. The necklace has 108 beads, which symbolize the elements used in the creation of the world.

Look & Attributes of Lord Shiva

Damaru (Drum):
When a damaru is shaken, the sound formed denotes Nada, the vast sound of AUM, which can be heard during deep meditation.

Look & Attributes of Lord Shiva

Trishul (Trident):
A three-branched trident shown adjoining to Lord Shiva symbolizes His three fundamental Powers Action Knowledge.

Look & Attributes of Lord Shiva

Nandi, the Bull:
The bull represents both power and ignorance. Lord Shiva's use of the bull as his vehicle expresses the idea that He removes ignorance power of wisdom on His followers.