Shiva can be split as Sha+ee+va where
• Sha stands for shareeram or body
• Ee stands for eeshwara or life giving energy
• Va stands for vayu or motion
Thus Shiva represents the body with life and motion. If the 'ee' is removed from Shiva, it gets reduced to sha+va or Shava which means a lifeless body. Anything with Shiva is with life, and anything without Shiva is Shava, or without life.
So Shiva is auspicious, Shiva is potential, and Shiva is life. Shiva is all encompassing - the universal soul or consciousness. Realizing this Shiva Tattva leads to Ananda.
As one of the holy trinity, Shiva has many symbols that are associated with him. Whenever we find these elements, we immediately think of the Lord himself.
Blue Body
Blue means like the Sky. Blue signifies all pervading, infinity which has no limits. It has no shape. Shiva does not have a body. Shiva was never a person at all. To symbolize the unfathomable, the infinite Divinity and to make that Divinity comprehensible to people, the ancient Rishis made a form.
Knowledge has no shape but it infiltrates each and every particle of the universe. The whole world is filled with Shiva – whose body is in the whole universe.
Body Smeared with Ashes
This symbol has higher meaning than just the element itself. It represents how Shiva is in its transcendental aspect in nature and that his presence is higher than material presence. The ash is not a normal one, but instead the ash from a cemetery. It corresponds to the Hindu philosophy of life and death, that the death is the ultimate reality of life. Everything, in the end, is converted into ashes, and since Shiva is the God of destruction, the ash represents that everything, in the end, can be reduced to destroyed and that the lord goes beyond the circle of life and death.
Matted Hair / Jata
The symbol of matted hair is that Shiva is the Lord of Wind or Vayu, that every moment, all living beings breathe him. It represents Shiva as the Pashupatinath, the Lord of All Living Beings.
Crescent / Moon
The Ganga
In Hindu, Ganga is the most sacred river. Legend has it that the river has the source in Shiva and that flows from the matted hair of Shiva. Symbolically, it is represented by the jet of water smothering out of the head of Shiva and falling on the ground. The legend also has it that Shiva himself allowed that water to flow to humans through an outlet in the river to traverse the earth. The water is thus considered to be pure and has purifying nature. This is also how Shiva has got his name Gangadhara, which means “Bearer of the river Ganga”. Sanatana Dharma refers to the river as having the capacity of bringing fertility, and that Lord Shiva is not just a god of destruction, but also a conveyor of purity and peace.
Ganga also means knowledge; knowledge that purifies your soul. Head is always the symbol of knowledge. Heart is the symbol of love. If Ganga were to be love, it should have come out of the heart of Lord Shiva. It is coming out of the head, because it simply means knowledge. Knowledge is liberating, knowledge brings freedom, knowledge is purifying. All these are the characteristics of knowledge. Knowledge is also movement; motion. So Ganga (knowledge) has to come out of Lord Shiva’s (the divinity’s) head.
The Snake Around the Neck
Nandi is also symbolism of eternal waiting, because waiting is considered the greatest virtue in Indian culture. One who knows how to simply sit and wait is naturally meditative. Nandi is not expecting Shiva to come out tomorrow. He is not anticipating or expecting anything. He is just waiting. He will wait forever. That quality is the essence of receptivity. Before you go into a temple, you must have the quality of Nandi – to simply sit. You are not trying to go to heaven, you are not trying to get this or that – you simply sit.
People have always misunderstood meditation as some kind of activity. No – it is a quality. That is the fundamental difference. Prayer means you are trying to talk to God. Meditation means you are willing to listen to God. You are willing to just listen to existence, to the ultimate nature of creation. You have nothing to say, you simply listen. That is the quality of Nandi – he just sits, alert. This is very important – he is alert, not sleepy. He is not sitting in a passive way. He is sitting, very active, full of alertness, full of life, but just sitting – that is meditation.
Significance of Chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya'
Om Namah Shivaya is one of the very powerful mantras. It builds the energy in your system and clears the environment. Mantras are those energizing sounds which help to uplift the consciousness.
Om Namah Shivaya, these words are very important because ‘Na’, ‘Ma’, ‘Shi’, ‘Va’, ‘Ya’, these five letters indicate the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether.
Om is the sound of the universe. Om means peace and love. So when there is peace, love and harmony in all the five elements then there is bliss and there is joy!
• Sha stands for shareeram or body
• Ee stands for eeshwara or life giving energy
• Va stands for vayu or motion
Thus Shiva represents the body with life and motion. If the 'ee' is removed from Shiva, it gets reduced to sha+va or Shava which means a lifeless body. Anything with Shiva is with life, and anything without Shiva is Shava, or without life.
So Shiva is auspicious, Shiva is potential, and Shiva is life. Shiva is all encompassing - the universal soul or consciousness. Realizing this Shiva Tattva leads to Ananda.
As one of the holy trinity, Shiva has many symbols that are associated with him. Whenever we find these elements, we immediately think of the Lord himself.
Blue Body
Blue means like the Sky. Blue signifies all pervading, infinity which has no limits. It has no shape. Shiva does not have a body. Shiva was never a person at all. To symbolize the unfathomable, the infinite Divinity and to make that Divinity comprehensible to people, the ancient Rishis made a form.
Knowledge has no shape but it infiltrates each and every particle of the universe. The whole world is filled with Shiva – whose body is in the whole universe.
Body Smeared with Ashes
This symbol has higher meaning than just the element itself. It represents how Shiva is in its transcendental aspect in nature and that his presence is higher than material presence. The ash is not a normal one, but instead the ash from a cemetery. It corresponds to the Hindu philosophy of life and death, that the death is the ultimate reality of life. Everything, in the end, is converted into ashes, and since Shiva is the God of destruction, the ash represents that everything, in the end, can be reduced to destroyed and that the lord goes beyond the circle of life and death.
Matted Hair / Jata
The symbol of matted hair is that Shiva is the Lord of Wind or Vayu, that every moment, all living beings breathe him. It represents Shiva as the Pashupatinath, the Lord of All Living Beings.
Crescent / Moon
Lord Shiva is typically pictured as wearing a crescent-shaped ornament on one side of his head. This is why he is often called 'Chandrasekhara' meaning "Having the moon as his crest". The Crescent is actually the moon in its fifth day phase and symbolizes the time cycle through which creation evolves from the beginning to the end. The moon is a measure of time, and thus the Crescent on Lord Shiva's head signifies his control over time. The Lord is the Eternal Reality and He is beyond time. Thus, the crescent moon is only one of His ornaments, and not an integral part of Him.
The Ganga
In Hindu, Ganga is the most sacred river. Legend has it that the river has the source in Shiva and that flows from the matted hair of Shiva. Symbolically, it is represented by the jet of water smothering out of the head of Shiva and falling on the ground. The legend also has it that Shiva himself allowed that water to flow to humans through an outlet in the river to traverse the earth. The water is thus considered to be pure and has purifying nature. This is also how Shiva has got his name Gangadhara, which means “Bearer of the river Ganga”. Sanatana Dharma refers to the river as having the capacity of bringing fertility, and that Lord Shiva is not just a god of destruction, but also a conveyor of purity and peace.
Ganga also means knowledge; knowledge that purifies your soul. Head is always the symbol of knowledge. Heart is the symbol of love. If Ganga were to be love, it should have come out of the heart of Lord Shiva. It is coming out of the head, because it simply means knowledge. Knowledge is liberating, knowledge brings freedom, knowledge is purifying. All these are the characteristics of knowledge. Knowledge is also movement; motion. So Ganga (knowledge) has to come out of Lord Shiva’s (the divinity’s) head.
Vibhuti
Shiva has three lines of ashes drawn on his forehead. This is the Vibhuti and it shows the immortality of the Lord and praises the glory of Lord Shiva.
The Third Eye
In Hindu, Shiva is also referred to as “Traymbaka Deva”, which means “three-eyed Lord”. He is also depicted having three eyes in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. His right eye is said to be the sun, the left eye is said to be the moon, and the third eye is said to be the fire. The two left and right eye is considered to be the one looking into the physical world, while the third eye is considered to be looking beyond the obvious, and it represents the spiritual knowledge. The center eye is also known as the eye of wisdom or knowledge. The power extends beyond too: it can search any evil around the universe and destroy it instantly. This is why the devils fear the third eye.
Half Open Eyes
If you have noticed, these eyes are not completely open. The half-open nature of the eyes conveys that the cycle of the universe is still in process. When he opens his eyes completely, then a new cycle of creation begins, and when he closes them, then the universe is destroyed until the next phase of creation. The half-eyes show that creation is an eternal cyclic process that has no end or beginning.
Shiva has three lines of ashes drawn on his forehead. This is the Vibhuti and it shows the immortality of the Lord and praises the glory of Lord Shiva.
The Third Eye
In Hindu, Shiva is also referred to as “Traymbaka Deva”, which means “three-eyed Lord”. He is also depicted having three eyes in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. His right eye is said to be the sun, the left eye is said to be the moon, and the third eye is said to be the fire. The two left and right eye is considered to be the one looking into the physical world, while the third eye is considered to be looking beyond the obvious, and it represents the spiritual knowledge. The center eye is also known as the eye of wisdom or knowledge. The power extends beyond too: it can search any evil around the universe and destroy it instantly. This is why the devils fear the third eye.
Half Open Eyes
If you have noticed, these eyes are not completely open. The half-open nature of the eyes conveys that the cycle of the universe is still in process. When he opens his eyes completely, then a new cycle of creation begins, and when he closes them, then the universe is destroyed until the next phase of creation. The half-eyes show that creation is an eternal cyclic process that has no end or beginning.
The Snake Around the Neck
Snake is also very sensitive to certain energies. Shiva has the snake around his throat. It is not just symbolic. There is a whole lot of science behind it. There are 114 chakras in the energy body. Out of these 114, people are usually talking about the seven fundamental chakras in the system. Among these seven fundamental ones, the vishuddhi chakra is located in the pit of your throat. This particular chakra is very strongly associated with the snake. The vishuddhi is about stopping poison, and a snake carries poison. All these things are connected.
The word vishuddhi literally means “filter.” If your vishuddhi becomes powerful, you have the ability to filter everything that enters you. Shiva’s center is supposed to be vishuddhi, and he is also known as Vishakantha or Neelakantha because he filters all the poison. He doesn’t allow it to enter his system. Poisons are not necessarily that which you may consume through food. Poisons can enter you in so many ways: a wrong thought, a wrong emotion, a wrong idea, a wrong energy or a wrong impulse can poison your life. If your vishuddhi is active, it filters everything. It saves you from all these influences. In other words, once vishuddhi is very active, that person is so powerful within himself that whatever is around him does not influence him anymore. He is established within himself. He tends to become a very powerful being.
The Rudraksha Necklace
Shiva wears a Rudraksha necklace with 108 beads that are made from his own tears. Beads mean the elements of the world, and him wearing the necklace means that Rudraksha is firm about the rules of the universe and that even he follows the cosmic laws.
Damaru, the Drum
Damaru is a small hourglass-shaped drum. Shiva plays it with one hand in “damaru=hasta” gesture. When played, it produces the cosmic sound of AUM known as Nada. In Sanatana Dharma, Nada is the source of creation. Damru symbolizes the Universe which is always expanding and collapsing. From an expansion it collapses and then it re-expands, this is the process of creation.
If you see your heartbeat, it is not just one straight line but it is a rhythm that goes up and down. The whole world is nothing but rhythms; energy rising and collapsing to rise again. So the damru signifies that. Look at the shape of the damru, from expansion it collapses and again expands.
The darmru is also a symbol of sound. Sound is rhythm and sound is energy. The whole universe is nothing but a wave function, it is nothing but rhythms. What does quantum physics say? It says the same thing – the whole universe is nothing but rhythms. It is just one wave. So the damru signifies the non-dual nature of the universe.
Trishul
The three prongs of Trishul represents — trinity –brahma , Vishnu , Mahesh; sarasvati , lakshami and kaali; 3—modes of nature --creation, maintenance and destruction; the 3 --kaala---past, present and future; the 3-- Gunas - sat , raj , tam . 3-- lokas—swarg , bhu and patal; 3-- powers---will , action and wisdom; 3—types of miseries –physical , mental and spiritual .
The trishul in human body represents three energy channels ---ida, pingala and shushmana meet at the brow. Shushmana, the central one, continues upward to the 7th chakra, or energy center, while the other two end at the brow, there the 6th chakra is located. The trishul's central point represents Shushmana, and that is why it is longer than the other two, representing ida and pingala.
Shiva holds the handle means lord is beyond all the trigunaas means he is NIRGUN
As trident symbol represents auspiciousness, so by praying and giving pure thoughts to the mind with devotion we can be ONE with lord by balancing our thoughts and actions which can relieve us from Past, Present and Future or agony of Birth, life and death. Thus help us to lead a life of bliss while still being under the protection of the almighty.
The word vishuddhi literally means “filter.” If your vishuddhi becomes powerful, you have the ability to filter everything that enters you. Shiva’s center is supposed to be vishuddhi, and he is also known as Vishakantha or Neelakantha because he filters all the poison. He doesn’t allow it to enter his system. Poisons are not necessarily that which you may consume through food. Poisons can enter you in so many ways: a wrong thought, a wrong emotion, a wrong idea, a wrong energy or a wrong impulse can poison your life. If your vishuddhi is active, it filters everything. It saves you from all these influences. In other words, once vishuddhi is very active, that person is so powerful within himself that whatever is around him does not influence him anymore. He is established within himself. He tends to become a very powerful being.
The Rudraksha Necklace
Shiva wears a Rudraksha necklace with 108 beads that are made from his own tears. Beads mean the elements of the world, and him wearing the necklace means that Rudraksha is firm about the rules of the universe and that even he follows the cosmic laws.
Damaru, the Drum
Damaru is a small hourglass-shaped drum. Shiva plays it with one hand in “damaru=hasta” gesture. When played, it produces the cosmic sound of AUM known as Nada. In Sanatana Dharma, Nada is the source of creation. Damru symbolizes the Universe which is always expanding and collapsing. From an expansion it collapses and then it re-expands, this is the process of creation.
If you see your heartbeat, it is not just one straight line but it is a rhythm that goes up and down. The whole world is nothing but rhythms; energy rising and collapsing to rise again. So the damru signifies that. Look at the shape of the damru, from expansion it collapses and again expands.
The darmru is also a symbol of sound. Sound is rhythm and sound is energy. The whole universe is nothing but a wave function, it is nothing but rhythms. What does quantum physics say? It says the same thing – the whole universe is nothing but rhythms. It is just one wave. So the damru signifies the non-dual nature of the universe.
Trishul
The three prongs of Trishul represents — trinity –brahma , Vishnu , Mahesh; sarasvati , lakshami and kaali; 3—modes of nature --creation, maintenance and destruction; the 3 --kaala---past, present and future; the 3-- Gunas - sat , raj , tam . 3-- lokas—swarg , bhu and patal; 3-- powers---will , action and wisdom; 3—types of miseries –physical , mental and spiritual .
The trishul in human body represents three energy channels ---ida, pingala and shushmana meet at the brow. Shushmana, the central one, continues upward to the 7th chakra, or energy center, while the other two end at the brow, there the 6th chakra is located. The trishul's central point represents Shushmana, and that is why it is longer than the other two, representing ida and pingala.
Shiva holds the handle means lord is beyond all the trigunaas means he is NIRGUN
As trident symbol represents auspiciousness, so by praying and giving pure thoughts to the mind with devotion we can be ONE with lord by balancing our thoughts and actions which can relieve us from Past, Present and Future or agony of Birth, life and death. Thus help us to lead a life of bliss while still being under the protection of the almighty.
Kamandalu
Kamandalu is another accessory of Shiva. It’s a water pot made from dry pumpkin and it contains Amrit. It represents the Yogi side of the Lord, but it has a deeper meaning. Just like how the rice pumpkin is plucked from the plant, with its fruit removed and the shell cleaned to carry the pure amrit, an individual must give up the material world and remove the self of egoism, and only then he can find the purely spiritual form.
Kundalas
They refer to the two earrings: Alakshya which means that cannot be shown by any sign, and Niranjan, which cannot be seen by mortal eyes. The meaning of these refers to the imperceptible nature of Shiva. The left one is worn by women and the right one is used by men. The Kundalas thus represent the dual nature of Shiva and Shakti, male and female, the principle of creation.Kundalas
Tiger Skin
The tiger in Hindu represents the vehicle of Shakti, the Goddess of power and force. Shiva wearing the tiger skin represents his power and that he is the master of Shakti that goes beyond any other force. Tiger also represents lust, and Shiva sitting on it shows that he has conquered lust. Moreover, the tiger is also a symbol of energy, and in this case, it represents Shiva as the source of relative energy that flows throughout the universe, and that Shiva activates the energy with his own Divine will to project the universe in endless cycles.
The tiger in Hindu represents the vehicle of Shakti, the Goddess of power and force. Shiva wearing the tiger skin represents his power and that he is the master of Shakti that goes beyond any other force. Tiger also represents lust, and Shiva sitting on it shows that he has conquered lust. Moreover, the tiger is also a symbol of energy, and in this case, it represents Shiva as the source of relative energy that flows throughout the universe, and that Shiva activates the energy with his own Divine will to project the universe in endless cycles.
The Elephant and Deer Skin
The Lord also wears elephant and deer skins. Elephants stand in for pride while deer represent the flickering mind. Wearing elephant and deer skin shows that Lord Shiva has conquered both these vices.
The Lord also wears elephant and deer skins. Elephants stand in for pride while deer represent the flickering mind. Wearing elephant and deer skin shows that Lord Shiva has conquered both these vices.
Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is abode to Lord Shiva, and according to the Hindu dharma, the mountain is said to be the center of the universe. It means that Shiva is Kailash, the bestower of peace.
Nandi, the Bull
Nandi is the vehicle of Shiva, and it symbolizes both power and ignorance. Bull is called “vrisha” in Sanskrit, and it means “righteousness”. Nandi with Shiva, thus, symbolizes Shiva as a companion of righteousness.
Nandi, the Bull
Nandi is the vehicle of Shiva, and it symbolizes both power and ignorance. Bull is called “vrisha” in Sanskrit, and it means “righteousness”. Nandi with Shiva, thus, symbolizes Shiva as a companion of righteousness.
Nandi is also symbolism of eternal waiting, because waiting is considered the greatest virtue in Indian culture. One who knows how to simply sit and wait is naturally meditative. Nandi is not expecting Shiva to come out tomorrow. He is not anticipating or expecting anything. He is just waiting. He will wait forever. That quality is the essence of receptivity. Before you go into a temple, you must have the quality of Nandi – to simply sit. You are not trying to go to heaven, you are not trying to get this or that – you simply sit.
People have always misunderstood meditation as some kind of activity. No – it is a quality. That is the fundamental difference. Prayer means you are trying to talk to God. Meditation means you are willing to listen to God. You are willing to just listen to existence, to the ultimate nature of creation. You have nothing to say, you simply listen. That is the quality of Nandi – he just sits, alert. This is very important – he is alert, not sleepy. He is not sitting in a passive way. He is sitting, very active, full of alertness, full of life, but just sitting – that is meditation.
Significance of Chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya'
Om Namah Shivaya is one of the very powerful mantras. It builds the energy in your system and clears the environment. Mantras are those energizing sounds which help to uplift the consciousness.
Om Namah Shivaya, these words are very important because ‘Na’, ‘Ma’, ‘Shi’, ‘Va’, ‘Ya’, these five letters indicate the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether.
Om is the sound of the universe. Om means peace and love. So when there is peace, love and harmony in all the five elements then there is bliss and there is joy!
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