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By The Powers Of Lord Shiva! |
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Part 1: The Fascinating Deity
Shiva
is 'Shakti', Shiva is power, Shiva is the destroyer, the most powerful god of
the Hindu pantheon and one of the godheads in the Hindu Trinity. Known by many
names - Mahadeva, Mahayogi, Pashupati, Nataraja, Bhairava, Vishwanath, Bhava,
Bhole Nath - Lord Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities. Hindus
recognise this by putting his shrine in the temple separate from those of other
deities.
Shiva
As Phallic Symbol
Shiva, in temples is usually found as a phallic symbol of the linga,
which represents the energies necessary for life on both the microcosmic and
the macrocosmic levels, that is, the world in which we live and the world which
constitutes the whole of the universe. In a Shaivite temple, the linga is placed
in the centre underneath the spire, where it symbolises the naval of the earth.
A
Different Deity
The actual image of Shiva is also distinct from other deities: his hair piled
high on the top of his head, with a crescent tucked into it and the river Ganges
tumbling from his hairs. Around his neck is a coiled serpent representing Kundalini
or the spiritual energy within life. He holds a trident in his left hand
in which is bound the 'damroo' (small leather drum). He sits on a tiger
skin and on his right is a water pot. He wears the 'Rudraksha' beads
and his whole body is smeared with ash.
The
Destructive Force
Shiva is believed to be at the core of the centrifugal force of the universe,
because of his responsibility for death and destruction. Unlike the godhead
Brahma, the Creator, Shiva is the dissolving force
in life. But Shiva dissolves in order to create, since death is the medium for
rebirth into a new life. So the opposites of life and death and creation and
destruction both reside in his character.
The
Most Fascinating of Gods
He is also often portrayed as the supreme ascetic with a passive and composed
disposition. Sometimes he is depicted riding a bull called Nandi
decked in garlands. Although a very complicated deity, Shiva is one of the most
fascinating of Hindu gods.
The
God Who's Always High!
Since Shiva is regarded as a mighty destructive power, to numb his negative
potentials he is fed with opium and is also termed as Bhole Shankar,
one who is oblivious of the world. Therefore, on Maha Shivratri, the night of
Shiva worship, devotees, especially the menfolk, prepare an intoxicating drink
called Thandai (made from cannabis, almonds, and milk) sing songs in
praise of the Lord and dance to the rhythm of the drums.
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