SHIVA
Shiva is the destroyer, while Brahma is the creator and Vishnu is the preserver. Whenever Shiva destroys the world, Brahma rebuilds it. In the destruction, in the form of death or otherwise, Shiva intends change for the good. In Hindu philosophy of Satyam (truth), Shivam (goodness) Sundaram (beauty), Shiva represent Shivam (goodness).
The Trident that Shiva carries represents three Gunas (goodnesses). The snake around his neck implies for the death or poison is alien to him. It also implies for the energy.
His vehicle is Nandi (joyful white bull). Tiger skin wearing Shiva is seated also on tiger skin. He takes Panchavaktra (five-phased) forms as culmination of all energies he possesses. The forms he takes are Aghora, Ishana, Tatpurusha, Varna Deva and Saddyojat or Braddha Rundra. Aghora is in cremation grounds, Ishana is Shivalingam, Tatpurusha is meditation, Varna Deva is eternal Shiva and Saddyojat/Braddha Rudra is old wrathful form. The Sddyojat/Braddha Rudra form is also related to the Rudrakshamala (a rosary made of dried fruits of Rudraksha tree). When Shiva performs dance it is called Nataraja (the king of dance). Shiva’s Nataraja implies destruction and creation of the universe and reveals death, birth and rebirth. Apasmarapurusha (the evil spirit of ignorance and lost sense) gets crushed under his feet while one hand stretched across his chest implies freedom from the bondage to the devotees. The fire is indicative of the destruction of the creation. The dance – Nataraja – is also indicative of creation. Shiva’s Dance of Bliss is solely for the welfare of the world.
Shiva is worshipped in the form of Lingam (penis). The Lingam is seated on Yoni (vagina). Lingam symbolizes creative energy and power of Shiva and Yoni symbolizes the Shakti.
Yogis(self-controlled and celebrate – ascetics) are the ardent worshippers of Shiva.
Shiva’s first wife is Sati, while the second wife is Parvati who is also known in the names of Gauri, Uma, Durga, Kali and Shakti. Ganesha and Karthikeya are his sons. Shiva’s abode is in mount Kailas which is in Himalaya.
