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Religion: Hinduism – About Lord Shiva Appearance – 4
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Shiva is the god of Destruction as well as Creation, which in a perpetual cyclical movement follow one another. His body is covered with ashes, symbolic of death and regeneration. Shiva is always naked, which symbolizes his primal condition, his non-attachment to the world. On his forehead are three horizontal lines, painted with ashes, representing the threefold power of will, knowledge and action. Around his neck is a garland of 108 beads, the 108 elements of material creation, and on his hand/arm a rosary of 50 beads, the 50 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet. Shiva is often shown sitting or wandering in the cremation ground, which symbolizes the correct attitude of a yogi to life. Shmashana is the end of the physical phase of life. This is a prerequisite for every new creation. Sadhus, the holy men of India and Nepal in appearance try to resemble Shiva; for sadhus he is the Master of Yogis. Following his example, quite a few sadhus walk about naked, symbolizing their renunciation of the world of mortals, and rub their body with ashes of their holy fires, symbolic of death and rebirth. They have given up their basic need as well as social status, thus walk around naked. Many sadhus wear extremely long hair (jata), again in emulation of Lord Shiva, whose long strands of hair are regarded as the ‘seat’ of his supernatural powers. The Gorakhnathis are commonly referred to as Yogis or Jogis. Although in outlook very similar to the sannyasis, the yogis adhere to the Tantric way taught by their Guru-founder Gorakhnath. Still, they are devotees of Shiva, albeit in his manifestation as Bhairava, and they worship Hanuman Ji and Dattatreya. Another sect Aghoris emulate the most extreme characteristics of Lord Shiva as the Conqueror of Death: his favorite haunt is the cremation-grounds; he bathes in cremation-ashes; he wears a garland of skulls and bones; he keeps spirits and ghosts for company. The Aghoris willingly transgress all ascetic and Hindu taboos, convinced as they are that by ‘reversing all values’ they will speed up enlightenment.
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Yes. Shiva is the manifestation of creation, growth, and destruction which are all phases in a cycle. He represents all the three phases. He wears a serpent as a Garland, holds a Mala that consists of 50 beads of Rudraksha. He wears the skin of a Buffalo. He holds a Trident as his weapon and Dhamaruk as the instrument for his dance. Everything will teach us the reality and the truth of life. His living in Graveyard indicates that it is only the final place which is meant for others and where each and everyone irrespective of status, money, and power should rest. There is Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal. Here there is another temple dedicated to Gorakhnath and his followers are called Gorakhis. They use and know all about Tantric practices. Their Guru Gorakhnath is almost worshiped as Lord Shiva. Another cult we find among these sects is Aghoris who almost lead a totally different life. They eat the corps in the Graveyard and apply that ashes to their bodies. They take bath only during Kumbh Melas and visiting the shrines of Lord Shiva. They do not move with any people and even do not prefer to live in the human settlements. They live mostly in forests at interior places. Many people have tried to seek their blessings but failed. There are only a few who could get their Darshan. They feel it lucky. Aghoris posses unimaginable powers and capable of bringing to life even the dead, but only if they wish. There are many who only write about them with different stories and experiences which is not worthy at all. Even on the Internet, there are some pictures uploaded telling about Aghoris. Though there may be some rare stories that can be believed that can be believed to some extent but can not be accepted in toto. I have approached to contact them during my visit to VARANASI but failed miserably. He just went off very quickly. Of course, I am satisfied with his sight. That’s all. |
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Very valuable information added to the article which will help all of us to understand about Lord Shiva better in detail. Lord Shiva is worshiped in most parts of India and its neighboring which were part of Akhand Bharat which existed since ages. He is one God who can be pleased even without offering any material things as he leads a austere life. He likes devotees who practice meditation, penance, dhayana, reciting mantras or simply offering some flowers, milk or bilva patra of bilva tree.
His abode Mount Kailash is a place of peace and tranquility and he prefers places which are very calm and useful for meditative purposes. Looking at a Linga or a Image of the Lord teaches on of how to life life. And displays the different qualities on should learn to aquire in his or her life to reach an evolved state of living. |
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