What do the hands of Shiva symbolize?

As a symbol, Shiva Nataraja is a brilliant invention. It combines in a single image Shiva’s roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe and conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time. Shiva’s front left hand, pointing to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for the troubled soul.

Why Shiva holds deer in his hand?

The deer also represents the Vedas, with each of the four legs as one of the four Vedas. Lord Siva is holding the deer in His hand, which indicates that He is the Lord of the Vedas. Elephant represents symbolically the vritti (thought wave) of pride. Linga also is the form of Lord Siva.

What is the symbolism of Shiva’s third eye?

Shiva’s third eye signifies the destruction of the world of Maya. It is an eye of wisdom, which provides us the faculty to distinguish what is right and what is wrong.

Why is Shiva important?

Shiva (Siva) is one of the most important gods in the Hindu pantheon and is considered a member of the holy trinity (trimurti) of Hinduism with Brahma and Vishnu. Shiva is the most important Hindu god for the Shaivism sect, the patron of Yogis and Brahmins, and also the protector of the Vedas, the sacred texts.

What is the meaning of Shivas four arm?

Frederick M. Asher. In the most common type of image, Shiva is shown with four arms and flying locks dancing on the figure of a dwarf, who is sometimes identified as Apasmara (a symbol of human ignorance; apasmara means “forgetfulness” or “heedlessness”).

Why does Shiva carry a trident?

Tri meaning three and Shool meaning spear, the weapon held by Lord Shiva is of great significance. It is believed that Shiva’s Trishool destroys the physical world which is illusion, the mental world which is ego and then takes us to the third world which is spiritualism. …

What happened when Lord Shiva opened his third eye?

Shiva’s Third Eye: The Yogic Dimension Shiva opened his third eye and saw Kama, his own lust, coming up and burnt it. Ash slowly oozed out of his body, showing that everything within was laid to rest for good.

What is the significance of the dance of Shiva?

The Significance of Shiva’s Dance This cosmic dance of Shiva is called ‘Anandatandava,’ meaning the Dance of Bliss, and symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm of birth and death.

What is the significance of the crescent on Lord Shiva’s head?

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.

What does Lord Shiva’s body smeared with ashes mean?

Unclad body smeared with ashes: This form of Lord Shiva symbolizes the transcendental aspect of his nature and indicates that his presence is much higher than this physical phenomenon. The ashes on the Lord’s body is cemetery ash, which points to the philosophy of the life and death and shows that death is the ultimate reality of the life.

Why is there a bull in front of Lord Shiva?

The bull is a symbol both of power and ignorance which suggests that Lord Shiva removes ignorance of his devotees and gives them the power of wisdom. In Sanskrit a bull is called “Vrisha” which also means “righteousness”. The Nandi bull beside Lord Shiva indicates that He is the eternal companion of righteousness.