Shiva MY Isht Deva
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Shiva |
Shiva,
known as the destroyer, is the third of the principal gods of the Hindu. The
triad's two other gods are Brahma, the creator of the universe, and Vishnu, the preserver of the universe.
Hindus believe that Shiva periodically destroys the world in order to recreate
it and is the source of both good and evil.
Shiva
is depicted in many forms and known by 1,008 names, which are detailed in the Shiva
Purana. He is often presented with a blue face and throat; long, dark
matted hair; and holds a trident, which corresponds to the functions of the
Hindu triumvirate. His forehead is anointed with three horizontal lines in
white ash and may also feature a third eye, a symbol of wisdom and untamed
energy. Among the most ancient representations of Shiva is as a lingum, a
phallic statue that symbolizes his progenitive powers, and as a yogi, seated
cross-legged in meditation dressed in a loincloth or simple animal skin.
Figures of a dancing
shaman/deity with trident bangles and an animal headdress has been found on
prehistoric wall paintings in Central India and though this is disputed, many
scholars see a proto-Shiva as depicted on seals from the Indus Valley
civilization. When depicted in the pose of the cosmic dancer, Nataraja (or Lord
of the Dance), Shiva's dual nature is manifest in a single image, for his dance
is believed to both destroy and restore the universe. He is also the ideal
family man and husband when shown with his wife, the goddess Parvati, and his
two sons, Ganesha and Skanda.
Many Hindus worship Shiva as the
supreme and all-powerful deity and are part of the Shaivism sect. As a mark of
their devotion, Shaivite ascetics smear their bodies with ash, keep their hair
uncut, and carry a trident.
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