Who was Shiva?
Shiva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Shiva is also known as Mahadeva, meaning the "Great God" or "Lord of the Lords". He is regarded as the destroyer, transformer, and protector of the universe and is often depicted as a yogi meditating on Mount Kailash. Shiva is typically portrayed with a third eye on his forehead, a crescent moon on his head, and a snake around his neck. He is often worshipped as the lord of dance and is known for his cosmic dance of destruction, known as the Tandava. Additionally, Shiva is also associated with fertility, love, and devotion. His consort is the goddess Parvati, and together they are seen as the ultimate symbol of marital bliss and love.
Shiva is sometimes known as Nataraja, which means "Lord of the Dance". His cosmic dance is believed to represent the rhythm of the universe and the balance of creation and destruction.
Khmer Shiva
He is also associated with the sacred sound of Om, which is believed to be the sound of creation and the essence of the universe.
Shiva is often depicted with a crescent moon on his head, which represents the cycle of birth and death.Shiva is also associated with the third eye, which represents spiritual insight and knowledge. He is often depicted holding a trident, which represents the three fundamental aspects of existence - creation, preservation, and destruction.
He is known for his ascetic lifestyle and is often depicted wearing animal skins and sitting on a tiger skin. Shiva is also known for his destructive side, which represents his power to destroy evil and ignorance. Although, the river Ganges is said to flow from the matted hair of Shiva, which is why it is considered sacred by Hindus.
Shiva is believed to have many different forms and aspects, including Rudra, Bhairava, and Mahakala. In some Hindu traditions, Shiva is worshipped as the Supreme Being and the ultimate reality.
Shiva is often worshipped in the form of a lingam, which is a phallic symbol that represents his creative energy.
There are many stories and legends associated with Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology, including the story of how he saved the world by swallowing poison during the churning of the ocean.
Indonesian Shiva
