Coming from a Hindu background, I grew up listening to stories of the mighty Shiva, the God from Mt. Kailas in the Himalayan mountains, who was the destroyer of all suffering. He was a God who, when outraged, would open up his ‘third eye’ and cause devastation to the entire Universe. He was also depicted as a lover of fine arts, such as dance, and a devoted husband to his wife – Parvati. They would discuss the affairs of planet Earth and its’ people, and seek to restore order and balance in whichever way was required – which included incarnating as humans (sometimes even half human/half beast) to remove evil from the world. Being a young girl, it was hard not to fall in love with the ‘fairy tale’ and the mysticism behind it, especially when Shiva was also a heartfelt romantic! (I did say I was a girl!)
Since then, I have started to look into the essence behind this deity; a deity that many millions of people worldwide pay reverence to. There are hundreds of statues and temples dedicated to him and people travel thousands of miles to visit them. Shiva is considered one of the most important Gods in Hinduism (there are 1 billion Hindus world wide by the way!). I was intrigued by the total devotion, commitment and faith generated in so many people (including my parents) across the world. So it lead me to ask the questions: Who is Shiva? Why is he so important? What is Shiva all about? Is he really sitting in the Himalayas? I began my search into the essence behind this elusive and, quite frankly, terrifying being!
Lord Shiva Statue at 85 ft
Over time, I have come to believe that Shiva is not so much of a ‘God in the sky’ but more so an analogy, representing a number of different spiritual concepts. These concepts are not exclusive to just Hindus, nor should they be. The interpretations are subjective to a certain degree and sure, you can believe that this wonderful being exists in a physical form just like the one depicted by the statues, but I believe it represents an energetic state achievable by anyone which can make us ‘spiritual superhumans’, and the clues regarding how this is possible are embedded within the symbology itself.
Shiva represents the Supreme Being that continuously destroys to recreate in the cyclic process of creation, preservation and dissolution. He also represents the delicate balance between the opposing forces on Earth and within ourselves.
An interpretation of the Symbology:
There is a huge school of thought when it comes to the interpretation of Shiva. Whichever way you look at it, all the interpretations point to the same thing – how to live a fulfilled, peaceful life and how to uncover your true, unadulterated nature. Here are the key features when it comes to the symbology behind Shiva:
1. Shiva rests in Mt. Kailas in the Himalayas.
Mt Kailas is considered to be ‘Crown chakra’ of the Earth and the highest energy centre. The Earth chakras would be akin to the energy meridian, acupuncture points, and nadis in the human body. Just as our Crown connects our will with the Divine will, so does Mt. Kailas when it comes to the planets will with its spiritual destiny.
The above diagram (source Robert Coon) indicates the Earth chakra positions. These Earth chakras (like the ones in our bodies) are based upon energetic ‘ley-lines’ which are closely linked to the electromagnetic grid of the earth. Being a living being, the planet gives out its own electromagnetic field (See article on our energy fields HERE). When these fields overlap, a focal point of energy is created which is considered to have huge benefit for the people and nature in those areas. These earth ‘chakras’ can be compared to electricity poles, which stabilise and reinforce the entire electromagnetic framework. Seeing as we are also emitting our own electromagnetic energy, when aligned with the earths energy it is said that we are able to evolve our consciousness rapidly and align it with the perfection of nature. The Himalayan mountains are the world’s tallest and largest (yet youngest) mountain range, and this may indicate its ability to create and ‘uphold’ the energy grid of the planet, which we are closely intertwined with. Shiva is said to rest in the Himalayas, and being considered the ‘destroyer’ of the Earth, this may be representative of the importance of this site on the balance of the earths entire energetic grid.
“Every electron around every atom in the universe must be shifting as I heat the diamond up, to make sure that none of them end up in the same energy level. When I heat this diamond up, all the electrons in the universe instantly but imperceptibly change their energy levels. So everything is connected to everything else.”
– Prof. Brian Cox, (on the impact of heating a diamond)
2. The body of Shiva is covered in Ashes.
The ashes symbolise the physical aspect of life. It represents our core elements, and by being covered in ash, Shiva shows his ability to transcend the physical aspects of life and is unaffected by it. From a spiritual perspective, it signifies there being ‘more’ to life than what we can see and feel and death not being the end.
3. Shiva has matted locks.
Lord Shiva is considered to be the master of Yoga, the benefits of which are becoming clearer as time goes on. It is an exercise that helps to balance the mind, body and soul through manipulation of our own energy ‘chakras’. Shiva is said to have 3 matted locks which represent the integration of the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life. This teaching is said to be the key to good health and fulfillment. All 3 aspects need to be perfectly balanced for you to be energetically aligned and harmonious.
4. The River Ganges is contained within Shiva’s hair.
The Ganges is said to be the most sacred River to Hindus. Water is said to have a consciousness of its own. Dr Emoto has shown this in his Water Crystal experiment. In this experiment, water is seen to absorb the intention of our thoughts. Different intentions created different crystalline structures in the water as can be seen below:
Being in an area of high electromagnetic energy, the Ganges will inevitably undergo energetic changes which are considered to be highly beneficial to humans – especially as we are also 70-80% water. Since energy is in constant motion, an electromagnetic interchange between us and water occurs without our knowledge. The importance placed on the Ganges may be an indicator of the shifts of energy possible within ourselves in the presence of water which is vibrating at a higher energetic level. Emotions such as love, joy and happiness are considered to be emotions of a ‘higher vibration’ as they are proven to create more electromagnetic energy in the body. The image below shows the heat distribution within our bodies based on the different emotions we experience. When we are more positive, there is a higher vibration within our bodies (read more about it HERE) and this high electromagnetic vibration spreads, as it would from us to water and vice versa:
Many consider the Ganges symbology to be representative of Shiva being the eliminator of sin and ignorance, I see this being the result of an increase in vibration within ourselves, through the proven benefits of energetic water. The flowing of the Ganges from Shiva’s head is also representative of the continuous flow and abundance of this source of energy throughout time.
5. Shiva wears a cresent moon.
The moon is shown to be worn as an ornament on Shiva’s head. This represents that Shiva is the master of time and is himself, timeless. Calendars, ancient as well as present day ones, are hugely influenced by the moon. This, to me, is indicative of our eternal nature. That we are energy that can never be destroyed, that we are timeless beings and that time is simply relative to our present moment. It also indicates that our evolution is not governed by time. The cyclical nature of the Universe and the presence of an eternal constant, is also symbolised by the moon on Shiva’s head.
6. Shiva has a 3rd eye.
The 3rd eye in ancient history has been given a huge amount of importance. It is representative of the Pineal gland in the human brain. The Pineal gland is a small endocrine gland in the brain. It produces melatonin, a serotonin-derived hormone, which affects the modulation of sleep patterns. Its shape resembles a tiny pine cone (hence its name), and it is located in the epithalamus, near the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres, tucked in a groove where the two halves of the thalamus join. René Descartes believed the pineal gland to be the “principal seat of the soul” and viewed it as the third eye and the gland that enables extra sensory perception. The Pineal gland even contains rods and cones like our normal eyes!
The significance of the Pineal gland is abundantly clear worldwide as can be seen below:
IMAGES FROM TOP LEFT: Egyptian Pyraminds and a deity with a pine cone in the centre of the head, The Vatican with the largest pine cone worldwide, Lambeth Bridge London with pine cones on statues, Egyptian Solar God Osiris with a pine cone representation, Buddha and a pine cone at the top of his head, Caduceus Whitehall Building New York City showing another pine cone, Angkor Wat Cambodia built in the shape of pine cones, Assyrian Dieties holding a pine cone, Dionysus – the Roman God holding a staff with a pine cone .
The third eye, in the centre of Shiva’s forehead, symbolises spiritual knowledge and self awareness and therefore considered to be the eye of wisdom and perspective:
‘Knowing others is intelligence, knowing yourself is true wisdom’ – Lao Tsu
Traditionally, stories of Shiva’s third eye opening and causing devastation to evil, have been told. I consider this to be representative of self awareness being able to have the ability to dispell the darkness (or ‘evil’) within us, which always stem from our fear based beliefs. Shiva’s third eye is indicative of the importance of looking within to eliminate our own ignorance, so that we may be free of our fear based conditioning and have a fulfilled and peaceful existence.
7. Shiva wears 2 earrings or Kundalas
Traditional images of Shiva depict him wearing 2 earrings, one in each ear. One being an example of male jewellery and the other, of female. They are named:
Alakshya– which means, one that cannot be shown by any sign
Niranjan – which means, one that cannot be seen by mortal eyes.
Symbolically, the Kundalas suggest that Shiva (or Source) is beyond ordinary perception. That faith is belief in the unknown. It is an indication of the elusive nature of that energy, or Source, which can not be contained but can only be experienced.
Compare it to stirring salt into water – you can not see the salt once it has dissolved, it can only be tasted.
In traditional images, the earring on Shiva’s left ear is one that is worn by women. The earring that is on the right ear is the one that is worn by men. Scientifically, the left hand side of the body is predominantly controlled by the right hand side of the brain and vice versa. The left, logical, brain is represented by the Male, and the right, creative, intuitive brain is represented by the Female. Thus the two earrings symbolize the unity of the Male and Female brain. A merging of the two is said to open the gate to our true selves and our eternal Source. This left and right brain synchronicity is proven via Meditation and emphasised by the likes of the Egyptians:
8. Shiva has a snake coiled around his neck.
The snake is considered to represent the Ego (See article on Ego HERE). Shiva wearing the snake indicates the need for us to take control of our Ego, so that it can be used in a way to benefit us. The Ego’s role is to protect us, but when taken too seriously, it can control our life in a fearful way. We live in a society where people are riddled by fear and insecurity. Understanding the role of our own Ego in our behavioural and thought patterns is the first step to being free of fear based beliefs. This has been summarised throughout the ages in 2 simple words: Know Thyself.
The tame, yet alert, snake therefore represents the harmony between ourselves and our Ego patterns, as well as the importance of being vigilant when it comes to recognising the controlling Ego. To much importance on ‘ME’ stems from a fear based, egotistic belief, which can be very elusive and well hidden in nature, just like a snake.
9. Shiva holds a Trident.
The Trident (or Trishul) is representative of the merging of the 3 component parts vital to you manifesting your reality on earth: Knowledge, Intention and Implementation. Without all 3, we are not able to direct our lives in a positive way and we may become scattered.
Compare it to planning a journey, initially you must know where you are going, then you must prepare for the journey and, thirdly, you must actually get into your vehicle and head off. Sure, the journey may not go exactly the way you plan it, but the 3 essential components are necessary in order for the experience to occur at all!
In addition to this, the Trident is also representative of the unity of the Male and Female aspects of our being (as in the explanation of the Kundalas, point 7) as well as the merging and balance of the mental body, the physical body and the etheric body (mind, body and soul).
10. Shiva holds a drum (or Damaru).
The drum carried by Shiva is classically composed of 2 sides separated from eachother by a thin ‘neck’. This drum is then said to be rotated by Shiva to create sound. Everything in existence is formed from sound. Energy travels in Sine waves, which is the same pattern of travel of sound, being an energy in itself. The drum is representative of the energy that creates all that is. The opposing sides of the drum represent the duality of being on Earth; the Yin and the Yang; the need for the opposites to make the whole. This includes all the polarities of our belief systems, and ideas of being ‘right and wrong’ or ‘good and bad’. Both ‘sides of the coin’ are essential to the make up of the Divine architecture, of which we are vital component parts.
11. Shiva sits on Tiger Skin.
This represents the need to become aware of, and conquer, our fears. This can be achieved through Meditation and introspection. Once we become aware of our own fears we are at the end of the process of eliminating them. In order to feel peace and joy, we must become conscious of our subconscious fears. Shiva can be seen to be in a meditative pose, representing the secret to our success and happiness as human beings – awareness of ourselves and the subsequent awakening of our consciousness.
“The Enemy is Fear, we think it is hate, but it is Fear” – Gandhi
What the Shiva represents is the ‘eternal truth’ and the ‘way’ to reach our full potential. Adopting even some of these teachings can change our lives for the better. This is merely one respresentation. I wonder how many overlaps there are between Hinduism and other religions. I can’t help but think they all point to the same thing – self realisation.
Until the next time 🙂
