A Bhakti's Guide to Hindu Deities

Shiva–the God of Destruction


According to the Hindu belief, our world experiences change as a result of a simple cycle of three elements that run our world and are responsible for it: creation, preservation, and then destruction, after which creation dominates once again. These responsibilities are performed by the hands of three of the revered Hindu deities that combine to form the triumvirate.


Where Brahma is responsible for creation and Vishnu for the perseverance of the world and its elements, Shiva is the final bookend of this trio as the God of Destruction.


SHIVA- PROFILE AND RESPONSIBILITIES


Literally, Shiva means auspicious, which may seem to be somewhat contradictory to the title given to him, which is the god of destruction. But as is known, Shiva is the god of contradictions. The destruction of the world is not seen as an act of pure evil and terror, but of synthesis and renewal to bring about positive change.

Despite being responsible for destruction, Shiva is seen with a calm smile on his face in his pictographs. He is displayed as a young fatherly figure whose face and neck are of the color blue, at times his body as well. That is why he is also called he Lord of the yogi. He is the god of yoga and meditation as he asks you to let go of worldly desires and attachments and meditate until your thoughts become essences. Thus, he is often depicted in a yogic position on a serene landscape such as mountains.


THE SYMBOLISM OF SHIVA


Trident
The trident that Shiva holds in his hands is said to represent either of two things: the triumvirate of “creation, preservation, and destruction”, or the three gunas “sattva, rajas, and tamas”.


Snakes or Cobra
Shiva is often shown to wear snakes or a Cobra as a garland around himself. This is symbolic for his power and wisdom as he holds commands over one of the most venomous creatures. It also represents his power to destroy and recreate as a snake sheds its skin and produces a new one.


Third Eye
Shiva has a third eye which is located in the center of his forehead between his eyebrows. This eye, of course, represents wisdom and knowledge beyond what is visible and already known and through this eye, Shiva can eliminate evil such as demons and false illusions.


Vibhuti
These are three lines that have been painted across his forehead with ash, covering his third eye. It signifies wealth and power which Shiva had in plenty. Many of his followers also draw these lines on their foreheads.

Moon


On his head, Shiva bears a moon in the shape of a crescent which is the representative of the night time or the space, a feature that gave him the title of Vyomakesh, one having hair made of space. The moon also shows him to be the opposite of Vishnu, who is associated with the sun.


Tiger Skin
Shiva is sometimes shown to either be sitting on tiger skin or wearing it. This tiger skin represents his higher position over others as well as his command over nature and animals alike.