‘Jata kata hasambhrama bhramanilimpanirjhari
Vilolavichivalarai virajamanamurdhani
Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake
Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama’
The one whose Trishul signifies the three aspects of existence: creation, preservation, and destruction. The one who is the symbol of the Power of Creation. The one whose enigma holds the power to create and destroy. The one who kept the moon on his head.
Shiva is one of the most revered and powerful deities in Hinduism, occupying a central role in the religion’s pantheon of gods and goddesses. Often referred to as the “Lord of Dance” or the “Destroyer,” Shiva is associated with the transformative power of destruction and renewal.
As a yogi, Shiva is said to have mastered the art of meditation and inner peace, making him a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and a guide to those seeking to attain inner peace and tranquillity. He is often depicted with a third eye, representing his ability to see beyond the physical world and into the spiritual realm, as well as a crescent moon on his forehead, symbolizing his connection to the cycles of life and death.
Shiva is also associated with the power of creation and fertility, as well as the masculine principle in Hindu cosmology. He is often depicted holding a trident, which represents him as the god of destruction, he is seen as a force for change and is revered for his ability to clear the path for new growth and transformation.
Mahashivratri happens to be a day that celebrates the power the enigma the beauty and the complex simplicity of the superior being.
According to the legend, after hearing the Ram Katha, or story of Ram, Lord Shiva and his wife Sati or Shakti were leaving the ashram of the sage Agastya. As they travelled through a forest, Shiva spotted Lord Rama trying to locate his wife Sita, who had been taken hostage by the king of Lanka, Ravana. Lord Rama received a respectful headbow from Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva’s actions startled Sati, who questioned why he was submitting to a mere mortal. Rama’s status as a Lord Vishnu avatar was revealed to Sati by Shiva. But Sati wasn’t happy with the response, so the Lord told her to go check the facts for herself.
Sati appeared before Rama in the shape of Sita using her ability to shift forms. When Lord Rama realised who the goddess really was, he questioned, “Devi, why are you alone, where’s Shiva?” As a result, Sati understood the reality of Lord Ram. But when Sati assumed the shape of Sita, Sita’s status changed. Sita was like a mother to Lord Shiva. Shiva stopped seeing her as his wife after that. Sati remained in Lord Shiva’s home on Mount Kailash despite feeling saddened by his shift in attitude.
As a result of an altercation he had with Shiva in the court of Brahma, Sati’s father Daksha later organised a yagna but did not invite either Sati or Shiva. Even though Lord Shiva did not like the concept, Sati went to the Yagna because she wanted to. Daksha disregarded her presence and failed to even provide Prasad for Shiva, much to his considerable distress. Sati experienced extreme humiliation and sadness. She immolated herself by leaping into the yagna fire.
When Lord Shiva learned about Sati’s immolation, he erupted in a rage. As Shiva performed the Rudra Tandava, also known as the dance of devastation, while carrying Sati’s body, the kingdom of Daksha was destroyed.
Shiva’s Tandava had the potential to end the universe, which horrified everyone. Vishnu cut up Sati’s body into 12 pieces and tossed them to earth in order to calm Lord Shiva. According to legend, a Shakti Peetha appeared wherever Shakti’s bodily fragments were scattered, including the Vindhyavasini in UP and the Kamaroopa Kamakhya in Assam.
Now all by himself, Lord Siva did severe penance and left for the Himalayas. Sati reincarnated as Parvati in the Himalayan God family. To disrupt Shiva’s meditation and get his attention, she engaged in penance. It is stated that Parvati, who struggled to awaken Shiva from his meditation, turned to the God of Love and Passion, Kamadeva, for assistance.
Parvati later performed tremendous penance to win Shiva’s favour. Parvati, also known as Uma, was finally successful in luring Shiva into marriage and away from asceticism thanks to her devotion and the persuasive powers of wise devas. A day before Amavasya in the month of Phalgun, they were married. Every year, people celebrate Mahashivratri on the day that the gods’ Shiva and Parvati were wed.
This Mahashivratri indulge in absolute Shiv Bhakti and listen to Om Jai Shiv Omkara- Shiv Aarti, Shiv Gayatri, Har Har Mahadev Shiv Shankar Tripurari, Hey Shiv Shankar Hey Karunakar, Om Shivay Hari Om Shivay (Dhun) and many more bhakti audios on Saregama Carvaan mini Bhakti and try incorporating these teachings from the many qualities of Shiva, in your life:
Teaching of Shiva
Inner peace and meditation
Shiva is often depicted as a yogi, emphasizing his mastery of meditation and inner peace. Humans can incorporate this quality by practising meditation and mindfulness, which can help them find inner calm and tranquillity.
Self-discipline and asceticism
Shiva is known for his strict self-discipline and ascetic lifestyle. Humans can adopt some of these qualities by setting personal goals and adhering to a routine or practice that requires discipline and commitment.
Destruction of negative habits and attitudes
Shiva’s power of destruction can be interpreted as a force for eliminating negative habits, attitudes, and behaviours. Humans can apply this quality by working to identify and overcome negative patterns in their own lives, such as destructive thought patterns or harmful habits.
Rebirth and renewal
Shiva’s power of destruction is also associated with rebirth and renewal. Humans can incorporate this quality by embracing change and transformation and seeing difficult or challenging experiences as opportunities for growth and renewal.
Compassion and empathy
Despite his fearsome reputation, Shiva is also known for his compassion and empathy. Humans can cultivate these qualities by showing kindness and empathy to others, and by being open and receptive to different perspectives and experiences.