Hinduism: Iconography of Shiva

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His consort described by Voeils (2005,p. 31) is the goddess Parvati, whom is the ideal loving and loyal wife who can be seen by Shiva’s side holding a lotus. Shiva’s consort may take two forms either as benevolent such as Parvarti or fiece as Kali or Durga. Mitter (1982, p. 26-7) explains that the goddess Kali may be worshipped in her own right for her fearlessness and for punishing wrong-doers however, she is gentle towards her followers. De Grunchy and Prozesky (1991, p. 59) state that Kali and Durga represent Shiva’s fearlessness as well as his power.

Looking at the icon of Shiva which I have chosen to analysis (attached) is an image which is common amongst the iconography that relates to Shiva. The reason I have chosen this icon is because it has many significant symbols that relate to Shiva. According to De Grunchy and Prozesky (1991,p. 59) Shiva can be seen as the Lord of Beasts, the Remover, as well as a Peace-giver. He is also seen as the god of the lingam, which is the stone pillar in the background of icon. The Shiva lingam represents the fertility and production or biology as well as cosmic creativity.

Firstly, we are drawn to Shiva because of the blue colour of his skin. Veoils (2005, p. 30) explains that his blue complexion is symbolic of a story in which Shiva drank poison in order to save the world from becoming destroyed by evil forces. Another reason for his complexion is that blue is symbolic for the sky as well as the ocean. Which could be another representation of where Hinduism began , very high up in the Indus Valley.

Secondly , we are drawn to the tiger skin on which he is seated on as well as the animal print cloth covering his body. Shiva is seen as the destroyer as well as a hunter, these could be symbolic of his skills as a hunter and power as a destroyer. Danielou (1991, p. 216) states that the tiger skin and animal skin could be seen as a trophy to show all that his powers go beyond nature. Voeils (2005, p. 30) mentions that this could also suggest the need to overcome arrogance as well as his power to destroy enemies who are evil and ignorant.

Shiva is seated in a calm meditational position hence he is also see as Shiva the great Yogi. Voeils (2005, p. 29-30) describes this position as a symbol of Shiva’s calm mind through the use of meditation. His eyes are not completely opened which could also be seen as symbolic to Yoga or meditation indicating that he is focusing on his inner self.

Another unusual aspect we are drawn to is his third eye, which is situated in the middle of his forehead. This symbolizes wisdom. Voeils (2005, p.30) mentions that the third eye is also a symbol of deep concentration. Each of Shiva’s eyes represent sources of light that illuminate the universe. Danielou (1991, p. 214) states that these sources are the moon, the sun and the fire. De Grunchy and Prozesky (1991, p. 59) mention that the third eye can be seen as a Yogic eye.

Danielou (1991, p. 215) explains that the matted hair of Shiva is associated with the flow of the Ganges river hence he can be seen as the Lord of Wind. The Ganges river is located in India and is seen as holy water which purifies all. As seen in the icon , there is water flowing from his matted hair. Voeils (2005, p. 30) elaborates that the myth explains his knotted or matted hair saved the earth from destruction when the Ganges river was created. If his hair had not caught the flow of the river it would have destroyed earth.

The trident seen on the right side of Shiva represent three functions. According to De Grunchy and Prezesky (1991, p. 59) these three functions are of creation, preservation and destruction. Danielou (1991, p. 216) explains that the trident also symbolizes three arteries of the body as well as “the giver of punishment on the spiritual, subtle and physical planes”. However, Voeils (2005, p. 30) explains that the trident is symbolic of Shiva withdrawing himself from the pleasure of life hence he is a holy man.

An serpent is always seen with Shiva. Voeils (2005, p.30) states that the serpent coiled around Shiva’s neck represents his inner power to control his desires. Another view on the symbolic significance of the serpent is described by Danielou(1991, p.217) is that his greater than death even though it constantly surrounds him. The serpent coiled around his neck can also symbol the cycle of life or time. Hanging on the trident we see what Danielou (1991, p.219) describes as an “Hourglass-Shaped Drum” known as the Damaru is said to represent the rhythm and state of manifestation.

Danielou (1991, p.218) elaborates on the symbolic meaning of the garlands around Shiva’s neck and the ashes on his forehead. The garlands are representations of “the perpetual revolution of ages and the successive appearances and disappearances of the human races.” The ashes on his head are therefore symbolic of the universes and gods he is said to have burned including Brahma and Vishnu hence he rubs their ashes on his forehead. It can also be symbolic of the belief that the ashes can protect one from winter or the “sublimited power of procreation”.

In the background of Shiva we can see the Himalaya mountains where it is believed that Shiva’s figure was seen in clouds as mentioned above. We also see what seems to be a city or a temple. Danielou (1991, p. 220) states that Shiva’s sacred temples are located in Varanasi. This was referred to as the town of Kasi in which it is believed that Shiva’s son was born. Another thing I noticed was the Shiva Lingum, this represents, according to De Grunchy and Prozesky (1991,p. 59) the Shiva lingam represents the fertility and production or biology as well as cosmic creativity. He is also seen as the god of the lingam, which is the stone pillar in the background of icon. This Shiva lingum also contains the ‘om sign’ which is a well-known Hindu symbol for a syllable in the sacred mantras. It is a primordial sound believed to be present during the creation of the universe. It also creates an almost relaxing sensation when said.

Shiva is known to be the Guardian of the Vedas, a sacred text. According to Danielou (1991, p. 143). The Hindu sacred texts are divided into two catergories: The Sruti, which is what is heard and the Smriti, which is what is remembered. The Sruti texts consists of the Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads. Shiva guards the Vedas which means knowledge.

According to Shattuck (1999, p. 59) the term bhakti means devotional. A form of bhakti shown to the gods is a ritual worship known as puja. Shattuck (1999, p. 71) further explains that puja can be conducted in the home or at a temple because the rituals are similar. In Hindu homes on usually finds a shrine or even a shelf in