7 Secrets from Hindu Calender Art

1. Hindu Mythology: A Diverse Pantheon Reflecting Life's Complexities

Different people see God differently

A multifaceted divine. Hindu mythology presents a rich tapestry of divine beings, each representing different aspects of existence. This diversity allows for multiple interpretations and personal connections to the divine, reflecting the complexity of human experience and thought.

Symbolism in imagery. Hindu calendar art and temple iconography use intricate symbolism to convey philosophical and spiritual concepts. For example:

• The elephant-headed Ganesha represents the removal of obstacles
• The multi-armed forms of deities symbolize their various powers and attributes
• The divine couples (Shiva-Parvati, Vishnu-Lakshmi) represent the union of spiritual and material realms

Local and universal forms. Hindu deities often have both localized forms (like village goddesses) and universal manifestations (like the Trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). This allows for a connection between local traditions and broader Hindu philosophy.

2. The Dual Nature of Divinity: God and Goddess, Spirit and Matter

Within infinite myths lies the Eternal Truth

Complementary opposites. Hindu philosophy often presents divinity as a union of complementary forces:

• Male and female
• Spirit (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti)
• Consciousness and energy

Ardhanari: divine androgyny. The concept of Ardhanari (half-male, half-female form of Shiva) symbolizes the inseparable nature of these dualities. It represents the idea that both masculine and feminine principles are essential aspects of the divine and of reality itself.

Practical implications. This dual nature of divinity encourages a holistic worldview, recognizing the importance of both spiritual pursuits and engagement with the material world. It suggests that true wisdom comes from balancing and integrating these seemingly opposite aspects of existence.

3. Vishnu: The Preserver and Upholder of Dharma

Detached engagement brings order

Cosmic maintainer. Vishnu represents the preserving force in the universe, ensuring cosmic balance and the continuation of life. His role is to uphold dharma (righteous living and cosmic order) through various means.

Avatars and adaptation. Vishnu's ten major avatars (incarnations) demonstrate his adaptability to changing circumstances:

• Matsya (fish): Saving wisdom from cosmic dissolution
• Kurma (tortoise): Supporting the churning of the cosmic ocean
• Varaha (boar): Rescuing the earth from cosmic waters
• Narasimha (man-lion): Defeating tyranny through unexpected means
• Vamana (dwarf): Humbling the proud and restoring cosmic balance
• Parashurama: Checking the abuse of power
• Rama: Exemplifying ideal kingship and ethical conduct
• Krishna: Teaching divine love and duty
• Buddha: Emphasizing compassion and the middle path
• Kalki: Future avatar to reset the cosmic cycle

Engaged detachment. Vishnu's philosophy encourages active participation in the world while maintaining inner detachment, as exemplified in Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavad Gita.

4. Shiva: The Destroyer and Embodiment of Spiritual Detachment

Withdrawal leads to destruction

Beyond conventional destruction. Shiva's role as the "destroyer" is often misunderstood. His destruction is of:

• Desire (Kama)
• Death and rebirth cycle (Yama)
• The three worlds of experience (Tripura)

Ascetic ideal. Shiva represents the ultimate ascetic, demonstrating:

• Detachment from worldly concerns
• Mastery over sensory experiences
• Transcendence of conventional social norms

Yogic symbolism. Shiva's iconography is rich with yogic symbolism:

• The third eye: spiritual insight and the destruction of ignorance
• Matted locks: rejection of social conventions
• Crescent moon: mastery over the mind
• Snake around the neck: control over fear and desire

Tension with engagement. The mythology often shows a tension between Shiva's ascetic nature and the need for worldly engagement, as seen in his marriage to Parvati and his role as a householder.

5. The Goddess: Manifesting as Power, Knowledge, and Wealth

Desire and destiny create life

Tripartite manifestation. The divine feminine in Hinduism often appears in three primary forms:

• Durga/Kali: Power and protection
• Saraswati: Knowledge and arts
• Lakshmi: Wealth and prosperity

Nature and culture. The Goddess represents both the raw power of nature and the nurturing aspects of culture. This duality is seen in:

• Village goddesses protecting and providing for communities
• Universal forms like Shakti embodying cosmic energy

Empowerment and surrender. Goddess worship in Hinduism involves both:

• Seeking empowerment through connection with divine feminine energy
• Surrendering to the cosmic forces beyond human control

Transformation. Many goddess myths involve transformation, such as:

• Parvati's penance to win Shiva's attention
• Durga's creation to defeat demons the male gods couldn't overcome

6. Avatars: Divine Incarnations Adapting to Changing Times

God is stillness within, Goddess is movement around

Purpose of avatars. Divine incarnations serve multiple purposes:

• Restoring dharma in times of cosmic imbalance
• Providing accessible forms of divinity for devotees
• Demonstrating ideal conduct for different eras

Evolution of avatars. The sequence of Vishnu's avatars shows an evolution:

• From animal and hybrid forms to human incarnations
• From addressing cosmic threats to dealing with social and ethical challenges

Rama and Krishna. Two of the most popular avatars represent different approaches:

• Rama: The ideal king, upholding societal norms and duties
• Krishna: The divine lover and teacher, often transcending conventional morality

Bhakti movement. Avatar worship significantly contributed to the bhakti (devotional) movement in Hinduism, emphasizing personal relationship with the divine.

7. Brahma: The Forgotten Creator and Symbol of Human Attachment

Human life is an opportunity

Neglected creator. Despite being part of the Hindu trinity, Brahma is rarely worshipped. This neglect stems from mythological reasons:

• His infatuation with his own creation (Shatarupa)
• Forgetting the purpose of creation (self-realization)

Symbolic interpretation. Brahma's story can be seen as an allegory for:

• The human tendency to become attached to the material world
• The forgetfulness of our true spiritual nature
• The cyclical nature of creation and dissolution

Self-reflection. The myth of Brahma encourages introspection:

• Are we, like Brahma, chasing after our own creations?
• Have we forgotten the purpose of our existence?

8. The Cyclical Nature of Existence in Hindu Thought

What dies is always reborn

Cosmic cycles. Hindu cosmology posits vast cycles of creation and dissolution:

• Days and nights of Brahma (each lasting billions of years)
• Yugas (world ages) with varying levels of dharma

Individual cycles. The concept of reincarnation reflects this cyclical thinking on an individual level:

• Souls journey through multiple lifetimes
• Karma determines the circumstances of rebirth

Implications for life. This cyclical worldview impacts Hindu attitudes:

• Less emphasis on a single, final judgment
• Greater focus on gradual spiritual evolution over many lifetimes
• Acceptance of change as a fundamental aspect of reality

9. Dharma: The Cosmic Order and Ethical Framework

Detached engagement brings order

Multifaceted concept. Dharma encompasses:

• Cosmic order and natural law
• Individual duty and ethical conduct
• Social norms and responsibilities

Situational ethics. Hindu epics like the Mahabharata explore the complexities of dharma:

• Sometimes conflicting duties (e.g., familial vs. societal obligations)
• The need for wisdom in interpreting and applying dharmic principles

Vishnu's role. As the preserver, Vishnu is closely associated with upholding dharma:

• His avatars often appear to restore dharmic balance
• The Bhagavad Gita (spoken by Krishna) is a key text on dharmic action

Personal and universal. Dharma operates on both individual and cosmic levels:

• Svadharma: One's personal duty based on nature and circumstances
• Sanatana Dharma: The eternal, universal order

10. The Interplay of Desire and Destiny in Hindu Philosophy

Desire and destiny create life

Creative tension. Hindu thought recognizes the dynamic between:

• Kama (desire, love): The driving force of creation and action
• Karma (action and its consequences): Shaping individual and collective destiny

Balance and transcendence. The goal is often to:

• Cultivate positive desires aligned with dharma
• Gradually transcend selfish desires through spiritual practice

Divine play. The concept of lila (divine play) suggests that:

• The entire cosmos is a result of divine desire and creativity
• Human life is an opportunity to participate in and eventually realize this playful nature of existence

Practical wisdom. Hindu myths and philosophy offer guidance on:

• Recognizing the power of desire in shaping our lives
• Understanding how our actions create future circumstances
• Developing discernment to navigate the complex interplay of personal will and cosmic forces

Last updated: August 8, 2024