7 Secrets Of Shiva

1. The Linga: Formless Infinity in Form

This was the linga, the container of infinity, the form of the formless, the tangible that provokes insight into the intangible.

Beyond the Phallus. The Shiva-linga is often misinterpreted as merely a phallic symbol, but it represents something far more profound: the formless, limitless divine taking on a form to make it accessible to human understanding. It is a container of infinity, a tangible symbol that provokes insight into the intangible. The linga serves as a reminder that God is beyond all forms, yet a form is needed to access even this idea.

Varied Visualizations. The linga is visualized in diverse ways across India, from natural rock formations to carved stones, each representing the same concept of the infinite. Basava, a 12th-century philosopher, encouraged the worship of the ishta-linga, a personal image worn around the neck, symbolizing the formless divine and breaking down social divisions.

• Icicle in Amarnath
• River stone in Kashi-Vishwanath
• Sculpted pillar in Brihadeshwara

Human Imagination. Only humans can conceptualize infinity, thanks to our highly developed brains. The linga is a product of human imagination, representing a world beyond nature's limitations, a world without forms, limitations, or the need for action. It is a transcendental world of serenity and bliss, a concept unique to human consciousness.

2. Bhairava: Transcending the Fear of Death

Shiva is called Kaal Bhairava because he removes the bhaya of kaal, which is time, the devourer of all living things.

Conquering Fear. Shiva, as Kaal Bhairava, represents the transcendence of the fear of death, the greatest fear of all living creatures. This fear drives the cycle of predator and prey, establishing the law of the jungle where might is right. Shiva offers the promise of a-bhaya, a world without fear of scarcity or predation, offering immortality by rising above animal instincts.

Purusha and Prakriti. Humans, with their capacity for imagination, stand apart from nature (Prakriti) and can envision a world beyond the laws of the jungle. This division is represented by Purusha (humanity) and Prakriti (nature), visualized as the male head and the headless female body, respectively. Shiva embodies the Purusha who outgrows fear and experiences bliss.

Markandeya's Faith. The story of Markandeya clinging to the Shiva-linga symbolizes faith as a means to overcome the fear of death. By clinging to the linga, Markandeya becomes immortal, realizing that the wise look beyond the temporary flesh to the permanent soul (atma). Shiva's ash reminds us of the mortality of the body and the indestructibility of the soul.

3. Shakti's Dance: Compassion Awakens Shiva

Within Infinite Truths lies the Eternal Truth.

Shiva's Indifference. Shiva, as Rudra, is initially indifferent to the world, immersed in the bliss of unfettered consciousness. He reflects back all things material, holding on to nothing. However, the Goddess, as Shakti, opposes this indifference, demanding to be seen and engaged with. She is energy, constantly on the move, while he is still.

The Need for Darshan. Brahma, representing humanity, sees only his own fears, not those of others. He needs to look at others with empathy, recognizing their unique subjective realities. This is darshan, a gaze free of fear, that allows us to see others as humans, not as predators or prey.

Transforming Shiva. The Goddess dances on top of Shiva, seeking to transform him from the insensitive Rudra into the empathetic Shankara. She negotiates with both Brahma (the father) and Shiva (the beloved), emphasizing the need for trust and attention in relationships for harmony to exist. This relationship is needed for harmony to exist.

4. Bholenath: Innocence Beyond Cultural Rules

He was Bhole-nath, the master who has no guile.

Shiva's Simplicity. Shiva is often referred to as Bholenath, the simpleton sage, because he is innocent of worldly ways and cultural rules. He is not a rebel but is pure and untouched by societal demands. This is evident in his uncouth appearance during his marriage procession, which horrifies Parvati's family.

Indulging the World. Parvati, realizing Shiva's ignorance, asks him to indulge the world and behave as they wish him to. Touched by her sensitivity, Shiva transforms into Somasundara, the most handsome man, and asks for Parvati's hand in marriage, thus domesticating himself for her sake.

Nandi's Representation. The relationship between Shiva and Parvati is best represented by Nandi, Shiva's bull. Nandi represents Shiva's autonomy and capability. Though Parvati sits beside Shiva, he cannot be fully domesticated. His power comes from his being wild. Through Parvati, Shiva engages with the world but never quite assimilates with it.

5. Ganesha: Empathy and the Material World

Shiva realizes how food plays a key role in the human journey from Prakriti to Purusha.

The Value of Food. Shiva initially dismisses the importance of food, but when Parvati disappears along with her kitchen, he realizes its significance. Food sustains the body, excites the senses, and provides contentment, ultimately leading to the yearning for immortality and spirituality.

Ganesha's Birth. Parvati creates Ganesha on her own, without Shiva's involvement, highlighting the importance of the material world. When Shiva beheads Ganesha, he realizes his insensitivity and the value of Prakriti. He resurrects Ganesha with an elephant head, symbolizing empathy and wisdom.

Ganesha's Wisdom. Ganesha's elephant head represents contentment and wisdom, contrasting with human greed rooted in fear. He holds an axe and a noose, representing analytical skills and the ability to unite opposites. He is associated with fertility symbols, acknowledging the cycle of life that sustains material reality.

6. Murugan: Shiva's Warrior Son and Cultural Integration

The Devas do not want a child of nature, who like all living creatures, suffers from the fear of scarcity and predators.

The Need for a Warrior. The Devas needed a warrior to defeat the Asura Taraka, who had a boon that only a baby leading an army could kill him. They sought Shiva's seed, but wanted a child who was hyper-masculine and free from the fears of nature. This child was Murugan, the wise and capable boy-god.

Murugan's Birth Story. Shiva released six fiery sparks that transformed into six children, who were then merged into a single child with six heads. Shakti gave him the vel or spear, and he became Vel Murugan, the spear-bearing warrior god, ready for battle.

Murugan's Marriages. Murugan has two wives: Devasena, representing social obligation, and Valli, representing romance and passion. His marriage to Valli, a tribal girl, symbolizes his integration with culture and his ability to temper his martial attitude with divine grace and romantic emotions.

7. Shiva as Nataraja: The Dance of Deconstruction and Creation

Shiva then does not destroy; he deconstructs!

Deconstruction, Not Destruction. Shiva is often seen as a destroyer, but a more accurate interpretation is that he deconstructs. He deconstructs the constructed reality (maya) shaped by cultural norms and personal prejudices, allowing for a new perception of the world.

Nataraja's Symbolism. Shiva as Nataraja, the lord of dance, embodies the continuous cycle of creation and destruction. His dance represents the dynamic energy of the universe, where old forms are constantly being deconstructed to make way for new ones.

The Eternal Cycle. Shiva's dance is a reminder that everything is in a state of flux, and that clinging to any particular form is futile. By embracing the cycle of deconstruction and creation, we can transcend our fears and find liberation.

Last updated: February 25, 2025