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Shiv |
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Shiva is one of the most prominent Gods of Hindu religion. Shiva is often referred as “the destroyer.” The Hindu devotees who focuses their worship upon Shiva is generally called Shaivas or Shaivites. Shiva is also referred as Mahadev which means great God. He is commonly represented by a Shiv linga and is mostly worshipped in that form. In images, he is mostly seen
in a form which suggests he is in profound meditation.The term Shiva originated from the Sanskrit word, Siva, which means friendly, auspicious, compassionate and cordial. It is also said that the word Siva has a Dravidian origin. In Dravidian language, Shiva means “to be red.” He is the other form of Rudra.
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Smartism is a denomination of Hindu religion. It puts special emphasis on five deities – Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, Devi and Surya. Hinduism also identifies Shiva as one of the three aspects of the divine. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are collectively known as the Trimurti. In the Trimurti concept, Brahma is depicted as the creator, Vishnu as the preserver and Shiva as the transformer or destroyer.
Shiva is widely worshipped across all parts of India. Most of the historians have the opinion that the form of Shiva has been developed over a period of time. Many regional cults have combined together to form the figure of Shiva. However, it is very difficult to conclude how the whole form of Shiva developed. With the discovery of Mohenjodaro civilization a seal was also discovered. Modern historians are of the opinion that the seal represents Shiva. The “Pashupati” seal represents a figure is the posture of meditation and is surrounded by animals. Sir John Marshall believes that it is a model of Shiva. But modern academicians Gavin Flood and eminent historian John Keay dismissed this opinion. They said that it is not easily comprehensible from the seal that the figure has three faces or is presented in a meditative form. It is also not very clear from the seal that the image is of a human figure.
Similarity between Shiva and other Gods :
Shiva has often been identified with Rudra. Rudra is a the God of storms and is associated with destruction. Shiva is also viewed as a destructor. He has also been identified with various Vedic deities who include Indra, Agni, Vayu, Prajapati and many others. This has contributed to the rise of Shiva in the hierarchy of Gods.
Attributes of Lord Shiva :
Shiva is generally depicted to be having a third eye. With this eye he burns out desires to ashes. He is also shown in images to possess a blue throat. For this reason he has been given the name of “Nilkantha.” According to the religious texts, Shiva drank the poison which was churned out from the ocean. He also bears a crescent moon on his head. The sacred Ganga River also flows from his head. It is said that Ganga has made her abode in his hair. For this reason he has earned the epithet “Gangadhara.” The matted hair of Shiva is also very distinctive. His body is smeared with ashes. Another epithet of Shiva is “Shmashanavasin” which means “Inhabitant of the cremation ground.” Tiger skin and serpents are important attributes of Shiva. Shiva’s weapon is a trident or Trishul.
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