Lord Shiva is the focus of the festival, who is part of the Hindu trinity which also includes Brahma, who created the universe and Vishnu, who preserved it. Shiva is also known as the destroyer, and he is seen as someone who protects and transforms the universe.
Mahashivratri is celebrated on the day when Lord Shiva saved the world by drinking poison that emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan. This poison got stored in his throat thus making it blue which is the reason that Lord Shiva is also known as Neelkanth (blue throat). Read more fascinating stories on Lord Shiva in our Jai Jai blogs.
Picture of Lord Shiva would not be the same without a snake around his neck, the crescent moon, his drum, his magnificent Trishul and course his faithful bull Nandi. Like everything in Hinduism all of these have symbols have a meaning. Let’s find out The Jai Jais way.
This unique statue portrays Lord Shiva in a meditative lotus pose, he was known as the original yogi. Representing calmness.
The Holy River Ganga, which flows out of Lord Shiva’s matted locks, symbolises purity. It is purity that should emanate from our bodies in the form of pure thoughts and pure actions.
The Crescent Moon symbolises peace and calmness. Shiva is the master of time and himself is timeless.
The Third Eye represents anger. Hence, it should always remain closed. Its can also represent knowledge and wisdom.
Drum (Damaru) is a symbol for rejoicing. It is indicative of music and dancing. The sound also symbolises the words of the Vedas given to Lord Shiva to guide us through life.
The Tiger Skin denotes Samsaar. We should not let the wild jungle of this world overpower us we should vanquish it. Shiva is also said to be fearless.
The Rudraksha Mala is a symbol of meditation and a reminder to always remember God. To focus and concentrate.
The Trishul indicates that God always protects us. It is a symbol of protection. The three powers of knowledge, desire and implementation.
The Snake coiled on the body of Lord Shiva indicates lack of fear. Even a snake can be tamed if we are fearless. It can signify control of the ego.
Bull is a symbol of Dharma (righteousness), Lord Shiva riding a bull shows that you are truthful, the infinite consciousness is with you.
Happy Mahashivratri from The Jai Jais
Om Namah Shivya
