Shiva

• Shiva is the Hindu god in charge of destruction , and recreating afterwards
• Shaivites (or Shaivas) are followers of Shiva
• Shiva's consort is Parvati (Also known as Shakti , and Durga or Kali in her wild or fierce aspects)
• Aspects of Shiva's Image which are full of symbolism?

  • Three Parallel lines of ash on forehead – Show ascetic lifestyle  
  • Earrings – Right earring stands for male and left for female , showing Shiva is both male and female  
  • Nandi the bull – bull symbolises courage and show’s Shiva’s calm and gentle aspect  
  • Sits on tiger skin – a sign of mastery over the tiger , who represents lust 
• Other Aspects of Shiva's Image which are full of symbolism?

  • River Ganges (Ganga) - Flows from Shiva’s head and represents everlasting time  
  • Third eye – Symbolises spiritual knowledge and power and can annihilate evil  
  • Serpent – Represents creative powers as the snake throws off its skin to rejuvenate  
  • Blue neck or body – Shiva drank poison meant for the world and saved it from destruction  
• Shiva is known as the most complex Hindu god
• Shaivites select the quality that appeals to them most , or is most relevant to their situation in life at that time
• Ascetics are people who live austere and simple lives
• In Shaivism, worship involves meditation and focuses on the male linga (sex organ) or Nataraja (Shiva's dancing form)
• The male linga is the male sex organ
• Nataraja is Shiva's dancing form
• Many Shaivites are ascetics aiming to achieve liberation through complete detachment
• Many Shaivites believe there is only one reality - the atman and Brahman are one
• Shaivites believe that the atman and Brahman are one - This differs from Vaishnavas who are sometimes referred to as dualists , as they believe the atman is separate from the Supreme Being , who is Lord Vishnu
• Shaivites and Vaishnavas disagree about which deity is superior