hindu god of fertility shiva

Audrey Howitt from California on August 26, 2012: Such a beautiful and interesting hub---I love the fact that fertility is also celebrated at menopause. [41] The highest reverence for Shiva in Shaivism is reflected in his epithets Mahdeva ("Great god"; mah "Great" and deva "god"),[42][43] Mahevara ("Great Lord"; mah "great" and vara "lord"),[44][45] and Paramevara ("Supreme Lord"). [373][374], In Mahayana Buddhism, Shiva is depicted as Maheshvara, a deva living in Akanishta Devaloka. This article is about the Hindu god. Something with the first menstruation and menopause too. Shiva Lingam is the critical union of Shiva-Parvati, or Shiva-Shakti, so to speak. Rudra and Agni have a close relationship. Ascetic Origins. 'The Auspicious One' []), also known as Mahadeva (/mh dev/; Sanskrit: :, romanized:Mahdeva, lit. [146] In contrast, the esoteric tradition within Kashmir Shaivism has featured the Krama and Trika sub-traditions. In the Rig Veda the term iva is used to refer to Indra. [355] This festival cycles every 12 years, in four pilgrimage sites within India, with the event moving to the next site after a gap of three years. In Yajurveda, two contrary sets of attributes for both malignant or terrifying (Sanskrit: rudra) and benign or auspicious (Sanskrit: iva) forms can be found, leading Chakravarti to conclude that "all the basic elements which created the complex Rudra-iva sect of later ages are to be found here". [284] This iconographic form for depicting Shiva in Indian art is mostly from Tamil Nadu.[285]. [172][173], In the Smarta tradition of Hinduism, Shiva is a part of its Panchayatana puja. There are eight principal Bhairavas. [81] Others contest such proposals, and suggest Shiva to have emerged from indigenous pre-Aryan tribal origins. These include the Shiva Sutras, the Shiva Samhita, and those by the scholars of Kashmir Shaivism such as the 10th-century scholar Abhinavagupta. Lotus is called padma in Sanskrit language, which means female sexual organ. [76] Asko Parpola states that other archaeological finds such as the early Elamite seals dated to 30002750 BCE show similar figures and these have been interpreted as "seated bull" and not a yogi, and the bovine interpretation is likely more accurate. Your culture seems to be so rich in symbol--and I think symbol is vital to understanding the world around us and our place in it. [341] It is observed by reciting Shiva-related poems, chanting prayers, remembering Shiva, fasting, doing Yoga and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, noninjury to others, forgiveness, introspection, self-repentance and the discovery of Shiva. In Nepal, there is a tradition of invoking Goddess Kumari in young girls and worshiping them as Living Goddess. 'boundless' or 'limitless' or 'innocence') is an important Vedic goddess in Hinduism.. She is the personification of the sprawling infinite and vast cosmos. Kalyanasundara-murti (Sanskrit -, literally "icon of beautiful marriage") is the depiction of Shiva's marriage to Parvati. [307] Furthermore, it says "Shiva, the Supreme Lord, has no liga", liuga (Sanskrit: IAST: liga) meaning Shiva is transcendent, beyond any characteristic and, specifically the sign of gender. [244], The duality of Shiva's fearful and auspicious attributes appears in contrasted names. Plowing of land is referred as union of male and female, whereas harvest implies administering the birth. Also significant is Shakti, or the Goddess, and all her . [61], Myths about Shiva that were "roughly contemporary with early Christianity" existed that portrayed Shiva with many differences than how he is thought of now,[62] and these mythical portrayals of Shiva were incorporated into later versions of him. [259][260] She is identified with Devi, the Divine Mother; Shakti (divine energy) as well as goddesses like Tripura Sundari, Durga, Kali, Kamakshi and Minakshi. [137][138][139], Shiva-related literature developed extensively across India in the 1st millennium CE and through the 13th century, particularly in Kashmir and Tamil Shaiva traditions. Deborah Brooks Langford from Brownsville,TX on December 30, 2012: wow how very interesting. [254] When depicted as a yogi, he may be shown sitting and meditating. [271][272] The names Nartaka ("dancer") and Nityanarta ("eternal dancer") appear in the Shiva Sahasranama. Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on August 27, 2012: Another fascinating and informative article. He has been referred to as "the god of cool things"[381] and a "bonafide rock hero". Hindu Gods and Symbols of Fertility Vinaya Ghimire Aug 12, 2022 8:57 AM EDT Chakrasamvara- Vajravarahi, the divine couple in Vajrayana Buddhism is related to fertility. Kama Deva, Hindu God equivalent to Greek God Cupid, is the God of sex and procreation. Womens fertile stages can be related in accordance with the different moon cycles and hence it became a feminine symbol of procreation. These symbols are called fertility symbols. [24][27] The term evolved from the Vedic Rudra-Shiva to the noun Shiva in the Epics and the Puranas, as an auspicious deity who is the "creator, reproducer and dissolver". He is depicted as a half-naked man with several arms. The union of Lingam and Yoni symbolizes the critical union of male and female and is called Shiva Lingam. See, Temporal range for Mesolithic in South Asia is from 12000 to 4000 years, Sati, the first wife of Shiva, was reborn as Parvati after she immolated herself. Shiva (/v/; Sanskrit: , romanized:iva, lit. [304] It is an important concept in Hindu texts, wherein Linga is a manifested sign and nature of someone or something. Keep up this good attribute , and may God bless you more wisdom to deliver to the world the beautiful places and people created by God. He is venerated as the god of rebirth, destruction, benevolence and protection ; and he is often revered as one of the deities in the Hindu trinity (trimurti). Anan Celeste from California on August 26, 2012: A must read! When the first menstruation begins in a girl, she is left alone in a room for the three days. Shiva Lingam is the universal source of everything. The six-headed Skanda is said to have been born of Shivas seed, which was shed in the mouth of the god of fire, Agni, and transferred first to the river Ganges and then to six of the stars in the constellation of the Pleiades. [57] The foremost center of worship of Khandoba in Maharashtra is in Jejuri. [64] In one story, he was seduced by a prostitute sent by the other gods, who were jealous of Shiva's ascetic lifestyle he had lived for 1000 years. [2][15] In the Shaivite tradition, Shiva is the Supreme Lord who creates, protects and transforms the universe. [263][264][265][266] In outskirts of Ernakulam in Kerala, a deity named Vishnumaya is stated to be offspring of Shiva and invoked in local exorcism rites, but this deity is not traceable in Hindu pantheon and is possibly a local tradition with "vaguely Chinese" style rituals, states Saletore. [134] The Shiva-related Tantra literature, composed between the 8th and 11th centuries, are regarded in devotional dualistic Shaivism as Sruti. [275] The two most common forms of the dance are the Tandava, which later came to denote the powerful and masculine dance as Kala-Mahakala associated with the destruction of the world. [346], Thiruvathira is a festival observed in Kerala dedicated to Shiva. In temples and in private shrines, Shiva is also worshipped in the form of the lingam, a cylindrical votary object that is often embedded in a yoni, or spouted dish. Lingam is the phallus of Shiva representing male creative power, which is generally placed upon the Yoni. EO James (1997), The Tree of Life, Brill Academic. The temple of Unmatta Bhairava in Kathmandu is one of the most sanctified religious sites in Nepal. Dakshinamurthy is depicted as a figure seated upon a deer-throne surrounded by sages receiving instruction. [267] In some traditions, Shiva has daughters like the serpent-goddess Manasa and Ashokasundari. In Dasam Granth, Guru Gobind Singh has mentioned two avatars of Rudra: Dattatreya Avatar and Parasnath Avatar. Shaivas believe that Shiva is All and in all, the creator, preserver, destroyer, revealer and concealer of all that is. [340], There is a Shivaratri in every lunar month on its 13th night/14th day,[341] but once a year in late winter (February/March) and before the arrival of spring, marks Maha Shivaratri which means "the Great Night of Shiva". In China and Taiwan, Shiva, better known there as Mahevara (Chinese: ; pinyin: Dzzitin; or Chinese: pinyin: Mxshulutin) is considered one of the Twenty Devas (Chinese: , pinyin: rsh Zhtin) or the Twenty-Four Devas (Chinese: , pinyin: rshs zhtin) who are a group of dharmapalas that manifest to protect the Buddhist dharma. [165][166][165][166][167], The Devi Upanishad in its explanation of the theology of Shaktism, mentions and praises Shiva such as in its verse 19. [283] This form represents Shiva in his aspect as a teacher of yoga, music, and wisdom and giving exposition on the shastras. According to. Wendy Doniger is the Mircea Eliade Distinguished Service Professor of the History of Religions in the Divinity School at the University of Chicago. Since ancient times, the Vajra has been sanctified as a symbol of fertility, it represents phallic strength and qualities that exude from manhood power, potency and virility. I am so impressed with the way you love your country. The three-day Shivarathri celebration at the temple is attended by around 250,000 people. Both are associated with mountains, rivers, male fertility, fierceness, fearlessness, warfare, the transgression of established mores, the Aum sound, the Supreme Self. This name was adopted by the great Vedanta philosopher Adi Shankara (c. 788820),[252] who is also known as Shankaracharya. Shiva is the Hindu god of destruction and transformation and is one of the three main Hindu gods. This figure was named by early excavators of Mohenjo-daro as Pashupati (Lord of Animals, Sanskrit paupati),[69] an epithet of the later Hindu deities Shiva and Rudra. . The photography is vivid, bold and beautiful. Kali is the Hindu goddess of death, time, and doomsday.She is often associated with sexuality and violence but is also considered a strong mother figure and symbol of motherly love. The Shiva-related tradition is a major part of Hinduism, found all over the Indian subcontinent, such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka,[51] and Southeast Asia, such as Bali, Indonesia. In Hinduism, there are many Fertility Gods, and Hindus greatly honor their Gods of Procreation. [364] The medieval-era Indonesian literature equates Buddha with Siwa (Shiva) and Janardana (Vishnu). In Hindu and Buddhist tantric philosophy, male represented by a triangle, with apex pointing upward, is Fire; while female is Water and represented with a triangle pointing downward. [70] Sir John Marshall and others suggested that this figure is a prototype of Shiva, with three faces, seated in a "yoga posture" with the knees out and feet joined. 'The Auspicious One' ), also known as Mahadeva (/ m h d e v /; Sanskrit: :, romanized: Mahdeva, lit. [347] On this day Hindu women performs the Thiruvathirakali accompanied by Thiruvathira paattu (folk songs about Parvati and her longing and penance for Shiva's affection). Shiva performs several roles as a Hindu deity. Omissions? Vinaya Ghimire (author) from Nepal on September 08, 2012: Hi Girish, thanks for reading and leaving appreciative comment. Lord Shiva - Hindu Fertility God Hindus greatly honour the power of procreation. His rise to prominence was a peculiar trait of the Old Indic speakers. [136] In Shiva related sub-traditions, there are ten dualistic Agama texts, eighteen qualified monism-cum-dualism Agama texts and sixty-four monism Agama texts. The more I learn about Hinduism the more entranced I am with it. His combined roles are exemplary of a tendency in Hinduism to see complementary qualities in a single ambiguous figure. Pensa, Corrado. [72], Gavin Flood states that it is not clear from the seal that the figure has three faces, is seated in a yoga posture, or even that the shape is intended to represent a human figure. Thank you. [356], In Indonesian Shaivism the popular name for Shiva has been Batara Guru, which is derived from Sanskrit Bhattraka which means "noble lord". [133], The Shaiva Puranas, particularly the Shiva Purana and the Linga Purana, present the various aspects of Shiva, mythologies, cosmology and pilgrimage (Tirtha) associated with him. Updates? For translation of RV 6.45.17 as "Thou who hast been the singers' Friend, a Friend auspicious with thine aid, As such, O Indra, favour us" see: . Shivas sexual potency is proven by the fact that he is worshiped in a phallic symbol called Shiva Lingam. Shiva is a . Devotees of Shiva are called "Saivites.". [9][10] He is not only the creator in Shaivism, but he is also the creation that results from him, he is everything and everywhere. These include festivals dedicated to Annapurna such as Annakuta and those related to Durga. According to the Hindu theologies, when Shivas consort Sati Devi died, he carried her body and traversed the sky. Shiva (Siva) is one of the most important gods in Hinduism and a member of the holy trinity (trimurti) with Brahma and Vishnu. [132] These extol Shiva as the metaphysical unchanging reality Brahman and the Atman (Self),[119] and include sections about rites and symbolisms related to Shiva. [1] Congratulations on your one year on HubPages and your 100th hub. [329] The Linga Purana mentions twenty-eight forms of Shiva which are sometimes seen as avatars,[330] however such mention is unusual and the avatars of Shiva is relatively rare in Shaivism compared to the well emphasized concept of Vishnu avatars in Vaishnavism. For regional name variants of Karttikeya see: For description of the nataraja form see: For prominence of these associations in puranic times, see: For the deer-throne and the audience of sages as. [299], One should know all things of the phenomenal world as of a fivefold character, for the reason that the eternal verity of iva is of the character of the fivefold Brahman. Ghurye, G.S., 1952. [99], The Vedic texts do not mention bull or any animal as the transport vehicle (vahana) of Rudra or other deities. Lotus flower is one of the numerous fertility symbols in Hinduism and Buddhism. In benevolent aspects, he is depicted as an omniscient Yogi who lives an ascetic life on Mount Kailash[2] as well as a householder with his wife Parvati and his three children, Ganesha, Kartikeya and Ashokasundari. Shaivism was also popular in Sogdia and the Kingdom of Yutian as found from the wall painting from Penjikent on the river Zervashan. Fertility symbols are used in different cultures and faiths. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. William Pinch (2012), Warrior Ascetics and Indian Empires, Cambridge University Press. Thank you my dears fellow writers and friends for always reading my hubs and leaving insightful comments. The ultimate goal in this practice is to transition past the use of icons, recognize the Absolute symbolized by the icons,[177] on the path to realizing the nondual identity of one's Atman (Self) and the Brahman. Nandisa has a fertility connection, being a bull. . It then fell away, and a shrine for the cleansing of all sins, known as Kapala-mochana (The Releasing of the Skull), was later established in the place where it landed. She is the mother of the celestial deities known as the adityas, and is referred to as the mother . Followers of Shaivism, called "Shaivas", revere Shiva as the Supreme Being. Vajra has great importance in Hindu and Buddhist iconography. Gregor Maehle (2009), Ashtanga Yoga, New World, For quotation defining the Trimurti see Matchett, Freda. It is first encountered in an almost identical form in the Rudram. [58] Khandoba has been assimilated as a form of Shiva himself,[59] in which case he is worshipped in the form of a lingam. Sometimes, the three may appear in the form of an avatar, embodied by a Hindu god or goddess. He is also called as Nandin or Lord Shiva's pet white Bull God or the Shiva's right-hand bovine. Shiva Shivas female consort is known under various manifestations as Uma, Sati, Parvati, Durga, and Kali; Shiva is also sometimes paired with Shakti, the embodiment of power. The nudity and begging bowl are associated with the kapali tradition. Goddess Parvati is the daughter of the Mountain King Parvat and Queen Mena. For discussion of the problems in translation of this name, and the hypothesis regarding the. For example, in the Hanuman Chalisa, Hanuman is identified as the eleventh avatar of Shiva. Kanya Puja, or the worshiping of girls, is quite compulsory during most of the Hindu rituals. [35], Shiva is known by many names such as Viswanatha (lord of the universe), Mahadeva, Mahandeo,[36] Mahasu,[37] Mahesha, Maheshvara, Shankara, Shambhu, Rudra, Hara, Trilochana, Devendra (chief of the gods), Neelakanta, Subhankara, Trilokinatha (lord of the three realms),[38][39][40] and Ghrneshwar (lord of compassion). He is usually worshipped in the aniconic form of lingam. Shaloo Walia from India on October 08, 2015: Akriti Mattu from Shimla, India on April 22, 2015: B K Dahlia from St. Louis, MO on October 29, 2013: Great hub! In that hymn, a description is found of the beginningless and endless Stambha or Skambha, and it is shown that the said Skambha is put in place of the eternal Brahman. James Lochtefeld (2002), "Shiva" in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Vol. In Hinduism, Shiva and Kali are associated with death and destruction, but according to tantric interpretation, Kali stands upon Shiva not to destroy him but symbolize the erotic sentiments. [381] On television, Devon Ke DevMahadev, a television serial about Shiva on the Life OK channel was among the most watched shows at its peak popularity. For the ascetic yogin form as reflecting Epic period influences, see: Search for Meaning By Antonio R. Gualtieri. [] Siva became identified with countless local cults by the sheer suffixing of Isa or Isvara to the name of the local deity, e.g., Bhutesvara, Hatakesvara, Chandesvara. [21] Nevertheless, both Rudra and Shiva are akin to Wodan, the Germanic God of rage ("wtte") and the wild hunt. [67][b], Of several Indus valley seals that show animals, one seal that has attracted attention shows a large central figure, either horned or wearing a horned headdress and possibly ithyphallic,[note 3][68] seated in a posture reminiscent of the Lotus position, surrounded by animals. [358] However, the Batara Guru has more aspects than the Indian Shiva, as the Indonesian Hindus blended their spirits and heroes with him. Bravo. Every year, in June, Goddess Kamakhya is said to menstruate. Shiva incinerated Kama Deva, but he too, is considered the God of Procreation. [327], The oldest known archaeological linga as an icon of Shiva is the Gudimallam lingam from 3rd-century BCE. [301] Nataraja is a significant visual interpretation of Brahman and a dance posture of Shiva. He characterizes these views as "speculative", but adds that it is nevertheless possible that there are echoes of Shaiva iconographic themes, such as half-moon shapes resembling the horns of a bull. [53] The Rigveda has 3 out of 1,028 hymns dedicated to Rudra, and he finds occasional mention in other hymns of the same text. Chinnamasta is one of the Mahavidya Goddesses. Another excellent article on an interesting topic. Pattanaik, Devdutt. Ardhanarishvara represents the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of the universe (Purusha and Prakriti) and illustrates how Shakti, the female principle of God, is inseparable from (or the same as, according to some interpretations) Shiva, the male principle of God, and vice versa.[290]. Thanks. For the term "Great Trinity" in relation to the Trimurti see: For Shiva as depicted with a third eye, and mention of the story of the destruction of Kama with it, see: For a review of 4 theories about the meaning of. In my culture,everything is celebrated including death. Her vulva fell in Assam, India. Across India, various Shiva temples are illuminated throughout the night. During the marriage ceremony, prayers are chanted, fertility symbols are drawn and Fertility Gods are worshiped. [139] Shaivism gained immense popularity in Tamilakam as early as the 7th century CE, with poets such as Appar and Sambandar composing rich poetry that is replete with present features associated with the deity, such as his tandava dance, the mulavam (dumru), the aspect of holding fire, and restraining the proud flow of the Ganga upon his braid. To understand the mystery of the Shiva-linga, we must appreciate the difference between a. Like the first menstruation, Hindu women celebrate menopause with much fanfare. [112][113] In the Rig Veda, Rudra is the father of the Maruts, but he is never associated with their warlike exploits as is Indra.[114]. McEvilley, for example, states that it is not possible to "account for this posture outside the yogic account". Indra himself may have been adopted by the Vedic Aryans from the BactriaMargiana Culture. Batara Guru's wife in Southeast Asia is the same Hindu deity Durga, who has been popular since ancient times, and she too has a complex character with benevolent and fierce manifestations, each visualized with different names such as Uma, Sri, Kali and others. The Vaishnava (Vishnu-oriented) literature acknowledges and discusses Shiva. That explains why Shiva acolytes need to touch his testicles before entering. [377] The name is the Japanese equivalent of Mahkla, the Buddhist name for Shiva. He also shatters illusions to give people clarity and vision. [318] Later on, Sivananda Saraswati mentions that, this is not only a serious mistake, but also a grave blunder. [148] The Trika sub-tradition developed a theology of triads involving Shiva, combined it with an ascetic lifestyle focusing on personal Shiva in the pursuit of monistic self-liberation.[147][149][150]. [66] Rock paintings from Bhimbetka, depicting a figure with a trident or trishul, have been described as Nataraja by Erwin Neumayer, who dates them to the mesolithic. Many Hindu and Buddhist deities sit or stand on a blooming lotus. However, post-Vedic texts such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas state the Nandi bull, the Indian zebu, in particular, as the vehicle of Rudra and of Shiva, thereby unmistakably linking them as same.[100]. [48] The version appearing in Book 13 (Anusanaparvan) of the Mahabharata provides one such list. Even in Buddhism, mainly Vajrayana Buddhism, there is overwhelmingly presence of Fertility Gods like Vajradhar-Shakti and Chakrasamvara-Vajravarahi. Kama Deva can arouse erotic sentiments even in Shiva, the God of Destruction. It is treated in the western world as an illness instead of a natural part of a woman's life. Parvati is the goddess of marriage, beauty, fertility, and more. In Hinduism, there is a group of ten Goddesses called Dus (Ten) Mahavidya. He is the Lord of Yogis, and the teacher of Yoga to sages. During the fertility rituals, power of procreation is honored by worshiping Fertility Gods. However, among the texts that have survived into the contemporary era, the more common are of those of Shaiva Siddhanta (locally also called Siwa Siddhanta, Sridanta). [30], The Sanskrit word aiva means "relating to the god Shiva", and this term is the Sanskrit name both for one of the principal sects of Hinduism and for a member of that sect. Shiva acts as consort to most of the Hindu Goddesses. Most of the people in India and Nepal, predominantly Hindu countries, live close to the earth and move with agricultural calendar, or perhaps more accurately the eartha reality that has not changed with time. Like Shaiva literature that presents Shiva as supreme, the Vaishnava literature presents Vishnu as supreme. While fierce ruthless natural phenomenon and storm-related Rudra is feared in the hymns of the Rigveda, the beneficial rains he brings are welcomed as Shiva aspect of him. [368] A panel from Dandan Oilik shows Shiva in His Trimurti form with Shakti kneeling on her right thigh. I always enjoy learning new things from your homeland. [307], Apart from anthropomorphic images of Shiva, he is also represented in aniconic form of a lingam. . [360], The Indonesian Hindu texts present the same philosophical diversity of Shaivite traditions found in the Indian subcontinent. [256] While Vedic religion was conceived mainly in terms of sacrifice, it was during the Epic period that the concepts of tapas, yoga, and asceticism became more important, and the depiction of Shiva as an ascetic sitting in philosophical isolation reflects these later concepts. Goldberg specifically rejects the translation by Frederique Marglin (1989) as "half-man, half-woman", and instead adopts the translation by Marglin as "the lord who is half woman" as given in Marglin (1989, 216). [372] In the cosmologies of Buddhist Tantras, Shiva is depicted as passive, with Shakti being his active counterpart: Shiva as Praja and Shakti as Upya. Antara Raychaudhuri and Iseult Gillespie tell the story of the goddess Annapurna. Setting out to prove the importance of her work, Parvati withdrew from the world and sent the Earth into darkness. Naga as a fertility symbol dominates Hindu religion, and also Buddhism. Vinaya Ghimire (author) from Nepal on September 05, 2012: I recommend these wonderful hub authors to the hub community. For translation of Kapardin as "Endowed with matted hair" see: For Kapardin as a name of Shiva, and description of the kaparda hair style, see, Macdonell, p. 62. Maria Jordan from Jeffersonville PA on August 28, 2012: Congratulations on your 100th hub, richly informative and fascinatingly comprehensive. For the bull parallel between Indra and Rudra see: For the lack of warlike connections and difference between Indra and Rudra, see: Mark Dyczkowski (1989), The Canon of the aivgama, Motilal Banarsidass. In addition, he is also regarded as one of thirty-three manifestations of Avalokitesvara in the Lotus Sutra. For the bird, see, "Manjunatha" redirects here. [274] In addition to the specific iconographic form known as Nataraja, various other types of dancing forms (Sanskrit: ntyamrti) are found in all parts of India, with many well-defined varieties in Tamil Nadu in particular. [116], The texts and artwork of Jainism show Indra as a dancer, although not identical generally resembling the dancing Shiva artwork found in Hinduism, particularly in their respective mudras. [104][105] In medieval sculpture, both Agni and the form of Shiva known as Bhairava have flaming hair as a special feature. [217] Another of Shiva's fearsome forms is as Kla "time" and Mahkla "great time", which ultimately destroys all things. Goddess Kali is depicted as Terrible Goddess sanding upon Shiva. [31] It is used as an adjective to characterize certain beliefs and practices, such as Shaivism. [310] In Shiva temples, the linga is typically present in its sanctum sanctorum and is the focus of votary offerings such as milk, water, flower petals, fruit, fresh leaves, and rice. Your country must be proud of you ! There are many Hindu gods and goddesses but some of the most significant are the three in the Hindu Trimurti - Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. Jayme Kinsey from Oklahoma on October 01, 2012: Love this hub. [371], Shiva is mentioned in the Buddhist Tantras and worshipped as the fierce deity Mahkla in Vajrayana, Chinese Esoteric, and Tibetan Buddhism. [184][185] These contain the philosophy and techniques for Yoga. [192] However, the ancient and medieval texts of Hinduism feature many triads of gods and goddesses, some of which do not include Shiva.[193]. He wears garlands of snakes called Naga. Shiva. But the most popular of these gods and goddesses are important deities in their own right . [291] The most basic form of this murti consists of only Shiva and Parvati together, but in more elaborate forms they are accompanied by other persons, sometimes including Parvati's parents, as well as deities (often with Vishnu and Lakshmi standing as Parvati's parents, Brahma as the officiating priest, and various other deities as attendants or guests). Maha Sivaratri festival is observed in the night, usually in lighted temples or special, Beyond the Indian subcontinent and Hinduism, This is the source for the version presented in Chidbhavananda, who refers to it being from the Mahabharata but does not explicitly clarify which of the two Mahabharata versions he is using. Alastar Packer from North Carolina on August 26, 2012: Interesting with Tantrism's critical union looking like the Star of David. Most Hindus do not see the Shiva-linga as a phallus. In his fierce aspects, he is often depicted slaying demons. [162] This partner is Shiva. Nicole S Hanson from Minnesota on October 01, 2012: Vinaya Ghimire (author) from Nepal on September 28, 2012: Devika, thanks for reading and commenting. [382], Popular films include the Gujarati language movie Har Har Mahadev,[383] the Kannada movie Gange Gowri and well-known books include Amish Tripathi's Shiva Trilogy, which has sold over a million copies. [157], The goddess-oriented Shakti tradition of Hinduism is based on the premise that the Supreme Principle and the Ultimate Reality called Brahman is female (Devi),[159][160][161] but it treats the male as her equal and complementary partner. It is believed, in doing so, women will bear children and girls will find husbands. Somaskanda is the depiction of Shiva, Parvati, and their son Skanda (Kartikeya), popular during the Pallava Dynasty in southern India. Fertility symbols and fertility rituals are ingrained in the daily life of Hindus. One common form is the shape of a vertical rounded column in the centre of a lipped, disk-shaped object, the yoni, symbolism for the goddess Shakti. Shashti is of special importance in eastern India and Bengal,. Hindu mythologies brim with the stories of Indras amorous advances. [331][332][333] For Jejuri as the foremost center of worship see: For worship of Khandoba in the form of a lingam and possible identification with Shiva based on that, see: For use of the name Khandoba as a name for Karttikeya in Maharashtra, see: Asko Parpola(2009), Deciphering the Indus Script, Cambridge University Press. [127], The earliest iconic artworks of Shiva may be from Gandhara and northwest parts of ancient India. [357] He is conceptualized as a kind spiritual teacher, the first of all Gurus in Indonesian Hindu texts, mirroring the Dakshinamurti aspect of Shiva in the Indian subcontinent. [375] Statues of him are often enshrined in the Mahavira Halls of Chinese Buddhist temples along with the other devas. [71] Semi-circular shapes on the head were interpreted as two horns. Hindus defy girls, who have not yet reached puberty, as the personification of Goddess. [176], Philosophically, the Smarta tradition emphasizes that all idols (murti) are icons to help focus on and visualize aspects of Brahman, rather than distinct beings. [23], According to Monier Monier-Williams, the Sanskrit word "iva" (Devanagari: , also transliterated as shiva) means "auspicious, propitious, gracious, benign, kind, benevolent, friendly". You make your topics interesting and educational. [142], Shaivism is one of the four major sects of Hinduism, the others being Vaishnavism, Shaktism and the Smarta Tradition. Today, this tradition is kept alive by the President. . [277][278] Lasya is regarded as the female counterpart of Tandava. It implies the regenerative divine energy innate in nature, symbolized by Shiva. [384] A 90's television series of DD National titled Om Namah Shivay was also based on legends of Shiva.[385]. SHIVA's pet white Bull God. There is some uncertainty as the artwork that has survived is damaged and they show some overlap with meditative Buddha-related artwork, but the presence of Shiva's trident and phallic symbolism[note 3] in this art suggests it was likely Shiva. Even a sanyasi is a kamarthi, since he desires moksha. [249] Bhairava "terrible" or "frightful"[250] is a fierce form associated with annihilation. [328], Puranic scriptures contain occasional references to "ansh" literally 'portion, or avatars of Shiva', but the idea of Shiva avatars is not universally accepted in Shaivism. [343], Another major festival involving Shiva worship is Kartik Purnima, commemorating Shiva's victory over the three demons known as Tripurasura. He has three eyes and, according to different myths, either two or four hands. [118], A few texts such as Atharvashiras Upanishad mention Rudra, and assert all gods are Rudra, everyone and everything is Rudra, and Rudra is the principle found in all things, their highest goal, the innermost essence of all reality that is visible or invisible. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The images and idols of Kali standing upon Shiva, in fact, is a symbol of procreation. when Kama is with his encountage that is spouse rati, and friend vasanta he becomes the Lord of sexual desire. Vinaya Ghimire (author) from Nepal on January 02, 2013: Hi Deborah, I'm glad that you found this interesting. Yet a rift had grown between these two forces. Bell is the symbol of genitalia, and hence a fertility symbol. [129] The Shiva in Kushan coins is referred to as Oesho of unclear etymology and origins, but the simultaneous presence of Indra and Shiva in the Kushan era artwork suggest that they were revered deities by the start of the Kushan Empire. He destroys both the cosmos as well as people's imperfections so that the world can be reborn and people can become perfect. [310] According to Monier Williams and Yudit Greenberg, linga literally means 'mark, sign or emblem', and also refers to a "mark or sign from which the existence of something else can be reliably inferred". It is believed that on this day, Parvati met Shiva after her long penance and Shiva took her as his wife. The Yoni inside the temple is covered with cloth and the temple is closed for three days. [141] The various dualistic and monist Shiva-related ideas were welcomed in medieval southeast Asia, inspiring numerous Shiva-related temples, artwork and texts in Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, with syncretic integration of local pre-existing theologies. Kali embodies shakti - feminine energy, creativity and fertility - and is an incarnation of Parvati, wife of the great Hindu god Shiva.. Kali is most often represented in art as a fearful fighting figure with a . [361][362] Shiva has been called Sadiva, Paramasiva, Mahdeva in benevolent forms, and Kla, Bhairava, Mahkla in his fierce forms. It is believed, Indra sends heavenly nymphs to derail the savants from their path of penance. Shiva, also known as Siva, the Destroyer or the auspicious one, is one of the most important and best-known deities in Hinduism. "Some Internal and Comparative Problems in the Field of Indian Religions." Vinaya Ghimire (author) from Nepal on September 07, 2012: thanks for reading and appreciating my work. The cone shaped model is vulva and the gong is the phallus. For the Jewish period of mourning, see, "Neelkanth" redirects here. During these festivals women undergo rigid fasting and cleanse their mind and body and perform fertility rituals. Planting and harvest festivals are very important fertility rituals in Hinduism. not by any other means. Both traditions include legends about who is superior, about Shiva paying homage to Vishnu, and Vishnu paying homage to Shiva. Usually these two triangles are merged, symbolizing the critical union of male and female, which can be seen in every Buddhist and Hindu religious drawings popularly called Yantra or Mandala. Ganges, moon and snakes are fertility symbols, and associated with fertility rituals in Hinduism. [note 6] Agni is said to be a bull,[103] and Lord Shiva possesses a bull as his vehicle, Nandi. Thank you Vinaya for being my teacher. [117] For example, in the Jain caves at Ellora, extensive carvings show dancing Indra next to the images of Tirthankaras in a manner similar to Shiva Nataraja. [334][335][336] The Bhagavata Purana and the Vishnu Purana claim sage Durvasa to be a portion of Shiva. According to Gavin Flood, "Shiva is a god of ambiguity and paradox," whose attributes include opposing themes. I actually had my daughter read this! [351][352], The ascetic, Vedic and Tantric sub-traditions related to Shiva, such as those that became ascetic warriors during the Islamic rule period of India,[353][354] celebrate the Kumbha Mela festival. [241] The ambivalent nature of this deity is apparent in some of his names and the stories told about him. [318], The worship of the lingam originated from the famous hymn in the Atharva-Veda Samhit sung in praise of the Yupa-Stambha, the sacrificial post. [92][full citation needed], Flood notes that Rudra is an ambiguous god, peripheral in the Vedic pantheon, possibly indicating non-Vedic origins. Shiva's consort is Devi, the Mother-goddess. [184][185][187] Abhinavagupta writes in his notes on the relevance of ideas related to Shiva and Yoga, by stating that "people, occupied as they are with their own affairs, normally do nothing for others", and Shiva and Yoga spirituality helps one look beyond, understand interconnectedness, and thus benefit both the individual and the world towards a more blissful state of existence. [174] This practice consists of the use of icons or anicons of five deities considered equivalent,[174] set in a quincunx pattern. 102122. The gods of the Hindu faith represent different expressions of Brahman. Yoni represents the creative power of Goddess Shakti. It accompanies the concept of Brahman, which as invisible signless and existent Principle, is formless or linga-less. Nandisa is the Hindu Fertility God. [262], Some regional deities are also identified as Shiva's children. The center of her cult was at Babylon and Nineveh, around 2500 BCE until 200 CE. Thank you for such a wonderful collection of hubs! Unmatta Bhairava is one of the Bhairavas, who is associated with fertility. Many Buddhist and Hindu Gods wear garland of snakes, sit on the pedestal of Naga, or are protected by the hood of many headed snake. The festival is one where both the Vaishnava and Shaiva communities join the celebrations, because Vishnu gives away his sister Minakshi in marriage to Shiva. Major groups such as the Lingayats of southern India and the Kashmiri Shaivas contributed the theological . However, both traditions are pluralistic and revere both Shiva and Vishnu (along with Devi), their texts do not show exclusivism, and Vaishnava texts such as the Bhagavata Purana while praising Krishna as the Ultimate Reality, also present Shiva and Shakti as a personalized form an equivalent to the same Ultimate Reality. Hinduism portal v t e Hinduism is the largest religion in the Indian subcontinent, and the third largest religion in the world. Can you post something on marriage symbols and their meaning. I printed this one for my collection. He is both the great ascetic and the master of fertility, and he is the master of both poison and medicine, through his ambivalent power over snakes. Dualistic Shaiva Agamas which consider Self within each living being and Shiva as two separate realities (dualism, dvaita), are the foundational texts for Shaiva Siddhanta. Knew a little about Shiva and Kali the destroyer. "[56], An example of assimilation took place in Maharashtra, where a regional deity named Khandoba is a patron deity of farming and herding castes. [86][87] The ancient Greek texts of the time of Alexander III of Macedonia call Shiva as "Indian Dionysus", or alternatively call Dionysus as "god of the Orient". [107] Doniger gives several reasons for her hypothesis. The most common symbols attributed to Parvati are lotus flowers, tigers, elephants, and. [378], Daikokuten is a Shiva-kuninushi fusion deity in Japan[379], Acala is a fierce Shiva adaptation in both China and Japan[380], Statue of Shiva depicted as a Chinese Buddhist deva on Mount Putuo Guanyin Dharma Realm in Zhejiang, China, In contemporary culture, Shiva is depicted in art, films, books, tattoos, etc. Indra was the subject of 250 hymns, a quarter of the Rig Veda. [304] The source of the universe is the signless, and all of the universe is the manifested Linga, a union of unchanging Principles and the ever changing nature. Indus Source, 2006. [248] The name Kla appears in the Shiva Sahasranama, where it is translated by Ram Karan Sharma as "(the Supreme Lord of) Time". She is not allowed to see the males. Frank Atanacio from Shelton on August 27, 2012: a very good share VG I guess I'm not too old to learn something new bless you bro :). [305][306] Linga, states Alain Danilou, means sign. Her best known incarnation . Shiva is usually depicted in painting and sculpture as white (from the ashes of corpses that are smeared on his body) with a blue neck (from holding in his throat the poison that emerged at the churning of the cosmic ocean, which threatened to destroy the world), his hair arranged in a coil of matted locks (jatamakuta) and adorned with the crescent moon and the Ganges (according to legend, he brought the Ganges River to earth from the sky, where she is the Milky Way, by allowing the river to trickle through his hair, thus breaking her fall). Two Recent Examples From Hinduism Studies", "The Paris congress of the history of religions", "Footnote 70:1 to Horace Hayman Wilson's English translation of The Vishnu Purana: Book I Chapter IX", "Footnote 83:4 to Horace Hayman Wilson's English translation of The Vishnu Purana: Book I Chapter X", "Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 4 Chapter 1 English translation by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada", "Tubers are the veggies of choice to celebrate Thiruvathira", "Thiruvathira Kerala's own version of Karva Chauth", "The thriving Shiva festival in Umarkot is a reminder of Sindh's Hindu heritage", The Goddess Durg in the East-Javanese Period, "Between China and Tibet: Mahkla Worship and Esoteric Buddhism in the Dali Kingdom", "Integration of Stra and Tantra: iva, akti interpreted as, "Mahadev tops TRP charts with a new record of 8.2 TVR", "Vabhavhanamrti in Literature and Art", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shiva&oldid=1158210757, This page was last edited on 2 June 2023, at 16:44. [33][34] The Vishnu sahasranama interprets Shiva to have multiple meanings: "The Pure One", and "the One who is not affected by three Guas of Prakti (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas)". [278] The Tandava-Lasya dances are associated with the destruction-creation of the world. Parvati is his principle consort, but interestingly Shiva also acts as consort to many Hindu Goddesses commonly referred as Shakti. According to the myth, when Kama Devas physical form was destroyed by Shiva, he became even more powerful. Shiva icons are carried in procession in some places. "The. [273] His association with dance and also with music is prominent in the Puranic period. Shiva, (Sanskrit: "Auspicious One") also spelled iwa or iva, one of the main deities of Hinduism, whom Shaivites worship as the supreme god. [91] In RV 2.33, he is described as the "Father of the Rudras", a group of storm gods. [122][123] The period of 200 BC to 100 AD also marks the beginning of the Shaiva tradition focused on the worship of Shiva as evidenced in other literature of this period. The divine couple, together with their sonsSkanda and the elephant-headed Ganeshaare said to dwell on Mount Kailasa in the Himalayas. There are many Hindu Fertility Gods, some of the Hindu Gods of Procreation are: Hindu God Shiva is associated with death and destruction. [80][115] According to Anthony, Many of the qualities of Indo-Iranian god of might/victory, Verethraghna, were transferred to the adopted god Indra, who became the central deity of the developing Old Indic culture. [288], Ardhanarishvara (Sanskrit: ; Ardhanrvara) is a form (mrti) of Shiva (literally "the lord who is half woman"[289]). 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