God Shiva in History and Time
Shiva is one of the main deities of the Hindu faith and is considered to be the Supreme Being by many Hindus. He is a part of the Hindu trinity of gods, known as the Trimurti, consisting of himself, Vishnu, and Brahma. In Hinduism, Shiva is generally worshipped as the god of destruction, who destroys to make way for transformation and new beginnings. Shiva also represents knowledge and meditation as well as focus, power and discipline.
Shiva has been worshipped in India since ancient times, and he is recorded in the Rigveda, the oldest surviving literary text in any Indo-European language. He is also mentioned in the earliest epics, such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana. In the Puranas, Shiva is portrayed as an immensely powerful being, with a variety of supernatural powers, who is responsible for the destruction of the Universe.
Shiva is associated with a number of sacred symbols, such as the bull, trident, moon, cobra and tiger. He is usually depicted wearing a tiger skin and a garland of skulls, and bears a necklace of topazes. Shiva is often referred to as ‘The Destroyer’, and is usually depicted in the famous Nataraja (or ‘Lord of the Dance’) pose, where he is dancing on a demon.
God Shiva in Legends
Shiva is associated with a number of myths and legends in Hinduism. One of the most popular legends is that of the churning of the ocean, in which the gods and demons churned the ocean to produce the Elixir of Immortality. Shiva is said to have swallowed the poison that was released during the churning, and thus saved the Universe from destruction.
In another popular legend, Shiva is said to have saved the world from destruction by assuming the form of a fierce and destructive form to battle and defeat a powerful demon. Shiva is also said to have created the first human race, known as manu, from his tears.
Shiva is also said to be responsible for the destruction of the Universe (pralaya) at the end of the current creation cycle, and is the one who will eventually destroy it and bring about the next cycle. This destruction will pave the way for a new and better creation.
God Shiva in Art
Shiva is an important figure in Hindu art and is depicted in a variety of forms. He is usually depicted in his dance pose, as well as in other forms, such as seated in meditation, or seated on a tiger or bulls. His symbols are also often depicted in Hindu artwork, including his trident, the moon and his cobra.
Shiva is also featured in many Hindu temples, where he is worshipped along with other Hindu deities. He is usually portrayed with other gods and goddesses in the temple, including his consort Parvati.
God Shiva in Beliefs
In Hinduism, Shiva is seen as a deity who is both a destroyer and a creator. Hindus believe that Shiva is the supreme being, and that he represents a powerful force in the Universe that both destroys and creates. Shiva is also seen as a source of knowledge and wisdom, and is a representation of mental and spiritual power.
For some Hindus, Shiva is seen as a god to be feared, while for others, he is seen as a god to be revered and worshipped. He is worshipped through prayers, rituals, offerings and festivals. Hindus also believe that Shiva is the ultimate destroyer of evil and incarnations of darkness.
God Shiva in Worship
Shiva is honoured in Hindu ceremonies and festivals. He is often worshipped as the destroyer and creator, and as the source of knowledge and power. The most popular festival associated with Shiva is the Shivaratri, believed to be his birthday, when Hindus gather to pray, make offerings and chant mantras.
Shiva is also worshipped in temples, which are dedicated to him and his consort Parvati. Most Hindu temples feature a shrine dedicated to the god, and devotees offer prayers, fruits and flowers in order to seek his blessing and protection.
God Shiva in Hinduism
Shiva is the main deity of Hinduism and is worshipped by Hindus throughout India and the world. He is seen as the ultimate creator, destroyer and transformer, an omnipotent being who has the power to both create and destroy. He is also believed to be the source of knowledge, mental and spiritual power, and is associated with a variety of symbols including the bull, trident, moon and cobra.
Shiva is also seen as a god to be feared or revered, depending on the Hindu’s beliefs. Hindus offer prayers, offerings and fest ivals to Shiva in order to seek his blessing and protection. In Hinduism, Shiv is seen as a powerful and benevolent figure, who can bring about transformation and new beginnings.
