Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest belief systems, originating in India more than 4,000 years ago and remaining popular today. A complex faith mixing elements from several other religious strands, Hinduism observes a range of gods, goddesses and other divine figures. Of these, certain gods and goddesses stand out above the others as particularly significant, with Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva at the top of the list. Of the trinity of these gods, Shiva is commonly seen as the Highest God in Hinduism.
The Hindu deity Shiva is known as the destroyer and the transformer, with many names and titles attesting His role in direction and influencing the world. His connection with destruction is also seen in acts of creation and his temple is known as Lord of the Dance, which symbolises Shiva as the source of all movement within the cosmos. He is depicted as having two eyes, three faces and four arms, a symbol of his immense power and Shiva’s majestic beauty exemplifies His highest position. He is the only Hindu god that is not subject to any other deity, for He is believed to exist in his full status whereas every other Hindu deity draws their strength from His. “For devotees of Shiva, He is considered to be the Lord of the Universe and all energies,” says Susanne Hong, PhD student in History of Religions at the University of Helsinki.
One of the most important symbols of Shiva is the lingam, or a pillar, which stands for his phallus. This symbolically represents Shiva’s power to create, combine, and destroy. It is often believed that the lingam is the only visible point in space that can vibrate at the highest cosmic frequency of the entire universe, symbolising the highest god in Hinduism. ”The special nature of Shiva’s presence is often said to be that of a bridge between the divine and the mundane,” says Dr. Yubhajit Mahto, a scholar of Hindu nationalism in India.
Songs, articles and stories written about Shiva help to further establish His power and embody His supreme position in the Hindu faith. Nandi, the white bull, is a vehicle of Shiva and it is believed that prayers to Shiva are more effective if accompanied by offerings of fresh flowers and butter. While every other deity in Hinduism has a region of its own, Shiva has no boundaries, ranging from the stars to the bottom of the sea.
The Hindu deity Shiva is known as the destroyer and the transformer, with many names and titles attesting His role in direction and influencing the world. His connection with destruction is also seen in acts of creation and his temple is known as Lord of the Dance, which symbolises Shiva as the source of all movement within the cosmos. He is depicted as having two eyes, three faces and four arms, a symbol of his immense power and Shiva’s majestic beauty exemplifies His highest position. He is the only Hindu god that is not subject to any other deity, for He is believed to exist in his full status whereas every other Hindu deity draws their strength from His. “For devotees of Shiva, He is considered to be the Lord of the Universe and all energies,” says Susanne Hong, PhD student in History of Religions at the University of Helsinki.
One of the most important symbols of Shiva is the lingam, or a pillar, which stands for his phallus. This symbolically represents Shiva’s power to create, combine, and destroy. It is often believed that the lingam is the only visible point in space that can vibrate at the highest cosmic frequency of the entire universe, symbolising the highest god in Hinduism. ”The special nature of Shiva’s presence is often said to be that of a bridge between the divine and the mundane,” says Dr. Yubhajit Mahto, a scholar of Hindu nationalism in India.
Songs, articles and stories written about Shiva help to further establish His power and embody His supreme position in the Hindu faith. Nandi, the white bull, is a vehicle of Shiva and it is believed that prayers to Shiva are more effective if accompanied by offerings of fresh flowers and butter. While every other deity in Hinduism has a region of its own, Shiva has no boundaries, ranging from the stars to the bottom of the sea.
Multifaceted Identity
The multifaceted identity of Shiva can be seen in the stories related to Him and of those who venerate Him. Shiva is often associated with warriors, ascetics, hunters and even animals, such as the white bull Nandi. His multifaceted connective presence and phenomenological presence has been seen as proof of Shiva’s multi-dimensional identity as the Highest God in Hinduism.
The bull is a symbol of Shiva’s greatness and His power over creation. Shiva is also associated with patience and meditation, as He is often shown upon the serene blanket of snow of the Himalayas. His connections to the spiritual and the material worlds are symbolised by His carrying leather bags of spiritual essences and weapons of mass destruction such as a trident.
Another relationship Shiva has with the spiritual world is His ability to heal and give boons. He is the God of health and well-being, often attributed with providing cures from pains and diseases. “He is believed to be a compassionate deity who is able to provide solace and comfort for anyone who appeals to Him for help,” remarks Max Barnsley, an expert in Hindu philosophy.
The bull is a symbol of Shiva’s greatness and His power over creation. Shiva is also associated with patience and meditation, as He is often shown upon the serene blanket of snow of the Himalayas. His connections to the spiritual and the material worlds are symbolised by His carrying leather bags of spiritual essences and weapons of mass destruction such as a trident.
Another relationship Shiva has with the spiritual world is His ability to heal and give boons. He is the God of health and well-being, often attributed with providing cures from pains and diseases. “He is believed to be a compassionate deity who is able to provide solace and comfort for anyone who appeals to Him for help,” remarks Max Barnsley, an expert in Hindu philosophy.
Nature of Shiva
By understanding the characteristics and nature of Shiva, one can envelop themselves in His power and come to a greater understanding of His place as the Highest God in Hinduism. As powerful as Shiva is, He is also a loving deity, gentle and protective. Shiva has many stories associated with Him such as the story of Yudhisthir, who wished to receive darshan of Shiva before taking part in the Mahabharata War.
In this story, Yudhisthir goes with all his brothers to Mount Kailash, which is said to be Shiva’s abode. After asking for forgiveness for their sins, Shiva grants them a vision, a boons, and a divine garland. Shiva, in His infinite wisdom, uses these stories to further emphasise His superiority over all the gods, embodying His position as the Highest God in Hinduism.
Another story about Shiva, or Shiv Ratri, celebrates the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. The marriage of Shiva and Parvati is seen as a cosmic union between the masculine and feminine. This further demonstrates the importance of Shiva and illustrates why He is commonly regarded as the Highest God in Hinduism.
In this story, Yudhisthir goes with all his brothers to Mount Kailash, which is said to be Shiva’s abode. After asking for forgiveness for their sins, Shiva grants them a vision, a boons, and a divine garland. Shiva, in His infinite wisdom, uses these stories to further emphasise His superiority over all the gods, embodying His position as the Highest God in Hinduism.
Another story about Shiva, or Shiv Ratri, celebrates the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. The marriage of Shiva and Parvati is seen as a cosmic union between the masculine and feminine. This further demonstrates the importance of Shiva and illustrates why He is commonly regarded as the Highest God in Hinduism.
Conclusion
Shiva, along with Brahma and Vishnu, is part of a powerful trinity of gods central to the Hindu religion. But of these three divinities, Shiva stands out as the most powerful, as evidenced by His deeds, actions, and characteristics. Coupled with His role as the destroyer, transformer and the provider of health and well-being, Shiva is seen as the Highest God in Hinduism.
