Gulab

Celebrating the Night of Lord Shiva……

Lord Shiva represents the

aspect of the Supreme Being

(Brahman of the Upanishads)

that continuously dissolves to

recreate in the cyclic process

of creation, preservation,

dissolution and recreation of

the universe.

Lord Shiva is the third member

of the Hindu Trinity, the other

two being Lord Brahma and

Lord Vishnu.

Gulab

Lord Shiva is the Lord of mercy and

compassion. He protects devotees from evil

forces such as lust, greed, and anger.

He grants boons, bestows grace and awakens

wisdom in His devotees. The symbolism

discussed below includes major symbols that

are common to all pictures and images of

Shiva venerated by Hindus.

Since the tasks of Lord Shiva are numerous, He

cannot be symbolised in one form. For this

reason the images of Shiva vary significantly in

their symbolism.

Gulab

Gulab

Gulab

Shiva Lingam is the holy

symbol of Lord Shiva that is

considered quite sacred

and worshipped with

devotion by the devotees.

The sanskrit word li.ngam

means symbol, so Shiva

lingam means symbol of

Shiva.

It is considered the foremost

sacred symbol for

shaivaites and has been

worshiped for ages. Gulab

Gulab

Gulab

SHIVA SHIVA

VISHNU

BRAHMA

CROSS SECTION

Gulab

The first one third of the base stands for Brahma - the aspect of creation in the cosmos.

As the creation brings things into the existence, naturally the process is directed outward (i.e. towards the object of creation). Since the creation is going on endlessly, the four directions represent this concept.

One can move in each direction without reaching the end. This aspect of the Lord is called Brahma - the Lord as the Creator and is represented by the square cross section standing for four directions.

Gulab

The middle one third represents Vishnu - the one that pervades everything in the creation. The four directions and four corners totaling to eight along with up and down directions cover everything and it is indicated by the octagonal middle cross section.

Gulab

The top one third represents the Shiva aspect by the circular cross section indicating the Limitlessness. Though there are three aspects indicated, the Shiva Linga is one alone and when worshiped all three inseparable aspects are worshiped. Thus SHIVA and VISHNU are no two different entities!! It is one Limitlessness viewed from different aspects so mind has a direction to contemplate. Vishnu is also worshipped and invoked in the form of Shaligrama (a spherical shape) standing for the Limitlessness as so is Shiva...

Gulab

Gulab

Shiva as Nataraja

The purpose of the dance is to release men from illusion of the idea of the "self" and of the physical world. The gestures of the dance represent Shiva's five activities, creation (symbolized by the drum), protection (by the "fear not" hand gesture), destruction (by the fire), embodiment (by the foot planted on the ground), and release (by the foot held aloft).

The significance of the Nataraja sculpture is said to be that Shiva is shown as the source of all movement within the cosmos, represented by the arch of flames.

Gulab

A QUIZ

ON SWAMI'S

DIVINE

SHIVARATHRI

DISCOURSES

Gulab

1. There are many different stories to explain the origin of the Shivaraathri

Festival. As we all know, Lord Shiva offered to drink the poison and save the

world. His throat is blue ever since, for the poison has pervaded the area.

In His 1959 Divine Shivaraathri Discourse, Swami explained further: “One of

the stories is that when He [Lord Shiva] consumed the Haalahaala (death-

dealing poison) that emanated from the Ocean of Milk, in response to the

prayers of the Worlds, which it threatened to destroy, the heat of the fumes

was well nigh unbearable, even for Him.”

According to the scriptures, what relief measure was taken to cool Lord

Shiva down?

A.He had to swim in the Ocean.

B. All the Gods united and blew strong winds.

C.River Ganga was poured on His matted locks.

D.Lord Shiva went into meditation for several

years.

Gulab H2H

Correct Answer :

C. River Ganga was poured on His matted locks.

Swami further explained: "So, it is said, Ganga was poured

uninterruptedly on His matted locks - this is the explanation

for the Abhisheka (ceremony of pouring consecrated water,

oil, milk, etc., on the idol) which is offered in all Shiva

temples for hours on end, and in some places,

uninterruptedly - but Shiva was only partly relieved. So the

cool Moon was placed on the head; that gave some relief.

Then, Ganga was placed on the matted locks. That was of

great help. After this, Shiva danced with all the Gods, the

Taandava dance. That is the story but all this did not happen

on a particular day and so Shivaraatri cannot be said to

commemorate that day."

Gulab H2H

2. In His 1965 Divine Shivaraathri Discourse, Swami reminds us:

“Do not treat a holy day like Shivaraathri as a holiday, set apart

for picnics, cinema, card-games, revelry, rivalry and fun. The

rishis (sages) fixed these days in the calendar for the

contemplation of God and the service of God in man, for the

removal of the weeds of vices and weakening habits.”

How does Swami want us to utilize the opportunity of this

holy day?

A. By reading stories of Lord Shiva.

B. Going on pilgrimages.

C. By being in isolation and on fast.

D. For self-improvement.

Gulab H2H

Correct Answer :

D. For self-improvement.

Swami lovingly guides us: "Do not waste the few

days that you are bent on spending at the Prashanti

Nilayam, in days of hectic chatter, vain disputation,

idle curiosity or restless wandering. Learn the

discipline of the place and limit your talk, your

association, your comfort, so that you may live in

thoughts Divine, not merely in this atmosphere but

later, in your own homes. Take delight in the Shanti

(peace) of this place; do not disturb it by thought,

word or deed. Utilize this rare chance, this unique

opportunity, secured by the merit of many births, for

self-improvement."

Gulab H2H

3. We all know about the importance of observing a fast and

keeping a night-long vigil on the Auspicious Shivaraathri Day. But

do we know the inner meaning and the significance of it? In His

1969 Divine Shivaraathri Discourse, Swami uplifts our

consciousness by enlightening us: “Relying on the merely literal

meaning of the words, people wait a whole year for this

particular holy day to come, in order to miss a meal and call it a

fast, to miss a night's sleep and call it a vigil!”

What do you think is His say on the true significance of

observing a ‘fast’?

A. Living with God.

B. Control of our palate.

C. Giving our body a rest.

D. Speaking sweetly and softly.

Gulab H2H

Correct Answer :

A. Living with God.

Swami teaches us further: "The fast is called in Sanskrit as Upavaasa and it

means something far more significant than missing a meal! It means (Upa -

near; Vaasa - living) Living with, or Living near. With whom? Near whom?

Near and with God. Upavaasa means living in the unbroken constant

presence of the Lord, by Naamasmarana (remembrance of Divinity); that is

the real fast, holding fast to Him.

And, Jaagarana (Vigil)! It means keeping awake, shaking off the sleep of

the senses and being fully aware of the Light of Love that is the Divine

essence, in all. It means, shaking off the drowsiness and laziness, and

deep concentration in meditation and sadhana. Look at the word for heart in

Sanskrit: hrudayam. It means Hrudi-ayam that is to say, "The Divine Heart";

the place where He resides, where He is installed. By vigilance and the

practice of the constant presence of God, you must install Him in your heart

and see Him as installed in all other beings as well. That is the main

purpose of these holy days and the regulations laid down for their

observance."

Gulab H2H

4. Through the years, Swami has demonstrated the Shiva aspect

of His Advent as Avatar by blessing us several times with Divine

Manifestations of Lingams from His Auspicious Body, called as

Lingodhbhavam. On one such 1971 Divine Shivaraathri

Discourse, Bhagavan clarifies: “People ask, „Why does Swami

produce the Lingam (Formless Form of God) from within Himself

on this day?‟

What reason does Bhagavan reveal for such a formidable

act of His?

A. To worship Lord Shiva more devotedly.

B. To remind us that Divinity is amidst us.

C. To continue our fasting every year.

D. To amaze us about His powers.

Gulab H2H

Correct Answer :

B. To remind us that Divinity is amidst us.

Swami confirms: "Let Me tell you, it is impossible for you to understand the attributes

of the Divine and to measure its potentialities, or, to gauge the significance of the

Manifestation of Divinity. It is agamya (unreachable) and agochara (un-

understandable, mysterious). Therefore, in order to bear witness to the fact that the

Divinity is amidst you, it becomes necessary to express this attribute. Or else, the

atmosphere of hatred, greed, cruelty, violence and irreverence will overwhelm the

good, the humble and the pious.

The Linga is just a symbol, a sign, an illustration, of the beginningless, the endless,

and the limitless - for it has no limbs, no face, no feet, no front or back, no beginning

or end. Its shape is like the picture one imagines the Niraakaara (Formless) to be. As

a matter of fact, linga means -leeyate (that in which all forms and names merge) and

gamyate (that towards which all names and forms are proceeding, to attain

fulfillment). It is the fittest symbol of the All-pervasive, the All-knowing, and the All-

powerful. Everything is subsumed in it; everything starts from it; from the Lingam

arises Jangam (Universe), from the Jangam arises sangam (association,

attachment, activity) and as a result of the sangam, one realizes the lingam

(attributeless Aatma). Thus, the circle is completed - from the Beginningless to the

Beginningless. This is the lesson that Lingodbhavam (emergence of the Linga)

teaches. The lingashareera (the physical body) that is inhabited by the Aatma is but

a vesture worn for this particular sojourn! Many a vesture has this Soul worn, though

its reality is Eternal!"

Gulab H2H

5. In His 1973 Divine Shivaraathri Discourse, Swami brings to

our light the significance of the various names that Lord Shiva is

adored with: “Consider the significance of the Form that Shiva

has assumed for human adoration: In His throat, He has the

holocaust-producing poison, Haalahaala that can destroy all life

in a trice. On His head, He has the sacred Ganga River, whose

waters can cure all ills, here and hereafter. On His forehead, He

has the eye of Fire. On His head, He has the cool comforting

Moon. On His wrists, ankles, shoulders and neck He wears

deadly cobras, which live in life-giving breath of air.”

One among the many of Lord Shiva’s Names is

Mrithyunjaya. It means He who vanquishes...?

A. Ego

B. Anger

C. Greed

D. Death

Gulab H2H

Correct Answer :

D. Death

Swami adds: "Shiva, again, is said to go about with a begging

bowl. He teaches that renunciation, detachment, indifference

to good fortune or bad, are the paths to attain Him. Shiva is

known as Mrithyunjaya (He who vanquishes death). And, He

is also the Kaamaari (the destroyer of Desire). These two

Names show that he who destroys desire can conquer Death,

for desire breeds activity, activity breeds consequence,

consequence breeds bondage, bondage results in birth and

birth involves death. Shiva means, Graciousness,

Auspiciousness, Mangalam. He is all Graciousness, ever

Auspicious, Sarva Mangalam."

Gulab H2H

6. In His 1978 Divine Shivaraathri Discourse, Swami reveals to

us that: “Shivaraathri is a very auspicious day for all. It is the

fourteenth day of the lunar fortnight, when the Moon is waning

and the Sun is in the sign of Aquarius. The festival is, however,

related to the Moon rather than the Sun. That is the reason why

it is called Shivaraathri (the night of Shiva). Unlike other nights,

this particular night is the night of consecration, of dedication, of

illumination.”

Which part of human body is intimately associated with the

Moon?

A. Our Love filled Heart.

B. Our Powerful Mind.

C. Our Innately Pure Soul.

D. Our God-gifted physical Body.

Gulab H2H

Correct Answer :

B. Our Powerful Mind.

Swami reiterates: "The mind is intimately associated with the

Moon. Chandra (the deity of the Moon), is the presiding deity

of the mind. He loses one sixteenth of his brilliance every day

after the Full Moon day and continues waning until on this

night he is left with just one sixteenth of his power. The

waned Moon may be taken to stand for the mind with all its

vagaries and waywardness reduced after it has been

conquered by sadhana (spiritual discipline). On this night

there is just a minute part of the mind left to be conquered

and that can be done by keeping vigil and dwelling on the

Glow of God."

Gulab H2H

7. In His 1978 Divine Shivaraathri Discourse, once again, Swami

reveals a very interesting aspect to the meaning of the word

„Shivaraathri‟ itself! He says: “According to numerology, the first

three syllables of the word Shivaraathri - shi, va and raa -

connote the numbers 5, 4 and 2, and the fourth syllable, thri,

means 'three.' 5, 4 and 2 make one whole, one composite

picture of the eleven rudras. Rudra means, „The one who makes

man weep.‟ The eleven rudras are: the five senses of perception,

the five senses of action, and the mind. These, by leading him

astray in pursuit of trivial and transitory pleasures, ruin him and

make him weep. But the ____, if it is sought and relied upon,

sheds its rays on the eleven and makes them meaningful

partners in the progress of man towards self-realization.”

What is Bhagavan teaching us to rely on here? A. Righteousness

B. Heart

C. Goodness

D. Aatma (Soul)

Gulab H2H

Correct Answer :

D. Aatma (Soul)

Swami reconfirms: "The rays from the Aatma

illumine the intelligence, the illumined intelligence

alerts the mind and the alerted mind gets control of

the senses, making the path clear for the person to

proceed through knowledge to wisdom."

Gulab H2H

8. In His 1978 Divine Discourse, clarifying some of the doubts of

devotees, Swami says: “You might ask, „Swami has often declared

that all days are holy days, that there is no special rite or ritual that

has to be observed on any single day; but, Swami Himself is

pouring vibhuuthi (holy ash) on the Idol and calling it abhisheka

(anointing the idol); is this right?‟ Swami is doing so, to teach you

a lesson.

The Vibhuti Abhisheka has a potent inner meaning which Swami

wants you to grasp. The Vibhuti is the most precious object, in the

truly spiritual sense. You know that Shiva burnt the God of Desire

or Kaama, called Manmatha (for he agitates the mind and

confounds the confusion already existing there) into a heap of

ashes. Shiva adorned Himself with that ash, and thus He shone in

His Glory, as the Conqueror of Desire. When Kaama was

destroyed, ___ reigned supreme.”

What was He referring to?

A. Peace

B. Unity

C. Love

D. Non-Violence

Gulab H2H

Correct Answer :

C. Love

Swami guides us further with His Divine Knowledge: "When

Kaama was destroyed, Prema (Love) reigned supreme. When

there is no desire to warp the mind, Love could be true and

full. What greater offering can you give God to glorify Him than

the ash signifying your triumph over tantalizing Desire? Ash is

the ultimate condition of things; it cannot undergo any further

change. The Abhisheka with Vibhuuthi is done to inspire you to

give up desire and offer Shiva the ashes of its destruction as

the most valuable of all the articles you have earned. Ash

cannot fade as flowers do in a day or two; it does not dry and

disappear or get soiled and unpotable as water does; it will not

lose colour as leaves do, in a few hours; it does not rot as

fruits do in a few days. Ash is ash for ever and ever. So, burn

your vices, and your bad habits; worship Shiva, rendering

yourselves pure in thought, word and deed."

Gulab H2H

9. In order to develop purity and sacredness in us, Swami has

been guiding us tirelessly! On one such 1985 Divine Shivaraathri

Discourse, Swami helps us achieve this goal: “This Shivaraathri

is a day when one tries to establish friendship between mind and

God. Shivaraathri makes one aware of the fact that the same

Divinity is all-pervasive and is to be found everywhere. It is said

that Shiva lives in Kailasa. But where is Kailasa?”

What answer did Swami give us?

A. In the Himalayas.

B. In our own state of bliss.

C. In service to mankind.

D. In observing spiritual discipline.

Gulab H2H

Correct Answer :

B. In our own state of bliss.

Swami helps us learn the true meaning of Kailasa: "Kailasa is

our own joy, our own bliss. It means that Easwara lives in the

Kailasa of delight. If we can develop that sense of joy and

delight in our mind, that itself is Kailasa. How can one get this

joy? It comes when we develop purity and steadiness and

sacredness. Then the heart becomes filled with peace and

bliss. Then your heart itself will be Kailasa and Shiva will be

there in the sanctum sanctorum of your heart, within the

temple which is your body."

Gulab H2H

10. Swami has taught us that if during Shivaraathri, one

meditates on God, one can achieve nearness to the Divine. The

Supreme sacredness of Shivaraathri consists in realizing

oneness with the Divine through meditation on God. The world

may change, but the Shiva principle is unchanging. The same

union of Shiva-Shakti as the Universal Divine Mother and Father

is represented by the Name and Form of 'Sai Baba.'

On revealing the meaning of the worship of Shiva, according

to Swami, what is the most sublime aspect of the night of

'Shiva raathri'?

A. Lord Shiva's Auspiciousness.

B. Lord Shiva's Uniqueness.

C. Lord Shiva's Immortality.

D. Lord Shiva's Transcendental Nature.

Gulab H2H

Correct Answer :

A. Lord Shiva's Auspiciousness.

In His 1983 Divine Shivaraatri Discourse, Swami has explained: "Whether

one does good or bad acts, there is no escape from their consequences.

Knowing this, our ancients always sought what was good and auspicious.

This is the meaning of the worship of Shiva. When we speak of Shiva

Raatri, we refer to the night that is associated with Shiva, that is, an

auspicious night. Shivam means that which is auspicious. The Shiva

principle is totally free from anything that is inauspicious or unholy in any

circumstance. When incarnations like Rama and Krishna appear in human

bodies, they have some inauspicious associations related to their bodies.

Although they incarnate for the purpose of saving the world, protecting the

devotees and uplifting humanity, they have to shed their bodies sometime

or other. Hence in the name of such Avatars, the honorific 'Sri' is prefixed

to indicate the sacredness of their Advent. But for Shiva, no such

appellation is needed because Shiva transcends corporeal limitations.

Unlike Sri Rama or Sri Krishna there is no "Sri Shiva" or "Sri Shankara".

Shiva or Shankara is always auspicious. The realization of oneness with

Shiva means the attainment of immortality."

Gulab H2H

Gulab H2H

SHIVARATHRI 2002

Gulab H2H

Gulab H2H

Gulab

•The unclad body covered with ashes: the unclad body symbolises the transcendental aspect of the Lord. Since most things reduce to ashes when burned, ashes symbolise the physical universe. The ashes on the unclad body of the Lord signify that Shiva is the source of the entire universe which emanates from Him, but He transcends the physical phenomena and is not affected by it.

•Matted locks: Lord Shiva is the Master of yoga. The three matted locks on the head of the Lord convey the idea that integration of the physical, mental and spiritual energies is the ideal of yoga.

Gulab

•Ganga: Ganga (river Ganges) is associated with Hindu mythology and is the most sacred river of Hindus. According to tradition, one who bathes in Ganga (revered as Mother Ganga) in accordance with traditional rites and ceremonies on religious occasions in combination with certain astrological events, is freed from sin and attains knowledge, purity and peace. Ganga, symbolically represented on the head of the Lord by a female (Mother Ganga) with a jet of water emanating from her mouth and falling on the ground, signifies that the Lord destroys sin, removes ignorance, and bestows knowledge, purity and peace on the devotees.

Gulab

•The crescent moon: is shown on the side of the Lord's head as an ornament, and not as an integral part of His countenance. The waxing and waning phenomenon of the moon symbolizes the time cycle through which creation evolves from the beginning to the end. Since the Lord is the Eternal Reality, He is beyond time. Thus, the crescent moon is only one of His ornaments, and not an integral part of Him.

Gulab

•Three eyes: Lord Shiva, also called Tryambaka Deva (literally, "three-eyed Lord"), is depicted as having three eyes: the sun is His right eye, the moon the left eye and fire the third eye. The two eyes on the right and left indicate His activity in the physical world. The third eye in the center of the forehead symbolises spiritual knowledge and power, and is thus called the eye of wisdom or knowledge. Like fire, the powerful gaze of Shiva's third eye annihilates evil, and thus the evil-doers fear His third eye.

Gulab

•Half-open eyes: when the Lord opens His eyes, a new cycle of creation emerges and when He closes them, the universe dissolves for creation of the next cycle. The half-open eyes convey the idea that creation is going through cyclic process, with no beginning and no end. Lord Shiva is the Master of Yoga, as He uses His yogic power to project the universe from Himself. The half-open eyes also symbolize His yogic posture.

Gulab

•Kundalas (two ear rings): two Kundalas, Alakshya (meaning "which cannot be shown by any sign") and Niranjan (meaning "which cannot be seen by mortal eyes") in the ears of the Lord signify that He is beyond ordinary perception. Since the kundala in the left ear of the Lord is of the type used by women and the one in His right ear is of the type used by men, these Kundalas also symbolise the Shiva and Shakti (male and female) principle of creation.

Gulab

•Snake around the neck: sages have used snakes to symbolize the yogic power of Lord Shiva with which He dissolves and recreates the universe. Like a yogi, a snake hoards nothing, carries nothing, builds nothing, lives on air alone for a long time, and lives in mountains and forests. The venom of a snake, therefore, symbolises the yogic power.

Gulab

•A snake (Vasuki Naga): is shown curled three times around the neck of the Lord and is looking towards His right side. The three coils of the snake symbolise the past, present and future - time in cycles. The Lord wearing the curled snake like an ornament signifies that creation proceeds in cycles and is time dependent, but the Lord Himself transcends time. The right side of the body symbolizes the human activities based upon knowledge, reason and logic. The snake looking towards the right side of the Lord signifies that the Lord's eternal laws of reason and justice preserve natural order in the universe.

Gulab

•Rudraksha necklace: Rudra is another name of Shiva. Rudra also means "strict or uncompromising" and aksha means "eye." Rudraksha necklace worn by the Lord illustrates that He uses His cosmic laws firmly - without compromise - to maintain law and order in the universe. The necklace has 108 beads which symbolize the elements used in the creation of the world. •Varda Mudra: the Lord's right hand is shown in a boon- bestowing and blessing pose. As stated earlier, Lord Shiva annihilates evil, grants boons, bestows grace, destroys ignorance, and awakens wisdom in His devotees.

Gulab

•Trident (Trisula): a three-pronged trident shown adjacent to the Lord symbolises His three fundamental powers (shakti) of will (iccha), action (kriya) and knowledge (jnana). The trident also symbolises the Lord's power to destroy evil and ignorance.

Gulab

•Damaru (drum): a small drum with two sides separated from each other by a thin neck-like structure symbolises the two utterly dissimilar states of existence, unmanifest and manifest. When a damaru is vibrated, it produces dissimilar sounds which are fused together by resonance to create one sound. The sound thus produced symbolizes Nada, the cosmic sound of AUM, which can be heard during deep meditation. According to Hindu scriptures, Nada is the source of creation.

Gulab

•Kamandalu: a water pot (Kamandalu) made from a dry pumpkin contains nectar and is shown on the ground next to Shiva. The process of making Kamandalu has deep spiritual significance. A ripe pumpkin is plucked from a plant, its fruit is removed and the shell is cleaned for containing the nectar. In the same way, an individual must break away from attachment to the physical world and clean his inner self of egoistic desires in order to experience the bliss of the Self, symbolised by the nectar in the Kamandalu.

Gulab

•Nandi: the bull is associated with Shiva and is said to be His vehicle. The bull symbolises both power and ignorance. Lord Shiva's use of the bull as a vehicle conveys the idea that He removes ignorance and bestows power of wisdom on His devotees. The bull is called Vrisha in Sanskrit. Vrisha also means dharma (righteousness). Thus a bull shown next to Shiva also indicates that He is the eternal companion of righteousness.

Gulab

•Tiger skin: a tiger skin symbolises potential energy. Lord Shiva, sitting on or wearing a tiger skin, illustrates the idea that He is the source of the creative energy that remains in potential form during the dissolution state of the universe. Of His own Divine Will, the Lord activates the potential form of the creative energy to project the universe in endless cycles.

Gulab

•Cremation ground: Shiva sitting in the cremation ground signifies that He is the controller of death in the physical world. Since birth and death are cyclic, controlling one implies controlling the other. Thus, Lord Shiva is revered as the ultimate controller of birth and death in the phenomenal world.

Gulab

Gulab

The significance of the Nataraja (Nataraj) sculpture is said to be that Shiva is shown as the source of all movement within the cosmos, represented by the arch of flames. Shiva as Nataraja

The purpose of the dance is to release men from illusion of the idea of the "self" and of the physical world. The gestures of the dance represent Shiva's five activities, creation (symbolized by the drum), protection (by the "fear not" hand gesture), destruction (by the fire), embodiment (by the foot planted on the ground), and release (by the foot held aloft).

Gulab

•The upper right hand holds a small drum

shaped like an hourglass that is called a

amaru in Sanskrit. It is called Udukkai

in Tamil . A specific hand gesture

(mudra) called amaru-hasta (Sanskrit

for "amaru-hand") is used to hold the

drum.

It symbolises sound originating Creation.

Gulab

•The upper left hand contains Agni or fire,

which signifies destruction. The opposing

concepts in the upper hands show the

counterpoise of creation and destruction.

Gulab

Gulab

•The second right hand shows the Abhaya mudra

(meaning fearlessness in Sanskrit), bestowing

protection from both evil and ignorance to those

who follow the righteousness of dharma.

Gulab

•The second left hand points towards the raised foot

which signifies upliftment and salvation. The hand

also symbolises the trunk of the elephant-headed

Ganesha, son of Shiva, known as the remover of

obstacles and a symbol of strength.

Gulab

•His uplifted left foot, grants eternal bliss to

those who approach him. The other foot

treads firmly upon the dwarf of ignorance,

allowing the birth of knowledge.

Gulab

•The dwarf on which Nataraja dances is the

demon Apasmara, which symbolises Shiva's

victory over ignorance.

Gulab

•As the Lord of Dance, Nataraja, Shiva performs

the tandava, the dance in which the universe is

created, maintained, and resolved. Shiva's long,

matted tresses, usually piled up in a knot, loosen

during the dance and crash into the heavenly

bodies, knocking them off course or destroying

them utterly.

Gulab

•Nataraja wears a snake coiled around his upper arms

and neck symbolising the power He has over the most

deadly of creatures. Snakes are also used to symbolise

the Hindu dogma of reincarnation. Their natural

process of molting or shedding their skin is symbolic

of the humansouls transmigration of bodies from one

life to another. Gulab

Gulab

THANK YOU

Celebrating the Night of Lord Shiva……

Gulab