Guest guest Posted April 29, 2007 Report Share Posted April 29, 2007 god Shiva and his family? Common Symbols of Shiva The most common symbol of the god Shiva is the linga. A Linga, often seen resting in a Yoni is a symbolic image of the god that signifies the union of opposites (male and female, good and evil, light and dark). Some people believe it derives its shape from sexual symbolism, but most Hindus view it as simply a representation of the god's potency in every area of existence. Nandi Nandi, the sacred bull that Shiva rides, is another commonly recognizable symbol of Shiva worship. Nandi represents strength, faith, and constancy in belief. Images of Nandi often sit directly outside a shrine to Shiva, facing the deity. Shiva The god Shiva, the Creator and Destroyer, is often shown with a cobra, the Naga, symbol of fertility and strength, wrapped around his neck. The god usually has four arms, signifying his superhuman power, each with a hand holding one of his attributes. He uses the trishula, or trident, like a spear to destroy his demon foes. Frequently he holds a drum rattle whose sound creates life as it reverberates through the cosmos. The beads of his rosary symbolize all time (past, present, and future) and its transcendence. The three horizontal lines often seen on Shiva's forehead represent three aspects of the divine: the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer. During puja, many devotees of Shiva mark their own foreheads with these three lines in sacred ash or sandalwood paste. Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out new cars at Autos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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