Do Vaishnavas ever pray to Lord Ganesha?

princegoutham · July 6, 2008

1) The events in the Puranas are not simular to any other ancient Epic religious literature --and that is the prime Glory of the Veda-Literatures.

The only 'outlandish' contents of the vedic histories are samples of 'mystic siddhis' [yogic attainment(s) by those yogis of yore, who have performed endless yogic diciplines --long before they were embroiled in a (vedic) historical event worthy of being recorded in the Vedic historical record].

The puranic histories are not filled with unicorns and simplistic soap-opera-like writings as is found in abhoriginal folklores in distant lands of various conquered tribes in the hills and dales of the nether lands far from the fertile cresents of the ancient world.

2) Unlike "Western Mythology" [which is defacto 'Mythology'] the vedas, upon stating something that is 'paranormal', immediately expounds upon the very same 'paranormal' topic so as to establish it's credibility.

The way to prove that Bhakti-yoga, et al 'works', --is to perform it yourself [mind you, that would require that you leave all your baggage at a storage warehouse far away from the ashram. Good luck! If, should you 'take my dare' to do so.]

3) [in a recorded conversation, which I will cite later, when I find it]:

Srila Prabhupada specifically said (in response to the edict to respect the Devatas and especially in regards to Ganesh):

(I'm paraphrasing) "Yes, it is OK to call upon the devas for assistance --but that assistance must be in pursuance of Devotional service. Then you are engaging the devas in Krishna's service, that is OK"

God Shiva is known by various names. One of his names is Bholenath, which means the innocent God. Shiva as Rudra is regarded as the destroyer of evil and sorrow. Shiva as Shankara is known as the doer of good. Lord Shiva has "Trinetra" (divine vision). He is also known as "Nilakantha" (blue necked). This is because of the fact that he consumed the poison 'Halahala' to save the world from destruction. Lord Shiva as Nataraja represents the Divine Cosmic Dancer. Shiva is also known as Ardh narishvara, which symbolises both man and woman.

Even though he represents destruction, Lord Shiva is viewed as a positive force (the Destroyer of Evil). According to Shaivism, Shiva is not merely a destroyer but performs five functions :

Creator Preserver
Destroyer
Hiding the sins
Blessing

princegoutham · July 6, 2008

Sree Krishna Himself prayed to Lord Ganesha to remove the obstacles in marrying Satyabhama. Sree Rama invariably prayed to Lord Ganesha all the time before He started the war with Ravana. All Indian Vaishnavities (Except stupid ignorant fanatics) pray and pay respects to all important forms of Lord like Shiva-Durga, Karthikeya-Valli-Devayani, Ganesha and all forms of Narayana... NO Discrimination as its like disrespecting Sreeman Narayana Himself.
Raghavan

Saivism is the world's oldest religion. Worshiping God Siva, the compassionate One, it stresses potent disciplines, high philosophy, the guru's centrality and bhakti-raja- siddha yoga leading to oneness with Siva within. Aum.

Saivism is ancient, truly ageless, for it has no beginning. It is the precursor of the many-faceted religion now termed Hinduism. Scholars trace the roots of Siva worship back more than 8,000 years to the advanced Indus Valley civilization. But sacred writings tell us there never was a time when Saivism did not exist.Saivism's grandeur and beauty are found in a practical culture, an enlightened view of man's place in the universe and a profound system of temple mysticism and siddha yoga. It provides knowledge of man's evolution from God and back to God, of the soul's unfoldment and awakening guided by enlightened sages. Like all the sects, its majority are devout families, headed by hundreds of orders of swamis and sadhus who follow the fiery, world-renouncing path to moksha. The Vedas state, "By knowing Siva, the Auspicious One who is hidden in all things, exceedingly fine, like film arising from clarified butter, the One embracer of the universe--by realizing God, one is released from all fetters." Aum Namah Sivaya.

cbrahma · July 6, 2008

Bombay
28 December, 1974

74-12-28“Krsna says in the Bhagavad-gita, chapter 18; sarva-dharman parityajya, mam ekam saranam vraja, aham tvam sarva-papebhyo, moksayisyami ma sucah [bg. 18.66]. So why you want to worship someone else. Krsna, Himself, recommends mam ekam, he alone. Therefore we must do like that. If one wants to water the tree he waters the root. There is no necessity of watering the branches. The demigods are all different parts of the universal form of the Supreme Lord. But Krsna is even more than that whole complete universal form. He is the origin of that universal form. Therefore I do not encourage you to worship this demigod, Ganesa. It is not required, it is not necessary. Simply worship Krsna. Perform nice devotional service to Krsna. Then your lives will certainly become perfect. Of course if one has got some sentiment for achieving the blessings of Ganesa for accumulating large sums of money to serve Krsna, then he may perform this Ganesa worship, privately, not making a public show. But first of all he must give me $100,000 per month. Not a single farthing less. If he can supply this amount, $100,000 per month, then he will be allowed to do this Ganesa Puja. Otherwise he should not do it. It will not be good. That is my order. So all of you keep yourselves strong in Krsna Consciousness by following all of my basic principles. That is of the utmost importance. Do not fail to chant 16 rounds daily, rise early, come to mangala arati, come to classes and follow the 4 regulative principles. In this way your life will become free from all anxieties. Please try to distribute my books in huge quantities more and more. This is very much satisfying to me.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami ”

Letter to: Gurukrpa

princegoutham · July 6, 2008

Whatever you see, see as Shiva and do not be distressed, O mind! Those who are free from agitation and who the senses five control will surely win the bliss of Shiva. The path prescribed by your religion you should always tread, and live in changeless, silent contemplation. Whatever you see, see as Shiva.

Natchintanai, "Whatever You See..." NT, 68

Shiva is Maha Kal the Lord of All Lords Even Lord Rama,Krishna,and Vishnu Worshipped Lord Shiva He is Maha Yogi,he is Not Sangara Priya You Need Not decorate Him with jewels and materialistic ornaments or Need not bring him any offerings that's why they say Brahma,Vishnu and SADA Shiv,because his existence is time less age less,see Ramayana,mahabartha you will find pandayas ,kaurayas all worshipping lors Shiva, all the lords and Demons of 3 lokas worshipped him to get their desired boons,even the jungle tribes in remote places in sri Lanka,thai land,Malaysia and unknown islands believe and worship him its only mind heart and soul,No worly rituals and mantras to perform to reach him.He is Dev adi dev Maha dev he never took any avatars because there is one God Only demi gods comes to Restore with the blessing of Ultimate god,That's why in all Vishnu ,Krishna etc avatars The lords worshipped Mahadev lord Shiva.We don't preach we only meditate and Practice SHIVA-5 words,the Master of 5 elements

Water - Thiruvanaikoil

Air - Kalahasti

Fire - Thiruvannamalai

Space - Chidambaram

Earth - Kanchipuram or Thiruvarur.

Hope your doubts are Cleared i am not preaching of Shiva my concept is He is the Main Lord and god the Most ancient Lord worshipped by Devatas,rashis,munis ,and Sages, Some early sect of Brahims didn't like Shiva Concept of Equal rights to women,and not to allow them the privilege of Teaching religion,They found New sects of their own according to their own connivance and brought, sati system,and declared that women to only serve their husband ,

Do you Know The concept of Ardha Nareshwara.Or ardhanggini (lord Shiva shown as Half male and Half female)

(1) In the cosmic scheme man represents Purusha (the Person, Spirit) and woman Prakriti (Nature, primal Matter), both of whom unite to keep the world going. So goes the Vedic verse: ‘I am He, you are She; I am song, you are verse; I am heaven, you are earth. We two shall here together dwell becoming parents of children.’

This just one single point not in depth

The Ancient brahims Abolished the Savism concept which was practised in India and that time India was in peak of its glory they created caste system according to their occupation and classified according to their jobs which they do in daily life created upper and lower caste and ruled them and the kings which was major draw back in Hindu society which created chance and opportunities from other cultures to easily enter India and showcase our drawback and spread new religion In India The Mother of all religions which Once taught the world the art of war,science ,medicine dance Martial arts, many More is now stands divided

"Mankind ought to be taught that religions are but the varied expressions of THE RELIGION, which is Oneness, so that each may choose the path that suits him best." - Swami Vivekananda)the saivism concept

Om Nama shivya

princegoutham · July 6, 2008

God Shiva is known by various names. One of his names is Bholenath, which means the innocent God. Shiva as Rudra is regarded as the destroyer of evil and sorrow. Shiva as Shankara is known as the doer of good. Lord Shiva has "Trinetra" (divine vision). He is also known as "Nilakantha" (blue necked). This is because of the fact that he consumed the poison 'Halahala' to save the world from destruction. Lord Shiva as Nataraja represents the Divine Cosmic Dancer. Shiva is also known as Ardh narishvara, which symbolises both man and woman.

Even though he represents destruction, Lord Shiva is viewed as a positive force (the Destroyer of Evil). According to Shaivism, Shiva is not merely a destroyer but performs five functions :

Creator Preserver
Destroyer
Hiding the sins
Blessing

mahak · July 7, 2008

there is no Vaisnavism without the scribe, Lord Ganesha. Without philosophy, one just has sentiment, flakey nonsense easily disturbed by a reefer or other such diversions.

Lord Vyasadeva used the talent of the One who removes all obstacles and impediments to spiritual life to produce the Veda. It is not only absurd to deny Lord Siva, Ganesha, Gangamayi, and suicidal to one attempting to be a so called devotee of Krsna, it demonstrates the number one flaw in spiritual life as described by Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur, party spirit sectarianism and the abhorent religiosity demanded to be abandoned by Lord Krsna Himself.

Krsna worships Siva. Not that one is superior to the other, rather they have a relationship of transcendence, which is what is worshippable. This is why christianity is not valid as it stands as a religion, because Jesus is worshipped instead of the Father under the false doctrine that they are one and the same. Thus, vaisnavism cannot be seen without the key element of that which is worshippable, devotional service, bhakti yoga. The christian religionist neglects the existance of the sweet relationship between Father and son, thus rejects both the father and the son. Same goes for the neophyte who thinks they follow some directive against worshipping demigods by always vilifying Lord Shiva, Sri, Ganesha, etc. Such folks have completely misunderstood the teaching, as the relationship between ganesha, siva, ganga with the various incarnations and fountainhead of Visnutattwa is never duplicitous, never immersed in materialism that the decree against worshipping demigods is specifiaclly designed for.

For those who need a clue, demigod worship is only forbidden because of motive. In that sense, Krsna worship is also forbidden, as so many teachings of Lord Chaitanya decry such false krsna worship with equal vehemense (i.e. smarta brahmanism, et al). The motive of the worshipper is always at play. A vaisnava can worship Ganesha, in fact, must worship ganesha. Ganesha is the first, without Ganesha, there is no entry into devotional service, no veda, no mahabharata, no Ramayana, no vedic culture whatsoever.

All glories to the gatekeeper, Lord Ganesha, whose only mistake ever was not not recognize his Father, Lord Siva.

Hare Krsna, ys, mahaksadasa

princegoutham · July 7, 2008

Ganesha The Seed of Lord Shiva Who was Created by Goddess Parvati

At birth, Ganesha was a perfectly normal boy, with perfect features and body parts, as befits one conceived by a goddess. There are many stories that describe how Ganesha got his elephant head. One tells how Parvati created Ganesha in absence of Shiva to guard her quarters. When Shiva wanted to see her Ganesha forbid it, at which point Shiva cut of his head. Later Shiva restored Ganesha to life and provided him with the head off an elephant, because no other was available. In another story, Ganesha's head is burned to ashes when Saturn is forced by Parvati to look after her child and bless him.

Ganesha has become one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. This not only suggests the importance of Ganesha, but also how popular and pervasive this deity is in the minds of the masses.

Ganesha rides a rat that represents the subjugated demon of vanity and impertinence. The conch represents the sound that creates Akash. The laddu presents Sattva. The snakes represent control over the poisons of the passions and refer to Shiva, father of Ganesha. The hatchet cuts away the bondage of desires. The mudra grants fearlessness. The broken tusk is the one with which Ganesha wrote the Mahabaratha.

The broken tusk that Ganesha holds like a pen in his lower right hand is a symbol of sacrifice, which he broke for writing the Mahabharata. The rosary in his other hand suggests that the pursuit of knowledge should be continuous. The laddoo – sweet - he holds in his trunk indicates that one must discover the sweetness of the Atman. His fan-like ears convey that he is all ears to our petition. The snake that runs round his waist represents energy in all forms. And he is humble enough to ride the lowest of creatures, a mouse.

Acceptance of the somewhat funny looking elephant man Ganesha as the divine force stills the rational mind and it's doubts, forcing one to look beyond outer appearance. Thus Ganesha creates the faith to remove all obstacles.And He is the Beloved son of Lord shiva

Om Nama shivya

princegoutham · July 8, 2008

The Cosmic Dance of Shiva.

God and his creation are One. Yet God hides himself from his creation to give himself the joy of discovering God. God is both Creator and the Created. This is also known as the Wisdom of Balance. The Uncreated God and The Created God are One, yet the creation is attached to the grand illusion of separateness. Whenever God's creation discovers God, God discovers himself all over again. God delights in the dance of hiding and discovering his glory. The Cosmic Dance of Shiva.

Your life is your part in this awesome Cosmic Dance. Your birth begins with your God Consciousness hid from you. If you have not discovered your unlimited potential in this life you will die, and your soul will go to the unseen state awaiting its chance for another birth. This is the gem of knowledge known as Reincarnation.

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princegoutham · July 8, 2008

Brahma's head was Ripped off By lord shiva

once, Brahma and Vishnu were discussing who was the supreme god and then when they came to know from Veda that Shiva is the supreme being, Brahma ignored and spoke bad about Shiva. He got angry and cut off Brahma's head that spoke ill of him, leaving Brahma with four heads instead of five.Shiva is the creator of Dance and of the first 16 rythemic syllabus ever uttered, the Sanskrit language was born. Dance of anger is known as Tandav Nritya, joy as Ananda nritya. Thus, Shiva is also known as Natraja, lord of dance and it is said that on 13th day of each bright lunar fortnight of Hindu calendar, after 6 in the evening, falls a sacred hour called Pradosha and if you worship this time than one gets powers of Universe. It is believed that all Gods gather to witness the dance of Natraja, Shiva.There are around 30 million Linga in temples in India, famous one formed of Ice at Amarnath, Somnath in Gujarat and it is said Shiva sleeps in all Lingas in Chaturmasya and so if one worships the Shivlinga this time, than it is very auspicious. Going for Pilgrimage to all 12 Jyotirlinga means one washes away the sins of last seven births and also reciting the mantras purifies the soul and can attain peacefulness

bhaktajan · July 16, 2008

This Shiva is God Stuff is Bogus.

Lord Shiva is the Brother of the Kumaras & Narada etc.

When Lord Brahma passes away --so will all pass away by merging back into MAhaVisnu's Breathing.

The Hiarchy of the Descendants of Lord Brahma Maha-pita-ma [Great Grand Father] of the Celestial "Demi-gods" is known.

Shiva is Brahma's Son.

Shiva & Brahma are Jiva-atmas.

Visnu is a 'plenary expansion' of God in the Material Worlds.

But don't let me dissuade you from pursuing your passion.

Your evident devotion will bring you to the service of Mahesh's other more-seasoned servants in due time.

Since Lord Shiva is a Vaishnava without equal then we must invoke his protection from maya & her illusory spells and her servants too.

princegoutham · July 16, 2008

This Shiva is God Stuff is Bogus.

Lord Shiva is the Brother of the Kumaras & Narada etc.

When Lord Brahma passes away --so will all pass away by merging back into MAhaVisnu's Breathing.

The Hiarchy of the Descendants of Lord Brahma Maha-pita-ma [Great Grand Father] of the Celestial "Demi-gods" is known.

Shiva is Brahma's Son.

Shiva & Brahma are Jiva-atmas.

Visnu is a 'plenary expansion' of God in the Material Worlds.

But don't let me dissuade you from pursuing your passion.

Your evident devotion will bring you to the service of Mahesh's other more-seasoned servants in due time.

Since Lord Shiva is a Vaishnava without equal then we must invoke his protection from maya & her illusory spells and her servants too.

Ha Ha Haaaaaaaaaaa When Lord Brahma passes away Ho ho Hoo wait a minute i need to control laughing hmm ya ufff

Brother are you alien to Indian Scriptures who is teaching you all this Bed time stories My boy or are you Imagining fairy tales

All these gods are immortals they have No Deaths What you said merging back into MAhaVisnu's Breathing.all these stories will impress vashivas But nothing can stand the Supreme presence of Maha dev

Whom Maha Vishnu prayed to Dev Adi Dev MahaDev Lord Shiva and was Blessed with Sudarshana Chakra which Lord Shiva gave Him Seeing His Devotion

Or Lord Rama,Krishna Prayed and pleased him on Earth so you don't have any Proof or in any visible event of Lord Shiva Worshipping all these earthly gods

Only in Vishnu Purana your people have self written those scripts Open your Eyes surrender to Maha dev or continue worshipping Lord Vishnu its not loss of any body but the Truth is here to Stay

Har Har Maha Dev

bhaktajan · July 16, 2008

AS I have stated before for YOUR edification:

[the path I have taken is ahead of you--cleaned and polished for your use--first deal with your home grown terrorists--then you can boast of your potency]

This Shiva is God Stuff is Bogus.

Lord Shiva is the Brother of the Kumaras & Narada etc.

When Lord Brahma passes away --so will all pass away by merging back into MAhaVisnu's Breathing.

The Hiarchy of the Descendants of Lord Brahma Maha-pita-ma [Great Grand Father] of the Celestial "Demi-gods" is known.

Shiva is Brahma's Son.

Shiva & Brahma are Jiva-atmas.

Visnu is a 'plenary expansion' of God in the Material Worlds.

But don't let me dissuade you from pursuing your passion.

Your evident devotion will bring you to the service of Mahesh's other more-seasoned servants in due time.

Since Lord Shiva is a Vaishnava without equal then we must invoke his protection from maya & her illusory spells and her servants too.

At least you got it right by acknowledging "Who my people are".

[PS: I ain't laughing. Comedy is based on others' misfortune. Sardonic sentimentality.

Any way nobody is stopping the dogs from barking as the caravan moves on]

princegoutham · July 16, 2008

AS I have stated before for YOUR edification:
[the path I have taken is ahead of you--cleaned and polished for your use--first deal with your home grown terrorists--then you can boast of your potency]

This Shiva is God Stuff is Bogus.

Lord Shiva is the Brother of the Kumaras & Narada etc.

When Lord Brahma passes away --so will all pass away by merging back into MAhaVisnu's Breathing.

The Hiarchy of the Descendants of Lord Brahma Maha-pita-ma [Great Grand Father] of the Celestial "Demi-gods" is known.

Shiva is Brahma's Son.

Shiva & Brahma are Jiva-atmas.

Visnu is a 'plenary expansion' of God in the Material Worlds.

But don't let me dissuade you from pursuing your passion.

Your evident devotion will bring you to the service of Mahesh's other more-seasoned servants in due time.

Since Lord Shiva is a Vaishnava without equal then we must invoke his protection from maya & her illusory spells and her servants too.

At least you got it right by acknowledging "Who my people are".

[PS: I ain't laughing. Comedy is based on others' misfortune. Sardonic sentimentality.

Any way nobody is stopping the dogs from barking as the caravan moves on]

Universal consciousness, as a unity, is called Shiva or Bhairava.

Shiva makes it possible for the material associations of the

phycisal world to have meaning.

But the domain of the union of Shiva and the phenomenal world is

puzzling and astonishing (1-12).

This is a restatement of a metaphor that goes back to the

Rigveda where the mind is seen

as two birds are sitting on a tree where one of theats the

sweet fruit and the other looks on without eating (RV 1-164-20);

one of the birds represents the universal consciousness, the

other the individual one.

There is only one bird; the other is just the image of the first

energized by the fruit!

There is a paradox here which is left unresolved.

But certainly root consciousness (Shiva, prakasa, cit)

is what makes it possible to comprehend.

princegoutham · July 16, 2008

AS I have stated before for YOUR edification:
[the path I have taken is ahead of you--cleaned and polished for your use--first deal with your home grown terrorists--then you can boast of your potency]

This Shiva is God Stuff is Bogus.

Lord Shiva is the Brother of the Kumaras & Narada etc.

When Lord Brahma passes away --so will all pass away by merging back into MAhaVisnu's Breathing.

The Hiarchy of the Descendants of Lord Brahma Maha-pita-ma [Great Grand Father] of the Celestial "Demi-gods" is known.

Shiva is Brahma's Son.

Shiva & Brahma are Jiva-atmas.

Visnu is a 'plenary expansion' of God in the Material Worlds.

But don't let me dissuade you from pursuing your passion.

Your evident devotion will bring you to the service of Mahesh's other more-seasoned servants in due time.

Since Lord Shiva is a Vaishnava without equal then we must invoke his protection from maya & her illusory spells and her servants too.

At least you got it right by acknowledging "Who my people are".

[PS: I ain't laughing. Comedy is based on others' misfortune. Sardonic sentimentality.

Any way nobody is stopping the dogs from barking as the caravan moves on]

At least you got it right by acknowledging "Who my people are".

[PS: I ain't laughing. Comedy is based on others' misfortune. Sardonic sentimentality.

Any way nobody is stopping the dogs from barking as the caravan moves on]

Please don't refer you self as DOG and bark Because Dogs Bark if someone Enters in to their Terrority and Barking Dog never Bits and you are a Misguided Barking Dog But care don't get stoned by the People think you are a Mad Dog I really petty you bhaktajan pls Put some Shiva Bhakti in you and Lord will forgive U

Hey listen bhaktajan you need not Perform with Costly thing to please lord Shiv just a Heartily prayer is all He Needs

Har Har Maha Dev

princegoutham · July 16, 2008

Please don't refer you self as DOG and bark Because Dogs Bark if someone Enters in to their territoryand Barking Dog never Bits and you are a Misguided Barking Dog But care don't get stoned by the

People think you are a Mad Dog I really petty you bhaktajan pls Put some Shiva Bhakti in you and Lord will forgive U

Hey listen bhaktajan you need not Perform with Costly thing to please lord Shiv just a Heartily prayer is all He Needs

Har Har Maha Dev

bhaktajan · July 16, 2008

I give one farthing, That all. OK?

Read again the minimum standards I set forth to assure who is speaking out of mandaciousness.

"Rig Veda" my donkey--Suddenly very body's is reading the Rg Veda Now. Up is up with that? Nobody knows what the Rg Veda is talking about.

Get a wife and prosper. This is a forum for educated adults!

I have thrown down the gauntlet at your feet--yet you dance like a fairy in a school show.

Do you not know the protocol of not appearing as a bogie-Yogi?

---------------------------

Attached is a partially shown Family Tree of the Bhagavatam --Starting with Lord Brahma's First children, up to Bhrgu his wife and sister-in-laws and some grandkids [it is still in the Prototype stage, so it is not the best quality for presentation]

attachment.php?attachmentid=1751&d=1216248947

princegoutham · July 16, 2008

I give one farthing, That all. OK? Rig Veda my donkey.

I have thrown down the gauntlet at your feet--yet you dance like a fairy in a school show.

Do you not know the protocol of not appearing as a bogie-Yogi?

Dear Misguided Soul Today your Liberated from Andhakar and UR Given ShivaJi's Pure Comsic Consicness

Forget every thing for today you are Blessed to know the Truth Because Until the lords Blessing is on you No matter what you where you can,t Here Shivji Words so Behold Today Argue No Further God Bless you

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 symbolized in one form. For this reason the images of Shiva vary significantly in their symbolism.

The unclad body covered with ashes: the unclad body symbolizes the transcendental aspect of the Lord. Since most things reduce to ashes when burned, ashes symbolize 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.

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.

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.

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 symbolizes 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.

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.

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 symbolize the Shiva and Shakti (male and female) principle of creation.

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, symbolizes the yogic power.

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 symbolize 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.

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.

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

Damaru (drum): a small drum with two sides separated from each other by a thin neck-like structure symbolizes 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.

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, symbolized by the nectar in the Kamandalu.

Nandi: the bull is associated with Shiva and is said to be His vehicle. The bull symbolizes 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 etemal companion of righteousness.

Tiger skin: a tiger skin symbolizes 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.

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.

Shiva Arti

om jai shiva omkara, prabhu jai shiva omkara

brahma vishnu sadashiva, arddhangi dhara