Shiva

Mythology and aspects

Shiva is paradoxical and complex: simultaneously destroyer of the universe (at the end of each cosmic cycle Shiva destroys the manifest world to allow a new cycle to begin) AND great yogi meditating in absolute serenity in the snowy Himalayas (Kailash Mountain), AND passionate lover of his wife Parvati, AND cosmic dancer (Nataraja, his form as supreme cosmic dancer whose dance creates and destroys the universes), AND holy ascetic covered with ashes meditating in cremation grounds. The unity of all these apparently contradictory aspects in Shiva represents the divine totality that includes everything.

His main wives/consorts: Parvati (the gentle daughter of the mountain), Durga (her warrior aspect), Kali (her dark transformative aspect) — the three are forms of the same divine feminine (Shakti) in different manifestations. His sons: Ganesha (the elephant-headed) and Kartikeya (god of war and victory). His sustained consort with Parvati / Shakti is the union of pure consciousness (Shiva = purusha) with creative energy (Shakti = prakriti); the cosmic union of yang and yin in Hindu terms.

Iconography and symbolism

Iconography: Shiva seated in lotus position meditating (most common), or Shiva-Nataraja in cosmic dance (one of the most magnificent images of the world art, Indian bronzes of the 10th-13th centuries are masterpieces). Specific elements: blue skin (sky blue), third eye in the centre of the forehead (psychic-divine vision), crescent moon in his hair (lunar wisdom), matted hair with the goddess Ganga (the river Ganges) flowing from his locks, cobra Vasuki coiled around his neck (mastery of the kundalini and primal fear), trident trishula in his hand (sovereignty over three worlds), damaru (small drum that beats the rhythm of cosmic creation-destruction), tiger or elephant skin as garment (mastery over animals and rough nature), covered with sacred ashes (final transcendent renunciation).

The Shiva Lingam: vertical stone phallic symbol that is the principal aniconic representation of Shiva in temples — represents the generative-creative cosmic principle. Combined with the Yoni (feminine receptacle around) represents the cosmic union of masculine + feminine principles.

In Western terms, Shiva represents: 1) Necessary cyclical destruction-transformation for new creation (similar to phoenix — destruction is not evil but essential transition). 2) Sustained yogic absolute discipline as path to spiritual liberation. 3) Total integration of all opposites — Shiva is everything and the opposite of everything; his integration is mature spiritual mastery. 4) Eros and thanatos united — love and death as faces of the same primal energy.

Working with Shiva today

Without being Hindu, you can connect with Shiva respectfully: 1) Place a Shiva Nataraja figure (cosmic dancer) on your altar, especially if you do work of necessary transformation in your life. 2) Recite his mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" ("I bow to Shiva") — one of the most powerful and universal mantras of Hinduism. 3) Mahashivaratri: "the great night of Shiva", celebrated annually around February-March (date varies according to lunar calendar) — Hindus dedicate the entire night to vigil meditation, mantras, devotional offerings to Shiva. Even non-Hindus can use this date for special meditation. 4) Particularly powerful invocation in periods of profound necessary personal transformation (loss, ending of important cycles, deep crises). 5) Sustained yoga and meditation practice are themselves the most authentic devotional offerings to Shiva.