A question I was asked, is why does Lord Shiva have snakes around him?

Another question I was asked, is why does Lord Shiva have snakes around him?

While we know it as his tantric power, there is a deeper, more beautiful purpose.

It keeps people from killing snakes and thinking that they're evil

Many people in jungles have found themselves bitten by snakes, therefore thinking that they're evil.

What we have to realize though, is that these snakes are just protecting their territory.

In a story, the god of the cobras approached Lord Shiva, and asked for protection. After all, everything created by God is good, and should be protected by God.

This was when Lord Shiva said "rest on my neck and on my body, and you will be protected by me"

This has caused an interesting effect in India. In many jungles, you will find little Shiva shrines where there are cobras.

There is a practical side to this.

If you are travelling in the forest, and you see a Shiva shrine on a tree, you know that there are cobras there, and will choose another direction so as not to aggravate or enter their territory. You are saved from being bitten, and the snake is saved from being hated.

In Shaivism, we are taught that we should understand our surroundings and adjust accordingly, rather then fear our surroundings and try to destroy it.

Of all religions, cultures, and faiths, Hinduism and Shaivism has shown love and respect for other creatures.