Shiva or Maheshwara, the Divine Lord and in him are concentrated the three energies of understanding (Gyana), the will (Ichha) and action (Kriya) - thus forming the fountainhead of all knowledge. The nature of Shiva as representing the entire cosmos has led to his having 1008 names in the various Hindu scriptures extending the Vedic concept of multiple forms of a single divine power. The Vedas do not mention Shiva as the name of the god in question - instead he is named Rudra - the lord of songs, sacrifices, nourishment, the healer of diseases and the provider of property.
He is usually depicted as sitting in meditation in Padmasana. This is in consonance of his status of an ascetic yogi. He is shown wearing a tiger skin around his waist. Shiva is usually unclad in his upper half, indicating the transcendental nature of his divinity. His body is smeared with ashes indicating the presence of the physical universe but only on the foundation of the transcendental divinity of Shiva. Shiva encompasses and transcends all physical phenomena and remains unaffected by them.
Beads of Rudraksha on Shiva are said to be the solid form of the tears that Shiva sheds at the woes of his devotees. Rudra means fiercely strict. Aksha means eye, which signifies that Shiva constantly monitors all creation to ensure that all follow the divine laws laid down by him. The necklace of Rudraksha has 108 beads symbolising the elements used for creating the cosmos.
The snakes symbolically represents his control over desire and sensuality. The tiger skin symbolically signifies his ability to control and transform animal nature. The trident represents the three qualities, namely sattva, rajas and tamas. The damru denotes his connection with the primal sound AUM, the creation of alphabets, languages, grammar and music. And His long matted hair denotes his spiritual life and his great powers.!!!! Bum Bum Bholenath!!!
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