The secret of Creation is evident from the description of the form of Shiva. The crescent moon on Shivas head symbolizes the consciousness in human beings, the Ganga symbolizes the Life Force and the snakes on Shivas body represent the countless of living beings. He resides on a silver mountain. His dearest friend is Kubera, the Lord of Wealth. Despite being endowed with all these, why was He obliged to carry the begging bowl? To demonstrate to the world that every kind of wealth is a hindrance to spiritual advancement, Shiva renounced everything. It is through renunciation Shiva became the eternal embodiment of supreme bliss.
The three eyes of Shiva represent the three worlds (lokas). Shiva's trident is symbolic of the Past, the Present, and the Future, the three aspects of Time. The three gunas (Satwa, Rajas, Thamas) are images of the Trinity - Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The three worlds, the triune aspect of Time, the three gunas (qualities) are the manifestations of the Easwara Principle. It is for the well-being of the world that Shiva swallowed the Halahala poison. Again, it is for the sake of the world’s good that Shiva contained the Ganga in His matted locks. Siva bears the moon on His head to confer peace of mind on mankind. When man molds himself on the pattern of Easwara, he will get rid of all his evil tendencies and offer to the world what is good in him. That is the meaning of the worship of Shiva. It is only when man gives up utterly his bad thoughts, evil desires and wicked deeds, he will be able to transform himself into divinity.
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