Pashupati Shiva– Lord of Animals (Part 1)

Pashupati Shiva– Lord of Animals (Part 1)

At the time when Shiva lived, around 5,000 BCE, animals were considered either prey (to be hunted and eaten – such as deer, wild pigs, birds, rabbits and buffalo), or predator, (wild tigers, leopards, wolves etc. which were to be feared and killed for protection).

Those that escaped either of the fore mentioned fates, were potential victims of animal sacrifice, widely- practised in religious ceremonies of that time, in the inexplicable belief (that still persists in some places today) that a creator god finds pleasure in, and even rewards, the copious spilling of blood of its creations.

People did not consider that animals had any existential value, aside from a food source or a way to propitiate or bribe the gods. We can fairly safely assume, therefore that most animals that came in contact with humans, did not long survive the encounter, whether for one reason or another.

Shiva shifted this trend. Shiva’s loving affection and compassion extended to all living beings, as to him, they were all manifestations of the same Universal consciousness. He valued and respected their lives, giving them intrinsic, existential value, not only for their utility value to humans. Intuitively, they felt safety and sanctuary in his presence and therefore approached Shiva for shelter, which he granted them. Shiva and his followers did not consume animal flesh, thus had no need to hunt and spear wild creatures.

Moreover, Shiva taught his followers the yogic principle of Ahimsa – the principle of living not only free from any intent to harm other beings, but living with the intent and commitment to serve and protect the innocent. Except in the extreme case of the necessity of protection of someones life against an animal attacking humans, they did not raise any weapon against any creature.

Shiva himself is usually depicted with a cobra around his neck, a deadly, venomous snake, which never used its poisonous bite against him. He was also accompanied by his loyal, sturdy and powerful bull (Himalayan Yak), with which he was able to make long and arduous journeys.

Therefore Shiva is well known, both inside as well as outside of India, (as we shall see in the coming article), as Pashupati - Lord or Master of animals.

Water colour painting by Lesley Whiting (fair - use policy applies – no reproduction for commercial purposes)