Happy Maha Shiv-Ratri & Adi Guru's Symbolism

The images of Hindu Gods, such as Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesh, Sarasvati, and Durga, are not their actual portraits - they are symbolic. 

The ancient rishis - scholars of India used metaphorical language and symbolic images to convey their messages. To understand the Hindu ideology, we need to know its symbolism. 

Lord Shiva is considered Adi-Yogi and Adi-Guru. 

Both the terms - Yogi and Guru are synonyms in some ways. 

Yogi means united - the one who has achieved enlightenment - and Guru means one who provides the light of Gyana by removing the veil of ignorance. 

A Guru cannot be a real Guru if he is not an Enlightened Yogi himself.

Similarly, a yogi will be selfish if he does not help others achieve what he has accomplished. 

Therefore Shiva is not only Adi-Yogi but Adi-Guru as well.

                              Symbolism in the above image of Lord Shiva

The first thing to look at is the surroundings. 

He sits in a meditative pose in a calm, quiet, and peaceful environment. 

To gain knowledge - to accomplish anything in life, surroundings play an important role. Therefore, a student - a seeker should try to find or design the appropriate surroundings, company, and atmosphere to pursue his quest of Gyana. 

                             Starting from the top of his image

His matted hair is tied in a knot on top of his head. 

The head represents the brain or the intellect and mind. The wavy hair represents the scattered thoughts and desires. Hair tied in a knot means controlled thoughts and desires - and the unity of mind and intellect. 

                                 Ganga flowing from the head

According to the story of Puranas, when Ganga came down from heaven, Shiva caught it in his hair and slowly released it on the earth. 

Ganga is a symbol of Gyana, the knowledge of Truth - which Shiva received from above - with divine inspiration. 

He then examined, analyzed, and grasped in his head (Man & Buddhi) then taught to others - shared it with the world. 

                                             The crescent moon

A crescent moon within his hair is a symbol of tranquillity, peace, and patience.

                                              The Third Eye

The third eye on his forehead represents the mind's eye - 

To see the reality beyond what is visible to the physical eyes. 

                                            Snake around his neck

The serpent represents evil - it is poisonous, and no one can deny its existence. 

Whether it's visible or invisible - controlled or uncontrolled - to some degree, it exists in everyone's mind. 

But Shiva has restrained and tamed the serpent around his neck. 

                                  His blue-throat

There is a famous Puraanik symbolic story:

During the Sagar-Manthan - the churning of the ocean of existence - both nectar and poison - positivity and negativity popped up. 

Everyone wanted nectar. 

No one wanted the poison. 

Nevertheless, Shiva swallowed it - knowing well that the poison of negativity exists all around us - that it may not be possible to avoid it entirely. 

However, he did not let it go down his throat - into his belly to affect him in any way. His blue-throat shows that even though evil and negativity hit him, he does not let it go down his throat, and therefore, is not affected by it at all. 

                                  Ashes on the body

His body covered with ash symbolizes that the body is made from dust and will end up in ashes. 

The body is not changeless and permanent - Atma or consciousness is.

                                       Trishul

When Shiva is in a calm and meditative posture - his Trishul is dug in the ground on the side.

Three pangs of the Trishul represent three Gunas. 

The Trishul is not in his hand, or on his body - it is kept away - on the side. Meaning, he is Traiguna-ateet - free from all three Gunas. 

Though, sometimes he may use it in the Tandava mode - to destroy the evil. 

                                                Damru

In the olden days in India, people used to play Damru - a small handheld drum to attract people's attention before making an announcement. 

Damru in Shiva's hand is a sign of announcement or invitation - a clarion call. 

The Guru, who has achieved enlightenment, announces and invites the seekers to share his Gyana. 

                                        Kamandal

A small pot in front of him is a symbol of contentment. 

His requirements are less- that can fit in that small pot. 

He does not collect extravagantly and excessively - there is no greed in him. 

Understanding this symbolism can help us - the seekers, to comprehend and continue on the right path of Spirituality.

          Happy Maha Shiv-Ratri to all

                                          " Rajan Sachdeva "