Shivaratri

Shivaratri

Aspects of Shiva

Shiva has two aspects, the Unmanifest and the manifest. The transcendental, eternal infinite field of all energies (Shakti) as the source of creation is the Unmanifest Shiva.

Upanishads describe ‘SHIVAM SHANTAM ADVAITAM CHATURTHAM MANYATE SA ATMA SA VIGYAYAHA’. The Shiva, which is tranquil, unified and non-dual beyond the three realms is verily the ATMAN, which must be known and experienced in our consciousness.

The manifest aspect of Lord Shiva is SHAMBHU, SHANKAR and MAHADEV as one of the lords of TRINITY, who dissolves the precious state to enable new creation of Brahma. He is the fountainhead of all esoteric knowledge of yoga, Tantra and occult traditions. He is associated with cosmic dance of NATRAJ – TANDAV.

Lord Shiva – NATARAJA - is the master of dance. Shiva’s dance indicates a continuous process of creation, preservation and destruction. The Damaru (drum) represents the principle of shabda (sound) and hence akasha (ether), which proceeds immediately from the Atman and is responsible for further creation or evolution. Fire represents pralayagni, the fire that destroys the world at the time of dissolution of the world. Thus Damaru and fire represent the continuous cycle of creation, preservation and destruction. The other two hands indicate that one who takes refuge at the feet of the Lord will have nothing to fear. The Apasmara-purusha on which Shiva is standing symbolizes ignorance, which makes us lose our balance and consciousness. He is trampled upon by the Lord for the good of the devotees.