Mahadeva, Lord Shiva

 

Mahadeva is one of the main deities of Hinduism that is worshipped as the paramount lord by the Shaivite sects of India.

He is known as the third element in the Hindu Trinity (Trimurti), the other two members being ‘Lord Brahma - the creator’ and ‘Lord Vishnu - the protector’.

According to some scholars, Mahadeva as "Mahakaal" destroys and dissolves everything into nothingness but as "Shankara", he also reproduces that which has been destroyed and dissolved.
His symbol of
Lingam or the phallus represents this reproductive power.

Appearance and Attributes of Mahadeva
Mahadeva is often shown with many faces, as creator, destroyer and preserver in total command of the cosmos. Lord Shiva is shown either in Meditating or in the form of a Dancing God "
Nataraja" where his dance is to the beat and rhythm of creation.
Besides, there are a lot many attributes associated with Lord Shiva. Each of his depiction signifies a different aspect of his Supreme Being.

Sacred Ganga: The holiest of the holy rivers, Ganga
 flows from the matted hair of Shiva.


The Third Eye: Lord Shiva is known as the "3 Eyed Lord" or "Tryambaka Deva". The sun is his right eye, the moon left while the 3rd eye of Shiva on his forehead is the ‘Eye of Wisdom’.

Half-Open Eyes: The half-open eyes show that universes cycle in process.


Crescent: Mahadeva bears on his head the crescent of the moon. This is placed near the fiery third eye and this shows the power of Soma.

The Cobra Necklace:   The cobras around his neck also represent the dormant energy, called ‘Kundalini’, the serpent power. The snake curled 3 times around the neck of Lord Shiva depicts the past, present and future time. The snake looking in the right direction of Lord Shiva signifies that the Lord’s perpetual laws of reason and justice preserve natural order in the universe.




Vibhuti: Vibhuti is a 3 line of ashes drawn on the forehead that signifies the Immortality of the soul and manifested glory of the Lord.

Tiger Skin: Lord Shiva is shown sitting on or wearing a tiger skin. The tiger is the vehicle of Shakti, the Goddess of power and force.

Nandi, the Bull: Nandi is said to be the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The bull represents both power and ignorance.



Rudraksha Necklace: ‘Rudra’ is the other name of Mahadeva which means strict or uncompromising and ‘aksha’ means eye. The necklace has 108 beads, which symbolize the elements used in the creation of the world.

Damru : A small drum with two sides alienated from each other by a thin neck-like structure represents the two utterly different states of existence, unclear and clear.

Trishul (Trident): A three-branched trident shown adjoining to Lord Shiva symbolizes his 3 fundamental powers will, action and knowledge.

Read more in detail here :  Mahadeva, Lord Shiva