Lord Shiva is the supreme God within Shaivism, one of the three most influential denominations in contemporary Hinduism. Here are some interesting facts that you need to know about Lord Shiva.
GENDER EQUALITY
God is neither woman nor men. Shiva along with his wife Parvati is represented in the Ardhanarishwar form - which is a half male and half female icon.
LINES OF ASH
The three lines of ash on his forehead refers to destruction of the three worlds
LORD SHIVA'S ASH
The ash Shiva is smeared with symbolizes permanence and destruction
LORD SHIVA'S TRISHUL
Shiva's Trishul symbolizes the unity of three worlds
LORD SHIVA'S SNAKE
The snake around Shiva's neck reinforces stillness and a sense of calmness
RAAVANA - THE DEVOTEE
Ravana, the primary antagonist in the Hindu epic Ramayana, was one of the greatest devotees of Lord Shiva
SHIVA AS NATARAJ
Lord Shiva took the form of Nataraja to suppress Apasmara - the symbol of ignorance
SHIVA AS HANUMAN
Lord Ram’s loyal friend and devotee Lord Hanuman is widely recognized as an avatar of Lord Shiva
SHIVA - PARVATI
Parvati was not Shiva’s first wife, Sati was. However, Parvati is a reincarnation of Sati
