Know the Mahashivratri Benefits

Know the Meaning of Shiva and his Symbols before Shivaratri Learning different facts about the Lord Shiva are always interesting and thought provoking as well. On this occasion of mahashivratri in 2019, we must know the meaning of different symbols of Shiva before seeking blessings from him. Taking place on 14th day of lunar months, Shivaratri is said to be the night of the Lord Shiva. Before we start going through his symbols, here are some amazing facts about Lord Shiva: ●

Lord Shiva was familiar with 112 ways that could lead a human being to higher consciousness. On Parvati’s request, Shiva passed on these yogic instructions to Sapta Rishis who are said to be have started the practice of yoga on the Earth.

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Shiva is also known as the Adiyogi.

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The waned moon seen at the night of Mahashivratri symbolizes the desire-laden state of the mind. The withdrawn mind completely destroys the qualities that a mind should have ideally. We can reach the higher consciousness only after praying to the Lord Shiva at the night of maha shivratri puja.

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Shivam is said to be vital force present in every living organism. The body turns itself into sevam in absence of Shivam. Celebrating the Lord Shiva gifts us with liveliness because of which we remained filled with Shivam.

Meaning of Symbols of Shiva With the maha shivratri 2019 date and day not even a month away, this is the perfect time for you to be aware of the meaning of his symbols.

The Third Eye: Having a close look at the idol of Shiva will tell us that there is a third eye located in between Shiva’s eyes. This is known as the Third Eye. While two eyes are seen as normal sense organs, the third eye of Shiva allows him to be omnipresent and have a sixth sense about what is happening the Earth. Often referred to as the evolution of perception, the Third Eye is of greater significance. Shiva has received his name Tryambaka primarily due to this Third Eye. All of us can obtain that perceptive vision by enhancing ourselves with yoga.

The Serpent: If you observe the Lord Shiva closely during this puja on mahashivratri, you will observe a serpent around Shiva’s throat. The serpent is the symbol of our ability to get rid of negative thoughts and actions as well.

While there are 7 fundamental chakras in our body, the Vishuddhi chakra is said to be present the throat. The Vishuddhi chakra is similar to the serpent.

Trishul: The trishul seen in Lord Shiva’s hand denotes the balance of three prana channels that can be found in the human body. A human body consists of the three basic prana channels i.e. Ida, Sushumna and Pingala. The ancient medicine of Ayurveda also talks about these three channels.

Damaroo: The small drum that you see in Lord Shiva’s hand stands for the resonance of the cosmos. It culminates the word ‘Om’. The Damroo usually is narrow at its abdomen and has smooth plains at both ends. It is more like a small drum.

Ash: If you know how to do shiva puja on maha shivaratri, you must be aware of the fact that Lord Shiva has ash present all over the body. With our common understanding, we think of ash to be a residue left after burning something. The ash symbolizes the transparent nature of the human body. The ash is said to help people think beyond the physical and find spiritual significance of life.

Jata: The jata observed in the hair of Lord Shiva represents the Lord of Wind i.e. Vayu. As all human beings desperately need air to survive, the jata symbolizes Shiva as the Lord of all living creatures.

Tiger Skin: If you are observing Mahashivratri 2019, be sure to see how Lord Shiva sits on tiger skin. However, he is also seen wearing the same. Tiger is symbol of power and force. On the other hand, many argue tiger to be symbol of lust. The presence of tiger skin denotes that Lord Shiva has conquered lust and can redirect the power of the tiger to the universe when needed.

The Rudraksha Necklace: Lord Shiva’s rudraksha necklace is made with 108 beads all of which are seeds of Rudraksha. These 108 beads represent the fact that Shiva has made this world using different elements. On the other hand, it is also believed that the necklace stands for Shiva’s rigidity about the cosmic laws implemented in the universe.

Kamandalu: The kamandalu or the water pot is usually made with dry pumpkin. It is said to contain nectar. The presence of kamandalu signifies the yogic nature of Lord Shiva. Many argue that human beings should let go of their earthly attachments just like the pumpkin let go off its fruit. The mankind should cleanse themselves just like the pumpkin.