Sacred symbols and symbolism of Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva is the supreme deity in Hindu religion. He is also one of the trinity Gods (Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). He is also known as the destroyer of the universe. Lord Shiva represents the metamorphosis, spiritual awakening, consciousness, new beginning and rebirth. His appearance has profound symbolic importance. Every detail, from the snake curled around his neck to the crescent moon adorning his matted hair, tells an intriguing tale and stands for a different facet of the universe, consciousness, and human life. Let's examine these divine emblems and their deep significance.

Here are the following symbols of Lord Shiva and their meanings:

Crescent Moon

The crescent Moon on Lord Shiva's head represents the cycle of time and moods - day and night, light and darkness, different seasons, change in thoughts, menstruation cycle, mood swings, renewal and these all are controlled by Lord Shiva. The waxing and waning phase of the Moon represents the flow of cosmic energy.

Third eye of Lord Shiva

The third eye of Lord Shiva represents the intuition power, awareness, sixth sense beyond this physical world. This also symbolizes insight, spiritual awareness, knowledge beyond material world that removes the illusion and darkness from your thought and encourage you towards reality.

Ashes or Bhasma

Ashes represents the end of the journey from the material world and symbolizes salvation or moksha. This shows the journey from everything to nothing. Lord Shiva is depicted as bhasma dhari, the body is covered with holy ashes.

Snake around the neck

Snake Vasuki is around his neck that represents the kundalini energy from illusion to reality, from darkness to light, from fear to fearlessness. This also symbolizes the strength, bravery, and the control of Shiva over death and fear.

Ganga Dhar

The sacred Ganga is represents the purity, fertility and life. The divine Ganga flowing from his matted hair and that symbolizes the divine power, flow of spiritual wisdom and purification.

Trident (Trishul)

Lord Shiva is always depicted as holiding Trishul in his hand that represents creation, preservation and destruction. This also symbolizes the control over the three gunas (rajas, tamas and satva guna)

Nandi (The Bull)

Nandi is always seen with Lord Shiva and he is considered as an ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. Nandi represents strength, loyalty and devotion.

Rudraksha

Rudraksha is one of the main symbols of Lord Shiva that represents the devotion, protection and concentration. This originated from Lord Shivas tears so these beads are considered extremely sacred. These beads are believed give protection from evil eye, evil energy and negative forces.