Hinduism has many gods and
deities, and one of its most prominent figures is Shiva, Trimurti's third arm.
The Trimurti encompasses a creator, organizer, and destroyer, each represented
by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva or Mahesh respectively. As the destroyer, Shiva
maintains and encourages and the cycle of life. Though this image makes him
terrifying, he is depicted in a more generous form, too, like what his Nataraja
statues depict.Shiva
statues may differ in their meaning, but they serve a
purpose to inspire and encourage individuals who have them in their home or
office.
Shiva statues depicting
him in his dancing form are among the most popular symbols of Hinduism as it
signifies the central tenets of the religion itself. Nataraja means 'King of
dancers', and this statue of Shiva expresses the harmony and rhythm of life.
Here, Shiva is depicted dancing, with his four hands signifying the cardinal
directions. His left foot is raised elegantly while his right foot is on a
prostate position—the so-called 'apasmara purusha', which is the personification
of the ignorance and illusion over the god himself triumphs.
In the Nataraja statue,
his upper left hand has a flame, while the lower left is pointing to a dwarf
that bears a cobra. Shiva's upper right hand bears an hourglass drum that
represents the vital principle of the male and female, while the lower gesture
reflects assertion and encourages fearlessness. Snakes represent egotism, and
the matted locks of Shiva's hair represent the birth and death cycle. The skull
on his head symbolizes Shiva's conquest of death, and his third eye signifies
insight, enlightenment, and omniscience. This statue often shoes him on a
lotus pedestal, with the flower itself symbolizing the universe's creative
forces.
The Shiva family statue
features his divine family and its four members. Together with Parvati and
their two sons, Ganesh and Kartikeya, the Shiva Parivar statue symbolizes
completeness, prosperity, and harmony, and the entire universe and its essence,
making it favorable for homes where families dwell, so it can promote growth
and harmony in relationships and the household.
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