Hindu Council UK

Hinduism > Hindu Gods

Shiva - Lord of Cosmic Cycle & Destruction of Ignorance
Known to be also the most benevolent God

Shiva, is the God of Cosmic Cycle & he is assisted in this by his consort Parvathi, the Goddess of Shakthi - Power. This could possibly be the meaning of the idea that Siva becomes nothing in the absence of Sakthi. Siva is also worshipped in the form of the Shiv-ling, a sacred symbol of creation. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed & the Linga symbolises this scientific fact. The Linga denotes the primeval energy of the Creator.
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Siva Lings worshipped in temples are mostly made of stone & consists of three parts. The lowest portion in the shape of a square symbolises Brahma (the God of Creation). The middle part in the shape of an octagon symbolises Vishnu (the God of Persevation). These two portions are embedded inside a pedestal. The cylindrical portion projecting from the pedestal symbolises Shiva (the God of Cosmic Cycle).
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Siva is seen to be in constant meditation,and his divine third eye sees all past, present and future. His main devotee was Nandi to whom Siva passed on all his immense knowledge in arts. Shiva also posseses healing powers and with the recital of Maha Martunjya Mantra people have recovered from fatal illnesses.
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He is thought to be the most benevolent God , he is often in a meditative pose with half closed eyes looking out into the universe as well as in to his self, signifying that his act of destruction is in itself an act of creation.
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Other names & manifestations of Lord Shiva Nataraja Bholanath