Sivayanama…..chant the name of Shiva….will be blessed
Arudra Darshan: A Sacred Occasion of Worship and Devotion
Today is Arudra Darshan, also known as Thiruvadirai, a special day when Abhishekam and special pujas are performed for Lord Nataraja in Shiva temples all over India. Devotees sit for many hours to peacefully enjoy this unique event.
Lord Shiva: The Revered Deity of Tamil Culture and His Myriad Names
Lord Shiva is a revered Tamil deity and a central figure in Tamil culture, considered supreme within Saivism, one of its major traditions.
Shiva is known by various names, such as Mahadeva (Great God), Maheswara (Great God), and Pasupati (Lord of Beasts).
Lord Shiva’s Timeless Existence and Divine Symbolism in Saivism
Lord Shiva is believed to have existed since the beginning of time and is often symbolized by the lingam, representing the essence of the universe. In Saivism mythology, he is both the destroyer of the world and the creator and restorer of balance. Shiva is closely associated with the concepts of yoga and meditation, and is frequently depicted in a deep state of meditation.
The Trimurti: Lord Shiva’s Role Among the Central Deities of Saivism
Lord Shiva is regarded as one of the three central deities in Saivism, alongside Brahma (the creator) and Vishnu (the preserver). Collectively, they are known as the Trimurti, representing different aspects of the divine. Shiva is commonly depicted with a third eye, symbolizing his ability to perceive beyond the material world into the spiritual realm.
Lord Shiva: The Focal Point of Devotion, Art, and Spirituality in Saivism
Shiva is extensively venerated in Tamil Nadu, and his followers worldwide are called Saivas. Devotees frequently visit temples dedicated to him for prayer. Shiva is also revered as a guru or spiritual teacher, and many seek his guidance and inspiration.
Shiva is frequently portrayed in art and literature holding a trident, a symbol of his power to dispel ego and ignorance. He is often depicted with a crescent moon on his head, signifying his role as the creator and controller of time. The Nandi bull, Shiva’s mount, is a common symbol associated with him. Lord Shiva is a multifaceted deity with many names and attributes that reflect his complexity. He is honored for his strength and as a teacher and mentor.
Whether someone is a devoted follower or simply curious to learn more about Saivism, Lord Shiva holds a significant and revered place in this tradition. The relationship between Shiva and Parvati is commonly depicted as loving and devoted, with Parvati seen as a strong and powerful consort to Shiva.
Myths and Stories:
Lord Shiva is the central character in numerous myths and stories within Hindu mythology. One popular tale recounts how Shiva drank poison to protect the world. In another story, he performed the Dandavam dance to eliminate the world’s ego and ignorance.
Celebrating Lord Shiva: Festivals, Devotion, and Cultural Significance
In Saivism, numerous festivals and rituals are centered around the worship of Lord Shiva. Among the most renowned is the annual Maha Shivratri festival, dedicated to honoring Lord Shiva. On this day, Shiva devotees observe fasting, perform rituals in his honor, and many engage in all-night vigils.
Lord Shiva holds a significant and widespread reverence in modern Hinduism. Thousands of devotees visit his temples annually, and he is depicted in various forms in art and literature. Many Saivas seek guidance and inspiration from Shiva in their daily lives, and his teachings remain integral to Tamil tradition.
Lord Shiva’s Global Influence: Beyond Saivism and Into the World
Lord Shiva’s influence reaches beyond the boundaries of Saivism and Hinduism, leaving its mark on other spiritual and cultural practices worldwide. Notably, the idea of Shiva as the deity of destruction and rebirth has been embraced and modified by various New Age and Western spiritual traditions.
Lord Shiva is a complex and multifaceted deity with a rich history and mythology in the Tamil tradition. His numerous names and attributes mirror his diverse roles and responsibilities within the divine order, serving as a continued source of inspiration and guidance for Saivas worldwide.
Whether one is a devout follower or simply curious to learn more about Saivism, Lord Shiva remains an essential and revered figure in the Tamil tradition.