Messire Gauvain KT
View Larger “The Temptation of Saint Anthony“ (detail), c. 1550-75, follower of Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
View Larger shiva- the god of destruction and recreation of life. seen as the source of both good and evil and is regarded as the one who combines many contradictory elements. shiva has untamed passion which leads to extreme behaviors. the shiva has a third eye, a cobra necklace, the vibhuti and the trident each represnting different things
the third eye represents the wisdom and insight of the shiva as well as the source of its untamed energy.
the cobra necklace signifies shivas power over the most dangerous creatures of the world. some say it represents shiva’s power in of destruction and recreation. the snake would shed its skin to allow new, smooth ones to grow in its place keeping everything in balance.
the vibhuti are the three lines across the forehead in white ash. it represents shiva’s nature and cover up the powerful third eye.
the trident represents the three functions of the Hindu triumvirate.
Parvati is always seated next to Shiva whenever present as a symbol of equality.
The Shiva is often represented as half man, half woman. Half would be showing his body, the other half would be showing Pravati’s
To find out more on Shiva try
BBC-Religions- Hinduism- Shiva