Mystic symbolism of the form of Shiva

Lord Shiva is one of the trinity of Hindu gods. Since he was the first yogi or aadi yogi, we find almost all his images in the meditation posture.

The word "Shiva" means literally, "that which is not." On another level, when we say "Shiva", we are referring to a certain yogi, the Adiyogi or the first yogi, and also the Adi Guru, the first Guru. ~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Everyone could have been familiar with the symbols associated with Lord Shiva and its significance.

1. The Ganga river flowing from Shiva's head or Jatajutam symbolizes, knowledge flow for the purification of the soul.
2. Crescent Moon on Shiva's head symbolizes, limited nature of mind and its use to express wisdom which is beyond mind.
3. Third eye symbolizes the clarity of vision. It's a power of perception to see everything straight, beyond the field of duality.
4. The Serpent symbolizes, fearlessness. It means, instead of running away from the fears, if faced closely than that fear exists no more.
5. Rudraksha represents purity of mind.
6. The Drum or Damarukam, two sides separated from each other by a thin neck like structure symbolize, two contrast dimensions, manifest and non-manifest both happening parallel.
7. Trident or Thrishool symbolizes, his three fundamental powers: Knowledge(Satva guna), Will(Rajas guna) and Action(Tamas guna).

The mystic meaning behind these quite contrast symbolic representations amalgamation is, when a man has self control, self disciple and stillness, a power to exist between the duality at the same time is possible. This is Siva Tattvam in a nutshell.

• Shiva holds, Poison in the throat and Moon on the head, which is of nectar nature. Both are quite opposites and cannot exist together.
• He also holds, fiery nature Third eye in the forehead and Ganga river on the head. Again, contrasts.

So substantially, Siva is an embodiment of Truth. Shiva Tatvam depicts that, if there is balance and stability in mind, facing the contrast situations and handling people with a variety of mindsets is attainable.

OM NAMAH SHIVAYA.