Shiva

Shiva Iconography :

 

Shiva is one the major God in Hindu Pantheon. He has been worshipped since time immemorial in numerous forms. It is not exaggeration to say that majority of the Hindu temples in India and abroad are dedicated to the various Shiva forms. He is the most popular god among Hindu masses.

The earliest mention of Shiva is in the form of Rudra is in Rigveda, as a terrible god. Shatapatha Brahmana gives us the story of the birth of Rudra. Atharva Veda defines him as the ruler of all two and four footed beings, a swift archer with thousand eyes. Aitareya Brahamna tells us that he is the saviour of vratyas (Non-Aryas)

Later texts such as Shatrudiya, Shiva Purana, Skandha Purana gives us detail stories associated with the Shiva.

 

Shiva in image form :

The earliest representation of Shiva is considered by some in Indus valley seal in the form of Pashupati Shiva, where he is seated in Yoga posture surrounded by wild animals. This however is standalone depiction and cannot be proved evidently.

 

Shiva Iconography is described in various Agamas, Tantra, Purana and Shilpa Shashtras. The iconography of Shiva is vast and varied, it can be broadly divided into two forms;

1.    Aniconic Phallic form, i.e. Shiva Linga

           Rig-Veda mentions of Shishan Devta, that may alludes to the worship of the Phallic form. Lingam form is as old as any of the Shiva anthromorphic form if not the earlier. This form has remained constant and preferable throughout the centuries. Shiva Lingam always constitutes two parts one is Linga that is the symbol of male reproduction and another is Yoni or Jaladhari which is the representation of female reproduction. The setup of Shivalinga is in such a way that these two parts represent union of male-female forms (Shiva-Shakti) which is the origination of all the lives.

According to the Linga Purana, it symbolizes the cosmic pillar, an infinite nature of Shiva.  The Shiva Purana in its first section of the Vidyeshwar Samhita describes Shiva-linga as beginning-less and endless cosmic pillar (Stambha) of the fire which is the cause of all causes.

 

The Lingam part is further divided into three distinct sections that represent three major gods of the Hindu trinity. The upper circular part of the shaft which is like half spherical at the top is Shiva-bhaga, the middle part which is octagonal in shape is Vishnu-bhaga and the lower square pillar shape part is known as Brahma-bhaga. Both middle and lower part are fixed in centre of Yoni beneath the surface and only Shiva bhaga is visible to the worshippers.

 

Shiva Lingas have been found in countless archaeological sites from as early as the 2^nd Century BCE. One of the oldest examples of a linga is at the Parashurameshwar temple in Andhra Pradesh, India that has been dated between the 3rd to 1st century BCE.  This is also the earliest depiction of combined Anthromorphic and Aniconic form in which Shiva emerges from the phallic symbol.

The structure or form of a Linga varies widely from plain, unmarked cylinders to intricately carved pillars of varying sizes; there are some with faces carved on one or all four sides some depict a cobra coiled around the pillar, while some are anatomically accurate representations of a phallus. The linga may be made of different materials such as stones, metal, gemstones, wood or clay. Different materials have different significance or implications.

 

Mukhalinga form is also found from Kushana period such as Mandsaura, 8 Mukhalinga, Udayagiri cave Mukhalinga, Bhumara Mukha linga, Mathura Mukha linga, Bhita Mukha Linga. These Shivalingas have face carved on either one or more sides.

 

2.    Antromorphic form (Human form)

In this category Shiva is depicted in various forms and the forms also evolved over the period of time. We find regional and dynastic variations too. Shiva is some time  depicted alone, sometimes with family or other deities, sometimes performing an act or event, Sometimes only face is represented, sometimes in full body. Even in that there are varied sub-forms.

Various forms of Shiva is broadly categorized in two human forms. There are, however, some other depiction which do not lie in any of these category.

-        Saumya Roop (Peaceful Form)

-        Ugra Roop (Agravated form)

 

Depiction under Saumya Roop (Calm or peaceful)

These forms are generally rendition of Shiva peaceful forms and blessing acts mentioned from Puranas and other Agamas texts.

 

Anugraha Murti : In this form Shiva is shown as merciful and granting boons to his devotees.

For Example : -

Chandesa Anugrapha : This depiction is taken from the Story of Vichara Sharma

Vishnu Anugraha (Chakradana) : This is the depiction of an episode mentioned in Purana in which Vishnu makes Penance to please Shiva and Shiva gratified by his penance grants Vishnu the weapon Sudarshana Chakra (disc).

Nandisa Anugraha (Nandikeshwar or Adhikaranandi) : In this depiction Shiva is pleased with Nandi and becomes chief of all ganas, He takes the form of Nandi in anthromorphic form. Hence, represented in the form of Bull face human, having four hands, 2 front hands are in Anjali Mudra while other two hands hold battle axe and a black deer (Male Mriga). Also accompanied with wife Suyasu.

Vigneshwar Anugraha : In this form Shiva installs revive Baby Ganesha by attaching baby elephant head on his decapitated body. After that, Shiva made the boy head of all Ganas, boon him the godly power of removing/controlling any obstacles.

Kiratarjuna Anugraha : In this depiction Shiva is tests Arjuna patience in the form of a Kirata and have a duel with him. Later he is pleased with his dedication and valour grants him Pashupata Astra as a boon. The Kiratarjuna murti according to the texts on sculpture has four arms, carrying dhanus, bana, mrga, jatamakupa, three eyes, yajnopavita and ornaments. He stands erect with Arjuna on the right who has two eyes, jatamakuta, ornaments and Anjali pose on the right and with Gauri on the left. In the Karanagama, Shiva is described as holding an arrow and a bow and an antelope; the latter two are seen in a figure in Chidambaram.

Ravana Anugraha : In this depiction, Ravana the king of Lanka reaches Kailasha mountain to meet Shiva but he was busy spending time with his consort parvati and was not allowed by Shiva Ganas to meet Shiva. Infuriated, Ravana goes back and and then tries to lift entire Kailasha mountain. Parvati gets feared with the sudden violent quakes asks Shiva for the reason. Inorder to stop shaking Shiva gently pressed a finger on the surface as a result Ravana gets trapped within the rocks and remains captive for many years, He tries everything to get out of the rocks but couldn’t then he realizes his mistakes and recites a hymn in praise of Shiva. Shiva finally releases him from his imprisonment and grants him an invisible sword and a Shivalinga as a boon.  In this iconographic features, Shiva and Parvati are depicted seated on Mount Kailash in the upper portion of the portrayal, while Ravana, lifting the mount is portrayed in the lower register.

 

Ugra Roop (Samhara Murti, Aggravated form)

This form of Shiva depiction is associated with his terrible forms and episodes.

 

Kankala Bhairava or Kaal Bhairava : Shiva is depicted in various Bhairava pose

Kaal Bhairava

Batuk Bhairava

Saranakarshan Bhairava

Chatushpashti Bhairava

 

Gajasura Samhara Murti : In this depiction, According to Kurma Purana Shiva Slays Elephant demon. It is also known as Gajantaka, Gajamardana depiction. Shiva is shown in terrible form lifting elephant skin with his two hands over head. This depiction is seen at various temples.

Tadakasura Vadha Murti : Tarakasura was mighty demon king. He had got a boon from Brahma.

Tripurantaka : This depiction is related to the episode of  destroying of three citadels of son of Tarkasura demon namely Vidunmali, Tarkaksha, Kamalksha. Eg. Ellora kaislah, Dashavatara temple, Madurai

Sarabhaesha Murti : This depiction is associated with the story in which Shiva has to take the form of a Sharabha mythical creature combination of a bird and an animal to subdue the angry incarnation of Narasimha. It has dual hawk heads, two wings, 8 hands of lion. Eg. Tanjore Temple

Andhakasura Vadha : Andhakasura is a mighty demon, who challenged all gods. The infuriate Shiva with the help of Sapta matrikas kills Andhakasura. He is depicted in very terrible form holding a long trident carrying Andhakasura body on the Trident forks.

Kalari Murti : In Kalari depiction, Shiva protects young boy Markandeya from Yama who comes to take the life of the young boy. The infuriating Shiva is shown coming out of the Shivalinga taking Yama of the ground with his trident.

Maha Shirachchedka Murti : In this depiction according to Varaha Purana. Angry Shiva cut one of the head of Brahma to destroy his hubris, later shiva removed this head at Kashi as a repentence. In this figure Shiva is shown as carrying Brahma Head in his hand.

Virabhadra Murti : In Kurma, Varaha, Bhagwata Purana, Shiva is shown in aggressive posture having Trinetra open accompanied by Bhadrakali. Having ten/four hands carrying a large sword and arrow in his right hands and fire, bow and shield in left hands. A garland made of human skull is hanging from his neck. Goat headed King Daksha venerating at right or left side.

 Jalandhara Samhara Murti : Also known as Chalantarana, The story relates with the Indra strucking Shiva with his Vajra but Shiva opens his third eye in fury. Indra, however is saved by gods and energy emitted from the eyes sent into the deep ocean where the energy developed into a boy and this boy become Jalandhara who when grown up conquers all three realms. In this depiction Shiva is shown slaying the Jalandhara demon.

Kamantaka Murti : In this depiction Shiva destroys Kamadeva with his third eye rays. The Kamadeva becomes into ashes.

Aghora Murti : Shiva in this form depicted with 10 arms carrying weapons of different types.

 

Other depictions :

 

Nataraja or natesh : Dancing Shiva form having 4-10-14-16-20 Arms. Shiva is shown dancing in Lasya and Tandava form and flying locks dancing on the figure of dwarf, who is sometimes indentified as Apasmara (Symbol of Ignorance), arm holding damaru, Agni, right hand in Abhaya mudra, and left in Gaajahasta pose. Other attributes include Prabhamandala, Ring of Flames, flowers, a skull, crescent moon. figure of Ganga.

There are 5 types of dancing :-

- Dancing on Apasmara

- Dancing with Parvati & Nandi

- Dancing on Nandi back.

- Dancing on elephant back.

- Dancing on earth with varied arms.

 

Mahadeva Murti : Five headed shiva riding on Nandi, having Jata jut, Chandra, 4 heads are Saumya while 1 face is ugra terrible form in south direction

 

Maheshwar Murti : Shiva is five headed, 1 head facing upward while other 4 heads facing four cardinal direction. 10 arms carrying different weapons.

 

Pashupati Murti : Shiva depicted with erected phallus, Lakulisha is also depicted in this form.

Dakshina Murti : Facing Southward direction, this manifestation of Shiva is a benevolent teacher who accords wisdom to seekers of salvation Shiva is generally shown with four arms. He is depicted seated under a banyan tree, facing the south. Shiva is seated upon a deer-throne and surrounded by sages who are receiving his instruction. He is shown as seated with his right foot on mythical apasmara (a demon which in Hindu mythology, is the personification of ignorance) and his left foot lies folded on his lap Important for those who want to acquire skills and knowledge.

Himalayan environment, Vata Vriksha, Tiger skin, Akshamla, Virasan

 

Kankal Bhikshatana Murti : Kurma Purana Bhairava shiva begged and roam taking a Brahma head in his hand all around the world to penance for Brahma Hatya.

Yogeshwara Shiva Murti : Shiva seated in Yoga posture, face in meditative mode.

 

Pauranik murtis :

Gangadhara Murti – Descend of Ganga

ArdhaNarishwara Murti – fusion of man and woman in single murti

Lingodbhava : Shiva comes out of eternal fire linga and assign works to both Brahma (Swan) and Vishnu (Boar)

Kalyan Sundar Murti - Shiva parvati Marriage, Brahma sitting litting the holy fire.

Vrishabha Vahana Murti : Shiva seated on his Nandi Bull

Uma Maheshwar Murti – sitting and standing, Lalitasana mudra, Alinganbandha, putting one head on her breast.

Dice playing Murti : Shiva Playing dice with Parvati below which Ganas are playing with Nandi

Chandrashekhar Murti – naked shiva walked among ascetics, the wifes of those priest lost their Satitva. Hence, Rishis invoked Sarpa, Krishna Mriga, Kapala, Chandra, Apsmaara, Parshu, Vrishabha, Shardula from fire Altar.

Sada Shiva Murti - His five faces, Ishana, Tatpurusha, Vamadeva, Aghora and Satyojata are known as Panchabrahmas (five creators), the emanations towards the four directions and upwards from the nishkala (formless) Parashiva

Soma Skandha Murti : Shiva along with Kartikeya and Parvati without Ganesha depiction.