What Lord Shiva’s symbols teach us about life and spirituality
Discover the powerful meanings behind Lord Shiva's symbols – from his trishul and third eye to the flowing Ganga and crescent moon. Each symbol reflects his divine qualities and spiritual lessons for life.
Har har Mahadev! The chant is an emotion and brings one closer to Lord Shiva. He is worshipped in many forms – as a peaceful yogi, a powerful destroyer and also a kind protector. When one sees his image, it is full of symbols and each one has a deep meaning. These adornments help us understand his qualities and the messages he gives to the world.
In temples and pictures, Lord Shiva is shown with many unique symbols like a trishul, a snake (Vasuki Naga) around his neck, a moon on his head or the holy River Ganga flowing from his hair. Each symbol carries spiritual meaning, guiding us on how to live, think, and understand the cycle of life and death. Shiva’s symbols reflect his powers, his wisdom and his role in the universe.
Let’s look at some important symbols of Lord Shiva and what they mean.
Lord Shiva’s Symbols and Their Meanings
Trishul (Trident)
The trishul has three sharp points and the three points represent creation, protection and destruction. Shiva is the god who destroys evil, but he also helps in creating and protecting life. The Trishul also shows that Shiva controls the three gunas – sattva (goodness), rajas (passion) and tamas (darkness).
Damru
The damru is a small drum shaped like an hourglass. It is tied to Shiva’s Trishul and holds it during his cosmic dance – the tandav. The sound of the damru is said to be the first sound of the universe – "Om”. It represents rhythm, creation and time. It also shows the balance between sound and silence.
Snake Around Neck (Vasuki Naga)
Lord Shiva wears a live cobra around his neck. The naga shows that Shiva is beyond fear and death. Even a dangerous creature like a snake becomes calm in Shiva’s presence. It also represents energy, especially the kundalini energy that sits at the base of the spine in yogic belief.
Crescent Moon on Head (Chandra Dev)
Chandra Dev (crescent moon) on Shiva’s head shows time and the cycle of nature. It means that Shiva is the controller of time and stays calm even when things change. The moon also shows coolness and peace and it balances Shiva’s fiery powers.
River Ganga Flowing from Hair
The River Ganga flows from Shiva’s matted hair. This symbol shows that Shiva is full of compassion. According to myth, the Ganga was too powerful to flow on Earth directly, so Shiva caught her in his hair to control her speed. This act saved the world from destruction. It also shows that Shiva is the source of life-giving energy.
Third Eye
Shiva has a third eye in the middle of his forehead. It stands for wisdom and inner vision. It can burn anything false or evil. This eye is not just for seeing the world, but for understanding truth deeply. When Shiva opens his third eye, it is a symbol of awakening and the destruction of the ego.
Bhasma (Ash on Body)
Shiva covers his body with sacred ash. This reminds us that everything in life is temporary. One day, we will all return to ash. It teaches detachment from material things and the value of spiritual life.
Tiger Skin
Lord Shiva sits on a tiger skin, showing victory over pride, ego and worldly desires. The tiger is a symbol of power and by sitting on its skin, Shiva proves that he has full control over his desires and instincts.
Each symbol of Lord Shiva teaches us a lesson. Whether it's the Trishul or the third eye, they all remind us of strength, peace, wisdom and the truth of life. Shiva’s image is not just powerful to look at, but it is full of deep meaning that helps us grow spiritually and understand the universe better.