10 Holy Lord Shiva Symbols

Religion is quite unlike science. It works through a web of mystic signs and symbols. Every religion has its own set of symbols. In Christianity, it is the cross, mother Mary, the holy ghost etc. In Islam it is the crescent moon and the star. Hinduism, which is one of the oldest religions in the world also has various symbols.

In fact, every major Hindu deity has their own signs to be identified with. Lord Shiva is one of the holy trinity in Hinduism. That is why Lord Shiva's symbols are many in number. Lord Shiva's symbols are also very interesting because He is the only ascetic among the Gods. While other golds give in opulence, Lord Shiva choses a life of meditation and hardships.

That is why, Lord Shiva's symbols are all very different from the other symbols in Hinduism. They relate to the nomadic nature of the Mahadev himself. For example, one of the main Lord Shiva symbols is matted hair. Shiva has a 'jata' or heap of matted hair that is typically considered to be a sign of uncleanliness. But when it comes to Lord Shiva, 'jatadhari' is a positive adjective.

Here are some of the main Lord Shiva symbols that are considered holy in Hinduism.

The Shiv Ling

In most temples, you will not see a murti of Lord Shiva. What you see instead is a black or dark grey shiv ling. It is perpendicular stone that represents the essence of Lord Shiva.

Bull

Nandi, the bull was one of the closest confidantes of Lord Shiva. That is why, the bull Nandi is placed outside all Shiva temples. Devotees of Lord Shiva whisper their wishes into the bull's ears so that it reaches the Mahadev.

The Trident

The chosen weapon of Lord Shiva is the trident or the Trishul. Shiva holds the trishul in one hand. The 3 spikes of the trident represent the three powers of desire, action and knowledge.

Crescent Moon

Lord Shiva is often portrayed in art forms with a crescent moon on his 'jata'. The waxing and waning of the moon represents the most eternal cycle in Nature. The Hindu calendar is based on this phenomenon.

Blue Throat

Another name for Shiva is Neelkanth. Lord Shiva has swallowed the poison that had come up during the Samudra Manthan. Devi Parvati stopped the poison in his throat and thus, it turned blue. Since then Lord Shiva is associated with the blue colour.

Rudraksh

Lord Shiva wears a garland of rudraksh around his neck. He also has amulets of rudraksh. The word 'rudraksh' comes from 'Rudra' (which is another name for Shiva) and 'Aksh' meaning tears. The story goes that when Lord Shiva opened his eyes after deep meditation, his tear drops fell on the Earth and grew into the holy Rudraksh tree.

The Snake

Lord Shiva wears a snake coiled 3 times around his neck. The 3 coils of the snake represent the Past, Present and Future. The snake is a holy creature that is worshiped by Hindus.

Third Eye

One of Lord Shiva's symbols is his third eye. He has a third eye in the centre of his forehead. He opens his Third Eye only when He is very angry and wants to destroy evil. The third eye has become a symbol for wisdom and omnipresence ever since.

Dumbroo

Shiva is deeply associated with the dumbroo which is a tiny drum-like instrument. When Shiva is taken over by artistic exuberance, He dances to the beats of the dumbroo.

Matted Hair

Matted hair is usually seen as a sign of uncleanliness. But in case of Shiva, He is beyond such worldly ideas. His matted hair or 'jata' shows that He is beyond the standard definitions of beauty and holiness.