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Hand gesture for lord Shiva

Shiva:

Shiva in sanskrit means “the auspicious”. He is responsible of the dynamism in the world. In other words he is responsible for the changes in the form of death and dissolution. In the positive sense he shreds the negative ideas and gives way to positive and the creative once. He is described in the scriptures as fair in complexion, with only his neck blue. He is usually seen in sitting in a deep meditative posture. He also has a third eye on the forehead. He has a long matted hair which is tied into a knot. A spring of water is seen flowing from his hair ie the river Ganges. A crescent moon is studded to his hair. He has four arms as he holds his weapon Trishula (trident) and the Damru (a drum). The other two hands are in Abhaya and Varda mudra. A bull named Nandi is his vehicle. And Devi Parvati is his consort.

With reference to Dance, Nadikeshwar’s abhinaya darpanam states:

Shambovarmay mrugashirshas tripatakastu dakshine

Lord Shiva is shown as mrigashirsha hasta in the left hand and tripataka hasta in the right hand. Lord shiva is known by different names, example Nilakantha (the blue necked one), Trinetra (one with three eyes) , Nataraja (the king of dance) and many more. Each of these names can be expressed differently.

8 Comments

  1. to HayleyHarrison

    When Shiva is in Nataraja’s pose in upper right hand holds a small drum, which symbolizes sound of creation. The upper left hand holds fire, which symbolizes destruction. The second right hand means a protection from evil and ignorance and finaly second left hand points to the raised foot which is symbol for upliftment, liberation. šŸ™‚

  2. Anjali

    @Aravindan, If the Mrigashirsa is held further to the left would mean to hold Goddess Uma alongside.

  3. Sigrid Campbell

    Since a couple of days ago, I have not at all been feeling well. My astrologer noted very recently that the hand of Shiva is on me. Are the two related and , if so, How can I make myself feel better.

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