Shiva

At times when things are just not going the right way or when you feel that things are beyond your control I find it easier to just do my part and leave the rest onto a higher power. Most times things work out for the best. In my most desperate times I find solace in visiting a secluded place of worship. In India where religion is an important part of most people lives it's hard to find a religious place which is not bustling with human activity. I know two places in my city which are comparatively quiet and peaceful. Today I went to both those places to thank Him for all that I have and pray for the rest to fall in place. This picture is of Shiva and is from one of those temples.

Shiva is the god of the mystics and the sadhus who would renounce everything and go into the Himalayas to meditate and achieve Nirvana. He is the only God form the pantheon in Hinduism who can be historically traced in some form from before Aryans came to the Indian Subcontinent. In the Indus Valley civilization he was found on a seal called the Pashupati seal surrounded by animals. Later he took the form of Rudra and then finally in the Later Vedic age as Shiva the destroyer forming part of the trinity including Brahma the creator and Vishnu the preserver. One of his most famous form is Nataraja i.e. the dancing Shiva performing the Tandav or the dance of the destruction. He is also worshiped in the phallic form called a Lingam. The river Ganga is said to have originated from his hair (hence the religious importance attached to it) and his consorts are the goddess Parvati and Sati. Ganesha is one of his sons.
Shiva is worshiped along with Goddess Kali for attaining Tantric abilities. The Kamasutra is attributed to Nandi (the bull that Shiva rides) after he spied on a marathon lovemaking session between Shiva and his consort Parvati. Rudraksha a berry from which a rosaries are made are said to be the tears of Shiva and are known for their spiritual power.
Of all the temples I have been to the most beautiful temple that I have seen are the various temple in Bali especially the breathtaking Tanah Lot.


















But the temple that I can never get out of my head is the Shiva temple on Harsh hill, Sikar in Rajasthan. It was just the most peaceful place I have been to nestled on the top of a hill with some very basic but beautiful architecture. The temple was crowded with Langurs who roamed about freely without attacking the pilgrims. I reached the temple at dusk and the atmosphere was beyond anything I could say in words. The temple was surrounded by these wind turbines which were a new addition and in a way portrays the paradox affecting India of the present which is leaping into the future trying to keep in touch with the rich culture of the past.