Symbolism of Siva

[Uma]

The great night of Shiva is coming...

I was awake for Maha Shivarathiri night and was doing meditation. The feeling and experience was immensely high.

Om Namah Shivaya

I am new to this forum but I have never been to any forum like this .. the discussions are so lively !!

I love this picture!

Really? That is very interesting to me. What did you experience?

Iksvakave

Originally Posted by Uma

Here's an image of Siva and Shakti with their son Ganesha.
The symbolism of this, according to my teacher. is that when energy and consciousness are merged (that is, when Kundalini rises to the crown chakra) wisdom is the result. Ganesha represents God's power of wisdom - that which removes obstacles but also which places obstacles in our path (for us to grow).

Dear Uma,
This is one of the best threads I have ever come across! Your descriptions are beautifully rational, logical and absolutely true. It is very rare to come across such wisdom, so thank you for sharing it!

[Vinayaka]

I'm a Saiva Hindu. For those of us who are, it means that Siva is God. Period. Saivism is one of 4 main sects or divisions within Hinduism. In Saivism, although some things are symbolic, and their are symbols, there is also a reality to it. For example, Ganesha is a very real being, an inner plane helper who can both remove and put obstacles in your path to guide you along the dharmic way.

My personal form of Siva enshrined in our shrine room is Nataraja, the dancer, as seen in a previous post, but also often in a brass or multimetalled murthi.

This is an old thread I see. I hope that's okay on this forum.