Sensuous Meets the Spiritual

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Shiva the archetypal ascetic sits in the typical yogic posture. The cobra entwined about his neck even as a necklace would, raises its hood in majestic splendor above his right shoulder. Many of Shiva's characteristic attributes can be observed in this artwork. These include the kamandal on which he rests his right arm and the cauldron which lies to his left side. Near the cauldron the trident of Shiva rises longitudinally extending nearly up to the level of the half-moon residing in his matted locks. The moon in his hair gives rise to the name 'Chanrachuda,' chandra being Sanskrit for moon. Significantly though, embracing the trident is a garland of flowers. Now flowers are a typical symbol of feminine beauty and the joys of paradise. This association conveys an important message which the icon of Shiva communicates to us. This is that even though Shiva is the quintessential ascetic, his asceticism is not based on the negation of desire but an affirmation of it. It is not by suppressing desire that we overcome it but by fulfilling it. Eroticism and pleasure in all its forms are vital for man's intellectual and physical balance. Abstinence and excesses both are detrimental to our spiritual life. What is needed is a healthy balance, spirituality combined with the worldly.

In the background can be seen the snowy peaks of Kailasha, Shiva's mountainous abode. The artist has very skillfully colored Shiva's halo also as white, well complementing the snow capped ranges.

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Of Related Interest:

Shiva - The Sensuous Yogi (Article)

Kamandalu (The Cauldron of Shiva) (Ritual Item)

Chandrachuda Shiva (Sterling Silver Pendant)

Shiva Shakti (Brass Statue)

Marriage of Shiva (Madhubani Painting on Hand Made Paper treated with Cow Dung)

The Amours of Shiva Parvati (Miniature Painting On Paper)

The Book Of Shiva (Hardcover Book)

Sati and Shiva (Paperback Comic Book)