This is the most common anthropomorphic image if Shiva, showing him as "beautiful, three-eyed, serene and lost in meditation." From the crown of his matted hair flows the Ganga, emblem of purity, white as milk. In this guise as a yogi, he sits with legs crossed, one arm resting on yoga-danda and the other raised in benediction. Shiva's nakedness expresses the rejection of the norms of society. He wears just a tiger skin which suggests the power of nature. Encircling his neck is a serpent representing dormant sexual energy. He is adorned with strings of tulsi beads.
Behind the image of Shiva is his most common symbol, the Phallus (lingam). According to Brahmanical literature, linga is the sign of the transcendental, unseen Shiva and symbolizes his capacity to produce life itself. As he meditates, his trident (trishula), hourglass shaped drum, and his water pot (kamandala) stand close to him. The trishula symbolizes the three qualities of nature, creation preservation and destruction and the drum suggests the power of sound.
This painting of the meditating Shiva transmit a divine light emanating from his eyes carrying blessings for his devotees.
This description by Kiranjyot.
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