Na
Punyam Na Papam Na Sokhyam Na Dukham Na Mantro Na Tirtham Na Vedo Na Yagyah |
Aham
Bhojanam Neva Bhojyam Na Bhokta Chidanand Rupah Shivoham Shivoham ||
I am
neither good, nor sinful, nor happy, nor sad, nor mantra, nor pilgrimage, nor
Vedas, nor yajna, nor food, nor will I eat, nor am I to eat, I am aware form,
am bliss, I am Shiva, I am Shiva...
This
brass monument showing Lord Shiva's head embodies the essence of
self-realization and recognition of one's true nature. His gorgeous face with a
soft grin, as though emanating the aura of content, can spiritually lift the
tone of a location.
The Auspicious Shiva
Behold the visage of Shiva, the powerful destroyer and transformer, captured in stunning detail in this brass statue. Measuring 11 inches in height, this sculpture commands attention and exudes a sense of serenity and strength. The dark, lustrous patina of the brass lends an air of antiquity and reverence, inviting contemplation and connection with the divine. Crafted from brass, its dimensions are 11.0 x 6.0 x 6.0 inches.
The Destroyer and the Ascetic
Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism, embodies seemingly contradictory qualities: he is both the destroyer of worlds and the ultimate ascetic. He represents the forces of dissolution and transformation, necessary for renewal and the continuation of the cosmic cycle. Known by many names, including Mahadeva (the Great God), Nataraja (the Lord of the Dance), and Bhairava (the Fierce One), Shiva's multifaceted nature reflects the complexities of existence itself.
His iconic iconography is meticulously represented in this sculpture. The serene expression on his face conveys a sense of profound inner peace and wisdom. His eyes, though closed in meditation, seem to hold the secrets of the universe. On his forehead is the *Trinetra*, the third eye, a symbol of his all-seeing awareness and destructive power when opened. This third eye is said to have incinerated Kama, the god of desire, when he attempted to distract Shiva from his penance.
Serpents, the Crescent Moon, and Matted Locks
Adorning his head are his matted locks (*jata*), piled high in a yogic style, signifying his ascetic nature and mastery over his senses. A crescent moon (*chandra*) nestles within his hair, a symbol of time, cycles, and the waxing and waning of life. The moon represents control over the mind and emotions, a quality attributed to Shiva's disciplined lifestyle.
A cobra (*naga*) coils around his head, a powerful symbol associated with Shiva. Snakes represent Kundalini energy, the latent spiritual power residing within each individual, and Shiva's mastery over it. The cobra is also a protective symbol, guarding Shiva's wisdom and power. The serpent is a reminder of the potential dangers and illusions that must be overcome on the spiritual path.
This meticulously crafted brass representation is a potent reminder of the transformative power of Shiva. Display this exquisite statue in your home or sacred space to invoke the blessings of Shiva and connect with the deeper mysteries of the universe.