Why does lord Shiva wear's a tiger skin

 In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is often depicted as wearing a tiger skin, known as "Tiger Skin Loincloth" or "Vyaghrapada." The tiger skin holds symbolic significance and represents various aspects of Lord Shiva's divine attributes and his connection with the natural world.


The tiger skin worn by Lord Shiva is said to represent his role as the destroyer of ignorance, illusions, and negative forces. Tigers are considered powerful and majestic creatures, and the tiger skin symbolizes Shiva's mastery over fear and his ability to harness and control primal energies.

Moreover, the tiger skin signifies Shiva's association with the wilderness and the animal kingdom. It represents his affinity with nature and his transcendence of societal norms. Shiva is often depicted as residing in the mountains, forests, or cremation grounds, and the tiger skin represents his connection with these untamed and raw aspects of the world.

The depiction of Shiva wearing a tiger skin is also associated with the concept of asceticism and renunciation. The tiger skin represents Shiva's renunciation of worldly desires and comforts, as he is often portrayed as an ascetic meditating in remote and harsh environments.

It's important to note that the representation of Lord Shiva wearing a tiger skin is purely symbolic and does not promote or endorse the use of real tiger skins. The Hindu tradition emphasizes respect for all living beings, and in the modern context, the conservation and protection of endangered species like tigers are considered crucial

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What does Shiva's Trishul represents

Image
  Trishul  represents the three aspects of consciousness - waking, dreaming and sleeping, and it represents the three gunas- satva, rajas and tamas . Holding a trishul (Trident) signifies that Shiva (the divinity) is above all the three states- waking, dreaming and sleeping, yet is the upholder of these three states Hindu God Shiva : The Trishul is strongly associated with Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Shiva is often depicted holding a Trishul, which represents his power and authority. The three prongs of the Trishul symbolize various aspects of Shiva's role, including creation, preservation, and destruction. It represents the balance of forces in the universe and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Balance and Harmony : The Trishul is seen as a symbol of balance and harmony. The three prongs represent the three primary energies or forces in the universe, known as Gunas in Hindu philosophy—Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia). The Tr
Read more

12 Jyotirlingam

Image
  The twelve Jyotirlingas are revered shrines in Hinduism dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples are considered to be the most sacred and powerful abodes of Lord Shiva. Here is a list of the twelve Jyotirlingas: Somnath Jyotirlinga : Located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, Somnath is the first Jyotirlinga. It is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna ended his earthly journey and left for his heavenly abode. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga , Andhra Pradesh: Situated in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is associated with the story of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that a Shiva Lingam on top of the mountain split into two, representing Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga : Located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most famous and revered Jyotirlingas. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared as a light (Jyoti) to vanquish an evil demon. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga : Situated
Read more

Why are Bilva leaves offerd to lord Shiva

Image
Bilva leaves are dear to Lord Shiva or Mahadeva and they have close links with Mahalakshmi, the consort of Lord   Hindus    Bilva tree(s) is grown  in   all major shiva temples.  Besides Lakshmi, Goddess Parvati, Goddess G auri live in this sacred tree.  B i lva leaves are widely used by the priests for temple ritual and prayers, particularly when chanting mantras in Sanskrit. This practice has been in vogue for several centuries. The tree, being holy and dear to Lord shiva, the dry  trunk should not be cut to pieces and used as fuel. The  S anthal tribes of Northern  India worship the tree stumps and offer prayers. Hindus  bel ie ve   that our Karma will get considerable relief  if Bilva leaves are offered to the Shiva Linga - a way of reducing our sins committed knowingly or  un -knowingly .  T he trifoliate form of leaves symbolize the trident that Shiva holds in his right hand How to choose Bel Patra? While choosing the Bel leaves to offer on Shivling, make sure that there should n
Read more