674. Shiva, my Eternal Spiritual Guru.

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/god-and-i/shiva-my-eternal-spiritual-guru

According to Hinduism Brahma creates while Vishnu protects and Shiva transforms. Shiva does not destroy, as energy cannot be destroyed He only transforms. The good and bad exist in this universe with slight balance between the opposing forces of good and evil. When this balance gets disturbed and continuation of life becomes unfeasible, Shiva dissolves the universe. This is known as “Pralaya” the Cosmic Deluge and it is done in order to make way for another cycle of existence.

Shiva has the unclad body smeared with ash symbolizing the transcendental aspect of the universe. The three matted locks of hair represent the assimilation of the mental, physical and spiritual energies. 

Three eyes represent the Sun, Moon and Fire. 

The three white-lined Bhasma (Ash) on His forehead reminds his devotees to annihilate the three Mala (Impurities), namely Aham (Ego), Kamya (Expectation), and Maya (Illusion), and avoid the three Eshana (Craving), desire for Stri (Woman), Sampatti (Property), Swarna (Gold), and shun the three Vasanas (Tendencies), Loka Vasana (Materialism), Deha Vasana (attachment to body-mind) and Shastra Vasana (boast of knowledge), and only then one can attain Him with a pure heart.

Snake around his neck symbolize the Jivatma (Individual Consciousness) resting on the Paramatma (Absolute Consciousness). The crescent moon on his forehead represents mind. It denotes that a seeker has to keep the state of his mind like the crescent moon. While the full moon represents “Know-it-all” mentality while the crescent moon depicts the humble state of mind wanting and waiting to know. This humble state of mind controls ego, when ego is controlled humanity and humility blossoms.

Shiva is the greatest Vaishnava always meditating on His SELF who is none other than Sri Hari. Shiva is the Eternal Spiritual Guru who has to lead me to Paramapada (Supreme Abode). He has done it at the start of Kaliyuga when He appeared as Sukhadeva to recite the glories of Sri Hari through Srimad Bhagavatam to King Parikshit in the kings last seven days. 

A spiritual master has to be “Ashutosha” one who is quickly satisfied and quick to give benedictions. There is none like Shiva who is “Nishkapata Kripalu” the one who is guilelessly compassionate. I find no Guru who can equal Maharudradeva and hence I bow to Maharudradeva to lead me to Murari.