Lord Shiva Redefined

I believe every Indian epic, illustrated mythology and 330 million gods have some logic and scientific reasons for their existence. 

Shiva (Sanskrit: Auspicious One) is one of the main deities of Hinduism trios (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh) that is worshipped as the paramount lord by the Shaivaite sects of India. Mahesh, Rudra, Omkareswar, Rameshwar, Mallikarjuna, Bhimashankar…. 1000s of names defining him individually.  

Today being an auspicious Maha Shivaratri. Here is my attempt to define Lord Shiva logically.

 Basic Appearance and Attributes.

Shiva is shown either in deep meditation in the kailash (Mt. Everest)  or in the form of a Dancing God Nataraja. Shiva is 'tri netra' or three eyed, and is 'neela kantha' - blue-necked (having consumed poison to save the world from destruction).Besides, there are a lot many attributes associated with Lord Shiva. Below is my logical reasoning which are collected by reading various scriptures and attempt to know more about ayurvedic healing .

Scientific and Logical Metaphors.

Shiva Tandava (Anandatandava):  Fritz of Capra in his article "The Dance of Shiva: The Hindu View of Matter in the Light of Modern Physics," and later in the The Tao of Physics beautifully relates Nataraj's dance with modern physics. He says that "every subatomic particle not only performs an energy dance, but also is an energy dance; a pulsating process of creation and destruction…without end…For the modern physicists, then Shiva's dance is the dance of subatomic matter. As in Hindu mythology, it is a continual dance of creation and destruction involving the whole cosmos; the basis of all existence and of all natural phenomena."

The Cobra Necklace: He consumed the poison to save the world from mass destruction after the samudra manthan. This poison in his throat, gives him the name Neelakantha. In ayurvedic healing a mineral poison is counteracted by an animal poison. This cobra venom is the anti-venom for the poison. The cobra necklace is considered as a first aid. 

The Sacred Ganga & Crescent moon: Modern medicine says poison generates immense heat in the body. The Ganga on his head, cools the body and the moon creates tidal waves and helps the steady flow of water.

The Vibhuti: Vibhuti is a three line of ashes drawn on the forehead. Ash as the product of fire is considered intrinsically pure. The cow dung is obtained from the cows that are fed sixteen varieties of medicinal leaves. The dung of these cows are collected after allowing sufficient time for digestion. The collected dung would then be formed into flat cakes and dried in the sun. 108 types of herbs, and twigs ['Samithi'] of high medicinal value are used in the homa in which the dried dung cakes are added. Six types of medicinal leaves are burnt along with these. So this defines a medicinal value.

Tiger Skin*: Lord Shiva stays high in the cold mountains in search of medicines and some say he is in search of peace, the animal hide helps in keeping his body warm. As the tigers are considered as ferocious, other wild animals may reconsider before attacking him. 

Ganja**: (marijuana or cannabis sativa): It is said Lord  enjoys ganja and this is being misused by many shiva followers . The ancient drug soma, mentioned in the Vedas, was sometimes associated with cannabis. Britain have been struggling to demonstrate the merit of drugs derived from marijuana, others have agitated for legalisation of the plant itself.  The ayurveda uses this wonder drug (not in its actual form) in many of its medicinal preparations.

I could go on and on to define everything associated, with logic and scientific reasonings…. And lets modern science prove  and provide us with such mystifying theories.  I would request you to enlighten me with your comments and your contributions to this topic. And please share the link to your friends and relatives if you find this useful. 

 

 * Hinduism doesn’t preach poaching

** Hinduism doesn’t promote illegal usage of drugs        

     

(Disclaimer: I have been contacted by many spiritual preachers, followers and philosophers personally for critiquing the authenticity and reality. Religion being a sensitive issue I do not intend to hurt any religious sentiments of the readers; This is my way of looking at life and searching a logical reasoning behind everything. And thanks each and every sources for helping me write this post, Special thanks to my brother and his teachers)