The Iconography of Shiva
- Shantanu Rastogi
- Mar 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 6
This blog is part three of the four-part series on Shiva, unveiled in celebration of Mahashivratri. (reference to Part I, Part II,Part IV)
Shiva’s iconography stands apart for its depth, complexity, and evolution over at least five millennia—perhaps the longest continuous tradition of divine imagery in human history. Shiva’s multifaceted nature, embodying both destruction and regeneration, asceticism and cosmic dance, has inspired some of the most enigmatic and powerful artistic expressions across centuries.
Like other Hindu deities, Shiva is represented in both iconic and aniconic forms. His iconic depictions present him in an anthropomorphic form, allowing devotees to connect with him on a personal and relatable level. In contrast, his aniconic representation, the Lingam, symbolizes his transcendental and formless nature, emphasizing the infinite and beyond-the-material aspects of divinity.
Shiva in Prehistoric and Early Finds
Bhimbetka Cave Paintings
The Bhimbetka caves in Madhya Pradesh, India, house prehistoric rock paintings, two of which are believed to be early depictions of Shiva :
A dancer holding a bow and arrow, with a deer motif on the crown, resembling the famous Nataraja pose.
A Rudra-like figure, possibly an early representation of Shiva as a primal deity.
Bhimbetka murals date to around 10,000 BCE, but these depictions are from a later period, around 3000–1900 BCE.
The Pashupati Seal
One of the most famous early representations linked to Shiva is the Pashupati Seal, discovered in Mohenjo-Daro. It depicts a three-faced figure seated in a yogic posture, surrounded by animals. Many scholars interpret this as a proto-Shiva or Pashupati (Lord of Animals), an early form of Shiva’s later depictions. Additionally, archaeological evidence from the Indus Valley Civilization suggests the presence of lingams and animal worship, which some link to later Shaivite traditions.
Anthropomorphic Forms of Shiva
A. Mahadeva – The Great God
Mahadeva, one of the most widely worshipped forms of Shiva, is characterized by several distinctive features:
Third Eye: Located on his forehead, representing inner vision and wisdom beyond the physical world.
Trident (Trishul): Symbolizes Shiva's power over creation, preservation, and destruction.
Crescent Moon: Positioned on his head, signifying mastery over time and cosmic cycles, making him eternal.
Snake (Naga): Wrapped around his neck, symbolizing fearlessness and control over desires.
Damaru (Drum): Held in his left hand, representing the cosmic vibrations that create and sustain the universe.
Rudraksha Beads: A garland of Rudraksha beads, referencing his earlier name, Rudra, associated with divine fury and asceticism.
B. Anugraha Forms – Shiva as the Benevolent One
The Anugraha (grace-bestowing) forms of Shiva emphasize his compassionate and
protective aspects. These forms often depict Shiva in a peaceful and boon-giving posture, with at least one hand in Abhaya (protection) or Varada (boon-giving) mudras. Some of these include:
Chandesh Anugraha (blessing his disciple Chandesa)
Vinadhara Dakshina (holding a veena & standing on a demon)
Someshwara (ability to soothe emotions as the Lord of Moon)
Ashutosh (easily pleased, readiness to grant boons to devotees)
Sarveshwar (his role as the ultimate protector of existence)
C. Samhara Forms – Shiva as the Destroyer
The Samhara (destructive) forms of Shiva, also called Samharamurtis, highlight his power to
eliminate evil and ego, thereby enabling spiritual growth and cosmic balance. This picture (to the right) of Gajasurasamhara murti at Sri Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebidu, shows an illustration of this form. While destructive, these forms serve the higher purpose of regeneration. Some notable Samhara forms include:
Kamantaka (Destroyer of Kama, the god of desire)
Gajasura Samhara (Slayer of the elephant demon)
Kalari (The fierce form of time and death)
Tripurantaka (Destroyer of the three cities of demons)
Bhairava and Sarabhesa (Terrifying aspects of Shiva)
D. Other Popular Forms of Shiva
1. Ardhanarishvara – The Divine Synthesis
In this form, Shiva is depicted as half-male and half-female, representing the union of Shiva (Purusha, the masculine principle) and Shakti (Prakriti, the feminine principle). It symbolizes the inseparability of the cosmic energies that sustain creation.
2. Nataraja – The Cosmic Dancer
Shiva’s most well-known dance form, Nataraja, represents the cosmic cycle of creation and destruction. His dance, called Tandava, signifies the continuous rhythm of the universe, embodying both the dynamic and the transcendental aspects of existence.
3. Mahayogi – The Supreme Ascetic
In this form, Shiva is depicted as the master of meditation and yoga, symbolizing detachment and inner realization. This form highlights his role as the Adi Guru (the first teacher of yoga), guiding seekers on the path to liberation.
4. Kalyanasundara – The Divine Marriage
This form illustrates the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, representing the divine balance between renunciation and worldly life. Interestingly, in iconographic depictions, Shiva stands to Parvati’s left before the marriage, and shifts to her right after the wedding, symbolizing the transition from celibacy to a householder’s role.
The rich iconography of Shiva serves as a powerful tool for devotion, meditation, and spiritual understanding. Each attribute, posture, and form carry profound philosophical insights into the nature of the universe and the path to self-realization. Shiva’s depictions offer devotees a means to connect with the divine, helping them grasp the deep cosmic truths he embodies.
In the next and final part of this series, we will explore the symbolism and philosophy behind Shiva’s anionic form of worship – Shiva Lingam
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