Shiva: The Hindu Lord of the Dance

I have been interested in the Hindu religion for several years. Our appliance salesman is Hindu and has invited my fiancé and I to attend Hindu temple but we haven't had a chance yet. I'm not sure that I could commit to an organized religion but I am planning to go to the Hindu temple this semester to learn more about Hinduism.

I enjoy reading about the gods and goddesses of Hinduism. While my fiancé prefers Ganesh, I have always had a love for Shiva. Shiva is the Lord of Dance, and I am a dancer. He is also the Lord of Yoga, the Lord of Teachers (knowledge), and Lord of Time. I just learned in class that Shiva is Lord of Ghosts. That gives me one more reason to like him as I've always had a special relationship with the supernatural.

Shiva is part of the Hindu trinity. Brahma is the creator. Vishnu is the presever. Shiva is the Destroyer. I really enjoyed the story in class about how Shiva got to playing his drum and became "a one god mosh pit" and the energy of his dance was used to create life. Many people don't know very much about Shiva and think of him as a bad and destructive god; as a god to be feared. Quite the opposite is the truth; Shiva is one of the most benevolent of the gods. I feel that Shiva is one of the most beautiful gods. He only destroys that which is bad or that which needs to be destroyed to bring about new growth. He is a complex god and one with contradictory qualities. He not only destroys but also creates. Death is required for rebirth.

Shiva has matted hair that is piled on top of his head; it holds the glowing Ganges river and a crescent moon. I read a story a long time ago about Shiva bringing the Ganges river to life by allowing it to it to flow through his hair. The moon signifies his control over time. Shiva also has three lines on his forehead which represent the 1^st 3 elements of Om. His body is covered in ashes signifying that everything is reduced to ashes in the end. Other characteristics of Shiva are a third eye, a snake around his neck, and he always holds a trident in one hand.

Shiva is married to Shakti (also known as Uma, Parvati, Durga and Kali). He is the father of Ganesh. Shiva and his family reside in the Himalayas.

Worshippers of Shiva hope to free their soul from the bonds which tie them to human existence. They practice yoga and meditation. There is a festival for Shiva. I believe it's in February. It's held on a moonless night. Women pray for their husbands and sons. The people worship the lingam. They hold a fast and they chant. Some the male worshippers partake a drink made of cannibas, milk and almonds. All the people dance to drum music and sing songs of praise.

There is so much to be said about Lord Shiva that I could never do him justice in 500 words. I love him mostly because he destroys in order to create and that gives a feeling of hope.