A Y U S H

17 Apr 2012 • 79 views
 
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photoblog image Shiva and Nandi

Shiva and Nandi

Shiva, one of the Trinity Lords of Hindu mythology, on the gopuram of the same temple. Shiva is typically depicted as seen here, with a crescent moon [the origins of which I have not been able to dig up], long and matted hair and a trident in his hand. It is not evident in this image but Shiva is supposed to be covered with ashes despite being a Lord, owing to his ascetic ways and mastery over the materialistic attractions of the world. Similarly, the tiger skin represents conquest of lust and its use is reserved for the supreme ascetics. In Hindu mythology, endless serpents signify eternity and thus the coiled snake around his neck indicates that he is beyond time. Next to him is Nandi, the bull which serves as his mount. 

Shiva and Nandi

Shiva, one of the Trinity Lords of Hindu mythology, on the gopuram of the same temple. Shiva is typically depicted as seen here, with a crescent moon [the origins of which I have not been able to dig up], long and matted hair and a trident in his hand. It is not evident in this image but Shiva is supposed to be covered with ashes despite being a Lord, owing to his ascetic ways and mastery over the materialistic attractions of the world. Similarly, the tiger skin represents conquest of lust and its use is reserved for the supreme ascetics. In Hindu mythology, endless serpents signify eternity and thus the coiled snake around his neck indicates that he is beyond time. Next to him is Nandi, the bull which serves as his mount. 

comments (9)

This is all really fasciating Ayush! Nandi looks as lovely as all the humans have in this series!
  • Chris
  • England
  • 17 Apr 2012, 05:56
Thank you for the explanation Ayush: I did not know this before
Thank you for your narrative words Ayush.
Beautiful capture!
The cow looks like it wants to talk..smile
Good shot and good narrative...
Well done Ayush!!!
  • Ginnie
  • Netherlands
  • 18 Apr 2012, 08:08
The Hindu mythology is akin to the Greeks, Ayush. One could study it for a lifetime and draw the comparisons/similarities!
Very nice!
  • Louis
  • South Africa
  • 18 Apr 2012, 21:06
From Wikipedia - Crescent moon in Hinduism:

The crescent moon is also a symbol associated with the Indian/ Hindu iconography, specifically Within Puranic and Tantric Hinduism. the foremost example is that of Shiva (along with his aspects such as Bhairava and Mahakala, whose forehead is adorned with the crescent moon. But other than Shiva, the major Indian Goddesses like Durga and Kali (the latter more often), is depicted with the crescent. Sarasvati, another major deity, is adorned with the crescent, in her Tantric styles of depictions. Apart from that, some peripheral or liminal deities from the Tantric pantheon, such as Chinnamasta, Matangi, Kamala (the tantric Lakshmi), Tara, and Lalita or Tripurasundari are always depicted as adorned with a crescent. The crescent, symbolising the re-birth or regenerative aspect of the Moon, which is symbolic of feminine power and womanhood (just as in western pagan traditions), has always been one of the important symbols and motifs in Tantra.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crescent
  • Ray
  • Thailand
  • 24 Apr 2012, 05:57
Excellent detail image, and accompanying narrative, Ayush.

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for this photo I'm in a constructive critical comments icon ShMood©
camera Canon EOS 450D
exposure mode program mode
shutterspeed 1/15s
aperture f/8.0
sensitivity ISO800
focal length 110.0mm
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