Reflections on Shiva
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Understanding Shiva
Frequently Asked Questions
* Why is the 5th head not generally visible in Panchamukha Shiva lingam?
The five faces of Shiva represent different aspects him. Here is a breakdown:
Sadyojata: Represents creation
Vamadeva: Represents preservation
Aghora: Represents destruction or transformation
Tatpurusha: Represents the meditative and introspective aspect of Shiva
Ishana: Signifies Shiva's all-pervading and transcendent nature.
As the last face represents non-physical and transcendent reality. it is is not shown mostly to convey its REAL meaning
* Why is Upavasa Fasting prescribed during auspicious days?
So that devotees can focus on Shiva exclusively without bothering about food preparation etc. which consumes lot of time typically. And also to use that effort and time to have Shiv darshan
* Is Shiva part of the Devas group or Rakshasas group?
Shiva is actually above Devas and Rakshasas. In the past he did not differentiate between them in any way. He helps both in the same measure. One situation which can make this point clear is when Devas and Rakshasas churned the milk ocean for Amrit. Shiva did not take any side but helped all of them when the poison, Halahala emerged. He just drank it and kept it in his throat.
* Is Shiva a human or an extraterrestrial being resembling a human?
Though people describe Shiva in human form, it does not mean he is a human or an extraterrestrial being resembling humans. He is cosmic energy in some indescribable form. He can take the shape of humans or anything at his wish. That does not limit his form to one or the other.
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