Shiva - The Misfit God

Tarun Nongthombam *

When human civilization started probably all the unexplained things of nature were given a God's name. Those who follow Hinduism or are aware of its related mythology knows that this faith has innumerable number of Gods and to name a few - Agni (fire), Vayu (wind), Surya (Sun), all nature Gods and some of these Gods dates back to Indus valley civilization which even predates this religion. But, top of all these sits the trinity - Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Maheshwar or Shiva (the destroyer) more popularly called as Mahadeva in Manipur.

Shiva means 'The Auspicious One' is worshiped as a symbol of strength and energy. People who worship Shiva follow Shaivism cult and Vishnu worshipers follow Viashnavism cult. In states like Tamil Nadu, division between the two cults is very distinct in the form of Iyer and Iyengar. Worshippers of Lord Vishnu wear Chandan of "U" shape on forehead. Vertical lines usually represent Vaishnava devotees. Shiva worshippers apply three horizontal lines as depicted in Lord's forehead. Manipuri Vaishnavs being Krishna worshipers, an incarnation of Vishnu, apply chandan or chandon vertically. Shiva is popular among unmarried women as they pray for a husband like Shiva, who is regarded to represent an ideal husband.

Of all the Gods, Shiva has a different niche, very different from others. While other Gods are depicted lavishly, he wears tiger skin and stays in austere surrounding, usually in a yogic position. He is a hill God, lives in Kailash and rides a white bull named Nandi. Shiva lives with cobra, which circles his neck. Snake represents Shiva's power of destruction and recreation. Snake sheds its skin to make way for new and smooth one. He is fond of Ganja and remains intoxicated.

He is wandering God, lives with different ghosts in the cremation ground and body is smeared with ash of cremation. His hair uncombed and bundles up in a heap at the top of his head. Shiva is also worshiped as linga, which is an exception and it indicates predating idol worship. He holds a trishul, adorns a crescent moon and carries a Damaru. Damaru is popular among the Tibetans and regarded as a sacred instrument. All the above indicates Shiva's tribal origin and many kirats in Nepal still believes that Shiva is their God.

Shiva has a personality which is adorable and bit amusing to its followers. He is a short-tempered, mighty, courageous, does not think of consequences and destructive. His third eye represents the wisdom and insight and is the source of untamed energy. Once, Shiva was disturbed in the midst of worship by the love god, Kamdeva. Shiva opened his third eye in anger and Kamdeva burst up in flames. Shiva is also called the Lord of Dance and thus referred as Nataraj. His Tandav dance is the cosmic dance of death, which he performs at the end of time, to destroy the universe.

He is easily convincible, compassionate, merciful and big hearted. He is the God who is worshiped even by demons. There is an interesting mythological story of Shiva being merciful without thinking of consequences. A demon by the name Bhasmasura after worshiping Shiva got the boon that any person's head he touches would turn to ashes. He first wanted to try his new gained power to Shiva himself and Shiva fled for his life. Vishnu turned himself into a beautiful lady and tricked Bhasmasura into dance moves and made him touch his own head and thus reduced to ashes.

Mahadeva has occupied important place among the Manipuri Vaishnavs. People throng Baruni hill to pay their respect to the lord yearly forming string of lighted pearls at night. Other famous Mahadeva temples in the state include Gwarok, Ingurok, Koubru Leikha and Thongam Mondum, attracting hundreds of devotees.

Manipuri vaishnavs see Mahadeva as very different and absolutely adorable God when they say "Mahadevadi Lai Agnougba ne" which roughly translates to "Mahadeva is an insane God" comparing to the insanity of a child. We worship Krishna but being Hillman and tribal lineage ourselves; we relate better with the Lord and can’t help adoring him.

Footnote: Photosource- Mariellen travelers' blog.