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Shiva Who Is Like the Sun

by Kathleen Karlsen, Author of Vocal Medicine

hiva is part of the Hindu trinity that also includes Brahma and Vishnu. This aspect of God is the destroyer of evil, possibly akin to the Holy Spirit in the Christian trinity. Shiva is alternately depicted as benevolent and fearsome.

Shiva is associated with breath or air as well as fire. Shiva is often shown with a serpent around his neck, a crescent moon as an adornment, the river Ganges flowing from his hair, the trishula as his weapon, and a damaru drum nearby.

Since Shiva appeared as an adult, there are no stories or records of Shiva’s childhood. In contrast with this, Krishna is believed to have taken a human birth. Learn more in the article The Amazing History of Blue-Skinned Krishna.

All original songs are copyrighted by Living Arts Enterprises, LLC; Vocal Medicine, LLC; and Kathleen Karlsen. This score is provided for your personal use and spiritual practice. If you would like to perform or record any of these selections, please contact kathleenkarlsen@msn.com.

Shiva and the Chakras

As a fundamental energy in the universe, Shiva is associated with multiple chakras. Shiva is a powerful Hindu god manifesting throughout the cosmos. Shiva expresses freedom, liberation and joy. There are many forms of Shiva as well as many consorts.

Shiva and the Third Eye
Shiva is primarily associated with the third eye chakra between the eyebrows at the bridge of the nose. This sacred spot is sometimes marked on the forehead by the red dot known as the bindu. The third eye is the door to prophesy and spiritual vision. Learn more in the article Third Eye Chakra Meaning.

Shiva and the Throat Chakra
One of Shiva’s forms is known as Sadashiva. This combination of five major forms is associated with the throat chakra. In this form, Shiva is shown seated in a meditation posture. He can be identified by the leopard skin that he wears. More about this chakra can be found in Throat Chakra Meaning.

Shiva and the Sacral Chakra
One of Shiva’s consorts is Parvati, goddess of love, fertility and the home. Parvati is connected to the sacral chakra. Accordingly, Shiva also resides in this chakra in his primary form. Parvati and Shiva are the parents of the elephant-headed god Ganesha. Learn more about Ganesha Symbolism.

Other Forms and Mantras to Shiva

Another form of Shiva is called Sadashiva. Sadashiva is the highest form of Shiva, a compilation of five major aspects. Sometimes Sadashiva is depicted with five faces representing five emanations of God or the four directions plus upward movement. Other sources view Sadashiva’s five faces as symbolizing the forces of the universe: creation, preservation, destruction, obscuration and grace.

Symbols of Sadashiva
Sadashiva wears a tiger skin indicating his victory over animal instincts. The snake around his neck represents the endless cycle of birth and death. The trishula held in one hand is a three-in-one symbol representing the divine as a trinity.

Mantra of Praise to Shiva

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This is a chant to Nataraja that simply means, “Praise to Nataraja, the royal Shiva, who is beautiful.” Lyrics: “Nataraja, Shivaraja, Sundara.” Shiva is often viewed as “the destroyer.” Likewise, Krishna or Vishnu is “the Preserver” and Brahma is “the Creator.” This Trinity alternately creates, preserves and destroys physical manifestation in the universe.

There are experts who view the ancient Vedas as scientific texts describing the processes of creation and destruction from a physics perspective. Each vowel and consonant in Sanskrit is said to carry a particular vibration and to create a specific form in the material world. Learn more in the article One Word Mantras.

Shiva’s Power to Clear Energy

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: When I first started chanting several years ago, I was in a situation where I was staying in the home (and room) of a man who had committed suicide. The grief there was so intense! It had been a couple of years since his death but I don’t think his spirit or his family had been able to move on.

Interestingly, one of the family members insisted that I do my daily chants in that room even though I was concerned about waking up others in the house. I chanted everything I knew at every opportunity, day and night. Within three or four days, everything had shifted. The house was later sold, and life evolved rather than being stuck for those remaining.

My question afterwards to a more experienced kirtan leader and mantra practitioner: What mantras are best in a situation that requires clearance of the most extreme kind of trauma? I was advised to focus on Shiva. That is great advice. I also find that Durga and Kali mantras are wonderful in extraordinary situations.

Mostly, kirtan emphasizes opening the heart and connecting with Source and the community of others who are chanting. However, sometimes it’s good to remember that mantras are a very powerful practice. They work on multiple levels as a spiritual tool to heal yourself and others in many dimensions.

Kathleen Karlsen is an author, musician, artist, and composer. She has written three books (The Color-Music Connection, Flower Symbols, and Vocal Medicine) and over 200 articles. Her YouTube channel features over 600 videos. Kathleen and her family live in Bozeman, Montana, USA.

Shiva Mantra Article Summary

Shiva is a Hindu deity associated with breath or space. He is a powerful Hindu god manifesting throughout the cosmos. Shiva expresses freedom, liberation and joy. Shiva has many forms and names as well as many consorts. Shiva travels throughout space on an eagle named Garuda. Learn more about the forms of Shiva.

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