Lord Shiva and Pa Varg, by Ravi Kiran
The pa varga in Devanagari script(pa fa ba bha ma) has an interesting property. Each letter involves opening one’s mouth. An even more interesting link involves Lord Shiva; each letter of the pa varga is related to one of Shiva’s aspects. A shloka in his praise goes thus:
paarvatii phaNi baalendu bhasma mandaakinii yutaa |
apavarga pradaa muurtiH kathaM syaat.h tava shaMkara ||
(phaNi = snake, baala = child, indu = moon, bhasma = ashes, mandAkinI = River Ganga, yuta = equipped with, apavarga = heaven(liberation), pradA (from pra+dA, to give) = one that bestows, mUrti = idol, kathaM = how, syAt = may be)
The meaning of this shloka is : shiva ! Your form is full of pa varga. (Parvati, phaNi, bAlendu, bhasma and mandAkinI). How shall that form attached to these things be the bestower of apavarga (mokSha)?
What does the reference to the letters of pa varga mean here? Let us look at the letters one by one:
pa: pa stands for Parvati. In Hindu scriptures, Parvati is the very embodiment of love and affection for husband. It is this trait of hers that made Lord Shiva merge into her and be known as ardha-nareshwar (eshwar as one half of parvati).
pha: pha stands for “phan” or hood. Lord Shiva is typically depicted with a snake wrapped around his neck with its hood upright. An interesting interpretation exists for this. In our day-to-day life, we meet many negative-minded or harmful personalities. Often, we cannot shut our eyes and imagine they will go away. Sometimes they have to be picked up and carried along too, however disturbing their personality and habits are. In the course of time, it is quite possible that their behavior will undergo a transformation, so much so that they can be carried along agreeably — as calmly as Lord Shiva carries the snake on his neck!
ba: ba stands for “baalendu.” It refers to the moon near Lord Shiva’s forehead. This moon is supposed to represent the moon on the second day after amavasya (new moon day). This day is considered extremely auspicious by Hindus. Therefore, Lord Shiva also brings along with him an element of auspiciousness. Moreover, just as baalendu blossoms into full-moon, we too must strive hard to do more auspicious work as that would help us to transform us. Extending the cyclical nature of moon’s appearance increasing up to the full-moon day, we need to learn and do more every day.
bha: bha refers to bhasma or the ashes that Lord Shiva is smeared with. Typically ash is applied to the forehead and is considered holy. This attribute of Lord Shiva instructs us to become so pious and pure that people treat us with the same holiness — so much even the ashes we become one day become holy for this world.
ma: ma refers to Mandakini, another name for the holy river Ganga. Lord Shiva is also depicted as the primal origin of Ganga, holding her atop his head. Hindus all over believe that a dip in the waters of this river results in all their accumulated sins being washed away. This attribute of Lord Shiva enjoins us to have the transforming character of Ganga so that just by coming into contact with us, everyone changes for the better.
More generally, the family of Lord Shiva presents a fascinating picture of harmonious coexistence among entities commonly regarded as natural foes in the animal world. Parvati’s vahana (vehicle) is the Lion, yet we have Nandi (the Bull) accompanying Shiva. Similarly, the vehicles of Murugan and Vinayaka are the peacock and rat. These are present along with the snake on Lord Shiva’s neck. This interesting connection along with the above shloka is but a small example of the deep and mystic connections that remain to be unearthed and understood in Hinduism.
Shloka reference: http://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_z_misc_subhaashita/subhaashhita_kedar.itx
Image reference: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parvati
Ravi Kiran is a software architect at Honda Research Institute, Mountain View, CA. He can be contacted at ravika@gmail.com
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May 2nd, 2008 10:52
Shiva etc have nothing to do with Hindu religion. There was no mention about Shiva in the Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagwat Gita.
Shiva comes from Purana, which is not religion as such.
May 2nd, 2008 15:14
(This is addressed to the above poster, “A.Moron”)
How can you claim that Shiva is not part of the Hindu religion, just because he does not appear in 3 scriptures. The beauty of Hindu dharma is the numerous and diverse scriptures, all of which are respected equally. You cannot claim that only certain scriptures are part of the Hindu fold and all others are not. Krishna does not appear until the Mahabharat…so according to your argument Krishna has nothing to do with Hinduism.
That being said, Rudra does appear as a deity in the Vedas.
May 8th, 2008 13:39
actually that’s inaccurate, shiva is mentioned by krishna in the mahabharata and in the ramayana shiva is mentioned as granting boons to people for their tapas
June 1st, 2008 17:48
WHAT JOTIKAR PATTNI WRITES MAKES AN INSPIRTING AND WONDERFUL PEACE OF WISDOM TO READ, REREAD, AND TRANSMIT ALL OVER THE WORLD TO FRIENDS AND FOES ALIKE, HINDUS, MUSLIMS OR CHRISTIANS, WHOEVER HAS THE MIND TO GRASP THE ETERNAL MESSAGE OF HINDU SANATANA DHARMA, THE EXISTENCE OF WHICH, LEAVE ALONE THE VEDAS AND PURANAS, BUT THE LIFE REFLECTS FROM BEYOND THE TIME OF MOHENJODARO AND HARAPPA, WHERE THE CREATIVE SPIRIT OF THE COSOMOS IS EXPRESSED AS PASHUPATI, A DWELLER AMONG THE NATURAL AND ANIMAL KINGDOM SHOWN AROUND HIM AS PASHUS, PLANTS (PRIKRITI) AND OTHER SYMBOLS OF CREATION. SHIVA DOES NOT NEED A PROOF OF HISTORY OR MYTH. HE IS THE COSMOS, PREMORDIAL BREATH. BHARAT REVERBERATES WITH HIS SPIRIT WITH HIS PRESENCE FELT OVER THE HILLTOPS, IN THE VALLEYS, RIVERS AND DESERTS. IF ONE HAS EYES TO SEE YOU WILL SEE HIM, FEEL HIM DISSOLVE IN HIM! namah shivaya.
OM
June 4th, 2008 20:42
This is regarding the above letter by A.Moron. Your statement that Shiva etc have nothing to do with Hindu religion is erroneous & misleading. The trinity consisting of Brahma(different from Brahman), Vishnu & Shiva has existed as long as Sanathana Dharma or Hinduism has existed.
The Vedas & Upanishads lay emphasis on Brahman or supreme soul, absolute being, supreme consciousness, or supreme intelligence as the origin & source of all creation & the universe as we see it (Hence Hindus believe only in ONE God & not millions of Gods). Brahman(It) is beyond all names, forms, gunas etc. There are three aspects to (It), Sristhi, Sthithi & Samhar or creation, sustenance, dissolution and everything in nature undergoes these three states except for our Atma which is part of Paramatma or supreme soul. The names attached to these three aspects are Brahma(different from Brahman), Vishnu & Shiva. Shiva aspect is part of dissolution of creation(The ashes are symbolic of the same).
So to say that Shiva was not part of Hinduism is wrong.
Vishveshvaraya Mahadevaya Tryambakaya
Tripurantakaya Trikagni\-Kalaya Kalagnirudraya
Nilakanthaya Mrutyu.Njayaya Sarveshvaraya
Sadashivaya Shrimanmahadevaya
June 4th, 2008 20:45
I forgot to add that some other names of Shiva are:
Vishveshvara, Mahadeva, Tryambaka,
Tripurantaka, Trikagni-Kala, Kalagnirudra,
Nilakantha, Mrutyumjaya, Sarveshvara,
Sadashiva, Shrimanmahadeva etc.
July 9th, 2008 08:37
A.Moron, does anyone notice that it’s obviously a troll?
Moron means stupid in colloquial English, so I think this guy just enjoys going around stirring troubles in forums such as this one.
February 3rd, 2009 14:22
The third aspect of the Supreme Being is the process of dissolution of all creation, a precursor to the fresh beginning of the process of creation. This aspect is represented by Lord Shiva - the third of the Hindu Trinity. He represents darkness or Tamas and is often called the angry God. Even though associated with destruction and dissolution, since Hinduism believes in the inevitability of creation following destruction, Shiva is also associated with being a cause of creation in ending karma and begining light of fire of life. As a result, the Linga or phallus is said to be his symbol - the symbol of regeneration. Shiva or Maheshwara is the Divine Lord and in him are concentrated the three energies of understanding (Gyana), the will (Ichha) and action (Kriya) - thus forming the fountainhead of all knowledge. The nature of Shiva as representing the entire cosmos has led to his having 1008
names in the various Hindu scriptures extending the Vedic concept of multiple forms of a single divine power. The Vedas do not mention Shiva as the name of the god in question - instead he is named Rudra - the lord of songs, sacrifices, nourishment, the healer of diseases and the provider of property. The Vishnu Purana (religious Hindu text) describes the origin of Lord Shiva. It says that Brahma was initially unsuccessful in his attempts of creation. He meditated for a child, after which a child sprang forth from his forehead and divided itself into a male and female part. The male part started crying inconsolably. On being asked the reason for crying the child said it did not have a name, at which, Brahma named him Rudra - which also means the one who howls. However Brahma had to give him seven more names - for the seven more times that the child cried, giving Shiva his eight forms: Rudra, Sharva, Bhava, Ugra, Bhima, Pashupati, Ishana, and Mahadeva.
The Shiva Purana then goes on to describe how each of these names is associated with an element - the earth, water, fire, wind, sky, a yogi called Kshetragya, the sun, and the moon respectively. The female part of the child born from Brahma’s forehead is believed to be Parvati -Shiva’s eternal consort.
SHIVA-SHAKTI MERGED IN ONE after an extraordinary confluence of tandav, music, and karmic dance is known as ARDHENARESHVARA EISHVARA. ShivaShakti is the basis of life, pranna, KARMA, dharma, artha, kaama, moksha. Shiva-Shakti is the essence of understanding imperfect human life
February 12th, 2009 04:26
Dear Friends,
Lord Shiva is ultimate cosmic power in this universe. what i know is that there are billions of galaxies, universe,black holes,planets came from this joyti swaroop lord shiva. Shiva is having no religion, no back ground but it forms the shape of joyti lingha. Lord shiva is everything. Shiva is reasons of the reasons, shiva is kaal of kaal, he’s mahakaal. Trust me one can feel shiva’s presence near by you. We should concentrate on joyti lingha for a while and should talk to shiva, he will definitely listen your voice. or enchant this mantra.
OM VANDE DEV MAHA PATITAM,SURU GURUM VANDE JAGAT KAARNAM
VANDE PANAG BHUSHNAM MARIG DHARNAM VANDE PAASHU NAAM PATIM,
VANDE SURYA SHASHKA VARNAYAM ,VANDE MUKUND PRIYAM,VANDE BHAGAT JANA SHRAYAM, CHA VARDAM VANDE SHIVAM SHANKARM.
February 23rd, 2009 02:13
hi reads…….. i am feeling very happy to this protal. Lord shiva is the one who has no start and no end. He is the universal lord. Dont think he is related to only one religion. He had showed any partiolity to the any body. Thats why he is very much devotioned by the devil people also. He blesses you whaever you want. Thank you for reading my comment. OM NAMAH SHIVA YAH:
February 24th, 2009 00:40
i am just plain speechless reading everything above, as today being MAHASHIVRATRI , feel blessed and ty everyone above for passing on so much.Om Namoh Shivaya !!!
June 15th, 2009 16:42
VERY INTERESTING.
July 11th, 2009 09:46
LORD IS GOD
July 14th, 2009 21:35
JAI SHIV SHANKAR !!!!
which book is the best to read about Lord Shiva. Right from the start till whatever has been recorded
July 23rd, 2009 04:23
It is unfortunate even after 60 years since British left the shore of Bharat, they continue to celebrate success of thier mischievous and tremendously destructive educational system, which misrepresented Hindu Religion, Hindu Philosophy, ridiculed our deities and beliefs, especially rewrote the history to suit thier aim of christianization of India. It is time we understand and begin to correct our history and understand our religions rightly. If the anti-Hindu government is systematically endeavoring to undermine our religion and encourage minority and their religions, it is time the entire Hindu society begin to assert our religion and work for the unification of Hindu Dharma. Youth need to take lead in this :Tapasya” and begin a new era of unity and strength through it.
September 8th, 2009 10:33
Hi Nupz ,
Go for Maha shiv Puran published by Geeta Press
September 14th, 2009 11:21
MR.Moran is wrong.
I think he is wrong.
he dont know abt vedas,geeta,puranas……………
shiva is the only god for hinduism.
except shiva and parvathi rest all including gods have 2 leave this mortal world.
this is the reason y shiva is called as mahakaleshwar and parvati as mahakali.
kala means time. they had won the time.
infact shiva himself is time.
shiva was praised in all the vedas.
out of 18 puranas 12 puranas praise the lord shiva.
rest 6 praise the other gods.
ok ??/
shiva is the lord for vishnuand brahma even.
September 14th, 2009 11:22
blog was good. may the lord shower his blessings.
September 22nd, 2009 02:05
A quick reply to A.Moron whose post I believe was meant to disturb, but merely agitated the ocean of nectar to provide more wisdom to the devout.. :)
In Srimad Bhagavad-Gita, chapter 10, verse 23, Sri Krishna says to Arjuna:
rudranam sankaras casmi - Of all the Rudras, I am Shankara.
Since He also states of stars He is the moon, of lights the Sun, of devas Indra, of yakshas Kuvera, of mountains Meru, etc, this is clearly a great honour directly naming Shankara Mahadeva as King among the ekadasa Rudras.
So, Sri Krishna honours and recognises Lord Shiva, but A. Moron does not. To whom shall I listen..? =:)
September 22nd, 2009 02:59
In response to Sriman Hyndhav ji,
While clearly Lord Shiva is Mahakala, and honoured by all among the gods,
Vaishnavas (and shastra) may not agree that he is Supreme Lord.
In the Gita Krishna clearly says:
aham sarvasya prabhavo
mattah sarvam pravartate
iti matva bhajante mam
budha bhava-samanvitah (10.8)
I am the Lord of all,
from Me everything emanates.
Knowing this, the wise worship Me
with all their hearts.
Also:
Mattah parataram nanyat
kincid asti dhananjaya (7.7)
Nothing is superior to Me
in all existence, oh Arjuna
There are many such instances in shastra - naturally, some puranas praise Shiva more, some Vishnu, some other devatas or avataras, this is natural.
But the conclusive words of the Gita ring above them all, and Arjuna confirms it:
param brahma param dham
pavitram paramam bhavan (10.12)
You are the supreme Spirit, the supreme abode
and You are the purest of all
He then goes on to say that Krishna is adi-deva, the original purusa, and that great sages such as Narada, Asita, Devala and Vyasa all confirm this “and now You Yourself are declaring it to me”
There are many many such declarations and confirmations in Sri Gita, so if we actually read and accept Krishna’s words, that is the conclusion:
man-mana bhava mad-bhakto
mad yaji mam namaskuru
mam evasisyasi satyam te
pratijane priyo’si me (18.65)
Think of Me, become My devotee
worship Me and bow to Me.
You will surely come to Me,
I promise you this, because you are My very dear friend.
These words are addressed to Arjuna, but they are directed also to all mankind, and to all souls.. :)
Hare Krishna! Srimad Bhagavad Gita ki jaya!
October 2nd, 2009 18:31
world is god
October 2nd, 2009 18:32
god is my heart
October 2nd, 2009 18:41
Thanks a god who has made the world so beautiful.I believe in u so much that i can’t imagine.Ur in all of our hearts.Thank u god.
November 28th, 2009 08:27
jai shi shankar,
i am totaly agree with everyone that lord shiva is the only truth.
i also disagree with a. moron what he wrote.
but also read jyotikar pattni the 29th may 2008 note and in the end he is kind of misleading that Shiva and Shakti came from Brahma’s forehead, totaly disagree, because Shiv-Shakti is Ardhnarishwar and creator of this whole universe.
Regards.
OM NAMAH SHIVAYAH……
July 21st, 2010 06:02
Jai bole shankar
September 30th, 2010 03:54
In ( Srimad Bhagavatam 8:7:23 ) one of the saying is
“O lord Shiva, you are self-effulgent and supreme. You create this material world by your personal energy, and you assume the names Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Maheśvara when you act in creation, maintenance and annihilation.”
January 11th, 2011 12:04
JAI SHIV JAI MAA PARVATHI,JAI Ardhnarishwar
I ALSO AGREE THAT LORD SHIV & PARVATHI IS SUPREME POWER OF WHOLE UNIVERSE JUST BY STUDING GITA , VEDAS YOU CAN,T TELL THAT LORD SHIV HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HINDU RELIGION ,BECAUSE LORD SHIV HAS CREATED LORD VISHNU SO IT DOSEN’T MATTER THAT LORD SHIV HAS NOT BEING DESCRIBED IN GITA
AFTER READING THIS PLEASE REPLY ME
February 7th, 2011 12:58
A grandfather clock ticks and tocks and since being children of earth none of us need to know why, it is sufficient to know when we wind it, it ticks and works. The Lord Shiva is known to us since we were sparks in our mothers wombs. We do not need to know anything else and however much we mortals try and dissect his divinity we fall by he wayside. All we have to do is have supreme faith in him, and he will deliver us from the evils that beset us and deliver us to our destiny.
March 2nd, 2011 03:54
this is superb ravi garu
March 23rd, 2011 16:35
Chennai: A 11 foot tall panchaloha idol of Lord Nataraja, weighing about two tonnes, sculpted in a village near Swamimalai in Kumbakonam taluk in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, is to be airlifted from Chennai for Switzerland. Nearly 24 sculptors in Thimmakudi village toiled day and night for the past six months to create the world’s tallest Nataraja idol, now on its way to Chennai from the village. The Nuclear Power Corporation in Geneva, Switzerland, had requested the Indian Nuclear Power corporation for a panchaloha idol. The job was entrusted to the sculptors in the village. The total cost of the idol was around Rs 15 lakh. It has been crafted as per the agama rules.Neuclar power means Shiva - shakti.
April 13th, 2011 12:02
JAY SHIV- SHAKTI
well i also disagree with Hyndhav because god shiv & goddess shiva is Father & mother of whole universe & not only to Hindus.God shiv & Goddess Parvati belong to every one whether they believe it or not
October 3rd, 2011 20:39
Let’s recognise Shiva as the supreme conciousness my brothers and sisters. He is everywhere and is expressing himself in everything existing in this wolrd. He is my Aim and I continue doing my sadhana