FIVE FACES OF MAHADEV


Shiv is also Panchmukhalinga,ie, he has 5 faces. These 5 faces have different meanings. They represent 5 directions, 5 elements, 5 human senses, 5 divisions of time, 5 divisions of human body, 5 different energies.


SADYOJATA- The Revealer. With this face, Shiva is creator of life. Sadyojata is associated with the western direction and represents will power. It represents the fire element and colour white. Shiva is shown as holding the Vedas and rosary in two hands.



VAMADEVA-The Concealer. In this aspect Shiva is north faced and shown wearing red ornaments with rosary and hatchet in two hands. This face is associated with Shakti. It represents Maya and feminine strength and beauty. It also represents the power of action in our body.


AGHORA-The Destroyer. Ghora means the dreaded and here the main function of Shiva is destruction. Also called Rudra, this face rules South and Shiva carries an axe, shield, elephant hook, noose, spear, skull, drum and rosary. It is associated with the power of the mind/intellect.


TATPURUSHA-The Cosmic Being. It is the eastern face and represents Parmatma behind the physical being. Shiva represents the rising sun and shown as golden in color with 3 eyes and 4 faces. He wears yellow colour and Gayathri accompanies him. He is protector of all living beings.


ISHANA-The Lord. Here Shiva is Lord of the 14 worlds. Here the face of Shiva is towards the sky. Shiva is shown as copper in color standing alongside a she-goat. Ishana indicates the total encompassing energy of Shiva.

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