Shiva Shrine

Size:

Base appr. 5,5 x 5,5 cm; 15 cm high

Region:

Maharashtra, India

Type:

Shrine

Period:

18/19th century

Condition:

Good

Description:

A Shiva Head with the typical headgear from Maharashtra

Behind a one-headed snake (ananta)

In front a Nandi

Usually Ananta, the snake is depicted much bigger than the Shivahead or the Lingam/Yoni – she defines the space in which Shiva resides and so she is a symbol for limitlessness.

Ananta means endless, limitless, eternal or infinite in Sanskrit, another meaning is “unending expansion” or” without limit”

Though the form of Lingam and Yoni are derived from the actual Phallus and Vulva, they are symbols for Male/Female, Light/Darkness, Good/Bad.

They invite us to transcend the opposites and to recognize the unity of all.

Nandi (the joyfull), the vahana (mount) and true servant of Lord Shiva, stands for the strength, which enables its believer to recognize the Truth.

Nandi is also the symbol for Shiva’s followers; it represents their faithfulness and their dedication to the god.

11.45-ERRE