In his aspect as Jnana Dakshinamurti, Shiva is generally shown with four arms. He is depicted as seated under a banyan tree, facing the south, upon a deer-throne and surrounded by sages who receive his instruction, with his right foot on mythical apasmara (the demon of ignorance) and his left foot lies folded on his lap. Sometimes he is also shown surrounded by wild animals. In one of his upper arms, he holds a snake or rosary or both and in the other a flame. His lower right hand shows vyakhyanamudra, while his lower left hand holds a bundle of kusha grass or the scriptures. The index finger of His right hand is bent and touches the tip of his thumb, while the other three fingers are stretched apart. This symbolic hand gesture or Mudra is the Gnana Mudra (or Jnana Mudra or Jana Mudra), a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. Sometimes, this hand is in the Abhaya Mudra, a posture of assurance and blessing. Dakshinamurthy is portrayed as being in the yogic state of abstract meditation - and as a powerful form brimming with ever flowing bliss and supreme joy. Variations of this iconic representation include Veenadhara Dakshinamurthy (holding a Veena), Rishabharooda Dakshinamurthy (mounted on a Rishabha - the bull) etc. This aspect of Shiva is also assciated with Thursday, which is known in Hindi as Guruvar.
Wednesday, 20 September 2023
Yama
Dakshinamurti literally means one who is facing south (dakṣiṇa). It also means the Lord of compassion. According to Hindu texts, the direction of south or the southern sphere is ruled by the Lord of death. Although the vedic texts refer the deity as Yama, the epithet is also used to described Shiva in his role as the destroyer. However as Dakshinamurthy, what Siva destroy is not death but ignorance. Hence in this form he is said to be the granter of knowledge, wisdom, awareness and enlightenment and is described as the world teacher who imparts the knowledge of yoga, music, arts and religious scriptures.
World Teacher
Ultimate
Shiva as a guru (teacher). He is regarded to be the personification of the supreme or the ultimate awareness, understanding, and knowledge.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Ultimate
https://www.google.com/search?q=ultimate+awareness+understanding+knowledge
Tuesday, 19 September 2023
Morning Afternoon Evening Night
The deity at the famous Shiva temple in Vaikom town in Kottayam district of Kerala is worshipped as
- Dakshinamurti in the morning,
- Kirathamurthy in the afternoon
- Umamaheshwara in the evening.
- All in the Night
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