03-27-2005, 09:07 AM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Significance of SHIVA LINGA</b>
Lord Shiva has no form, he is formless and yet all forms are His forms. He is worshipped in the form of the Linga most of the time. What does this Linga signify? Linga means âsymbolâ or âsignâ. To begin with it represents the unmanifest form of the Lord, it may have a form but does not correspond to any manifest form. It also represents the one God; it really stands for âGod is oneâ and there is no other God.
The Linga is referred to as âVaykta-Avayktaâ meaning it is neither of the manifest world nor is it totally unmanifest. Also known as âRupa-Arupaâ meaning with form and without form. It is the perfect balance for a man to worship. To worship an idol with all regular parts belongs to this world and to worship the totally unmanifest God takes time. The Shiva Linga is the perfect balance between the two, being neither of this world nor that.
The Shiva Linga it is elliptical in shape, only half the ellipse is visible to us, showing that this created world is only a part of God and there is much more to Him beyond this created world. An ellipse is but another form of a circle, when the centre of the circle separates into two. When a circle becomes bifocal an ellipsoid is formed. So, it could be said that when the perfect circle is split into two an ellipsoid is formed yet retaining some of the perfection of the circle.
A circle is the most appropriate geometrical representation of God. The circle neither has a beginning nor end. The distance from the centre of the circle to the surface is always the same. Therefore the split circle or the ellipse represents the Shiva-Shakti tattva. Shiva Linga stands as a sign of this. If you see a flame in the lamp, it is similar to the Linga form, Shiva is that light without a beginning or end. He is that glorious eternal light and a Linga represents that.
If you see a âSphatikaâ (crystal) Linga it has no light of its own but perfectly reflects what ever light falls on it. Shiva is that formless, colourless, unmanifest who contains everything in Him. On a larger scale, if you see the sky, it forms a giant Shiva Linga, the whole universe is in a giant Shiva Linga. The earthâs horizon, looks like the shiva Linga. Our planets and even comets move in ellipses and even the electrons in atoms move in ellipses around the nucleus which is positively charged. Thus this positivity and negativity exist everywhere. A seed of any given, fruit, flower or vegetable is in the form of a Shiva Linga. It is from this seed that the great tree grows. Shiva contains the whole universe in Him which sprung from Him.
If you look at a Sri-Chakra, the dot in the centre represents Bindu, and Bindu stands for Shiva where as Nada stands for Shakti. Sri Chakra speaks of the union between Nada and Bindu. Shiva being the Bindu, the first triangle enclosing the Bindu and the Bindu itself form the Shiva Linga. The Bindu the centre and the triangle the base around it. The Love, energy that flow from it is what we gather at the time of Abhisek of the Shiva Linga and greatfully drink as prasad. The three sides of the triangle are the Iccha Shakti, Gyana Shakti and Kriya Shakti which are used to start creation. More over the whole Shiva Linga never rests on the ground, most of it is on the top, meaning what ever is here is just one foot and there is more to the Lord above and beyond. The greatest way to worship Shiva is in the form of this Linga which means âSymbolâ or âsignâ, a perfect inference to the Great One.
Shiva Loves Abhishek for it cools His third eye. There are Shiva Lingas made of different matter, like clay, precious stone, Sandalwood, Gold, Bhasm, just anything. Each has its own value and is worshipped for different reasons. Interestingly, all the temples in India dedicated to the nine planets and the 27 stars all have Shiva Lingas as the main deity inferring that everything is contained in Him and all planets can be appeased by appeasing Shiva.
The greatest of all Abhishek is the Abhishek of love to Shiva seating Him in the lotus of your heart. Shivaya Guravennamaha....On Namah Shivaya
<b>Philosophy of Abhisheka </b>
Salutations and adorations to the blissful Lord Siva, the lover of Uma or Parvati, the Lord of all beings (Pasupati).
âAlankarapriyo Vishnuh, Abhishekapriyah SivahâLord Vishnu is very fond of Alankara (fine dress, beautiful ornaments, etc.); Siva is fond of Abhisheka.â In Siva temples, a pot made up of copper or brass with a hole in the centre is kept hanging over the image or Linga of Siva, and water is falling on the image throughout day and night. Pouring over the Linga, water, milk, ghee, curd, honey, cocoanut water, Panchamrita, etc., is Abhisheka. Abhisheka is done for Lord Siva. Rudra is chanted along with the Abhisheka. Lord Siva is propitiated by Abhisheka.
Lord Siva drank the poison that emanated from the ocean and wore the Ganga and moon on His head to cool His head. He has the fiery third eye. Constant Abhisheka cools this eye.
The greatest and the highest Abhisheka is to pour the waters of pure love on the Atmalinga of the lotus of the heart. The external Abhisheka with various objects will help the growth of devotion and adoration for Lord Siva and eventually lead to internal Abhisheka with pure abundant flow of love.
Abhisheka is a part of Siva Puja. Without Abhisheka, worship of Siva is incomplete. During Abhisheka Rudra, Purushasukta, Chamaka, Maha-mrityunjaya Japa, etc., are chanted in a particular rhythm and order. Monday is very important day for Lord Siva and the thirteenth day of the fortnight (Pradosha) is very sacred. On these days, devotees of Siva worship Him with special Puja, Abhisheka with Ekadasa-Rudra, Archana, offering plenty of Prasad, and illumination.
In Ekadasa-Rudra Abhisheka, every Rudra is chanted with distinctive articles for Abhisheka. Ganga water, milk, ghee, honey, rose-water, cocoanut water, sandal paste, Panchamrita, scented oil, sugarcane juice and lime juice are made use of for Abhisheka. After every Abhisheka, pure water is poured over the head of Siva. When Rudra is repeated once, the different articles of Abhisheka are made use of after every stanza of the Rudra. The Abhisheka water or other articles used for Abhisheka are considered very sacred and bestow immense benefits on the devotees who take it as the Lordâs Prasad. It purifies the heart and destroys countless sins. You must take it with intense Bhava and faith.
When you do Abhisheka with Bhava and devotion, your mind is concentrated. Your heart is filled with the image of the Lord and divine thoughts. You forget your body and its relation and surroundings. Egoism gradually vanishes. When there is forgetfulness, you begin to enjoy and taste the eternal bliss of Lord Siva. Recitation of Rudra or Om Namassivaya purifies the mind and fills it with Sattva.
If you do Abhisheka with Rudrapatha in the name of a person suffering from any disease he will be soon freed from that disease. Incurable diseases are cured by Abhisheka. Abhisheka bestows health, wealth, prosperity, progeny, etc. Abhisheka on Monday is most auspicious.
By offering Panchamrita, honey, milk, etc., to the Lord, thoughts of your body diminish. Selfishness slowly vanishes. You derive immense joy. You begin to increase your offerings unto the Lord. Therefore, self-sacrifice and self-surrender come in. Naturally, there is an outpouring from your heart, âI am Thine, my Lord. All is Thine, my Lordâ.
Kannappa Nayanar, a great devotee of Lord Siva, a hunter by profession, did Abhisheka with the water in his mouth for the Linga at Kalahasti in South India and propitiated Lord Siva. Lord Siva is pleased by pure devotion. It is the mental Bhava that counts and not the outward show. Lord Siva said to the temple priest: âThis water from the mouth of Kannappa, my beloved devotee, is more pure than the water of the Gangaâ.
A devotee should be regular in doing Abhisheka for the Lord. He should get by heart Rudra and Chamakam. Ekadasa Rudra is more powerful and effective. In Northern India, every man or woman takes a lots of water and pours it on the image of Siva. This also causes beneficial results and brings about the fulfillment of oneâs desire. Abhisheka on Sivaratri day is very effective.
May you all recite Rudrapatha which describes the glory of Lord Siva and His manifestations in every living being, in every animate and inanimate being! May you do Abhisheka daily and thus obtain the grace of Lord Siva! May Lord Visvanatha bless you all!
<b>Fruit of Abhisheka and Rudra Japa in Sivaâs Temple </b>
Chamaka is divided into eleven sections. Each of these is then combined with Namaka (Rudra) and repeated. This is called Rudra. Eleven such Rudras make one Laghu Rudra. Eleven Laghu Rudras make one Maharudra. Eleven Maharudras make one Atirudra.
Rudra is to be repeated after performing the initial Sankalpa, Puja, Nyasa, Anga. Panchamritasnana and Dhyana. The fruit of Rudra Japa is stated as shown below:
No. of Japa              Fruit of Japa
1 Rudra                Freedom from Bala graha (diseases common to children).
3 Rudra                Freedom from imminent difficulties with which one is faced.
5 Rudra                Freedom from the evil effects of certain planets occupying unfavourable positions.
7 Rudra                Freedom from great fear.
9 Rudra                The fruit of one Vajapeya sacrifice; and also attainment of peace of mind.
11 Rudra               Getting the favour of kings and great wealth.
33 Rudra               Attainment of wishes for objects and having no enemies.
77 Rudra               Enjoyment of great happiness.
99 Rudra               Attainment of son, grandson, wealth, grain, Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha and freedom from death.
1 Maharudra            Attainment of the favour of kings and becoming the Lord of great wealth.
3 Maharudra            Fulfillment of impossible tasks.
5 Maharudra            Acquirement of vast lands.
7 Maharudra           Attainment of the seven worlds.
9 Maharudra            Freedom from births and deaths.
10 Atirudra             Becoming God.
Materials for Abhisheka: Pure water, milk, sugarcane juice, ghee, honey, waters of sacred rivers, sea water.
For getting rain, Abhisheka should be done with pure water. For freedom from diseases, and for begetting a son, Abhisheka should be done with milk. If Abhisheka is done with milk, even a barren woman begets children. The person also attains plenty of cows. If Abhisheka is done with Kusa water, one becomes free from all diseases. He who desires wealth, should perform Abhisheka with ghee, honey and sugarcane juice. He, who desires Moksha, should do Abhisheka with sacred waters.
<b>Significance of Bhasma, Nandi, Etc. </b>
Namassivaya is the Mantra of Lord Siva. âNaâ represents earth and Brahma; âMaâ represents water and Vishnu; âSiâ fire and Rudra; âVaâ Vayu and Mahesvara; âYaâ Akasa and Sadasiva and also the Jiva.
Lord Siva has white complexion. What is the significance of white colour? He teaches silently that people should have pure heart and entertains pure thoughts and should be free from crookedness, diplomacy, cunningness, jealousy, hatred, etc.
He wears three white-lined Bhasma or Vibhuti on His forehead. What is the significance of this? He teaches silently that people should destroy the three impurities, viz., Anava (egoism), Karma (action with expectation of fruits), and Maya (illusion), and the three desires or Eshanas, viz., desire for landed property, desire for woman, desire for gold, and the three Vasanas, viz., Lokavasana, Dehavasana and Sastravasana, and then attain Him with a pure heart.
What does the Balipitha or altar which stands in front of the sanctum sanctorum of the Sivaâs temple represent? People should destroy their egoism and mineness (Ahamta and Mamata) before they attain the Lord. This is the significance.
<b>What does Nandi or the bull which is in front of Sivalinga represent?</b>
Nandi is the attendant or doorkeeper of Siva. He is the vehicle of Lord Siva. He represents Satsanga. If you make association with the sages, you are sure to attain God-realisation. Sages will show you the way to reach Him. They will remove pitfalls or snares that lie on your path. They will clear your doubts and instil in your heart dispassion, discrimination and knowledge. There is no other safe boat than Satsanga to reach the other shore of fearlessness and immortality. Even a momentâs Satsanga or association with the sages, is a great blessing to the aspirants and the worldly-minded persons. They get firm conviction in the existence of God through Satsanga. The sages remove the worldly Samskaras. The company of sages is a formidable fortress to protect oneself from the temptations of Maya.
Lord Siva represents the destructive aspect of the Godhead. He is seen absorbed on the mountain peak of Kailas. He is an embodiment of serenity, renunciation and indifference to the world. The third eye in the centre of His forehead represents His destructive energy which when let loose destroys the world. Nandi is His favourite. He is the door-Keeper. He is seen hushing all nature, so that the Lord may not be disturbed in His Samadhi. The Lord has five faces, ten hands, ten eyes, and two feet.
Vrishabha or the bull represents Dharma Devata. Lord Siva rides on the bull. Bull is His vehicle. This denotes that Lord Siva is the protector of Dharma, is an embodiment of Dharma or righteousness.
Deer represents the Vedas. Its four legs are the four Vedas. Lord Siva is holding the deer in His hand. This indicates that He is the Lord of the Vedas.
He has sword in one of His hands. This signifies that He is the destroyer of births and deaths. The fire in one of His hands shows that He protects the Jivas by burning all fetters.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Lord Shiva has no form, he is formless and yet all forms are His forms. He is worshipped in the form of the Linga most of the time. What does this Linga signify? Linga means âsymbolâ or âsignâ. To begin with it represents the unmanifest form of the Lord, it may have a form but does not correspond to any manifest form. It also represents the one God; it really stands for âGod is oneâ and there is no other God.
The Linga is referred to as âVaykta-Avayktaâ meaning it is neither of the manifest world nor is it totally unmanifest. Also known as âRupa-Arupaâ meaning with form and without form. It is the perfect balance for a man to worship. To worship an idol with all regular parts belongs to this world and to worship the totally unmanifest God takes time. The Shiva Linga is the perfect balance between the two, being neither of this world nor that.
The Shiva Linga it is elliptical in shape, only half the ellipse is visible to us, showing that this created world is only a part of God and there is much more to Him beyond this created world. An ellipse is but another form of a circle, when the centre of the circle separates into two. When a circle becomes bifocal an ellipsoid is formed. So, it could be said that when the perfect circle is split into two an ellipsoid is formed yet retaining some of the perfection of the circle.
A circle is the most appropriate geometrical representation of God. The circle neither has a beginning nor end. The distance from the centre of the circle to the surface is always the same. Therefore the split circle or the ellipse represents the Shiva-Shakti tattva. Shiva Linga stands as a sign of this. If you see a flame in the lamp, it is similar to the Linga form, Shiva is that light without a beginning or end. He is that glorious eternal light and a Linga represents that.
If you see a âSphatikaâ (crystal) Linga it has no light of its own but perfectly reflects what ever light falls on it. Shiva is that formless, colourless, unmanifest who contains everything in Him. On a larger scale, if you see the sky, it forms a giant Shiva Linga, the whole universe is in a giant Shiva Linga. The earthâs horizon, looks like the shiva Linga. Our planets and even comets move in ellipses and even the electrons in atoms move in ellipses around the nucleus which is positively charged. Thus this positivity and negativity exist everywhere. A seed of any given, fruit, flower or vegetable is in the form of a Shiva Linga. It is from this seed that the great tree grows. Shiva contains the whole universe in Him which sprung from Him.
If you look at a Sri-Chakra, the dot in the centre represents Bindu, and Bindu stands for Shiva where as Nada stands for Shakti. Sri Chakra speaks of the union between Nada and Bindu. Shiva being the Bindu, the first triangle enclosing the Bindu and the Bindu itself form the Shiva Linga. The Bindu the centre and the triangle the base around it. The Love, energy that flow from it is what we gather at the time of Abhisek of the Shiva Linga and greatfully drink as prasad. The three sides of the triangle are the Iccha Shakti, Gyana Shakti and Kriya Shakti which are used to start creation. More over the whole Shiva Linga never rests on the ground, most of it is on the top, meaning what ever is here is just one foot and there is more to the Lord above and beyond. The greatest way to worship Shiva is in the form of this Linga which means âSymbolâ or âsignâ, a perfect inference to the Great One.
Shiva Loves Abhishek for it cools His third eye. There are Shiva Lingas made of different matter, like clay, precious stone, Sandalwood, Gold, Bhasm, just anything. Each has its own value and is worshipped for different reasons. Interestingly, all the temples in India dedicated to the nine planets and the 27 stars all have Shiva Lingas as the main deity inferring that everything is contained in Him and all planets can be appeased by appeasing Shiva.
The greatest of all Abhishek is the Abhishek of love to Shiva seating Him in the lotus of your heart. Shivaya Guravennamaha....On Namah Shivaya
<b>Philosophy of Abhisheka </b>
Salutations and adorations to the blissful Lord Siva, the lover of Uma or Parvati, the Lord of all beings (Pasupati).
âAlankarapriyo Vishnuh, Abhishekapriyah SivahâLord Vishnu is very fond of Alankara (fine dress, beautiful ornaments, etc.); Siva is fond of Abhisheka.â In Siva temples, a pot made up of copper or brass with a hole in the centre is kept hanging over the image or Linga of Siva, and water is falling on the image throughout day and night. Pouring over the Linga, water, milk, ghee, curd, honey, cocoanut water, Panchamrita, etc., is Abhisheka. Abhisheka is done for Lord Siva. Rudra is chanted along with the Abhisheka. Lord Siva is propitiated by Abhisheka.
Lord Siva drank the poison that emanated from the ocean and wore the Ganga and moon on His head to cool His head. He has the fiery third eye. Constant Abhisheka cools this eye.
The greatest and the highest Abhisheka is to pour the waters of pure love on the Atmalinga of the lotus of the heart. The external Abhisheka with various objects will help the growth of devotion and adoration for Lord Siva and eventually lead to internal Abhisheka with pure abundant flow of love.
Abhisheka is a part of Siva Puja. Without Abhisheka, worship of Siva is incomplete. During Abhisheka Rudra, Purushasukta, Chamaka, Maha-mrityunjaya Japa, etc., are chanted in a particular rhythm and order. Monday is very important day for Lord Siva and the thirteenth day of the fortnight (Pradosha) is very sacred. On these days, devotees of Siva worship Him with special Puja, Abhisheka with Ekadasa-Rudra, Archana, offering plenty of Prasad, and illumination.
In Ekadasa-Rudra Abhisheka, every Rudra is chanted with distinctive articles for Abhisheka. Ganga water, milk, ghee, honey, rose-water, cocoanut water, sandal paste, Panchamrita, scented oil, sugarcane juice and lime juice are made use of for Abhisheka. After every Abhisheka, pure water is poured over the head of Siva. When Rudra is repeated once, the different articles of Abhisheka are made use of after every stanza of the Rudra. The Abhisheka water or other articles used for Abhisheka are considered very sacred and bestow immense benefits on the devotees who take it as the Lordâs Prasad. It purifies the heart and destroys countless sins. You must take it with intense Bhava and faith.
When you do Abhisheka with Bhava and devotion, your mind is concentrated. Your heart is filled with the image of the Lord and divine thoughts. You forget your body and its relation and surroundings. Egoism gradually vanishes. When there is forgetfulness, you begin to enjoy and taste the eternal bliss of Lord Siva. Recitation of Rudra or Om Namassivaya purifies the mind and fills it with Sattva.
If you do Abhisheka with Rudrapatha in the name of a person suffering from any disease he will be soon freed from that disease. Incurable diseases are cured by Abhisheka. Abhisheka bestows health, wealth, prosperity, progeny, etc. Abhisheka on Monday is most auspicious.
By offering Panchamrita, honey, milk, etc., to the Lord, thoughts of your body diminish. Selfishness slowly vanishes. You derive immense joy. You begin to increase your offerings unto the Lord. Therefore, self-sacrifice and self-surrender come in. Naturally, there is an outpouring from your heart, âI am Thine, my Lord. All is Thine, my Lordâ.
Kannappa Nayanar, a great devotee of Lord Siva, a hunter by profession, did Abhisheka with the water in his mouth for the Linga at Kalahasti in South India and propitiated Lord Siva. Lord Siva is pleased by pure devotion. It is the mental Bhava that counts and not the outward show. Lord Siva said to the temple priest: âThis water from the mouth of Kannappa, my beloved devotee, is more pure than the water of the Gangaâ.
A devotee should be regular in doing Abhisheka for the Lord. He should get by heart Rudra and Chamakam. Ekadasa Rudra is more powerful and effective. In Northern India, every man or woman takes a lots of water and pours it on the image of Siva. This also causes beneficial results and brings about the fulfillment of oneâs desire. Abhisheka on Sivaratri day is very effective.
May you all recite Rudrapatha which describes the glory of Lord Siva and His manifestations in every living being, in every animate and inanimate being! May you do Abhisheka daily and thus obtain the grace of Lord Siva! May Lord Visvanatha bless you all!
<b>Fruit of Abhisheka and Rudra Japa in Sivaâs Temple </b>
Chamaka is divided into eleven sections. Each of these is then combined with Namaka (Rudra) and repeated. This is called Rudra. Eleven such Rudras make one Laghu Rudra. Eleven Laghu Rudras make one Maharudra. Eleven Maharudras make one Atirudra.
Rudra is to be repeated after performing the initial Sankalpa, Puja, Nyasa, Anga. Panchamritasnana and Dhyana. The fruit of Rudra Japa is stated as shown below:
No. of Japa              Fruit of Japa
1 Rudra                Freedom from Bala graha (diseases common to children).
3 Rudra                Freedom from imminent difficulties with which one is faced.
5 Rudra                Freedom from the evil effects of certain planets occupying unfavourable positions.
7 Rudra                Freedom from great fear.
9 Rudra                The fruit of one Vajapeya sacrifice; and also attainment of peace of mind.
11 Rudra               Getting the favour of kings and great wealth.
33 Rudra               Attainment of wishes for objects and having no enemies.
77 Rudra               Enjoyment of great happiness.
99 Rudra               Attainment of son, grandson, wealth, grain, Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha and freedom from death.
1 Maharudra            Attainment of the favour of kings and becoming the Lord of great wealth.
3 Maharudra            Fulfillment of impossible tasks.
5 Maharudra            Acquirement of vast lands.
7 Maharudra           Attainment of the seven worlds.
9 Maharudra            Freedom from births and deaths.
10 Atirudra             Becoming God.
Materials for Abhisheka: Pure water, milk, sugarcane juice, ghee, honey, waters of sacred rivers, sea water.
For getting rain, Abhisheka should be done with pure water. For freedom from diseases, and for begetting a son, Abhisheka should be done with milk. If Abhisheka is done with milk, even a barren woman begets children. The person also attains plenty of cows. If Abhisheka is done with Kusa water, one becomes free from all diseases. He who desires wealth, should perform Abhisheka with ghee, honey and sugarcane juice. He, who desires Moksha, should do Abhisheka with sacred waters.
<b>Significance of Bhasma, Nandi, Etc. </b>
Namassivaya is the Mantra of Lord Siva. âNaâ represents earth and Brahma; âMaâ represents water and Vishnu; âSiâ fire and Rudra; âVaâ Vayu and Mahesvara; âYaâ Akasa and Sadasiva and also the Jiva.
Lord Siva has white complexion. What is the significance of white colour? He teaches silently that people should have pure heart and entertains pure thoughts and should be free from crookedness, diplomacy, cunningness, jealousy, hatred, etc.
He wears three white-lined Bhasma or Vibhuti on His forehead. What is the significance of this? He teaches silently that people should destroy the three impurities, viz., Anava (egoism), Karma (action with expectation of fruits), and Maya (illusion), and the three desires or Eshanas, viz., desire for landed property, desire for woman, desire for gold, and the three Vasanas, viz., Lokavasana, Dehavasana and Sastravasana, and then attain Him with a pure heart.
What does the Balipitha or altar which stands in front of the sanctum sanctorum of the Sivaâs temple represent? People should destroy their egoism and mineness (Ahamta and Mamata) before they attain the Lord. This is the significance.
<b>What does Nandi or the bull which is in front of Sivalinga represent?</b>
Nandi is the attendant or doorkeeper of Siva. He is the vehicle of Lord Siva. He represents Satsanga. If you make association with the sages, you are sure to attain God-realisation. Sages will show you the way to reach Him. They will remove pitfalls or snares that lie on your path. They will clear your doubts and instil in your heart dispassion, discrimination and knowledge. There is no other safe boat than Satsanga to reach the other shore of fearlessness and immortality. Even a momentâs Satsanga or association with the sages, is a great blessing to the aspirants and the worldly-minded persons. They get firm conviction in the existence of God through Satsanga. The sages remove the worldly Samskaras. The company of sages is a formidable fortress to protect oneself from the temptations of Maya.
Lord Siva represents the destructive aspect of the Godhead. He is seen absorbed on the mountain peak of Kailas. He is an embodiment of serenity, renunciation and indifference to the world. The third eye in the centre of His forehead represents His destructive energy which when let loose destroys the world. Nandi is His favourite. He is the door-Keeper. He is seen hushing all nature, so that the Lord may not be disturbed in His Samadhi. The Lord has five faces, ten hands, ten eyes, and two feet.
Vrishabha or the bull represents Dharma Devata. Lord Siva rides on the bull. Bull is His vehicle. This denotes that Lord Siva is the protector of Dharma, is an embodiment of Dharma or righteousness.
Deer represents the Vedas. Its four legs are the four Vedas. Lord Siva is holding the deer in His hand. This indicates that He is the Lord of the Vedas.
He has sword in one of His hands. This signifies that He is the destroyer of births and deaths. The fire in one of His hands shows that He protects the Jivas by burning all fetters.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->