WHO IS LORD SHIVA
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When we say Shiva there are two fundamental aspects that we are referring to. The word "Shiva" means literally, “that which is not.” Today, modern science is proving to us that everything comes from nothing and goes back to nothing. The basis of existence and the fundamental quality of the cosmos is vast nothingness.
Source: Shiva - The Adiyogi: Man, Myth, or Divine?
THE ORIGIN STORY
Today, modern science is proving to us that everything comes from nothing and goes back to nothing. The basis of existence and the fundamental quality of the cosmos is vast nothingness. The galaxies are just a small happening – a sprinkling. The rest is all vast empty space, which is referred to as Shiva. That is the womb from which everything is born, and that is the oblivion into which everything is sucked back. Everything comes from Shiva and goes back to Shiva.
SHIVA AS ADIYOGI
Source: Shiva - The Adiyogi: Man, Myth, or Divine?
So “Shiva” refers to both “that which is not,” and Adiyogi, because in many ways, they are synonymous. This being, who is a yogi, and that non-being, which is the basis of the existence, are the same, because to call someone a yogi means he has experienced the existence as himself. If you have to contain the existence within you even for a moment as an experience, you have to be that nothingness. Only nothingness can hold everything. Something can never hold everything. A vessel cannot hold an ocean. This planet can hold an ocean, but it cannot hold the solar system. The solar system can hold these few planets and the sun, but it cannot hold the rest of the galaxy. If you go progressively like this, ultimately you will see it is only nothingness that can hold everything. The word “yoga” means “union.” A yogi is one who has experienced the union. That means, at least for one moment, he has been absolute nothingness.
When we talk about Shiva as “that which is not,” and Shiva as a yogi, in a way they are synonymous, yet they are two different aspects. Because India is a dialectical culture, we shift from this to that and that to this effortlessly. One moment we talk about Shiva as the ultimate, the next moment we talk about Shiva as the man who gave us this whole process of yoga.
LOVE & MARRIAGE
CHILDREN OF LORD SHIVA
Karthikeya
Karthikeya
Karthikeya
Lord Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, Skanda, Subramanya, and Kumara, is the god of war and victory in Hindu mythology. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is often depicted as a handsome, youthful warrior with a spear (Vel) in His hand, riding a peacock. Born to destroy the demon Tarakasura, He was made the commander of the celestial army (Devasena Nayaka) and played a crucial role in restoring cosmic balance. He is especially revered in South India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, where He is worshipped as Murugan and considered the protector of dharma (righteousness). Temples dedicated to Him, like Palani Murugan Temple and Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, attract millions of devotees seeking courage, wisdom, and success in life.
Ganesha
Karthikeya
Karthikeya
Lord Ganesha, also known as Vinayaka, Vighnaharta, and Ganapati, is the beloved elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and remover of obstacles. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is worshipped at the beginning of all auspicious events. According to legend, Parvati created Him from sandalwood paste, and Shiva later replaced His severed head with that of an elephant, granting Him immortality and divine wisdom. Ganesha is depicted with a large belly, a broken tusk, and a mouse (Mushika) as His vehicle, symbolizing intelligence, patience, and humility. Revered across India and beyond, Ganesh Chaturthi is a grand festival celebrating His birth, where devotees seek His blessings for success and good fortune.