Concocting Bhang

This image of Shiva justifies his name 'Vageshvara', Lord of the serpents. They can be slithering down his body, taking the place of jewelry. They reflect his absolute renunciation, his refusal to react or respond to any threat or temptation. In his neck, he also wears strings of pearls which also adorn his matted hair. Out of the crown of his matted hair flows the Ganga, emblem of purity. His arms are strong and smooth and smeared with ashes. Here, he sits on a mat preparing bhang, a narcotic drug which arouses the senses and fills the mind with a feeling of tranquility. An intoxicating drink is made out of the leaves the Indian hemp Cannebis Indica, and this decoction is then mixed with sweetened milk. Close to him lie his kamanadalu and a yoga danda, possessions of ascetics. Shiva is identified by the trishula that he always carries. In the microcosm, the trident represents the three subtle arteries of the body: ida, pingala and the sushumna. The three prongs are also said to represent the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. In the foreground also lies the 'damaru,' the drum of Shiva, from which all the rhythms of manifestation are said to have come forth.

The delicate purity of Shiva's face in three-quarter view reflects calm and tranquility.

This description by Renu Rana.