WOODEN IDOLS OF LORD SHIVA

Lord Shiva is known to many Hindus as the central deity in all of the universe. For still many others, he is a central part of the tripartite godhead as the destroyer of creation. No matter the tradition, whenever Lord Shiva comes to mind, all Hindus have only reverent thoughts.

To celebrate and honor this powerful deity, Exotic India has put together a collection of more than one hundred wooden statues of Lord Shiva. These are great for your home, garden, or office — and they make amazing gifts. There are so many great wooden statues to choose from, like this one depicting Lord Shiva with his Shakti Parvati.

Carved out of south Indian temple wood and standing just over four feet tall, it is a magnificent work to behold. The splendid colors and delicate crafted details create an undeniable impression. The work is simply stunning: large and resplendent, all in the honor of Lord Shiva. Of course, no collection of Lord Shiva statues would be complete without one of the deity dancing. We have many, including this Dancing Shiva.

This one is fairly large (three feet tall), it shows the dreaded and sacred dance of Shiva in a wooden statue that you can enjoy by ordering today. The classic scene has been one of the most striking images in all of the world’s spiritual and wisdom traditions.

Included in the collection are several wooden panels, with carved scenes showing stories of Shiva and also images that simply exalt him. This wood panel depicting Kalyanasundaram (marriage scene between Shiva and Parvati) is one such example. This expressive and lively scene is a work of art you can only find at Exotic India.

What does a statue of Shiva represent?

It combines in a single image Shiva’s role as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe and conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time. It is our ego that comes between our goals and dreams, which makes us less loving people. It is said that Shiva carried his trident to keep his ego in check. He never let his ego get the better of him, nor does he tolerate anyone else's ego.

The Tripundra, three horizontal lines, on the forehead as well as other body parts are symbols during rites of passage and for some a daily practice. These lines, states Antonio Rigopoulos, represent Shiva's threefold power of will (icchāśakti), knowledge (jñānaśakti), and action (kriyāśakti).

How can we keep Lord Shiva happy?

He is the only god who becomes happy very easily simply by offering true Bhakti. That is why he is also known as ‘Bholenath’. Offer milk, honey, Akshat, Bilva-Patra, etc to Lord Shiva. After that, devotees should perform Abhishek of Shiva linga by Bhasma and water. After Abhishekh of Shivling, one should offer sandalwood.

Make sure to offer puja to him every day, particularly on Mondays at the house. Several times chant “Om Namah Shiva.” While performing Shiv Puja, wear green clothes because Bholenath is fond of green color. Alternatively, wear red, yellow, white, or saffron-colored clothes to please him.

What does the Shiva statue mean?

A Shiva statue means the teachings it imparts upon the devotees. Shiva teaches us to destroy evil and ignorance as well as ego. Every sacred icon placed on his holy body teaches something or the other about the way of life. As the divine god of the yogis, Shiva is ascetic, celibate, and self-controlled and is portrayed deep in meditation on top of Mount Kailash in the Himalayas.

Shiva is one of the most important gods in the Hindu pantheon and is a member of the holy trinity (Trimurti) of Hinduism with Brahma and Vishnu. A complex character, he represents goodness, and benevolence and serves as the Protector.