The lord of the forests and all animals.

There are many stories related to Shiva being depicted as wearing animal skins or sitting on them or having a snake wrapped around his neck. The skins represent mastery over primal instincts and his renunciation of worldly desires. It also represents his ability to transcend limitations and control both external and internal forces.

Shiva is often depicted as a Yogi, who has renounced worldly possessions and attachments. His simple attire reflects his detachment from material comforts and his focus is on spiritual pursuits. Shiva is considered the lord of the wilderness and is often associated with untamed aspects of nature. His wearing of animal skin highlights his role as a protector of all creatures.

Let us examine them one by one.

The tiger is a symbol of raw power and aggression and transformation. It is associated with lust, anger and other negative emotions. Shiva wearing the skin signifies his control over these instincts, demonstrating his ability to conquer his own inner demons. The tiger skin can also be observed as a symbol of transformation. Just as the tiger sheds its fur, Shiva represents the potential for individuals to shed their lower, baser natures and embrace their higher divine nature.

Mythological context of the tiger skin, Shiva is attired in. According to an ancient Hindu story, Shiva’s wearing of a tiger skin is traced back to when he was meditating in the forest. There were also a group of rishis living in the forest with their wives. The wives were mesmerised by Shiva’s beauty and innocence. The sages were very angry and so they created a magical, fierce tiger to attack Shiva. Shiva killed the tiger in the blink of an eye and wore his skin. This act humbled the sages.

Shiva’s act of being arrayed in an elephant skin comes from him defeating Gajasura, the elephant demon. The elephant is associated with mastery over ego, material attachments, ego and pride. It is also a symbol of Shiva’s role as destroyer of negative forces. The story is that Gajasura in the form of a demon terrorized the world. Shiva defeated him by flaying his skin. Moreover, Shiva showed the world that he did not care what the state of the elephant skin was. Elephant skin is difficult to tan and rots easily. None of this effected Shiva. He was scornful of any comfort. Sometimes Shiva is shown as wearing the elephant skin as a cloak, or as seat or pedestal.

Shiva wears a deer skin also and this symbolizes his control over the flippant mind. The deer’s personality is flighty. Shiva by donning a deer skin is connected to the earth, and nature and it emphasizes his role as being a protector of all living beings. Sitting on a deer skin makes one’s awareness and serenity enhanced. It is also a symbolic representation of the qualities of the deity.

Shiva has Vasuki, the king of the Nagas wrapped round his neck. This depicts Shiva’s mastery over death, time and the ego. Vasuki played a role in the churning of the ocean by holding Mount Mandara as the churning rope. Vasuki also drank the poison Halahala with Shiva. Shiva was so pleased with his devotion that he wears him as an ornament. Vasuki’s three coils represent the past, present and future.

Dear ones, please remember that moksha was granted to the creatures, which were said to be worn or used by Shiva, Pashupatinath. There was no element of cruelty involved.

Aim Hrim Klim

Photo by Mayur Keni on Unsplash