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Significance of Bhasma, Nandi, Etc.

Namassivaya is the Mantra of Lord Siva. ‘Na’ represents earth and Brahma; ‘Ma’
represents water and Vishnu; ‘Si’ fire and Rudra; ‘Va’ Vayu and Mahesvara; ‘Ya’ 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 entertain 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
Siva’s temple represent? People should destroy their egoism and mineness (Ahamta and Mamata)
before they attain the Lord. This is the significance. 

What does Nandi or the bull which is in front of Sivalinga represent? 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 moment’s 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, 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.