Batik - Shiva In Lotus

Product Description

Shiva sits in his familiar pose, the lotus posture, for meditation. Important symbolism in this batik image includes the snake necklace, the trident fork, the drum and the tiger skin.

The cobra is a deadly snake. Shiva wears it as a necklace to represent his conquering of death. The cobra also represents a dormant energy called Kundalini, the serpent power.

The trident is a three-branched fork shown symbolising Shiva's three fundamental powers - will, action and knowledge. It also a weapon that can inflict punishment on the evil-doer on three planes - subtle, physical and spiritual.

Shiva's drum (or damaru) has two opposite sides, representing the two states of existence - clear and unclear. When shaken, the damaru produces the sacred, cosmic AUM sound which can also be heard in deep meditation.

Shiva wears the tiger skin to indicate his victory over all forces. Shakti, Shiva's counterpart and the Goddess of Power and Forces, uses the tiger as a vehicle. The tiger also represents lust - Shiva has conquered this too.

Please note that as this is a hand finished product, colours may vary from those pictured

Due to the nature of the hand printing techniques used in India, there may be natural variations in design and some double printing may occur, however this does not detract from the beautiful finish of this batik.