The Secrets Behind Shiva's Symbols : Shiva Ashtottara (2/6)

Most people know what Shiva looks like, but few know why. Why does the Lord of the Universe carry a Khatvanga? Why is he the only one who can bear the Ganga and the Moon? In this lecture on Neelakantha Dikshita’s masterpiece, Shivatattvarahasya, we decode the profound metaphysical reality behind the Third Eye, the Blue Throat, and the 'Panchakritya'—the five cosmic acts that sustain our existence."

Day 2 of a 6 day lecture series delivered by Shatavadhani Lalithadithya Gannavaram in Bengaluru about the Shiva Ashtottara Shatanama Stotra while following the "Shiva Tattva Rahasya" commentary of Neelakantha Dikshita.

Listen to the full playlist in the below link:
   • Shivashtottara Shatanama Stotra - BLR  

[00:00] - Name 2: Maheshwara
The meaning of "The Great Controller" and the grammatical nuances of "Maha" vs "Mahat."

[04:38] - Yoga Shastra Definition of Ishwara
How Ishwara is untouched by Kleshas (afflictions), Karma, and Vipaka (fruits of action).

[06:23] - The Five Actions (Pancha Kritya)
Explaining Srishti, Sthiti, Laya, Tirohana, and Anugraha.

[08:44] - Maheshwara Beyond the Trinity
The concept of the Turya Ishwara who manifests as Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra.

[13:57] - Sadashiva and the Three Gunas
Why Shiva is called Sadashiva and how he remains Nirguna (without qualities) despite appearing Saguna.

[17:27] - Name 3: Shambhu
He who bestows Ananda (bliss) and the significance of Shiva as the Layakarta.

[21:58] - Name 4: Pinaki
The story of Shiva's bow, the Pinaka, and its role in the destruction of the Tripura (three cities).

[30:30] - Name 5: Shashakhara
The symbolism of the Moon on Shiva’s crest, representing Jnana (knowledge) and his mercy towards the innocent.

[37:07] - Name 6: Vamaadeva
The dual meaning of "Beautiful" and "Contrary/Crooked," representing how Shiva transcends worldly norms.

[46:02] - Name 7: Virupaksha
He who has "abnormal" eyes (the Three Eyes) and perceives reality without the need for physical senses.

[49:11] - Name 8: Kapardi
Why the term Kaparda (matted hair) is unique to Shiva, specifically referring to the hair that holds the Ganga.

[55:28] - Name 9: Nilohita
The "Blue and Red" form; its origins from Brahma’s sweat and its representation of Prakriti and Purusha.

[01:06:25] - Name 10: Shankara
The Giver of Peace and the Vedic roots of the Namashankara mantra.

[01:07:41] - Name 11: Shulapani
The Trishula (Trident) as a symbol of the three Gunas, the three times (past, present, future), and the three Shaktis.

[01:10:14] - Name 12: Khatwangi
Why Shiva carries the leg of a bed (Khatwanga) to teach humanity the path of penance and respect for knowledge.

[01:17:41] - Name 13: Vishnuvallabha
The deep relationship between Shiva and Vishnu, highlighting that they are two forms of the same Supreme Reality.

[01:31:41] - Name 14: Shipivishta
The Master of sacrificial animals (Pashus) and his entry into the Yagna.

[01:32:29] - Name 15: Ambikanatha
The Husband of Ambika and the form that sought Parvati’s hand in marriage.

[01:34:51] - Name 16: Shrikanta
The Splendorous Throat; why the blue mark of the Halahala poison is seen as an ultimate ornament of mercy.

[01:36:58] - Name 17: Bhaktavatsala
The nature of Shiva’s love for his devotees, concluding with the idea that there is no higher goal for a devotee than merging with Ishwara.


#shiva #panchaksharimantra #ashtottarashatanamavali #mahadev