Reflecting on Childhood Wonder
As a curious 4-year-old, I found myself captivated by the radiant auras depicted behind Lord Rama and Krishna in pictures. In my innocent mind, I imagined it as the Sun shining behind all Gods. However, the conundrum arose: with numerous Gods and only one Sun, I puzzled over how they all could possess such radiance simultaneously. When I posed this inquiry to my mother, she offered a simple yet enigmatic response: all gods emit an aura. Intrigued, I delved deeper, asking, “What is aura? How can I obtain it?” Unfortunately, my curiosity was met with reproach for asking too many questions, leaving the query unanswered until I matured. In our era, questioning about the gods was discouraged, as they were revered without question. But as I grew older, I became acquainted with the religious gatherings on the banks of the Ganges and the profound teachings of the Upanishads. I learned that each aspect of Hindu philosophy is deliberated, discussed, and documented. Despite this, I struggled to prioritize delving deeper into these teachings. Nevertheless, I remained convinced that as children, we were discouraged from seeking further understanding due to a disconnect between learned Hindus and the broader community.
A Grandfather’s Quest
Despite my limited understanding of religion and spirituality, I have identified as an atheist and visited temples seeking blessings for inner peace from the deities. Only recently have I begun delving into the deeper meanings of metaphors. A few years ago, my curiosity was sparked while watching a show on Epic TV, prompting me to explore the significance of metaphors in Hindu religion through reading. Recognizing the importance of passing on knowledge about the religion I follow, I have felt compelled to impart this wisdom to our grandchildren.
Exploring Profound Philosophies
In 1992, my visit to Chidambaram’s Natraj Temple unveiled its dedication to ‘Natraj – the cosmic dancer’, emphasizing the profound connection between dance and spirituality. The town’s name, Chidabaram, originates from two Sanskrit words, ‘Chit’ meaning consciousness, and ‘ambram’ meaning the sky, further underlining the temple’s spiritual significance. This temple, one of the five holiest Shiva temples in South India, represents the fifth element, Akasha, highlighting its cosmic importance.
Named the ‘Thillai Natraj Temple’, it pays homage not only to the cosmic dance but also to the natural environment, as ‘Thillai’ in Tamil refers to a tree. Unlike traditional Shiva temples, Chidambaram temple doesn’t feature a Shiv lingam but instead showcases an image of Nataraja, representing the Cosmic Dance of Lord Nataraja, symbolizing the motion of the universe sustained by Lord Shiva.
As I delved deeper, I discovered the intricate symbolism within the temple. The demon under Nataraja’s feet represents the triumph over ignorance, while the fire in his hand signifies the destruction of evil. His raised hand offers blessings to those on the right path, and the ring around his back symbolizes the cosmos. Additionally, the damru in his hand represents the origin of life.
Similarly, I learned about the elliptical shape of the Shiv Lingam, symbolizing the ascending energy of consciousness and life in nature. It embodies qualities of immutability, stability, strength, and endurance, reflecting the cosmic masculine principle. The Shakti Yoni complements the Linga, symbolizing the feminine descending force and creative energy. Together, they represent the balance and harmony of nature and serve as the source of all creation.
Reflecting on this profound philosophy, I acknowledge that grasping it as a child would have been challenging. However, I also recognize that deciphering such symbolism has been uncommon in the past few generations. Many Hindus revere, care for, and worship idols without fully understanding the essence of this worship.
Unlocking the Mantras-an example
During the Chaitra Mas Navratri celebrations, I stumbled upon a captivating interpretation by Ma Anandmayi in the Speaking Tree. She unraveled the meaning behind the mantra, “Shree Durgaye Namah”. According to her explanation, these three Sanskrit words hold profound significance. “Shree” denotes consciousness, while “Durga” encompasses four types of power: Kriya Shakti (the power of action), Gyan Shakti (the power of knowledge), Chitti Shakti (the power of the subconscious mind), and Ichha Shakti (the power of will). Through “Namah”, we bow in reverence to these powers, recognizing that they reside within ourselves and must be invoked to achieve our objectives.
A Hopeful Wish
Oh, how I yearn for some of the young people of this generation, engrossed in exploring the imaginative realms of various series on their mobiles and OTT platforms, to dedicate a fraction of their time to delve into this profound philosophy! By doing so, we could transcend mere symbolic worship, evade the snares of charlatans masquerading as godmen, and grasp the essence of life while fulfilling our worldly duties.
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