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In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is a deeply revered and enigmatic deity, embodying the powerful forces of destruction, transformation, and rebirth. His mystical nature is further underscored by his profound connection to animals, particularly tigers, which symbolise strength and ferocity. Iconic depictions of Lord Shiva often feature him adorned with a tiger skin, seated upon it, or wrapped in its majestic fur.

Uncovering the mystical significance of Lord Shiva's tiger skin adornment reveals a profound spiritual symbolism, let us explore the deeper meaning and significance behind this iconic representation.

Why Lord Shiva Wears Tiger’s Skin?

As per the Puranas, Lord Shiva used to roam as a bare-bodied ascetic, his divine form veiled from the world. His presence, however, was felt by the wives of powerful sages who dwelled in the nearby hermitages. Entranced by the sight of the youthful Shiva, they found themselves distracted from their domestic duties, unaware of the true identity of the captivating stranger. Their husbands, noticing the change in their behaviour, grew enraged upon discovering the cause and sought to teach the seemingly ordinary sage a lesson. In their wrath, the sages devised a plan to confront Shiva with a ferocious tiger, digging a pit in his path and placing the beast within.

Lord Shiva's attire is distinctly characteristic, typically featuring a tiger skin draped around him as a symbolic garment, which has become an iconic part of his visual representation in Hindu art and culture. (Image Source: Canva)

The plan, however, ultimately revealed Shiva's true nature. Falling into the pit, Shiva emerged victorious, slaying the tiger and adorning himself with its skin. As he stepped out of the pit, the sages beheld the bare-bodied ascetic transformed, his divine power now manifest. Recognising their mistake, they humbly prostrated themselves at Shiva's feet, acknowledging his godhood and beginning to worship him. From that day forward, Lord Shiva continued to wear the tiger skin, a symbol of his fearsome yet majestic essence, and a testament to the transformative encounter that revealed his true identity to the sages. The tiger skin became an integral part of his iconic representation, a reminder of his divine power and the awe-inspiring moment when his true nature was unveiled.

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Symbolical Significance Of Lord Shiva Wearing Tiger’s Skin

The depiction of Lord Shiva adorned with tiger skin holds profound symbolic significance, representing his mastery over the universe and its forces. According to Shaivite belief, Lord Shiva as part of the holy trinity exercises control and dominion over all three realms. The tiger skin in this context embodies the triumph of divine energy over primal instincts, signifying Shiva's power to tame and transcend the wild and untamed aspects of existence. By sitting upon the tiger skin, Lord Shiva is seen as the embodiment of spiritual victory, having conquered the baser aspects of nature and emerged as the supreme force governing the cosmos.

 


(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)