This rare solid bronze statue of Shiva, the Hindu God of destruction, has been a part of the same family altar for over 40 years. Shiva is depicted with Three Heads and six arms symbolizing triple the strength in transformation. Shiva's Trident represents the 3 gunas - the three fundamental attributes that represent the natural evolutionary process...Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.

The Snake around his necks shows that he is beyond death or poison. Shiva is holding the shield of dharma, the conch shell, and the Pa or battle axe. The snake also represents the kundalini energy. Shiva also wears a tiger's skin representing the power over the mind (or mental body). Next to Shiva is Nandi the white bull which is the vehicle of Shiva. The third eyes in the center of the foreheads symbolize spiritual knowledge and power, and is thus called the eye of wisdom or knowledge. Like fire, the powerful gaze of Shiva's third eye annihilates evil, and thus the evil-doers fear His third eye. The Rudraksha necklace worn by the Lord Shiva illustrates that He uses His cosmic laws firmly - without compromise - to maintain law and order in the universe.

The necklace has 108 beads which symbolize the elements used in the creation of the world. Shiva?s right hand is extended in a blessing pose. In one hand Shiva carries a small drum with two sides separated from each other by a thin neck-like structure symbolizing the two utterly dissimilar states of existence, un-manifest and manifest. Shiva also carries a water pot (Kamandalu) made from a dry pumpkin which contains the nectar of SELF. At Shiva's feet are the hounds of heaven as he stands on a lotus leaf.

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