Here’s a list of lessons you can learn from the life of the Blue God or the Destroyer – Lord Shiva.
Never Tolerate Evil
Shiva is known for his intolerance for evil and for his need to destroy it in a fair and just manner. He always took a stand against injustice.
Practice Self-Control
In a burst of anger, Shiva cut off the head of Ganesha because the latter prevented him from entering his own house since Goddess Parvati was bathing inside. When he later learned that Ganesha was his own son, horror struck him and he put the head of an elephant onto him and brought him back to life.
From this moment onwards, he practiced self-control in all matters, having realised how much destruction could be caused from the lack of it.
Respect Your Spouse
Shiva was also known as Ardhanarishwar (half man, half woman) because Parvati was always by his side. She completed Shiva and was his Shakti.
Never Run After Material
Out of all the Hindu Gods, Shiva dressed the most simply – in animal skin and was smeared in cremation ground ashes (representing destruction). He had no material to his name and yet he ruled the universe.
Keep Your Calm
Shiva was always in a meditative state unless he was disturbed by certain extreme situations. And this meditation provided him with the calm he needed to destroy evil.
Save The Day
Shiva is known as Neelkanth because he had a blue throat. How did he get one? By swallowing a poison called Halahala that emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan. This poison could kill whatever came in contact with it and it was only Shiva who could and who did save the day by eating this poison.
