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Millions of salutations to the divine essence of Lord Shiva residing in the hearts of all.
It is said, “Shivo Bhutva Shivam Yajet“—meaning, worship Shiva by becoming Shiva yourself, by stabilizing your consciousness in the essence of Shiva. The ultimate goal of life is to attain Shivatva (the essence of Shiva). This is not for fulfilling desires but for their dissolution. The greatest attainment in the world is the cessation of desires. Shiva is the one through whom creation, preservation, and dissolution occur, the one who pervades every atom of the universe, resides in the hearts of all beings, and is omnipresent.
According to Amarakosha, the word ‘Shiva’ means auspiciousness and well-being. The one who brings welfare and auspiciousness to all is Shiva. Therefore, “Shivo Bhutva” means becoming Shiva—attaining Shivatva—and striving for the welfare of others.
Shivatva is the grand sentiment of universal welfare, where one endures difficulties to alleviate the sufferings of others. No greater example of this exists than Lord Shiva himself, who, despite having the power to own the golden city of Lanka, chose to live under the open sky. From Lord Shiva, we learn that accumulation does not make life valuable. He is worshipped not because of material wealth, but because, despite possessing the strength to give away Lanka, he himself lives in simplicity. Though he is the master of Goddess Annapurna, he does not feast on rich foods but sustains himself on fruits, flowers, and leaves. Selflessness, sacrifice, and service are deeply ingrained in his existence.
Shiva’s spirit of renunciation teaches us that hoarding may provide comfort but not peace and happiness. True inner joy and contentment come from sacrifice, and this contentment is Shivatva.
The worship of Lord Shiva is beautifully simple—just a pot of water, a Dhatura flower, or Bilva leaves suffice. Why? Because he accepts everything with contentment. That is why he is called “Ashutosh“, the easily pleased one. Ashutosh means being satisfied with whatever, whenever, and however much is available. Thus, after worshipping Shiva, we too should strive to become Ashutosh—content and equanimous.
According to the Bhagavad Gita, “Samattvam Yogah Uchyate”, meaning equanimity itself is yoga. To attain Shivatva is to achieve this state of equanimity.
Not only is Lord Shiva himself revered, but whoever takes refuge in him also becomes revered—be it the moon, serpents, Nandi, or the Ganga. This highlights two key lessons:
- Respect and support others as much as possible.
- Develop a sense of surrender.
Such generosity and surrender form the essence of Shivatva. The feeling of oneness with all living beings is the foundation of Shivatva.
Shiva is called Trinetra (the three-eyed one). His two eyes perceive the external world, while the third eye symbolizes inner wisdom. This third eye represents discrimination (Viveka). Until we develop the ability to look within, we cannot truly evaluate our own lives. This inner vision is the vision of wisdom and discernment. We should see the world with our external eyes, but use our third eye to distinguish between what is beneficial and what is merely pleasurable. With this wisdom, we can eliminate anything in life that is harmful, inauspicious, distressing, or an obstacle to growth. This is the lesson of Trinetra.
During Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean), Lord Shiva drank the poison for the welfare of the world that emerged from the ocean. However, he neither swallowed it nor spit it out but held it in his throat. This teaches us that whatever is harmful or toxic, we should neither absorb it completely nor allow it to spread, but learn to contain and neutralize it. The poison represents the harsh realities of life. The truly great and powerful are those who help others without expecting anything in return, who embrace sacrifices, and who master the art of overcoming adversities. This is the secret of Shiva’s blissful nature.
Lord Shiva’s household is a perfect example of harmony amidst diversity—where even the most contrasting beings coexist in peace:
Goddess Parvati’s vehicle is a lion, whereas Shiva’s is Nandi, the bull.
Kartikeya rides a peacock, while Shiva has snakes around his neck.
Ganesha has a mouse as his vehicle, which could be a meal for the snakes.
Yet, they all live together without conflict. This teaches us that ideological differences may exist, but there should be no division of hearts. Harmony in diversity is what makes a place a true “Shivalaya” (abode of Shiva).
Those who consume nectar become devas (gods), but those who drink poison for the welfare of the world become Mahadev (the greatest god). Everyone desires nectar, but no one wants to accept poison. However, without accepting poison, one cannot have nectar. Means, without enduring hardships, one cannot attain greatness. The truth is, problems persist only as long as we fear or avoid them. When we confront challenges with determination, even the greatest obstacles become small.
To detach from worldly pleasures and embrace life’s adversities is to become Mahadev, to attain Shivatva.
To cultivate this selfless spirit, we must continuously remind ourselves of “Shivoham” (I am Shiva) with every breath. This does not require abandoning family or society—only a shift in mindset.
In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, we often complain about not having time. The solution is simple: time is never given, it must be taken.
With the prayer “Tanme Manah Shiva Sankalpam Astu” (May my mind be filled with Shiva’s noble resolve), I wish for everyone to attain the blessings of Shivatva.
Vaibhavi Mehta
Surat, Gujarat