Sambodhi 2009 Vol 32

Author(s): J B Shah, K M patel
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 55

SOME ASPECTS OF SAIVISM
Rabindra Kumar Panda
With its origin in the Pre-Vedic society and on account of its continuity over the ages, Saivism occupies a unique position in the religious life of the Indian people. The worship of Sivalinga as the phallus and observance of the Saiva festivals are common religious phenomena in every Hindu village. He enjoys the distinction of being adored by all irrespective of castes and creed-the Dānavas, Yakşas, Ganas, Kinnaras, Rākṣasas, Guhyas, Devas and so on.
The archeological remains unearthed from the proto historic sites of the Indus valley prove the existence of the cult among the pre-Aryan people of India. The qualities and features attributed to Śiva in Indus period are noticed in nucleus form in the seals and objects recovered from the Indus sites. Śiva here is represented as seated in a yogic posture surrounded by animals and having three visible faces with two horns. This clearly explains the later conception of Śiva as a Yogin and Pasupati. In the view of Marshall, saivism and Śaktism commingled with animism formed the religion of Indus people?
In the Rgveda we come across the description of several natural phenomena both in benevolent and malevolent aspects. The Aryans conceived the Sun, Mitra, Varuna, Indra, etc. in their benevolent aspects and the dreadful phenomena in Rudra who went about howling with stormy winds. "The dreadful phenomena are attributed to the wrath of a god, which, however, can be appeased by prayer, praise and offerings. Then the god becomes Śiva or the benign. This appears to be the natural process by which a belief in such a god as Rudra-Śiva became established in India in ancient times." In the Rgveda, Rudra is described as Kapardin (with matted hair), reddish brown in complexion and in multiform, strong limbed, terrible and tawny. He is three-eyed, clothed in animal skin4. This indicates his destructive character. As such to appease the God, hymns were prescribed in the Rgveda in the forms of prayer and praise. The Taittirīya Samhitä distinguishes his