4 Explanations of Why Lord Shiva Has Moon on His Head?
Lord Shiva is one of the most mysterious, revered, and, dare we say, stylish gods in the Hindu religion. So, what is the significance behind the crescent moon on his head? Let’s explore the mythology and symbolism of the crescent moon on Shiva’s forehead.
Lord Shiva Has Moon On His Head to Cool His Body Temperature.
According to the Bhagavata Purana, Mahabharata, and Vishnu Purana, Lord Shiva, drank the poison (Halahala) that was produced as a result of Samudra Manthan, which was done to produce Amrit (potion of immortality). Had Lord Shiva not drank the position, it would have been the end of creation.
After drinking the poison, the throat of Lord Shiva turned blue (Neelkanth), and his body temperature began to rise rapidly. In an effort to cool down, he placed the moon on his head, as the moon has a cool and calming effect. This cooling and calming energy of the moon is also said to control Lord Shiva’s temper.
The crescent moon on Lord Shiva’s forehead thus symbolizes the sacrifice he made for creation.
Lord Shiva Has Moon On His Head to Represent the Waxing and Waning of the Moon
Hindu mythology says that the moon god Chandra was married to 27 daughters of Prajapati Daksh, but he seemed to favor Rohini the most. This made the other 26 wives complain about Chandra to their father, Prajapati Daksh. Despite being warned by Daksh, Chandra did not mend his ways, and Daksh cursed him that his light will fade away.
Since the moon controls a lot of the aspects of life on Earth, Lord Brahma suggested the moon god pray to Lord Shiva and lift the curse. After Chandra had meditated for six months, Lord Shiva showed up and offered to grant him a wish. The curse could not be lifted completely, but there was a middle ground.
Lord Shiva placed the crescent moon on his head and explained that during the Krishna Paksha (Fornite after the full moon), the moon would wane, and during the Shukla Paksha (Fornite before the full moon), it will wax, thus restoring balance.
It is believed that the place where Chandra meditated is now the Somnath jyotirlinga. Somnath or Someshwar Means lord of the moon.
The Crescent Moon on Lord Shiva’s Head Represents His Ability to Control Time
Lord Shiva has different names that represent different personalities and powers. He is also known as Mahakaal, which means beyond time. Lord Shiva has the ability to control time, and this is represented by his ability to control the waxing and waning of the moon.
The Crescent Moon on Lord Shiva’s Head Represents Mastery of the Mind
Lord Shiva is also known as the Adiyogi-meaning the first yogi, which means that he has complete control over his mind and experiences an intoxicated state without indulging in substances.
The yogic culture defines different energy centers known as Chakras in the human body, and out of the 7, Sahasrara and Ajna correspond to ecstasy and stability/pleasure. Now how does this relate to the moon on Shiva’s forehead?
Moon is also known as Soma, which is another name for a vedic drink as mentioned in the Rig Veda and the Bhagwat Gita. The Soma or the Somras is said to have ecstatic effects and also the bringer of immortality. Also, the moon represents rapid changes, which is a reflection of our minds.
Shiva, due to his mastery of yoga, is the perfect embodiment of stability, pleasure, and unhindered ecstasy, without being drunk or on substances. Thus, the moon on Shiva’s forehead is a symbol of his ability to control his mind and remain in ecstasy, brought on by the mastery of yoga.
Conclusion
Lord Shiva depicts the masculine supreme and brings a certain calm to this chaotic world. He is the destroyer of all that is evil. The crescent moon on his head is representative of a number of things, some based on legends, some based on properties of the moon, and others on the foundation of yoga. No matter which interpretation you choose to believe, we must aspire to inculcate qualities of Bholenaath in us.