Tapestry with Lord Shiva in purple

Indian wall hanging with Hindu god Shiva in purple. The tapestry shows Shiva sitting in meditation, surrounded by a decorative border and an Om sign in all four corners.

Dimensions: approx. 210×230 cm

Material: 100 % cotton

Shiva is one of the most important gods in Hinduism and has many epithets, including Mahadeva or Vishwanatha.

In Shivaism, Shiva is considered by believers as the god of ascetics and meditation. Shiva is considered the father of Ganesha and the husband of Parvati. Shiva belongs to the Trimurti, the ‘Hindu trinity’. This consists of Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the preserver and Shiva, the destroyer.

Shiva is depicted and worshipped in various forms: the powerful Hindu god is often shown young and beautiful, with fair skin. Shiva has long hair and a pinned-up hairstyle, which crowns a crescent moon. According to legend, the sacred river Ganga rises from his head. His eyes are usually half open, symbolizing a deep, meditative state.

Around his neck, Shiva wears a snake, the cobra. In his hands he usually has a trident or a drum.

In seated form, Shiva is depicted immersed in meditation. He is often accompanied by his mount, the bull Nandi, or his sons, Skanda and Ganesha.

The depiction of ‘dancing Shiva’ also gives him the epithet ‘king of dance’. Here Shiva is in the cosmic dance, destroying the universe and at the same time always creating it anew. In this form Shiva often has several arms, e.g. 4 or 8 pieces. His hands in this position show various sacred gestures or carry symbolic objects such as a fire or a drum.