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The Concept of Shiva in Himalayan Region With Special Reference to Himachal Pradesh, Indrani Chakravarti, Department of Performing and Visual Arts, HPU, Shimla – 5

Shiva has been considered the protector as well as the destroyer of the universe in India’s traditional culture.  A number of myths, lores and songs are dedicated to Lord Shiva. In Vedic period, Rudra was renamed as Shiva; hence the common people accepted the Rudra-Shiva Theory and worshipped Him as their Principal Deity. Vedic God Rudra (Shiva) was accepted with different names in different parts of Himachal. Shiva temples abound in Himachal. Some of these temples are ancient, some are big and some are built for Lord Shiva assimilated with other deities. It is pertinent to mention that there are five villages in Himachal Pradesh where Rudra is still worshippeds with His original name and form. Since time immemorial, the Holy Kailash, Mansarover, Kinnar Kailash, Mani Mahesh and Dhauladhar mountains are considered to be the symbols of spirituality for Indians. The peaks of Kinnar Kailash and Mani Mahesh are accepted as the natural Shiva Lingas like Kailash and Mansarovar of Tibet. The important centres of Shiva cult in Himachal Pradesh are Brahmaur and Sahu in Chamba, Baijnath in Kangra, temples in Mandi, Bajaura in Kullu and Hatkoti and Balag in Shimla district. Shiva is known by many names in Himachal Pradesh. The most popular name is Mahadev. The objectives of the study were to view Shiva concept in philosophical context; to conduct a psychological study of the Shiva concept and to study socio-cultural aspects of concept of Shiva in Himachal Pradesh.  In the study it was conceptualized that Shiva represents the perpetual dance of creation.  Shiva devours, transforms and recreates.  He is the eternal symbol of fluidity of the universe.  An effort has also been made in the study to document the rituals, folk songs and folklores related to Shiva.  The study reveals that there is hardly any period found that has not spoken on the concept of Shiva because of the tremendous impact of the Shiva-Tatva on the people of Himachal Pradesh.

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