Shiva's Statue in Drakensberg

 On the 30th April my family had planned a trip to Drakensberg to visit the Shiva's statue. We had arrived at our destination at Dragon's peak at 9:45am, just in time when the asharam would be open which is at 10:00am. This is how the Shiva statue visit went. 

Shiva Statue

This is the Shiva statue, a worshipped God in the Hindsuim Culture, he is portrayed as the destroyer, supreme Lord and transformer of the universe. Shiva is visually seen as blue due to the poison he had consumed when having to save the universe he had consumed a lethal substance called Halahala.

The view from Dragon's Peak

This was the captivating view of the mountains at Dragons Peak when visiting the Shiva's statue, the scenery is beautiful and has a relaxing mood set.

Ganesha 

This is Ganesha, the remover of obstacles therefore is always worshipped first before any event,ceremony or prayer can be performed or take place. Ganesha is offered a ladoo or modak  as he is fond of it especially for its sweetness but it is believed that the traditional sweet brings prosperity and represents his victory of superiority. 

Offering of the milk to the Shivling

This is my sister and my family offering milk to the Shivling as it is believed that when Shiva consumed the poison and secured it in his neck, to save the univserse from a disaster the milk is offered over the shivling considered akin to a poison. Pouring milk on the Shivling is seen to be purifying ones energy and inspires positive energy. The pouring of milk over the Shivling happens after praying to the Ganesha.

Shivling

The Shivling  represents Shiva for the generative power of existence, creativity, and fertility.The Shivling is commonly found made out of stone, clay, marble or even cowdung.

The Mother 

Then we proceeded to the cow.The cow is seen as a mother to the Hindu religion, it is seen as divine and considered an essence of the Goddess Gau Mata. In the image I am seen whispering in the ear of the cow, I was taught from small by my paternal grandmother that you should whisper your prayers, wishes or even a secret to the mother to answer your prayer, it is like confronting with your mother situation. 

Jai Hanuman

This is the Hanuman statue which is worshipped after the cow. Worshipping Hanuman is seen achieving success,peace and strength.

Me Worshipping Lord Shiva

This is an image of myself worshipping the Lord Shiva statue that just calms you and puts you into a whole different mindset when worshipping him, you feel like its just you and him having like a meditation session together. I admired the drapping of the sari, garlands and the sculpturing of the Shiva as well as the vibrants that the colours bring out in the statue.