The Somaskanda Murthy, a revered form of Lord Shiva, showcases a divine family trio that embodies profound spiritual significance. Among many forms of Lord Shiva, the Somaskanda Murthy holds a special place, celebrated for its portrayal of divine familial harmony. It captures the family emotion: Lord Shiva with his consort Parvati and their son Skanda. This depiction not only reflects love and parenthood but also the sacred unity within the divine family.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Somaskanda Murthy, a revered form of Lord Shiva, is typically depicted in a seated posture with Parvati and Skanda. This portrayal has been esteemed in the Tamil region for centuries, with evidence of its veneration dating back to the 7th century CE. Stone panels featuring Somaskanda have been discovered in temples across Tondai Naadu, especially around Kanchipuram.
During the Chola period, which began in the 9th century CE, Somaskanda was prominently represented in bronze statues, marking a significant evolution in its artistic depiction. These bronze images, often exquisitely detailed, reflect the rich artistic heritage of the Chola dynasty.
Symbolism of Somaskanda Murthy
The term “Somaskanda” is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Soma" (Moon) and "Skanda" (the general of the gods, also known as Murugan). Thus, Somaskanda Murthy symbolizes a confluence of divine energies. This form of Lord Shiva signifies the harmonious union of cosmic forces, encompassing creation, preservation, and destruction, along with familial love and support. This form of Lord Shiva is also known as Sachithanantham.
In the Somaskanda Murthy representation, Lord Shiva is typically depicted in a seated posture, often on a lotus or a throne. He is shown alongside Uma (Parvati), who is usually positioned on his left side. Their son, Murugan, is placed either on Shiva's lap or beside him, creating a tableau that emphasizes the divine family’s unity.
Legend of Somaskanda Murthy
According to legend, Vishnu desired a child and worshipped Shiva at Tiruvarur, resulting in the birth of his son, Kaama. However, Parvati was upset that she wasn’t involved in the worship and cursed that Shiva would burn their child to death. Realizing the curse, Vishnu created a combined image of Shiva, Uma, and Skanda, known as Somaskanda, symbolizing fertility, and worshipped it. Parvati, moved by Vishnu’s devotion, lifted the curse, allowing Kaama to survive and ensure the continuity of the human race by creating attraction between males and females.
Somaskanda typically depicts Shiva seated with Parvati to his left and Skanda between them. This form is commonly the processional image of Shiva in Saivite temples, with a shrine dedicated to Utsavamurthy Somaskanda. A unique representation of Somaskanda, known as Tyagaraja, is found in select temples, notably at Tiruvarur.
Temples you can see the divine Somaskanda Murthy
If you wish to witness the revered form of Somaskanda Murthy, here are some sacred temples you should visit:
- Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai
- Ekambreswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
- Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, Andhra Pradesh
- Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
- Atiranachanda Cave Temple, Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
Visiting these sacred sites provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the divine presence of Somaskanda Murthi, experiencing the spiritual energy and cultural richness that these temples embody.