The form of Lord Shiva is as mysterious as it is profound. Ganga on his head, the moon on his forehead, a snake around his neck, a trident in his hand, and a tiger skin on his body—all these are part of his unique yogic form. Shiva is called Digambar, meaning he is free from clothes. Yet, he is always seen wrapped in tiger skin.
The Tale of Darukavan: Encounter with the Rishis
According to a mythological tale, once Lord Shiva, in his Digambar state, was passing through Darukavan while begging for alms. This forest was the abode of ascetics, where many Rishis resided with their families. When Shiva arrived there, the wives of the Rishis were mesmerized by his radiant and divine form. They started following him.
Seeing this scene, the Rishis became extremely angry. They felt that this was some illusionary man who was bewildering their wives. In anger, they used their demonic power to create a fierce tiger and unleashed it upon Shiva.
Shiva's Victory Over the Tiger
That tiger was extremely ferocious and pounced on Shiva. But Shiva is Bholenath, the lord of all powers in the universe. He effortlessly caught the tiger, skinned it, and wore the same skin on his body. Seeing this sight, the Rishis realized their mistake and begged Shiva for forgiveness.
Shiva's Garments Are Not Just Clothes, But Messages
The tiger skin is not just Shiva's attire; it is a profound symbol. It is indicative of the spiritual power and control that sets Shiva apart from all other deities. Let us understand the hidden meaning behind it.
The Tiger as a Symbol of Lust and Anger
In Hindu tradition, the tiger is considered a symbol of cruelty, power, lust, and violence. Shiva defeating the tiger and wearing its skin signifies that he has achieved complete victory over these Tamoguni (dark/ignorant) forces. He is beyond vices such as lust, attachment, and anger.
An Indication of Detachment
Shiva is not attached to the world. He lives on mountains, applies ashes, and remains immersed only in meditation. His wearing of tiger skin shows that he is free from material pleasures, clothes, and ostentation. This is his detachment, which makes him the Yogi of yogis.
Symbol of Control Over Power
The tiger is considered the king of the jungle - fast, powerful, and independent. Shiva wearing the tiger skin symbolizes that he is capable of controlling all the powers of nature. He is not only invincible by the strength of yoga but also has control over external forces.
The Profound Meaning of the Digambar Form
Shiva's being unclothed is not an indecent thing, but rather a symbol of consciousness raised above the universe. He is beyond the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. His form conveys the message that when a person attains enlightenment, he does not need any external clothing or identity.
The Ignorance of the Rishis and Its End
The tale of Darukavan is not just a playful episode, but it also illustrates that when a person is immersed in ego and ignorance, he cannot even recognize the form of God. Shiva not only exposed the ignorance of the Rishis but also showed them the path to true knowledge through his divine form.
