Shiva, also known as Bhola Shankar, has a deep connection with the number 3. Everything related to Lord Shiva is tied to this number, which is believed to be very auspicious. The planet governing this number is Jupiter, whose deity is Vishnu, making the number 3 very sacred in Hinduism. 🕉️✨
Shiva's Worship and the Number 3In Hindu scriptures, days are divided into four parts, known as "praharas." The third prahara, or evening time, is especially dear to Lord Shiva. This period is known as "Pradosh Kala," and worshipping Shiva during this time brings significant benefits. The bilva leaf offered to the Shiva lingam has three leaves, representing the three main gods - Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. 🍃🙏
Tripura Tale: The Mythological Significance of ThreeAccording to the Shiva Purana, three demons created three flying cities called Tripura, making them invincible. These cities flew in different directions, and the demons would wreak havoc and then retreat to their cities. These cities could only be destroyed if they aligned in a straight line, which rarely happened. The gods, troubled by the demons, sought Shiva's help. 🚀🔱
Shiva as TripurariTo protect the gods, Shiva used the Earth as his chariot, with the Sun and Moon as its wheels. The serpent Adishesha became the bow, and Vishnu transformed into an arrow. One day, when the three cities aligned, Shiva shot an arrow, destroying them instantly. After burning the cities, Shiva smeared their ashes on his body and was called Tripurari, the destroyer of Tripura. Since then, the number 3 has held special importance in Shiva's worship. 🌌🔥
Trishul: Shiva's Favorite WeaponThe trident, or Trishul, is Shiva's favored weapon, symbolizing his connection to the number 3. The three prongs represent the three realms - heaven, earth, and the underworld. In various scriptures, the Trishul is associated with the three qualities of tamas (darkness), rajas (activity), and sattva (purity). ⚔️🌟
Trinetra: Shiva's Third EyeShiva is often depicted with three eyes, earning him the name Trinetra. When Shiva opens his third eye, it is believed to destroy all evil on Earth. His third eye symbolizes wisdom, spiritual knowledge, and the ability to see beyond the physical realm. 👁️💥
Tripundra: The Three StripesShiva's forehead is adorned with three horizontal lines of holy ash, known as Tripundra. These lines symbolize self-preservation, self-promotion, and self-realization. They represent the three goals of life - creation, preservation, and destruction. 💫🕊️
Bilva Leaves: Sacred OfferingBilva leaves, with their three joined leaflets, are always used in Shiva's worship. They represent the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Offering Bilva leaves to Shiva is considered incomplete without them. 🌿💖
