SHIVA AND SHAKTI

Shiva and Shakti (Acrylic on canvas, 12 x 16 in)

Indian mythology is deeply rooted in symbolism. One of the more commonly seen Hindu symbols is the 'Tilak', meaning a mark in Sanskrit. One can often see saints and priests across India sporting this spiritually rooted mark on their foreheads, between their eyebrows.  According to the Hindu mythology, this location is special as it is considered to be the location for the third eye. This mythical third eye at the site of the Pineal gland is associated with higher perception and the end of illusion. Shiva is said to open this eye only at the time of destruction of the world at the end of its cycle before its recreation by Brahma.

'Shiva and Shakti' is my interpretation of the Tilak. It represents the merging of the conscious and unconscious minds into a single entity that awakens the third eye to release energy and end illusions.  I interpret this sign as the duality of Yin and Yang. The white horizontal lines is the male semen and represents the nectar of life- the Shiva. The vertical red contour is the female menstrual blood flow which represents the essence of life- the Shakti. In this painted interpretation, Tilak is the union of male and female principles, a fusion of the energies of Shiva and Shakti that releases the spirit of vitality. The fusion of the Yin and Yang energies can create, preserve and destroy life. The entire Universe revolves around the Shiva and Shakti. 

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