Manifestations of Lord Shiva - Vamadeva Murti

4. Vamadeva Mukha Murti

During the 20th Kalpa, known as Raktakalpa, the manifestation of Lord Shiva took place with Red complexion. This manifestation os known as Vamadeva. The direction of this face is north. This face represents Lord Shiva's Power of Preservation.


Following murtis are considered to be originated from Vamadeva murti.

(a) Kankala Murti (Gangala Murti)

This manifestation of Lord Shiva highlights him as destroyer of evil forces.

In this form, he wears bones and skulls as ornaments and dances in high spirits.

This manifestation of Lord Shiva is discussed in detail at the time of destruction of whole universe. This form of Lord Shiva is rarely worshiped. 

The idol is found at Uthrapathishwara Swami temple in Thiruchengattankudi in Tamil Nadu.

Photo Source: 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kankalamurti#/media/File:Kankalamurti.jpg (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kankalamurti)
2.http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/44806109.jpg

(b) Chakradhara Murti

According to Shiva Purana, Sudarshan Chakra was given by Lord Shiva to Lord Vishnu. The murti depicting the scene is known as Chakradhara Murti.

Lord Vishnu, who is the protector of the universe, meditated on Lord Shiva and did penance to obtain a powerful weapon. He offered 999 or 1007 lotus flower to Lord Shiva but could not find the 1000th or 1008th lotus (reader may come across different numerical numbers). Hence he offered his own eye* as the final flower. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva gave the Sudarshan Chakra to Lord Vishnu.

The literary meaning of Sudarshan (Su + Darshan) is Good-Vision which justifies the above legend. 

Vishnu’s Eligibility / Devotion & Shiva’s Reciprocation
(*Beautiful Nayan/ Eyes are known as Kamal-Nayan/ Lotus-Eyed. Pictorial representation instead of Murti.)
Photo Source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/fSoEqZJ82xg/T7jILn9NLJI/AAAAAAAACbo/
1hUgfIeoczc/s1600/ShivaVishnuSudarshanChakra.jpg
(http://hindumythologybynarin.blogspot.ae/
2012/05/lord-vishnu-receives-sudarshan-chakra.html?view=magazine)

(c) Chandikeshwar Murti

This manifestation has been discussed in our earlier blog. 
(http://shrisainathmaharajtrust-sharing.blogspot.com/2016/08/chandikeshwara.html)

(d) Gajantika Murti

In this manifestation Lord Shiva bestowed his grace on Indra's Mount i.e. the Elephant Airawat. 

Hence in this idol, Lord Shiva is seen with the Elephant Airawat. 

Photo Source: http://indianmandirs.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-world-heritage-place-of.html

(e) Ekapada Murti

In this manifestation Lord Shiva is seen standing on one leg. 

This idol represents the manifestation of Lord Shiva in which he destroys all beings (i.e. destruction of the universe).

In this form he had Lord Brahma on one side and Lord Vishnu on the other.

This aspect is mainly found in southern India, Odisha and occasionally in Rajasthan and Nepal.

In this form, Lord Shiva is often accompanied by ascetics (sages). This emphasizes His connection to severe penance and being a universal teacher. 

Photo Source:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekapada
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekapada#/media/File:Ekapada_shiva.jpg
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekapada#/media/File:Ekapada.JPG
3. https://aryayogi.wordpress.com/2014/03/11/ekapada-shiva-an-unusual-yogic-form/

Ekapada Shiva – An Unusual Yogic Form