Guardians of Time: Unveiling the History of Mahadev

Mahadev’s Cosmic Role

Mahadev, also known as Shiva, is one of the most revered and worshipped deities in Hinduism. He is the supreme lord of the universe, the destroyer of evil, the source of all auspiciousness, and the master of yoga and meditation. He is also the guardian of time, the one who transcends the limitations of temporal existence and controls the cosmic cycles of creation, preservation, and dissolution. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of Mahadev as the guardian of time, and how his timeless presence inspires and guides millions of devotees across the world.

Mahadev’s role as the guardian of time is closely related to his role in the cosmic order. According to Hindu cosmology, the universe undergoes periodic cycles of creation and destruction, known as Kalpas. Each Kalpa consists of four Yugas, or ages, namely Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali. Each Yuga has a different duration, quality, and level of morality. The current Kalpa is called Shvetavaraha Kalpa, and the current Yuga is Kali Yuga, the age of darkness and ignorance.

Mahadev is the one who initiates and ends each Kalpa, by opening and closing his third eye, which represents his power of destruction and regeneration. He is also the one who maintains the balance and harmony of the universe, by destroying the forces of evil and ignorance, and by bestowing grace and wisdom upon the righteous and the seekers. He is the lord of the Trimurti, the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, who are responsible for the creation, preservation, and dissolution of the universe, respectively. He is also the lord of the five elements, namely earth, water, fire, air, and ether, which constitute the material reality.

Mahadev’s connection to time is also evident in his association with the concept of Kaala, or eternal time, which is different from Kala, or temporal time. Kaala is the absolute and unchanging reality, which transcends the cycles of birth and death, and which is the essence of Mahadev’s nature. Kala, on the other hand, is the relative and changing reality, which is subject to the laws of causation and karma, and which is the domain of Mahadev’s manifestation. Mahadev is the one who bridges the gap between Kaala and Kala, by granting liberation and enlightenment to those who seek his refuge.

Iconography and Symbolism

Mahadev’s iconography and symbolism reflect his role as the guardian of time. He is often depicted with symbols and attributes that are related to time, such as:

• The crescent moon on his head, which represents the waxing and waning of time, and the cycles of life and death.
• The snake around his neck, which symbolizes the eternity and infinity of time, and the power of transformation and renewal.
• The trident in his hand, which signifies the three aspects of time, past, present, and future, and the three functions of the Trimurti, creation, preservation, and dissolution.
• The drum in his hand, which denotes the rhythm and vibration of time, and the sound of the cosmic creation, known as Om or Aum.
• The ashes on his body, which indicate the impermanence and transience of time, and the detachment from the worldly illusions.
• The third eye on his forehead, which signifies the vision and knowledge of time, and the ability to destroy and create with a glance.

Mahadev’s symbolic representations of time are also evident in his various forms and manifestations, such as:

• Nataraja, the lord of dance, who performs the cosmic dance of creation and destruction, and who embodies the dynamic and cyclic nature of time.
• Ardhanarishvara, the half-male and half-female form, who represents the balance and harmony of time, and the union of the opposites, such as Shiva and Shakti, or consciousness and energy.
• Mahakala, the lord of time, who is the fierce and terrifying form, who devours time and everything in it, and who is the ultimate reality beyond time.
• Dakshinamurthy, the teacher of the south, who is the calm and serene form, who imparts the wisdom and secrets of time, and who is the supreme guru of yoga and meditation.

Historical Narratives

Mahadev’s control over time is also highlighted in his stories and legends, which are found in various Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas, the Puranas, the Epics, and the Tantras. Some of these stories are:

• The story of Mahadev’s marriage to Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya, who is the embodiment of Shakti, or the divine energy. Parvati was the reincarnation of Sati, Mahadev’s first wife, who immolated herself in protest of her father Daksha’s disrespect towards Mahadev. Mahadev was grief-stricken and withdrew from the world, meditating in the Himalayas. Parvati, who was born with a love for Mahadev, performed severe penance to win his heart. Mahadev tested her devotion and purity by sending various obstacles and temptations, but Parvati remained steadfast and faithful. Mahadev finally accepted her as his consort, and they were married with the blessings of the gods and sages. This story illustrates Mahadev’s mastery over time, as he transcended the sorrow of losing Sati, and reunited with her in a new form, Parvati. It also shows his compassion and grace, as he rewarded Parvati’s perseverance and devotion with his love and protection.
• The story of Mahadev’s drinking of the Halahala, the deadly poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean of milk, or Samudra Manthan. The gods and the demons, who were engaged in a war for supremacy, decided to cooperate and churn the ocean of milk, in order to obtain the nectar of immortality, or Amrita. They used the serpent Vasuki as the rope, and the mountain Mandara as the churning rod, and began the churning process. However, before the nectar emerged, a stream of poison came out, which threatened to destroy the universe. None of the gods or the demons were willing or able to consume the poison, and they appealed to Mahadev for help. Mahadev, who is the protector of the universe, agreed to drink the poison, but he did not swallow it, and instead held it in his throat, which turned blue. This earned him the name Neelakantha, or the blue-throated one. This story demonstrates Mahadev’s control over time, as he prevented the annihilation of the universe, and preserved the cosmic order. It also shows his courage and sacrifice, as he risked his life to save the creation.
• The story of Mahadev’s burning of Kamadeva, the god of love, who tried to disturb his meditation. Kamadeva was sent by the gods, who were worried about the impending threat of the demon Tarakasura, who had obtained a boon that he could only be killed by the son of Mahadev and Parvati. However, Mahadev was immersed in deep meditation, and Parvati was unable to approach him. The gods decided to use Kamadeva’s arrows, which could induce desire and attraction in anyone, to awaken Mahadev from his trance, and make him fall in love with Parvati. Kamadeva, who was reluctant but obedient, shot his arrow at Mahadev, who was sitting on Mount Kailash. Mahadev, who sensed the disturbance, opened his third eye, and released a fire that reduced Kamadeva to ashes. This story shows Mahadev’s control over time, as he resisted the influence of Kamadeva, and remained detached from the worldly temptations. It also shows his power and wrath, as he punished Kamadeva for his audacity.

Timelessness in Worship

Mahadev’s eternal nature is also emphasized in his worship and devotion, which are expressed in various rituals and practices, such as:

• The offering of Bilva leaves, which are trifoliate and have medicinal properties, to Mahadev’s lingam, which is the symbol of his formless and timeless essence. The Bilva leaves represent the three aspects of time, past, present, and future, and the three functions of the Trimurti, creation, preservation, and dissolution. The offering of Bilva leaves signifies the surrender of one’s ego and karma to Mahadev, and the attainment of his blessings and grace.
• The chanting of the Mahamrityunjaya mantra, which is one of the most powerful and sacred mantras in Hinduism, and which invokes Mahadev as the conqueror of death and the giver of life. The mantra is:

“Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat”

Meaning: We worship the three-eyed one, Who is fragrant and nourishes all beings. As the ripened cucumber is freed from its bondage, May he liberate us from death for the sake of immortality.

The chanting of the Mahamrityunjaya mantra signifies the invocation of Mahadev’s power to overcome the fear of death and the bondage of time, and to attain his eternal bliss and peace.

• The observance of the Maha Shivaratri, which is the great night of Mahadev, and which falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. On this auspicious night, devotees fast, stay awake, and perform various rituals, such as bathing the lingam with milk, honey, water, and other substances, offering flowers, fruits, incense, and lamps, and reciting hymns, prayers, and mantras, in honor of Mahadev. The Maha Shivaratri commemorates various events in Mahadev’s history, such as his marriage to Parvati, his drinking of the Halahala, his performance of the cosmic dance, and his manifestation as the lingam. The observance of the Maha Shivaratri signifies the devotion and dedication of the devotees to Mahadev, and their aspiration to merge with his timeless and formless essence.

Mahadev’s association with time is also evident in his temples and sacred sites, which are spread across India and other parts of the world. Some of these temples and sites are:

• The Jyotirlingas, which are the 12 self-manifested and most sacred lingams of Mahadev, and which represent his infinite and radiant nature. The Jyotirlingas are located in various places, such as Somnath, Kedarnath, Rameshwaram, Varanasi, Ujjain, and Nashik. Each Jyotirlinga has a unique history and significance, and attracts millions of pilgrims every year.
• The Kailash Mansarovar, which is the abode of Mahadev and Parvati, and which is situated in the Himalayas, near the border of India and Tibet. The Kailash Mansarovar consists of the Mount Kailash, which is the highest and most sacred peak in the world, and the Lake Mansarovar, which is the largest and most sacred lake in the world. The Kailash Mansarovar is considered to be the center of the universe, and the source of four major rivers, namely the Indus, the Brahmaputra, the Sutlej, and the Karnali. The Kailash Mansarovar is also the destination of one of the most challenging and rewarding pilgrimages, known as the Kailash Parikrama, or the circumambulation of the mountain.

Philosophical Perspectives

Mahadev’s role as the guardian of time is also reflected in his philosophical teachings and discussions, which are found in various Hindu schools of thought, such as the Vedanta, the Yoga, the Shaivism, and the Tantra. Some of these teachings and discussions are:

• The concept of Maya, or the illusion of time and space, which is the cause of suffering and ignorance, and which veils the true nature of reality, which is Brahman, or the supreme consciousness. Mahadev is the one who dispels Maya, by revealing his true nature, which is Sat-Chit-Ananda, or existence-consciousness-bliss, and by granting the knowledge of the self, or Atman, which is identical to Brahman. Mahadev is also the one who creates Maya, by projecting his Shakti, or the divine energy, which manifests as the diversity and multiplicity of the universe. Mahadev is thus the lord of Maya, who can create and destroy it at will, and who can liberate the seekers from its bondage.
• The concept of Lila, or the divine play, which is the expression of Mahadev’s joy and creativity, and which is the purpose of the cosmic creation. Mahadev is the one who performs Lila, by assuming various forms and roles, and by engaging in various activities and interactions, with the gods, the sages, the demons, the animals, and the humans. Mahadev is also the one who enjoys Lila, by witnessing and participating in the drama and the spectacle of the universe, and by experiencing the emotions and sensations of the creation. Mahadev is thus the lord of Lila, who can initiate and end it at will, and who can invite the devotees to join him in his play.

Devotee Experiences

Mahadev’s transcendence of time is also manifested in his devotee experiences, which are narrated in various Hindu scriptures, such as the Shiva Purana, the Shiva Mahimna Stotra, the Shiva Sahasranama, and the Shiva Sutras. Some of these experiences are:

• The experience of Markandeya, who was a devout worshipper of Mahadev, and who was destined to die at the age of 16, due to a curse. Markandeya, who was aware of his fate, spent his last day in worshipping Mahadev, and embraced the lingam, when the god of death, Yama, arrived to take his life. Yama threw his noose around Markandeya, but it also encircled the lingam, which angered Mahadev, who emerged from the lingam, and kicked Yama, and saved Markandeya. Mahadev then blessed Markandeya with immortality, and made him his devotee forever. This experience shows Mahadev’s transcendence of time, as he overruled the law of death, and granted eternal life to Markandeya. It also shows his love and compassion, as he responded to Markandeya’s faith and devotion, and protected him from harm.
• The experience of Ravana, who was a powerful king of Lanka, and who was an ardent devotee of Mahadev, and who composed the Shiva Tandava Stotra, or the hymn of the cosmic dance of Mahadev. Ravana, who was ambitious and arrogant, decided to uproot the Mount Kailash, and take it to his kingdom, as a symbol of his devotion and might. He lifted the mountain with his hands, but Mahadev, who was displeased with his act, pressed the mountain with his toe, and trapped Ravana under it. Ravana, who was in great pain and distress, realized his folly, and begged for Mahadev’s forgiveness, by singing the Shiva Tandava Stotra, which praised Mahadev’s beauty, power, and grace. Mahadev, who was moved by Ravana’s repentance and devotion, released him from his captivity, and bestowed his blessings and boons upon him. This experience shows Mahadev’s transcendence of time, as he humbled the pride of Ravana, and taught him the lesson of humility and surrender. It also shows his mercy and generosity, as he forgave Ravana’s offense, and rewarded his praise and worship.

Mahadev’s Consorts and Time

Mahadev’s relationship with time is also explored in his relationship with his consorts, who are the manifestations of his Shakti, or the divine energy, and who complement and complete his aspects and attributes. Some of his consorts and their connection to time are:

• Parvati, who is the daughter of the mountain, and who is the embodiment of love, beauty, and devotion. Parvati is the consort of Mahadev’s benevolent and auspicious form, and she represents the aspect of time that is gentle, nurturing, and creative. Parvati is the mother of Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and Kartikeya, the commander of the gods, and she is the source of joy and happiness for Mahadev and his devotees.
• Kali, who is the dark and fierce goddess, and who is the embodiment of destruction, power, and liberation. Kali is the consort of Mahadev’s terrifying and wrathful form, and she represents the aspect of time that is harsh, violent, and transformative. Kali is the slayer of demons, the protector of the righteous, and the liberator of the souls, and she is the force of change and renewal for Mahadev and his devotees.
• Durga, who is the invincible and radiant goddess, and who is the embodiment of courage, strength, and victory. Durga is the consort of Mahadev’s heroic and valiant form, and she represents the aspect of time that is challenging, adventurous, and rewarding. Durga is the vanquisher of evil, the defender of the universe, and the bestower of blessings and boons, and she is the inspiration and motivation for Mahadev and his devotees.

Temporal Dimensions in Mahadev’s Epithets

Mahadev’s association with time is also reflected in his various names and epithets, which are related to time, and which convey his temporal concepts and dimensions. Some of these names and epithets are:

• Mahadev, which means the great god, and which signifies his supremacy and greatness over time and everything else.
• Shiva, which means the auspicious one, and which denotes his benevolence and grace towards time and his devotees.
• Rudra, which means the fierce one, and which indicates his power and wrath over time and his enemies.
• Shankara, which means the benefactor, and which implies his generosity and kindness towards time and his worshippers.
• Bholenath, which means the simple lord, and which suggests his innocence and simplicity towards time and his devotees.
• Maheshwara, which means the lord of the lords, and which expresses his authority and sovereignty over time and the universe.
• Mahakala, which means the lord of time, and which reveals his transcendence and control over time and its cycles.
• Mahayogi, which means the great yogi, and which manifests his mastery and detachment over time and its illusions.
• Mahamrityunjaya, which means the conqueror of death, and which demonstrates his victory and liberation over time and its limitations.

Mahadev in Different Yugas

Mahadev’s presence and influence in different cosmic ages, or Yugas, is also evident in his history and mythology, which are recorded in various Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas, the Puranas, the Epics, and the Tantras. Some of his roles and activities in different Yugas are:

• In Satya Yuga, or the age of truth, Mahadev was the first teacher and preacher of the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of Hinduism, which contain the eternal and universal knowledge of reality. He taught the Vedas to the four Kumaras, the mind-born sons of Brahma, who were the first sages and seers of the universe. He also taught the Vedas to the seven Rishis, or the sages of the constellation of Ursa Major, who were the progenitors and guardians of the human race. He also taught the Vedas to his own son, Skanda, or Kartikeya, who became the leader and teacher of the gods.
• In Treta Yuga, or the age of sacrifice, Mahadev was the ally and benefactor of Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, and the hero of the Ramayana, the epic of the battle between good and evil. He helped Rama in various ways, such as by blessing him with his weapons, by sending his army of monkeys and bears, by instructing him on how to build the bridge to Lanka, and by appearing in his dreams and visions. He also fought alongside Rama against Ravana, the king of Lanka, and the abductor of Sita, Rama’s wife. He also witnessed and celebrated Rama’s victory and coronation, and praised him as the supreme lord.
• In Dvapara Yuga, or the age of duality, Mahadev was the friend and devotee of Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, and the hero of the Mahabharata, the epic of the war between the cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He befriended Krishna in various ways, such as by visiting him in his palace, by playing with him in his forest, by dancing with him in his rasa, and by conversing with him in his discourse. He also worshipped Krishna in various ways, such as by offering him his lingam, by bowing down to him, by chanting his names, and by meditating on him. He also assisted Krishna in various ways, such as by advising him on how to deal with the enemies, by protecting him from the dangers, and by supporting him in the war.
• In Kali Yuga, or the age of darkness, Mahadev is the savior and protector of the world, and the guide and guru of the seekers. He saves the world in various ways, such as by destroying the evil and corrupt forces, by restoring the balance and harmony of the universe, and by preparing the way for the advent of Kalki, the tenth and final incarnation of Vishnu, who will end the Kali Yuga and usher in a new Satya Yuga. He guides the seekers in various ways, such as by revealing his secrets and mysteries, by imparting his wisdom and grace, and by leading them to his abode and bliss.

Time Travel Motifs in Mahadev’s Stories

Mahadev’s manipulation and transcendence of time is also manifested in his stories and legends, which contain various instances of time travel or manipulation, and which convey deeper meanings and lessons. Some of these instances are:

• The instance of Mahadev’s granting of the boon of time travel to King Muchukunda, who was a righteous and valiant king, and who helped the gods in their war against the demons. Mahadev was pleased with his service and sacrifice, and offered him a boon of his choice. Muchukunda, who was exhausted and weary, asked for the boon of sleep, and Mahadev granted it, with the condition that anyone who disturbed his sleep would be burnt to ashes by his gaze. Mahadev also gave him the option to wake up whenever he wished, and to witness the changes in the world. Muchukunda slept for a long time, and when he woke up, he found himself in the Dvapara Yuga, where he met Krishna, who had entered his cave to escape from a demon. Muchukunda recognized Krishna as the supreme lord, and worshipped him. Krishna then revealed to him the secrets of time and karma, and advised him to seek Mahadev’s refuge for liberation. This instance shows Mahadev’s manipulation of time, as he made Muchukunda sleep for thousands of years, and enabled him to travel from one Yuga to another. It also shows his grace and compassion, as he gave Muchukunda the opportunity to meet and serve Krishna, and to attain his salvation.
• The instance of Mahadev’s testing of the devotion of Nandanar, who was a low-caste and poor devotee of Mahadev, and who faced discrimination and oppression from the upper-caste and rich people. Nandanar, who was a servant of a landlord, had a strong desire to visit the temple of Mahadev in Chidambaram, but he was denied permission and access by his master and the priests, who considered him unworthy and impure. Nandanar, who was humble and faithful, prayed to Mahadev for his mercy and grace, and Mahadev heard his prayers, and performed various miracles, such as moving the bull statue that blocked his view of the lingam, and making the fire that he was supposed to guard disappear. Mahadev also tested his devotion, by asking him to visit another temple in Tirupunkur, before coming to Chidambaram. Nandanar obeyed Mahadev’s command, and went to Tirupunkur, where he found the temple tank full of water lilies, which prevented him from taking a bath and entering the temple. Nandanar, who was disappointed and dejected, sang a song of lamentation and longing, and Mahadev was moved by his song, and made the water lilies disappear, and the water level recede, and enabled him to take a bath and enter the temple. Mahadev then transported him to Chidambaram, where he was welcomed and honored by the priests and the people, who witnessed his devotion and purity. Mahadev then merged him with his lingam, and granted him his eternal bliss and peace. This instance shows Mahadev’s transcendence of time, as he transported Nandanar from one place to another, and from one state to another, and made him his own. It also shows his love and justice, as he fulfilled Nandanar’s desire, and removed his obstacles and sufferings.

Contemporary Relevance

Mahadev’s concept of time is also relevant and resonant in modern Hindu spirituality, and in contemporary life, as it offers various insights and solutions to address the temporal challenges and opportunities. Some of these insights and solutions are:

• The recognition of the cyclical and relative nature of time, and the acceptance of the changes and phases that it brings, such as birth and death, joy and sorrow, success and failure, and so on. This helps in developing a balanced and detached attitude towards life, and in avoiding the extremes of attachment and aversion, which are the sources of suffering and ignorance.
• The realization of the eternal and absolute nature of time, and the aspiration to transcend the limitations and illusions that it imposes, such as causation and karma, duality and diversity, and so on. This helps in cultivating a spiritual and holistic perspective towards reality, and in seeking the ultimate truth and bliss, which are the essence of Mahadev’s nature.
• The appreciation of the dynamic and creative nature of time, and the participation in the expression and enjoyment of its diversity and multiplicity, such as forms and roles, activities and interactions, emotions and sensations, and so on. This helps in enhancing the joy and beauty of life, and in celebrating the gifts and grace of Mahadev’s manifestation.

Conclusion

Mahadev is the guardian of time, the one who transcends and controls the temporal existence, and the one who guides and liberates the temporal seekers. He is the lord of the cosmic cycles, the master of the divine play, and the teacher of the eternal wisdom. He is the source and the destination of time, and the one who bestows his timeless presence and bliss upon his devotees. He is the great god, the auspicious one, the fierce one, the benefactor, the simple lord, the lord of the lords, the lord of time, the great yogi, and the conqueror of death. He is Mahadev, the guardian of time.