... the generative power of Shiva, together with the disked structurere called yoni, representing Shakti the creative power. Shiva has many aspects, in his fierce manifestation as the annihilator Kala Bhairava (who again rules the astanga Bhairavas, of which everyone has 7 sub Bhairavas, totaling in 64) you can interpret "Bha" as creation, "Ra" as preservation and "Va" as destruction. This trinity is prevalent in many symbols, like his trishula, a trident, his third eye or his manifestation as Dattatreya where he represents the destroyer, as one form with Vishnu (maintainer) and Brahma (creator). He is also known as the Ashtamurti, the eight-formed (bhava, sarva, isan, pasupati, bhima, ugra, mahadeva and rudra). The forms are water, fire, the sacrificer, the sun, the moon, ether, the earth and air. I conclude with a sloka (verse) from the Linga Purana to meditate on:
Giving help to everyone,
showing kindness to all,
is called the highest worship
of the Lord of eight forms.
