Small Brass Nandi
Lord Shiva is one of the most powerful deities and is responsible for the destruction of the universe. But this destruction became necessary as it is the prelude to a new beginning. He is the Supreme Consciousness that illuminates the three states of waking, dreaming and deep sleep. Offering the threefold bilva leaves to the Shivalinga heralds the return to a level of consciousness beyond the three states, which is the fourth state, turiya. The dawning of that state is consonant with the awakening of the individual.
Lord Shiva is one of the most powerful deities and is responsible for the destruction of the universe. But this destruction became necessary as it is the prelude to a new beginning. He is the Supreme Consciousness that illuminates the three states of waking, dreaming and deep sleep. Offering the threefold bilva leaves to the Shivalinga heralds the return to a level of consciousness beyond the three states, which is the fourth state, turiya. The dawning of that state is consonant with the awakening of the individual.