Mahashivratri 2024: What is the Secret of Lord Shiva’s Third Eye and How Did Mahadev Get It?

Today i.e. on March 8, Mahashivratri, a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, is being celebrated across the country and the world. There is a religious belief that on this day the marriage of Lord Mahadev and Mother Parvati took place.

Today is considered the best day to get the blessings of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. Shiva devotees observe fast on this day and worship Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati will faith and by following all the rituals. According to the Vedic calendar, Mahashivratri is celebrated every year on the Chaturdashi date of Shukla Paksha of Phalgun month.

How did Lord Shiva’s third eye appear?
There are numerous stories related to Lord Shiva that are very popular. As we all know Lord Shiva has three eyes, which is why he is called Trinetradhari. Do you know how this third eye of Bholenath came to be? Let us find out how the third eye of Lord Mahadev appeared and what is its secret.

According to popular belief, Shiva’s left eye represents the moon and his right eye represents the sun. When the world had descended into confusion and darkness due to Lord Shiva’s closed eyes, he immediately used his godly powers to produce fire to form the Third Eye on his forehead. The fire thus produced was so intense that Parvati’s palms began to sweat from the heat of the fire forcing her to cover both her eyes with her hands.

According to mythology, Bholenath had organized a meeting on the Himalayan mountains. During this time, Mother Parvati reached there and placed her hands on both the eyes of Lord Shiva. As soon as Mother Parvati covered the eyes of Lord Shiva, darkness spread throughout the universe. There was an outcry among all the living creatures of the world due to the spread of darkness all around. The sunlight also ended and the universe started moving towards destruction.

This terrible condition of the entire creation could not be seen by Mahadev. Then a beam of light appeared on Bholenath’s forehead. This beam of light became the third eye of Lord Shiva. With the opening of this eye, the entire universe became as before and everything became fine. Mother Parvati asked Lord Shiva about the third eye, then Lord Shiva said that her eyes are the sustainer of the entire world. Had the third eye not been revealed, the universe would have been destroyed.

Symbolism Encompassed by Shiva’s Third Eye
Beyond its mythological tale, Shiva’s third eye is laden with layers of symbolism that hold profound spiritual and cosmic meanings:
Transcendence and Insight: Shiva’s third eye is a manifestation of his all-encompassing insight and transcendent wisdom. It symbolizes the ability to perceive beyond the immediate and comprehend the deeper truths that govern existence.

Destruction and Renewal: As the deity who dances the cosmic dance of creation and destruction, Shiva’s third eye represents the power of transformation. Its fiery gaze signifies the destruction of ignorance and attachment, paving the way for spiritual rebirth and renewal.

Mystical Awareness: Often associated with the “ajna” chakra, the sixth energy center in the human body, Shiva’s third eye represents spiritual awareness and heightened consciousness. This inner eye enables individuals to perceive reality beyond the material realm.

Balance and Equilibrium: The third eye embodies Shiva’s role as the ultimate balancer of cosmic forces. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining equilibrium between the material and spiritual dimensions of life.

Control over Desires: In certain interpretations, the tale of Shiva’s third eye symbolizes mastery over desires. Shiva’s ability to maintain emotional balance and control his desires in the face of deception underscores the significance of self-discipline.

Fearlessness and Protection: The third eye’s fiery gaze also serves as a shield of protection for devotees, symbolizing the courage to confront challenges and overcome obstacles on the spiritual path.