Bhikshatana Murti: The Form of Shiva
Bhikshatana Murti is a distinct and powerful form of Lord Shiva, representing him as a wandering mendicant (beggar). In this avatar, Shiva is depicted as a nude ascetic, embodying both destruction and compassion. The word "Bhikshatana" comes from "bhiksha," meaning alms, and "atana," meaning wandering, thus indicating his role as a cosmic wanderer seeking alms.
Iconography of Bhikshatana Murti
The iconography of Bhikshatana is vivid and unique:
- Naked Body: He is depicted as a naked, emaciated man, symbolizing his renunciation of worldly attachments. Sometimes he is adorned with a deerskin.
- Matted Hair: His matted hair is indicative of his ascetic nature, reflecting a detachment from material life.
- Sacred Thread (Yajñopavita): He wears the sacred thread, symbolizing the preservation of dharma even in his wanderings.
- Skull Cup (Kapala): The skull cup or kapala in his hand is a significant feature. It symbolizes the penance he performs for having cut off the fifth head of Brahma, which represents ego and pride.
- Padukas (Wooden Sandals): Wooden sandals are seen on his feet, reflecting his status as a divine wanderer.
- Snake and Ornaments: A snake as a waist-band and minimal ornaments might be present, symbolizing his connection to nature and the cycle of life and death.
The Story Behind Bhikshatana Murti
The story of Bhikshatana Murti comes from ancient Hindu mythology, specifically the Brahmashiracheda story in the Puranas. According to the legend, Shiva once cut off the fifth head of Lord Brahma, which symbolized Brahma's pride and ego. Since Brahma is one of the Trimurti, this act was considered a serious sin (Brahmahatya). To atone for this sin, Shiva had to wander the world as a beggar with the skull of Brahma's head (called a kapala) attached to his hand. His skull remained stuck in his palm until he reached the sacred city of Varanasi, where he finally attained liberation from the sin.
As Bhikshatana, Shiva took the form of a mendicant, wandering through the realms of gods, humans, and demons, showing the impermanence of life and the value of humility. In this form, Shiva also imparted deep lessons on the importance of austerity and penance.
Symbolism of Bhikshatana Murti
- Atonement and Renunciation: Bhikshatana represents the journey of penance and renunciation. Shiva’s wandering as a beggar shows that even divine beings must undergo penance for their actions.
- Humility: Bhikshatana challenges the ego, reminding devotees that even gods must humble themselves and live simply to achieve atonement.
- Cycle of Creation and Destruction: The kapala or skull-cup signifies both death and rebirth, an emblem of the cycle of life that Shiva governs as the god of destruction and transformation.
- Spiritual Lesson: Bhikshatana’s nudity represents the stripping away of all material illusions, encouraging the soul’s ultimate goal of self-realization.
- Skull as a Symbol of Ego: The fifth head of Brahma represents the inflated ego or pride, and Shiva's act of cutting it off reminds us of the dangers of ego in spiritual life.
Importance in South Indian Temples
Bhikshatana Murti holds a significant place in South Indian temple worship, especially in the Shaiva tradition. The form is most commonly found in temples in Tamil Nadu and other regions where Shaivism has thrived. His images can be found in:
- Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
- Tiruvannamalai Annamalaiyar Temple
- Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple
In some temples, bronze icons of Bhikshatana are used during festivals and processions, illustrating his importance in both religious rituals and cultural practices.
Lesser-Known Facts about Bhikshatana Murti
Erotic Symbolism: Bhikshatana Murti is sometimes associated with erotic symbolism. In some depictions, he is followed by love-struck women and other beings, signifying the enchanting allure of renunciation and asceticism. This duality shows that asceticism can sometimes be as tempting as materialism, challenging the seeker to remain focused on spiritual goals.
Links to Kapalikas: Bhikshatana is often linked to the Kapalika sect, an ancient and radical Shaiva sect known for their practices involving skulls and cremation grounds. The skull in his hand reflects the symbolism central to Kapalika worship, where the cycle of life and death is emphasized.
Varanasi and the Bhikshatana Form: The city of Varanasi (Kashi) is closely tied to this form of Shiva. It is believed that Shiva, in his Bhikshatana form, was finally relieved of the skull at this sacred city, giving the city its strong association with death, liberation, and moksha.
Madhura Bhakti Movement Influence: The Bhikshatana form influenced the Madhura Bhakti movement in South India, where Shiva’s wanderings in search of alms are interpreted as a metaphor for the soul seeking divine love and union with God.
Similar Forms in Shaivism
While Bhikshatana is unique, other forms of Shiva share similar themes:
- Dakshinamurti: The teacher aspect of Shiva, depicting him as a guru imparting spiritual wisdom, closely related to the spiritual lessons of Bhikshatana.
- Nataraja: The cosmic dancer, another form that emphasizes the cycle of creation and destruction. Both Nataraja and Bhikshatana are embodiments of Shiva’s transformative power.
Modern Day Relevance of Bhikshatana Murti
Bhikshatana Murti offers several lessons that resonate even in modern times:
- Letting Go of Ego: In an age dominated by material success, Bhikshatana’s story of cutting Brahma’s head represents the need to eliminate pride and ego, emphasizing humility and simplicity.
- Spiritual Austerity in a Modern World: Bhikshatana’s nude, ascetic form is a reminder of the value of self-discipline, detachment, and focusing on the spiritual path despite worldly distractions.
- Global Interest in Shaivism: In modern times, Bhikshatana Murti has drawn the attention of scholars and devotees alike, as a symbol of the deeper esoteric practices within Shaivism, often discussed in the context of tantra and ascetic traditions.
Current Status of Bhikshatana Murti Worship
Bhikshatana Murti continues to be venerated, especially in the temples of South India, where his image is seen in shrines and festivals. His bronze icons are often carried during processions, highlighting his enduring importance in religious life. Outside of India, Bhikshatana has captured the interest of scholars of Hindu philosophy and Shaivism.
While not as mainstream as other forms like Nataraja or Ardhanarishvara, Bhikshatana holds a significant place in the hearts of devotees, offering profound lessons on the nature of atonement, the dangers of pride, and the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.