The practices that the religion inspires entail acts that appear contradictory. It is also believed to be the source of his untamed energy. [23][24], The word Shiva is used as an adjective in the Rig Veda (c.17001100 BCE), as an epithet for several Rigvedic deities, including Rudra. It means she who is black or she who is death. [note 4] The identification of Agni with Rudra is explicitly noted in the Nirukta, an important early text on etymology, which says, "Agni is also called Rudra. Before they could regain the treasures, however, there were many problems they had to face. "[370] In the same chapter, it also says: "Shiva speaks, and the Siddhas listen." This may point to an "osmosis" of ideas in medieval India, states Srinivasan. The final version says that Daruka was terrorizing both mortals and gods. During the struggle a new demon emerges from each drop of Raktabijas blood as it hits the ground; to prevent this, Kali laps up the blood before it can reach the ground. It has been variously interpreted as a gesture of purification, as the most efficient means of releasing the soul from the corrupted body, as a public health measure with important ecological benefits in a crowded country, or as a symbol of the transitory nature of any particular life and the desire that it should end in permanent anonymity. [318], The worship of the lingam originated from the famous hymn in the Atharva-Veda Samhit sung in praise of the Yupa-Stambha, the sacrificial post. She is represented in many legends by a trio of ravens, often seen as a symbol of death. Their praa (breath) was so vital that on its cessation the body and its faculties became lifeless and still. Shiva's body is said to consist of five mantras, called the pacabrahman. Tripurantaka is depicted with four arms, the upper pair holding an axe and a deer, and the lower pair wielding a bow and arrow. A woman whose death precedes her husbands is considered so fortunate that her face, and especially her forehead, may be smeared with red. [270], The depiction of Shiva as Nataraja (Sanskrit ; Naarja) is a form (mrti) of Shiva (literally, "Lord of Dance"). Kalyanasundara-murti (Sanskrit -, literally "icon of beautiful marriage") is the depiction of Shiva's marriage to Parvati. Typically, these deities are associated with the darker half of the year, when the nights get longer and the soil goes cold and dormant. [141], Shaivism is one of the four major sects of Hinduism, the others being Vaishnavism, Shaktism and the Smarta Tradition. He is the twin brother of Yami, who became the river Yamuna. Article about Shiva, the third god in the Hindu triumvirate. World History Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in Canada. As one story goes, Shiva is enticed by the beauty and charm of Mohini, Vishnu's female avatar, and procreates with her. [178] The Kushan period set includes Shiva, Vishnu, Surya, Brahma and one deity whose identity is unclear. The festival is one where both the Vaishnava and Shaiva communities join the celebrations, because Vishnu gives away his sister Minakshi in marriage to Shiva. She is typically portrayed in black and white, as well, showing that she represents both sides of all spectrums. [] Siva became identified with countless local cults by the sheer suffixing of Isa or Isvara to the name of the local deity, e.g., Bhutesvara, Hatakesvara, Chandesvara. However, post-Vedic texts such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas state the Nandi bull, the Indian zebu, in particular, as the vehicle of Rudra and of Shiva, thereby unmistakably linking them as same.[99]. [288], Ardhanarishvara (Sanskrit: ; Ardhanrvara) is a form (mrti) of Shiva (literally "the lord who is half woman"[289]). Both karma and reincarnation are directly tied to the judgement of Yama and form the origins of the original caste system. [169][170] The Ardhanarisvara concept co-mingles god Shiva and goddess Shakti by presenting an icon that is half-man and half woman, a representation and theme of union found in many Hindu texts and temples. Leaping from Shiva's throat in her new guise, Kali swiftly despatched Daruka and all was well with the world once more. 'The Auspicious One' []), also known as Mahadeva (/mh dev/; Sanskrit: :, romanized:Mahdeva, lit. Hinduism and Mythology | Encyclopedia.com There are several traditions of how Kali came into existence. Now that Yama was dead, everyone else was immortal. Indra was the subject of 250 hymns, a quarter of the Rig Veda. World History Publishing is a non-profit company registered in the United Kingdom. The god enjoys an exalted position as a household deity in Japan and is worshipped as the god of wealth and fortune. He is the regent of the Southern quarter of the compass. In addition, he is also regarded as one of thirty-three manifestations of Avalokitesvara in the Lotus Sutra. [56][59] Khandoba's varied associations also include an identification with Surya[56] and Karttikeya. [92][93][pageneeded][94][pageneeded], According to Sadasivan, during the development of the Hindu synthesis attributes of the Buddha were transferred by Brahmins to Shiva, who was also linked with Rudra. [48][49], The Shiva-related tradition is a major part of Hinduism, found all over the Indian subcontinent, such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka,[50] and Southeast Asia, such as Bali, Indonesia. For instance, he and the other gods, from the highest gods to the least powerful gods, were thought of as somewhat human in nature, creating emotions they had limited control over and having the ability to get in touch with their inner natures through asceticism like humans. He holds an MA in Political Philosophy and is the WHE Publishing Director. When she met the poison, she transformed into Kali. In most forms of Buddhism, the position of Shiva is lesser than that of Mahabrahma or Sakra Indra. Shiva is the third god in the Hindu triumvirate. He was associated more than any other deity with Soma, a stimulant drug (perhaps derived from Ephedra) probably borrowed from the BMAC religion. Shiva icons are carried in procession in some places. [298] The overall meaning of these associations is summarized by Stella Kramrisch, Through these transcendent categories, iva, the ultimate reality, becomes the efficient and material cause of all that exists. Pacnana (Sanskrit: ), also called the pacabrahma, is a form of Shiva depicting him as having five faces which correspond to his five divine activities (pacaktya): creation (si), preservation (sthithi), destruction (sahra), concealing grace (tirobhva), and revealing grace (anugraha). Shaivism was also popular in Sogdia and the Kingdom of Yutian as found from the wall painting from Penjikent on the river Zervashan. [98], The Vedic texts do not mention bull or any animal as the transport vehicle (vahana) of Rudra or other deities. An essential attribute of the living was their ability to breathe (an). Shiva is the primal Self, the pure consciousness and Absolute Reality in the Shaiva traditions. The death and dismemberment of Osiris is often associated with the threshing of the grain during the harvest season. Books Yama, in the mythology of India, the god of the dead. Where Does the Concept of a Grim Reaper Come From? [274] In addition to the specific iconographic form known as Nataraja, various other types of dancing forms (Sanskrit: ntyamrti) are found in all parts of India, with many well-defined varieties in Tamil Nadu in particular. Updates? Shiva to Shankara: Decoding the phallic symbol. [145] In contrast, the esoteric tradition within Kashmir Shaivism has featured the Krama and Trika sub-traditions. Wigington, Patti. As a result of this union, Shasta identified with regional deities Ayyappan and Aiyanar is born. Read more. A persons caste was determined by their birth and there was no way to alter it during the current lifetime. [247] Kramrisch translates it as "the ravisher". This is a phallic statue, representing the raw power of Shiva and his masculinity. William Pinch (2012), Warrior Ascetics and Indian Empires, Cambridge University Press. Yama lives in a palace in a place named Kalichi, which is located within Patala, the underworld in Hindi, and the regions located below the earth. [140] The various dualistic and monist Shiva-related ideas were welcomed in medieval southeast Asia, inspiring numerous Shiva-related temples, artwork and texts in Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, with syncretic integration of local pre-existing theologies. Shiva's role is to destroy the universe in order to re-create it. The Hindu concept of the soul is central to an understanding of most Hindu practices related to death. [23][27], Sharma presents another etymology with the Sanskrit root arv-, which means "to injure" or "to kill",[28] interpreting the name to connote "one who can kill the forces of darkness". [254] When depicted as a yogi, he may be shown sitting and meditating. [296][297] Doctrinal differences and, possibly, errors in transmission, have resulted in some differences between texts in details of how these five forms are linked with various attributes. Yama, the Venerable Hindu Death God . Both the Hindu and Buddhist religions are filled with diverse and often dark and morbid deities. .mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}, Vishnu and Siva [] began to absorb countless local cults and deities within their folds. [185], Other famed Shiva-related texts influenced Hatha Yoga, integrated monistic (Advaita Vedanta) ideas with Yoga philosophy and inspired the theoretical development of Indian classical dance. [327], The oldest known archaeological linga as an icon of Shiva is the Gudimallam lingam from 3rd-century BCE. In some traditions, Balarama replaces Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu. Kali embodies shakti feminine energy, creativity and fertility and is an incarnation of Parvati, wife of the great Hindu god Shiva. Kali - Hindu Goddess Of Death, Fear And Horror Who Destroys Ignorance [146] The Krama sub-tradition focussed on esoteric rituals around Shiva-Kali pair. The Brhadaranyaka Upanishad (a mystical appendix to the Shatapatha Brahmana and likely the oldest of the Upanishads) has a creation myth where Mtyu "Death" takes the shape of a horse, and includes an identification of the Ashvamedha horse sacrifice with the Sun:[2]. Shaivas believe that Shiva is All and in all, the creator, preserver, destroyer, revealer and concealer of all that is. BBC - Religions - Hinduism: Shiva There were, however, occasions where it was said to have worked. [69] Sir John Marshall and others suggested that this figure is a prototype of Shiva, with three faces, seated in a "yoga posture" with the knees out and feet joined. It seemed impossible to calm Kali's bloody attacks, which now extended to any wrongdoers, and both people and gods were at a loss what to do. 'Death'), is a Sanskrit word meaning death. Smallpox has been eradicated, and leprosy victims are usually cremated. Cartwright, Mark. Gods and Goddesses of Death and the Underworld. Mrtyu - Wikipedia Two of Vishnu's incarnations, Rama and Krishna, are also the subject of the epic stories Ramayana and Mahabharata, respectively. The serpent was then coiled around the mountain. Death practices are probably more important in Hinduism than in any other religion. Batara Guru's wife in Southeast Asia is the same Hindu deity Durga, who has been popular since ancient times, and she too has a complex character with benevolent and fierce manifestations, each visualized with different names such as Uma, Sri, Kali and others. Kali is one of the most well-known Hindu goddesses, mostly because of her immense power and responsibility. The gods decided they needed to work together and come up with a plan. In Mahayana Buddhist texts, Shiva (Maheshvara) becomes a buddha called Bhasmeshvara Buddha ("Buddha of ashes"). Aparna Bogadi Am an ent surgeon by training, a hospital administrator by profession and a wannabe writer by choice. In the Hindu Vedic tradition, Yama was the first mortal to die and make his way to the next world, and so he was appointed king of the dead. Kalis origins can be traced to the deities of the village, tribal, and mountain cultures of South Asia who were gradually appropriated and transformed, if never quite tamed, by the Sanskritic traditions. It is believed that on this day, Parvati met Shiva after her long penance and Shiva took her as his wife. "[52] The figure of Shiva as he is known today is an amalgamation of various older deities into a single figure, due to the process of Sanskritization and the emergence of the Hindu synthesis in post-Vedic times. The book, which grew by repeated additions over many centuries, reflects the evolving interests of a male Brahman priesthood: its prescriptions are overwhelmingly recorded in terms of what is appropriate for men. [41] The name ambhu (Sanskrit: swam-on its own; bhu-burn/shine) "self-shining/ shining on its own", also reflects this benign aspect. According to Hindu mythology, there is no start or the end of life, it's all about the journey of a soul. [257], As a family man and householder, he has a wife, Parvati and two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya. Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world, originating in Central Shiva (Siva) is one of the most important gods in Hinduism and Brahma is the Hindu creator god. Certain key beliefs in Hinduism form the background against which the myths unfold. We want people all over the world to learn about history. Kali | Hindu goddess | Britannica Each arm usually holds an object and these can include a sword, dagger, trident, cup, drum, chakra, lotus bud, whip, noose, bell, and shield. Although Yama is hated by all living things, he is essential to the world's renewal and equilibrium thanks to the never-ending cycle of birth and death. James Lochtefeld (2002), "Shiva" in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Vol. These objects include a dagger, cup, chakra, whip, bell, sword, trident, drum, lotus bud, and a shield. "Some Internal and Comparative Problems in the Field of Indian Religions." They are two of the most ancient deities, and considered very wise; however, their standing is below the Lord Shiva and the Lord Vishnu, the ultimate gods. [110]) Indra, like Shiva, is likened to a bull. [31], Some authors associate the name with the Tamil word ivappu meaning "red", noting that Shiva is linked to the Sun (ivan, "the Red one", in Tamil) and that Rudra is also called Babhru (brown, or red) in the Rigveda. The space between ground and the ceiling is thought to symbolize the troubled area between earth and sky, and those dying there may return after death as evil spirits. In these scenarios, she is shown wearing a skirt of severed human arms, earrings of dead children, and a necklace of decapitated heads. He who sees himself in all beings, She was furious that the thieves planned to sacrifice a monk and sought revenge by decapitating all of the thieves. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal. For a general statement of the close relationship, and example shared epithets, see: For quotation "An important factor in the process of Rudra's growth is his identification with Agni in the Vedic literature and this identification contributed much to the transformation of his character as, For "Note Agni-Rudra concept fused" in epithets, , For the definition "aivism refers to the traditions which follow the teachings of. [9][10][11] In the goddess-oriented Shakta tradition, the Supreme Goddess (Devi) is regarded as the energy and creative power (Shakti) and the equal complementary partner of Shiva. There is some uncertainty as the artwork that has survived is damaged and they show some overlap with meditative Buddha-related artwork, but the presence of Shiva's trident and phallic symbolism[note 2] in this art suggests it was likely Shiva. As an embodiment of time Kali devours all things, she is irresistibly attractive to mortals and gods, and can also represent (particularly in later traditions) the benevolence of a mother goddess. Now enjoy your access to premium articles and insights with ad-free experience. While the body is burning the soul is thought to seek refuge within the head. Kali ('she who is death' or 'she who is black) usually has a very intimidating appearance. It is believed that her name is the source of the English word "hell," because of her connection to the underworld. [321][322][323][324] According to Moriz Winternitz, the linga in the Shiva tradition is "only a symbol of the productive and creative principle of nature as embodied in Shiva", and it has no historical trace in any obscene phallic cult. Brill, 1972. [240] The ambivalent nature of this deity is apparent in some of his names and the stories told about him. [164][165][164][165][166], The Devi Upanishad in its explanation of the theology of Shaktism, mentions and praises Shiva such as in its verse 19. In the Rig Veda, which is the holiest of the four Vedas, Vishnu is mentioned numerous times alongside other gods, such as Indra. [366], The worship of Shiva became popular in Central Asia through the influence of the Hephthalite Empire[367] and Kushan Empire. [187], The Trimurti is a concept in Hinduism in which the cosmic functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction are personified by the forms of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the maintainer or preserver and Shiva the destroyer or transformer. Shiva is sometimes represented as half man, half woman. Mark is a full-time author, researcher, historian, and editor. Antonio Rigopoulos (2013), Brill's Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Volume 5, Brill Academic. It is first encountered in an almost identical form in the Rudram. For example, in the Hanuman Chalisa, Hanuman is identified as the eleventh avatar of Shiva. According to Gavin Flood, "Shiva is a god of ambiguity and paradox," whose attributes include opposing themes. Since Yama was the first man to die, which he volunteered for according to the legend, his devoted twin was left heartbroken and grieving so badly that the gods came to assist her, but found she was inconsolable. The dead body is wrapped in clean cloth of varying colours that indicate age. She wears a skirt of severed human arms, a necklace of decapitated heads, and earrings of dead children, and she often has a terrifying expression with a lolling extended tongue which drips blood. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. He typically appears as a lizard, and is the god of the dead. [54] According to Vijay Nath: Fortunately, the mighty Shiva stopped Kali's destructive rampage by lying down in her path, and when the goddess realised just who she was standing on, she finally calmed down. [96], The term Shiva also appears simply as an epithet, that means "kind, auspicious", one of the adjectives used to describe many different Vedic deities. Intimidating Appearance of Kali. In the Hindu tradition, the Shiva-linked ascetic warriors (Nagas) get the honor of starting the event by entering the Sangam first for bathing and prayers. Her right hands represent her creative side while the left are usually shown holding either a sword covered in blood or a decapitated head to represent her destructive side. She is sometimes seen as a protector of those who might be vulnerable, such aswarriorsand hunters,herdsmen andshepherds, and children. Shiva is represented in his many aspects. Yama | Yamraj God of Death In Hindu Mythology - GoBookMart [183][184] These contain the philosophy and techniques for Yoga. [72] John Keay writes that "he may indeed be an early manifestation of Lord Shiva as Pashu-pati", but a couple of his specialties of this figure does not match with Rudra. Dance is an important art form in India, and Shiva is believed to be the master of it. Vaishnava worship only Vishnu. This is the story. For appearance of the name in the Shiva Sahasranama see: For complete Sanskrit text, translations, and commentary see: For Shiva as a composite deity whose history is not well documented, see. On top of that, since no one was afraid of death, everyone was just doing as they wished and the concept of sin no longer existed. [244] Stella Kramrisch notes a different etymology connected with the adjectival form raudra, which means "wild, of rudra nature", and translates the name Rudra as "the wild one" or "the fierce god". Shiva is also represented by Shiva linga. Hindu death practices, however, also reflect popular beliefs and fears, as well as local customs. On one occasion, when Shiva was distracted in the midst of worship by the love god, Kama, Shiva opened his third eye in anger. [341] It is observed by reciting Shiva-related poems, chanting prayers, remembering Shiva, fasting, doing Yoga and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, noninjury to others, forgiveness, introspection, self-repentance and the discovery of Shiva. The whole universe was about to be destroyed before it was time. Goddess Kali gets my total respect Thanks for being a true mother figure And protector, Yama VS KaliIm Sure that Yama or maybe Kali will win in War 2. They represent Shiva's all-pervading nature, his superhuman power and wealth. Rudra and Agni have a close relationship. Artwork and statuary honoring Osiris typically portrays him wearing thepharaonic crown, known as theatef, and holding the crook and flail, which are the tools of a shepherd. [30] It is used as an adjective to characterize certain beliefs and practices, such as Shaivism. "[180] Shiva is also an archetype for samhara (Sanskrit: ) or dissolution which includes transcendence of human misery by the dissolution of maya, which is why Shiva is associated with Yoga. Death. This goddess is the ruler of the underworld in Norse mythology. He is often called the Lord of Dance. She is often associated with sexuality and violence but is also considered a strong mother figure and symbol of motherly love. If a Hindu breaks caste by becoming either a Muslim or a Christian, a death ceremony is conducted, the relatives bathe to purge their defilement, and the persons name is never mentioned again. He characterizes these views as "speculative", but adds that it is nevertheless possible that there are echoes of Shaiva iconographic themes, such as half-moon shapes resembling the horns of a bull. [75] Asko Parpola states that other archaeological finds such as the early Elamite seals dated to 30002750 BCE show similar figures and these have been interpreted as "seated bull" and not a yogi, and the bovine interpretation is likely more accurate. [243], The duality of Shiva's fearful and auspicious attributes appears in contrasted names. [61], Scholars have interpreted early prehistoric paintings at the Bhimbetka rock shelters, considered to be from pre-10,000 BCE period,[64] as Shiva dancing, Shiva's trident, and his mount Nandi. Surya was known to ride across the sky on a chariot to defeat the demons of evil and darkness. She is sometimes considered to be a strong mother-like figure and some say she symbolizes motherly-love. She is the reincarnation of Shiva's wife, Parvati. Outraged at the thieves' plan to kill a monk, the goddess took swift revenge and decapitated the whole gang, even tossing their heads about for fun, whilst naturally the Brahmin escaped to continue his life of scholarly reflection. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms. Evolution of the concept of brain-stem death, Descartes, the pineal soul, and brain-stem death. The similarities in the dance iconography suggests that there may be a link between ancient Indra and Shiva. There was a terrible demon named Raktabija. For example, historical records suggest the tantric Kapalikas (literally, the 'skull-men') co-existed with and shared many Vajrayana Buddhist rituals, engaged in esoteric practices that revered Shiva and Shakti wearing skulls, begged with empty skulls, and sometimes used meat as a part of ritual. Some Rights Reserved (2009-2023) under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license unless otherwise noted. JS Vasugupta (2012), iva Stras, Motilal Banarsidass. The intense heat usually explodes the skull, liberating the soul; when this does not happen spontaneously, the skull is deliberately shattered by blows from a cudgel. Gregor Maehle (2009), Ashtanga Yoga, New World, For quotation defining the Trimurti see Matchett, Freda. These instruments often appear in the sarcophagi and funerary artwork depicting dead pharaohs, and the kings of Egypt claimed Osiris as part of their ancestry; it was their divine right to rule, as descendants of the god-kings. This god with the head of a jackal is associated with mummification and death in ancient Egypt. [129][130], The Shaiva Upanishads are a group of 14 minor Upanishads of Hinduism variously dated from the last centuries of the 1st millennium BCE through the 17th century. For only $5 per month you can become a member and support our mission to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. In early texts, Vishnu is not included as one of the original seven solar gods (Adityas), but in later texts he is mentioned as leading them. She is the reincarnation of Shivas wife, Parvati. Shiva - Wikipedia Brahma is the Hindu creator god. Sharma translates the three as "one who captivates", "one who consolidates", and "one who destroys". Worshippers of Shiva celebrate Mahashivratri, a festival at which the Shiva linga is bathed in water, milk and honey and worshipped. Ancient Origins - When Kalki the Destroyer Descends, the Apocalypse Begins, Academia - Kali: Fierce Goddess for Our Age, Kali, sandstone relief from Bheraghat, near Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh state, India, 10th century. The god is also depicted as the mascot for the Washington Commanders in the popular animated series, Gridiron Heights. And all beings in him, Two Recent Examples From Hinduism Studies", "The Paris congress of the history of religions", "Footnote 70:1 to Horace Hayman Wilson's English translation of The Vishnu Purana: Book I Chapter IX", "Footnote 83:4 to Horace Hayman Wilson's English translation of The Vishnu Purana: Book I Chapter X", "Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 4 Chapter 1 English translation by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada", "Tubers are the veggies of choice to celebrate Thiruvathira", "Thiruvathira Kerala's own version of Karva Chauth", "The thriving Shiva festival in Umarkot is a reminder of Sindh's Hindu heritage", The Goddess Durg in the East-Javanese Period, "Between China and Tibet: Mahkla Worship and Esoteric Buddhism in the Dali Kingdom", "Integration of Stra and Tantra: iva, akti interpreted as, "Mahadev tops TRP charts with a new record of 8.2 TVR", "Vabhavhanamrti in Literature and Art", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shiva&oldid=1163372564, This page was last edited on 4 July 2023, at 14:09. [citation needed]. For other uses, see, "Manjunatha" redirects here. Ascetics, too, are buried rather than burnt, usually in an upright posture with the body surrounded with salt. From this time, Vishnu appears to have gained more prominence, and by the time of the Brahmanas (commentaries of the Vedas), he is regarded as the most important of all gods. We've activated for you. Once born, the black goddess went wild and ate all the demons she came across, stringing their heads on a chain which she wore around her neck. [363], During the pre-Islamic period on the island of Java, Shaivism and Buddhism were considered very close and allied religions, though not identical religions. who appeared in the 5th century BCE. She is appealing to both gods and mortals. In some representations, she is shown slaying demons. For the term "Great Trinity" in relation to the Trimurti see: For Shiva as depicted with a third eye, and mention of the story of the destruction of Kama with it, see: For a review of 4 theories about the meaning of. [171][172], In the Smarta tradition of Hinduism, Shiva is a part of its Panchayatana puja. She is sometimes standing with one foot on Shiva while holding a severed head. Surya is the god of the sun in Hinduism and is considered the source of life on earth. The most notable is Chitragupta, who keeps the book that records the deeds of mankind. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Yama is depicted with green skin. [74], The interpretation of the seal continues to be disputed. Kartikeya is worshipped in Southern India (especially in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka) by the names Subrahmanya, Subrahmanyan, Shanmughan, Swaminathan and Murugan, and in Northern India by the names Skanda, Kumara, or Karttikeya. Agamic texts like the Amsumadbhedagama, the Uttara-kamaikagama and the Purva-Karanagama prescribe the iconography of the Kalyanasunadara icon. Vishnu told the gods and demons they should use Mount Madura as a churning stick, and the giant serpent, Vasuki, as a rope.