Why Lord shiva is called as कर्पूरगौरं (Karpuragauram)?
Shiva is portrayed as blue in colour everywhere but which is not correct. In our ancient hindu text Lord Shiva is described as कर्पूरगौरं (Karpuragauram) means white as camphor.
Camphor (Karpur) is known to have white colour and it burns completely without leaving any residue. Lord Shiva’s path helps us to create life free from ego and worldly desires.
Why is Lord Shiva called नीलकंठ (Neelkantha)?
During the churning of the cosmic ocean(क्षीरसागर), poison halahal emerges. To protect the Universe from this deadly poison, Lord Shiva consumed the poison.
According to some ancient books, Goddess Parvati stopped the poison at his throat to protect internal universes from being destroyed by the poison. The poison remained in his throat(कंठ), turning it blue (नील). This is why Lord Shiva is called as Neelkantha.
Why is Lord Shiva known as जटाधरा (Jatadhara)?
Jata means matted hair. In some ancient texts it is said that Jata represents Lord Shiva’s mastery over power of knowledge means ज्ञान शक्ती (Jnana Shakti), actions means क्रिया शक्ती (Kriya Shakti) and will means इच्छाशक्ती (Iccha Shakti). His Jata also represents intense yogic power and control over senses and desires. This is why Lord Shiva is called as Jatadhara.
Why is Lord Shiva called गंगाधर (Gangadhara)?
As Hindu ancient text , King Bhagiratha performed severe penance to bring the river Ganga ( celestial river) to Earth to purify the ashes of his 60,000 ancestors and to give them salvation (moksha). Lord Brahma appeared and granted the request but he warned that the power of River Ganga’s and its fall from heaven can shatter the Earth. Only Lord Shiva is strong enough to hold the immense power of the Ganga River.
King Bhagiratha again performed intense penance to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared and agreed to control the river’s fall. He caught River Ganga’s flow in his Jata. His Jata transforms her celestial energy into controlled flow before releasing her in small stream on earth. This is why Lord Shiva is called as Gangadhara the one who can bear the force of the Ganga.
ॐ नमः शिवाय