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As
Linga, an inanimate material object is used for representing Siva
and symbolising his cosmic form and infinite power, sound also
represents his form, power etc. The numberless number of names
coined and created with the mental power and poetic fancy visualise
elaborately his Viswarupa and impresses the listeners and readers
with his immanent glory and evanesent form. In the
preleiminary part of the sacred Vedas, he is equated with Pranava,
the Primordial energy, as "Tasya vachakah pranavah".
He is the very same pranava AUM; just as Siva stands represented by
this, the list of the names is not complete, nor does it reveal his
multi-faceted personality. Very many names pregnant with rich
meaning and appropriate connotation are coined by the saint-seers to
capture his myriad energy and its infinite forms, but they only
neared the far end of his rainbow splendour but never touched it.
For, nearer they approached, farther it went. Names such as
Bhava, Rudra, Mruda, Sarva, Isa, Vishnu, Ganesh, Mahesa, Paramesa
etc., are a few only, and each is representing one aspect definite
and one facet complete. Hundreds of such names are multiplied,
time and again to the extent of resulting factor crossing thousands.
To know the connotations and realise its glory is also a type of
vupasana and it elevates man, who zealously tries it, since
the comprehension, or grasp ends in recognition of one facet at
least and its impact naturally draws him nearer to that great him.
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