Meaning and elaboration
Meaning: Salutations To The one who wears a peacock feather in his crest.
Elaboration
The name Shikiṇḍī or Shikhandine refers to Shiva, particularly in his fierce Bhairava aspect, as "the one who wears a peacock feather in his crest (shikha)." While often associated with Lord Krishna, this imagery also holds significant symbolism for Shiva in certain traditions.
Symbolism of the Peacock Feather
The Peacock: In Hindu mythology, the peacock is a multi-layered symbol.
Beauty and Grace: It represents beauty, grace, love, and royalty. Immortality and Renewal: A peacock's yearly molting and regrowth of its magnificent feathers symbolize cycles of renewal, resurrection, and immortality. Destruction of Poisons: Peacocks are known to eat snakes, symbolizing their ability to neutralize poisons and overcome venomous negativities. This aspect aligns strongly with Shiva's role as the destroyer of evil and the one who drank the Halahala poison to save the cosmos. Psychic Abilities: The "eyes" on a peacock's feather are often linked to spiritual vision, higher consciousness, and omniscience.
Shiva's Crest (Shikha)
The "Shikha" or crest refers to the topknot or the decorative element worn on the head. For Shiva as Bhairava, the wearing of a peacock feather in his crest signifies:
Victory Over Ignorance and Ego: By adorning himself with the peacock feather, Shiva not only symbolizes his absolute mastery over natural poisons and negative forces but also over the venom of ignorance (avidya) and ego (ahamkara). Just as the peacock consumes snakes, Shiva consumes and transcends the illusions of the material world. Protection and Benevolence: Though Bhairava is fierce, his peacock feather indicates his protective nature. He protects his devotees from all evils, internal and external, neutralizing their negative karmas and providing spiritual insight. Cosmic Elegance and Sovereignty: Even in his terrifying forms, Shiva retains an element of divine majesty and cosmic elegance. The peacock feather elevates his appearance, signifying his undisputed sovereignty over the universe. Association with Kartikeya: The peacock is the vahana (mount) of Lord Kartikeya (Muruga), Shiva's son. By wearing the peacock feather, Shiva also subtly acknowledges his divine lineage and the interconnectedness of the Shiva family.
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