Same energy, different forms
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May 3, 2012
Q: Dear Swamii, why is Shiva considered superior to Devi in some traditions/scriptures and vice versa in others? Could you please explain the significance and difference between Devi and Shiva worship? Why are some of us inclined towards the worship of the Divine Mother?
Neither is Shiva superior nor is Devi superior! It is the same energy in different forms. There are some traditions which achieved the ultimate enlightenment through Devi; they describe Devi as superior. There are some other traditions which achieved the ultimate enlightenment through Shiva; they describe Shiva as superior. That's all. It is just a matter of different traditions and different people's experience, nothing else. It has nothing to do with fact.
That is why, to solve this problem, I put Shiva and Devi in one deity, as Nithyanandeshwara and Nithyanandeshwari! When you bow down, you can choose to look at either Nithyanandeshwara or Nithyanandeshwari. I don't have any problem. Both lead to the same truth, to the same experience, and to the same Ultimate. That is why I put both in one deity. If I had put them next to each other, somebody may remove one deity in the future. That is why I put her in his lap and bolted it!
So don't worry; if you are inclined to do worship Devi, worship Devi and enjoy her, that's all!
