Who is Lohitang?
The term 'Lohitang' is often associated with the red-bodied god, a representation of the planet Mars, and is also known as Mangal in Hindu mythology. In this detailed exploration, we delve into the stories and significance of Lohitang, his origins, and his role in celestial and spiritual narratives.
Origins and Characteristics
According to Hindu mythology, Lohitang was born from the white drops of sweat shed by Lord Shiva during his deep trance. These drops of sacred sweat coalesced to form the divine baby, Lohitang. Upon maturing, Lohitang was adopted by Bhumi, the feminine embodiment of the Earth, to rule over the Mars planet.
Symbolized by a flamboyant, four-armed figure wielding a trident (trishūla), mace (gadā), lotus, and spear (shūla), Lohitang is depicted riding a ram and presiding over the day Tuesday. His name, 'Lohitang,' translates to 'red-bodied,' a reference to his fiery, red complexion, which reflects his association with the planet Mars.
The Legend of Lohitang
The story of Lohitang is rooted in the legend of Lord Shiva and his cosmic dance, the Tandav. A faithful devotee of Shiva, known as Natyacharya, sought the wisdom and art of the Tandav dance to spread its teachings throughout the universe.
Indra, the king of the Devas, challenged Natyacharya to prove the depth of his devotion to Shiva. The challenge was to find a symbol of devotion that the world would remember. Natyacharya, moved by selflessness, requested that he be granted the ability to learn and teach the Tandav dance to the cosmos. While performing the dance, Lord Shiva caused destruction. To counterbalance this, Shiva's wife, Parvati, performed the Lasya tandav, a dance of creation.
However, during the dance, a drop of Lord Shiva's sweat fell to the earth, giving birth to Lohitang. This event is narrated in various forms, with Lohitang later becoming a powerful musician and eventually a demon who challenged Lord Shiva. He faced several adversaries, including Shankhachud and Tulsi, before finally finding redemption in a musical duel with Shiva, symbolizing the cyclical nature of creation and destruction.
Lohitang in Astrological Significance
In Hindu astrology, Lohitang, also known as Mangal, one of the nine planets, holds great significance. He is the son of the Earth (Bhudevi), a symbol of stability and strength. Mangal is often associated with energy, vitality, and motivation, reflecting his role as a guardian of the red planet.
Conclusion
The narrative of Lohitang encapsulates the essence of divine battles, transformations, and spiritual journeys. From the sacred sweat of Lord Shiva to his eventual role as a guardian of Mars, Lohitang embodies the cyclical and contradictory forces of creation and destruction in the Hindu pantheon.