We can attain saanti, or state of eternal bliss, only when we are able to overcome the cycle of births and deaths through jnana. When we attain that saanti, we become one with the Paramaatma, who is limited neither by time, nor by space nor by form. We commence our journey to this spiritual goal by meditating upon any one manifestation of God. In this context the form of Isvara with His uplifted leg, third eye, and crescent moon has special significance. Kaala, the god of death, is the destroyer of our material bodies. The term Kaala denotes time also and time is also both a destroyer and a healer. Isvara vanquished Kaala with his left leg and therefore his uplifted leg should serve to teach us that God is neither bound by time nor touched by death – He is eternal without having a beginning or an end. Kaama, or desire, is the cause of births, and Isvara destroyed Kaama by his third eye. We perceive external objects through our physical eyes. But we require jnana to turn our vision inwards and realize the presence of God within. It is through jnana that we can get rid of future births. Isvara’s third eye is symbolic of this jnana. We strive to obtain the soothing bliss of saanti, which should progressively increase day by day. How better can the conception of saanti be portrayed than by the crescent moon adorning the head of Siva? What can be more soothing than the cool nectar rays of the moon? Isvara is also bearing the Ganges on His head, indicating that the welfare of the world is His concern. If we meditate upon Isvara, understanding the full significance of His uplifted leg and the third eye and the crescent moon, we shall be able to avert apamrityu (अपमृत्युpremature death) and other doshas (evils) and find eternal peace and happiness.