Lord Shiva is quite terrifying in some ways. While he is bholenath, still his external appearance (covered in skulls and ashes, surrounded by demons and ghosts) may actually deter some people.
People tend to misunderstand; when surrounded by darkness a rope will appear like a snake.When the torch is switched on,the reality is realized.
The neighbours gathered wailing loud and long,
Denied him now a name, called him corpse,
And bore him to the burning ghat and the body burnt,
Then a ceremonial dip--and memory dies as the hours lapse.
How soon the dead are forgotten.
Lord was he of our land, sole leader of our place,
Mounted now on palanquin for the ultimate journey's end;
Mourners walked behind, clashing drums beat afore;
Thus did the solemn show, in ample length, extend.
They hurried the body to flames.
Death strikes from life's enchanted cup,
Honeyed delights of wife, cherished treasures of heart;
Kinsmen bore him on bier to the common burning ghat,
And the burden discharged hurried home,
Having done their part.
The body to its final fate consigned,
Friends and kinsmen all dispersed;
But some remained;
Coveting riches of the dead some remain back,
long had they lusted for the dead man's wealth,
Intent on riches, men deem they could for ever hold,
Panting and pining for what they might carry by stealth.
They too finally depart cleansing themselves by a bath,
Mourning friends, weeping spouse, dear children all,
They but followed him to the river's edge--not a step beyond;
Then sorrow dropped its mark, quick the pyre was lit,
Then the plunge in water, heart-whole they, graceless band.
He is the Lord of all celestial beings,
Who wear bejewelled crowns of dazzling beauty;
But the Lord did bedeck Himself in Skull and Bone
How is it?
If He bears not skull and bone.
Dust unto dust will theirs be.
-Sri Mantramala (Tirumantram)
Thus in order to redeem them,Lord Siva,the auspicious One,wears their remains which are scorned and abandoned by everyone else on His own Self,keeping His devotees always close to His heart.Even when all have forgotten He does not.O Lord Siva,unfathomable are your ways and matchless is the Love you have for your devotees!
In-fact, very rarely have I seen Lord Shiva being worshiped in the same mood that Lord Narayana is worshiped.There is a huge impersonal and personal contrast here generally, and this maybe a reason why people maybe more attracted to Lord Vishnu then Lord Shiva or other devas/devis..
There are dualistic,monistic,qualified non dualistic etc Shaiva schools.(Southern)Saiva Siddhanta Sampradaya itself has two schools and dualistic Shaivism is quite popular in Tamil Nadu.There is a lot of diversity and diverse practices within Shaivism.
