Pingala
पिङ्गल
Pingala is the second of the eleven Rudras — representing the fiery, tawny, solar aspect of Lord Shiva. The name 'Pingala' refers to a reddish-brown or golden hue, symbolizing brilliance, tapas (austerity), and the burning away of karmas. This Rudra governs the vital breath (Prana) and the Pingala Nadi in yogic philosophy, which corresponds to the Sun channel flowing on the right side of the body.
Pingala signifies **purifying fire, life force, karmic energy, and righteous discipline**. He stands for **transformation through tapas**, and the controlled flame that burns ignorance, fueling awakening and vitality.
Pingala emerged from the right eye of Rudra during the act of cosmic wrath. As fire incarnate, he was tasked with **energizing life**, **burning impurities**, and **activating karma**. In yogic lore, he represents the Pingala Nadi — the solar energy channel that governs outward action, logic, and strength.
Source Texts:
Appearance: Pingala is depicted with a glowing golden or tawny complexion, eyes like burning embers, and a radiant halo. He wears tiger skin and is surrounded by golden flames. His hands hold a chakra (solar disc), sword, and staff of fire.
Symbols
Weapons
Mount
Golden chariot or lion
Direction
East
Element
Fire (Agni)
Pingala represents the discipline of yogic fire, the outward-moving energy (Rajas), and the inner sun that sustains life. In Tantra and Yoga, he governs the Pingala Nadi, associated with masculine, solar, and logical faculties. Spiritually, Pingala teaches the value of purification through controlled intensity — not destructive fire, but the fire of yoga, service, and dharma.
ॐ पिङ्गलाय नमः
Translation: Om, salutations to Pingala, the tawny one of burning energy.
Chanted to energize life, purify karma, and kindle inner strength.
ॐ पिङ्गलाय विद्महे ज्वालामुखाय धीमहि। तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥
Translation: We meditate on Pingala, the radiant flame-faced Rudra; may he inspire and energize us.
For invoking solar energy and vitality.
Major Temples
Pingaleshwar Mahadev Temple - Kutch, Gujarat
Believed to be a sacred site where Shiva appeared as Pingala to protect the region from tamas and drought.
Surya Narayan Temple (Konark) - Odisha
Though dedicated to Surya, tantric traditions associate Pingala Rudra as the fiery Shaiva guardian of solar temples.
Festivals
Makar Sankranti: Sun’s transition — celebrated as an energetic shift; devotees invoke Pingala for blessings of light and vitality.
Ratha Saptami: Solar festivity — Pingala is honored in inner rituals of yogis and tantrics.