Shiva— Hindu God"The Destroyer"

The Destroyer and Transformer

Shiva is one of the most complex and multifaceted deities in all of mythology. As the third member of the Hindu Trimurti, he is the destroyer—but destruction in Hindu philosophy is not evil. It is necessary transformation, clearing the old to make way for new creation. Shiva destroys ignorance, ego, and the illusions that bind souls to suffering.

The Great Yogi

Shiva is the supreme yogi, often depicted in deep meditation on Mount Kailash, his Himalayan abode. He is Adiyogi, the first teacher of yoga, who transmitted this science to the seven sages (Saptarishis) who spread it across the world. Ash-smeared and matted-haired, he represents the renunciate who has transcended worldly attachments. Yet he is also a loving husband and father.

Nataraja, Lord of Dance

As Nataraja, Shiva performs the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. Dancing within a ring of fire, he crushes the demon of ignorance beneath his feet while maintaining perfect balance. One hand holds the drum of creation, another holds the fire of destruction. His dance is the rhythm of the universe—the eternal cycle of death and rebirth that underlies all existence.

The Third Eye

Shiva's third eye, located on his forehead, represents transcendent wisdom but also terrible power. When Kama, the god of desire, disturbed Shiva's meditation, a glance from this eye reduced Kama to ashes. The third eye is said to see beyond the physical world and, if fully opened, could destroy all creation.

Shiva and Shakti

Shiva is incomplete without Shakti, the divine feminine energy. His consort takes many forms: the gentle Parvati, the fierce warrior Durga, and the terrifying Kali. Together, Shiva and Shakti represent the interplay of consciousness and energy, the masculine and feminine principles whose union creates and sustains the universe. The Ardhanarishvara form shows Shiva as half-male, half-female.

Family and Followers

Shiva is father to Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of beginnings, and Kartikeya (Murugan), the god of war. His mount is Nandi, the sacred bull. The Shaiva tradition, which worships Shiva as the supreme god, is one of the largest denominations in Hinduism. The lingam, an abstract representation of Shiva, is found in temples throughout India.