Shiva is a Hindu deity. He is considered as the Supreme God in Shaivism, one of the three most influential denominations in Hinduism. In other branches of Hinduism such as the Smarta tradition, he is regarded as one of the five primary forms of God. He is “the Destroyer” or “Transformer” among the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine.
Shiva is usually worshiped in the form of the lingam aniconic. He is described as an omniscient yogi, who lives an ascetic life on Mount Kailash, as well as a householder with a wife Parvati and their two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya. Shiva has many forms benevolent and fearsome. He is often represented as immersed in deep meditation, with his wife and children as the Cosmic Dancer. In ferocious aspects, he is often depicted slaying demons.
In many sacred texts and Puranas as Mahavishnu, or Mahadeva Shiva is also called Paramatma (Supreme Soul). Often see it as Shaivas Universal Absolute (Supreme Brahman), and is considered by devotees Bhagwaan. The Shiva Sahasranama (1000 names of Lord Mahadeva) Shiva declared as “Paramatman”, the Supersoul everywhere. He is commonly connected to the practice of Yoga.
Photos of Lord Shiva
