Shiva: God of Destruction

Lord Shiva is the destroyer of the world in the Hindu pantheon of Gods. He is considered to be responsible for change both, in the form of death and destruction and the positive sense of shedding of old habits.

Lord Shiva appears in a meditating but ever-happy posture. He has matted hair, which holds the flowing Ganges river and a crescent moon, a serpent coiled around his neck, a trident (Trishul) in his one hand and ashes all over his body.

His attributes represent his victory over the demonic activity, and calmness of human nature. He is known as the "giver" god. His vehicle is a bull named Nandi. Shiva is conceived in his unborn, invisible form as the Shiva Linga representing male creative energy. The Lingam is accompanied by the Yoni, which is the female principle surrounding the base of the Lingam.