Shri Shiva

Who Shri Shiva is

Shiva is one of the three principal deities of the Hindu trinity (Trimurti) — Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer and transformer. "Destroyer" here doesn't mean malevolence: Shiva dissolves what has run its course so renewal becomes possible, which is why he's called Shankara and Shambhu — "the auspicious one."

Family and iconography

Shiva's consort is Parvati, and their sons are Ganesha and Kartikeya. He's depicted with a third eye (capable of burning away illusion), a crescent moon in his matted hair, the river Ganga flowing from his locks, a serpent around his neck, ash smeared across his body, and a trident (trishul) in hand. His vehicle is the bull Nandi, and his abode is Mount Kailash. As Nataraja, he performs the cosmic dance (tandava) that both destroys and creates the universe in rhythm.

Neelkanth — the blue-throated one

During the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), a deadly poison (halahala) emerged that threatened all creation. Shiva drank it to protect the universe, holding it in his throat rather than swallowing it — turning his throat blue and earning the name Neelkanth.

How he's worshipped

Shiva is worshipped in the form of the lingam in most temples, offered water, milk and Bel leaves — especially on Mondays and during Maha Shivratri, his major festival. The Shiva Chalisa and chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" are among the most common ways devotees connect with him daily.