Shiva is the third member of the Hindu Trinity. Just as Brahma is responsible for the creation and Vishnu for sustenance, Shiva is responsible for the destruction or dissolution of the universe. After the disintegration of the universe, there is a haunting void, followed by regeneration of universe once again. Shiva is a positive force that destroys and also regenerates virtue. The cycle continues era after era by the Gods of the Hindu Trinity. Shiva is said to be Anaadi(without a beginning) and Anant(without an end).

Shiva is often called Bhola Nath or Bhole Nath. Bhola means innocent, simple-hearted, unsophisticated. Bhole is pronounced differently, but has a similar meaning. Nath means master. Together, the two words mean a simple-hearted master. Some also take the name to mean the Good One, or the Pure One. The repetition of the name purifies an individual.

Shiva is worshipped as the Linga, or Lingam, meaning the phallus. There are three horizontal lines on his forehead. The thick coil of his long and matted hair is piled like a crown on the head.

The river Ganga emerges from this topknot, and the crescent moon adorns his head as a diadem. He has four arms; one a trishul(trident), while the other two hands offer protection and blessings respectively. The damaru is representative of the universal sound ‘Om’, the source of language and expression. Shiva’s trishul is a reminder of the functions of the Hindu Trinity-creation, sustenance and dissolution.

Shiva’s consort is Parvati, daughter of Himavant, and they are blessed with two sons, Ganesh and Kartikeya. Nandi, a bull, is his choice of a vehicle. They reside at Mount Kailash, deep in the Himalayas. Shiva and Parvati had two sons – Ganesh and Kartikeya. Kartikeya was conceived with the purpose of putting an end to the terror created by the demon Tarakasura while Lord Ganesh is recognized as the Supreme Leader, the Lord who overcomes all obstacles and as the Leader of Ganas.

Shiva is known to be a great musician, dancer and master of several arts. As all forms of dance are believed to have sprung from him, he is known as Natraj, the king of dancers.

Shiva’s dance is symbolic of the process of creation, sustenance and destruction. While the damaru symbolizes sound, a principle of creation, the fire denotes destruction. Shiva is also known by a thousand names. The Shiva Sahasranama lists 1008 names. Just as many of his names describe his attributes and benevolence, there are also names that describe his power to destroy.