The God of Destruction: Shiva

Who is Shiva?

Shiva is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating gods in Hindu mythology, with his multiple facets. God of destruction, he is also the god of creation. He keeps his eyes half-closed: he opens them to create the world and closes them to end it. His benevolent nature makes him a deity who destroys to rebuild, which explains why he is so widely worshipped.

He is also the god of yoga, often depicted in a meditative pose, as well as the god of dance. His trident is a major symbol, which the sadhus draw on their foreheads as a sign of devotion.

How did he appear?

Shiva is said to have intervened to settle a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, who were arguing over which one was the greatest god, even though he himself is part of the Hindu trinity.

His strength is said to have come from a stratagem: when the gods were threatened by demons, Shiva allegedly asked them to give him a portion of their power to repel the enemy. He never returned these powers to them, making him the most powerful entity in the universe.

Often associated with destruction, he has no less than 8000 names according to legend.

What is his family like?

Like most Hindu gods, Shiva is polygamous. His primary wife is Parvati, Vishnu's sister and the mother of the famous Ganesh. She is also the daughter of the king of the Himalayas. To win over Shiva, who was deeply meditating, she followed a life of prayer and mortification, impressing the god who eventually married her.

Shiva also has other wives: Kali, a symbol of domination over evil forces, and Ganga, the goddess of the sacred river. Finally, Gaudi is also part of his divine family.

How is he depicted?

Shiva is often depicted with four arms, each symbolizing:

• Protection
• Hope for liberation
• The rhythmic impulse of the universe
• Destruction

The sacred river Ganges flows from his hair, while a crescent moon adorns his head, symbolizing rebirth. His third eye, closed, represents total destruction.

The cobra coiled around his neck is a symbol of power. He is accompanied by a bull, his sacred mount. His tiger skin is a trophy from a battle against heretics, during which he is said to have tamed a serpent and defeated a tiger.

What is his symbol?

Shiva is worshipped through the lingam, a phallic-shaped object symbolizing creation. According to legend, lingam-shaped stones are naturally found in the Narmada river.

There are two types of lingams:

• Natural lingams found in the river
• Man-made sculpted lingams

Lingams of all sizes marked with the sign of Shiva can be found throughout India.