Shiva lord: Learn about the origin

Learn about the origin, forms, myths, and legacy of Lord Shiva, the Destroyer and the cosmic dancer in the Trimurti. Discover how Shiva embodies the duality of creation and destruction, and how he is worshipped and celebrated in Hindu culture. Explore the deep symbolism and legends of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity in Hinduism known for his powers of destruction and renewal. Shiva Nataraja (Lord of the Dance) Peter F (CC BY-SA) Ganga (the goddess who personified the river Ganges) was given to Shiva by Vishnu who could not take any more of the constant quarrels between his then three wives of Lakshmi (goddess of good fortune), Saraswati (goddess of wisdom) and Ganga. To cushion Ganga's fall to the earth, and prevent such a great river destroying civilisation, Shiva caught her in his hair topknot; once again, illustrating his quality of self-sacrifice. Shiva literally translates to that which is not. The entire galaxy is just a tiny ant in the mighty universe. The rest of it is vast emptiness that is known as Shiva. The description of lord Shiva is quite unique with the appearance of a yogi with a blue neck and Ganga sprouting out of his hair. He is depicted as sitting on tiger skin along with his consort Parvati and two children Subramaniya and Ganapati at his Himalayan abode mount Kailash. Lord Shiva Iconography There are several ...