Shiva

The Destroyer and Transformer within the Trimurti (Hindu trinity); supreme being in Shaivism.

Shiva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism and is regarded as the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism. He is known as 'The Destroyer' within the Trimurti, the divine trinity that also includes Brahma (the creator) and Vishnu (the preserver), but his role extends to transformation and regeneration. Shiva is often depicted with a third eye on his forehead (representing wisdom and insight), a crescent moon adorning his head, a snake around his neck, and holding a trident (trishula) and a small drum (damaru). He is typically shown seated in meditation on Mount Kailash, covered in sacred ash (vibhuti), and wearing a tiger skin. His mount is Nandi, the sacred bull. Shiva represents both asceticism and divine wrath, embodying both destructive and benevolent aspects. The Shiva Lingam is a symbolic representation of his formless and infinite nature.