Shiva is the most enigmatic god in Hinduism. He is mentioned as
Rudra in the Vedas and the seated idol in meditation found at
the Harappa and Mohenjadaro excavations seems to suggest that
Rudra was known to this early civilization. He is the destroyer
of the Universe at the end of the cycle for the Universe. He has
three eyes. The third eye is usually closed but when open it can
destroy the enemies and evil. He destroyed the cupid (god of
love) with this eye when disturbed from his meditation. He bears
the river Ganga in His matted hair along with the moon. He has
tiger's skin for a loincloth and lives in the cemetery with
ashes all over his body. His vehicle is Nandi the Bull and His
weapon is the Trident.
He is Shankara (bestower of good.), Maheshwara (the great God),
Parameshwara (the God beyond), Pashupati (Lord of the animal
kingdom), Nata Raja (King of the dance), and Shiva (auspicious
one). He lives on the Mount Meru in Himalayas with his consort
Parvati.
In temples, He is worshipped in his Linga form, the symbol of
Creation.
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