lord of shiva

Shiva is one of the main deities of Hinduism, also known as **"God of Gods"** or **"Mahadev"**. He is one of the Tridevas (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh) and is considered to be the god of destruction. Shiva is considered to be the symbol of **unique, infinite and ultimate truth**. ### **Main forms and qualities of Shiva:** 1. **Bhole Nath / Mahadev:** Shiva is considered to be extremely kind and does welfare of devotees. 2. **Nataraja:** Dancing form of Shiva, which shows the cycle of creation. 3. **Ardhanarishwar:** Half man and half woman form, which shows the balance of man and nature. 4. **Rudra:** Shiva in angry form, who destroys evil. 5. **Shivling:** Formless symbol of Shiva, which represents infinite energy. ### **Major stories related to Shiva:** - **Manthan of the ocean and drinking Halahal:** Protecting the world by drinking poison. - **Marriage with Sati and Parvati:** Love story of Shiva's wife Devi Sati (Parvati). - **Ganesh and Kartikeya:** Stories of the sons of Shiva-Parvati. ### **Main weapons and symbols of Shiva:** - **Trishul:** Symbol of the three worlds. - **Damaaru:** Sound of creation. - **Serpent and Nandi:** Vehicle and beauty of Shiva. Shiva is worshipped with the mantra **"Om Namah Shivaya"**. He is worshipped especially on **Monday**, **Mahashivratri** and **Sawan month**.