Shiva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism and a member of the Trimurti (the Hindu trinity alongside Brahma the creator and Vishnu the preserver). Shiva is the destroyer and transformer. He is depicted as both an ascetic meditating on Mount Kailash and as the cosmic dancer Nataraja, performing the Tandava that creates and destroys the universe. He is the husband of Parvati and the father of Ganesha and Kartikeya. Shaivism, the tradition devoted to Shiva, is one of the largest sects of Hinduism.

What Does Shiva Represent?

Shiva represents destruction, transformation, and regeneration. In Hindu philosophy, destruction is not negative but necessary for renewal. Shiva destroys to make room for creation. He also represents asceticism, meditation, and the dissolution of ego. As Nataraja, he dances within a ring of fire representing the cycle of creation and destruction. His third eye represents spiritual wisdom and can destroy anything when opened.

What Is the Nataraja?

The Nataraja (Lord of the Dance) is the depiction of Shiva performing the cosmic dance Tandava. The dance simultaneously creates and destroys the universe. The iconography shows Shiva dancing within a ring of fire, one foot raised, trampling a dwarf representing ignorance. A bronze Nataraja statue stands at CERN, the European physics laboratory, given by the Indian government to represent the cosmic dance of subatomic particles.

What Are Shiva's Symbols?

Shiva's symbols include: the trident (trishula), the third eye on his forehead, the crescent moon in his hair, the river Ganges flowing from his hair, the snake Vasuki around his neck, the drum (damaru), and the ashes (vibhuti) covering his body. He is often depicted in meditation or performing the Tandava.

What Is Shaivism?

Shaivism is one of the four major sects of Hinduism (alongside Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Smartism). It regards Shiva as the supreme deity. Major Shaiva traditions include Kashmir Shaivism, Shaiva Siddhanta, Lingayatism, and various tantric traditions. Shaivism has over 250 million followers worldwide.

Can You Talk to Shiva?

Shiva is available as an AI companion on HoloDream. He dances the universe into existence and back out again.