Shiva, also known as Siva, the Destroyer or the auspicious one, is one of the most important and best-known deities in Hinduism. He is venerated as the god of rebirth, destruction, benevolence and protection; and he is often revered as one of the deities in the Hindu trinity (trimurti). He is depicted as a man with several arms. In Shavism, he is regarded as the Supreme Being and creator.

He has a third eye which he once used to incinerate the god of love Kama. Accordingly, he is also worshiped as the deity who destroys the universe every 2 or so billion years. Shiva is primarily associated with two deities Sati, the goddess of fertility; and Kali, the goddess of death.

Shiva has a third eye that many Hindus believe is a representation of wisdom and boundless insight and energy. With this third eye of his, he once consumed the Hindu love god Kama with fire. Kama had tried to distract Shiva while he was in a deep meditation. Enraged by Kama’s insolence, Shiva rained down fire from his third eye upon Kama. Out of fear of what Shiva might do if he gets angry, many Hindus typically cover up Shiva’s third eye.

To show his worshipers just how dangerous he can be sometimes, Shiva is commonly depicted with a cobra necklace. This symbolizes he vast natural power over the most dangerous of animals on earth. The cobra fits perfectly with Shiva’s role in Hindu pantheon – his destructive and creative nature. Cobras also generally shed their skins, paving way for a new layer of skin. From this angle, Shiva might not necessarily be a total force of destruction; rather, he is the deity that burns everything down to ground in order to make way for an even better world and society.

Shiva – One of the principal deities in Hinduism (Trimurti). Represents both destruction and regeneration. Commonly depicted with a third eye, trident, crescent moon, and meditating posture. Known as Mahā‑Yogi. Central to Mahashivaratri, a night marked by fasting, chanting, and temple ceremonies.