WHO IS SHIVA ?
S hiva is known as "The Destroyer" within the Trimurti , the Hindu trinity which also includes Brahma and Vishnu . In the Shaivite tradition, Shiva is the Supreme Lord who creates, protects and transforms the universe. In the goddess-oriented Shakta tradition, the Supreme Goddess ( Devi ) is regarded as the energy and creative power (Shakti) and the equal complementary partner of Shiva. Shiva is one of the five equival deities in Panchayatana puja of the Smarta tradition of Hinduism. Shiva has many aspects, benevolent as well as fearsome. In benevolent aspects, he is depicted as an omniscient Yogi who lives an ascetic life on Mount Kailas as well as a householder with his wife Parvati and his three children, Ganesha , Kartikeya and Ashokasundari . In his fierce aspects, he is often depicted slaying demons. ...