Term for Identification: Shiva

Question

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The Answer is Shiva is a principal deity in Hinduism, revered as one of the primary forms of God within the religion. He is one of the three major deities of Hinduism, along with Brahma the creator and Vishnu the preserver, forming the holy trinity known as the Trimurti. Shiva is often referred to as "The Destroyer" or "The Transformer" within the Trimurti, as he is associated with the destruction of the world in order to recreate it.

Shiva is known for his complex character and his paradoxical attributes. He is both ascetic and hedonistic, a householder and a hermit, a lover and a fierce warrior. He is depicted in various forms: a meditating yogi, a blissful dancer in the form of Nataraja, and as a family man with his wife Parvati and their children Ganesha and Kartikeya. Shiva is also worshipped in the aniconic form of the Shiva Linga.

In addition to his diverse roles and characteristics, Shiva is the patron god of yoga, meditation, and the arts. He is often worshipped with offerings of flowers, milk, and water, and his devotees seek his blessings for inner peace and the destruction of ignorance and ego.

Shiva is celebrated in numerous festivals, most notably Maha Shivaratri, where devotees fast, keep vigil, and offer prayers to the god throughout the night. His abode is said to be Mount Kailash in the Himalayas, and the river Ganges is believed to flow from his matted hair.

Overall, Shiva is a central figure in Hindu theology and worship, embodying a rich and multifaceted set of symbols, attributes, and teachings.

Term for Identification: Shiva

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