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© K. L. Kamat
Shiva from Mangeshi Temple in Goa
Lord Shiva (a.k.a. Siva), the destroyer of the evil is
also known as Ishwar, Shambhu, Shakta and a number of other names and is
widely worshiped in India. An especially partial God (he is known even to
relinquish his own powers (to Rawana) when pleased with the sacrifices and
offerings of his devotees), Hindus believe that he resides in the great
Himalayan mountains, wearing only ash.
Shiva is depicted in ancient Indian art carrying the sacred river Ganga
(the Ganges), romancing with wife Uma (at Badami), punishing the evil and
most commonly, performing his powerful cosmic dance.
The Shiva-Linga, in which the cosmic powers of Shiva and Uma are
symbolized in a radiant union, Shiva's vehicle, the Nandi bull, and his
other mystical powers have influenced thousands of years of Indian art,
thought, and faith.
Depiction of Lord Shiva at Kamat's
Potpourri
See Also:
- Goddess Parvati -- Shiva's wife, also referred
as mother goddess
- God of Beginnings -- Ganapati is a very popular deity among Hindus and is worshipped all over the world as the God of beginning.
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Topics on Hinduism
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