Shiva stands above Nandi 7th - 8th century Central Java Dieng

 

Shiva is a god who has an important role in Hinduism. Lord Shiva is included in the three highest or main gods and is most glorified than the other gods, which is called Trimurti. These three gods are the god Brahma (creator), god Vishnu (preserver), and god Shiva (destroyer).

Lord Shiva is known as the god of destruction, destruction and lust. Despite having a negative impression, he is actually a changer and re-creator. Lord Shiva spends his time meditating in the Himalayas on a tiger skin rug. Often seen smearing himself with ashes and visiting cremation grounds.

According to the Shiva Hindu tradition, Shiva stands as the supreme god and was born alone (svayambhu), without a mother or father. He married the mountain goddess, Parvati, and had two sons, the elephant-headed Ganesha and Skanda, the god of war.

Shiva is often depicted holding a trident (trishula) and riding his bull, Nandi. He was a counter-god, ascetic and erotic at once, a god who laid waste to the world so that creation could grow whole again. Once a masculine deity, he functions as the male counterpart to the feminine power (shakti) of his wife, Parvati. He is associated with the divine ambrosia Soma and phallic symbols such as the snake and phallus.

The Birth and Beheading of Ganesha

Shiva did not completely leave his asceticism after marrying goddess Parvati. Once, while the god was away at one of his many meditation spots in the mountains, Parvati wanted a celestial maid who would serve Parvati and Shiva perfectly. He then wiped the dirt from his body while bathing and formed a statue.

Goddess Parwati then meditated and said, “You are my son. You are mine. I have no one else to call mine.” The statue lived and was named Ganesha.

Unlike other children who had to go through the infant phase, Ganesh was direct With the newborn god fully clothed, he sent him to serve as gatekeeper of the house and told him not to let anyone into his room.

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