Lord Shiva Wallpapers 3.3.6

Shiva, the unique Hindu godhead, is revered as the deity who constantly meditates atop the Kailash Mountain in the Great Himalaya. He is not only the god of all, but also closely connected to Shakti-Parvati, the daughter of Himavaan. The bond between Shiva and Shakti is inseparable; one cannot exist without the other.

Lord Shiva, also known as the God of Destruction, holds a significant place in the Hindu triumvirate, alongside Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. However, Shiva takes utmost importance and is referred to as Devon Ke Dev Mahadev—meaning Lord of all Lords. With Shivaratri approaching, it is interesting to delve into the many fascinating facts about Lord Shiva.

As one of the principal deities in Hinduism, Lord Shiva stands as the supreme God within Shaivism—a prominent denomination in modern Hinduism. He is depicted as a yogi residing on the peaks of Mount Kailash and is regarded as a supreme spiritual entity that governs the universe.

In Shaivism and Saivism traditions, Lord Shiva is not just the creator, protector, and transformer of the universe; he is also revered alongside Vishnu and Brahma in the goddess tradition of Hinduism called Shaktism. Goddess Parvati represents the divine energy and creative power (Shakti) and serves as an equal complementary partner to Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva occupies a significant position in the Panchayatana pooja (worship) of the Smarta tradition of Hinduism, where he is considered one of the five equivalent deities. The other four deities are Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi or Durga, Lord Surya, and a devotee's preferred Ishta Devata—either Lord Ganesh or Lord Muruga or Skanda.

Shiva is regarded as shapeless, limitless, transcendent, and the unchanging absolute Brahman as well as the primal Aatman (soul/self) of the universe. With his diverse nature, Lord Shiva is often depicted with benevolent and fearsome aspects. In his benevolent form, he is an omniscient Yogi who resides on Mount Kailash and embraces a family life with his wife, Goddess Parvati, and their two children, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya or Muruga. In his fierce form, he is depicted slaying demons. Moreover, Lord Shiva is recognized as Adiyogi Shiva—the patron god of yoga, meditation, and arts.