Shiva

Shiva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism, known as 'The Destroyer' or 'The Transformer' within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu. The name itself is derived from the Sanskrit word 'śiva', meaning 'auspicious, propitious, gracious, benign, kind, benevolent'. The deity Shiva is often depicted as an ascetic, meditating on Mount Kailash, with a third eye on his forehead, a crescent moon in his hair, the river Ganga flowing from his matted hair, a snake around his neck, a trident in his hand, and a damaru (drum).

The worship of Shiva is a pan-Hindu tradition, with various sects and traditions revering him as the supreme being. His iconography and mythology are rich and complex, encompassing both destructive and creative aspects. The name Shiva is deeply embedded in Hindu religious and cultural practices, and is widely used for boys in India and among the Hindu diaspora.