Shiva is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, known as the god of destruction and transformation. He is a central figure in the Trimurti, alongside Brahma (the creator), and Vishnu (the preserver). Explore the deep symbolism and legends of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity in Hinduism known for his powers of destruction and renewal. Shiva Nataraja (Lord of the Dance) Peter F (CC BY-SA) Ganga (the goddess who personified the river Ganges) was given to Shiva by Vishnu who could not take any more of the constant quarrels between his then three wives of Lakshmi (goddess of good fortune), Saraswati (goddess of wisdom) and Ganga. To cushion Ganga's fall to the earth, and prevent such a great river destroying civilisation, Shiva caught her in his hair topknot; once again, illustrating his quality of self-sacrifice. Shiva is known as The Destroyer within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity which also includes Brahma and Vishnu. [6][26] Shiva has many aspects, benevolent as well as fearsome.
