Shiva · शिव

Shiva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism, worshipped as Mahadev, the great god of meditation, destruction of evil and renewal.

Shiva is often worshipped in the form of the linga. He is pictured as an ascetic on Mount Kailash with the crescent moon and the Ganga in his matted hair, a serpent around his neck, the trident in hand, and Parvati as his consort; Ganesh and Kartikeya are their sons. Stories describe him drinking the poison that rose when the ocean was churned, which turned his throat blue (Neelkanth).

Mondays, the month of Shravan and Mahashivratri are widely observed for Shiva, though practices vary by region and tradition.