Shiva is the most enigmatic god in Hinduism. He is mentioned as Rudra in the Vedas and the seated idol in meditation found at the Harappa and Mohenjadaro excavations seems to suggest that Rudra was known to this early civilization. He is the destroyer of the Universe at the end of the cycle for the Universe. He has three eyes. The third eye is usually closed but when open it can destroy the enemies and evil. He destroyed the cupid (god of love) with this eye when disturbed from his meditation. He bears the river Ganga in His matted hair along with the moon. He has tiger's skin for a loincloth and lives in the cemetery with ashes all over his body. His vehicle is Nandi the Bull and His weapon is the Trident.

He is Shankara (bestower of good.), Maheshwara (the great God), Parameshwara (the God beyond), Pashupati (Lord of the animal kingdom), Nata Raja (King of the dance), and Shiva (auspicious one). He lives on the Mount Meru in Himalayas with his consort Parvati.

In temples, He is worshipped in his Linga form, the symbol of Creation.