subject: Lord Shiva - The Lucky One [print this page] Are you familiar with the Hindu god that practically covered with ashes, snakes on his neck, has four hands and wear a tiger's skin? This Hindu figure known as Lord Shiva said to dance among cremation sites and meditates on Mount Keilash is also the destroyer of the universe and at the same time, a source of good luck according to the Hindu beliefs. If you want to know more about him, better read on.
Parvati is his wife and together they are the mother and father of the universe. They have two sons named Ganesha and Kartikeya. As most people see on his wallpapers or pictures, there on his hands are the Pinaka or trishul, which usually has a damaru or a drum attached to it. The hands hold different things like a Shanka, a bow, and a club, or a rosary usually called a rudraksha. His fourth hand is empty but raised in a way of protection and blessing.
In addition, Shiva has an insignia of a moon on his head which is why he was also known as the "one crowned by the moon" because of that thin moon on his head, with a stream of water flowing from the moon. Hindus popularly call this insignia at his head as the Ganga.
Apart from the hands and insignia, the Lord Shiva has a third eye, which appeared after Parvati playfully covered his eyes and the world immediately succumbed to darkness and chaos. In order to bring back peace, he formed the third eye where fire emerged to bring back light to the world. Hindus also believe that the light coming from his third eye is very powerful and destructive. He would open it purposely when he is angry with any wrongdoer, so he can burn them to ashes.
Furthermore, what you can see on his body are tiger skin and his bare upper body smeared with ashes. On most pictures, you can also see him riding a bull called the Nandi. This creature seen posted outside his master's temple and everybody who goes in offers it prayers first, before they go inside.
The name of Shiva actually means the auspicious one or simply the one who brings in good luck. Those who are devoted to him blessed with protection and happiness from this Hindu god. Together with his wife, Parvati, they live in Mount Kailash a mountain in the famous Himalayas. They also believe that he has several attendants called "ganas" with animal heads while his son, Lord Ganesha who has an elephant head, is the leader of this group.
