Shiva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Here are some of the characteristics and roles represented by Shiva:

1. The Destroyer: Shiva is often referred to as the destroyer within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu. In this context, Shiva's role is to destroy the universe in order to prepare for its renewal at the end of each cycle of time.

2. The Ascetic: Shiva is also depicted as an ascetic who lives on Mount Kailash with his wife Parvati and his two children, Ganesh and Kartikeya. He is often depicted sitting in a meditative pose.

3. The Lord of Dance: Shiva is known as Nataraja, the Lord of Dance. The dance of Shiva in Tillai, the traditional name for Chidambaram, forms the motif for all the depictions of Shiva as Nataraja. He performs the dance in order to destroy a weary universe and prepare for its renewal.

4. The God of Yoga: Shiva is also known as the God of Yoga, and is considered the Adi Guru (first teacher) of Yoga. He is often depicted in a yogic posture, symbolizing his spiritual power.

5. The Benevolent: Despite his destructive role, Shiva is also considered a benevolent god. He is known to quickly respond to the prayers of his devotees and provide them with blessings and protection.

6. The Symbol of Sexuality: Shiva is also seen as a symbol of sexuality. His relationship with his wife Parvati is often used as a symbol for the divine union between the physical and spiritual world.

7. The Embodiment of 'Shakti': Shiva is also considered the embodiment of 'Shakti' or power. He is often depicted with a third eye, which when opened, is believed to destroy everything it sees.

These are just a few of the many characteristics and roles represented by Shiva in Hinduism.

Question

Shiva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Here are some of the characteristics and roles represented by Shiva:

1. The Destroyer: Shiva is often referred to as the destroyer within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu. In this context, Shiva's role is to destroy the universe in order to prepare for its renewal at the end of each cycle of time.

2. The Ascetic: Shiva is also depicted as an ascetic who lives on Mount Kailash with his wife Parvati and his two children, Ganesh and Kartikeya. He is often depicted sitting in a meditative pose.

3. The Lord of Dance: Shiva is known as Nataraja, the Lord of Dance. The dance of Shiva in Tillai, the traditional name for Chidambaram, forms the motif for all the depictions of Shiva as Nataraja. He performs the dance in order to destroy a weary universe and prepare for its renewal.

4. The God of Yoga: Shiva is also known as the God of Yoga, and is considered the Adi Guru (first teacher) of Yoga. He is often depicted in a yogic posture, symbolizing his spiritual power.

5. The Benevolent: Despite his destructive role, Shiva is also considered a benevolent god. He is known to quickly respond to the prayers of his devotees and provide them with blessings and protection.

6. The Symbol of Sexuality: Shiva is also seen as a symbol of sexuality. His relationship with his wife Parvati is often used as a symbol for the divine union between the physical and spiritual world.

7. The Embodiment of 'Shakti': Shiva is also considered the embodiment of 'Shakti' or power. He is often depicted with a third eye, which when opened, is believed to destroy everything it sees.

These are just a few of the many characteristics and roles represented by Shiva in Hinduism.

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