shiva

The Hindu God Shiva is also known as the 'Destroyer' of the Cosmos. He along with Vishnu and Brahma comprises the trinity which governs the universe. When invoked Shiva destroys the baser instincts like lust,greed,hatred,ignorance and violence latent in the human breast! He is the ultimate Sanyasi and above all dualities.
Shiva is also known as 'Ardhanarishwara' which means half-female. He embodies both male-female principles like knowledge,power,strength,love,compassion,mercy and charity. He is the most easily appeasable of all Gods. All he asks is sincerity and surrender on part of the devotee. No statue is ever found in a Shiva Temple because he is infinite and self-effacing.He is the beloved of Durga and Kali.
The river Ganga flows through his locks and lives on Kailash.When angered Shiva can destroy the entire universe in the wink of an eye!
'It is Rudra who holds the world in the hollow of his palm. Till the debt to him is paid the law of Vishnu cannot prevail! Sri Aurobindo