Shiva
Who is Shiva?
Shiva is one of the three great gods of Hinduism, and one of the most fascinating. He is the destroyer, but destruction in these stories means making room for new things to grow. He meditates on snowy mountains, dances the dance of creation, and is both the wildest and the calmest of all the gods.
Kids find Shiva exciting because he breaks every rule of what a god should be. He wears snakes, smears ash on his skin, and carries a trident. But he is also a loving husband to Parvati and a playful father to Ganesha and Kartikeya. He shows that you can be fierce and gentle at the same time.
Shiva’s most famous stories
- The Bow of Shiva: Rama lifts Shiva’s mighty bow, the one no one else could even move.
- Who’s Who of Indian Mythology: Shiva’s place among the great gods, and his family of Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya.
Fun facts about Shiva
- Shiva’s third eye is said to see everything, including the past, present, and future.
- The river Ganga is believed to flow from Shiva’s matted hair, which caught her fall from the sky.
- Shiva’s dance, the Tandava, represents the cycle of creation and destruction in the universe.
- Maha Shivaratri, the great night of Shiva, is celebrated with night-long prayers and fasting.
Frequently asked questions
What does Shiva destroy?
Not the world itself, but ignorance, evil, and old things that need to end so new things can begin.
Who is in Shiva’s family?
His wife Parvati, and his sons Ganesha, the elephant god, and Kartikeya, the god of war.
Why is Shiva covered in ash?
The ash reminds everyone that everything physical eventually returns to dust, and only the spirit lasts.
What is Shiva’s trident called?
The Trishul. Its three prongs are said to represent creation, protection, and destruction.
Listen to the episodes
The Bow of Shiva: Rama’s Triumph in the Swayamvara
In this episode of Mythical Masala with Neev, we follow Rama, Lakshmana, and Sage Vishwamitra as they embark on a journey to the kingdom of Mithila. But this is no ordinary trip—King Janaka has set up a grand swayamvara to find a worthy husband for his daughter, Princess Seeta. With Lord Shiva’s legendary bow as the ultimate challenge, will anyone succeed in winning Seeta’s hand? Tune in as we dive deep into this legendary tale of strength, destiny, and love.
Who’s Who of Indian Mythology – Part 1: Brahma, Vishnu's Ten Avatars, and Shiva's Forms
Dive into the vibrant realm of Hindu mythology in this special episode of Mythical Masala with Neev! Join Neev, as he explores the Trimurti—Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer—along with the ten Avatars of Vishnu, known as the Dashavatara. Learn how these powerful deities maintain cosmic balance, from Matsya the giant fish saving sacred scriptures to Kalki’s future role as the ultimate cleanser of evil. Perfect for families, kids, and anyone curious a...