Shiva

Q: What is Shiva the god of?

For many Hindus, Shiva is the supreme god. Shiva is a benevolent creator god but in his association with Time, he is also a destroyer of all things.

Q: Why is Shiva so important?

Shiva is important because he is one of the trio of main Hindu gods (with Vishnu and Brahma). For some sects, he is the supreme Hindu god and he represents creation, destruction, and time.

Q: What is the spiritual meaning of Shiva?

The spiritual meaning of Shiva is the abstinence from all forms of indulgence and pleasure. The god represents the importance of concentrating on meditation as a means to finding perfect happiness.

Mark Cartwright

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Definition

Shiva (Siva) is one of the most important gods in Hinduism and a member of the holy trinity (trimurti) with Brahma and Vishnu. Shiva is a complex character who may represent goodness and benevolence, and he serves as the Protector. Shiva is also associated with Time, and in this capacity, he is both the destroyer and creator of all things.

More about: Shiva

Timeline

c. 1500 BCE - c. 500 BCE
Indian scholars of the so-called Vedic Period commit the Vedas to written form; basic tenets of Hinduism are established.
c. 1500 BCE - c. 500 BCE
The Vedic Period in India after a greater migration of the Indo-Aryans from Central Asia
c. 1500 BCE - 1100 BCE
The Rig Veda written, mentioning the god Rudra (Shiva) and goddess Tara (among others) for the first time.
c. 400 BCE - c. 200 CE
The Bhagavad Gita, part of the Mahabharata, is written at some point between 400 BCE and 200 CE.
c. 770 CE
The Kailasa rock-cut temple at Ellora is completed and dedicated to Shiva.
c. 1150 CE - c. 1200 CE
The Nataraja Temple is built at Chidambaram.