By Reagan

*Shiva

*Creation Myth

*Shiva first appeared from a blazing pillar *Brahma and Vishnu discovered the pillar and found Shiva

*Shiva became the third ruler of the universe

*Attributes

*He acts as a divine judge who shows no mercy to the wicked*His dance represents truth*Shiva saved the gods by drinking the poison of Vasuki causing his neck to turn blue

*The cobra necklace signifies Shiva's power over the most dangerous creatures in the world *The trident represents the three functions of the Hindu triumvirate

*Symbols

*The vibhuti represents his superhuman power *The third eye represents the wisdom and insight that Shiva has

*Symbols

*Beliefs

*Shiva is the third god in the Hindu triumvirate*The triumvirate consists of three gods*The other two gods in the triumvirate are Brahma and Vishnu*Shiva is viewed as both good and evil

*Holidays*Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated every year in honor of Shiva

*Sources

* http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Sa-Sp/Shiva.html* http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/deities/

shiva.shtml* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maha_Shivaratri*www.dandiyazone.com * pbfloridahomes.com