Lord Shiva
Shaiva
The destroyer and transformer, one of the three principal deities of Hinduism. Shiva is the supreme being in Shaivism. He is the lord of meditation, yoga, arts, and destruction. As Nataraja he performs the cosmic dance of creation and dissolution. His abode is Mount Kailash and he is married to Parvati.
Worship of Lord Shiva — Puja, Vrat & Offerings
Lord Shiva is worshipped especially on Mondays, on Pradosh (the thirteenth tithi), and throughout the holy month of Shravan. The simplest and most beloved offering is abhishekam — bathing the Shiva Linga with water, milk, honey and bilva (bael) leaves, which are dear to Him like no other. Chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 times with a rudraksha mala purifies the mind and is said to dissolve fear and negativity. Devotees observe the Monday fast (Somvar Vrat) for health, harmony and a good life partner, and Mahashivratri is the greatest night of Shiva worship in the year.