Often worshipped through his symbol of the lingam, he is sometimes depicted as Nataraja, the eternal dancer.
In his role as the favorite of ascetics, this deity's matted locks are often shown in a coil that represents the Ganges. His collar of serpents is called the naga-kundala, and in one hand he carries Pinaka, his trident. He often rides the bull Nandi, and his neck is permanently stained blue from drinking poison that could've destroyed the world. Often worshipped through his symbol of the lingam, he is sometimes depicted as Nataraja, the eternal dancer. One of the trimurti, FTP identify this cohort of Vishnu and Brahma, considered the destroyer.
In his role as the favorite of ascetics, this deity's matted locks are often shown in a coil that represents the Ganges.
Shiva