Siva - the Ascetic God : This article focusses on various Hindu religious tales surrounding Lord Siva - the destroyer amongst the Hindu trinity. Siva is considered to be an ascetic God and the originator of the Indian dance form. He is often depicted as Nataraja in the Tandava dance form. His consort is Parvati and his sons are Ganesha and Kartikeya and his primary weapon is the Trishul while his vehicle is the bull Nandi. Also described are symbolizations of Siva in Hindu art, including that of the Siva Linga.
Durga, through all her forms, encompasses the essence of salvation and sacrifice... Goddess Durga represents the power of the Supreme Being that preserves moral order and righteousness in the universe... The Divine Mother is beyond all material attributes, eternal and ever omniscient... She is...also, the guardian of dharma or cosmic order... Devi Durga is the ultimate representation of infinite power, purity and strength of purpose, which resides within the divine essence of every being…
