Shiva

In Hindu belief, one of the principle deities, worshiped as the destroyer and restorer of worlds, and in numerous other complementary forms. Shiva is often conceived as a member of the triad including Brahma and Vishnu; or with his wife Parvati, and his sons Skanda and Ganesha. He is often portrayed holding an ax (symbol of his power) and an antelope (symbol of his rule over the beasts of the wilderness). Others of his attributes are the trident, the third eye, the flask, prayer beads, and the fly-whisk.(pr. SHEE-və)