Śiva: The Cosmic Ascetic and Lord of Dance (Hindu Mythology)
Śiva, also called Rudra in early Vedic texts, is a central deity of Hinduism. He embodies paradoxes: ascetic and householder, destroyer and creator, terrifying yet compassionate. Śiva governs destruction, renewal, yoga, meditation, and dance. He is often depicted with ash-smeared body, a crescent moon on his matted locks, the sacred river Ganges flowing from his hair, and the third eye
