H: Shri Uma-Maheshwar

• Maheshwar, or Shiva, is the Destroyer aspect of the universe’s three stages; Brahma is the Creator; Vishnu, the Sustainer.
• Shiva is in the form of a yogi, adorned with the symbols of simplicity and asceticism.
• Ganga (the sacred river Ganges) is believed to have made her abode in Shiva’s matted locks and is depicted as flowing from there down to earth.
• Shiva also ingested the poison that emerged from the epic churning of the ocean; hence his bluish hue.
• Shri Uma, also known as Parvati or Shakti (the feminine power of Shiva), is represented as his inseparable and dedicated devotee.