Shiva represents the most essential goodness, yet is the destroyer of everything. Shiva is a man and yet contains a woman. He is peaceful, but in the blink of an eye he can destroy the universe. “He is the god of life and death, destruction and rebirth” (Gokhale 8). How can everything that is contrary be embraced in a single being? This is the mystery of Shiva. With its 1008 different names, this represents the mass of its inconceivable mysteries (Gokhale 3). As the most followed god in the Hindu religion, Shiva is known for his divine family, extraordinary powers, appearance and millions of devotees. It is one of the best known and most revered aspects of Eastern philosophy and has left a mark in philosophical systems around the world today. Shiva, the god, first appeared in Eastern philosophy in 2500 BCE and was depicted in a yoga. -similar position with three faces and two arms (Gokhale 9). The story is told by Gokhale that Parvati, the consort of Shiva, in her incarnation as Kali, set out to bring about destruction (33). Shiva, trying to stop him, transformed himself into a corpse in order to block his path (33). Kali used the power of feminine energy, or Shakti, to revive Shiva (33). This revival transformed him from shava, or lifeless corpse, into Shiva, the “master of the universe” (33). Once he became Shiva, he soon began to raise a family. Shiva's family now included his wife, Parvati, his two sons, Kartik and Ganesha, and his sacred bull, Nandi (Gokhale 7). Sati was the first wife of Shiva, who, after her death in a sacrificial ritual ceremony, was reborn as Parvati (Gruenwald). Shiva and Parvati were immediately attracted to each other again, and Parvati wanted to marry Shiva middle of paper...and destruction is a preconceived notion throughout the world (Pandit). Shiva's popularity and appearance are not only limited to the Eastern Hemisphere, but are found today in nations and cultures around the world. Although Shiva is rightly labeled as the god of destruction, the title is often misunderstood. Even though he destroys, his destruction is used to create new beginnings. Without Shiva, the cycles would continue endlessly and the forces of evil would never be rid of the Earth. These aspects of Shiva and the history he endured earned him his place in the triad of Hindu gods. Shiva's many devotees across the world have helped amass his popularity as one of the world's most recognizable gods, alongside his son Ganesha. Shiva is the mysterious key to unlocking and understanding one of the greatest aspects of Eastern philosophy..