Also spelled Siva, in Sanskrit "propitius". He is the third person in Hindu Triad, with Brahma and Vishnu. As Mahadeva (Great Lord) he is the creator, symbolized by the phallic lingham, who restores what as Mahakala he destroys. He is often sculpted as Nataraja, performing his fruitful cosmic dance. His female principle, Shakti, is Parvati, otherwise known as Durga or Khali.

Often represented as male, and at times showing an erected phallus, but also represented as half male, half female.