Shiva or the transformer or destroyer of the Trimurti is a major Hindu deity and one of the Hindu Trinity. Shaiva tradition of Hinduism considers God Shiva to be the Supreme Being while Smarta tradition sees him as one form from the five of the God. Like Vishņu, Śhiva is also a high god, who gave his mane to a lot of sects and trends: Śaivism.

The Hinduism followers that worship Shiva are also called Shaivas or Shaivites. Shaivism, Vaiṣṇava and Śākta are the three most influential denominations in this religion.

The figure of Shiva changed in time because there were a lot of ideas and too many regional sects. Thus all the ideas were combined and the figure we all know was born.

Five is the most important number for Shiva and is considered sacred. Because of this an important mantras has only five syllables (namaḥ śivāya). His body is also made from five mantras, the pañcabrahmans. As the five forms of God each of them has distinct iconography and names:
Vāmadeva
Sadyojāta
Aghora
Īsāna
Tatpuruṣa

They represent the five faces associated with Shiva in numerous texts with the five senses, the five elements, the five action organs, the five perceptive organs. Because of the differences between different interpretations and regional cults there were some errors in the texts thus it remains a mystery how the five forms took place and how they are linked with the other attributes.

Vishnu awakened and became Brahma that created the world and Shiva that will destroy it. In Shaivite myths Shiva is considered the one to create, preserve and destroy the world alone.

Maha Shivratri is the festival that celebrates Lord Shiva each year. The festival is on the 13th night, or the 14th day, of the new moon in the Krishna Paksha.