The “destroyer and transformer,” Shiva is one of the three primary deities, the Trimurti, of Hinduism. Shiva has a dual nature, sometimes benevolent, represented as an ascetic yogi and patron of yoga and meditation, and sometimes fierce, doing battle with demons. Looking for Shiva? Look for deities with a snake around their neck and a third-eye in the center of their forehead, and you've found him.