For many Hindus, Shiva is the primary deity whose Divine strength manifests itself on Earth as needed. He is described in many ways: as the Lord of Music and the King of Dance, whose movements provide the energy that drives the universe; the Creator and Destroyer of the Universe, who maintains the cycles of life and death; the Consummate Teacher; and the Protector, who wards off evil. Hindus regard Shiva's love and passion for his wife Parvati as a model of marital fidelity.
Hindus view a consecrated Linga as a symbol of Shiva's Divine energy. A Linga-Yoni sculpture represents complementary opposites that balance all of existence.
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