Shiva (Sanskrit: ??? Siva; meaning 'auspicious one') is a major Hindu deity; and is the Destroyer or Transformer among the Trimurti; the Hindu Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine.

Shiva is a yogi who has notice of everything that happens in the world and is the main aspect of life. Yet one with great power; he lives a life of a sage at Mount Kailash. In the Shaiva tradition of Hinduism; Shiva is seen as the Supreme God and has five important works: creator; preserver; destroyer; concealer; and revealer (to bless).

Nandi or Nandin ( Sanskrit: ????); is the name for the bull which serves as the mount (Sanskrit: Vahana) of the god Shiva and as the gate keeper of Shiva and Parvati; and in Hindu mythology. Temples venerating Shiva display stone images of a seated Nandi; generally facing the main shrine. There are also a number of temples dedicated solely to Nandi.