According to Hindu mythology, during the Puranic Age, Gods and Goddesses were glorified as supreme beings in various eulogizing texts full of amazing stories - in the Puranas.

The Shiva Purana

In the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva is celebrated in the five elements of Nature governed by him - Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. Each of these elements is symbolized and worshiped in the form of a Linga, the formless form of Shiva.

The Shiva Purana also mentions 64 manifestations of Lord Shiva. Prof. K. Venkatachari, a noted artist, in his book Manifestations of Lord Shiva, brings to life a dozen such manifestations through beautiful illustrations.

Here we bring to you some of the most fascinating forms of Shiva - the God of Destruction by courtesy of Sri Ramakrishna Math of Chennai, India.