In Hindu mythology, a god who forms the trinity with Brahma and Vishnu; as the former is the creator, and the latter the preserver, so Shiva is the destroyer. But as death is a new form of life, the destroyer is really a re-creator, and thus Shiva is called the Bright or Happy One. His name does not occur in the Vedas, but in later Hinduism he is an important divinity.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
Read More