Which Hindu deity is known as 'The Destroyer'?

Which Hindu deity is known as 'The Destroyer'?

• A. Vishnu
• B. Shiva
• C. Brahma
• D. Krishna

Answer: (B)

In Hinduism, the force that dissolves old forms to make way for new creation is attributed to a specific deity. This deity is Shiva, the destroyer. His role isn’t about simple annihilation; it’s about transformation—clearing away the old and worn-out to allow renewal and renewed life to arise. This fits into the broader idea of cosmic cycles where creation, preservation, and destruction work together. Shiva’s symbols, like the third eye that sees through illusion and the fiery energy of his dance, embody this power of dissolution that enables new beginnings. In contrast, Vishnu is the preserver who sustains the universe, and Brahma is the creator; Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu. So the destroyer is Shiva.

In Hinduism, the force that dissolves old forms to make way for new creation is attributed to a specific deity. This deity is Shiva, the destroyer. His role isn’t about simple annihilation; it’s about transformation—clearing away the old and worn-out to allow renewal and renewed life to arise. This fits into the broader idea of cosmic cycles where creation, preservation, and destruction work together. Shiva’s symbols, like the third eye that sees through illusion and the fiery energy of his dance, embody this power of dissolution that enables new beginnings. In contrast, Vishnu is the preserver who sustains the universe, and Brahma is the creator; Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu. So the destroyer is Shiva.