Lord Shiva is one of the three powerful Gods of Hinduism, with Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. According to the epics of Hindu tradition he has the power to transform and destroy the creatures in the world.

In ancient times he took many avatars to destroy demons and it is believed that those who worship him regularly will receive his blessings in the form of  “boons”, or wishes granted. He is often represented with the  River Ganga on his head and a snake round his neck, illustrating his powers against poison.  He has an eye in the middle of his forehead which he opens when angered, ejecting a rain of fire. In Malayalam this eye is called  Netrikkan. He is also the father of Lord Ayyapan, the famous deity of Sabarimala temple.