Shiva

[Fact 1]: 70.Rudra and Agni have a close relationship.For general statement of the close relationship, and example shared epithets, see: Sivaramamurti, p.

[Fact 2]: 22. and Kapardin, "endowed with matted hair"For translation of Kapardin as "Endowed with matted hair" see: . or "wearing his hair wound in a braid in a shell-like The Hari Vanśa Purana, on the other hand, attributes the colour of Shiva's throat to an episode in which Vishnu compels Shiva to fly after taking him by the throat and nearly strangling him.

The Ganga river flows from the matted hair of Shiva.

[Fact 3]: 49-52. These are depicted in various forms.

[Fact 4]: Ganesha was chosen as their leader by Shiva, hence Ganesha's title or , "lord of the ".Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend forms can be found, leading Chakravarti to conclude that "all the basic elements which created the complex Rudra-Śiva sect of later ages are to be found here."For quotation regarding Yajur Veda as containing contrary sets of attributes, and marking point for emergence of all basic elements of later sect forms, see: Chakravarti, p.

[Fact 5]: 23.

Shiva's distinctive hair style is noted in the epithets , "the one with matted hair",Chidbhavananda, p.

[Fact 6]: He rules the world through these three Gunas.

[Fact 7]: 32. His epithet Mahāyogin are found in all parts of India, with many well-defined varieties in Tamil Nadu in particular.For popularity of the and prevalence in South India, see: Chakravarti, p.

[Fact 8]: Since the Lord is the Eternal Reality, He is beyond time.