Shiv Parivar refers to the divine family of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. This family includes Lord Shiva himself, his consort Parvati, and their children Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. The concept of Shiv Parivar is central to Shaivism, where the family is seen as a symbol of divine harmony, love, and creation.

The Members of Shiv Parivar:

1. Lord Shiva:

   • The supreme god in Shaivism, often depicted as the Lord of destruction and regeneration. He is also known as Mahadeva (the greatest god), Rudra, or Nataraja (the lord of dance).
   • He is typically shown with ash smeared on his body, a third eye, a crescent moon on his head, and the holy river Ganga flowing from his hair. His symbol is the Shivalinga, which represents his formless, infinite nature.
   • He is associated with meditation, asceticism, destruction, regeneration, and the dissolution of the universe.

2. Parvati:

   • Parvati is the goddess of love, fertility, and devotion, and she is also known as Shakti, the divine feminine energy.
   • She is the consort of Shiva, and their union represents the balance of masculine and feminine energies.
   • Parvati is often shown as gentle and nurturing, but also fierce when she assumes her various forms, such as Durga or Kali.
   • She is the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya, and her devotion to Shiva is seen as the ultimate example of love and faith.

3. Lord Ganesha:

   • Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, is one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
   • Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings, wisdom, intellect, and learning.
   • He is often depicted with a large elephant head, a round belly, and holding various symbolic objects like a broken tusk, a sweet (modak), and a mouse as his vehicle (vahana).

4. Lord Kartikeya:

   • Kartikeya, also known as Murugan or Subramanya, is the second son of Shiva and Parvati.
   • He is depicted as a young, handsome god riding a peacock, and is considered the god of war and victory.
   • Kartikeya is the commander of the divine army, leading the forces against evil and demons. He is also associated with wisdom, courage, and virtue.
   • His popularity is especially high in South India, where he is worshipped as a deity of protection and valor.