aivites put on their foreheads represent the triple aspect of
iva
. As a personal god (
i
ta-deva
), he is worshipped in many forms of manifestation, important examples being
N
ar
ja
(lord of the
dance
) and Dak
i
m
rti, spiritual teacher. His
mantra
is ‘sivo ’ham’.
iva is particularly associated with the river
Ga
g
(Ganges) which flows through his hair and with Mount
Kail
sa
in the
Him
layas