Shiva is often considered part of Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh), but in many Shaiv traditions, he is considered to be the basic source of the entire universe, beyond these three.

Shiva is often considered part of Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh), but in many Shaiv traditions, he is considered to be the basic source of the entire universe, beyond these three.