Shiva Chalisa

Shiva Chalisa is a devotional song dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. Adapted from the Shiva Purana, it consists of 40 verses and recited daily or on special festivals like Maha Shivaratri by Shivaites, and worshipers of Shiva. Lord Shiva is the Hindu Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine which have dominion over death and destruction. He appears in a meditating but ever-happy posture having matted hair that holds the flowing Ganges river and a crescent moon, a serpent coiled around his neck, a trident (Trishul) in his one hand, and ashes all over his body. He is known as the "giver" god. His vehicle is a bull (symbol of happiness and strength) named Nandi.