Sri Shiva Shankara symbolizes the ultimate yogi-his disheveled hair is tied up in knots from which flows the holy river Ganga. In his hands, Shiva holds a damaru (drum) from which emanates the universal rhythm, a kamandalu (a small pot) which is the symbol of the sadhu, a trishul (trident) which is his weapon, and his fourth hand, in abhaya-mudra, blesses the devotee. With his faithful attendant, the mighty bull Nandi, at his side, Lord Shiva remains absorbed in meditation. As a yogi, his needs are few and even his form is best represented as formless--the linga. The shiva-linga symbolizes the endless pillar of fire energy that Lord Shiva reveals himself as to Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.