He is the universal teacher, the omnipresent and all knowing.
Shiva assumes all forms.
Originally known in the Vedas as Rudra, Shiva is also identified with the god of fire, Agni. As further synthesis occurs between Vedic and Aryan religion, Shiva becomes the Auspicious. He is the supreme God of Medicine, who protects both animals and humans from disease. He is male and female, Shiva and Shakti, thus encompassing the total possibilities of human form. Yet Shiva is also neuter, without gender, for he is conscious consciousness.