Shiva is a god of countless manifestations and a variety of forms, each famed for certain attributes, deeds and powers, and the Shaiva sadhus seek to emulate the image of the deity outwardly, while working toward internalizing the god's being and knowledge through ritual and spiritual practice. On the surface, this sadhu adopts the characteristics of Shiva: he sanctifies the body with sacred ash tilaka, wears his hair in matted locks to evoke yogic power, and carries the god's iconic trident (trishul), the weapon that connects heaven and earth. On a deeper level, however, the sadhu performs all daily activities, both sacred and mundane, as rituals dedicated to the Divine, thus transforming his whole existence into holiness. The sadhu seeks to be like Shiva and finally be in complete union with him.<br /> <br /> Because the sadhus imitate the gods in appearance and behavior, they are perceived and worshiped as living idols with the ability to accumulate and channel spiritual energy to the laity.