Shaivaites are those who primarily worship Shiva, the god of destruction. Shiva represents all the animistic spiritual forms in Hinduism, and has been worshipped not only in post-Vedic Hinduism, but also in the Indus Valley civilization as Pashupati or the Lord of Animals.

Literally Shiva means 'well being' and so is the manifestation of the god Shiva. However, he also represents fertility and along with his companion Shakti or vigor, is worshipped in the form of yoni (vagina) and lingam (phallus). Hinduism teaches that, at the end of creation, Shiva will perfom the Tandav dance and destroy everything, after which Brahma will recreate the universe.

Rudra is another manifestation of Shiva in which He is the Lord of beasts, non-beings, and spirits. Shiva is a benevolent god and is also worshipped as Shankara and Mahadev.