The most fundamental of Hindu deities, is the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - popular deities include Ganesha, Krishna, Hanuman and goddesses like Lakshmi, Durga,Saraswati.
A metal serpent is always seen with a linga; it coils around the base, its hood serving as a parasol.The serpent represents the coiled energy of kundalini, the power that enables seeds to germinate and animals to conceive. Shiva as lord of herbs and master of beasts, the primordial 'shaman' in touch with Nature's mysteries, has a close relationship with serpents. He is also called their lord, Naganath.The serpent is also said to be Ananta Sesha, the great serpent of eternity, within whose coils rests the universe.