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.
Ash, symbol of destruction, purification and rejuvenation, is very holy to Shiva. Devotees often make sacred marks, three parallel horizontal lines, on the forehead and arms using this vibhuti or bhasma. This holy mark of Shiva, the tripundra, represents many things: the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva; the three worlds destroyed by Shiva.
Another sacred mark of Shiva is the ardha-chandra, a half moon drawn with sandal paste or red-oxide (sindoor), with a dot, bindu, in the crescent. This is the symbol of Shiva-Shakti.
Still another sacred mark amongst Shaivites is the trishul or trident, the weapon of Shiva.
