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.
Gajaasuran, a demon who had the form of an elephant (gaja) tormented the universe and terrified the gods and the humans. Continuing unchecked, he proceded to attack Shiva's abode. A terrified Parvati beseeched Shiva to put an end to the attrocity, and Shiva obliged by flaying the skin of the demon and wearing it as a drape around him - and then danced the dance of victory.
A splendid bronze image of Gajasamhaaramurthy is held in worship at Vazhuvoor near Mayiladuturai in Tamilnadu. Vazhuvoor is one of the 8 Veeratta temples celebrating Shiva as the destroyer of evil forces.
