Shiva: the destroyer/redeemer- the deity of the cosmic dance. shiva is dangerous, destructive, and yet he is joyful and a creative force. in his role as a redeemer, he destroys the sins of believers in order to lead them to redemption. shiva is often shown wearing a tiger skin loincloth and a snake collar. shivas dance has both a creative and destructive side. the joyful dance is associated with the creation of the cosmos. the violent dance is associated with the destruction of the cosmos, so that brahma can recreate it. for hindus, this ending may not be the worst fate, because the universe has to be destroyed in order to be created. many people believe that ultimate truth is best experienced through shiva because, they feel, that they must look at evil as well as the good.