36. In Early Hinduism, Shiva Was Not a Distinct God
The earliest Hindu texts are known as the Vedas, and he is not directly mentioned in them. Instead, he is an aspect of another god known as Rudra. Rudra brought the heavy rains that typify the monsoons of India; the Shiva aspect of him brought new life from the torrential flooding. He brought balance to Rudra by recycling the destructive energy into a constructive force for good. From this narrative, he came to be seen as both the destroyer and creator.