Pashupati

His name meaning Lord of Animals or Lord of Cattle, Pashupati is the god of all animals--a benevolent guardian of nature who is Shiva's benign manifestation. He is one of the most ancient Sanatanis deities, sometimes viewed as the earliest form of Shiva. Embodying Shiva's propensity to withdraw from society, Pashupati is known to disappear into nature, mystifying the other gods as he lives among animals in the form of a deer!

Pashupati is an important figure connecting mankind spriritually to nature, placing great value in all life as equal--humanity is not placed above the lives of animals! For this reason, many of his worshippers are pacifistic and vegetarian, refusing to take the life of any creature. He is especially revered in the high mountains of Kunlun Shan, Bod and in Bharatavarsa. Many of these Sanatanis having fauna magic forms, allowing them to survive in dramatic and unforgiving landscape, even underwater! His temple is the most sacred place in Bod, more influential than maybe even Ylithuum.

Much like Lunil, Pashupati has the ability to take on Aspect of any animal, often mixing different species for his appearance. Impressive beasts gathers around him including elephants, bulls and tigers. He is actually often portrayed as a shepherd of all beasts, protecting nature and defending cattle. This is especially true in Bod, pastorial societies seeing Pashupati as their guardian and patron. When Pashupati withdraws from society he takes on the form of a deer with one horn and three eyes accompanied by a herd of consorts, elusive and mysterious.

Some art portrays Pashupati with five faces, each face represent one of the pancha bhuta or five basic elements which also represent Lunil's five aspects. Sadyojata of the western direction is associated with earth and Maralith, Vamadeva of the northerrn direction is associated with water and Lishil, Tatpurusha of the eastern direction is associated with air and Besida, Aghora of the southern direction is associated with light and Riptalis and the mysterious Ishana of the zenith is associated with ether and Iliog.