God is one but is worshiped by different people in different forms.
Someone said that for a 'grihastha' or householder, the best form of God to worship is Vishnu or his avatars like Ram or Krishn; mainly driving inspiration from 'trilogy' concept in Hinduism where Vishnu is the form of God who sustains life while Shiv is the god of destruction. But there is more in Hinduism apart from Trilogy concept and hence there are no easy conclusions.
Do you know that the only Hindu god who is to be visualized as a householder with a wife and children is Lord Shiva! In popular images you can find Shiva and Parvati sitting together while baby Ganesha and Karthikeya are in their lap. On the other hand, Lord Rama is worshiped along with wife Sita, his brothers and Hanuman but not with his kids. Lord Krishn can be seen along with Radha as consort. Lord Vishnu can be seen along with Goddess Lakshmi. Lord Hanuman was a brahmchari so sometimes he is seen alone while some times along with Lord Ram. Goddess Durga is seen alone. No other God apart from Lord Shiv is visualized along with their children as a family.
Shiv is originally a hermit living on Mount Kailash but he was 'domesticated' by Shakti when she brought him to Kashi where he became Shankara, a householder. Parvati ji became Goddess Annapurna, goddess of food and nourishment for everyone.
Shiv family is also complete. Shiva is Purusha himself; his wife Sati is considered ideal wife; Ganesha is considered ideal son; Karthikeya is the warrior god who protects villages. Together, they represent perfect balance in the universe.
Hence as Shankara, Shiva becomes ideal god of householders or grihasthas.
- Rahul Tiwary
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