Why is Lord Shiva more popular than other Hindu deities?

 

• Shiva is Mahadev ( Lord of the Lord's).
• Shiva means the auspicious one and untouched, as Shiva din't take any avatars.
• Shiva is easily pleased , thus referred as Bholenath, the innocent God.
• Shiva didn't set any protocol for His worship.
• There are no set of rules or rigid practices to get Shiva's grace, just by pouring water on Shivlinga pleases Him.
• Shiva is also popular deity of tantra and Shakta traditions.
• Nearly 80 % of Hindu literature is dedicated to either Shiva or Vishnu or Shakthi, which include the Vedas, the Epics, the Puranas and the Agama Shastras.
• Shiva doesn't differentiate between His devotees , He comes even with offering of one Bilva leaf.
• Shiva is very unconventional, Shiva makes and breaks all social customs and moral codes to convey His state of freedom.
• Shiva is the moksha provider, He dissolves everyone into Him, and destroys the Bad qualities namely Lust, arrogance, desires, greediness, anger and jealousy.
• Shiva is the God of the body. Shiva represents Tamas, which is the predominant component of a living body. Shiva resides as aatma rudra ( soul ) in every living being.
• Shiva gave his half body to His best half , Goddess Parvathi.
• Shiva is a family man. He loves His family and children as much as He loves his devotees.

• Shiva has immense powers.
• Shiva is Pashupathi nath, God and saviour of all animals.
• Shiva gives us wisdom and Knowledge, as the Aadi Yogi and Aadi Guru, Shiva Himself is a good musician , dancer and a singer.