Shiva is considered to be lord of Shmashana or Shmashana Adhipati, "inhabitant of the cremation ground.

Shiva is considered to be lord of Shmashana or Shmashana Adhipati, "inhabitant of the cremation ground. Shiva, whose body is covered by the white ashes of the cremation ground in which he meditates is symbolic of death and regeneration. Digambara, clad in robe which symbolises his primal condition, his non attachment to the world. Adiyogi Sitting in cremation ground shows correct attitude of the yogi to life. Shamshana is the end of the physical phase of life, prerequisite for every new creation. ‪Shivas long with long matted hair that's his spiritual life and his great powers, wearing a garland of snakes around his neck. Sometimes more snakes: one across his body like a sacred thread and two acting as bracelets around his muscular hands. The snakes symbolically represents his control over desire and sensuality. Sometimes in his ferocious aspects, he is shown wearing a garland of skulls. Shiva's destruction is not negative. It is a positive, nourishing and constructive destruction that builds and transforms life and energy for the welfare of the world and the beings that inhabit it. He destroys in order to renew and regenerate. He destroys our imperfections in order to ensure our spiritual progress. He destroys our illusions, desires and ignorance. He destroys our old memories, so that we can move on with the movement of time. He destroys our relationships, attachment, impurities, physical and mental wrong doings, the effects of bad karma, our passions and emotions and many things that stand between us and God as impediments to our progress and inner transformation. And in the end when we have made sufficient progress, when we are ready and prepared, and when we are willing without any inner conflict, he destroys death.! Peace ~ Boom Shankar!!!!!