siva & liberation. Shiva is not the same as Vishnu

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http://bhagavatam.net/4/4/15

 

You are envious of Lord Siva, who is the friend of all living

entities within the three worlds. For the common man he fulfills all

desires, and because of their engagement in thinking of his lotus

feet, he also blesses higher personalities who are seeking after

brahmananda [transcendental bliss]

 

purport: "...those who are disgusted or frustrated with the

materialistic way of life worship Lord Siva to attain salvation,

which entails freedom from material identification. One who

understands that he is not the material body but is spirit soul is

liberated from ignorance. Lord Siva also offers that facility. People

generally practice religion for economic development, to get some

money, for by getting money they can satisfy their senses. But when

they are frustrated they want spiritual brahmananda, or merging into

the Supreme. These four principles of material life — religion,

economic development, sense gratification and liberation — exist, and

Lord Siva is the friend of both the ordinary man and the man who is

elevated in spiritual knowledge. Thus it was not good for Daksa to

create enmity towards him. Even Vaisnavas, who are above both the

ordinary and the elevated men in this world, also worship Lord Siva

as the greatest Vaisnava. Thus he is the friend of everyone — the

common men, the elevated men and the devotees of the Lord — so no one

should disrespect or create enmity towards Lord Siva"