Are Shiva and Vishnu the Same?

Swami Sivananda maharaj states: "Shiva and Vishnu are one and the same entity. They are essentially one and the same. They are the names given to the different aspects of the all-pervading Supreme Parabrahman the Supreme Being or the Absolute.

Is Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu the same?

While Lord Brahma plays the role of a Creator and Lord Vishnu plays the role of the Preserver, Lord Shiva, is essentially the Destroyer. ... While many purans believe that God Brahma and God Vishnu were born from God Shiva, there is no hardcore evidence to prove the same.

Who came first Shiva or Vishnu?

This scepticism is found in Upanishads too, although many attempts are made. Later, in Tantras, we are told that matter came first as the Goddess, and from her came the mind, taking three male forms: Brahma, the priest; Vishnu, the king; Shiva, the ascetic.