Shiva for me is a most prominent proponent of spiritual aspect of hinduism. My limited knowledge considers him an atheist. Buddha too preached spirituality, atheism, peace and harmony among mankind. However atheism without spirituality is a big threat to the mankind. it creates chaos. For simple human minds, there are different models in the form of religions to bridle human minds from satanic wishes. Religious aspect of hinduism has a wide variety of such models. Each model gives human being an understandable pictures and characters to worship as a god. Follow a model and don't be a menace to the world that's what religion says. Hinduism as a religion says the same. When I am lazy and my mind is stressed with mundane problems, I tend to follow hindu religion. That's the easiest way to avoid insanity. But when my soul and mind are active and awake I try to be SHIVA. I try to be BUDDHA.