Let us take a look at this image of Lord Shiva, Mother Parvati, Ganesha and Kartikeya.
- Lord Shiva- snake wrapped around His neck
- Mother- on Lion (varies with incarnations)
- Ganesha- rides on a mouse
- Kartikeya- on a peacock
Mouse 
Snake Peacock Lion (The chain is ever-ready to complete itself.)
Now, let us see the contrasts in the form of Lord Shiva.
- The pure blissful symbol, the moon adorns His head, the sudhaamrita (ambrosia). On the other hand, poison is retained in His neck (Neelkantha)
- Ganga (cool waters) emerges from His locks of hair, fire gushes out from His third eye.
- The body is smeared with ashes, spirits and phantoms surround Him, He dances in the grave, with the skull in His hand, Death surrounds Him.
- He exists in Form as well as in Formless state.
Despite all the disparities existing in a family, the Eternal smile never escapes His face. What is the reason? This is not my question. Rishi Narad asked Lord Shiv.
Let us see the answer of Lord.
- O Rishi! You also have the capsule, which I own to retain this smile. I take the tablet of Name of RAMA. My mind resonates in the Name, and bliss sustains. I have realised the Unified RAMA.