Abida (deity)
Abida is a god of the Kalmyks who is very similar to Shiva of the Indians . Abida rules over the souls of the deceased. Permission is given to the good to enter paradise. The wicked are sent back into mortal life in a lower guise (see also transmigration of souls ). The god Abida lives in heaven , where a silver path leads. He is depicted surrounded by flames, as he leads another over the back of a lion that tears a person to take him under his protection.