Krittivasa is one among the numerous names of Shiva. Shiva is known as Krittivasa because he wears animal hides as clothes. Shiva usually wears a tiger skin. As per some scriptures he also wears elephant skin. Symbolically, the tiger skin suggests that Shiva is the controller of all powers in the world. A story is mentioned in the Shiva Purana, which explains why Shiva wears tiger skin. You can read it here . When Shiva wears elephant skin, he is also known as Gajantaka. You can read the story and symbolism of Gajantaka here . Another reason for Shiva using animal skins as clothes is that he is the lord of all creatures – Pashupati. He is the divine herdsman.