Hindu Gods

Trimurti – The Hindu Trinity

Brahman = ultimate reality

Brahma• Trimurti (Trinity)• Four heads represent the

four Vedas• Lord of Creation• Little devotion – possibly

cursed; already created world, man, etc.

Vishnu• Trimurti (Trinity)• Dark complexion, rest on

the ocean on a bed of serpents

• Lord of protection, sustenance; preserver of life

• Rescues people from evils and trouble• Very popular

Shiva

• Trimurti (Trinity)• Four arms, usually

depicted in the “dance of destruction”, surrounded by fire

• Lord of destruction• Destroys all the bad/evil

qualities in people

Shakti – The Divine Feminine

Saraswati• Shakti• Beautiful & elegant, white

in color on a white lotus, typically playing an instrument

• Goddess of wisdom and learning, patron of music/arts

• Worshipped for knowledge in education, business, & life

Lakshmi

• Shakti• Beautiful, seated on a

lotus with four arms giving out money and holding lotuses; with elephants

• Goddess of prosperity, love, and beauty

• Worshipped for assistance in the above three

Durga• Shakti• 8 or 10 arms carrying

weapons, lotus, etc; riding a tiger

• Mother Goddess, creative feminine force, name means inaccessible

• Protector of righteousness, destroyer of evil (Shiva’s wife)

Avatars & Lesser Gods

Ganesh(a)

• Lesser god / Avatar • Elephant head, pot belly • Lord of Obstacles &

Beginnings • Most worshipped as

remover of obstacles, patron of arts & sciences (most popular of all Hindu gods)

Rama

• Avatar• Physically strong, holding

a bow• Example of justice, peace,

morality, & virtue• Seen as a role model of

behavior that all Hindus should aspire to

The End