HINDUISM

GODS AND GODDESSES

Hindus worship one God, Brahman. It may seem, however as if there are many gods and goddesses. This is because Hindus worship the many aspects of Brahman, as each one shows a different side.

The most prevalent manifestations of God are…..

Brahma

• In the form of Brahma, God made the world.

• Therefore Brahma is the creator.

• His 4 faces represent the 4 directions

• The book represents the 4 Vedas

Brahma

Vishnu

• As Vishnu, God keeps the world going.

• Therefore Vishnu is the preserver.

• Hindus believe he comes to Earth to help in times of trouble.

• They believe he has already come 9 times (as animals and people), and that he will return once more. These incarnations are called avatars.

Vishnu (continued)

• His 4 arms show that God has a lot to do

• Weapons show God’s power over evil

• The crown represents God’s importance

• Flowers around his neck show that God is worshipped

• Rich clothes and jewelry show the glory of God.

Krishna ~ Incarnation of Vishnu

Shiva

• As Shiva, God will destroy the world.

• Therefore he is the destroyer and restorer of the universe.

• His wife is Parvati.

Shiva (continued)

• The dancing figure of Shiva shows his great power over the world

• The drum in his right hand shows that he is the restorer of the world (it is the beat of life – like a heart beat).

• He dances with his hair flying, as he holds all of nature in balance.

Shiva Nataraj

These three manifestations of God are called the Hindu Trinity.

Other gods and goddesses include….

Saraswati

• Saraswati is the Goddess of learning

• She is the source of all knowledge

Lakshmi

• Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, happiness and good fortune.

Lakshmi and Vishnu

Parvati

• She is a mother goddess.

• Hindus believe she is the source of female energy

• She is the wife of Shiva.

Ganesha

• He is the remover of obstacles.

• He has a human body and an elephant’s head.

• He is believed to be everyone’s protector.

Parvati, Shiva and Ganesha

Hanuman Durga

Kali