Hindu Concept of God

True or False? Hinduism is polytheistic Worship many gods

Concept of God One supreme God that cannot be fully known or understood Trimurti (three main deities) Brahma, the creator Vishnu, the preserver Shiva, the destroyer 330 million different manifestations of Brahma Each deity expresses different aspect of the divine

Monotheistic/Henotheistic? Some call it a monotheistic religion Worship only god (Brahma) An entity without form, which is the source of all and to which all will return No beginning or end Some say Hinduism is henotheistic Worship of one god without denying the existence of other gods

Concept of God Impersonal Transcendental Reality No personal characteristics Transcendental Beyond the realm and reach of the sense; anything, everything, unlimited and indescribable Reality Only Brahma is real, all else is an illusion (maya) Human soul (atman) is only temporary form of Brahman Atman is Brahman and vice versa Goal of life is to unite the atman with the Brahman

Trimurti: The Hindu Triad Brahma - creator of all life Vishnu - the protector/preserver who comes to earth in avatars (incarnation—think Jesus) such as Krishna and Rama Shiva - the destroyer and restorer; responsible for the natural death

Trimurti Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva Work together in a never-ending pattern Preservation: Vishnu Destruction: Shiva Creation: Brahma The cycle of existence

Trimurti – Brahma (The Creator) Set the world in motion Gives order and structure for society and nature Is considered above worship (deep respect) and so is not worshipped directly Has four faces (all-seeing, all knowing)

Trimurti – Vishnu (The Preserver) Has four arms in which he holds a conch shell, a discus, a lotus, and a mace Loving and forgiving figure who brings salvation His Incarnations are called avatars - 9 times so far Often accompanied by his companion Lakshmi His 9th avatar is Siddhartha Gautama (founder of Buddhism) Hindus wait for the 10th avatar, Kalki, who will free the world of oppression

Trimurti – Vishnu (The Preserver) Vishnu’s Avatars: 1. Matsya 2. Kurma 3. Varaha 4. Narasimha 5. Vamana 6. Parashurama 7. Rama 8. Krishna 9. Buddha 10. Kalki

Trimurti – Shiva (The Destroyer) Destroyer and restorer of the universe New life and spiritual growth depend on death, he is the most worshipped of these gods Often depicted as Nataraj, the god of dance Dance is energy that keeps the universe moving Dancing on the monster of ignorance

Trimurti – Shiva (The Destroyer) Often shown wearing a tiger-skin loincloth, with a drum, serpent, water from Ganges river in his hair

A word about symbols… Male deities often have female partners/consorts Without female aspect the deities are incomplete/unbalanced Female deities embody a strong cosmic energy known as Shakti Tridevi is the triad of Hindu goddesses which includes Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswati

Saraswati Female partner of Brahma Goddess of wisdom, learning, the arts, music Often shown sitting on a lotus with a musical instrument and a swan nearby

Lakshmi Wife of Vishnu Goddess of wealth and prosperity

Parvati Gentle/nurturing aspect of the Mother goddess Shakti One of the three female forms of Shiva’s partner/wife. Other forms include: Durga, warrior goddess who slays demons Kali, goddess of destruction and change

Ganesha Deity of wisdom, learning and remover of obstacles Potbelly, four hands, elephant head Son of Shiva

Krishna Avatar of Vishnu Blue skin Often depicted playing a flute Hero of the Bhagavad Gita