Hinduism Brahman First god of the trimurti Key terms: Trimurti – three images, these are the three main gods in Hinduism – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva Moksha – being free from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth and becoming one with God. Omnipotent – all-powerful Omnipresent – everywhere at once Omniscient – all-knowing Omnibenevolent – all-loving Eternal – lasts forever Puja – a form of worship Mandir – Hindu temple Reincarnation – being born as something or someone else when you die. Karma – a totalling of a person’s actions that will decide their future. What goes around comes around. Murti – images of the god/goddess Puja Hindus often choose an aspect of Brahman to worship Hindus say ‘aum’ while they are praying – they believe this is the sound god makes. A Hindu shrine A statue or picture of their chosen god/goddess A puja bell – to get the attention of the god/goddess they are praying to. The Arti lamp – symbolises the offering of love to a god/goddess. Incense sticks – used to create an atmosphere of calm and concentration. Tilak powder – a sign of belonging and also a sign of blessing from a god/goddess. Fresh fruit, flowers and water – these are offerings to the god/goddess. Brahman Hindus believe in one God called Brahman Brahman has no gender. Brahman can appear in many different forms either as a god or goddess. Hinduism Hindu trimurti Brahma - creator Vishnu - preserver Shiva - destroyer First god of the trimurti Created the world and all creatures Has four heads Has four arms Usually shown with a beard – shows he has great wisdom. Also has a water pot which is needed to create new life. Second god of the trimurti Role is to restore balance of good and evil Associated with light – like the sun. Represented with a human body, blue skin and four arms. Hands always carry four objects representing the things he is responsible for: conch shell – the sound this makes ‘Om’, represents the sound of creation, discus – symbolises the mind, lotus flower – example of existence of freedom, mace – represents mental and physical strength. Third god of the trimurti Believed he has powers of destruction and recreation. Seen as the source of both good and evil. Shown as a man with a blue face and throat but white body. Has a third eye – showing his wisdom Has a cobra necklace – shows his power Has the vibhuti – 3 lines on his forehead to show his power and wealth. Has a trident – represents the three parts of the trimurti Dresses in animal skin.

Hinduism Mandir Mandir is the Hindu place of worship What is in a mandir? Gopuram – A gateway or tower that marks the entrance to the grounds. The Guardian – between the gopuram and mandir there is a statue of an animal which spiritually protects the shrines inside. Ardhamandapa – porch or entrance. Bell – ring a bell to announce their arrival to the gods/goddesses. Mandapa – main prayer hall. Garbha Griha – main shrine. Means ‘womb house’ as it symbolises the womb or heart that gives life to the whole temple. Shikara – spire on the roof that symbolise the journey of the soul up to God. Murti – image of a god/goddess. Puja tray – a tray with various objects needed for worship. Prasad – food offered to the murtis. Symbols - Mandirs are decorated with many different symbols including: the Om/Aum - represents the one unseen God; the lotus flower which symbolises purity and beauty; and the swastika, which represents the sun and God’s blessings. Haveli – originally a building with rooms built around a courtyard. Brahmin – Hindu priest. Reincarnation People believe after death, people are born again. This is based on their actions in life. The chain of rebirth The lowest in the chain of rebirth is plant life, followed by insect life, animal life, human life and then finally life as a Brahmin (Hindu priest). When someone comes back as a Brahmin, they achieve ‘moksha’ when they die. Hinduism Diwali The festival of light Celebrated to remember Rama and Sita’s return from banishment and after defeating the evil demon king Ravana. Lakshmi Also honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Some Hindus will say prayers to the goddess for a successful year. Lamps are lit to help Lakshmi find her way into people's homes. How it is celebrated spring-cleaning the home wearing new clothes exchanging gifts (often sweets and dried fruits) and preparing festive meals worshipping at the temple Making patterns lights and huge firework displays often celebrate Diwali