1. 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.

2. 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