1. Hindu Gods and Goddesses
A Brief Introduction to “Rama’s Initiation” pg 1053
Epics and Legends

2. The Three Main Gods
Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are the three main gods of Hinduism
Brahma is the creator god
Vishnu is the preserver god
Shiva is the destroyer god
Vishnu is responsible for maintaining the world, or else Shiva will destroy it

3. Brahma Creator God Has 4 heads Used to have 5 heads
Children are named after emotions (Anger, Greed, etc.)

4. Vishnu Preserver of the World Portrayed as blue or black Has 4 arms
Has 1,000 names and people repeat his names to worship him

5. Shiva
Destroyer God
When one of Brahma’s heads lied to Vishnu, Shiva cut it off as a punishment for deceit.
Will destroy the world is Vishnu does not protect it.

6. Ganesh The Elephant God God of Good Fortune
Newlyweds honor Ganesh at their wedding in hopes that he will bless them

7. Kali Dark and violent goddess Lives in cremation grounds
Thuggee (pronounced Tug-ee): Followers of Kali (Thugs)

8. Lakshmi Goddess of Wealth, Fortune, Love, and Beauty
She has 4-6 arms and 8 different forms, depending on what one is praying for

9. Krishna The hero in the Mahabharata
Usually depicted as a baby or an adult playing the flute
Bhakti (devotion) to Krishna is usually for strength or compassion
Very strong warrior

10. Rama Hero of the Ramayana, the other great epic in Hinduism
His story shows what happens when one has good Dharma and Karma
His wife, Sita, is Lakshmi in another form