Brief Overview of Hindu Gods and Goddesses

All relate to Brahman Represent particular attribute or aspect Associated with a “vehicle” – bird or animal on which it rides

Brahma The Creator Made himself into half woman, half man Not currently widely worshipped First part of the trinity: Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma Brahma has red skin and wears white clothes. He rides on a goose. He has four arms. In one arm he carries the Vedas, in another a scepter, in a third a komondul (a special type of water jug that is stilled used by Hindus during worship), and in a fourth a bow or, variously, a string of beads or a spoon. As mentioned earlier in this text, Brahma has four heads. In this, Shiva who has five, outdoes him.

Shiva The destroyer Death, destruction, and the shedding of old habits Takes many forms, sometimes with five heads Self-controlled and celibate while a lover of his spouse(s)

Vishnu Sustainer or preserver of life Stands for righteousness and truth Values under threat…Vishnu appears! Restores peace and order 10 avatars 1. Matsya (the fish) 2. Koorma (the tortoise) 3. Varaha (the boar) 4. Narasimha (the human-lion) 5. Vamana (the dwarf) 6. Parasurama (the angry man, Rama with an axe) 7. Lord Rama (the perfect man, king of Ayodha) 8. Lord Krishna (the divine statesman) 9. Balarama (elder brother of Krishna) 10. Kalki (the mighty worrior)

Krishna Dark and extremely handsome Means “black” or mysterious Leader, hero, protector, philosopher, teacher and friend all rolled into one Thought to have lived between 3200 and 3100 BC Incarnation of Vishnu

Ganesha Lord of Success Man’s body, elephant head Often riding a mouse Destroyer of selfishness, vanity and pride How Ganesha Got His Head The story of the birth of this zoomorphic deity, as depicted in the Shiva Purana, goes like this: Once goddess Parvati, while bathing, created a boy out of the dirt of her body and assigned him the task of guarding the entrance to her bathroom. When Shiva, her husband returned, he was surprised to find a stranger denying him access, and struck off the boy's head in rage. Parvati broke down in utter grief and to soothe her, Shiva sent out his squad (gana) to fetch the head of any sleeping being who was facing the north. The company found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then attached to the body of the boy. Shiva restored its life and made him the leader (pati) of his troops. Hence his name 'Ganapati'. Shiva also bestowed a boon that people would worship him and invoke his name before undertaking any venture.