1. Hindu Gods

2. Trimurti – The Hindu Trinity
Brahman = ultimate reality

3. Brahma Trimurti (Trinity) Four heads represent the four Vedas
Lord of Creation
Little devotion – possibly cursed; already created world, man, etc.

4. Vishnu Trimurti (Trinity)
Dark complexion, rest on the ocean on a bed of serpents
Lord of protection, sustenance; preserver of life
Rescues people from evils and trouble
Very popular

5. Shiva Trimurti (Trinity)
Four arms, usually depicted in the “dance of destruction”, surrounded by fire
Lord of destruction
Destroys all the bad/evil qualities in people

6. Shakti – The Divine Feminine

7. Saraswati
Shakti
Beautiful & elegant, white in color on a white lotus, typically playing an instrument
Goddess of wisdom and learning, patron of music/arts
Worshipped for knowledge in education, business, & life

8. Lakshmi
Shakti
Beautiful, seated on a lotus with four arms giving out money and holding lotuses; with elephants
Goddess of prosperity, love, and beauty
Worshipped for assistance in the above three

9. Durga Shakti 8 or 10 arms carrying weapons, lotus, etc; riding a tiger
Mother Goddess, creative feminine force, name means inaccessible
Protector of righteousness, destroyer of evil (Shiva’s wife)

10. Avatars & Lesser Gods

11. Ganesh(a) Lesser god / Avatar Elephant head, pot belly
Lord of Obstacles & Beginnings
Most worshipped as remover of obstacles, patron of arts & sciences (most popular of all Hindu gods)

12. Rama Avatar Physically strong, holding a bow
Example of justice, peace, morality, & virtue
Seen as a role model of behavior that all Hindus should aspire to

13. The End