Presentations of the Divine - deities
Hindus believe that BrahmanIn Hindu belief, the absolute reality that is the true essence of all existence, God. is the one true ultimate being. However, they also believe that there are many deity / deitiesOne god or goddess. In Hinduism, the word for gods and goddesses that many Hindus believe are different aspects of the one Supreme Spirit (Brahman).. These deities are different aspects of Brahman and each one shows Hindus a part of what Brahman is like.
The Trimurti
There are many Hindu deities, but the most significant forms of Brahman are BrahmaA Hindu deity, considered one of the Trimurti, and in charge of creative power; not to be confused with Brahmin or Brahman. Not widely worshipped by Hindus., Shiva (Hinduism)A Hindu deity. The aspect of Brahman responsible for destruction and renewed creation. Some Hindus regard Shiva as the one Supreme Deity. and VishnuVishnu is the aspect of Brahman responsible for the preservation of the world. Vishnu forms one part of the Trimurti, along with with gods, Brahma and Shiva.. These three gods are key aspects of Brahman, the Ultimate Reality. The word trimurtiThe three main deities of Hinduism. Refers to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. means 'three forms'.
Brahma the creator
Images, or murtiA statue of a god or goddess which has been made holy through a special ceremony; a term for any statue of a god or goddess., of Brahma have four heads, seeing in all directions at once and symbolising the four VedasKnowledge. Specifically refers to the oldest and most sacred Hindu texts and scriptures, written in Sanskrit. Any teaching which is consistent with these scriptures is also accepted as Vedic (ie in the same group of scriptures as the Vedas). . Brahma鈥檚 four arms carry symbols of power 鈥 a goblet, a bow, a sceptre and the Vedas. In Hindu creation stories, Brahma brings the universe into being. Brahma is not worshipped by many Hindus today, in comparison to the other two murtis.
Vishnu the preserver
Murtis of Vishnu express splendour and power. His four arms carry symbols of power 鈥 a discus, a lotus flower, a conch shell and a mace. Vishnu, god of light and enlightenment, has appeared on Earth through avatar (or avatara)The Hindu word for incarnation of a god in a human (or animal) form on Earth. The spelling 鈥榓vatara鈥 comes from the Sanskrit.. Vishnu (and his avataras, including Krishna) are worshipped by many millions of Hindus today.
Shiva the destroyer
Murtis of Shiva vary. He is often pictured dancing and with four arms. He holds a drum and a flame, and he points to his dancing feet with one hand and holds in the other hand a pen, meaning 鈥榝ear not鈥. His necklace of cobra snakes is another sign of power. Shiva is worshipped by many millions of Hindus today.