Trimurti
Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu – the Hindu trimurti
Three of the most significant forms of In Hindu belief, the absolute reality that is the true essence of all existence, God. are A 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., Vishnu 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. and A Hindu deity. The aspect of Brahman responsible for destruction and renewed creation. Some Hindus regard Shiva as the one Supreme Deity.. These three gods express key aspects of Brahman, the Hindus believe that Brahman is the Ultimate Reality – the source of all life in the universe and the basis of all reality and existence. Brahman is uncreated, infinite and all-embracing.. The word The three main deities of Hinduism. Refers to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. means ‘three forms’. In the trimurti, Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the preserver and Shiva is the destroyer.
In a Hindu temple, there are no images of Brahman. However, there are many images of gods and goddesses, which are aspects of the Brahman, or Divine One.
Brahma – the creator
Images or A 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, which see in all directions at once and symbolise a set of scriptures called the four Knowledge. 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’s four arms carry symbols of power - 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
Images or murtis of Vishnu express splendour and power. His four arms carry symbols of power - a discus, a lotus flower, a conch shell and a mace. Vishnu, god of light and The realisation of the truth about life. In Buddhism it releases a person from the cycle of rebirth. has appeared on Earth through The Hindu word for incarnation of a god in a human (or animal) form on Earth. The spelling ‘avatara’ comes from the Sanskrit.. Vishnu (and his avatars, including Hindu deity, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. There are many tales of him as a mischievous but loving child.) are worshipped by many millions of Hindus today.
Shiva – the destroyer
Images or 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 ‘fear not’. His necklace of cobra snakes is a sign of power. Shiva is worshipped by many millions of Hindus today.
Vaishnavite and Shaivite views of the trimurti
Hindus who worship Vishnu and those who worship Shiva each consider that their form of God is especially important.
Those who worship Vishnu are called Hindus who focus their worship on the god Vishnu.. These communities emphasise the idea of gods and goddesses appearing on Earth as avataras. They particularly focus on the avataras of Vishnu, such as Rama and Krishna.
Those who worship Shiva are called Hindus who focus their worship on the god Shiva.. Shaivite traditions are most popular in southern India. These communities often engage in restrictive practices, such as fasting, for spiritual reasons.
Question
Which three Hindu gods make up the trimurti?
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.