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HINDUISM
Fact Sheet
Practitioners of Hinduism recognize one Supreme Being, Brahman, meaning “the universal
soul.” This one Supreme Being is recognized in a holy trinity called “Trimurti.” This trinity
includes Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer.
One misconception of the Hindu faith is that it consists of a pantheon of gods and
goddesses, each having its own specific job, much the same as the ancient Greek and
Roman faiths. While there is some truth to that, it is actually much more complex. The
holy trinity described above have a great number of avatars each. These avatars are
incarnations of the deity that comes to earth for varying reasons. Each god also has one
or more consorts, or spouses. Often times, the purpose of the consort is to bring balance to
the great power the god possesses. Finally, there are also regional differences of the same
deity, which may add confusion.
Those who worship the Hindu faith will typically chose one god above all others to worship,
similar to a denomination. Brahma is seen as an important part of the holy trinity, but does
not have a following. He is recognized as the son of Brahman and the creator of the
universe, therefore his work is done. The following are the deities which are central to the
different denominations of the Hindu faith.
Vishnu
Avatars include: Krishna, Rama
Consorts include: Lakshmi, Sita, Rukmini
Vishnu is known in the Hindu trinity as the
preserver of the universe. However, to
those that worship Vishnu as a Supreme
Being, he is the most important god,
the god that protects, gives life, and
has the power to end life. He comes to
earth in many incarnations to protect
the universe and humanity from tyranny
and natural disasters. In art form, Vishnu
is easily recognizable as he is usually
painted blue.
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2010 by Museum of World Treasures
Shiva
Avatars include: Bhairava, Mahesha
Consorts: Shakti, Kali, Parvati, Durga
Although listed in the Hindu trinity as
the destroyer, Shiva is worshipped by his
followers as the creator, preserver, and
destroyer. In Shiva, opposites meet.
He represents good and evil, life and
death. He is known as the Lord of the
Dance, and controls all movement
throughout the universe. In art, he is
often depicted in the Nataraja, or the
sculpture representing the dance of life.
Shakti
Avatars include: Kali, Parvati, Durga
Consorts include: Shiva
Shakti is known as the Great Goddess.
The word “Shakti” means power, force,
and female energy. Each of her many
avatars represent her many abilities.
As Kali, she is a violent, destructive
force. As Parvati, she is gentle and
nurturing. As Durga, she rides a tiger
which represents the female energy
having power over the male ego and
arrogance. She is the balance to the
powerful male forces in the Hindu trinity.