Hinduism
Concepts
Trimurti
Also known as the trinity, this is the group deities Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu.
Brahman
The origin and cause of all things. Descriptions of Brahman read as: being the universe itself; the ultimate reality; all parts of the universe, but more than the sum of those parts.
Notable Gods & Goddesses
Brahma
The creator and one of the trimurti.
Shiva
Shiva is a paradoxical deity, encompassing things such as both destruction and restoration.
Title/Honorific: Lord
Vishnu
Protector, restorer, and one who maintains balance — Vishnu has 24 avatars and 10 incarnations. This deity is believed to destroy threats to the moral order of the world should they appear. The goddess Lakshmi is Vishnu’s consort.
Parvati
Parvati is the goddess of fertility, love, devotion, and determination. She is the benevolent form of Devi and also the mother of both Ganesha and Murugan.
Note: Devi is the form encompassing both Parvati and Kali.
Kali
Goddess of time and destruction, Kali is the fierce, wrathful form of Devi.
Note: Devi is the form encompassing both Parvati and Kali.
Ganesh
Ganesh, son of Shiva and Parvati, is also referred to as Ganesha. Ganesha is often invoked for help in easing obstacles towards a goal. He is also known for being associated with wisdom, learning, success, and luck.
Title/Honorific: Lord
Krishna
The deity Krishna represents love and is a form of Vishnu.
Saraswati
Goddess Saraswati is associated with knowledge and wisdom above all else. She rejects materialism, instead pursuing understanding. Her herald is the peacock, representing the arts.
Hanuman
The deity Hanuman is in the form of a humanoid monkey, and represents selfless service.
Special Events
Puja
Definition