Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with roots dating back more than 4,000 years. According to the Pew Research Center, there are approximately 1 billion Hindus in the world, making up 15 percent of the world’s population. About 94 percent of Hindus live in India, and 60 percent of the total population of South Asia is Hindu.
The religion recognizes millions Hindu gods and goddesses, each embodying different aspects of the divine and offering guidance, protection and blessings.
Many Hindus build small altars in their homes and offer prayers and food to their chosen deities, known as Ishta Devata. Depending on their needs, they may pray to specific deities – seeking the wisdom of Saraswati during exams or the blessings of Ganesha to remove obstacles.
The divine is seen as simultaneously personal and universal, with gods and goddesses often representing different manifestations of one ultimate reality: Brahman. Here’s a brief look at Hindu gods, grouped according to the Trimurti (representing creation, preservation, and destruction).
What is the Trimurti?
The concept of the Trimurti refers to the gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and represents the cyclical nature of existence. Each god embodies a cosmic function: Brahma is the Creator, Vishnu is the Preserver, and Shiva is the Destroyer.
Creation creates new possibilities, preservation sustains them, and destruction paves the way for transformation. Together they ensure the continued balance and renewal of the universe.
Makers
1. Brahma
The god of creation, Brahma, is considered one of the most important figures in the Trimurti. Brahma is depicted with four faces symbolizing his all-encompassing knowledge. Brahma presides over raja-guna, the quality of passion.
2. Saraswati
Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, arts and learning, is the consort of Brahma and represents creativity in all forms.
3. Prajapati
Prajapati is known as the lord of beings and is associated with the creation of life and progeny in Hindu mythology.
4. Vishwakarma
The divine architect Vishwakarma is the god of construction and craftsmanship.
5. Manu
Manu, the progenitor of humanity, is considered the first man and lawgiver in the Hindu tradition.
Conservators
6. Vishnu
Vishnu, the god of preservation and sustenance, is one of the most revered gods in Hinduism, known for his ten avatars, including Rama and Krishna. Vishnu is in charge of sattva guna, the quality of goodness.
7. Lakshmi
Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is the consort of Vishnu and embodies abundance and happiness.
8. Hanuman
A devoted servant of Vishnu’s avatar Rama, Hanuman is the monkey warrior – and the god of strength, devotion and loyalty.
9. Garuda
Garuda, Vishnu’s mount and emblem of speed, is often invoked for protection and courage.
10.Narada
Narada, a divine sage and devotee of Vishnu, is the messenger and storyteller of the gods.
Destroyers
11. Siva
Known as the god of destruction and transformation, Shiva represents the cyclical nature of the universe and its potential for renewal. Shiva is in charge of tamas guna, the quality of ignorance.
12. Parvati
Parvati, the goddess of strength and energy, is Shiva’s consort and the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya.
13. Kali
A fierce aspect of Parvati, Kali is the goddess of time and destruction, often called upon to destroy evil.
14.Durga
Another form of Parvati, Durga, is the warrior goddess who slays demons and protects dharma.
15. Ganesha
Ganesha, the god of beginnings and the removal of obstacles, is also a son of Shiva and is widely worshiped in Hinduism.
We created this article using AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
Original article: 15 Hindu Gods Who Represent Cyclic Balance in the Universe
Copyright © 2024 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 company
