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Brief Overview of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. All relate to Brahman Represent particular attribute or aspect Associated with a “vehicle” – bird or animal on which it rides. Brahma. The Creator Made himself into half woman, half man Not currently widely worshipped
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All relate to Brahman • Represent particular attribute or aspect • Associated with a “vehicle” – bird or animal on which it rides
Brahma • The Creator • Made himself into half woman, half man • Not currently widely worshipped • First part of the trinity: Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma
Shiva • The destroyer • Death, destruction, and the shedding of old habits • Takes many forms, sometimes with five heads • Self-controlled and celibate while a lover of his spouse(s)
Vishnu • Sustainer or preserver of life • Stands for righteousness and truth • Values under threat…Vishnu appears! • Restores peace and order • 10 avatars
Krishna • Dark and extremely handsome • Means “black” or mysterious • Leader, hero, protector, philosopher, teacher and friend all rolled into one • Thought to have lived between 3200 and 3100 BC • Incarnation of Vishnu
Ganesha • Lord of Success • Man’s body, elephant head • Often riding a mouse • Destroyer of selfishness, vanity and pride