Vishnu — The Preserver
Overview
He is a self-existent god, present even before the creation of the universe. He is the preserver god.
From a cosmic dream he had, a lotus grew, and from it Brahma was born, while Shiva was born from his forehead.
He is blue in color and has four arms holding: the lotus (purity), the conch shell (creative sound), the discus (power), and the mace (protection).
His mount is a giant eagle, "Garuda", which symbolizes victory over the forces of evil.
He is venerated in India and many other countries.
Appearance & symbolism
- Lotus: purity
- Conch shell: creative sound
- Discus: power
- Mace: protection
Brahma — The Creator
Overview
He is the creator god of the universe, born from a lotus flower that sprouted from Vishnu’s navel.
He is represented with four heads (symbolizing the four cardinal directions and the Vedas) and four arms holding: the Vedas (knowledge), a rosary (time), a water pot (source of life), and a lotus (purity and creation). His white beard represents eternal wisdom.
His mount is a swan, "Hamsa", which symbolizes the ability to distinguish between good and evil.
Some myths say he was punished for his pride, which would explain the scarcity of his worship.
Appearance & symbolism
- Four heads: the four cardinal directions and the Vedas
- Vedas, rosary, water pot, lotus
- Mount: swan (Hamsa), symbolizes discernment
Shiva — The Destroyer
Overview
The god of destruction and transformation, he dissolves the old to make way for the new.
He is one of the most venerated gods.
He is depicted with his body covered in ashes and his skin blue from drinking poison. He has a third eye on his forehead (higher wisdom), a trident (past, present, future), a snake (control over ego), and the Ganges River flowing from his hair (purification).
He is the father of Ganesha and the husband of Parvati.
His mount is a bull, "Nandi", which symbolizes strength and loyalty.
Appearance & symbolism
- Third eye: higher wisdom
- Trident: past, present, future
- Snake and Ganges River: ego control and purification
Ganesha — Remover of Obstacles
Overview
He is the god of wisdom, beginnings, and the remover of obstacles, which is why he is invoked before starting projects or rituals.
He was created by his mother Parvati from clay and sandalwood.
He is depicted with a human body and the head of an elephant (Shiva decapitated him and later revived him with that head), large ears (hears all prayers), a big belly (abundance), a broken tusk (used as a writing tool), and four arms holding: an axe (to cut attachments), a noose (to draw others to the spiritual path), and a "modak" (he loves sweets).
His mount is a mouse, which symbolizes humility.
He is also deeply loved in India and in other countries such as Nepal, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Appearance & symbolism
- Elephant head: wisdom
- Large ears: attentive to prayers
- Mouse mount: humility
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