The Trimurti

Hindus have thousands of gods and goddesses all of whom represent different aspects of the
one Supreme God who they call Brahman. Of all of these deities (gods and goddesses), Hindus
have three that are important. These three are called the Trimurti. In the Trimurti, the three
most important features of Brahman are shown to help Hindus understand the true nature of
God and the universe. The three features are: creator, preserver (or sustainer) and
destroyer. Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the preserver and Shiva is the destroyer.
Hindus believe that these three work together in a never-ending cycle. Everything is made,
lasts for a certain amount of time and is then destroyed/ends.

Brahma
Brahma is the first god in the Hindu trimurti. Brahma's job was creation of the world and all
creatures. His name should not be confused with Brahman, who is the supreme God present
within all things. Brahma is one of the least worshiped gods in Hinduism today. There are only
two temples in the whole of India devoted to him, compared with the many thousands devoted to
the other two. The reason Brahma is not worshiped as much as other Hindu gods is because
Brahma's role as the creator is believed to be over. It is left to Vishnu to preserve the world
and Shiva to continue its path of cosmic reincarnation.

Brahma has four heads and it is believed that from these heads represent the four Vedas (the
most ancient religious texts for Hindus). He has four arms and is usually depicted with a beard.

Vishnu
Vishnu is the second god in the Hindu trimurti. Vishnu’s role is to return to the earth in
troubled times and restore the balance of good and evil. So far, he has been incarnated nine
times, but Hindus believe that he will be reincarnated one last time close to the end of this
world. Hindus believe that when there is a time of danger for the earth, Vishnu comes to
protect it.

Vishnu is represented with a human body, often with sky-blue coloured skin which symbolises
his infinite power. Vishnu has four arms. In each of his hands he always carries an object,
representing the things he is responsible for: a lotus (flower) that represents purity and beauty,
a conch (shell) that stands for the sacred ‘Aum’ sound, a mace (weapon) for strength and the
destruction of evil, and a chakra (wheel) that symbolizes the mind and intelligence.

Shiva
Shiva is the third god in the Hindu trimurti. Shiva's role is to destroy, so he controls life and
death. Shiva destroys things which are old or no longer needed, but this allows new things
to happen. Shiva is said to destroy evil and sin and eventually the universe.

Shiva has at least four hands to show that he holds life, death, good and evil. Shiva has three
eyes and always has a blue face and throat. He is often shown dancing and his dance is the
energy which keeps the universe moving.