Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Hindu Gods – Who & What is GOD?

Dear Readers,

In my understanding, GOD as Generation, Operation, Destruction thus forms the GOD. In Hinduism has, by many estimates, almost 330,000,000 deities. Of these, three,

Brahma the Creator (Generation)
Vishnu the Protector (Operation)
Shiva the Destroyer (Destruction)

So the Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva form the GOD, and they are more important.There are also many other lesser gods.

Brahma the Creator – Generation

Brahma is the prime deity. He is omniscient and represents perfection. In Sanskrit Brh means to expand, manifest, or grow. He creates individual souls and other gods.

Brahma appears seated on a lotus with four heads and four hands. Three of the hands contain a different tool. One hand holds the Vedas, sacred scriptures. The second holds a water pot, the third a rosary. The fourth hand is raised to give a blessing. His vehicle is a swan that represents the difference between good and bad judgment.

Vishnu the Protector - Operation

Vishnu is known as the remover. He separated heaven and earth, creating the universe. He also takes the forms of animals, such as the boar, tortoise, or the fish. A lotus sprang from his navel, giving birth to Brahma.

Vishnu appears on a powerful serpent that represents the sleeping universe. He has a dark color that symbolizes the passive and formless ether. He also has four hands. The first holds a conch shell, the second a discus. The third contains a lotus and the fourth a mace. The mace represents the capacity of the god to punish is discipline is ignored. His vehicle is a swift-flying bird known as the Garuda.


Shiva the Destroyer – Destruction

Shiva is the god of devotion. He represents victory over demonic activity and calmness and power of human nature. He is said to have taken the forms of different humans, animals, and vegetables on earth. His vehicle is a bull which is a symbol of happiness and strength.

Shiva appears meditating. His hair is matted and represents the flowing of the Ganges river. There is a serpent coiled around his neck and ashes cover his body.

A bronze sculpture of Shiva, one of the three main gods of the Hindu religion. He is dancing with one hand holding a flame, one hand beating a drum, and one foot resting of the demon of ignorance within a circle of fire.

Thank you, Readers

JS

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