Brahman and representations of God

Brahman

Brahman is God or the supreme being.

Brahman is beyond human understanding.

There are many interpretations, the main descriptions of Brahman are Nirguna and Saguna

Nirguna Brahman

This is the concept that God has no shape or form.

Makes Brahman difficult for humans to understand, so Hindus use different methods to represent Brahman, such as the aum or om symbol

This symbol represents the noise that was present when the world was created.

Saguna Brahman

This is the idea that Brahman has a form and can be understood through images

These images are manifestations of God

The depictions each show a different manifestations of Brahman, where Brahman appears in human or animal form and allows for an understanding of Brahman through different deities.

Deities

Hindus believe that Brahman is the one true ultimate being.

However, they also believe that there are many deities

These deities are different aspects of Brahman and each one shows Hindus a part of what Brahman is like

The Trimurti

The word Trimutri means “three forms“

The most significant forms of Brahman are Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu.

These three deities are key aspects of Brahman, the ultimate reality.

Brahma the Creator

Images, or murtis, of Brahma have four heads, seeing in all directions at once and symbolising the 4 Vedas

Brahma’s 4 arms carry symbols of power - a goblet, a bow, a sceptre and the Vedas.

In Hindu creation stories, Brahma brings the universe into being.

Brahma is not worshipped by many Hindus today, in comparison to the other 2 murtis

Vishnu the Preserver

Murtis of Vishnu express splendour and power.

His 4 arms carry symbols of power - a discus, a lotus flower, a conch shell and a mace.

Vishnu, God of light and enlightenment, has appeared on Earth through avatars.

Vishnu and his avatars are worshipped by many millions of Hindus today

Shiva the Destroyer

Murtis of Shiva often vary.

He is often pictured dancing and with 4 arms.

He holds a drum and a flame, and he points to his dancing feet with one hand and holds in his other a pen, meaning ‘fear not’.

His necklace of Cobra snakes is another sign of power.

Shiva is worshipped by many millions of Hindus today.

Male deities: Ganesha

Worshipped alongside Trimurti, one of the most worshipped Gods in Hinduism

Recognised by elephant head

Son of Shiva and Parvati

Known as the remover of obstacles that get in the way of life

Common to see statues of Ganesha at weddings as he’s worshipped in the hopes that he will get rid of any obstacles in the way of a happy marriage.

Male deities: Hanuman

Worshipped alongside Trimurti

Monkey God who saved Sita in the story of Ramayana

Son of wind God Vayu

Worshipped for his devotion to others

Holds a mace in his hand, which is a symbol of strength

Has magical powers, including the ability to fly

Female deities: Saraswati

Goddess of learning

Usually shown holding an instrument. Also depicted sat on or near a swan.

Consort of Brahma and have a son called Manu

Laws of Manu are important scriptures in Hinduism because they contain morals showing Hindus how to behave.

Hindus worship her if they are students and want help with their studies or if they’re learning an instrument.

Female deities: Lakshmi

Goddess of wealth and beauty

Shown holding a lotus flower with a pot of gold flowing from her lap

Consort of Vishnu

She’s usually worshipped at festivals such as Diwali, as this is when businesses sort out their accounts and hope for prosperity

She’s also often worshipped by Hindus applying for a new job

Female deities: Shakti

She represents divine feminine energy and is seen by Hindus as having many forms.

• She is worshipped as Parvati, Shiva’s first wife

• Also known as Durga, who is shown as having many weapons. This is intended to portray her as a goddess of energy

• Also seen as Kali, a goddess who is linked with the idea of death and demons