lecture 2

Trimūrti

  • Definition: A "triple deity" in Hinduism consisting of three main gods.

    • Brahma: The creator of the universe.

    • Vishnu: The sustainer who upholds cosmic order.

    • Shiva: The destroyer responsible for transformation and renewal.

Vaishnavism

  • Overview: A major Hindu denomination that venerates Vishnu as the supreme god.

Vishnu

  • Role: Associated with preservation within the universe and the maintenance of dharma (cosmic order).

Iconographic Features of Vishnu

  • Bluish skin: Symbolizes divine qualities.

  • Regal attire: Reflects his status.

  • Yellow clothing: Often depicted wearing yellow garments.

  • Attributes:

    • Conch shell: Symbol of creation and the cosmic sound.

    • Mace: Represents strength and authority.

    • Discus: Symbol of dharma and the mind.

    • Lotus: Represents purity and beauty.

Vishnu's Vāhana (Vehicle)

  • Garuda: The eagle, often depicted as Vishnu's mount.

Reclining Vishnu

  • Context: Often shown reclining on Śeṣa/Ānanta, the cosmic serpent.

  • Accompaniments:

    • Goddess Lakshmi: His consort, symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

    • Brahma: Depicted emerging from Vishnu's navel, signifying creativity.

Dashavatara (Daśāvatāra)

  • Definition: The ten principal incarnations of Vishnu, which appear during times of chaos (adharma) to restore dharma.

Vaishnavas

  • Definition: Devotees of Vishnu, known as Vaishnavites.

  • Forehead marking (tilak): Typically consists of two outer lighter lines with a central red line.

Shaivism

  • Overview: A major Hindu denomination that reveres Shiva as the ultimate deity.

Shiva

  • Role: Embodies the ultimate nature of reality, encompassing life and death, creation and destruction, and the balance of opposites.

Iconographic Features of Shiva

  • Adorned with snakes: Symbolic of power and the ascetic life.

  • Third eye: Represents perception beyond ordinary sight.

  • Matted hair: Signifies asceticism.

  • Clad in animal skins: Represents his connection with nature.

  • Wields a trident: Symbol of the three aspects of divinity.

  • Crescent moon: Represents time and cycles.

  • Goddess Ganga: Often shown flowing from his hair, symbolizing purity and the river Ganges.

Shiva's Vāhana (Vehicle)

  • Nandi: The bull, associated with strength and faithfulness, often depicted alongside Shiva.

Forms of Shiva

  1. Ardhanarishvara: Represents the union of masculine and feminine.

  2. Nataraja: The cosmic dancer, symbolizes the rhythm of the universe.

  3. Bhairava: A fearsome aspect of Shiva highlighting his power.

Lingam Worship

  • Lingam: A common representation of Shiva, symbolizing cosmic energy.

  • Often paired with the yoni: Represents the feminine principle.

Domestic Aspects of Shiva

  • Family Man: Depicted with his wife Parvati and children Ganesha and Skanda.

  • Ascetic: Shown in deep meditation, reflecting his withdrawal from worldly life.

Shaivas

  • Definition: Devotees of Shiva, known as Shaivites.

  • Forehead marking (tilak): Usually three horizontal white lines with a central red mark.

Shaktism

  • Overview: A major Hindu denomination that venerates the Goddess (Shakti or Devi) as the ultimate force.

Forms of the Goddess

  1. Durga: Shown riding a lion or tiger, armed with weapons given by male gods, embodying both warrior and maternal qualities.

  2. Kali: Portrayed with dark skin, a garland of heads, symbolizing destruction and the cyclical nature of life.

  3. Saraswati: Shown with a swan, often depicted in white, associated with the arts and education.

  4. Lakshmi: Depicted on a lotus, symbolizing abundance and prosperity, often with an owl.

Shaktas

  • Definition: Devotees of the Goddess, known as Shaktas.

  • Forehead marking (tilak): Circular red marking with Kumkum powder, sometimes surrounded by turmeric.