Group 3:Gods of Hinduism

and their Involvement In

LiteratureKari H, Emily M, Hunter H, Tony L

Hindu Gods• Trinity:

– Brahma “The Creator”– Vishnu “The Preserver”– Shiva “The Destroyer”

BrahmaBEGINNING:• Grew in lotus flower on Vishnu’s navel• Created the universe• Had to make himself into a goddess, half

man, half woman• Woman known as Gayatri and Saraswati

RESPONSIBLE FOR:• Changing night to day, day to night• The four Vedas—sacred Hindu

writings/teachings—from his four heads (Heads appeared when Gayatri tried to

escape from Brahma’s sight as she was embarrassed by his love for her, one head was lost when Brahma lied to Vishnu, which angered Shiva)

ALSO:• Ten sons born from his mind• Nine body born sons (www.artoflegendindia.com)

VISHNU• Husband of

Lakshmi: goddess of wealth

• Embodiment of mercy

• Maintains order, Dharma

ShivaAPPEARANCE:-often covered in

snakes (symbol of immortality)

-carries multiple weapons

-Often has five heads, three eyes

KRISHNA

• 8th Incarnation of Vishnu• Embodiment of love and joy• Brought up by cowherds• Loved to play flute and seduce

village girls as a child

Little Krishna

LAKSHMI• Goddess of light, beauty, and wealth• When the gods first saw Lakshmi, they all

fell in love with her beauty• Shiva claimed her, but her hand was

given to Vishnu, whom Lakshmi preferred• Reborn as Vishnu’s spouse each time

Vishnu was reincarnated• Often seen massaging Vishnu’s feet on

coils of snakes

RATRI

• Goddess of night• Provides rest and offers safety

during night• Can bring gloom and barrenness• Replaced Lakshmi as the goddess

of love

How the Gods Impact Literature

• The gods and goddesses serve as aids to the heroes, and also make the plot more interesting.– I.E.- The Mahabharata, Krishna is one of the

main characters, and he helps those in battle.

– The Ramayana is another example where the gods help the mortals.