Hindu Gods And Goddesses

Description

1. Brahma – The Creator

• Role: Creator of the universe and all beings.

• Appearance: Four heads (symbolizing the four Vedas), seated on a lotus or riding a swan.

• Consort: Saraswati (goddess of knowledge).

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2. Vishnu – The Preserver

• Role: Protector of the universe, maintains cosmic order (dharma).

• Appearance: Blue skin, four arms holding a conch, discus, lotus, and mace.

• Avatars: Includes Rama, Krishna, Narasimha, Vamana, etc.

• Consort: Lakshmi (goddess of wealth).

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3. Shiva – The Destroyer and Transformer

• Role: Destroys to create; represents change and regeneration.

• Appearance: Trident, third eye, crescent moon, snakes, ash-covered body.

• Forms: Nataraja (cosmic dancer), Ardhanarishvara (half-man, half-woman).

• Consort: Parvati (goddess of love and fertility).

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4. Lakshmi – Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity

• Role: Brings wealth, fortune, and spiritual abundance.

• Appearance: Beautiful, golden-hued, standing or sitting on a lotus.

• Symbol: Gold coins flowing from her hands.

• Vehicle: Owl.

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5. Saraswati – Goddess of Knowledge and Arts

• Role: Patron of learning, music, and wisdom.

• Appearance: White sari, veena (musical instrument), books, swan or peacock.

• Symbol: Purity and wisdom.

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6. Parvati – Goddess of Power and Devotion

• Role: Divine mother; gentle and nurturing form of Shakti.

• Forms: Durga (warrior), Kali (fierce destroyer of evil).

• Consort: Shiva.

• Children: Ganesha and Kartikeya.

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7. Durga – Warrior Goddess

• Role: Protector against evil forces and demons.

• Appearance: Many arms holding weapons, rides a lion or tiger.

• Victory: Known for slaying the demon Mahishasura.

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8. Kali – Goddess of Time and Death

• Role: Fierce form of Parvati; symbolizes destruction of evil and ego.

• Appearance: Dark, wild hair, tongue out, garland of skulls.

• Symbol: Transformation and liberation.

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9. Ganesha – Remover of Obstacles

• Role: God of beginnings, wisdom, and intellect.

• Appearance: Elephant head, big belly, riding a mouse.

• Popular: Worshipped before any major undertaking.

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10. Hanuman – Monkey God and Devotee of Rama

• Role: Symbol of devotion, strength, and loyalty.

• Famous Deeds: Helped Rama in the Ramayana.

• Appearance: Monkey-faced, carrying a mace and mountain.

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11. Rama – Seventh Avatar of Vishnu

• Role: Ideal king and human; hero of the Ramayana.

• Companion: Sita (his wife), Lakshmana (his brother), and Hanuman.

• Symbol: Dharma, truth, and virtue.

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12. Krishna – Eighth Avatar of Vishnu

• Role: Divine lover, guide in Bhagavad Gita, cowherd and king.

• Forms: Child (Makhan Chor), lover (with Radha), and warrior-philosopher.

• Symbol: Love, wisdom, and divine joy.

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13. Skanda (Kartikeya/Murugan) – God of War

• Role: Commander of the celestial army.

• Appearance: Youthful, rides a peacock, carries a spear.

• Popular In: South India as Murugan.

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14. Surya – Sun God

• Role: Giver of light and life.

• Appearance: Rides a chariot pulled by seven horses.

• Symbol: Time, energy, and health.

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15. Agni – God of Fire

• Role: Mediator between gods and humans (sacrifices).

• Appearance: Two faces, riding a ram, flames from his body.