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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.