In Hindu mythology, there is also a concept of trinity. In Hindi, it is called ” त्रिमूर्ती ” (Trimurti from Sanskrit, tri = three, murti = figure ). According to Vedanta’s cosmic philosophy, there exist the three figures namely “ब्रह्मा&rdq uo; (Brahma), who created the universe, ” विष्णु” (Vishnu) who maintain and preserve it and “शिव” (Shiva), who destroy or transform it. These three figures combine to form the supreme cosmic spirit also called Brahman, which is gender less.
These Hindu gods (देव – Deva or देवता – Devta) find mention in Hindi literature and media. Lets me tell you little bit more about each of them so you’d know, what a literature or media may be describing.
1. “ब्रह्मा&rdq uo; (Brahma)
Lord Brahma is the creator of the universe (ब्रह्माण 381;ड – Brahmand) and father of मनु (Manu), from whom all mankind (मानवता – Manavta) has descended as per Hindu philosophy. He is represented by many symbols. He has four heads which symbolize four Vedas (Hindu holy scriptures), the four hands which symbolize four directions,the prayer beads which symbolize process of creation,the book which symbolize knowledge, gold (सोना – Sona) which symbolize activity of creation, the swan (हंस – Hans) which symbolize grace and discernment, the crown (मुकुट – Mukut) which symbolize his supreme authority, the lotus which symbolize living essence and nature, the beard (दाढ़ी – Dadhi) which symbolize wisdom.
2. “विष्णु” (Vishnu)
Lord Vishnu is the preserver all living essence of the universe. He has a supreme authority (अधिकार – Adhikar) on past, present and future. He is described with the four arms holding a lotus, a mace, Shankha (conch) and Chakra (wheel). He has some characteristics like Omniscience as he has the power to know about all beings simultaneously, Sovereignty to have an unchallenged rule over all, Energy to make the impossible possible, Strength to support everything by will and without any fatigue, Vigor to retain immateriality as the supreme being. His reincarnated as lord Rama and Krishna. According to Hindu philosophy, he will reincarnate to defend and destroy the evil forces so as to maintain and preserve the universal order. Many followers of Hinduism hold a belief that Vishnu is a Supreme god.
3. “शिव” (Shiva)
Lord Shiva is the destroyer or transformer as per Hindu philosophy. Although, he is mostly depicts in the form of meditating sage (ऋषि – Krshi) or in cosmic dance form (Natraja). He has supreme authority over death, rebirth and immortality and has no birth or death maybe that’s why he is depicts in youthful form. He is the father of Hindu lord Ganesha. Out of three trinity gods, one finds more references of him in the historical artifacts. For many Hindus, he is the supreme god and the only creator, preserver, destroyer, revealer and concealer.