Lord Brahma

Brahma is the creator of the universe and all knowledge. He is the first god in the Hindu Trimurti (three gods who are responsible for the creation, preservation and destruction of the world).

Brahma grew inside a lotus from the navel of a sleeping Vishnu.

He has 4 heads and has the goddess Saraswati as a companion. Brahma is sometimes depicted with a beard.

Lord Vishnu

Vishnu is the Hindu god who preserves the universe and people. He is the second god in the Hindu Trimurti.

Hindus believe that he has saved his followers by appearing to them in other forms.

Vishnu has four arms to represent the four corners of the world.

Lord Shiva

Shiva is the destroyer of the universe so that new life can come again.

He restores the balance between good and evil.

He is the third god in the Hindu Trimurti.

Ganesh

Ganesh is the elephant-headed god and the Lord of all living things. He is the god who helps people overcome their problems by granting them wisdom and strength.

It is said that the god Shiva cut off his original head and restored him to life by giving him the head of an elephant.

Lakshmi

Lakshmi is the wife of Vishnu and travels on a lotus flower.

She is the goddess of wealth and success.

Sita

Sita is actually an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi.

She is a beautiful, loyal wife and a role model for Hindu women.

Rama

Rama is the ‘perfect’ avatar of Vishnu.

He is a symbol of chivalry and virtue.

He is seen as the ideal man, son, king and husband.

Krishna

He is often seen with blue skin, playing the flute and wearing peacock feathers on his head.

He is the god of love and devotion and the most worshipped.

Krishna is strong, young, handsome and mischievous.

Saraswathi

She is the wife of Brahma and the goddess of learning and wisdom.

Saraswathi plays the lute.

Indra

He is the ruler of the heavens, thunder and rain.

Indra is very fast and a superb warrior.

Garuda

Garuda is a messenger from God and a god of the birds.

He has the wings of an eagle and a human body.

Garuda has the ability to carry people to safety.

Agni

Agni is the god of fire.

The sacrifices and offerings made to him go to the other gods, as he is a messenger to and from them.

Hanuman

Hanuman is the monkey god.

He commanded an army to help Rama’s fight against the demon Ravana, in order to rescue Sita.

Shakti

Shakti is the mother goddess - the source of all energy, power and creativity in the universe.

She represents nature and can be nurturing as well as dangerous.

Surya

Surya is the Sun god.

He is depicted as a warrior on a chariot pulled by seven white horses.

Surya is thought to be capable of healing the sick and dispelling darkness by illuminating the world.

Vayu

Vayu is the god of air/wind.

He is also considered the god of life, as air is vital to being alive.

Vayu is also known by the names of Pavana, Vata and Prana.

Like other gods, he is considered a fighter, destroyer, powerful and heroic.

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