Hindu Gods

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Hindu Gods
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• But has several Gods to represent that God is in
  all life forms
• Hinduism is one of the oldest religions
• It is also very Symbolic.

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The Hindu Trinity. . .

• Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva
• How to remember it all
• G.O.D.
• Generator (Brahma) , Operator (Vishnu), Shiva
  (Destroyer)

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Brahma

• The mystical creator, supreme presence, God.
• Vishnu and Shiva are different representations of
  Brahma.
• Facing Four directions
• Holds lotus, Vedas, holy water, prayer beads

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Shiva

• the Hindu god that destroys the universe.
• the source of good and evil.

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Shiva

• Halo of fire (birth and death)
• Dancing on the demon of ignorance
• Flame of destruction, purification, renewal
• Hands in refuge, blessing
• Snakes around neck

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Vishnu

• preserve the universe and people.
• balances good and evil powers
• helps people through 10 Avatars or earthly forms

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The 10 Avatars of Vishnu
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Matsya (Fish)

• As a giant fish, he warned of a great flood
• A sage and the Vedas were rescued

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Kurma (Tortoise)

• Retrieved the gods elixir of immortality
• It was lost in the ocean depths
• Carries and stabilizes the world on his back

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Varah (Boar)

• Rescued the earth from the ocean with his tusks

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Narasiha (Man-Lion)

• Destroyed Hiranyakasipu
• This demon could not be destroyed by man or
  animal alone

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Vamana (The Dwarf)

• First human avatar
• Used to trick an evil ruler Bali into giving him
  all he could cover in 3 steps
• He turned himself into a giant and covered the
  universe

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Parashurama (Rama with Axe)

• Kshatriyas were in power and ruling corruptly
• He helped restore Brahmins to power

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Krishna (hero)

• Most important avatar
• Powerful and charming

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Rama (Prince)

• Usually pictured with Lakshman, Sita, Hanuman and
  sometimes Ganesha

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Buddha (sometimes Balaram)

• Siddhartha Gautama, the prince
• Middle Path
• Noble Truths
• Eightfold Path

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Kalki

• Yet to come
• White horse, flaming sword
• He comes to destroy the wicked and restart a new
  creation
• Like. . . .?

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Ganesha

• Vehicle is a mouse (fast-moving)
• Rope to carry people to truth
• Axe to cut attachments
• Dessert to reward spirituality
• Palm extends to bless

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Symbolism in Hinduism
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Shakti (Mother Goddess)

• Active feminine power
• Mother goddess
• All of the trinity have a female partner

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Sarasvati (Brahma)

• Speech, wisdom, learning
• Rides on a swan or goose
• Scriptures, lotus, plays music

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Parvati (Shiva)

• Durga - goddess beyond reach
• Kali-goddess of destruction
• Durga rides a lion
• Kali rides the corpse of a demon
• Happy married life (Ganesha and Lakshmi)

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Lakshmi (Vishnu)

• Goddess of wealth and prosperity
• Daughter of Shiva and Parvati
• Divali
• Adored by Ganesha
• Sits on a lotus
• Palms always extented to bless

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Temples and Shrines
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Home Shrines
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Home Shrine
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Objects of Puja
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Bell
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Diva Lamp
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Incense stick and holder
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Water Cup and Spoon
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Kum Kum Powder
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Prasad
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Shrine at our home
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