Jen Andino Professor Gunning World Religions March 9, 2015 Question #6. Explore the Trimurti (Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu) and explain how such deities complement or enhance some of the basic Hindu beliefs. How do the symbolism and activities of such deities reinforce Hinduism? What might be the advantages and pitfalls of embracing such deities? Defend your answers. “Only the unlearned deem myself (Vishnu) and Shiva to be distinct; he, I, and Brahma are one, assuming different names for the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe. We, as the triune Self, pervade all creatures; the wise therefore regard all others as themselves.” -Vishnu explains the nature of the Trinity (Bowker, pg. 23) Brahma is the first member of the Trimurti …show more content…
He was also originally a minor deity, called Rudra, and only addressed three times in the Rig Veda. He grew more important after absorbing some of the characteristics of an earlier fertility god and became Shiva. Some see him as everything- creator, destroyer, and preserver. He completes the Hindu cosmological cycle that ultimately leads to the return of creation. Shiva holds a skull that represents samsara- the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Shiva also represents this cycle because he is the Lord of Time, destroying and creating all things. Samsara is a central belief in Hinduism. He has a vertical third eye in the middle of his forehead, which is a symbol of a higher consciousness. It is also something in which he can destroy his enemies “with fire.” He can also kill all the other gods and creatures during the periodic destruction of the universe. The eye is always closed, if it is open the universe will be destroyed. Shiva also has three serpents that wrap around his body that act as weapons; one in his hair, one on his shoulder or around his neck, and one around his torso. He is often depicted with four arms, and holds one of his hands up in a gesture of blessing. He carries a string of beads, which is a symbol of his teaching. His beads are called Rudraksha beads, a reference to his earlier name. Shiva holds a trident, which symbolizes the threefold qualities of nature: creation, preservation, and destruction. Depictions of Shiva …show more content…
The goal of Shaivites is to rid their souls of bondage and achieve shivata, the “nature of Shiva.” They do this through ascetic practices, with an emphasis on yoga and renunciation. Many become wandering sadhus, or holy men. They mark their foreheads with three horizontal marks (often in ash), to represent the three aspects of Shiva (Bowker 25). Lingams (or lingas) are the phallic symbols that honor Shiva and represent male energy, rebirth, fertility, and the creative forces of the universe (“Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva”). They are found in many Hindu temples. There are several temples devoted to