Group 3-Gods of Hinduism and their

Involvement in LiteratureNick M, Jess C, Christina S, Chelsea B

Brahma and ShivaBrahma- the Creator

Created 11 fathers of the human race (Prajapatis), and great sages to help him create the universe

One of major Hindi gods, spoken of in Puranas- important religious texts

Shiva (Siva)- the DestroyerEasily recognizable- matted hair, trident, animal

skin cloak, third eyeHas 2 sons, also rides massive bull named NandiOne of major gods in Hinduism, thousands of

temples dedicated to Shiva

Vishnu and KrishnaVishnu- the Supreme God and Supreme Soul

Dark blue, and has 4 arms holding lotus, mace, conch, and a wheel called a chakra

Mentioned 93 times in the Rigvedas, often associated with light and sun, strode over the universe in 3 steps

Krishna-Discribed as young boy playing flute, or prince

giving guidance and directionGodchild, prankster, a model lover, a divine heroFound in the Mahabarata, also, his life is detailed

in the Purnas

Ratri and LakshmiRatri- often referred to as Ratrivedi

Goddess of night and love, guardian of law in universe

Superhuman strength, longivety, immunity to injury

Found in the Vedas, also in other Indian and Hindi mythology

Lakshmi- aka Shri, wife of VishnuGoddess of wealth, prosperity, purity, and

generousityEmbodiment of grace, beauty, and charmFound in Jain and Buddhist monuments

BibliographyBrahma- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Brahma_1820.jpg Shiva- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Statue_of_lord_shiva.jpgVishnu- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vishnu.jpg Krishna- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna, Ratri- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratri,

http://www.hknet.org.nz/siva07.jpg Lakshmi- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmi,

http://www.ebestagent.com/ebestmagazine/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/00lakshmi3.jpg